#All of them blank with the title saying whatever idea I had while there's like only a couple of them with actual words in it

[rosesbxrry]

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐞

𝔼𝕟𝕙𝕪𝕡𝕖𝕟 𝕧𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕖 𝔸𝕌 𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤

They call him the ice prince, but to you, he was just the dorky best friend you had a crush on for years. Ice skating was definitely not your forte so when he invites you for a night out to skate at a lake nearby, you were hesitant to accept. Things were fine until an accident happened and you found yourself gasping for air in ice cold water and then being bitten by Sunghoon, whom you had no idea was a freaking vampire.

Pairing: Sunghoon X Fem! human to vampire Reader

Genre: fluff, a dash of angst, mutual pining, best friends to lovers trope

Warnings: mention of blood, food/ eating, death (the mc dies but not really) 

Word count: 10,903 words

Series masterlist

Author’s note: Again, it would be best to read Jungwon’s instalment first since there will be references to that. I know I promised to post this by the middle of May but it seems that my writer’s block was hitting me a lot harder than i thought. Apologies for any grammar or spelling mistakes!

Park Sunghoon was known as the ice prince all over campus.

His background in ice skating wasn’t the only factor that contributed to the title. He reminded you of an iceberg surrounded by the sea, so beautiful to see from afar yet, there was something enigmatic surrounding it.

With his lanky figure, ivory skin with thin and refined features; he was the embodiment of attractiveness, something you yourself would admit the first time you met him (to your dismay)

The other students notice it as well; he has what it takes to capture people’s attention (and their hearts too) by just passing by even though most of the time, he sports a rather bored or stoned face.

Some people would perceive it as unapproachable or arrogant, while some find it a part of his alluring charm; making hearts swoon at just a mere glance.

In contrast, you knew behind those blank sets of eyes, his thoughts were not as deep as people imagine, rather, his princely image was shattered the moment you sat next to the empty seat he saved for you, opening his mouth to say one of the most ridiculous things you’ve ever heard.

“If teeth came out of your butthole, would you go to the dentist or doctor?” He asks with such a deadpanned face and seriousness in his tone that you almost trip on the chair.

“Sunghoon,” you choked. “It's literally eight in the morning.”

He gave you a one sided shrug, “There’s no such thing as a stupid question, all philosophers says so.”

You raise an eyebrow, “There is nothing, I mean nothing, philosophical about that question.”

A smile makes it’s why to his face, his eyes turned into a crescent shape and the once stoic expression disappears when he finds your annoyance amusing to him.

This was the Sunghoon you know, the boy who you awkwardly befriended when he pumped into you during orientation week of uni, the boy who finds joy in teasing you but can’t help but cling to you whenever he’s lonely.

He was the boy who accidentally said I love you to the pizza guy on the phone at 2am in the morning, his cheeks flushed a deep red and eyes widened in dread when he realized what he had just said.

The both of you were already hungry and sleep deprived from studying all day and Sunghoon made a mistake thinking he was talking to his parents on the other side that it just naturally slipped through his lips.

He immediately stutters out an apology to the guy while your howling laughter can be heard in the background. You pestered him so much that he gave you the cold shoulder since the incident, but it didn’t stop you from following him like a quacking duck.

It became an inside joke between you two, because you knew he would strangle you the minute you told the others, leading to some of them being confused about whatever happened, because they couldn’t understand the context of the situation.

“Someone please tell Sunghoon and y/n that they should get a room.” Ni-ki gag, watching from afar with a rather distasteful face.

The view consisted of Sunghoon pinching your cheeks as you continued to pester him about the pizza incident, your laughter can be heard from a mile away in the dining hall of the campus.

“Can they just please confess to each other already. It’s so painful to watch them act like a married couple without actually being a couple.” Sunoo was disgusted, mindlessly stabbing at his waffle with a fork whilst judging eyes glaring at the two of you.

“I saw them flirt when I went to park my car,” Jungwon dryly said at the side, not even bothered to glance their way, “I never wanted to accelerate my whole life.”

Complicated doesn’t really define your relationship with Sunghoon.

It was easy to be vulnerable with him, so comfortable to just talk about your problems and frustration to him without being worried, because as much as he likes to push your buttons, Sunghoon has never, even for a second made you feel insignificant.

You wonder why your heart beats faster, your cheeks flushing and hands clammy at just the mere sight of him to the point where you wonder how you haven’t malfunctioned yet. Sometimes, you ache for him to linger longer, hold you a little tighter but he will always let go, and you don't have the guts to tell him how you really feel.

There was an invisible line between you and Sunghoon, and you didn’t know if both of you were crossing it or not.

Friends don’t act like that.

You kept hearing those phrases like a mantra coming out from the mouth of your friends to complete strangers who clearly were interested in Sunghoon in that way.

You brush it off, telling them that the both of you were just really good friends. Those words coming out of your lips even sounded like a lie to your ears. It left a nasty taste in your mouth, maybe because deep down you knew, you saw him beyond just that.

The momentum between you and him felt like a faucet running, over-pouring and powerful but neither of you were ready to close it, not ready to confront each other about the elephant in the room.

You didn’t want to break the bond you had with him, and you could tell he was scared as well.

So you let him drag this out, from the way he always tucks your hair behind your ears or wraps you in his coat that was too big for you in the winter. You let him drink your bubble tea from the same straw and feed him with the same chopsticks you put in your mouth.

Even now, as you put your phone on speaker, laying down on your bed at midnight whilst hearing the soft noises that Sunghoon was making on the other side. Your lids were heavy, drowsiness slowly overtaking your consciousness causing your eyelids to close.

“Are you asleep?” 

“No, I’m practicing being dead.” 

Sunghoon’s muffled laughter echoed your ears, causing you to roll over on your side, thick duvet shuffling closer to your chin as you felt the winter temperature slowly creeping on you. 

“You could have just said yes.” He taunted.

“No, I'm just checking the back of my eyelids to make sure they are still in place.” You insisted, already could tell he was scowling without even seeing his face and expression right now by just the tone of his snort at your reply. 

“Aren’t you sleepy?��� You ask, yawning a little bit.

Every night calls with Sunghoon ended with either one of you being sleepy before agreeing to end the call. But more recently, it always ended up with you falling asleep unnoticed until you woke up the next morning with the call still connected.

He would tease you that you snored or mumbled gibberish in your sleep, in which you retaliated back. It dawned on you that he might have stayed up the whole night while you were asleep just to catch you embarrassing yourself.

But when you saw him at campus, he seemed fine? He looked normal, unlike the sleep-deprived state he usually is when he stays up late. And you also notice that he hasn’t been eating much, always declining that he wasn’t hungry or had something else before.

It was not very like him, especially when he didn’t eat the pizza you ordered when he was over one time. But you try not to pry too much. He looked fine and acted the same as usual, so you didn’t worry too much about his well-being unless it was serious or he looked physically sick.

You heard a few muffled shuffling on the other side before he replied, “If I told you I don't feel sleepy because I’m a vampire, would you believe me?”

You grumble in disbelief at his joke, “Please Hoon, a vampire? not a chance.”

You heard him let out a nervous laugh, mumbling about how ridiculous it sounds too under his breath. You heard a weird crunching sound on the other side, something similar like a pair of boots walking through a bed of snow on a sidewalk.

“Sunghoon?”

“Yeah, what’s up?” He breath out nonchalantly, playing dumb as if you can’t hear the obvious noise emitting out of your phone.

“Are you outside right now?”

There was a pregnant silence followed by your question. You hear him let out a sigh, almost like he had wanted to wait a little longer to reveal his plan.

“Look out your window.”

A bit confused, you shuffle out of bed when he ends the call abruptly, walking towards the window to see if he was bluffing or really telling the truth. You pulled the curtains away and were able to make out a familiar silhouette standing outside the building of your dorm, waving at you frantically.

No way.

You immediately went to wear your winter outer clothes; a thick coat, a scarf and a pair of wool gloves before heading off outside. The cold breeze instantly causes you to shiver, puffs of water vapors escaping through your nose every time you exhale.

Yesterday’s snow had definitely made its mark. The roads, the sidewalk, the buildings and the parked cars; the snow had envelope the neighborhood with a dense white blanket. When the temperature drops way below the freezing point, the humidity it causes makes breathing and walking even more harder than it is.

As you walk closer to the figure, you slowly waddle your way through the heavy snow, hands tucked tightly inside the warmth of the pocket of your jacket.

Sunghoon’s skin was as pale as the snow, not even a dust of red on his cheeks at the coldness. If he didn’t wear that pitch black long coat, he would have blended nicely together with the background.

“You’re crazy Park Sunghoon! It’s literally freezing outside!” your shout echoed the empty streets of your dorm.

He gave you that big grin, the one that turns his eyes into a crescent shape and shows his pearly white teeth. He pulled up two pairs of ice skating shoes and you instantly knew what he was planning. You shook your head, face falling at the thought of wearing those and crashing again like last time.

“Oh no.” You gasp.

“Oh yes.” He grabbed and dragged you by the wrist, heading towards the familiar location of the frozen lake the two of you went last time he taught you how to ice skate.

Let’s say, you weren’t talented in balancing yourself on thin blades like he was. The memories of you falling on your behind, struggling to stand up again with arms stretched out at your sides haunted you for weeks.

Sunghoon said all you need is more practice. He said that while perfectly skating backwards facing you with a menacing laugh and you knew, you wanted to pummeled him in the face if you could.

“Come on, up you go. Now, that's not so bad right?” Sunghoon said.

The minute the both of you put on the skates, he was already up and on the frozen lake like second nature.

“Easy for you to say.” you huff out, trying to balance yourself but it only made you very stiff, terrified that you might slip and fall again. The cold was not helping either; you were shivering down to your bones.

“How are you not freezing right now?” you complained, staring at his bare hands on his sides.

He looked like the opposite of you, only wearing a minimal coat underneath his usual attire while you looked like a balloon that was about to explode. The fact that he looked so hot even in this weather was so unfair.

Sunghoon shook his head, an endearing smile across his face as he skated towards you, reaching out to hold your hand in his. He acted like an escort, guiding you across slowly and making sure you didn’t lose your balance.

“I feel like a mother bird teaching a chick how to fly.”

“Just shut up and make sure I don’t fall.”

You were glad that the cold temperature had masked the flush on your cheeks. The way Sunghoon was staring at you, eyes darting down ever so often with a smile before meeting your eyes; it made you feel like your heart was beating against your chest.

You nervously fix your gaze at his bare fingers that were intertwined in yours. His hands were so much longer than yours, gripping onto your fragile ones with a comfortable pressure. At the back of your mind, you wish you hadn’t worn a pair of thick wool gloves now.

The frozen lake looked like a winter wonderland, enveloping you and Sunghoon in your own little peaceful space where it felt like it was only the two of you in the world.

You continue to mindlessly move your skates in whichever direction he was pulling you. Two figures slowly drifting deeper into the surface of the lake, the lights of civilization long forgotten with only the moon illuminating the path.

Just when you began to enjoy the motion, feeling the cold winter breeze brushing against your cheeks, Sunghoon took the opportunity to let go of your hands, leaving you to fend for yourself.

“Sunghoon, no—” you squeak, feeling like you had lost your point of gravity without something to hold on to. 

“Come on, you can’t expect me to hold your hand forever?” He snickered, making a few movements to slide himself a few distance away from you, hands in his pocket with a taunting stance.

You click your tongue, sloppily skating your way to him at a very slow rate with an annoyed sigh, “I swear when I get my hands on you—”

“If you can get to me that is.” 

Sunghoon watch you struggle, muttering murderous schemes under your breath. He bit back the obvious smile blooming on his face. Though he looked calm and collected, the butterflies in his stomach were in a frenzy, causing an almost aching feeling in his heart.

He turned his back on you, gazing at the full moon in the dark sky.

There’s no denying that he has a crush on you. Anything you do caused his heart to flip into multiple summersaults especially when he teased and taunted you. The way you would stop with what you were doing with an adorable pout on your face as your sole gaze was only at him even if it was out of annoyance. 

It was selfish of him but— He wanted you to only look at him. 

But of course everything was too perfect, because what’s stopping him from confessing his feelings was the fact that had turned into a vampire a few months ago.

It even sounds so dumb in his head, and what more when he actually tells you the truth. It felt like everyday, he was lying to you about who he really is and it scares him that there’s a possibility that you’ll know the truth one day in the future. 

It’s not worth it telling you now.

Sunghoon has already long accepted that you’ll never be by his side; telling you that he's a vampire would only confuse you even more, breaking the close bond between you two right now was the last thing he needed. 

Instead, he wishes to savor all his precious moments with you. He hopes to carry all of these good and happy memories with you throughout his immortal life until his dying breath.

A small sad smile made its way on his lips at the thought. His only regret was not being able to confess to you, the cruel pain will stick to him forever and he was surprised at how accepting he was, but then again, you had that kind of effect on him. 

As long as you were not the one suffering, that was what matters to him the most. For now, he was content with having you by his side.

When he turned around, ready to face you with a grin and to see your annoyed expression, he was met with an empty view with no trace of you in sight.

You were gone.

“Y/N?” Sunghoon’s face immediately drop when he couldn’t find you.

It was just an endless surface of frozen water surrounding the both of you, there was no way he could miss you, and there was no way you could have just hid from him as well. It was just not possible, even to him.

It took him a second to even dawn on him what was going on. He was too lost in his own thoughts to even realize how dangerously silent it was, as if he was the only one currently standing in the perimeter of the area.

Something had happened to you.

The male’s vampire senses perked up but the panic that coursed through his body was evident.

His breath hitch when he caught sight of an unfamiliar hole in the distance, cracks of flaky ice still breaking and slowly falling into the lake’s water, eyes noticing the small detail of two lines of blades ending at exactly where the area had disappeared.

Sunghoon could hear a fuzzy ringing in his ear, it felt so near yet so far. His legs moved into a frenzy towards the pit, knees almost bucking at how anxious he was when he finally concluded what had happened. 

All he could think of is the image of your figure slowly ascending down the cold depth of the river as he kneeled down to face the murky water, imagining the puff of air escaping your lungs until the last bubble reaches the surface.

He couldn’t even recognize his own voice when he shouts your name into the cavity of oblivion where you had fallen, the echoes bouncing off the gloomy borders of the midnight sky, the amount of fear conveyed in every syllabus was agonizing.

His only reply was dead silent together with ripples of waves from the surface of the dusky water with his reflection. The cold had never bother him, but at that moment, it sent a shiver down his spine at the sheer amount of terror that was ripping every inch of his sanity. 

It feels like his body just moved on its own, shoving off his long coat on the ground and pulling the skates from his foot to the side.

For a normal person, plunging straight into freezing ice-cold water was a death wish. But to Sunghoon, it was a matter of life and death, because your survival determined whether he could get to you in time.

His only concern was whether you would die from drowning rather than the coldness itself. God, he shouldn’t even imagine that at this moment. 

Sunghoon swam as best as he could, going straight down where the moonlight had reached down from the hole above. The cacophonous sound of the lake surrounds his ears, with everything around him pitch black, but that wasn’t a problem as his occult instinct could sense how deep the lake’s bottom was.

He saw a glimpse of a hand before he instinctively reached out to grab a hold on it. Every movement he does feels like in slow motion underwater, like weights shackled to his body as a burst of bubbles escapes his lungs, dragging your body with him to the surface. 

Even though he was soaked from head to toe, Sunghoon was light on his feet as he pulled himself out of the water. Something in him cracked when he noticed how lifeless your body was as he dragged you out as well, letting you lay flat on your back. 

No words could be uttered out of his lips, his brain could not coherently process the situation as he stared at your face; eyes-closed and skin a ghostly hue, lips a little blue to be alive, showing not a sign of consciousness at all. The shock from the cold had caused your body to succumb to the void. 

It was evident with the way his hands held your cheeks and his voice calling your name that you were slowly slipping through his fingers from a ledge known as life and death. With fingers trembling, Sunghoon could feel his lips quivering, heart numbing and throat lurching at how frozen you felt underneath his fingertips that he couldn't help the stinging feeling on his eyes.

How could he let this happen to you? If only he didn’t bring you out this winter night, if only he released you were in trouble – how loud did you call his name under the cold water? How was he going to live knowing what he had done to you? 

All the pain and suffering you endured was always caused by him and if there was even a chance that he could trade places with you, he would do it in a heartbeat. The excruciating cry that slipped through his lips burned his throat. His grip on you was as hard as an iron, as if he was holding onto your soul for his dear life to not slip away. 

Light frost has shaped itself in a thin layer on every exposed surface of the two figures, from the wet clothes to the delicate skin and eyelashes that married their faces.

Even if he were to carry you to a nearby hospital, it was too late. No matter what he does, the ending would always be the same– he was going to lose you. With how weak your pulse is, he could only visualize a scene with him carrying your dead body to the emergency wing as a group of healthcare personnel did their best to resuscitate you.

How would your parents react? How about your friends and colleagues? He had just taken away someone’s existence before their very eyes. He had taken all the promises, all your hopes and dreams of the future – he had robbed you from all of those.

Something flashes before his eyes, a distant almost fuzzy memory that rekindles before his eyes. The image of his own lifeless body laying on the concrete pathway from when he was walking back from the ice rink to his dorm a few months ago. It was an ominous midnight, a perfect set up for an attack that will forever change his life. 

He could only remember red eyes and the burning sensation of a bite on the junction of his neck. With the whisper of Jay’s voice against his ears and a churning blaze that circulates his entire body, he could only remember waking up with an agonizing thirst for blood and the horror of finding out that he had turned into a vampire.

He too had encountered death before his eyes. It was flickering through his eyes, triggered by seeing your body laying there identically to his from a distant memory. Sunghoon found the strength to pull the jacket away from your neck, sinking his head on the space between the junction of your shoulders. 

He mimicked what he had remembered; prominent and sharp canines breaking the surface of your delicate skin, feeling a sudden surge of adrenaline from his body leaving to disseminate into yours. Fragile snowflakes parachute down slowly from above only to melt at the touch of a surface.

That’s what it felt like at this moment, as Sunghoon slowly breaks down every piece of humanity in you from a single bite. 

Cold.

It was the only sensation she felt as a body of water swallowing her up. She could hear erratic bubbles forming and popping from the impact of her fall, the weight of the lake dragging her down further to the bottom until the light from the moon could not reach. 

The shock from the temperature had numbed her body until even goosebumps could not form, not even a single hair on her body was up. It reminded her of the time when Sunghoon had jokingly pushed her into the crisp pool last summer, hearing his muffled laugh from the surface – only this time, his hands were nowhere in sight to pull her up. 

And then the burning came.

The stabbing pain initiated at your neck, spreading like wildfire throughout your body. The heat seared through your veins so ever fierce, and it lull and throb every so often. Your body felt like it was floating in an empty space filled endlessly with nothingness. 

A dim light shone in the distance, slowly pulling you from a deep slumber. A thin string has attached itself to your soul, jerking you away from the empty space, until the urge to take a breath ignites the consciousness to open your eyes.  

With eyelids heavy and a hazy sight, you groan as an upcoming throb behind your head overwhelms your senses. The mattress dips down when you sit up, rubbing your sockets to get rid of the grogginess. Although the lights in the room were a dim orange, it took a while for you to adjust to the glare, which makes you realize how deep of a sleep you were in before.

“She’s up.” A panicked voice was followed by a firm grip on your shoulders.

It took a while for you to process that it belonged to Sunghoon, speaking towards Jay, who had positioned himself at the end of the bed frame. You blink a few times, a bit out of the zone but still, can make out the worried expression of his face. 

“How do you feel?” Sunghoon asked carefully. 

At that moment, you felt the headache that was itching at the back of your head. Not to mention, your throat was scratchy and a painful thirst-like sensation overwhelms your taste buds every time you swallow. 

You were going to throw up.

“I think I need to lay down again.” you heave in agony, which he immediately helped you to reposition yourself on the bed.

A sigh of relief slips through your mouth, feeling the plush pillow against the back of your head. It gave you a momentary sense of reassurance, the comfortableness of everything was a stark contrast to what had happened to you before this.

“It’s more cozy than I thought.” you mumbled, a small smile marrying your face with eyes closed. 

“What do you mean?” 

“The afterlife I mean– ” you paused mid sentence. The two figures watch you hastily sitting up once again with eyebrows furrowed and eyes as wide as saucers, fingers pointed at them in a dazed. “–wait, if I’m dead, then what are you two doing here?” 

“Y/n,” Sunghoon said as gently as possible. “you’re not dead.” 

“Oh okay, cool, that’s nice,” you slowly nodded your head, about to slip back into the covers again until you swung back up again followed by another question with a skeptical expression, eyes darting around the unfamiliar room. “Then where am I?”

The room you were in had an ancient ambience. The wooden bedframe was huge with an intricate layout and pattern that reaches the ceiling. It almost looked like a cabin with the furniture made entirely of dark mahogany and the musky smell can be detected even from the white crisp sheets of the bed underneath you.

What was odd was that the room was entirely lit up by a candle. A single candle that sits on top of its case against the walls, not even fluttering with barely any drop of melted wax was in sight. Not a single curtain was drawn open from the windows, which gave you an uneasy feeling at how mystic the atmosphere was. 

Sunghoon swallowed down the lump in his throat, eyes trembling and lips pursed in deep thought. You watch him adjust to sit further at the edge of the bed next to you, in which it only heightens your anxiety for his answer. 

“I’m not sure if you were going to believe us, but just so you know, it was really hard for us to accept it as well, initially that is. Look, it might be something hard to comprehend and surely a lot of adjustment has to be done for you to cope—“

“You’re a vampire y/n.” 

Sunghoon whip his head to face Jay with a very disapproving look on his face, fuming when Jay had interrupted him, “I told you I can handle it myself.”

Jay only shrugged at the male’s murderous gaze, shooting back with an almost taunting tone, “Well clearly, you handled it well judging by her reaction right now.” 

You look back and forth between the two, shaking your head from the very confusing escalation in the atmosphere that you clearly needed more context, and the fact that Jay had proclaimed that you were a what? 

“Wait a damn minute, you still haven’t explain why– ” 

You were interrupted by a loud cough that clawed its way up to your throat, and you felt it. The burning sensation previously has grown astronomically painful, feeling it spread from the roof of your mouth to the pathway of your esophagus until it tingles in your ear.

You winched at the pain, clutching onto your chest and suddenly, tears started to sting your eyes and the images of liquid red exuding a glass cup kept flickering in your mind, throwing you in a frenzy. Your tongue unconsciously licks at the throbbing pain at the front of your teeth until you realize– was it always that sharp in the first place? 

“Jay, hand me the blood.” 

“Hand you the what?” You exclaimed in disbelief, eyes shot up, and body instantly moving out of the bed. Before you could escape, Sunghoon hand already held an iron grip on your forearm, causing you to wiggle your way out in distress. 

“Listen to me y/n, hey, look at me,” you halt your trashing when Sunghoon's tone turns more hush, almost pleading you to stop resisting. 

His strong pull on your wrist caused the distance between your faces to shorten, noses just inches away. It gave them a perfect view to stare at each other, and you noticed just how exhausted and worried he looked with the way he frowns. 

“Just trust me okay? And I know how painful it is right now,” you watch him swallowed, looking down in guilt. “It will all go away if you drink it. And then I’ll explain everything to you, I promise.” 

With eyes almost lost in thought, his dark orbs bored into your own, that for a second, you forgot how to breathe. You could see yourself in the reflection on his eyes, pale and almost ghostly, feeling the beads of cold sweat dripping down your back.

