#[ does Not go easy on them in the slightest but he still cheers them on

[marinehero-a]

     <  old man who is very proud of his marine brats

[jubileemon]

Understanding Husk

A "husk" means a shell or a protective outer cover. This fits his character well since he's shown to be a husk of a man. More specifically, he's a former overlord who lost his power.

Husk in the "Pilot" was a lot more grumpy than he is in the show proper, losing his temper at Alastor and not hesitating to show his disinterest in anything going on as long as it doesn't concern him. When he sees just who has yanked him away from his card game, all he can do is exasperatedly ask Alastor what he wants with him this time. Seeing as Alastor is a constant reminder of how his gambling ended up costing him his status as an Overlord, it's easy to understand why he'd be upset at having to bend to the Radio Demon's will.

In the series, it's established he's still a jerk, but it's evident he cares, and his temper isn't as volatile and often warranted. In the beginning, Husk made it no secret that he was forced to stay at the hotel because of his ties to Alastor and would gladly get as far away as he could if able to. Behind his grumpy exterior, Husk is actually very patient and it takes a lot to make him legitimately angry.

He does his job as a bartender competently, but Husk is fairly blunt about the fact he's only participating in the group's shenanigans because he simply can't be bothered to protest. He does join bonding activities but departs once it's no longer enjoyable for him, after Vaggie decided to literally throw everyone into the middle of a turf war as part of her trust exercises. Thankfully, he grows out of this a bit as the series goes on and grows to care about the staff and guests.

Husk has his own issues and is pretty much apathetic to almost everything out of pessimism. But he still has the most common sense out of the cast and he's the most emotionally intelligent and self-aware, even serving as an advisor to the others at the right times when he's not bitterly accepting his circumstances. The hotel's owner is the only cheerful idealist demon princess who just wants to see the good in everyone, one investor is a maniac who wants to get entertainment out of watching the chaos, the other investor is the owner's neglectful, depressed father (and also the literal King of Hell), the manager is bossy and threatens people with weapons at the slightest provocation, and the cleaning lady is a neatfreak with a thing for "bad boys". Then there's Husk wanting nothing to do with their escapades. He's also a lot more hostile towards Alastor and Angel after they touch him multiple times.

It should be noted that Alastor lets Husk get away with flipping him off. But the moment Husk brings up the fact that Alastor's own soul belongs to someone else within earshot of the Radio Demon, Alastor can barely restrain himself to threatening to tear Husk's soul apart and broadcast his screams for all to hear if he ever says that again. By the end of the encounter, Husk is a shivering, terrified wreck and Alastor couldn't care less.

As the bartender, Husk knows how to listen to people and knows exactly what kind of problems that all the residents of the hotel are going through, and while he would rather let them solve their own problems, he isn't exactly above giving them some pretty solid, if very brutally honest. While it was unnecessarily rude to bring up the Hotel residents' flaws, Husk was accurate about every one of them as Charlie's desperate to help others but doesn't confront her own issues, Vaggie judges others because she hates herself, Sir Pentious is a lonely Sinner who watches people in their sleep, and Angel puts on an act that he's happy about his porn star job but is really miserable.

Husk was always cynical and crass, but he's also an old Sinner with a tender heart. With Angel however, he tends to be a lot more irritable. While it initially looks to be because of Angel constantly flirting with him, it's because he hates how hard Angel acts out to hide how miserable he actually is, considering him a "phony" in a self-destructive spiral. He eventually realizes he and Angel are the same, despite their differences. They're both self-destructive addicts since Husk is a gambling addict, while Angel is addicted to sex and drugs who sold their souls to an abusive Overlord. And both of them have descended even further into their addiction and adopted outwardly cynical, cruel personas as a coping mechanism.

Husk getting through to Angel Dust in the manner he does makes a considerable amount of sense when it's taken into account that the first step to overcoming drug addiction is usually getting the addict to acknowledge they even have a problem. Angel hasn't been able to get better despite having some genuine interest because he's been utterly refusing to admit he has a problem to fix, the moment he does his mood drastically improves as does his motivation.

In "Welcome To Heaven", Husk saw Cherri as a bad influence on Angel's path of redemption and advised her not to get high during their night out. He even defends Angel from Cherri's criticism about how the hotel was changing him. Of course Husk wants what's best for Angel, but unlike Cherri who thinks that feeding into Angel's addictive tendencies are the best way to treat his depression and that living up to the hotel's standards is only making his life more difficult, Husk encourages Angel to stick with the self-improvement he's learned from the hotel and not fall back into his old ways since Angel's trying to get into Heaven.