You felt so weak, like the sugar in your blood was slowly disappearing, vertigo clouding your vision until it burns to even continue opening your eyes. Heat was slowly spreading from the core of your body to the tips of your extremities, and it was starting to feel difficult to even breathe properly without hyperventilating. 

With no other choice, you slowly nodded back at him. With eyes closed and lips pursed in a defeated manner, you could hear him let out a sigh of relief when you finally agreed. He could tell how hesitant you were but at least you were willing to listen to him. 

Jay hands you a mug with a straw and you give a disapproving expression, eyebrow furrowed in disgust when you look down at the thick deep red liquid. Although your mouth was salivating at the sight, your brain still comprehends it as literally warm blood you were about to feast on.

“I would really prefer you telling me it was tomato juice next time.” You chimed in, pinching your nose and placing the straw in your mouth. Jay and Sunghoon laugh, watching you intently taking a gulp of blood before Jay replies with a shrug.  

“Bon Appetit I guess.” 

When you woke up the next day in your room, everything felt very normal. You got dressed like normal for your morning class, heading towards the bathroom only to notice a large bandage at the side of your neck. 

You open your mouth instinctively to examine the prominent and sharp canine at your upper teeth, the reflection of actually seeing it on yourself in the mirror makes you sigh in exhaustion. When you see a glimpse of a red speckle on the irises of your eyes, you immediately turn away to go down stairs.

The once wonderful day to day breakfast had no significance anymore. The smell of eggs and toast no longer stimulates your appetite and sometimes, your roommates would joke whether you were pregnant with the sheer amount of time you would decline their offer, and the fact that you gagged multiple times.

Obviously you were not, but sometimes you did have to force yourself to take a bite. Sunghoon had mentioned that it helps to keep relationships normal. It makes you feel guilty when you remember about the times he had forced himself to eat human food to appease you, in which, you now finally understood why now that you were in his shoes. 

Blending in with your new life as a vampire requires a lot of learning. With the help of Sunghoon, he kept things simple for you to remember.

Number 1 : Vampires are not the same as we think they are

“Umm….why are you dressed that way?” Sunghoon, who had been waiting for you in the car with the windows rolled down, raised an eyebrow at your choice of clothing from the driver’s seat.

You stood at the curb in front of the car, having just come out of your dorm, clay from head to toe in dark garments that covered your skin. You watch as some kids and their parents walk past you from the street opposite, their dazed and confused look goes unnoticed even with your sight being covered by a pair of sunglasses. 

“I’m sorry, did I miss something? Are we going to a funeral?” Sunghoon grunted when you gave him a light smack on the shoulder, dragging your feet into the passenger seat of his car. You furiously took off your sunglasses, followed by the cap and hood of your hoodie. 

Ideally this would be the perfect winter outfit, but you did think you went overboard just a little bit when seeing yourself in the rearview mirror. 

“I thought vampires would burn in sunlight?” you asked. 

“Only in fucking movies,” Sunghoon grumbled, rubbing his shoulder. “Do I look like I’m dying?” 

Now, you felt embarrassed, letting out a sigh of frustration while leaning on the headrest of the seat, “So it was all a fucking lie?” you said simply, glancing at the male beside you. 

“Yup.”

“Then what about garlic?” you questioned. 

“Crap.” 

“Silver arrows? Crosses?” you tried again.

“Nope,” Sunghoon curtly replied. You watch him wear his seatbelt before rolling up the window beside you. He turned to you after adjusting the mirrors before pushing the signals on, setting his hands on the steering wheel. “Anything else?”

“No sparkles?” 

“No sparkles,” Sunghoon shook his head with a small smile. 

You scrunched up your nose in disappointment, hearing the engine rumbled and the flicker of the radio’s switch as the both of you drove away. 

Number 2: Vampires don’t sparkle like Edward Cullen, bummer 

“Did you bring some blood pack?” Sunghoon asks, turning into a corner at the intersection of the road. It was still a bit snowy so he was being careful when driving. 

“Tomato juice,” you say matter-of-factly, correcting him with the appropriate word to use. “ And yes dad, I did pack some in my bag.” you gesture to the said bag sitting on your lap. 

Sunghoon glanced back at you for a second. He felt guilty for forgetting the code word for blood between the both of you. The tight grip on the driving handle goes unnoticed to you.

Sunghoon’s hummed in reply, letting out an amused huff at your sarcastic words. “Just making sure. Sometimes I can't leave you alone without adult supervision.” 

You cocked an eyebrow at him, “I don’t need adult supervision, especially from you.” you emphasis on the you part which only caused Sunghoon to mused. 

“You won’t be needing adult supervision until you stop acting like a brat.” 

You laugh, “That's rich coming from you.” 

Your little banter with him continues until you’ve reached campus. Honestly, the only thing that peeve you the most about the change is the fact that…

Number 3: Vampires drink blood 

There is just something morally wrong with swallowing down liquid red like it’s some kind of juice box that you bring to kindergarten in a bag pack. And the fact that it was warm revolted you even more.

You initially were appalled by the revelation but Sunghoon had reassured you that Jay had sourced the blood in a clean manner (whatever that means) and that we don’t have to worry because it's not real human blood. 

You ask him why Jay doesn’t allow consumption of human blood out of curiosity,  which you immediately regretted when he stayed silent. And suddenly you remember the reason why he was hunted and turned in the first place. 

It was not just him, but the thousand other innocent humans that would go missing due to a fraction of rogues who can’t seem to let go of the past. You were already disgusted with the idea of drinking fake blood but killing a human being and drinking their blood?

You shutter at the idea. It had your stomach churning in an uncomfortable way at just the thought. But there was just one thing you can accept wholeheartedly.

Number 4: Vampires do have enhance senses

All your senses whether it be smelling, hearing or even your physicality has become something more engaging in your daily life. 

Your surroundings have never sounded so crisp against your ears, whether it be the sound of birds chirping in the morning or the howling of the winter breeze at midnight from the window of your room.

You could hear the chattering of other students more than a mile away, even if it was spoken under their breath. Now you understand how and why Sunoo knows so much with such little effort in his presence. 

You remember just feeling a slight tingle and a buzz in your ear, like a soft voice in your head telling you to catch the basketball heading your way. 

Stunted eyes of the people around you instantly made you feel flustered, which you don’t blame of course. You walk away with your head down the minute you give the ball back.

Imagine seeing someone like you being able to catch a ball that was speeding without much struggle, especially when the players were 6th feet giants themselves with strength and skills beyond yours.

Well, at least you have better eyesight now to take notes and the fact that you surprised your professor when you didn’t doze off during his lessons was a great advantage. 

It also helps that you were no longer suffering from the constant scrutiny of Ni-ki’s pranks.

The moment he makes eye contact with you at the hallways, a hand up and a grin plastered on his face to greet you and Sunghoon, he immediately ran the other way when he saw your unamused face; hands crossed against your chest and a very much evident bandage on your neck. 

The amount of time he had tricked you into his little scheme comes flooding back into your memories and you had to resist the urge to chase him down if it wasn’t for Sunghoon holding you back. 

“This is no fun anymore,” Ni-ki whined for the nth time, walking beside you with his head thrown back with an exaggerated gesture. “Who am I supposed to mess with now?”

“Seriously Ni-ki,” you questioned, shoving him by the shoulder with your own. “You're the most horrible vampire ever. Can you at least have some responsibility with what you have?” 

Ni-ki inhaled dramatically, shooting a glare at your direction.

“Jeez, you make it seem like I’m the only one doing something wrong. Look at the bright side,” he slid his hand over your shoulder with a knowing smirk. “Now you don’t have to worry about failing classes.” 

You gave him a scoff, “Nuh-uh, unlike you, I have a conscience.” 

“Hey! I do have a conscience,” he pointed out, a frown now on his lips, leaning back to rest his hand behind his head. “It just knows when to keep its mouth shut.” 

You rolled your eyes at him, eliciting a disbelief snort his way. “Even if you do have a conscience, it's gagged and tied up somewhere in a basement.” 

Something you didn’t expect was growing much closer than you were with the other boys in Sunghoon’s vampire circle. You were already well acquaintance with Jungwon, who is the president of the newspaper club you were a part of (in which, things finally make sense about the incident with the vice-president and last month's issue). 

You shared a couple of classes with Sunoo who was maybe a little too excited about the fact that you’ve turned into a vampire. With his angelic smile and bubbly personality, he was the last person whom you would expect to be a blood sucking supernatural being. 

Heeseung and Jake were nice enough to give you advice and help you to adjust well with the new changes in your life. You could tell they were not that elated and chose to stay low-key about being a vampire, which you understand completely. 

And Ni-ki. Well, he's just Ni-ki.

Jay was a lot more intimidating than you thought, but you could see how much he cares about the others, including you. He taught you a lot about being a vampire, including the knowledge and history behind the occult realm, and the relationship between the different races, which for centuries, have integrated within the modern human civilization.

And here you thought human politics were complicated enough. 

Number 5: Vampires were not the only supernatural creatures

You didn’t realize how well they are in disguising themselves among humans until you could discern them by just your feeling. You were washing your hands in the sink when you made eye contact with another girl who was fixing her lipstick at the bathroom mirror. 

Dark long hair, skin as white as snow and features almost painfully beautiful, there was something out of this world with the way she looked. It was amazing at how human-like she was, her doe eyes stunting you with a peaceful lull until you were mesmerized with only the thought of her. 

No human would realize the scale-like contour underneath her porcelain skin that glitters and pink pointed nails unless, well, you were not. 

There was an ominous silence in the atmosphere when she held her gaze and gave an almost taunting smirk when she moved to use the sink beside you. She was wiping excess lipstick at the corners of her mouth while you did your best to ignore her, because you knew the meaning behind her action. 

“Must be nice being able to appreciate vanity.” You nonchalantly vocalize, drying your hand with paper towels from the dispensary. 

She chuckled, putting away her lipstick before staring at the mirror in front of you. Instead of the reflection of two figures in the mirror, there was only the face of one. She quickly packs her lipstick in her pouch, side-eying you with a glint. 

“We enjoyed it as much as humans do. You would know how it felt won’t you?” 

Past tense.

Your eyebrow twitches after noticing her choice of words. You were told to avoid any sort of confrontation with other creatures lurking among the students, especially when it comes to sirens. You don’t know what sort of intentions they have since each of them pretty much have their own agenda. 

But you can’t help but remember the time where you had to take pictures of the swim team for the newspaper club before you turned a few months ago. You were hit with a large wave of water that took you by surprise with its strong chlorine scent that even bystanders at the sides were shocked. 

At first, you thought, maybe because you had stood too close to the pool to get caught drenched in any of the swimmer’s splashing. 

It was not until Liz, another member of the newspaper club whom you were partnered with, placed a towel around you out of concern did you realize how odd it was that you got wet when you had precisely stood outside the safety line around the pool. 

You were evidently shocked by what happened, trying to make sense of it, but you didn’t want to worry the blonde girl, so you quickly followed her as she escorted you out of the venue. She held you protectively on the shoulder, eyes glancing back at the group of swimmers sitting at the bleachers with a dirty look, as if she knew something was up. 

(Looking back, you were now sure that she might also be apart of the supernatural circle)

You could never forget the face of one of the swimmers who was giggling behind her hands when you curiously glanced their way as Liz helped to push away your wet hair; the same face that was standing right now beside you, ready to walk out of the bathroom. 

“Enjoy your meal.” She looks back at you up and down, smiling so sweetly that you wanted to gag, but you opt to just grip the edge of the sink for support. She left with the soft sound of heels echoing the empty bathroom, leaving you behind with your own train of thoughts. And of course you knew what she meant by meal.

It was obvious what she did back at the pool was because of your association with vampires (whom you didn't even know at that time). Jay had mentioned that sirens and vampires didn’t not have the most friendliest history with each other, fueled by the horrendous bad blood between each other by a war centuries ago until today. 

Even by the way he speaks, the amount of venom in his spite at just the mention of them brings great fear in you, that you almost felt like they did something more personal to him than just histories of bad blood. 

But now that you were one of them, it was evident with the way she looked at you, that you were lower than dirt in her eyes. This was not some cliché college drama where the nerd gets picked on by the pretty and popular girls and ends up with the popular boy who sees her as not like other girls, living happily ever after. 

The exchanges between you and Haewon at the bathroom represents the reality of the tense relationship between the various different species. You knew behind that sweet smile of hers, she could just tear you down into pieces with her claws alone, because to her, you were a newborn fawn being thrown in the wild among other predators.

This was your new life of dangers and mishaps mixed together to create a great chaos. Let’s just say you did your best to avoid Haewon and her groups of sirens. 

Another group that you were told to avoid was, well, a vampire’s enemies since their very creation. The ones that were portrayed in every movie and media alike as a vampire’s parallel, a ying to their yang.

Werewolves. 

But there were some exceptions to these rules when you were introduced to a pack that were unlike any other. 

“Hello people who don't belong here.” Sunghoon silently approaches the living room of his shared dorm with Jake and Heeseung, having just arrived only to witness some unwelcoming guest sitting at the sofa. 

“Hello.” the unison sound of your voices as well as the two other males, EJ and Nicholas elicit a deep sigh from Sunghoon, especially when there was not even a single sign of guilt in their tone. The sound of your howling victory with you and EJ jumping around a defeated and distraught Nicholas on the ground, the screen blaring with a huge game over sign, causing Sunghoon to roll his eyes. 

“How did you guys even get inside?” 

You showed him an awfully familiar key, “Jake said we can use the console, so you don’t have to worry if we broke in– Guys! What about another round?”

So the three continued playing, leaving a disapproving Sunghoon mumbling under his breath with annoyance, “Of course he would.”

But at least he knew he didn’t have to worry about your well-being, you fit right into their lives like a glove and silently, a smile creeped into his face when you turned around to face him with a big grin.

His mind went completely blank at the way you looked at him, feeling his heart flutter (he didn’t even know if it was possible) when he felt your hands on his to give him a controller. He can’t even coherently hear what you were saying, something about joining them play, until he saw the huge smug smirk on EJ and Nicholas’s faces behind you. 

He beat both of them in the game, in exchange that they kept their mouths shut. 

Taki was the sweetest of them all, which was a surprise to you considering that he was really close with Ni-ki. You just hope he doesn’t get influenced by that rascal. The only person who you were distant with was K, which didn’t surprise Jay that much when you mentioned it to him

“K doesn’t like anyone.” Jay said earnestly. “It’s a bond thing. He’ll warm up to you eventually like everyone else” 

“Well,” you muttered simply, shoving your hands in the pockets on your jacket. “He is staring at me like I have three heads”

Jay raised an eyebrow, “He does not–” he paused a bit, some kind of memory passed by until he lowered his eyes, “–okay, maybe you are right.” 

You gave him a knowing look before wandering to look around the unfamiliar place. “What is this place actually?” 

You knew this place as the location where you had woken up the day you were turned, where Sunghoon had told you about your new transformation and the first time you had tasted blood. The room being one of the many areas of the mansion-like territory known as The Sanctuary. 

It was a tiny abandoned house in the middle of nowhere from the eyes of onlookers from outside, which are those who don’t belong in the supernatural circle. There were whispers of haunted and dark stories behind the landmark among the townspeople when you were younger, with no one daring to step foot without feeling the ominous threat surrounding the house. 

You guess that was one of its mechanisms to drive people away from the place.

“A safe spot for us, conceal at the eyes of any humans or creatures unless they knew the location already. This is where we would most likely gather if anything happens.” Jay sat down at one of the camelback sofas, crossing his legs in a comfortable position. “Be careful with that.” 

You immediately flinch, retrieving your hand apologetically after curiously touching at a small cauldron on a table. “Sorry. Is that sand inside?” 

“That’s dust. I’ll tell you later when we have more time.” 

“Great.” you let the word linger in your mouth, eyes darting at the fireplace at the middle of the room. Even at first glance, you knew the fire was not normal, there was no firewood underneath to fuel it. “How does concealing even work? Is it like another one of a vampire’s abilities?” 

You remember Ni-Ki’s ability to teleport and the subtle hints of Jake possibly having the ability to control fire once by accident. Maybe it was the ability of glamour, but you recall Jay telling you only a certain clan of vampires possess the ability, particularly those who have gone rogue. 

Jay shook his head, arranging some items at the side of the table. Maybe he was worried you might start touching things again. “This place was built by multiple witches centuries before I was born. I can’t really say much other than it's built with much ancient, unfathomable magic.” 

It did make sense why there were so many witch-like items in the place. The lingering scent of strong incense kept burning at the corner of rooms, jars of untouched and unknown substances filled with cobwebs sat in groups at the shelves, and not to mention the cauldron you saw just a few seconds ago. 

Maybe it was a sign for you to stop touching something you were curious about that could potentially be a hazard to your safety. 

“How’s it going with Sunghoon?” Jay asks. 

“Fine.” For some reason, the little speckle of fire was more interesting to you than the conversation. “He’s busy with classes and stuff like normal. Nothing out of the ordinary honestly.” you shrugged. 

“You know that’s not what I’m talking about.” Jay sighed. “You….haven’t had the talk with him yet, did you?” 

The guilty expression on your face says it all. You already knew what he meant even without much explanation. Even though your relationship with Sunghoon didn’t change much ever since that day, you can’t deny the sudden small distance that manifested between you two. 

It was funny how it used to be so easy to talk to him about things, even if Sunghoon tends to be the person who would avoid confrontation as much as possible. But if you were willing to push that boundary, it seems to help him ease into the situation even more. 

Now that you were the one being hesitant, none of you were willing to approach the bottled up feelings inside.

The silence that followed was filled with the sound of crackling fire and the soft ticking of the grandfather clock that didn’t even show the right time. You wonder why it was even there, maybe just for the aesthetic of the room. 

“You know he still feels guilty about what happened.” Jay started, watching you closely. 

“Maybe take the time to talk it out with him because I know–” Jay thoughtfully propped his chin on the palm of his hand, “–you don’t blame him for it.” 

“I know, I know. I’ll….take the time to talk to him.” you slowly admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “Why do you always have the solution to everything?”

Jay chuckled, giving you a pleased look. “Comes with age, kid.” 

This was the first time you went out in the dead of winter without a proper attire. You lay down on a pile of snow, feeling the cushiony texture underneath the bare skin of your hand. If you had done the same thing when you were human, you’ll be left with frostbites all over your skin. 

“What are you doing?” Sunghoon breath out above you while you proceed to move your hands and legs in a star shape pattern. A smile cracked on his face when he saw you staring back underneath him with a whimsical laugh. 

“A snow angel.” you said, letting out a gentle sigh whilst feeling the snow underneath you turn shallow at every motion. “Today would be the last day of snowfall. It would be ashamed if we didn’t do anything with this amount of snow.” you tugged at the hems of his pants, eyes in a pleading look. “Come on Sunghoon, join me so I don’t look crazy.”  

“You already look crazy even without me.” He crackled, looking around the vicinity before reluctantly laying down beside you. You beamed at him before looking up at night sky– it was so cold that you could make out the thin mist circulating the air, but it didn’t hide the slight glimmer of the stars above you from shining. 

There was a calm silence, the only sound emitting from the soft movements of you and Sunghoon’s limbs against the snow in an attempt to create a snow angel. 

“This reminds me, when I was young during winter,” you hear Sunghoon cut through the silence with a nostalgic voice, causing you to turn your head slightly to look at him. “Me and my little sister would play snowball fights the entire day until my parents had to drag us both inside before we freeze to death.” 

You can’t help but notice how radiant he looks reminiscing the story, staring off into the distance as if he was watching the scene play out like it was yesterday. For the longest time you knew him, it was not often he would get sentimental, so you waited for him to continue, feeling yourself falling more deep into his voice. 

“We would beg our parents for a few more minutes. We deciding on making snow angels, thinking it would make a mark to remember the fun things we did that day.” Sunghoon lick the bottom of his lips, the dryness of the air together with talking for too long resulted in his lips feeling chapped.

He let out an endearing laugh, watching his chest vibrate at the action. “You could imagine how sad we were the next morning when it disappeared.” 

“I could only imagine how your little sister felt.” 

He let out a dramatic sigh, rolling his eyes. “Oh, yeah she definitely reacted very strongly. The amount of tears running down her face would make you think she lost her stuffed animal which –for a kid her age– is a very serious deal.” 

Both of you continue to laugh amid the silent night, seeing the vapors floating to the sky every time a breath of exhale exits out. Sunghoon gets lost in the story that he didn’t even think twice about the words coming out of his mouth the next second. 

“And then, when the temperature was just right, our parents would bring us to the lake nearby our house. Me and my little sister would bring our little ice skates and–” hearing him choke on his own words, you watch the small smile on his face turn into a deep frown as he begins to realize where his story was leading to. 

The pause lasted for a few seconds as Sunghoon pondered whether he should continue or not, but you took the initiative to open your mouth first. 

“When I was young, my family used to make gingerbread cookies all the time.” you looked away from him, staring at a particular spot on the sky that you swore was a shooting star. “I would accidently put too much cinnamon in the batter that I would cry because it tasted too spicy.” 

The memory struck something in you, imagining the warm sensation and the sharp taste of the spice overwhelming your senses and the sound of your parents panicking when you started whaling out loud. It made you feel bad that they had to calm you down, but it gave you a great lesson the next time you baked those cookies with them. 

“Sounds horrible.” Sunghoon winced. 

“Wait until you hear the story when I first discovered that Santa Clause isn't real.” 

Sunghoon shook his head with a small smile, tracing his fingers on the snow gently in an attempt to keep him composed at just the thought of little you discovering such shocking news. He had to bite back the grin from forming. 

“Talking about all these memories feels overwhelmingly bitter-sweet, don’t you think?” you said, swallowing down the lump in your throat. “I never thought memories could be so precious until now. It's nice to know I’ll be able to keep them.” 

Your words brought such complicated feelings to Sunghoon that he stayed silent the whole time after that. The both of you stayed un-moving in your laying position, to the point where you could feel the shape of your body molding into the bed of snow on the ground. 

You let the snowflakes flutter down to rest on your face, closing your eyes from time to time, expecting it to melt from the contact, but it lingers on your skin until you realize you no longer have the warmth to make it possible. You felt Sunghoon shift closer until the ends of your shoulder met and you were hyper aware that his hands were now inches away from yours. 

“Have you ever thought about a world where everyone you loved and know will no longer be with you?” He exhaled shakily that you were worried he was going to break. 

“God, I can’t even imagine that honestly.” you breathe out. You were shaking too, but you knew you had to keep going, or not, you’re afraid that this fear and sentiment will make you crumble under the thoughts. “But, I think, you don’t choose the fate where it lies, you know? You're just gonna have to make the best out of it, and hope that only good things come of it.” 

You turn to look at him and at the same time, Sunghoon seems to sense your gaze as he turns to look at you as well. His eyes were always so piercing that you could feel it deep in your heart but now, he gazes at you as gently as the snowflakes that gather on the highs of his cheeks. 

Your eyes observed the moles on his face, the one positioned close to his eyes were prominent with the amount of distance between you two. You wonder if he could hear your heart beating but then again, with his enhanced hearing, what sound could he not out-hear?

You saw solace in the windows of his soul, every hint of guilt slowly disappearing at your words of reassurance. Although it was indirect, it was enough for him to know that you were fine, and would always be, so you don’t have to drown yourself in this sorrow alone. 

At that moment, he just wanted to grab your hand and run away until it was just the both of you in this world because, at this time and place and moment, there is a crack in his ribcage in the shape of your name from when you stole his heart that it almost made him breathless. 

“Don’t look at me like that.” His gaze never left yours when said that.

“Like what?” 

His eyes wavered, as if it reflects the movement of his heart at the moment when you move to graze at his fingers with yours. This time, there were no pairs of wool gloves in your way to feel the texture of his skin against yours. 

“Like I’m the most important person in your eyes right now.” 

Damn, he really knows how to hit the nail on the head with that one. You weren’t even aware that you held your breath, but you took a second to remind yourself to inhale and exhale properly. 

“What if I was?” you look away when his stare was too much for you to bear. “I’ve always been for a while. You're just too scared to admit it.” 

Unexpectedly, you hear him let out a laugh. “Are you confessing to me right now?” He shifts to tangle his pinky finger with yours while you stop the urge to laugh as well, welcoming his action by tightening the grip. 

“Only if you feel the same way.” 

By this time, you were sure that if you and Sunghoon stayed for another hour, you'd be buried under the pile of snow as well. The tips of your ears had been in contact with the snow until you could feel the numbing sensation. Sunghoon fell silent once again, but this time, you could tell that he was gathering his thoughts with the way he would occasionally brush his legs over yours in a playful manner.

“I like you, y/n, I really do.” 

He almost whispered into the night, like a gentle lullaby, but you heard it loud and clear, moving your hands to finally intertwine with his. You and Sunghoon enjoyed the rest of each other's company, basking in the winter atmosphere and the thoughts of the future; spending each other’s eternity until the end. 

You were startled when he moved to stand up, causing you to sit up in confusion, speckles of snowflakes just falling out of place from your clothes. You raised your eyebrow when he turned to look at you with an excited grin that reached his ears that was almost contagious. You had to contain your laugh at how messy his hair was. 

“Let’s go.”

“Go where?” you asked, but he was already tugging your hand, encouraging you to stand up as well.

“I’m going to teach you ice skating again. And this time–” He leaned in, and you swore you saw the galaxy reflecting on the irises of his eyes when he looked at you.

“I’m not letting you go.” 

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@mildlystupid​ @heejaies​ @hobistigma​ @wntrsgf​ @rosie-is-everywhere​​ @ahnneyong​​​ @axolotlboo​​​

#enhypen #enhypenwriters #enhypen sunghoon x reader #enhypen sunghoon #enhypen series #enhypen x reader #enhypen x y/n #enhypen angst #enhypen fluff #enhypen supernatural #enhypen vampire au #enhypen scenarios #enhypen imagines #enhypen headcanons #enhypen au #enhypen oneshots #enhypen x you #enha #enhypen mini series #kpop imagines #enhypen heeseung #enhypen jay #enhypen jake #enhypen jungwon #enhypen sunoo #enhypen niki #crepuscule: enhypen vampire au series #kpop scenarios

[hanafubukki]

Silver's Flower Bouquet Meaning

Twst Bdays Flower Language Masterlist

*stares at the title* You have no idea how much I just want to put Silver Vanrouge as the title of this post. You have no Idea, I might still go back and do it. He is Silver Vanrouge in my heart and will always will be (or whatever combination of last names he takes up in the future).

Just as a precaution, I will be adding possible theories along the way and will be mentioning book 7 too and other cards that have been released, so heed spoilers for book 7 and cards that might have not released yet. I swear Diasomia just makes my mind go brr and I have no chill at all (or limit on word count).

This card is literally everything and more when it comes to Silver. We get his rare expressions and I love it. His fond smile that he has for family and then the surprised look he has in the groovy is perfect.

As with the other Birthday cards in twst, we can see the progress in each character (especially their relationship with MC). We can see how each one basically goes through a character development, and surely Silver is going through one as well.

For someone who has always had trouble with his emotions, it really comes out when it deals with those he loves. As we see in Endless Halloween, when he got mad at Lilia, as is rightly deserved. In book 7, we see a variety of emotions, but mostly sadness again due to Lilia. Other events include, masquerade and fair gala if. Otherwise, he always has a straight forward, nice, and truthful manner to the surprise of the NRC student 😂😂

A part of me theorizes that this is due to the fact that Lilia taught him to be such a way. He raised Silver to be someone who is the total opposite of him: someone without blood on his hands, someone who does not have to kill, someone with a family, who is not corrupt, and the list goes on. The opposite of what Lilia never was and never will be. We can also see how Silver has light symbolism while Lilia has dark as well. (I swear I had the perfect line thought up but then mind went blank because I got distracted, damnit).

Yes, Silver is Malleus' guard, but a part of me believe that Lilia thought Silver will be protected by Malleus and Sebek. After all, a human is only so powerful. That is also why Lilia trained Silver and Sebek the way he did.

Now to go back to the point about Silver always being truthful, Fae in many lore cannot lie. Hence, they are masters in manipulation and can twist words to their advantage. I believe that was why Silver was raised to be truthful because Fae cannot and look down on those who try to do so with them. (I mean, can we ever say Sebek has not been truthful?)

Also the last name aspect, names have power in Fae lore so that could be a reason why Silver doesn't have a last name (A father must protect his son after all, be him human or not). Another reason is that Lilia didn't want Silver to have the burden that comes with the name of "Vanrouge" even though we know Silver would be proud to have it. Plus, we don't know who SIlver's true family is and I believe Lilia did not want to take that option away from Silver. Let Silver decide his last name when the time comes. Let him be truly unbiased in choosing his name.

Let's try and not think about the insecurities that Silver might have faced (and still does) when he realized that he had no last name and Lilia did not give him his and can he be selfish to ask more of Lilia when he gave him so much already? Though Silver's heart probably still breaks because ...does Lilia consider him family when he won't give him his last name...anyways let's continue on before I got down that endless vortex.

When I first looked at Silver's bouquet, it reminded me of a wedding bouquet because of all the white. But given that white is usually seen as a color that depicts innocence, pure, and so forth. It fits Silver pretty well. He is the light in the darkness. The light among the dark fae.

Like with Malleus' Bouquet card, Twst has once again made some interesting moves. They are releasing Book 7 part 3 at the end of May. Which can signify what may come and how Silver may play a role. This goes to show that Malleus and Silver does have parallels as we've saw with Malleus Bouquet card and Silver Dorm card being released in the same month. Another commonality is both being raised by Lilia as well and whom is loved dearly by these two. (and Sebek is in the middle of family drama lol)

As we saw with Malleus' bouquet, his cards attributes are similar to Idia's. With Idia being Silver's Duo (which is surpassing because its a repeat I believe?), it stresses the role Ignihyde will play in book 7. I mean we've all seen Ortho's new card right? It already begins.

Now, lets talk about Flowers 🌺💚🌺💚

[As usual, my disclaimer from before stands, flowers have many different meanings depending on region and color, so the meanings I have might differ from the meanings you know.]

Flower Colors (general meaning): 

Green Flowers: Health, resilience, good fortune, and youth. It goes to say that these traits fit Silver perfectly.

White Flowers:  True love, purity, innocence, sympathy.  As someone with Aurora's characteristics and being raised the way he was, these flowers (and the bouquet as a whole) fits Silver perfectly.

Bouquet:

White Rose: Reverence, remembrance, homage to a new start and expresses hope for a new future, devotion and innocence. The white rose has a special place in my heart because we see it in Lilia's Groom and Birthday bouquet card. The fact that we see this flower in Silver's card gives it new meaning as well as represents Lilia in Silver's bouquet. (Actually, there are two other flowers that show up in Silver's bouquet that was in Lilia's bouquet. The love and parallels between father and son has my heart I swear.) Another thing to note, in many asian cultures White represents purity and grief as that is a color you use in funerals. Now, does that represent Lilia or Silver? Only time will tell.

White Tulips: Lost love, forgive me, forgiveness, respect, purity and honor. This flower has a loaded meaning and can represent many aspects of Book 7. It could talk about SIlver's parents or Lilia, could talk about an act yet to be made, and as seen, it has many traits that symbolize Silver as well.

Gardenias: Purity, divine, awareness, and gentleness. Silver has the title of Knight of Dreams so this could be a hint at his Unique Magic.

Evergreen Candytuft: Indifference and stoicism but could also mean joy, beauty, and sweetness. This flower symbolizes the difficulties Silver faces. He had trouble expressing himself and sometimes comes off as indifferent or lacking emotion. In his Dorm card, he tries to change that. On the other hand, this flower also shows the qualities we all already know about him: his beauty and how prince like he is. One of the uses of this flower that I found that was funny to me was that they often use this flower to combat heartburn. Lilia complained about stomach issues in the fireworks event and I don't doubt that Lilia's cooking can cause...acid.

White Carnation: Love, good luck, purity, devotion, mother's love (well, it was woman's love to be put exactly) and pure affection. This is another flower that is also in Lilia's Bouquet. So we can say this flower represents Lilia's love for Silver, especially with the meaning of "mother's love." This flower also has my heart because of the recent Twst radio talk where the VA's state that Lilia is both the mother and father to the Diasomnia boys. White flowers in Japan can also represents mothers as well. I headcanon that Lilia gave this flower to Silver.

Crystallofolia: Its also called Frost flower. These flowers form during the winter on the stems. You can sometimes see them in autumn as well. Fun fact, you can see imagery of these flowers in greek art as well.

White Peonies: Shame, shyness, and apology. good luck, prosperity, also know as the ‘king of flower in Japan’ and is known for bravery and honor. Peonies can last over a hundred years, often outliving the ones who planted them. This is another flower that was also in Lilia's bouquet. We can see how the meanings can apply to both Lilia and Silver. Silver for Bravery and Honor. Lilia and how he might have possibly lived longer than Silver at one point, now we don't know how much longer he has left. Shame because Silver wanted to be there by his father's side but he couldn't because Lilia is emotionally stubborn. Another headcannon I have is that Silver would plant this flower for Lilia, so Lilia would always remember him as well as Malleus and Sebek (I doubt any of the Diasomnia boys would ever forget Silver but the symbolism remains). It's a living reminder of Silver after hundreds of years and the mark he left behind in their hearts and they can continue to see and remember him fondly through it.

Jasmine: Love, beauty, innocence, new beginnings, victory, hope, and abundance. The constant 'new beginning" meanings makes me wonder if this is referring to his heritage and Silver being a prince from an opposing kingdom theory (or any theory in which he's a prince honestly).

Random Fact: Anniversaries could also be considered, since its the 3rd bdays for all the boys, their flower will be Sunflower: strength  be well, happiness, male healing, confidence, self-esteem, assertiveness. Sounds just like them, doesn’t it?

#twst silver #twst silver birthday #twisted wonderland birthdays #twisted wonderland #disney tw #disney twisted wonderland #silver birthday card #silver birthday bouquet #twst #twst birthdays #twisted wonderland silver #lilia vanrouge #twst lilia vanrouge #silver brommquet #diasomnia #twst flowers #flower meanings #flower language #twst theories #twst theory #malleus draconia #sebek zigvolt

[kipxer]

Fear a Raised Voice

Obey Me! Mammon/Reader - Platonic - No MC pronouns

Warnings: Angst, being yelled at, mentions of breaking things, lots of crying, mean thoughts, learning how to accept comfort. It's an angsty one you've been warned.

Summary: MC gets yelled at by Lucifer after trying to go to the attic again. Gets triggered by childhood past experiences. Mammon is there to help.

Word Count: 2k

Note: You could probably psychoanalysis me from this. Should show this to my future therapist. Also I don't like this title, if you can come up with something better let me know lmaoo

Masterlist

You walk out of Lucifer's office. A blank far off expression on your face, with a few tears starting to grow in your eyes.

You hate having people see you cry. It feels so humiliating. You tried your absolute best to hold it in while Lucifer was berating you for attempting to go to the attic again. You tried your best to stand your ground silently, just saying whatever he wanted to hear until he was appeased and let you go.

And as if the universe had any pity on you, here comes Mammon, strolling by, looking down at his phone. You quickly turn away and start to walk to your room hoping to escape before he notices you.

"Oi human!" He runs over to you before putting an arm around your shoulder. Goddammit.

"Was just lookin' for ya, I have a great idea you're gonna love it!!" You turn your face away acting as if something caught your attention, just to keep his eyes from seeing his face.

You suck in a breath. "Maybe next time Mammon."

"C'mon ya gotta trust me! I promise it's good and most definitely not a scam this time." He says with a devilish grin.

Your tone turns a bit harsher and slower "Maybe next time Mammon." Maybe if he could just take a hint that you were annoyed and give you some space, you could run to your room to let out all your angst quicker.

But unlucky for you, there are two facts about Mammon that you overlooked. 1) He isn't afraid of being annoying and 2) he really likes to talk.

"What's up with ya today?? Are my brothers rubbin' off on ya or something?"

You take in another sharp breath "Look, I'm just not in the mood today, I'm sorry." Your voice falters among your sharp words.

"MC are you ok? For real?"

"I'm fine I just need to be alone. It's fine."

You reeeally didn't wanna burden anyone else with your problems right now, especially Mammon. By this point you were the one keeping most of the peace in this house, you couldn't just break down in front of them and disrupt that. Besides, what if he just brushes it off or mocks you for it like he does with most of your feelings.

Mammon's grip tightened around your shoulders. "Follow me."

"Mammon I already said I'm not in the mood."

"Just-" He nudges you along "Put up with me for a sec and c'mon."

Deciding that he really isn't gonna let up anytime soon, you take another deep breath and tilt your head back. Might as well just suck it up and get this over with, then maybe you can get to your room faster.

"Fine." You say in an annoyed manner.

You find yourself being dragged to the doorway of his room where he finally lets you go to fumble with the lock.

Walking in and plopping down on his couch you say flatly, "Now what." Watching him as moves to sit next to you.

He leans back and turns towards to look at you, causing you to shift your gaze to your now very interesting shoeslaces.

"What's wrong."

"Nothing."

He gives you a look.

"Stubborn human... If somethin' is making ya so bothered then it's my job as your guardian to fix it. Just spill it."

You take another deep breath trying to calm yourself but also just getting tired of fighting him. "If I do," You chew on your cheek thinking over your next words, "then I'll start crying."

With that, his face twists with confusion and worry. "Just an even better reason to tell me I guess."

You take a final shaky breath. "Lucifer yelled at me." deciding to just keep it brief.

He looks at you confused "That's it??"

"For the most part yeah."

"Oh come on, I've seen him threaten ya and even lunge at ya, how is yellin' the worst of it?"

"Um." You grow small in your seat as memories start to flood back. Tears begin to prick the corners of your eyes that you try to blink away.

"Well. I used to get yelled at a lot as a kid by my parents."

Mammon's silence urges you on.

"a-and. I uh, it just reminded me of that. That feeling of being just so small and weak." You sniffed putting on an anxious smile. "They would scream shitty things at me, calling me stuff like ungrateful and lazy. They would break stuff and throw away my favorite toys. The lectures would last for what felt like hours before they would lock me in my room for the rest of the day." You let out a weak laugh "All because I didn't clean my room usually."

You waved your hand in the air dismissively. "I know it's not that bad, especially compared to what you go through all the time. It just. It kinda messed me up a little bit." You struggled to fight back the tears threatening to fall. God, you really didn't want to talk about this.

The air grows thick as you both remain silent, Mammon sitting there stunned.

"Not that bad? If I saw a kid bein' treated like that I'd be fucking pissed!" His whole body tenses in disgust and anger.

"You get strung up by Lucifer and fucking whipped like every other week! How is this anything compared to that?" You cross your arms.

"You were a kid!!"

"So!?"

"Lucifer does that cause he knows I can handle it. I'm a full grown goddamned demon, I can fight back."

"What? That still doesn't make it ok. And why don't you fight back if you're so strong huh??"

"Cause I know it makes him feel better to take it out on me." His voice drops to a mumble. "Plus, it keeps him from doin' the same to my younger brothers."

Now you're the one who's stunned to silence, hearing nothing but Mammon's aggravated breath and your anxious heartbeat.

As you fidget with you hands, you feel a few tears make their way down your face, both from your own confession and now his. Seems like quite the touchy subject for the both of you. Finally, you look up at Mammon, who's leaning in your direction, shoulders tense, eyebrows furrowed, and to your surprise, a pair of blinking watery eyes.

Oh shit. You really just made him cry. Well, almost cry. You've never seen him like this. Oh holy shit. It's your fault. What kind of shitty fucking friend are you. Why did you even ask that question in the first place you dumb fuck. You have to apologize. Now.

"I'm sorry." You say ever so quietly, as if it wasn't more than a whisper.

"What?" You grow even smaller under his intense gaze.

"I'm sorry for making you all worked up. I should've just left when I had the chance." You bite on your tongue.

Mammon huffs, "Oh what. And just lock yourself in your room for the rest of the day?"

You stare up at him as you feel your heart jump and your breath becoming shaky.

All the pent up panic and tears you've been trying to hold off suddenly flood your system. Oh god, why did he have to say that.

Choking on air, you start hiccuping and fighting for breath as you wipe at the wetness on your face.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," you plead. You go back to trying to hide your face, breaking into a full on ugly cry. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

You hate this, so so much. Why did you let him talk you into this. Stupid annoying demons. This is so embarrassing your face is all gross now. You should just leave, just leave, leave. JUST GET UP AND LEAVE. WHY CAN'T YOU LEAVE.

Slowly, you feel two soft but awkward arms wrap around you, as a hand is placed on the back of your head, nudging it closer.

Goddammit. Pushing your forehead into his chest, you heave.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" You can't stop apologizing as if it's a mantra, slowly turning into a jumble of choked whispers.

Gently, he rubs your shaking back, holding you close.

"You're ok. It's ok. You don't need to be sorry."

No it's not ok, it's not ok, it's not ok. You have everything to be sorry for.

You take a strangled gasp for air, as if that would let up the tightness in your throat.

You grip onto his shirt tightly as you hide your face in his chest. God this is so embarrassing. You must look so stupid and pathetic right now.

"Hey, take a deep breath for me ok?" He interrupts your thoughts.

Starting you off, he takes a long deep inhale himself. Shakily, the mess of yourself tries follow along.

In...

And out...

"Another one."

In...

And out...

With each breath, your sobbing grows quieter and your apologies die down.

"You're ok." He strokes your back some more, as your grip relaxes. You take another deep breath on your own, the air feeling just a bit lighter now.

Realizing the position your in, you let out a weak laugh as you hold onto him. "I told you I would cry."

He chuckles, the sound reverberating from his chest "Well hey, at least ya warned me."

A beat of silence passes as he soothes your back, giving you a moment to catch your breath.

Why was he being so nice. He always rambled about how annoying it was to take care of you, so why go through all the effort to comfort you like this.

Still. With all his self sacrifice for his brothers and now with the way he's treating you, you can't help but have just the slightest tiniest thought that maybe, just maybe, he cared about his family and you much more than he led on.

"Thank you."

He gently squeezes you in his embrace.

"Anytime."

He gives some more time for you both to relax. Just gentle touches and soft slow breaths. His warm palm traveling up and down your back in slow fluid motions, the hand in your hair holding you securely. You press your face further into his chest, soft fabric against your cheek, smelling strongly of his cologne.

"Ya don't gotta run off if ya need to cry. I'm here to talk about it- I mean it is my job after all."

You let out a chuckle at his sudden change in demeanor.

"I don't know, it's kinda really hard for me to just cry in front of people. Or ask for help. Or anything like that." You trail off.

He hums in thought. "Well, how about this. If I catch ya havin' a hard time, you're not allowed to run away." He smiles softly burying his face in your hair.

You huff out a laugh "Hard to say I won't just start avoiding you."

"Then I'll just have to stick by your side and annoy ya even more then, huh." He squeezes you real tight proving his point, both of your smiles growing as laughter begins to bubble up from your chest.

"Ah like you don't already do that enough."

He chuckles at your sarcastic tone before relaxing again.

And after a moment, you finally pull back to look up at his face. Feeling relaxed, grounded, and safe, having gotten to this point so much quicker than any solo sob fest you've given yourself.

And you ask,

"So what was that idea you had?"

His grin widens.

#mammon/reader #mammon x reader #obey me! #mammon #obey me! swd #mammon/mc #fluff #mammon x mc #scenario #angst #fanfic #fanfiction #hurt/comfort #tw: yelling #tw: crying #obey me #om!mammon #platonic #comfort #hurt

[fateinthestars]

Star-Crossed Myth Fluffbruary Fanfic (26th Feb): Furry Friends (Aigonorus/MC)

Title: Furry Friends

Fandom: Star-Crossed Myth

Genre: Fluff

Rating: T

Pairing: Aigonorus/MC (MC’s name left blank so you can fill it in with whatever you wish in your head)

Characters: MC, Aigonorus, Huedhaut, Tauxolouve

Word Count: 1,796

Written for Prompt: February 26 : fluff | woolly | care package for @fluffbruary

February 26th: Furry Friends

 ___ nudged Aigonorus as the other ignored her offer of a marshmallow. 

“... Huh?”

“Aigo are you okay? You’ve been distracted all evening…” It’d be one thing if her boyfriend had fallen asleep but that wasn’t the case. He just didn’t really seem in the room.

“Sorry,” Aigonorus muttered, sighing. “I was thinking about my Heralds.”

Sitting up on the sofa in her apartment,  ___ took his hand in hers with concern. “Is something wrong with Nashira and the others?”

Aigonorus glanced away from her. “I don’t think so… it’s just… I’ve been spending so much time on Earth lately…”

“Oh,”  ___ murmured, smiling softly in understanding. “You’re worried they might be feeling lonely. Why didn’t you say so before?”

“... I didn’t want to bother you…”

 ___ sighed. “Aigo you come and meet me everyday after work at the planetarium unless it’s impossible for you to get away. If you need to check on your Heralds I don’t mind.”

“... Oh…” Aigonorus then relaxed into a smile. “Then guess I’ll go there tomorrow. If I head back to the Heavens now I’m only gonna get noticed and the others will be a pain…”

Laughing lightly,  ___ then fed him a marshmallow. Now that Aigonorus had got what was bothering him off his chest, their relaxing evening went more like usual.

***

The following evening when  ___ finished work, she stepped outside the planetarium with a smile which then faded as she remembered that Aigonorus wasn’t going to pick her up for once. She had meant it when she said she didn’t mind but it felt rather odd for the other not to be there for once. It had been months since the last time that had been the case.

Recalling how Aigonorus had been the previous evening,  ___ tried to think whether there was anything she could do to help.

Heading into the city and looking around, she came across an advert in a pet shop window and her eyes widened. Something like that would probably reassure Aigonorus but would it even work? Still, maybe it would be worth a go anyway. Perhaps she could discuss it with one of the other Gods? Yes, if anyone would know if it’d work it’d be him, she’d have to go to the mansion first anyway to get to the Heavens.

Now smiling brightly, she went into the pet shop and approached the counter. “About the advert in your window? If I can’t get the device to function in the area I want it to, can I return it?”

“Yes of course, though I do not see why it should be a problem.”

“The… connection there can be a little hit and miss…”

“Ah, I see. Bit rural is it?”

You have no idea,  ___ thought to herself. “Something like that, yes.”

“Alright, let me fetch one for you. Was there anything else?”

 ___ hesitated. “Well… I don’t suppose you’ve any treats that are suitable for goats?”

***

A while later,  ___ arrived at the mansion. She smiled brightly as Huedhaut opened the door.

“I am afraid if you are looking for Aigo, he hasn’t returned from the Heavens yet. From what Lou told me he was going to check on his Heralds tonight…”

“Yes, I know,”  ___ reassured, “We talked about that yesterday. Actually it was you I wanted to talk to.”