When Vaggie leaves to find out how angels can be killed, she tells Angel, Sir Pentious, Husk and Niffty that she knows they didn't sign up to be the first targets of the angels, so she wouldn't blame them if they left. Of course, when she and Charlie return, they find that all of them have stayed and fortified the hotel.

Husk even admitted that he doesn't want to look for new drinking buddies and being nice to both Angel and Pentious is a demonstration of the massive character development he's undergone over the course of the show. In the beginning, he was grouchy towards everyone and hated even being in the hotel, but now he's willing to risk his life to defend it and the other residents.

[mirisss]

Mine To Love

Cat hybrid! Park Sunghoon x human! afab! reader 

Summary: Park Sunghoon had a rough life for many years, it wasn’t easy being a hybrid for him, most people loved buying or adopting cat hybrids as pets but anyone who adopted him, quickly returned him to the shelter, he didn’t understand why, so when a girl named (Y/n) finally adopted him, he was going to do everything he could to make sure she would keep him. 

Warnings: Possessiveness, jealousy, some anxiety, some depression, Sunghoon is kind of obsessed with the reader, some steamier scenes, 

Wordcount ≈ 4.6 k

Sunghoon’s POV

The shelter was buzzing with life as it was packed with probably a hundred people who were here to find a hybrid to adopt. The noise annoyed me, it was too loud, and I knew, no one would look twice at me, whenever they looked at me, they noticed my age and kept on looking for someone younger. 

I don’t understand why, hybrids aren’t like normal pets, we don’t just live for 10 years, we live as long as humans if not even longer. So what if I was in my early twenties? I still had a good 70 or even 80 years to live, unless I got sick of course, I’m well-behaved, but still, I’m unlovable it seems. 

Since I was three years old, I have been adopted and returned to the shelter, 15 times. 15 times during 19 years and for the last 3 years, I have been at the shelter, without anyone showing the slightest interest in me. 

Everyone at the shelter always whispered, thinking I wouldn’t hear them, saying it was weird because I’m a purebred, black Maine coon, quite an attractive breed, big, cuddly, independent. And my more human form wasn’t bad looking either, many people often gushing over me but still, no one wanted me. 

I stayed in the far corner of my room, I’d like to call it a cage but it was quite a nice room, this was one of the better shelters, but it still felt like a cage. I had barely left the room since I had been returned last time, too sad and depressed, I didn’t want to go outside and play with the others, it was easier staying here, alone. 

Every now and then a child would bang their dirty hands on the window into my room, excited to see the hybrid inside it, but as I looked at them, they ran away. Some even going as far as crying, thinking I looked scary. My yet black hair and ears, my dark eyes, and the protruding fangs on my lips, probably made me look like a monster to them. Even their parents would hurry away from my room as they saw what had frightened their child. 

I had truly given up on finding a home. 3 years and no one even stayed by my room for longer than 15 seconds, and yes, I kept count, that’s what hope does to you, but now, I just sit here, waiting for an employee to bring me food and try to cheer me up with false promises. Maybe next time. Someone will come eventually. This just wasn’t your day. Try to smile more, maybe they’ll be intrigued with you then. Smile more, yeah right, showing off my fangs even more. 

I was a Maine coon, in my cat form I was huge, and in my human form, my fangs resembled that of a vampire’s, if I smile, you can see the full extent of them, most people assume I’m a panther, a wild big cat, and that’s not a family-friendly pet. 

The shelter was closing in 30 minutes, the sun had set, casting my room into darkness, I still hadn’t moved an inch from my corner, it was better this way, people wouldn’t even have to think someone was in this room. Each glance still gave me some hope so if they don’t look, it’s easier on my fragile heart. 

Suddenly my ears picked up the sound of someone unlocking the door to my room, probably an employee who would turn on the lights, but to my surprise, there was a woman, a customer, standing beside the employee. Had someone actually asked to see me? No, don’t get your hopes up. “This is Sunghoon, he’s 22 years old, a Maine coon, his coat is jet black… He’s probably the closest hybrid we have to your requests, ms. Kim,” The woman looked me up and down, her eyes held distaste in them, she wasn’t satisfied with me. “Why would I want something so glum and sad, no, I think I’ll take my business elsewhere, nothing here seems to satisfy my taste,” My heart sank, of course, I wasn’t enough. Too sad and glum. I contemplated trying to smile but the woman had already turned and walked away by the time I had blinked. 