Huedhaut’s eyes widened a little. “Oh?” He then smirked at her. “If you are starting to get frustrated with how long he spends asleep then I am afraid I do not have an answer to that. If I did, I would have used it years ago.”

 ___ laughed lightly. “No, nothing like that. This is to do with his Heralds as well actually.”

“Is there a problem we should know about?” Huedhaut asked, his expression now concerned.

“No. It’s just Aigo’s been worrying about them due to him being here so much. I’ve had an idea but… it’s something that requires stuff on Earth and I’ve no idea whether it’d work in the Heavens… or better yet if half of it would work up there and the other half down here…”

“... I think you better come in.”

***

It was pretty late by the time  ___ headed to the Heavens, but she was determined to give Aigonorus his present tonight. After a long talk with Huedhaut and attempting to explain to him how exactly the item she had bought would usually work, he had consulted a few of his books and eventually had come up with a way to enhance the device so it should work how she was envisioning. 

“You still worried about this, little lady?”

 ___ snapped out of her thoughts, and turned to face Tauxolouve with a smile. “Sorry, I’m sure if Huedhaut thinks this’ll work it’ll be fine. It’s just I’ve now gotta explain to Aigo…”

Tauxolouve laughed lightly. “I think showing him would be easier than explaining, don’t you?”

Relaxing,  ___ nodded. “Yes, you’re right. Thanks for bringing me up here…”

“No trouble at all,” Tauxolouve reassured. “‘M just glad you were able to get Aigo to tell you what was on his mind. He seemed more out of it than usual during our shift yesterday.”

Once they had passed through the doorway fully, Tauxolouve snapped his fingers to teleport them both to just outside the mansion where Aigonorus kept his Heralds. “You sure you’ll be alright from here?”

 ___ nodded and smiled in way of thanks at Tauxolouve. “Yeah. I’m sure Aigo can bring me back down to Earth after. I’ve got this from here.”

“Well you know we’re always only a wish away if you need anything,” Tauxolouve replied with a wink, before snapping his fingers and vanishing.

Shaking her head a little,  ___ headed quickly into the building, carefully gripping the care package she had prepared Aigonorus.

“Aigo?”  ___ called out as she entered the main area. She frowned a little as there was no answer. Perhaps the other had already left? But if that was the case she would have expected the Heralds to have more of an issue with her being there and they hadn’t confronted her either. 

It was then she caught sight of what looked like a mass of white wool from a distance. Running over to the corner of the room she laughed at the sight of the divine beasts all curled up with each other and Aigonorus fast asleep with them.

Laying down beside him,  ___ brushed some fluff lightly out of his hair, sighing softly as even that didn’t make him stir. “You really care about them,” she murmured lovingly, placing a kiss on his cheek before laying her head on his shoulder. 

The package could wait. Closing her eyes, she soon found herself joining the others in their sleep.

***

“ ___ ?”

“Nghh…”  ___ stirred a while later as she felt someone shaking her. Blearily opening her eyes, she forced a smile as she saw Aigonorus looking at her with concerned eyes. “Aigo. You’re awake.”

“Uh huh. What are you doing here? Something’s not happened has it?”

Sitting up,  ___ shook her head. “No, if there was a problem I would have tried harder to wake you. I wanted to give you this.”

As she handed him the package, Aigonorus’ eyes widened with curiosity. Carefully tearing away the paper he frowned and tilted his head slightly in puzzlement. “What exactly is this? This thing has some sort of lens in it and this looks like a much smaller version of your TV… oh but this is…” he picked the bag of grass cuttings up. 

“That’s for your Heralds. I know you can simply summon food… if they even need food… but…”

Aigonorus smiled brightly, overjoyed, once again reminded that she was nothing like that Goddess. “I’m sure they’ll love it.” Opening the bag of grass and tipping it out so that the Heralds could eat it, Aigonorus moved away from them with  ___ . “How’d you get here anyway?”

“I asked Lou,”  ___ replied. “I know I could have waited till we saw each other tomorrow but I really wanted to show you this after Huedhaut and I worked out how we could get it to work up here.”

“... Oh you’ve spoken to Hue as well…” Aigonorus muttered, pouting a little that the others had had time with her whilst he was up here.

“Aigo I’m sure you’ll like this if you just let me show you…”  ___ reassured softly, taking the devices back from him. 

“This…” she held up the ‘thing with a lens’ before attaching it to one of the pillars. “Is technically a type of webcam.”

Aigonorus blinked. “That’s made out of spider webs?”

 ___ stifled a laugh. “No. It’s…” she shook her head. “The name doesn’t matter for the moment.” Trying to explain the internet to Aigonorus would likely need way more time than they had right now. “What matters is you’ll be able to see your Heralds without even coming here…”

The other now seemed even more confused.

Sighing softly,  ___ moved over to him and turned the ‘smaller TV’ on. On the screen the Heralds could be seen enjoying the grass clippings she had bought them. “Thanks to Huedhaut’s research this tablet should show you their pen even when we’re on Earth. You can talk to them through it too.”

Aigonorus’ eyes widened. “Then…” he hesitated. “It’s a bit like a reflecting pool?”

 ___ smiled at him. “I suppose in a way it is. It’ll only show here though because it’s the only place I’ve set a webcam up.”

“But you say they’ll also be able to hear me through it?”

“And you’ll be able to hear them, though I’m not sure that’ll be enough for your powers to tell what they’re actually telling you,” she answered, her voice a little apologetic.

Aigonorus, however, was smiling lovingly at her. “I’ve always kinda wondered whether there was a way to check on them without heading all the way out here every time. C’mon let’s get you home. I wanna make sure this does actually work when we’re on Earth anyway.”

Moving into his outstretched arm,  ___ leant on him happily as he snapped his fingers.

Back in her apartment, Aigonorus checked the tablet he was holding and one of the brightest smiles  ___ had ever seen him use spread across his face.

“Aigo?”

“It really does work…” he then put the tablet down and turned to face her, a mischievous glint now in his eyes. “But I’ve spent all evening with them so I know they’re fine right now even without that. Tonight should just be you and me.”

Blushing furiously,  ___ let Aigonorus pull her into a very tight embrace, her eyelids fluttering closed as he thanked her with a tender kiss.

#scm fanfic #star crossed myth fanfic #scm #star crossed myth #scm aigonorus #aigonorus x mc #fluffbruary 2024 #scm tauxolouve #scm huedhaut

[reneethekraken]

What a Doll

Being an office rep at the Revision of Hero Society comes with costs, talking to everyone and trying to not make an enemy out of the wrong ones. Somehow this means becoming business partners/ Frenemies/Pining lovers with Backugou and Kirishima. Though, Gangsters, they know everything about their community and these people are still people, and it's your job to help them. Being so young and running for office means being bullied by the older members of the Pro Hero society and eventually being pushed to the company, laying her off and leaving her alone with her thoughts. Shutting everyone out for weeks before finally leaving to party with Mina for a bit and when she sees Bakugou in the bar she dashes leaving her purse and keys on the bar counter. And of course, seeing her he follows her taking her keys with him.

WARNINGS: Angst, emotional, Bakugou doesn't realize how mean he is because Kirishima likes it, Reader is soft asf, Bakugou is definitely still an asshole. Blank blogs and ageless blogs DNI

PAIRING: Bakugou x reader, suggestive kiribaku x reader

WORD COUNT: 1.5k 

A/n: constructive criticism is always appreciated

This is ridiculous. I couldn't think of a sillier way to go home than this one. Walking slower than my thoughts so I can keep up with myself and not throw my eyes over my left shoulder. My feet are sore from the jacked up heels, my blouse is too wet from my urgency to have a good time and my pants are too thin as the wind blows around me on this street. All while my car slowly rides to the left of me.

He's mocking me, he has to be

He mocked my choices trying to tell me that he's already won. I don't know what to say because the thought of speaking to him brings tears to my eyes and my throat gets so tight I want to die.

I’ll never be prepared.

I'll never be able to stand up to them. Even on the days, everyone thinks I have them right where I want them, a board full of pieces that I've already accounted for. They'll never understand that the two of them are the ones who drew up the board. It's greedy, to have someone who shares similar ideas as me yet degrades my every move

“That was a selfish decision. You would have done better writing up your damn think pieces and putting them in a burn book instead of slathering your name all over an unfinished piece that makes you look like a lousy piece of uptown nobility. I don't live here but you all are making a ruckus and it makes me feel bad that I get to sit in my highrise and even look at ya.”

“If I was on the board you would have been put out the commission a long time ago, fixing my city yet telling me how’re gonna take my job, drink my coffee, and fuck my wife all before noon.” 

That's a sick way to live, miss board member, good plan. Even better spokesperson. The Daughter of mass Mutiny comes from the 3rd and last gang in the U.S. and yet she sits here in the Commissioner's office thinkin’ she's better than me. That title doesn't negate that if I wanted you and your bright ideas I'd take I’d still side with the very office that's shooting down every punch you make. And when you're beaten down thinking there's nothing else you could do, I’d give you my hand and let you realize there's nothing ever you'd be able to do in my city without my okay.

“You're lucky he sees something in you otherwise we wouldn't be friends, Doll.” 

Always had that same condescending tone as he called me about whatever decision I publicly made. Most of them were good ones; he was literally just a hater. 

“Did good out there today Doll, real good. Eiji and I are real proud of the progress ya making in sectors 7-9 keep that up and maybe I won’t have to berate ya every other day. Don't get too comfortable though Yakato is speaking wi-”

On the rare days I did get a good call he always managed to put his stamp on it. And sometimes even when he talked down on me I sat there and took it with wet panties and bated breath ready to hear him be soft with me again right before he stamped it.

Friends?!? Friends, I wouldn't even bat an eye if he choked tomorrow! In fact, I would be the first in line!  Until he knew exactly what it felt like to have his entire life's work spit on and shredded because of it being work of public relations community service logs. He's greedy and he won’t have me, because that's all it’ll take for him to win. Presenting me to his partner like a Christmas present. Popping champagne while I sit there naked and waiting for orders like all the other sick fucks that follow behind them as they need them.

I don't need them. But I do need him to get the hell out of my car. Maybe that's why I put my pride aside, I tried not to let my tears show and my anger release through my words.

Teeth clenching and eyes lowered into the passenger window, “What do you want Bakugou, why the hell are you following me late at night? You know stalking is a crime, correct?”

“It is if there's proof and your life is endangered. It could be from someone else looking to have a lucky night with a lady walking on the side of the road at 2 am looking like a call girl.” He smiled, put the car in park, and opened his door slowly. Standing over the side of the vehicle like he wanted more, needed it. “Nobodies seen ya in 3 weeks. We all thought that Having to step down from the board made ya yoke. I was hoping it had not.” He said the last part softer but that boyish grin never left.

“ It’s temporary.”

“What?”

“My decision to step down from the board is temporary and if it runs till November I’ll resign and apply again.” I was closer now to the passenger side. I wanted to show him that he didn't own me and that he didn't scare me.

“Always the fighter. Did you not have time to come see us before ya left?”

“I came because Mina said I could have a good time, I left because I was ready to go.” He sucked his teeth hearing my quick retort.

“You're hurting my feelings, thought we were friends?” He slowly rounded the car, stopping in front of the hood to play with the radiator grill.

“YOU and Kirishima are not my friends, were business partners who come together to correct hero society on blue moons-

“Then I’d say we've had more blue moons than the smurfs”

“I'm trying to be serious and professional and you're making it hard for me.”He was in front of me now and I couldn't help but look past his neck. I wasn't strong. I let the media get the best of me and the hero community. I let Bakugou and Kirishima’s backhanded compliments and weird pinning throw me off my game and accept my resignation, no temporary relief of position. He was too close, his collared button down hiding the swirly black ink of his gang insignia. The ring holder chain held a ring with opal on it. I wondered what my ring would look like next to Kirishima's

 “I don't need you rubbing my failures- I lost and because of me the city and its people will be without someone advocating for them, all of them. Someone who cares about them. WHO WANT THE BEST FOR EVERYONE EVEN IF IT MEANS DISMANTLING THE VERY SAME SYSTEM THAT KEEPS THEM SAFE BECAUSE IT ALSO KEEPS OTHERS IN SITUATIONS THAT LEAVE THEM WITHOUT.

The Tears fell and I was finally looking at him. He wasn't smiling anymore. I pushed his chest, again and again, and again. “And you were nowhere to be found, NEITHER OF YOU AND I

 CALLED AND PLEADED AND CALLED AGAIN AND MY SO-CALLED FRIENDS WERE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.”

He grabbed my arms and pinned them to my side as I cried, into his shirt, into his skin, holding onto the very fabric that held the man that I swear I hated “I know and I’m sorry. Some things were more important at that moment–”

With a croaky voice and a tighter grip, I asked what I always wanted, always needed, needed to know from him.“Am I not enough? Am I not important enough to come to the rescue? Are my problems not satisfactory on your list of important shit that needs to be tended to. What about my feelings?” He hugged me tight and sighed into my hair. “ You won ya know.”

“I didn't wanna win, I wanted to make you work hard, I promise I just wanted to prepare you for what was out there. If I coulda I woulda been on the first flight back to help but I couldn't and were sorry, Doll. Eiji is waiting for us at the house. You want me to drop you home or do you want to stay the night at ours because I swear–”

“I wanna see him too, I’m tired of this runaround. Are we friends, are we enemies, our business partners on the occasion when both sides of the coin retire us to some janky place to drink scotch? Are we pining after each other? I Don't know what we are or how we're gonna make,” I point to the space in between us, “work but I’d like to see where it goes just lessen up all that damn bark. I’m sensitive.”

He pecked the top of my head and opened the passenger door for me. Jogging over to the other side. He threw on some random radio station and put the car in drive.

 “Okay.” 

Please please reblog if you like it so I can get feedback, and find things others like to read so I produce more content! 🥰

#bakukiri x reader #kiribaku x reader #bakugou x reader #bakugou katsuki x reader #Reneewrites:p

[streamingcolors-gvf]

Boys of Summer- Part IV

Pairing : Jake Kiszka x f!reader, Josh Kiszka x f!reader

Summary: It’s the summer of 1986 and you find yourself starting your first job on your own. You were drawn to the beaches of Ocean City in search of a new start, expecting to fill the days enjoying whatever the coastal town had to offer. You find yourself thrown into a world you couldn’t have anticipated and the memories made were sure to last a lifetime. 

Word count: 7.2k

A/N: This is it, guys!  I’m finally pulling it together for this. I had endless support and help to create this project. It wouldn’t exist without these girls @allieboop and @josiee-gvf. I give so much credit to @allieboopfor helping me with this. Everything from the title idea, putting together the header, and helping with plot ideas. She’s a true gem ❤️ 

Again, Im so sorry updates are all over the place with this. Please bear with me. Hope you guys enjoy it! Any feedback is greatly appreciated. I seriously love to hear your thoughts on these things!! I’m so excited to continue working on this!

**Everything written here is intended to be read as complete fiction with the utmost respect for the real people these characters may be based on. I do not know the guys personally and don’t intend for this to reflect on them as real people in any way.

Warnings; swearing, tobacco use, fluff, angst

Boys of Summer playlist

Thankfully Danny was right about Josh being right where he had left him- sick and borderline passing out in the bowling alley bathroom before being rescued by his closest friend. The tense altercation dampened any further excitement for the evening and it was decided amongst you to call it quits for the night. Danny had asked you about a dozen times if you felt okay to drive home and finally gave in to you insisting that you were fine. After saying your goodbyes, Sam and he had to load a very drunk Josh into the back of their car, leaving you alone again.

    You grabbed your things and headed towards the front desk to turn in your pair of rental shoes. However, this time a younger blonde girl was working the counter along with the same employee from earlier. You tried your best to ignore her as she giggled loudly behind the counter, whispering comments that you couldn’t quite make out, but by the way she was staring at you-you figured the commentary was about you. 

    “Hey! Are you with that guy?” She spoke through the loud smacking of her gum, causing you to stop and turn right before reaching the exit door. 

    “I, I’m sorry?” You stammered as she examined you with a judgmental look in her eye while she played with her bleached hair, teased as high as physics would allow it. 

    “Are you with that guy that stormed out of here earlier?” She pointed a finger, nails painted in bright blue polish, towards the doors.

    “Jake?”

    She snickered at your answer, “Uhh, no. Michael.”

    The name wasn’t familiar to you, but then your mind began to catch up, attempting to put the two together. “Who?”

    The girl rolled her eyes at your questioning and blank, clueless stare with an attitude best fit for the moody teenager, “Michael Capewell?” 

    “I, I uh-“

    “Nevermind.” the girl scoffed, breaking her view away from you to redirect it to the magazine in her hands. “I guess you aren’t.”

    You stood frozen in your spot, not sure what to make of the interaction. Wanting to know more, you decided to take a few steps toward the counter, pausing in front of the teen that was busy reading up on the latest fashion trends.

    “Should I know him?” you blurted out, embarrassed at your ignorance. 

    “Are you serious? His family owns like a ton of property here.” She didn’t even bother to look up from her reading material, “ I’m pretty sure his father has like three or four of the fancy hotels along the beach. I think they own the casino, too. They are like crazy stupid rich. Everyone knows him.” She finally looks up from the magazine to scan your entire body again with a look of disgust across her youthful features, “Well…besides you.”

    The blatant rudeness shouldn’t have surprised you, and the other employee only shrugged his shoulders. “Thanks…I guess.”

    The young girl only hums in response, clearly bored with this conversation. You take in the new information and try to wrap your head around the man that made your night living hell. 

    You reeled over what it all could mean as you walked through the groups of people hanging around the outside of the doors and onto the black pavement of the parking lot.

“Hey!” 

The familiar male voice made you whip your head around in search of the source. You were undoubtedly on edge given the circumstances of the evening, practically jittering with anxiety. You were relieved, yet slightly frustrated when the owner of the voice turned out to be Jake, who was making his way toward you. 

You didn’t stop to wait for him to catch up, continuing your quick pace towards your car in the back of the lot.

“I told you I don’t know that guy,” you hissed before he could say anything else. 

His voice was neutral, dropping the anger he displayed to you earlier, “Yeah, I know.” 

You continued to walk away from him. 

“Hey! Would you hold on for a minute!”

You stopped and groaned, “What do you want, Jake?”

“I just wanted to apologize for freaking out back there.”

This made you turn to face him, making you both stop in your tracks. To you, “apology” didn’t seem like it was in Jake’s vocabulary. You just stared at him, trying to decipher the odd behavior. He only stares right back at you in this weird standoff, waiting for you to break. 

“Okay…Why do you care?”

He huffed out laughter, maybe to cover the hurt from your response, “What do you mean?”

“Since when do you care about apologizing to me?”

    Your question made him take a step back from you. He looked off into the distance, rubbing his chin with his fingers while deep in thought. You couldn’t quite make out the expression on his face, not sure if he had an answer or if he was offended by the remark.

A few moments of silence hung in the thick air before he cleared his throat. You weren’t used to whatever this was from him, and it made you uneasy. 

His hand wrapped around the back of his neck, and his voice lacked the usual confidence he typically carried, “I can drive you home if you want.”

That was the last thing you expected from him, and with a cautious tone you asked,  “Why?”

“I dunno. I guess I’m freaked out about that dude following you home or something.” This was the first time you caught a sense of nervousness in Jake’s demeanor.

Here Jake was, giving you whiplash, yet again. Yelling at you one moment, and now trying to apologize the next. His back-and-forth, hot-then-cold disposition never failed to leave you flustered and apprehensive. It left you questioning everything. You didn’t want to take the bait this time after everything you’ve been through, “I have my own car. But thanks.”

You began to turn away before he interrupted your movements.

    “Wait!”

 He grabbed your arm and the sudden contact startled you, making you flinch back from his touch. He immediately released his grip around his arm after seeing your reaction and raised his hands apologetically.

“At least let me follow you home.” You gave him a puzzled look and he quickly added, “I mean… if you want.” He shook his head, not liking how that sounded and he threw his hands up in the air in frustration, “Shit…Look, I just want to make sure that asshole doesn’t follow you back home, okay?”

Admittedly, a part of you was flattered by Jake’s apparent, and yet strange concern for you, but the rest of you also wondered if the unusual behavior was out of some sort of guilt from the way he acted inside minutes beforehand. You could never quite gauge his intentions or actions with you as if he was almost impossible for you to read.

Nothing could have felt worse than the idea of him doing something he felt he needed to do out of obligation, and potentially hanging it over your head later on when it benefited him. 

“Did Danny put you up to this?”

He jumped back, surprised by the assumption, “Wha-? No! No.” He shook his head at the idea. “Danny… never mind. I just wanted to make sure you got home safe. That’s all.” 

You brushed off the offer with a wave of your hand, “Well, thanks for getting him away from me tonight and everything but I really don’t think that’s necessary, Jake.”

He only nodded, sticking his hands into his front pockets while rocking back on his heels while accepting your rejection. You muttered a half-assed ‘goodnight’ before breaking away. 

You had anticipated him disappearing into the opposite direction across the lot as soon as you turned back towards the direction of your car. So it was a surprise when you looked behind you and saw him still standing where you had left him. The bright orange glow from the flame flickering from his Zippo lit up his face for a fraction of a second as he ignited the end of a cigarette.

With your mind reeling, the thought of that man, Michael, lingering around and possibly waiting for you did begin to creep up in the back of your thoughts. The thought of him touching you again made you shudder, but you tried to push that fear away as you crawled into the driver's side of the Pinto. 

You went to turn the key in the ignition, just as you have a thousand times before, and was met only with the dreaded clicking of a dead car battery.

“Shit!” You cursed under your breath as you dropped your forehead against the hard edge of the steering wheel, wincing from the contact. In a second attempt, praying silently to yourself, hopeful for a different outcome, you turned the key once more with more volition than ever. Failing you just as before, the piercing click click click rapping sound assaulted the night air.   

You sat in silence, going over the few possibilities of how you were to deal with this problem in your head and looked up from your lap to see Jake leaning casually against the passenger side door of the car next to yours, waiting patiently for your next move with a raised brow and crossed arms over his chest.

You let out another defeated sigh, “Do you think you could jump me?”

“That’s pretty forward of you-“

“Damn it, Jake! Do you have jumper cables or not?!” The high volume of your voice surprised you, but only you as Jake had not moved a muscle. 

He only reciprocated your outburst with one of his famous shit-eating grins. Which only fueled the anger and frustration to bubble up even higher within you, ready to spill over at any given moment. You hated how amazing it looked on him and wanted nothing more than to slap the stupid smirk right off his face, even if the sight of it managed to pluck a certain string of excitement within you.

Knowing him, you thought Jake probably sensed this while letting you stew in irritation for a few painstakingly long moments before breaking his view from you to look off in the distance, letting out a deep sigh, “I don’t.”

You groaned loudly in response and threw your back against the seat, slumping into the worn cushion entirely. Jake pushed himself off the car to prop an elbow along the inside of the open window frame of the Pinto, staring directly at you. 

His hair had fallen over half his face, draping over his eye, making his brush it back with a sweep of his hand. 

“So how are we feeling about that ride?” His voice was calm as ever, smooth and enticing-threatening to pull you in completely. 

For a fleeting second, you thought if circumstances were somehow different, you could admit how enticing he was. You violently shook the thought out of your head. It was an act out of pure stubbornness, true childish defiance. Jake had caused a massive ripple in your life since the day you met and wouldn’t allow your wounded pride to give in that easily. “I can just call a taxi or something.”

“It’s going to take forever for a taxi to come to get you on a Friday night. Especially at this hour.”

He was right, and you hated it. If you looked at him now, you would give in to the offer. You huffed out, “I’d rather walk home then.”

“You’d rather walk home than take a ride from me?” You still couldn’t look him in the eyes but you did hear him sucking his teeth, “Ouch!”

“You can go. I really don’t need anything-“

Cutting you off, “Just get your shit and come on. I’m tired of this.”

    Before you had a chance to fight the issue anymore, Jake had walked off from your car. Your chance at a ride was disappearing fast. Without wasting another second to think it over, you quickly grabbed your purse and jacket from the passenger seat and locked the Pinto up for the night to follow Jake back to his car. He was barely waiting for you as he made his way through the lines of vehicles in the parking lot. 

    He walked beside a ‘70 Camaro, painted dark forest green with two large white stripes across the hood and top, and unlocked the driver’s side door before hopping into the seat. You followed along the side of the car, running your fingertips along the smooth, waxed surface.

Popping open the passenger door you quipped, “Why am I not surprised?”

He raised an eyebrow at you, waiting for you to elaborate.

“Oh, you know what they say about men with sports cars,” you teased while slumping into the passenger seat. The leather interior was already sticking to the skin on the back of your legs from the humid night air. 

    He was curious about what you meant by that, “What do ‘they’ say?”

    “Something about how men only  buy them to compensate for something.” You anticipated that the comment would bother him, making a small smile creep across your lips. 

    To your surprise, Jake was grinning instead, with his bottom lip tucked between his teeth. From the look in his eye, he enjoyed getting under your skin-invading your thoughts like this. 

“Says the woman who owns a car that literally explodes,” he chuckled to himself. 

He wasn’t wrong. Your Pinto was borderline a rolling death box waiting to burst into flames the moment someone rear-ended you. It was a sensitive topic given how much you love the car. You just weren’t willing to part with it if you could help it. 

“Whatever,” you snapped in defeat and crossed your arms tightly over your chest as you glared out the passenger window. 

You hated to admit it, but you were thankful that Jake had stuck around long enough to help you out. Even though you would never tell him, he could sense your gratitude.

“You don’t need to wig out on me. It’s just a ride.”

    You huffed in response, annoyed about your new predicament, upset that you had ultimately given in to him. Allowing him to win. 

“You wouldn’t be in this mess if you didn’t drive a piece of shit, ya know.” He laughed, turning the key in the ignition-firing the dormant engine to life. The low rumbling purred throughout the vehicle, vibrating the seat beneath you. He revved the engine as if to wake the sleeping beast, making it roar with each aggressive press of the pedal.

    He shifted into reverse, extending his right arm behind the headrest of your seat, and turned to look behind him as he backed out of the parking spot. It was impossible not to notice this view of him. The glow of the street light coming through the windshield revealed the expanse of the taut muscles of his neck, which appeared to shine from a thin layer of sweat across the tanned skin. You darted your eyes away when he looked back, hoping that he didn’t catch you.

The neon signs, reflecting beams of oncoming headlights, and the yellow glow of the streetlights illuminated Jake’s face and you found yourself staring once again at his distinct features. His long hair whipped around, dancing erratically against his cheeks and neck in the air flowing through the open windows. Your gaze followed the strong browline, furrowed in concentration, and how they framed his large, half-lidded eyes. They traced down the defined, sharp bridge of his nose, over full, pouty lips that wrapped around the filter of his cigarette with every lazy drag-

“You can turn on the radio if you want,” his raspy voice, just loud enough to be heard over the Camaro’s loud engine, pulled you out of your wandering thoughts. 

“…Or you could keep staring at me.”

“Oh,” you mumbled, embarrassed that he had noticed your gawking, and reached for the dial. His hand left the shifter to reach for the same dial, and for a brief second, your hands grazed each other. You pulled it back to your chest as if you were burned by the touch.

“Sorry,” Jake muttered under his breath and cleared his throat as he rested his open palm on the shifter once again, now drumming his fingers along the surface. The tapping of his ring against the hard material brought your attention to his hands.

    You watched as the knuckles moved with each tap of his fingers. The ring around his middle finger, responsible for the tapping noise, was a small golden skull and crossbones centered in the large silver band. With each of those taps, the tendons danced under the defined veins on the back of his hand. 

You even noted the old, stained braided rope bracelet worn around his wrist, with loose threads now fraying out from wear. It was paired with other bracelets of various metals and materials, clanging together with each movement of his arm. 

    You began to wonder how many others noticed these things about him. How they felt sitting in this exact seat next to him. What did he say to them? How many women were kissed by him where you sat?

You really should have kept the thought to yourself but somehow you let it slip freely from your lips, “So how many women have sat in this seat?”

You figured the sassy remark would have elicited a similar response from him. Instead, you saw Jake huff in irritation before sticking the burning cigarette in his mouth to wrap his left hand tightly around the steering wheel as he suddenly shifted into the next gear-making the Camaro lurch forward at high speeds, throwing you back into your seat without warning. You acted out of pure instinct to brace yourself and grabbed on tightly to Jake’s forearm. His skin felt hot to the touch, and you felt the lean muscles tense under your palm.

    “Jake! Slow down!” 

    “You're not scared, are you?” He teased, laughing and enjoying the little moment of panic he had created as he weaved in and out of traffic on the busy highway. It felt like he was missing the other cars by mere inches, making every muscle in your body tense up to brace for impact. 

    “That’s not funny!”  You shrieked, and it felt like your heart plummeted from your chest to your stomach. Whether it was from the force of the speeding Camaro or the fear of him hitting another car, you weren’t sure. You had let go of him but had clenched onto the seat and door instead. 

    ”What?!” Jake yelled over the roar of the loud engine. “You seemed so concerned about all the other women that have been in my car. I just wanted to give you the full experience.”

    You couldn’t even concentrate on his words over the wind whipping through the car windows, the overwhelming roar of the engine, and multiple honking from other vehicles as Jake passed them. You screamed, “Please slow down!”

    “She likes to be ridden hard and fast, baby!” Jake threw his head back, laughing almost manically at your expense, “What do ya think?”

    “You’re an ass.” Your voice was weak and trembling. Your knuckles were almost pure white from how hard you gripped the door handle.

    When he finally looked over and saw the real fear set in your eyes, he instantly shifted down, slowing the car rapidly to a more appropriate, legal speed. He remained silent the rest of the drive, keeping the Camaro at a comfortable cruise for you. 

Although the drive home was only about twenty minutes or so, it felt excruciatingly long with how you both sat in silence. After a few minutes of stewing in the awkward tension, Jake finally gave in and flipped on the radio. It seemed weird considering how the floor of the Camaro was as littered with cassettes. He turned the dial to flip through multiple stations for a few minutes before settling on one he could tolerate. You avoided looking at him at all costs, still shaken by his reckless driving, but you could hear the soft hums of him quietly singing along to “Drive” by the Cars.

    Your directions back to your place were short and simple, not wanting to talk to him any more than what was necessary. It was only when he pulled into the familiar small road leading to the house that your body began to finally relax, knowing that you would be home safe. 

As soon as he slowed the car to a stop you quickly blurted out, “Thanks for the ride. Night.”

He muttered in a soft, low voice, “Sure.”

Desperate to escape, you fumbled looking for the door handle, searching in the dark with open palms with no success. You let another frustrated sigh, throwing your hands up in defeat. Taking you by surprise, Jake quickly leaned over the center console, bracing himself with an open hand resting on the top of your thigh. You felt his fingers press firmly into the top of your leg, leaving indents in the supple skin. 

Heat flushed wildly through you. He was only inches away from your face for the second time that evening. The images, ones that you tried desperately to push away, of Jake with Jenny that night of the bonfire flashed vividly in your mind. You pictured how he had her pushed up against the wall, how his hands wrapped around her body, the way his tongue slipped in her mouth. For a second you had the desire to reach out and touch him…

You heard the pop of the door lock.

“Can’t start a car and you can’t open a door? Sounds like you shouldn’t be driving at all,” He teased, the playful jab was enough to elicit a small smile from you again, and pulled away to slide back into the comfort of his seat. The spot on your leg where his hand was placed felt like it was burning hot. 

“Uhh… right.” You grabbed your purse and bolted out of the car, slamming the door behind you, not wanting to look back to see his reaction. 

As soon as you opened the front door, you heard the sound of the Camaro rolling across the gravel as Jake backed out of the driveway.  What was that?

You awoke feeling groggy from the greasy food and amount of sugary drinks you had. Your morning routine dragged on slowly while you did your best to recuperate from the lingering headache and queasiness setting in your stomach. You decided that you needed to enjoy some relaxation while dealing with everything that had happened the night before. Grabbing one of the paperbacks you had packed, you headed outside to the hammock to do a bit of light reading while the weather was still bearable. 

The morning hours were filled with sounds of sea birds and the distant humming of boats speeding across the bay. Thoughts of Jake tried to invade your mind while you spent the time alone. You managed to push them off for the time being to get through a chapter or two of your novel before the sleepy heaviness weighed relentlessly on your lids, pulling you into sleep while you swayed between the tall trees. 

“Whatcha reading?” 

Your eyes flickered open to see Josh standing by your side, smiling down at you. It was a perfect sight that made your heart warm the moment you laid your eyes on him. 

“You’re alive!” You squealed in joy. 

It didn’t take much from him to make a smile from across your lips. It was effortless. You had expected him to be violently hungover given the condition he was in the last time you saw him.

Now, in front of you, he was beaming with energy and vibrancy, not even sporting any darkened circles under his eyes that would form from lack of sleep. His golden, summer-tanned skin was glowing more than ever. Your heart sank when you saw him dressed for work, knowing he wouldn’t be able to stay with you long.

“He lives!” Josh cheered as he started to crawl into the rope hammock without another moment of hesitation, making it swing violently back and forth as he tried to maintain his balance.

“Josh! You’re going to tip us over!” You giggled and instinctively reached out to grab him as the hammock wobbled with the addition of his weight. 

He smiled at the touch, “Relax, Greenie. I am a professional.”

You gave a playful shove to his shoulder, “A professional dumbass.”

From the very first moment you met Josh, you felt comfortable with him. He somehow made you feel at ease, but something about lying here with him, with every part of your body practically touching as the both of you entangled yourselves in the center of the hammock, sent a buzz of electricity across every inch of your skin. 

Your body reacted, tensing up from the proximity, given how things had been between you lately. Although, he didn’t seem to show the same concern as he effortlessly tucked his arm behind his head for support. 

    His relaxed state was able to calm your nerves within seconds, and you nuzzled into him, making him hum from the contact. You embraced the feeling of his warmth, allowing the fresh linen smell of his worn t-shirt to envelope you. As the swaying of the hammock began to slow, he shimmied a bit and pulled out the creased paperback from underneath him. He looked at the cover for a second before fanning the pages with the pad of his thumb.

“Cujo, huh?” Josh scrunched up his nose in distaste, creating little wrinkles across the skin, before letting out a playful laugh, teasing you with a playful bop of the book’s spine on the tip of your nose. 

You swatted him away, taking the book from his grasp, “Oh…yeah.”

“I didn’t pin you as a King fan,” Josh teased, throwing a gentle elbow despite the lack of room between the two of you. 

“What? I’m just supposed to be reading cheesy romance novels instead?” You scoffed, rolling your eyes at him. 

“No, no. I just didn’t think you’d be into horror.” He quickly explained to his defense. “ But I bet you’re only reading it because the hot mom drives a Pinto.”

“Ew gross!” You swatted his arm. “You know that’s not true. But I will say she’s a woman of good taste. You’ve seen it?”

“Barely. I’m pretty sure I didn’t sleep right for a week after I saw it.  And I didn't even have a dog at the time. I just never really got into horror films.” He paused, smiling to himself as he reminisced over a fond memory, “I did sneak in to see The Shining in the theater when I was like fifteen. Only because it was a Kubrick film, ya know?”

“Kubrick?”

“The director?” He sat up slightly, propping himself up on his elbows to look at you, “Come on, Greenie. Tell me you’ve heard of him!”

“I’m sorry!” You confessed, covering your face with your hands, and you watched as his mouth dropped open in disbelief.

“We need to change that, then. I am going to educate on the best of the best,” he beamed, his voice bursting with excitement at the proposition. 

“Okay, deal. I wouldn’t have guessed that you were a huge movie buff.”

“Oh yeah. I love film. It’s what I was going to school for.”

“Was?” You wish you could have pulled the simple word right back into your mouth as soon as it left your lips when you witnessed the instant drop in his smile. 

“Yeah I dropped out,” his voice was meek, and he picked on the cuticle of his thumb, possibly embarrassed from the admittance. You watched as he stared up at the sky and brushed his hair from his face with a sweep of his hand. 

“I’m sorry, Josh. I didn’t mean to “

    He reached down and grabbed your hand from your lap, slotting his fingers between yours, cutting the words off in your throat. The action felt rather intimate, blindsiding you as his thumb rubbed across the back of your hand.

His voice was soft, yet heavy with a new feeling of sadness, “No, it’s okay.”

You both lay still in the silence of conversation, taking in the sounds around you. He continued to trace delicate circles with his thumb. After a bit, you decided to break the silence, “How come?”

“I don’t know. When I first came out here, it was really to make some money for the summer and spend time with my brothers and Danny. I think I felt like I had to stay here, that if I left I would be abandoning them somehow. I’ve just never been able to leave I guess.”

“I think they would understand if you went back to school”

“I don’t know. I think Sam would have a hard time, but I think it would hurt Jake the most.”

“Why?”

“It might be a twin thing. He would never say it to my face, but I think he needs me around,” he laughed half-heartedly at the thought. “And Sam’s just young and gets into dumb shit all the time.”

“They will be okay. I think you should pursue it.”

“I dunno. Maybe…” Josh trailed off. You could tell the topic bothered him a bit. His body language was becoming rigid and tense against you. 

You decided it was best to drop it, and dropped your cheek against his shoulder once again. 

“So what was up with last night?” You were apprehensive about bringing the topic up, but you also knew Josh would avoid it at all costs if you didn’t. It was the elephant, and there was no way to ignore its presence. 

He was hesitant, and you noticed his breathing change underneath you, “What do you mean?”

You were careful in your choice of words, “Danny didn’t tell you?” Although, Josh didn’t budge, so you continued, “About that guy?”

“I mean…a little.” 

You weren’t buying whatever he was trying to do. He was avoidant and dismissive, but you needed the answers.

“Who is he, Josh?”

He responded quickly, almost interrupting you, “A friend of mine.” Although you knew more about the man, you wanted to hear it from him. 

“A friend?!” It was a lie, but you pressed on, “He didn’t seem like a friend to me.”

You sat up to stare at him. He wasn’t looking back at you this time, instead fixating on the leaves rustling in the breeze above. What was he doing hanging around a guy like Michael?

He sighed deeply, “Okay, I’ll admit, not a good friend…”

“I don’t believe you,” you huffed, and you began to pull your hand away until Josh tightened his fingers around yours, pausing your movements.

The tone of his voice took on a more serious note, “Greenie, I’m sorry about everything that happened but it’s nothing to worry about-“

“Josh, he practically groped me in the bowling and said really awful things. Awful things about you.” 

You started to relive the night before, cringing from the memories of Michael harassing and even threatening you. Sure, you were worried about yourself, but you were also terrified for Josh and his safety. “Why was he looking for you?”

He turned his head and a pained, apologetic look settled on his face in response to your words. The distraught expression made your heartbreak. You desperately wanted to comfort him, but you had to stand your ground at this moment. 

“Josh, Just tell me what’s going on. Please.” You squeezed his hand to emphasize your point. He responded to your plea with a gentle squeeze of his fingers. 

“You promise not to freak out on me, right?” Josh released a throaty laugh, yet you could still sense the bundle of nerves and apprehension laced within the sound. 

He lifted your hand, the one still intertwined with his, and tapped the back of your fingers against his lips. It seemed absentminded like it was something he would do with his hand. 

“I promise,” your voice was barely above the volume of a whisper as you watched him graze the skin of your fingers across his soft lips, tracing along the shape while deep in thought. You felt him smile against you and for a fleeting second, you swore he kissed them before dropping your hand back down to his side.

“It’s nothing big.” He paused for a second,  hesitant on spilling his confession, “I just owe him a little money. That’s all.” He then tried to reassure you with a quick shrug of his shoulders. 

“How much money?” Knowing how wealthy this person was made you instantly nervous. 

“Nothing much. I’ll pay him this week and it will all be fine.” He spoke quickly, rushing to get this part of the conversation over with in hopes you wouldn’t pry further. You knew he wasn’t being entirely truthful either. “I swear.”

“From the way, he was talking, it sure didn't seem like it was “nothing much.”

“It’s not worth worrying about. I promise.” Josh’s expression seemed pained, stressed even. You weren’t sure if he was saying this to himself or you. It was becoming evident that he wasn’t going to give you anything else on the matter.  His eyes closed momentarily before he continued, “The guy is just a creep when it comes to women. That should have never happened to you, Greenie.”

His voice started to break near the end and you swore you saw tears begin to well in the corner of his eye before he looked away from you. 

“It’s okay,” you were now trying to reassure him, but your voice still cracked slightly through the words. 

“It’s not. I shouldn't have had that much to drink.” He looked back at you, and you couldn't deny the new sadness, now heavy in his eyes. “I think I just wanted to celebrate that you still wanted to be around me. But what if something bad happened?”

“There’s no way you could have known,” you reassured him again. 

“Yeah, but I should have been able to protect you.” The thought warmed your heart momentarily until you realized what could've happened last night if Michael had found Josh. 

“It’s all okay, Josh. It’s not your fault.” You tried to comfort his worried state. You hated seeing how critical he was of himself, especially when it came to you. He squeezed your hand while you nestled into him, embracing the calm scene around you. 

“I’m such an idiot,” Josh mumbled quietly, bringing a hand to weave his fingers into his hair, and you weren’t sure if you were supposed to hear it. 

He turned his head to look at you and the way the sun caught the golden-honey hues of his eyes made the breath catch in your throat. Most of the time, they appeared to be a dark coffee shade, but now as the beams of morning light filtered through the trees above, you began to notice the softer toffee tones speckled within them. His cheeks were slightly pinkened from the summer sun, flushing his face with a youthful glow.

    The loose and messy sun-bleached curls fell across his brow, threatening to creep into his eyes if he forgoes a haircut within the near future. Your silent staring made the upturned corners of his lips pull up into a soft, addicting smile. To you, every single part of him seemed to be kissed perfectly by the sun.

Josh reached his hand up and gently brushed hair from your cheek with a feather-light swipe of his fingertips. His large, brown eyes continued to scan over the features of your face before settling on looking into your own.

 “You’re really something,” he hummed quietly, almost a whisper while glancing down at your lips. 

    Memories from the night of the bonfire began to play in your mind as he looked at you. Before, you could have blamed the amount of alcohol or even the silly game you got roped into. Now you didn’t have an excuse or reason to stop yourself.

    Josh started leaning in, closing the inches of distance between you. You simply couldn’t contain the anticipation, bursting out into giggles when his nose brushed against yours.

    “Are you laughing at me?” His attempt at taking offense failed miserably as he joined into your giggling. You felt the warmth of his puff of breath flutter delicately onto your skin while his thumb grazed against your flushed cheek and across the shell of your ear before his fingers weaved into the depths of your hair. 

He paused, hovering his lips over yours to savor the moment-not wanting to rush this time under peer pressure or alcohol clouding the experience with you. You held your breath, waiting for him to close the space between you.

The loud, purposeful sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted him from doing so.

You both snap your heads up to find where the noise came from. There he was, standing just a few feet from you. 

“I should have guessed this is where you would be,” Jake hissed at his twin. It was hard to read the expression on his face, not understanding the meaning behind the words. You then noticed he was holding your jacket in his hand-the one you left in his car the night before.

Josh was just as confused by his brother’s presence. You witnessed the confusion shift quickly into anger as he glared at him. The new developing tension between them was palpable, thick, and unwavering as they stared at each other. 

Breaking the unnerving silence, Josh asked with an unnaturally abrasive tone to his voice, “What are you doing here?”

Watching him, you saw Josh’s eyes shift from Jake’s face to your jacket in his hand.

“She uhhh… left this last night.” Jake held up the jacket to Josh to see, avoiding all eye contact with you, right back to ignoring your presence altogether. He tossed the clothing on the end of the hammock and backed away.

Josh turned away from his twin to look at you, still confused and upset. You saw how he started to process everything in his head, piecing things together before you could explain them. As soon as he made his assumptions, his once-relaxed body went rigid, ice-cold, and tense. He pulled away from you instantly as if you were now suddenly a stranger. 

He had a look on his face as if you had physically struck him. He gasped in disbelief, “You were with Jake last night?!”

Leave it up to Jake to ruin moments between you and Josh. There was no doubt in your mind what Josh was thinking, but before you even had the chance to open your mouth with an answer, he crawled out of the hammock.

The sudden release of Josh’s abandoning you made the hammock sway violently, throwing you off balance. It took you several seconds to steady yourself before you could lift out and place a solid footing on the ground. 

Jake had already ditched and had started backing the Camaro out of the driveway, leaving you to deal with the aftermath. 

Thoughts scrambled wildly in your head, desperate to remedy the situation that had started to unravel before you, “Josh, he just drove me home last night.” 

He scoffed, not turning back to face you as you followed behind, “Right, okay.”

“I’m serious! Nothing happened!” Your affirmation, mixed with the shrillness of your voice only made you appear more guilty to him. 

He finally turned on his heels to look at you. His brows were furrowed in anger, and the beaming smile had disintegrated into a pained frown. “Is that why your car isn’t here?” He threw his hands up in the air, “You were too busy with my brother?!”

You recoiled from the harshness of his voice, and how it cracked at the last word.  His accusation cut deeply, and he knew it. Regret flashed across his eyes as he faced you. In your defense, there wasn’t anything established between Josh and yourself, but you felt the disappointment in his words.

He scoffed again in disgust when you took too long of a moment to answer.

“Wait!” You shouted as he walked away from you. “Josh, I can-“

Cutting you off, Josh snapped, “I’ll see you at work, Greenie.” He stormed off towards the driveway, leaving you behind. The slam of the Jeep’s door made you jump. 

You thought of what he meant to you as you watched him back the car out of the driveway, following Jake’s actions a minute beforehand. Making you question why he was even here in the first place. Where did Jake fit in all this? 

You stood in the lawn, hopeless and defeated by the sudden turn of events. When you finally turned to make your way into the house, you saw Cindy sitting on the front stoop of the porch, taking a long drag of her cigarette. 

Walking up and scooting past her, she flicked the ash, and blew the smoke from the side of her mouth with an amused look on her face, “The twins, huh?”

Embarrassed by the scene that had just unfolded, and afraid of the answer, you were hesitant to ask, “How much of that did you see?” 

“Enough.”

You winced at the thought. 

“Personally I’d take Jake.” She giggled, tapping out the butt of her cigarette into the glass ashtray by her side. 

“Shut up, Cindy,” you snipped, allowing your frustration to get the better of you. She only laughed to herself as you opened the door. 