With just five more minutes until no more customers were allowed, I noticed someone standing outside my window, looking at me, they had stood there for a good minute or two. I looked up to the window and found a girl standing there, she looked sad, just like I did. When she noticed me looking at her, she waved her hand in a tiny motion, most people would have missed it had they not been looking at her hand. I waved back in the same tiny motion. And then she left. My heart broke, once again, I had been a fool to think that someone would choose me. 

“I’m sorry, miss but we’re closing down in about a minute so we can’t let you meet any of the hybrids, you can come back tomorrow though,” “Oh, okay, sorry for being so late, I’ll make sure to come back tomorrow,” The voices came from right outside my door, maybe just maybe, the girl who would return tomorrow, was the one who had waved at me just a minute earlier. 

~ The next day ~ 

I lay emotionless in my bed, I hadn’t touched the breakfast the employees had given me an hour ago. I heard the buzzing of people walking around looking at hybrids again, no footsteps stopped at my door, and no one was interested in me. That was until the clock struck 12, lunchtime, the buzzing halted as everyone went to eat lunch. It was then that I heard light footsteps approaching my door, I thought they were just passing, but they stopped outside my room, the lock slowly turning, and then the door opened. 

In the opening, stood the girl from yesterday. She was shyly smiling at me. She was cute. I couldn’t help but smile back, only for a second though as she gasped at the sight of my fangs, so I quickly stopped smiling and looked away, ready for the door to close again. Another pair of footsteps was walking toward us, no doubt an employee. 

“I’m sorry about that, emergency with one of the small ones, anyway, this is Sunghoon, 22 years old, Maine coon, jet black coat, as far as we know he is well-behaved, quite calm and kind, we don’t know how cuddly he is, but I’m sure he’ll warm up once you get to know him,” It wasn’t the first time they had introduced me to someone, but each year with my age going up, most people would become uninterested when they heard how old I was, yet this girl still seemed intrigued with me. “How long has he been in the shelter?” “Almost his whole life, he has been adopted many times but all those homes didn’t work out, so he has been returned to us far too many times,” 

The girl’s eyes became glossy as she heard about my history. “Was he just returned for no reason?” The employee looked at me with pity. “Most reasons were that he was too big as a cat, too old, too quiet, or similar things, nothing about bad behavior,” “Would it be okay if we spent some time alone, to talk?” “Of course, just close the door and when you wish to leave, just knock on it and we’ll come and open it,” “Are you okay with that? Me staying here with you for a while?” Sunghoon was confused, was this girl asking him for his opinion? I just nodded, too afraid to speak at the moment, scared that this was all a dream. 

Third Person POV

The employee left and now it was just Sunghoon and the girl in the room, she sat down on the floor, facing the bed that Sunghoon was sitting on. He felt bad that she had to sit on the cold hard floor, but he didn’t want to overstep any boundaries and ask her to take the bed. 

“I’m (Y/n),” Sunghoon looked at her, she was smiling at him, but he noticed the way she was trembling, nervous, and anxious, it was similar to what he was feeling. “I’m Sunghoon,” He covered his mouth with his hand so that she couldn’t see his fangs as he introduced himself. “Why do you do that? Cover your mouth?” Sunghoon continued holding his hand in front of his mouth as he answered. “My fangs are quite large and people find them intimidating so I’ve found that people feel more comfortable around me if I do this,” “They’re beautiful, your fangs I mean,” Sunghoon felt his heart skip a beat, she thought his fangs were beautiful. “What do you mean?” “Your fangs, they’re a great contrast to your dark hair, ears, and tail, your fangs are so clear and white, while your hair is jet black, it suits you, when I gasped earlier it wasn’t because I found you scary, it was because you were so breathtakingly handsome,” (Y/n)’s face flushed red as she said that, Sunghoon found it intriguing. 