You let the screen door slam behind you. You weren’t sure how your first dinner shift with both Jake and Josh was going to go, but one thing was for certain- it wasn’t going to be easy

TAGLIST:

@allieboop @josiee-gvf-gvf @weightofdreamz @sammyslappers @sammiejane22 @doodle417 @prophetofthedune @maverick-rose-rose @weightofdreams-gvf-gvf @loofypoofy @gretasmokerising @keighoe @brokenbellz @gvfrry @gretavanfleas @baguettejuliette @jakeyboiiiiiii @kdarling1 @obetrolncocktails @angelkiszka @welightthefire @dannyandthekiszkas @kerryxoliver @shesawomaninadream @Neptune2324 @ashabeannn n @ksmiz711 @gretavanbitches @gaby-gvf @alexxavicry @luverleaver @kissthekiszka @milkgemini @freckled-wonder @ksmiz711 @josh-iamyour-mama @callsigntick @gabs-gvf

#gvf fic #josh kiszka #fanfic #josh kiszka fanfiction #gvf fluff #josh kiszka fluff #josh kiszka series #jake kiszka fic #jake kiszka x reader #jake kiszka fanfiction #jake kiskza #jake kiszka fanfic #jake kiszka series #jake kiszka angst #josh kiszka angst #gvf twin fic #we love some good twin jealousy

[melgbi]

Genshin Childe/Zhongli Fanfic Rec

A list of my fav childe/zhongli fics as I have read many and wanted to share. Fics with a heart (❤) are my all time favs. The list itself is in no particular order and except for two fics all of them are complete.

I’ve included trigger warnings in bold below the title, please read the tags before reading the fic.

❤ basket of knives | Oneshot (1/1) | Rated Teen (Angst, Hurt/Comfort)

TW: Depression, Self-Harm, Suicide Attempt

“I just want to be loved,” Childe says to himself, to whoever is listening. “Is that too much to ask?”

They are on the roof once more, this time Childe’s foot touches the edge of the building as he daydreams of something that cannot be. The sky is blank and cloudy and perhaps Lumine fears it’ll all end when he takes a step.

“Not at all,” she says. It’s still the truth.

Contrary to popular belief, Childe hates his family but loves them all the same.

the sister | Multi-Chapter (6/6)  | Rated Teen (Humour)

TW: None

The tragic and unexpected death of Zhongli-xiansheng of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor occurred to the sorrow of many and the deep skepticism of a few.

time flies like an arrow | Oneshot (1/1) | Rated Teen (AU Modern, Reincarnation)

TW: None

He’s tired, tired of the unbreakable loop of watching his loved ones pass on, tired of getting attached only for the connection to be violently ripped away from him. He wonders if the real victors during the Archon War were those who perished, who died long before their godhood turned into a curse that chained them to the land that they were fighting for.

But that is not a problem for Childe to worry about. That is Zhongli’s burden to bear, delivered to him in a pretty package years ago in the form of a gnosis.

His very first contract.

(Zhongli and Childe, across many lifetimes)

A Sight for Sore Eyes | Multi-Chapter (36/?) | Rated Mature (Canon Divergent, Slow Burn, Humour)

TW: Graphic Violence

Childe's purpose in Liyue was to play the part of the fool in Signora's plans, all the while ensuring she didn't completely fuck it up.

Given her idea to "test the people of Liyue" was to release a sealed god on them and call it a day, for whatever reason believing this was an entirely reasonable benchmark to test independence on, Childe had a lot of preparations to do to keep the entire thing from collapsing in on itself like his mental stability in the abyss. Fortunately, there seemed to be enough pieces on the board for Childe to maybe possibly hopefully swing this in a way where everything worked out.

Now, if only they would stop leaving jobs like this to the blind guy.

❤ Lungs full of Roses | Multi-Chapter (9/?) | Rated Mature (Hanahaki, Angst, Humour)

TW: Graphic Violence

Childe had always assumed that he would die young. He had accepted that a long time ago, ever since he accepted the mantle of a Fatui Harbinger. However, he always thought that he would die in a glorious fight, his body broken but spirit relishing the strong opponent that had bested him. He was okay with that type of death.

Unfortunately, it seemed like Fate had decided to add one last insult to injury, because, here Childe was, dying because he had fallen in love with the ex-Geo Archon. The same Archon who seemed to have discarded him like an old toy ever since the Osial Incident.

---

In which divine beings are cruel and a cursed Childe starts preparing for his inevitable death because no Archon could ever love a mortal.

...Right?

(NOTE: The tags promise a happy ending but it updates slow and sporadically so be prepared for the angst)

if i choose not to see it, it does not exist | Oneshot (1/1) | Rated Teen (Humour)

TW: None

Zhongli might as well have just straight up told Childe. He absolutely refuses to think too hard about it.

or

Tartaglia's accidental guide to why Zhongli is most definitely a hundred percent not Rex Lapis. There is nothing suspicious to see here.

#fic rec #genshin fic recs #childe tartagalia #zhongli #genshin impact #chili #tartali #zhongchi #childe x zhongli #melgbi fic recs

[spainkitty]

The Lavellan Clan's Fate

tw: grief and death

Lanil's Pieces Masterlist

Ambassador Montilyet,

I regret that my help for your Dalish allies came too late to be of use. By the time my forces arrived in the area, the Dalish had been scattered or killed, and there seems little left of their clan.

I understand your Inquisitor must be feeling the loss of her clan. Please accept these gifts and my promise of future help whenever it is necessary.

Yours,

Duke Antoine of Wycome

One hundred gold.

It sat in a pouch with the duke's wax crest sealing it closed. One hundred gold in exchange for however many dozens of lives that had made up Clan Lavellan. 

The paper in Lavellan's hand trembled. Crinkled as she tried not to curl her fingers into a fist. Tried desperately not to scream. To light it on fire. To throw it on the ground and shred it beneath her boot.

All of them. People she would never see again. People she couldn't even remember. A Keeper that had called her da'len and asked for her help.

She had failed them. She failed them all. Because she'd decided to play politics. She should've sent Leliana's spies to slit their throats while they slept. Sent Cullen's troops to grind them beneath the Inquisition's heel and leave their pieces for the wolves.

The room around her was too silent, but she wasn't alone. They were staring at her, or maybe staring at their hands, but she felt the weight of their attention. What would their tame Dalish mage do now? Lavellan slammed the missive on the table.

"Tell him whatever you want and sign my name if you must," she hissed between her teeth.

"And the gold--" Josephine began, halting and quiet. Too fucking quiet.

Lavallen raised her head to meet those soft, beautiful eyes filled with sympathy and pity.

"Keep it yourself. Throw it down a hole. Melt it into nothing. Shove it down someone's throat. Preferably the duke's," Lavallen snarled. Josephine winced. "I don't care. I don't want to see it or hear about it. I definitely don't want anything to do with that simpering moron's money. My People are not worth one hundred pieces of his useless fucking gold!"

She spun on her heel and stormed out. Stay any longer and she'd lash out harder, tear into Josephine until the guiltless, kind woman either cried or despised her. Fuck, she probably already did. Blaming the duke for being useless? She was useless. She failed them and she couldn’t even--

She strode through the hall. People called out, bowed, whispered her titles. She thought she heard Varric, his concerned call of "Shortie" at her back. But she didn't so much as slow. She walked faster. Faster. Plowed past the crowd that milled at the gates. The guards bowed to her there, too.

The minute her boots crunched in snow, she ran. Ran so fast, her shoulders hit tree trunks and pine needles whipped at her face. Her eyes stung and her breath heaved past her quivering lips. Finally, when she couldn't run anymore, she fell against a tree, gripped it tight as if it could hold her back, and screamed into the rough bark that scraped her face.

The scream broke off into sobs. Rocking her whole body with them. She slid down, uncaring that her nice silk tunic snagged, that the thin skin near her eye was probably bleeding and full of stinging sap.

They were dead. All of them dead. She didn't even know their names. Their faces. Most of her grief was for herself, because she didn't have enough of them inside her to grieve. She was empty. Shallow. A blank slate. And her only connection to them was a couple pieces of paper saying how proud those faceless strangers were of her. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair to her, but it wasn't fair to them more. How could she mourn them, avenge them, make them proud? She didn't even love them, not truly, not with her entire heart, not as her family.

All she had left was anger while she grieved an idea of people and a home it was more and more likely she'd never remember.

It took a long time for the wailing to end. To run out of tears and breath and selfish guilt. She curled under the tree with her back to the trunk, knees up to her chin, arms tight around her shins, and shuddered and shook her way into control. She couldn't go back until she could apologize for her outburst, then tell Josephine that she hadn't deserved to be at the other end of that tirade. Could Josephine forgive her for the slip?

Just a few more minutes, a few more deep breaths.

...

In the war room, the door had swung shut behind Lavellan's back and all three of them winced. Josephine dropped her tablet and pressed her hands to her face.

"This is my fault! She is right to be so angry! I shouldn't have pressed her--"

"She made the choice and we all agreed on it. It seemed like a good idea at the time," Leliana interrupted. Josephine shook her head.

"I failed her. I failed the Herald. I must take accountability for what I've done," Josephine whispered, voice shaking.

"The only one who failed was this Duke of Wycome," Cullen disagreed, harsh and furious. He punched the table and the map markers rattled. "How well connected to the Inquisition is he?"

"Not... well. Formalities, a few encouraging missives, donations of... of gold." Josephine inhaled unsteadily and they all stared at the pouch on the table.

"Then, we must investigate those so-called bandits. If they're smart, they will be long gone, but my people are smarter. They'll find a trail," Leliana said fiercely.

"The question is why. Why would bandits destroy an entire clan? What do they gain? How was it even possible?" Cullen exclaimed. "I know how Dalish fight and they were on their territory, defending their own. It doesn't make sense."

"All excellent points both of you made weeks ago that I encouraged Her Worship to ignore. I put her trust in a stranger who obviously did not have their best interests at heart," Josephine said, finally finding a sliver of anger in the midst of her guilt. At herself, at the Duke. It didn't matter. It stiffened her resolve and her eyes flashed. "I will do anything to help. I must fix what I can, even if it is only getting justice for them."

"Josie, you must not let this be personal," Leliana warned.

"Of course it is personal! Her entire clan is dead! Massacred in their home!" Josephine cried. "Duke Antoine is obviously a simpering moron, but I have other contacts that I trust wholeheartedly, who have proven themselves to us. I will see to it."

"I will make sure my people get their part done as well. As quickly and ruthlessly as possible. Whoever is behind this, they will not get away with it," Leliana vowed.

"Lavellan..." Cullen said quietly. The women glanced at him. "She should not be told. Not until we know more of what is happening in Wycome. I don't want her to..." He trailed off awkwardly.

"Of course, Commander. We three will see it done. When we have answers for her, then the Herald will know."

"It won't bring them back, but perhaps she will find peace in the answers," Cullen agreed heavily. He looked up at Leliana. "I will tell our troops near Wycome to stand ready. I don't think the bloodshed is over."

"Neither do I."

"We must make sure to protect as many as we can," Josephine said.

Silence fell again. All three were drawn to the pouch still on the table.

"I personally liked the idea of shoving it down the duke's throat," Leliana said at last.

"It seems the most poetic," Josephine said. Then, sighed. "Unfortunately, we have no proof yet that he isn't just incompetent."

"Throw it down a hole." Cullen's lip curled in distaste and he left the room.

"I'll find a hole, I suppose," Josephine said. Leliana laid a hand on her arm, squeezed gently, then followed after Cullen. Josephine grimaced lightly and picked up the pouch with the very tips of two fingers.

...

The guards at the gates bowed again when Lavellan returned. She lifted a hand, actually acknowledging them, but made sure to keep her face in shadow. It was well and truly dark now, not a trace of sunset left, a few torches guttering in their sconces to light the passage, so it wasn't difficult.

"Commander left orders to make sure the gates stayed open until you returned, Your Worship. Should we close them for the night or will you leave again?" one guard asked.

Something squeezed in her chest at the idea of Cullen coming down here to make the order himself, maybe looking out to see if she was already on her way back. But he'd probably only sent a message. He had more important things to do than worry over a grown woman who'd thrown a temper tantrum like a child.

"I won't be going back out. And... um," she inhaled and tried to smile. "Thank you."

Both guards bowed again, somehow even more upright and square-shouldered than before.

"Of course, Your Worship."

She walked... more like trudged forward as the porcullis rattled downward. Hopefully Josephine was in just as concerned a mood as Cullen. Apologies were not Lavellan's forte and her tongue was already in knots.

"Lethallan."

"Shortie!"

She glanced up, startled, as Varric and Solas rushed towards her. Even worse, Cassandra and Dorian were right behind them. All of them had matching worried expressions, and Cassandra looked downright disheveled. Some random courtier behind her looked even more disheveled and a little terrified.

Lavellan forced that smile back on her face.

"What's this? Roughing up poor strangers just because I went on a walk?"

"A walk? Shortie, you've been gone the entire day," Varric said. Lavellan grimaced. So he had seen her leave the hall that morning.

"Lane, you didn't even wear a coat and you're soaked to your waist," Dorian added.

She glanced down and realized how filthy and damp and rough her clothes were. And yes, her breeches were all but soaked through.

"There was... snow." She suddenly shivered. She hadn't felt cold at all until Dorian had pointed it out.

"Really, Inquisitor, you must take care of yourself," Cassandra scolded.

Cool, smooth fingers under her chin lifted her face and she met Solas' dark grey eyes. He frowned, his gaze flicking to the side of her face.

"Did you also walk into a tree?" he asked gently. "Perhaps several trees."

"Ha. Funny. As a matter of fact, yes. It's dark at night, you see, and I didn't see them."

"You didn't see the trees... as you walked straight into them? Several times?" Varric reiterated slowly.

"Yes. It was dark."

"Darling, that is the worst lie I've ever heard."

"I can do better. How about I saw a tree and decided it'd be really fun to run headfirst into it. Or I punched a tree and it decided to punch back."

"Or you tell us why you're lying at all?" Varric interrupted as she was getting going. She grimaced.

Blessedly cool magic stroked the side of her face and she tried to jerk away. Solas merely reeled her back in with one hand and kept his other hand on her face. She flushed in embarrassment. She felt like a naughty child all over again.

"It's just a scratch--"

"It's several scratches and they're filthy. So hold still while I do this," Solas admonished. Lavellan scowled. "Stop doing that with your face. That's moving, lethallan."

She scowled harder and he sighed.

"Must you keep us in suspense like this? Surely you can allow us to help you," Cassandra demanded.

Lavellan tried to shake her head; Solas tsked loudly.

"I will tie your head still if I must."

"Perhaps not in the middle of a crowd of people. Oh, look at that, more people are coming to see the fuss. Perhaps the gossip will no longer involve you and I, darling."

"Fine. Fine! We can... we can go somewhere... somewhere private. You'll find out anyway," Lavellan muttered. The icy balm ebbed away.

"We can go to the Rotunda. It has a small measure of privacy," Solas offered. His fingertips tapped her skin. "You made it difficult, but I finished here."

"Because it was a scratch. A few scratches." She shivered again as wind blew through the passageway. Funnily enough, she was warmer while Solas was using his chill-touched magic.

"All right, Shortie. Let's get you outta the wind." Varric set a hand on her elbow and guided her forward. The heat of his big hand warmed her through the thin silk and tension leaked slowly from her.

It was them. It would be all right.

Dorian, with all his charming pomp, called for tea the moment they entered the hall. Solas had barely settled a threadbare coat around her shivering shoulders when an elf woman appeared, arms laden with a tray filled with much more than tea. Biscuits, a platter of fruit and cheese, several scones glittering with sugar, and a very large pot of tea crowded for space on the tray that was probably heavier than the woman carrying it. Lavallen blinked at the tray, then at the woman, utterly speechless.

"The Herald means thank you. Absolutely lovely assortment. Thank you, my dear." The elven woman blushed, bowed, and hurried from the room. Dorian poured Lavellan the tea himself, adding a generous helping of sugar, before setting it into her numb hands. "Sugar helps get through bad news, darling."

"It's definitely bad news if you went out and got into fights with trees," Varric said, pulling up one of Solas' few chairs.

Lavellan sipped at the tea, trying not to grimace at how sweet it was, but sipped again. Sugar really was helping, even if she hated it.

"Elves. They have... we have some sort of..." Lavellan tightened her grip around the cup, letting the tea burn her palms through the delicate porcelain. "Prayers, a ritual... for the dead. Don't we? I... don't remember." She closed her eyes and pressed her lips together.

Her four friends exchanged heavy glances.

"Yes. I could help you remember it," Solas offered finally.

"Shortie, who died?" Varric asked, that large, warm hand on her arm again.

"Varric, that is... there must've been a kinder way to--" Cassandra stumbled over her words, offended at his lack of tact.

Lavellan laughed, harsh and cracked. "Kinder way to ask? In what world is there a kinder way to ask? It's still the same answer." She got to her feet, stared down at the tea, and then dropped it carelessly to the table. It rattled and rocked and dark liquid spilled over its rim to drip sluggishly to the floor. "Everyone. Every single Lavellan clan member is dead. And if they aren't dead, they're scattered like leaves thousands of leagues away. And I'm here! I should have gone home. I should have been there."

She panted, chest shuddering unevenly with each breath, hands curled into fists.

"Da'len--"

"No! Don't." She skittered away before Solas could touch her. She pressed her knuckles to her mouth and stared at the slowly growing puddle. Inhale. Exhale. Control. "The Keeper. They called me... I don't even know if they're a man or a woman, I don't remember them. But they called me da'len, so just... just not today. Not now."

"I understand."

He sounded so... so patient. Her eyes shuttered closed.

"What do you need, Lavellan? Is there anything that we can do?" Cassandra asked. So gently. That blunt kindness that was so particular to her.

"We can be there, when Chuckles here helps you...?" Varric offered.

Lavellan nodded. "But not today."

The idea of letting go of this grief, this rage, in any way; she wasn't ready for that. She wasn't ready to say good-bye. She didn't know how she'd get through it, how much she'd be able to hold down, hold back, while they stood with her. While Solas spoke words she should know to help their spirits travel to the Beyond without her. When the screaming in her head stopped, she'd be ready. But not yet.

"Maybe... we could talk about something else. Anything else," Lavellan suggested quietly.

There was an awkward shifting. And then,

"I'm thinking about naming your story, The Worst Misadventures of Thedas and the Unlucky Son of Bitch that Survived Them."

"Oh, Varric," Cassandra groaned. "I thought you said you weren't writing it?"

"Isn't Worst Misadventures rather redundant?" Solas asked.

"Everyone's a critic. And Seeker, I just said you wouldn't be in it."

Lavellan chuckled. The coat she'd dropped fell around her shoulders. She looked up, and found Dorian smiling gently down at her. The other three bickered over Varric's book title and doled out some food while he wrapped the coat more tightly.

"You were shivering again."

"Oh." She glanced towards the puddle of tea. "I made a mess."

"Solas will survive."

"I yelled at Josephine."

"She most likely already understands."

"I should apologize."

"Apologize? You? Darling, all of Thedas will feel the earth shift. The mountains will crumble and the oceans will boil."

"I'm not that bad." She scowled at him.

"No, but it's nice to have that familiar face back."

She scowled harder, but her lips twitched. He made to move away, his arm so casually slung around her about to leave.

"You could--" He stilled, an eyebrow rising. "We could stand. Like this. For a minute." Her fingers kneaded at linen as she stared at Dorian's chin, face heating.

"Yes, we could." His arm tucked a little more firmly around her.

Slowly, hesitating for every incremental inch, Lavellan lowered her head to his shoulder. It was the lightest pressure, her whole body stiff and ready to flee, until he squeezed her reassuringly. She slumped against his side and watched Cassandra, Solas, and Varric heatedly argue about tea. She was pretty sure Varric was only agreeing with Solas as eloquently as he was to fluster Cassandra. She smiled.

#one of the first horrible surprises of DAI was how FAST the Clan died and i had NO IDEA it was coming #this is why i fucking cheat when i play videogames #but i do like the character study in grief i get to make out of it BUT I'D PREFER THEY WERE FUCKING ALIVE #clan lavellan #dai lavellan #character study in grief #Lanil's Pieces #Dorian is a fucking CHAMP and is my favorite character FITE ME #okay no Varric is my fave no Dorian no Varric no Dori-- #kitty writes a thing #long post #I love Solas Dorian Cassandra and Varric as her besties #Iron Bull also becomes her bestie but because i got ABSOLUTELY TRAUMATIZED in Trespasser it's hard to write him now😭😭😭

[runicmagitek]

4, 11, and 14.

Thanks a bunch for the ask!! 🥰

4) What themes/concepts in the canon do you most enjoy exploring in your fan works? I tend to be drawn to narratives and characters that are Really Going Through it and trying their best, despite the circumstances. I love broken characters. I love characters who are so used to one way of life, only to be thrown into a completely different scenario and forced to relearn everything. I love when they find someone they trust enough to open up to and reveal their biggest fears. I love when that other person chooses to stay, to support them, to face all those horrors together no matter what. I don't doubt that's a reflection of my own experiences in life, but what can I say? I have a type. And I love writing about that and am glad to see there are others who enjoy reading those kinds of stories too.

11) What attracted you to the fandom(s)/media you write in? I write for a lot of different fandoms, but I think the overarching theme is that I'm the most drawn to stories that leave you wondering. Like there's enough of a gap or question mark that makes me want to fill in those blanks. This is a HUGE reason why I have not shut up about 13 Sentinels yet, because the game is LOADED with stuff like that. Or back when I beat Transistor, my head was buzzing for literal years due to all the unspoken bits and what-ifs it presented. When a game (or show or whatever) answers too many of my questions, then my desire to write fic for it wanes. But when it leaves wiggle room and makes me hungry for more? Ohohoho you better believe I'm digging in.

14) What aspects of your creative process do you enjoy most? Which are most challenging? I had a friend on Discord ask this to the server a while back and my answer remains the same - I honestly love the entire creative process. I love coming up with ideas, love figuring out plot beats, love writing the first draft, love editing and polishing, love researching, all of it. My nemesis continues to be figuring out a damn title for the fic before I post it. I suck at that lol. But everything else is honestly a delight for me. That's probably why I write so much - I just genuinely enjoy writing!

#runic rambles #meme thing #my writing

[saltyladynightmare]

Jiliu AU 9.2

Beginning, Previous, Next, Masterlist

A/N:

Ori'Ana : mando'a/basic, a mix of Ori'vod, and Anakin, basically naming him Older Brother Anakin, just as the suffix -'ika makes 'younger Brother' from Vod'ika

/italics/ : thoughts, emphasis

bold : talking though the Force, because why not

Chapter 9 is not completely finished, but chapter 10 is an idea. If anyone has any ideas for scenes in which the Vod'e are learning how to use the Force, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment. So far, all of my ideas involve various troopers launching themselves into walls when they jump/run/do something too fast. It gets monotonous after a while.

Warnings:

Anakin is a lonely string bean. He also has no trust in the Jedi, because I was salty when i started writing this, and must stick to my guns. Mentioned mistreatment of the Coruscant Guard.

~~~~~~

Fox commed at 0003. When Anakin accepted the comm, he was unsurprised to find it was only audio. Fox was using the comm built into his helmet; the one with top tier GAR encryptions, assigned to each Clone Commander. Exactly as careful as Anakin had hoped.

"General Skywalker," Fox greeted.

"Commander Fox," Anakin returned easily. If titles were what Fox wanted to use right then, than Anakin had no problems letting him lead the conversation in a direction that would make him most comfortable. "I'll warn you now; this isn't a social comm."

"Your earlier comm conveyed that, sir," Fox assured gruffly.

Oh, good. "I know you're busy, so I'll do my best to keep this brief," Anakin started. "Due to..." whatever in the name of the Force had happened, "...an incident on my last mission, I'm on medical leave for the foreseeable future."

"What?" Ah, there's Ori'vod Fox, as Anakin knew and adored. Never mind that Anakin was a little under nine years older than him. Elder Sibling was a mindset, not a birth order, even if he and Fox had a weird tendency of tossing that particular title back and forth like a live grenade.

"I'm fine," Anakin stated. "I'm not dying, or even lightly maimed. I'm moving around on my own, and I'm not on bed rest." Anakin inhaled to continue, but hesitated. He cursed himself. This is Fox. Anakin can tell him this kind of thing without being judged for more than being a little bit of an idiot. He was pretty sure. But really, even if he was wrong and Fox did judge him, what dignity did Anakin have left? "I'm currently confined to a heavily shielded room in the Healing Halls, because the Force is suddenly excruciatingly loud and my body responds appropriately, but physically okay."

"Appropri—you're saying that your body is acting like its taking sonic damage?"

Anakin grinned. "Yes. Good news is: there is a possible treatment option, but I'm probably not going to see results for a few days if it does actually work." It'd work. Anakin would make sure of it, even it meant hemorrhaging energy into the Force itself. He would not stay in this room for a moment longer than necessary. "In the mean time, I've been confined to a heavily shielded room with limited access to the outside, and a To Do list longer than a venator-class cruiser. I was wondering if the Guard was able or willing to assist my men in getting some of the things on my list completed."

Fox went quiet for several beats. Anakin bit his lip to force himself to remain silent, giving Fox enough time to process.

It didn't take him long. "You'll want Guide," Fox stated.

"If he's willing," Anakin agreed.

Fox concurred, "If he's willing." The crackle of flimsy shuffling fizzed through the admittedly shoddy speakers of Anakin's make-shift comm. "I can arrange for four Vod'e to be available at oh-six hundred today."

"Excellent." Anakin hauled his aching body up onto the chair behind him, and reached for one of the closer, mostly blank datapads. "If you could comm me with the names of the four, I'll wright up instructions to send them."

"Will do."

Nerves rolled in Anakin's gut, but he shoved them away. Fox is reasonable, and if he turns Anakin away, that's on him, he reminded himself. "While we're talking," he started forcefully casual, "does the Guard need anything? We're aiming mostly for medical supplies and food, but I want to introduce Torrent to little bit of everything."

Fox hummed contemplatingly. Anakin tapped a free finger against the datapad. Fox didn't need to think about what the Guard needed; he knew because he was a good Commander. He was staling because, like most competent people who'd been spurned before, Fox was hesitant to ask for anything like assistance.

"Ten crates of food, and three crates of medical supplies," he said eventually.

"No problem." Anakin typed the requests into the 'pad one-handed, making a note to triple that if at all possible, and maybe see about getting them a quick sweet snack they could stash in their utility belts. It was the least he could do.

While he typed this, and Fox filed his mountains of datawork, something pings softly on Fox's side of the comm. A moment later, Fox told Anakin, "Guide has agreed to act as a guide."

Anakin grinned. "Well, that's one thing off my mind. And the other three?"

"Pending."

"Ok." Anakin thought about ending the conversation there with a reminder to comm him when Fox had confirmation. Something in him rebelled at the idea. It wasn't a big deal to stay on the line with Fox, it had been awhile since they had talked. And, if Anakin was honest with himself, he really didn't want to be alone right then anyway. If Fox wants to end the comm, then he can, Anakin decided. Until then, they could sit in silence.

Absently humming to himself, Anakin pulled his To Do lists toward himself, and woke up the one with his personal long term list to add a note to talk to Rex about supporting the Guard the next time Torrent got leave on Coruscant.

The idea was to not only help the Guard so they could actually get a few eight hour sleep cycles in a row if they so chose, but also to ensure Torrent understood the Guard were not data processors, or flimsy pushers.

Not that Anakin had heard Torrent's opinion on the Guard, or if they even had an opinion. Still.

Anakin had heard more than a few troopers' thoughts of them, and it had not been good. Best nip that at the bud, really. Especially when such opinions came from ignorance and misinformation.

"The other three have gotten in contact with me," Fox stated abruptly. Anakin twitched in surprise, before blinking at the comm in his mech hand. Right. He was still on a comm. "They've agreed to provide assistance. Sending their comm codes now."

The comm vibrated in Anakin's hand, metal against metal, signifying an incoming text comm. A quick check shows the new comm code, all helpfully labeled.

"I have them," Anakin tapped the tiny screen with his thumb to save the codes.

"All four of them are currently available, General," Fox stated.

Ah. Time to get to work, it seemed.

"Understood, Fox. I'll leave you to your datawork," Anakin assured the Commander. "Hopefully, I'll see you before I get shipped out again, should everything conclude as expected."

"Yes, sir."

And Fox is done for the day. Commander Fox will keep going because he must, but Vod Fox needed either his allotted five hours of sleep or several cups of kaf before he could produce anything like social skills. Understandable. In his place Anakin would be a walking corpse all the time instead of only in the last six hours of his thirty-two hour shift.

"K'oyacyi, Fox." Anakin hit the button that'd end the call before the exhausted man could reply, hoping against logic the man would get some rest some time soon. Stay alive, Fox, stay alive.

Anakin breathed deep, held it, then let it out slowly as he set the comm on the table top.

Fox was a grown man, he'd live this long, he'd survive a few more days if he had anything at all to say about it; this Anakin knew.

Trusting this was, as always, more difficult than Anakin could say. He did it anyway. He must.

Anakin sighed, and picked up the comm again.

He tapped the screen a few times, calling up the comm codes Fox had sent him, then selected the one that looked the most familiar.

Hopefully, this would be Guide.

The comm rings once, then clicks to signify it had been answered.

"CT-5155."

Anakin smiled at the crisp acknowledgment. "Good morning, Guide. Eat anything interesting recently?"

Guide perked right up. "Ori'Ana!"

"Upani," Anakin returned warmly. "Fox said you had agreed to assist my men in our endeavors?"

"Torrent, right? Yes, I did," Guide affirmed. "Do you have plan for tomorrow, sir?"

"Less plan, more To Do List. If I give you the comm code of the other three volunteers, could you add them to this call?" Anakin smiled sheepishly. "My...device is a little limited."

"No problem!"

In short order, Guide linked in three other Vod'e.

Immediately, in the manner of siblings everywhere disturbed by another particularly daring sibling, they started complaining.

"What in the name of the Force is this supposed to be?" It wasn't until the unspoken threat crackled through the tiny speakers on his comm that Anakin realized exactly who he had on comm.

"A debriefing!" Anakin chirped.

The comm went silent. Then—

"Commender?"

"Sir?"

"Ori'Ana!"

The three Vod'e try to out speak the others, but it was Guide's near demented giggling that won out in the end. Anakin grinned.

"The one and only! It's good to know you three are still among the living," he greeted. "My understanding is that the four of you have volunteered to act as guides for my men as they run errands?"

"We did, sir, although I hadn't known the Favor Commander Fox mentioned was to you," Ka'ahk stated.

Faze, Guide, and who Anakin could only assume to be Slip, Guide's newest not-so-shiny partner after his last one had learned all he could from Guide about the lower levels of Coruscant, named such for his ability slip out of any sort of sticky situation Guide might fling himself, and thus his partner, into, murmured their agreement.

Heh. "Classic Fox move there," Anakin observed. "Now, as I told Guide earlier, I have a To Do list I both need and want completed before I ship out—"

The next few hours are spent going over what, exactly, the four Guardsmen would be helping his men with over the next few days. When they need to sign off to get their scheduled five hours of sleep—and, oh, did he both await and dread the moment Kix caught wind of that little detail— Anakin began messaging and comming his lower level connections to arrange for a drop of disguises that would make the men less obviously clones by midday.

That done, he messaged the four Guard Vod'e with the coordinates of the drop, and the instructions on how to get them. Then, he messaged his Command Staff with the details of what he had done.

Breathing in deep, Anakin forced himself to set his comm down. He checked his To Do lists, and grumbled at finding there really wasn't much more he could do at—he glanced at the clock and cringed—0347 in the morning.

A quick evaluation of himself revealed he was /way/ too wound up to even consider sleeping right then.

Okay, now what?

He plopped his chin on his palm, eyes wondering around the walls the light from his datapad barely touched. He could work on the mousedroid, or stretch some. Except he didn't really want to do either of those things.

So what else—ah. His eyes land on the neat pile of holocrons in the center of the table.

Rex had left him the list of questions he couldn't answer before, right?

He looked at the clock again.

Yeah, he had time.

With a flex of his fingers the holocron on top lifted up and came to hover before him. A twist in the force here, and a press there, and its seals cracked open, allowing greenish white light to escape. It swirled gently, then twisted up and around into a humanoid figure in armor.

Anakin sat back. "Hello, General."

"Greetings, General."

#jiliu au #start wars prequels #star wars #clone wars #cc 1010 #commander fox #fox #original clone troopers (mentioned) #anakin skywalker #anakin is half force #anakin needs a hug #anakin has insomnia #holocrons #army of light #force bonds

[anghraine]

For no particular reason, I’ve been navel-gazing about obnoxious comments I’ve gotten on fic over the years.

Of course, “obnoxious comments” aren’t created equal. I basically divide the ones I’ve personally received into three types: 1) breaches of etiquette, 2) trivial shit, and 3) wtf?

#1 is stuff like leaving a comment on a new fic to ask when I’m going to update an older fic for a completely different fandom. Please don’t do this! But it’s not a huge deal. Or just saying “update soon” and nothing else like I’m some sort of fic-writing machine. Or trash-talking the genre or ship that I’m writing to emphasize that my fic is good even though my taste in ships/tropes is shit or something. I don’t like any of these things, but they’re essentially just different ideas of courtesy.

#2 are things like ... correcting me for making up a title for the blank Fitzwilliam earldom in P&P instead of going with “Earl of Matlock” (an invention of the 1995 P&P—I’ve gotten multiple complaints about not using it). Or the occasional complaint about calling my genderbent Luke Skywalker “Lucy” instead of something more obscure and space-y (as opposed to the obscure sci-fi name Luke, I guess). Or my physical descriptions of the characters not matching the casting in someone’s preferred adaptation (again, P&P 1995 fandom is particularly prone to this—one person felt the need to inform me that they always imagined my Darcy as Colin Firth, despite knowing of my dislike for the 1995 and the descriptions in the fics not matching him, in response to a fic where Darcy is a woman). Or there’s “well actually in the novelization/Expanded Universe/film/whatever...”

#3 is easily the least common. The most objectionable of the “wtf” genre of comment was undoubtedly the person who thought I was implying that Elizabeth Bennet is a WOC in Season of Courtship, and went on a screed about it. The weirdest was the person who asked if leaving Subsequent Connections unfinished made me feel desirable. I was also pretty “wtf” at the person who urged me to stop writing screenplay-format fic because it reminded them of a different fic writer who they disliked. And there was someone (at AO3, of all places) who told me that my fic was great but I was personally shitty.

There have also been some kind of peculiar edge cases, like someone responding to my Ivriniel fic with a pseudo-above-it-all comment about how hilarious they found the idea of anybody in Gondor ever resenting Aragorn (i.e. the premise of the fic). There was also some person who was indignant that the other comments on First Impressions were positive despite Henry not being manly (there actually were plenty of other people who had criticisms of First Impressions, but most were clustered at different sites than this commenter’s). Obviously not anywhere near as bad as the straight-up racism or homophobia, but those still struck me as weird and wanky beyond just fannish obsessing over minutia.

I have gotten criticisms that I don’t think of as obnoxious—some were (non-adaptation-based) corrections of genuine mistakes, like Americanisms and getting Italian phrases wrong and continuity errors and things. Some people have noted where longer fics meandered off track and the pacing got uneven or seemed directionless (fair!). Some people don’t like my readiness to give substantial roles to OCs/near-OCs. Others don’t like specific decisions I made, like the Rebellion’s limited roles for women in the Lucyverse or the justification for Catherine’s proposal in First Impressions. Okay!

Also, while obviously I’ve seen and remembered the obnoxious comments, they make up a small proportion of the overall comments I’ve received over the years. Most people are nice. I’ve very rarely received really nasty direct comments, despite writing sketchy things at times, deliberately rejecting popular fanons, etc.

And ... I mean, my two biggest fandoms by a mile are P&P and SW (in terms of what I’ve written fic for). And Austen fandom has always been the odd one out for me, fandom-wise. If I excluded the responses to Austen fic specifically, my experience of fic comments would be even more overwhelmingly pleasant (and the comments on Austen fic are mostly pleasant, but it is definitely the wankiest fandom I’ve ever been: both very particular about conformity to its norms and very Cult of Nice about addressing pretty much anything). I know that SW fandom does have awful people in it who leave worse comments than anything I’ve ever received—that’s just what my personal experience has been.

So, yeah, the occasional obnoxiousness I’ve encountered seems like ... not nothing, by any means, but given how much I’ve written, what I’ve chosen to write, and the basic contrariness of my nature, I’ve probably come out pretty lucky as far as fandom goes.

#if i'm perfectly honest the fact that the most substantial bulk of my obnoxious comments #come specifically from 1995 p&p fandom #is... probably not unrelated to how intensely i've come to dislike it #i've always had my gripes with it and i genuinely have a lot of issues with various choices #but if there was less pressure to accept andrew davies as the one true prophet of jane austen it might annoy me less #of course most 1995 fans are lovely people but the greatest proportion of my negative ficwriter experiences have been w/ that corner #so that's a thing! #i also suspect my sw experience would be worse if i'd written much for the st instead of tumbling into jyn/cassian fandom #which (despite its faults) was far and away my best star wars shipping experience #anyway #anghraine babbles #fic talk #general fanwank #long post #austen fanwank #legendarium fanwank #sw fanwank

[j-graysonlibrary]

Fort Heaven Chapter 33

Title: Fort Heaven

Author: Jay Grayson

Word Count: 69K

Genres: Suspense, investigative, drama, LGBT+

Available on: Kobo and my website

Synopsis: Some call it a hoax. Others claim it’s a cult. But, to Evon and his friend Yasmine, two online journalists, Fort Heaven is the subject of their latest story. Along for the assignment is cameraman and not-so-secret crush of Evon’s: Russet. With a drunken, murky night in their recent history, things are especially tense between them but, of course, personal matters take a backseat when the interviews start. The trio speaks to ex-members of Fort Heaven and, while some of the accounts are shocking, the job remains just that: A job. That is until one of the women they interviewed, along with her daughter, goes missing. It soon becomes clear that not only is Fort Heaven a real threat but Evon and his friends are being watched. And what started as a simple cash-grab article is now a matter of life and death.

Full chapter 33 under the cut

Chapter 33

The following weeks were chaotic for everyone but, at the end of the month, they were all able to say that they were okay. It was far more than any of them—especially those who had been imprisoned—could have hoped. The police had their investigation underway and, even though it seemed that Simon and Seth were nowhere to be seen—that they had taken a few other members in.

It wasn’t anything any of them wanted on their mind though.

Trinity kept up to date on the events but kept them to herself. If they asked then she would tell them but she knew they all had plenty to worry about without the stress of that hanging over them. It was the least she felt she could do after their ordeal.

In a similar fashion, Evon and Yasmine’s boss gave them plenty of leeway when he learned about what had happened. He even gave them an extension on the assignment and paid them an impressive chunk of cash in advance. While it could have been a case of him feeling guilty or sympathetic it could have also just been his way of encouraging them to focus on their experiences which, everyone knew, would end up being worth money.

At this point, they had no choice but to record their personal experience along with the footage they already had. That and whatever it was Willow had been able to record.

Many afternoons were spent in a room—usually Jackson’s—and they would take notes and discuss how the documentary was going to play out. A few interviews were also filmed while they were still in the hospital including some short ones with the police.

The only ones uncomfortable with the idea of all of it being made public were Nichole and Jackson. Even if both of them had been aware of the original plans of the journalists, they were surprised to learn that they still wanted to go through with it after everything.

Russet had to become more accustomed to using his non-dominate hand for everything. Every once in a while, Evon would catch him looking down at his missing fingers with a blank expression and he would gently place a hand on him. He didn’t have to say anything to get his point across.

There was a look all of them had. One that was full of words and emotion and never needed a response. It was a mutual understanding and almost like a touch of compassion… It was something the six of them would always have.

“We should get tattoos to cover the brands.” Yasmine mentioned in a sort of off-handed way one evening as they continued to iron out the details of the documentary.

Everyone looked over at her as they mutually thought the idea over. Evon nodded and started to smile. “That’s a pretty good idea…”

“Yeah, I know,” she responded with a laugh that almost sounded like normal. That had been happening more and more lately.

“Matching ones?” Russet questioned with a raised brow. He definitely already had objections about it judging by the tone in his voice.

“Obviously,” Nichole answered in Yasmine’s stead.

“I don’t know about needles…” Jackson mumbled.

“Well you wouldn’t have to get one if you didn’t want to,” Yasmine said and nudged his arm.

“But if everyone is matching then I’ll feel left out.” He frowned.

“I know a tattoo artist with a light hand,” Willow spoke up, “You’ll hardly feel anything.”

Jackson smiled over at her sheepishly.

“So what do we get?” Russet asked once a silence had broken the conversation.

Evon glanced over, honestly surprised that he seemed to be going along with it so easily.

“Hmmm…” Yasmine hummed and pressed her lips tight. “What’s something we all like?”

Everyone looked at each other in turn and it was clear no one had any ideas.

“I guess we’ll have to think about it,” Evon said and gave a small laugh.

***

The weather was warm, sunny, and a bit dry. Crowds of people weaved in and out of each other as film critics and screening audience members moved from one area of the festival to the next. The group of six didn’t have to go far from where their film was showing but there was a lot of press they had to deal with coming by.

Jackson was, as expected, the least comfortable given the situation but he was well protected by Yasmine. She, Evon, and Willow were at the forefront while Russet and Nichole made something of a wall around Jackson to help him out.

Since the debut of the film, things had been drastically different. Eyes were on them constantly and the news circlets were buzzing with the information the documentary revealed and the arrests of Simon and Seth only heightened the frenzy.

Most of the time the questions the group received were tasteful but, every once in a while, they would get something wildly inappropriate. Yasmine or Willow usually handled those and the reporters quickly learned where the line was.

All in all, it seemed that, because of them, Fort Heaven had finally met its end. Compounds and camps across the country were being discovered and raided and old victims of the cult were coming out of the shadows to share their stories.

“How do you feel knowing you’ve started a revolution of sorts?” A journalist asked them collectively between screenings as they stood outside and greeted people.

“I think it was a long time coming and would have happened with or without us,” Russet answered.

“Well it certainly wouldn’t have happened in such a grandiose manner,” the man continued on, “Now I hear this started out as simply a blog article?”

Evon took the question and gave a much more simplified story of how things escalated. It was something almost everyone had asked but, of course, if he said too much it would spoil the film.

“What do you say to the critics who claim it is all a hoax or is exaggerated?”

“Well everyone is entitled to their own opinion…however,” Willow said with a long pause, “there is nothing but fact in this. It’s impossible to have an opinion that it isn’t real.”

The reporter gave her an uneasy look—like he wanted to argue but had suddenly become too nervous to.

“I…I suppose so. Is there anything that you hope comes from this?”

“Just what has already happened, honestly,” Yasmine said. “The church has crumbled and people have been saved. It’s more than we can ask for.”

“It has caused quite the commotion and it hasn’t even hit major theaters yet,” the reporter agreed. “Do you hope to win any awards this coming season?”

“I—we really don’t care about that aspect of it.” Evon glanced to the side. The concept of fame from the project was a complicated one for him and for Yasmine too he was sure.

It was technically what they started the project with the intention of in a way but, now that they had been through what they had, the idea was a bit uncomfortable. The reason they decided to make it a documentary was because they all collectively felt they had a rare opportunity to show the world the truth about something that was completely shrouded in darkness.

“Half of the proceeds are going to the victims,” Nichole, surprisingly, spoke up. Usually she and Jackson kept silent throughout interviews since they had little to do with the actual making of the film and simply appeared in it. People had tried to question them but normally they would deflect it to one of the others.

“Wow,” the man spoke with wide eyes, “That’s wonderful.”

She smiled at him. “It’s in honor of my mother.”

The Cindy Project had earned a lot of money already and many of the first wave of victims were helped because of it. Mostly Nichole and Willow oversaw the business on that end.

A few more interviews were had before the next screening began. The audience settled in and it was time again for them to stand before the screen and introduce themselves and the film. With a quick look between each other, Evon started them off.

“Good evening everyone and thank you for coming. I know that some of you have probably heard about the news stories on Fort Heaven these days and you may even be aware of what you’re about to watch. For those of you who aren’t familiar, this started as a small article for the website Yasmine and I worked for.

We ended up diving down an unexpectedly deep rabbit hole, however, and we almost didn’t come back. Even worse, we dragged people who weren’t already involved down with us and changed their lives forever. It’s simultaneously the best and worst thing we’ve ever done and it’s funny how that works.

Now, before the film begins, I would like to say that…these people standing with me up here…Yasmine, Nichole, Willow, Jackson…and Russet…I really couldn’t have made it through with any other group of people.

I love you.”

The crowd cheered before they took their leave and sat in their designated seats in the back. When the lights dimmed, Evon had hands on his from either side—Russet and Yasmine.

It wasn’t easy to watch—never had been and probably would never be. But they sat and watched to the end each time in a bittersweet sense of accomplishment.

They’d done it—and plenty of other good things as a result—but there was still the small seed of doubt that lived in all of them: Was it worth it?

[End]

#fort heaven #my novel #writeblr #lgbt writers

[spaceman-earthgirl]

Hello, lovely, Jess! If you're open to a prompt, could you maybe do one with Lena texting Alex letting her know she'd be out of town, and Alex lets her know she's with Kara and Lena asks how's she doing and Alex tells her. Lena changes her plans (it could go either way with her postponing her trip or calling Kara up and inviting her to come along since they both could use each other's company with everything that's happened plus Kara leaning in and all that they have some things to talk about).

Based loosely on this prompt but also what I wanted to happen at the end of the episode.

---

Kara’s page is still blank, besides the title blinking back at her. She’d told Alex she knew what she was going to write for her article, but words aren’t forming in her mind, it keeps slipping back, to that fear, to that cold, the only thing keeping her grounded right now is Alex still pressed into her side.

So, she focuses on that instead, on her sister’s warmth, her steady heartbeat, the smell of her shampoo and the sound of each breath, reminding Kara that she’s still here, that she’s home.

Kara hears the message tone of Alex’s phone sound from her sister’s pocket, hears her sister shuffle slightly to get access to it. She wonders if it’s Kelly, wondering where her girlfriend is. She selfishly hopes it isn’t, hopes Alex doesn’t have to leave, hopes her sister will stay a bit longer. She’d meant what she said before, she doesn’t want to be alone anymore.

“Lena’s leaving.”

The words startle Kara. She knows, she’s been trying very hard not to think about it. She swallows. “I know, she called me earlier.” It had been a hard conversation, Kara almost asking her to stay as Lena told her she was leaving. But she hadn’t, she’d bit her tongue, held back her tears, and wished Lena good luck. She didn’t want to be selfish with Lena, she wanted her to be able to find the answers she was looking for, she deserves that much.

But that doesn’t mean she’s not upset that she’s leaving, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t wish Lena could’ve stayed here, with her.

“Hey, are you okay?” Alex asks, Kara not realising that tears are spilling from her eyes again until Alex wipes a hand across her cheek.

“I-“ The words get caught in her throat as Alex wraps her arms around her again. She presses her face into Alex’s shoulder, her breaths coming in gasps as she thinks more about Lena, how she’s going away, how she won’t be near, how she won’t be able to just listen for her heartbeat across the city or drop on her balcony to see her.

She wonders if she listens now, will she still be able to hear Lena’s heartbeat? Or has she already left.

She doesn’t test the idea, not sure how she’ll react if she can’t hear it now.

“I’ve got you, you’re home,” Alex says, whispering reassurances as she holds Kara, Kara’s breaths coming quicker at the words, turning to sobs because she is home, but Lena’s also her home, and she’s acutely aware that she’s missing.

Eventually, Kara’s breathing slows, as she focuses on Alex, on her warm hand on her back and the quiet words she’s still whispering. She wipes at her eyes, shifts so her head falls to Alex’s shoulder, not quite ready to let her go but also not wanting to look her in the eye yet either.

Alex moves again, not away, but she reaches for her phone once more. Kara wonders if she’s texting Kelly, to tell her she won’t be home tonight.

She asks just in case.

“Will you stay tonight?”

“Of course.” Alex squeezes her hand. “I’m not going anywhere.”

They sit like that for a while longer, Kara listening to Alex tell her stories of things she’d missed while she was away. Only the good things, Kara notices, but she likes that, likes to imagine that if she had never come back, they’d all be okay.

A knock at the door cuts Alex off mid sentence, both turning to glance at the door from their position still seated on the floor.

“I’ll get it, don’t worry, it’s probably just Kelly,” Alex says, pressing a kiss to the side of Kara’s head as she stands.

Kara doesn’t check, just turns back to her computer screen, the blank page almost taunting her now. Andrea is not going to be happy if she doesn’t write anything, but Kara finds right now, she doesn’t care.

“Lena?”

The name catches Kara’s attention, her eyes flashing quickly to where Alex is at the door, and there, standing in her doorway, is Lena.

Kara’s breath catches as Lena’s eyes meet hers, pressure building behind Kara’s eyes again. She tries to hold the sudden tears at bay and usually she wouldn’t listen to a conversation across the room, usually she’d let it just be a dull murmur, but not this time, this time she’s tuned in to every word, tuned into the quick heartbeat of the woman at the door.

“Can I see Kara?” Lena asks, her eyes still on Kara even though she’s talking to Alex.

“Of course, come in.”

Lena’s eyes never leave Kara’s as she crosses the room.

Kara thinks she might break under her look.

Lena only hesitates for a moment before she removes her shoes, taking the seat Alex had occupied only a moment ago, tucking her legs beneath her. She’s not touching Kara once she’s settled, but she’s close, close enough that Kara can feel her warmth beside her.

“Hi,” Kara swallows, fresh tears welling in her eyes despite her best efforts to keep them away. “What are you doing here?”

“Your sister texted,” Lena says, her voice low, the sound washing over Kara. “I wanted to come and see you before I left.”

Oh, so that’s who Alex must’ve been texting earlier.

Speaking of Alex, she can see her sister in her peripheral vision, lingering in the kitchen. She’s glad her sister is giving them some space.

“When do you leave?” Kara manages to ask as she reaches out, fingers brushing the hem of Lena’s jacket, just to make sure she’s actually here.

“Soon, the jet is waiting for me, whenever I’m ready.”

There’s a long pause after Lena’s words, her eyes still on Kara. It makes Kara want to retreat, want to hide, want to shut her eyes and hope Lena can’t see everything that’s going through Kara’s mind right now.

“I hope you find what you’re looking for,” Kara eventually says, fighting back tears and the other words that rise in her throat, words that ask Lena to stay, or words that tell Lena how she feels. That’s not what Lena needs right now.

“Kara, I-“ Lena starts, stops herself as she looks away. When she looks back, there are tears in her eyes too. Kara reaches out when one spills, catches it with her thumb, wipes it from Lena’s cheek.

“Come here,” Kara says, tugging Lena forward and then they’re hugging, Kara needing the contact as much as Lena does, if the way the other woman leans into the embrace is any indication.

“Come with me,” Lena says, the words brushing against Kara’s neck as she says them. If Kara didn’t have superhearing, she might have missed them but she hears them loud and clear.

“What?” Kara asks anyway, pulling away to look at Lena, so close now in their half embrace.

“I want to find out more about my mother, I do, but that’s only part of the reason I was leaving.” Lena’s fingers tangle in the collar of Kara’s sweater. “I was leaving, or running is more of an apt description, I was running because it scared me, how much I felt, seeing you again. I was running to give myself some space to sort out my feelings, but then Alex texted and said you were upset and I couldn’t leave, I just couldn’t, not knowing you were upset. You mean too much to me and I was stupid to ever try to leave, not when the thought of being away from you again hurts so much.

“So, come with me, you deserve a break too. Or I’ll stay here, whatever you want.”

Kara’s crying now too as she leans forward, her forehead falling to rest against Lena’s. She takes a deep breath, feels like she can properly breathe for the first time since Lena told her she was leaving, knowing she’s not losing her.

“You’ll really stay, if I ask you too?” Kara asks, hands at the back of Lena’s neck, holding her close, hoping this isn’t some dream she’s about to wake up from.

“I will,” Lena says, the words brushing against Kara’s mouth as Lena tilts forward and then Kara doesn’t really think about it, she just acts, her chin tipping up slightly and then she’s kissing Lena, lips molding under hers as Lena kisses back, no hesitance in the touch.

It only lasts a few moments, before they’re pulling away, but it’s like Kara’s whole world has been flipped on its head, warmth spreading through her body, finally feeling warm after all those cold days and nights in the Phantom Zone.

“I don’t want to lose you,” Kara says, fingers tangling in the hair at Lena’s neck.

“You won’t,” Lena replies, and she sounds so sure, that Kara believes her.

“Can we stay here for a bit?” Kara asks, eyes finding Alex in the kitchen, who’s staring at them, wide-eyed. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one who didn’t see this coming. “I’m not ready to leave Alex yet.” She turns back to Lena, finds the other woman smiling at her. “But then later, in a few weeks, I’d really like to go away with you, help you find more out about your mother.”

“Of course,” Lena says. She tilts her head again, but this time to press a kiss to Kara’s forehead. “I’d really like that too.”

Her article gets abandoned, but Kara doesn’t care, not when she ends up on the couch, a movie playing on the TV screen that’s she’s barely paying attention to. Alex is on one side of her, head resting on Kara’s shoulder, snoring lightly, and on the other is Lena, their tangled hands resting in Lena’s lap as Lena plays with her fingers.

Kara never thought she’d feel this happy ever again but here she is, back with her sister and her best friend who isn’t just her best friend anymore.

#supergirl #supercorp #kara danvers #lena luthor #danvers sisters #I'll post this on ao3 later #supergirl 6x08 #ask #anon #thanks for the prompt

[pinkchanelbag]

THE BOY IS MINE. [i. midoriya]

cw: unedited. possessive reader? that’s about it.

wc: 1.3k.

note: based on ‘the boy is mine’ by brandy you should listen while you read hehe. ++ this might become a fic collection, like atne same trope/title written for multiple characters.

it’s selfish, you know.

but you can’t help it.

not selfish that you want to walk up to him and pull him away from the bright-eyed fan who’s flush against his arm. not selfish at the heat you feel in your head at seeing the way her chest is right on him, and he’s got one hand scratching the back of his curly green head and the other hovering away from her, making speaking gestures while also keeping off her. those are all givens. it’s not jealousy, not envy. because he’s yours.

selfish because you remember not two years ago that he’d turn beet red if an admirer—and he had many, the oblivious kid—even looked in his direction. you know so; he hyperventilated through the entire first month of dating you. the deku from your first year would fall over on his ass and flood the floor in his sweat if a girl pushed up on him like this one is doing.

he’s grown. his hands don’t even flail anymore when she pulls this way and that on his bicep, like she’s trying to shake a reaction out of him. he’s still nervous, you can tell. likelihood is he always will be, but he’s grown. he can handle it now. he can handle lots of things, but girls being one of them is something that has your lip twitching.

selfish.

from where you’re standing in line for the bus, you can see sero clap a hand on izuku’s shoulder and pull slightly back and away—away from the ketsubutsu second year desperately trying to get him to look down the top of her suit. sero easily yanks your boyfriend back into him in a seemingly friendly, easygoing way, slinging an arm over his shoulder. you don’t miss the way he bends down and looks to his side, behind izuku’s head, to say something out of view of the girl.

whatever it is, it has your boyfriend’s focus twitching in your direction. the briefest of eye contact. you know he can’t possibly miss the blank expression on your face, a clear sign of agitation. he looks away in an instant, only because sero smacks him on his nape before loudly bidding farewell to the girl and turning himself and izuku away towards their own bus.

you watch them go for a moment before you feel eyes on you. one languid blink, and you slowly turn your head back to the second-year, who stares with curious, appraising, almost innocent eyes. your face is stone, and she can’t keep looking for longer than two seconds before she’s self-consciously turning back to find her classmates.

you don’t see deku until later in the evening.

a greuling girls’ night doesn’t do much to calm your nerves. especially when mina inquires on what’s got your face looking sour, and when you reluctantly tell her, the way your friends scorn on your behalf only bolsters the irritation.

finally, nearly four hours after arriving home from the joint training session, the girls let you slip out. you’re rounding the corner into the common area, and he’s there, stocking up on protein bars to keep at his desk while he studies.

he hears an entrance and turns to look. in a matter of milliseconds, his face changes from curious to smiling to a deer caught in headlights, because hours later, you’re still making that face.

he doesn’t get a moment to speak before you’re pulling him to his room.

those dark emerald eyes are wide when they stare up at you. nervous, anticipatory. he doesn’t resist when he’s pushed gently into the mattress, or when you crawl on top of him and watch his face in something like quizzical contemplation.

for his part, you know he has no idea what it means to have a girl—other than you—look at him in that way. you know it takes him too long to register that someone can want him. in fact, somewhere in the back of your head, you remind yourself to buy sero lunch or something for his quick thinking.

“what?” he asks with impossibly soft eyes. even when he looks like he’s ready to run, he’s still got that kind set of his mouth and tone of his voice.

you lay your forehead on his hard chest and sigh deeply. deku is frozen, hands ghosting your hips.

yeah. selfish. but you also know that some of your weird, deep-rooted, hard to shake irritation is justified.

you’ve loved izuku for years. you loved him when he was the humble wreck that people looked at with no more than a raised brow. you loved him and watched him grow and you knew all the reasons he was worth knowing, and sharing a bed with, and planning a future with. you couldn’t be prouder, and you’re happy he’s finally being recognized like he deserves. he’s always deserved it.

so a girl who wouldn’t have ever looked in his direction before he became a stronger hero doesn’t deserve him.

doesn’t deserve to even think she has a chance. to be able to put her hands on him and enjoy being close to the projected number one hero of the new generation.

you lift your head back up, but keep your chin planted between his pecks. he’s still got that wide-eyed look on his face, but something changes. it’s like his eyes are adjusting to something, to you. he realizes whose face he’s looking at, and is somehow newly reminded of its loveliness. he smiles.

“did that bug you...? earlier?” he asks carefully. his hands come to rest on your hips as if stroking a hungry tiger.

you grunt quietly with your eyes closed. you’ll have to get used to this.

you’d probably never make your peace with seeing him being wanted. it’s selfish to almost miss when people underestimated him, when you had him to yourself. but you know that this means he’s getting stronger, and that’s more important than anything. the only solution is to be there with him. yours and deku’s relationship is discrete, but the way that that ketsubutsu girl found your eyes in the crowded line, there’s something that lets onto it. well. you’d let on some more, and make sure that anyone who thinks to get close to him that way ends up scurrying away under your gaze, just like that second-year.

“no one deserves you,” you finally mumble. under your chin, you feel a short intake of breath that’s held in while he formulates. after a few beats, he responds.

“you do.”

you think about that. there was a time where he would’ve countered that he doesn’t deserve you. you honestly thought his answer might be something along those lines. you’re glad that’s not the case. you want him to believe he deserves you.

and his words make more sense to you as each moment passes. you know that you deserve him too.

finally, your heart starts unclenching from its ball of agitation. you grunt again to acknowledge, and agree with, his words.

just as you’re about to scoot up and lay your cheek into his neck, you say one final thing.

one of your hands flattens beside him on the bed to lift you slightly and the other balls the front of his shirt. you pull him up by the fabric, and he’s wide-eyed again for a moment.

“you,” the t-shirt grip hand pulls his body closer, “are mine.”

deku grins with a sleepy, starstruck sort of look on his face. he finally wraps his arms around you with ease, not looking away from your face as he pulls you down with him.

“yes, ma’am.”

#nia.txt #nia.deku #deku x reader #deku imagine #deku headcanons #izuku mydoria #midoriya izuku #izuku #midoriya headcanons #midoriya x reader #4deku

[iwaasfairy]

anon said: Ah! Could I request stepbro oikawa - Intoxicating? 😳🙏 Don't mind the title, I'm really bad at coming up with em'.

Intoxicating

tw yandere, stepcest, noncon

There’s something about the way he carries himself. Lives for himself, undyingly stubborn, that would have most people swooning. You know that, you get it, but to you your big brother is nothing more than a showy annoyance who just so happens to be packaged nicely. Running his fingers through his hair and smiling wide like nothing could touch him if it tried, and you know it’s tried plenty. You never used to like him much growing up, taking up your spot as the oldest and getting to stay up later than you, considered an adult earlier then you, had the nerve to tell you who and how you couldn’t date.

But then he left, tears in his eyes as he hugged you goodbye in a strange display of doting big brother that you hadn’t seen much in your years shared with him. The strange thing about missing is that sometimes it convinces you of things that aren’t true. It doesn’t surprise you that after two years, he is taller, more bronzed, hair bleached a few shades lighter by the sun and his smile so bright it stuns you for a second. It does surprise you that he brought you a necklace from ‘home’, gently putting it on your neck so that the line of diamonds falls between the valley of your breasts.

He’d started calling it home about six months in and though you never thought you would, you did grow a bit envious of how easily he left behind one life to start a new one. When he invites you to come live with him, despite all logic, you say ‘yes’. And when he shows you around his place, mentioning important rules and little things he’s picked up living here. One of them, ‘don’t go outside without him, not at all if you don’t have to’. It takes about a week to pick up on the fact that Tooru is well liked everywhere he goes. It takes a while longer to pick up on the fact that you’re well liked because they call you Mrs. Oikawa.

It’s Tooru who comes out with the marriage certificate when you accuse him of telling the neighbors weird shit, of taking advantage of the fact that you have less of a grasp on the language. Slamming it on the table like you ever had any idea, like you had a choice. And when he spits he’s been patient, wanting to do this ‘right’— whatever the fuck that means, that you’re trying to ruin everything, you storm out.

Not for very long, you only make it a few streets before he’s clamping a hand over your mouth and catching eyes with you. His pretty hazel blown out, glittering in delight. He’s enjoying it now. You blank when he takes his hand away, but you don’t get the chance to think before his mouth is slotted over yours and his tongue is pushing at the seam of your lips. Your faint ‘Tooru nii’ is muffled by his tongue, pressing his tall, strong body against yours and grinding up against you. You don’t know what to say, or think, don’t know anything other than the lovesick expression on his face when he tells you.

“Come home, love. I bought it so we can finally be together. And now no one will know.”

a fairhi valentine’s events

#tw.yandere #tw.noncon #tw.stepcest #💫ch.oikawa #have a fairhi valentine’s day!!

[ladydimitrescuspet]

A Nightmare Dressed Like A Daydream - Chapter 1

ao3 link! a fic based on two taylor swift songs, you belong with me and blank space! enjoy and tell me what you think!

prompt from @thepokyone's soulmate prompts list

47. You have your soulmate’s name on one wrist and your enemy’s on the other, and have no idea which one is which

***

It always pained you to see Lady Dimitrescu dote on Esmeralda the way that she did. Doing whatever she was told to do, caught up in every word Esmeralda said, she was hopelessly in love with someone who treated her like a servant. Which struck you as odd since Esmeralda was a mortal much like yourself.

You never thought you could dislike Lady Bucur, but you let the meaning of her last name fool you when you first arrived at the castle. The smile she presented to you the night you arrived had been the kindest smile you’d seen in a while and you knew instantly that you would take a liking to working for her. Or at least you thought you would.

“Y/N, I am so pleased to see that you’ve arrived safe and sound. I hope the trip was good.” Esmeralda said as she pulled you into a quick hug.

You smiled back at her when she pulled away. “I’m grateful to be here. Thank you for considering me for this position.” You replied.

Esmeralda clapped her hands together. “Well, let’s get you settled in, my dear. Alcina’s expecting you to join us for dinner and I know she’ll be just delighted to see you.” Esmeralda turned on her heels and heading up the stairs, you trailed behind her with your luggage.

“Oh, I was just going to ask if I was meeting Alcina tonight, Esmeralda. It’s like you read my mind.” You said with a small laugh.

Esmeralda turned abruptly, a stern look on her face. “You will refer to the Lady as Lady Dimitrescu, Mistress, or My Lady. And you will refer to me as those last two titles and Lady Bucur, understand?” Esmeralda asked.

You nodded your head. “I understand, My Lady, I apologise.” You replied.

Esmeralda huffed, but continued the trek to your chambers. “You’ll be residing in the room across from Alcina’s since you are her personal handmaiden. You’ll find the rules and your daily tasks when you enter. See that you memorise what is expected of you and if you fail to obey them then myself or Alcina will punish you as we see fit. Understand?” You nodded your head again. “Good. Now, wash yourself up, I’ll send a maid up to escort you down when dinner is ready.”

“Thank you, My Lady.” You replied quietly before heading into your room and closing the door. You put your luggage by the door and then plopped onto the bed. You let out a small sigh, staring at the wall for a moment before pushing yourself up to get ready. You roamed around the room that you were given as you waited for the maid Esme- Lady Bucur said she’d send up for you when you heard a soft knock. “Come in.” You said.

“I was sent up by Lady Bucur to escort you downstairs.” The girl said. You gave her a small nod and soft smile. “My name’s Alexandra, I’m Lady Bucur’s personal handmaiden.” Alexandra said.

“A pleasure to meet you.” You replied. You noticed her staring at something. “Is something wrong?” You asked.

“Your wrists. You should cover them up, the Lady’s won’t appreciate what you have on them.” You looked down at the A and D on your right wrist and the E and B on your left. “If the Lady’s were to see that you have their initials on your wrists, they won’t take kindly to you, Y/N.” You nodded your head and found your wrist bracelets that you usually wore to cover the initials up. “Much better. Come along, they don’t take kindly to tardiness either.”

You followed after her. You hadn’t put two and two together that the initials on your wrists belonged to the two Head Lady’s of the Castle. So, which one was your soulmate, and which one was your enemy? You asked yourself.

“Oh, it seems we’ve arrived a tad bit earlier than everyone. You’re more than welcome to sit at the table, on Lady Dimitrescu’s left side of course.” Alexandra said, gesturing to a chair. “I will see if dinner will be out soon.” She gave you a smile before disappearing. You sat in silence until you heard voices.

“Alcina, what an absolute fuck up you are. I gave you one simple task and you couldn’t even do it right!” Esmeralda exclaimed; you’d know her voice anywhere. You felt a little awkward being able to hear her. You heard a resounding sound and then a small whimper, presumably from Lady Dimitrescu. “You will do it over and over again until you get it right, but we’ve a guest tonight so straighten yourself up.” Esmeralda said before entering the dining area. “Oh, Y/N, you’re here! Where’s Alexandra?”

“She went to go check on dinner, My Lady.” You replied. Esmeralda hummed as she sat down in the chair closest to the door as Lady Dimitrescu came into the room. You stood up. “My Lady, a pleasure to meet you.” You bowed your head a bit.

Lady Dimitrescu smiled. “Well, you’re a charming one, I see.” Lady Dimitrescu said. “Please, sit, you’re our guest, no need for formalities right now, draga mea.” You nodded your head but didn’t sit down instead you pulled out Lady Dimitrescu’s chair. “Oh, I see my love didn’t inform you that your duties won’t start for a few more days.”

You flushed. “Oh, no, I wasn’t aware. Apologies, My Lady.” You said before taking your own seat. You could feel Lady Bucur’s eyes on you, but you didn’t dare look at her.

“Alcina, where are your daughters? You know how I am about them being late for dinner.” Esmeralda said to break the silence in the room.

“They’re not here. I told you that they were going to Heisenberg’s.” Lady Dimitrescu replied.

The three of you fell into an awkward silence once more until you heard the door open and the clattering of plates. You thanked the servant that served you your food. The three of you ate in that awkward silence that fell over the table until you heard someone clear their throat.

“I will be in my chambers if you need me.” Lady Bucur said as she stood up from the table. “Alexandra! My chambers. Now!” Lady Bucur shouted at the handmaiden who quickly appeared by her side to follow her upstairs.

You set your fork down, feeling rather full yourself. You turned your gaze to look up Lady Dimitrescu who was staring back at you. “I, um, how are you, My Lady?” You asked. She raised her eyebrow at the question. “I heard a, um, noise before the two of you came in.” You said quietly.

She hummed. “I’m quite alright, darling, I can take care of myself.” She replied quite defensively. “I’m sorry, Y/N. Thank you for asking.” She stood up from her chair. “I should head up to my own chambers. I bid you goodnight, draga mea.” The Lady gave you the biggest smile she could muster before taking her leave, leaving you at the table by yourself.

You waited until you could no longer hear her heels before getting up from the table yourself and gathering the plates and glasses from the table to bring them to the kitchen. You knew you didn’t start your work for a few more days, but you decided to wash the dishes before heading upstairs. You noticed the door to Lady Dimitrescu’s room was cracked open a bit and decided that you’d knock on the door once you readied yourself for bed if it was still cracked open. The door wasn’t cracked anymore when you went back out, but you still knocked and waited for a reply.

“Y/N, what are you doing?” You jumped at the question to see the Lady you’d been waiting on behind you. “Apologies, little one, how may I help you?” Lady Dimitrescu asked.

You scratched the back of your head. “I, um, I, well, you see…” You trailed off and she gave you an amusing smile. “Oh, I wanted to thank you for this job, My Lady.” You said.

“You’re welcome, dear. Is that all?” She asked. You nodded your head. “Well then, you’d better be off to sleep. Wouldn’t want you out and about in the halls when it’s dark.” Lady Dimitrescu said. As she grabbed your hand. “What’s this?”

“Um, it’s nothing.” You replied. She raised her eyebrows and you let out a sigh. “They’re initials. Something about one wrist having the ones of my enemy and the other one has my soulmates.” You explained. Lady Dimitrescu hummed. “And the just so happen to be yours and Lady Bucur’s initials.”

“Most interesting, my dear. And dare I ask which one I am? Your soulmate or your enemy?” You opened your mouth to say something, but no words came out. The Lady chuckled to herself. “Choose wisely, draga mea, your choice could cost you dearly. Good night.” Lady Dimitrescu said as she opened the room to her door and closed it.

You entered your own room and closed the door softly, leaning and sliding down it. How were you supposed to know if which of the Lady’s was your soulmate? Little did you know that Lady Dimitrescu had initials of her own, but she only had one pair, on the back of her neck. A pair of initials that just so happened to be yours.

#lady dimitrescu #alcina dimitrescu #lady dimitrescu x reader #lady dimitrescu x oc #resident evil #resident evil village #resident evil 8 #soulmate au