Never before had anyone taken his opinion into account before doing something, and never had he seen someone be so genuine and real about their thoughts of him. Sunghoon dared move his hand away from his mouth, allowing (Y/n) to see his whole face again. “How come you’re here? At the shelter, and with me?” (Y/n) smiled as he removed his hand, admiring his fangs and handsome face. “I’m lonely, so I want to find a companion, someone I can come home to so that my house feels less empty, I want someone who is genuine, I want a real friend, and I want to help someone, give them a home too. When I was here yesterday, I was drawn to you, everyone else looks so happy and cheerful, they’re children, but you, you looked like me, lonely, so I wanted to know more about you,” 

Sunghoon didn’t understand, how could such a kind girl be lonely. “Why are you lonely?” She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I don’t talk with my family, we fell out about a year ago over a silly disagreement, I’ve tried reaching out to them but they don’t answer so I’ve given up on that. I had some friends but after I went through a breakup, they all left because they took his side, it was messy, so I just left, it was easier that way. And after that, I have barely been out except for work,” Sunghoon’s guarded gaze softened as (Y/n)’s eyes became glossy with tears. They were both abandoned by the people who were supposed to love them and protect them. This had to be it. This girl has to be my forever home. Sunghoon thought. 

(Y/n) buried her face in her hands, trying to stop herself from crying. Sunghoon silently got off the bed and crawled toward her on the floor, just like the cat inside him, he moved without a sound. Gently, the hybrid wrapped his long arms around the girl, trying his best to comfort her, (Y/n) was shocked at the action but she quickly relaxed into him and returned the hug. It had been so long since someone had embraced him or even shown the slightest of physical love for him, like petting him or hugging him, that this one hug, caused him to purr loudly. 

Sunghoon was embarrassed, he barely remembered that he could purr because he hadn’t done it for over 10 years. His face and neck flushed a deep red color. (Y/n) noticed as they slightly separated from one another, she smiled and giggled, he looked so cute. Her giggles only caused him to blush more. “You look so cute like this, like a kitten, almost,” “Ya, I’m an adult,” “Mhm, maybe, but you still look cute,” Sunghoon was happy that (Y/n) seemed to have shaken away the sadness from before, he like seeing her smile, he wished he could protect her happiness so that she would never have to cry again. 

“Would you like it if I adopted you? I think we’d really get along, and maybe, we’d feel less lonely,” Sunghoon was afraid, what if she returned him just like everyone else? This was the final chance, if this doesn’t work out, he’ll never return to the shelter, he’ll run away. One final chance at having a home. One last time, he would allow himself to believe he was actually wanted. “I’d really like that,” “I’ll get started on the paperwork then,” 

2 hours later, (Y/n) finally finished signing and reading all the papers regarding the adoption. The employees were happy for Sunghoon but also for themselves, they were losing money on keeping such an old hybrid in the shelter, most other shelters would have euthanized him by now, so they just hoped that this time, he wouldn’t be returned. They hoped that this was the last time they saw him. “There, all done, miss. Sunghoon doesn’t have many belongings, only a small bag of clothes, and he doesn’t have a collar, so before you can leave with him, you’ll have to buy one and have your name and address and everything written on the tag,” “Can I buy a collar here?” “No, you can do it a few stores down, at the pet and hybrid shop, they close soon though so you might have to come back tomorrow,” “If I run there and get the collar fixed, can I bring him home today?” “Yes, if you get the collar, you can have him, right now,” 

(Y/n) rushed out the door, running to the store, ready to fix the collar so that the poor boy could leave that place. “Hey, I want this collar, and these things printed on the tag, please,” it took 10 minutes to fix the collar, right before the store closed, once (Y/n) held the collar in her hands she ran back to the shelter, not wanting Sunghoon to believe she had abandoned him. By the time she returned to the shelter, she was out of breath and panting, she showed the shelter employees the collar, and once they said that it was approved, she walked over to his room, opening the door with a smile. 

“Ready to go home?” “You didn’t leave? You’re actually adopting me?” “I did leave for a few minutes to get this,” (Y/n) held her hand toward him, the collar in it catching his attention. Sunghoon looked at it with adoration in his eyes. He finally noticed that her heart was racing, her face flushed, some sweat had formed on her forehead, she had been running, all to be able to take him home today. Home. “And, yes, of course, I am. If you still want me to,” (Y/n) looked a bit hesitant, what if Sunghoon had changed his mind about her? She began retracting her hand, but before she could bring it more than an inch closer to her, Sunghoon quickly snatched the collar from her hand and put it on himself. “Let’s go home, please,” (Y/n) smiled at him, and gently grabbed one of his hands into hers, his other hand held a small bag, his clothes. We need to get him some new clothes, one day at a time. (Y/n) gently guided the cat out of his room and out of the shelter toward her car. 

It felt like a fever dream, she treated him like a person and not just a pet, he got to ride in the front seat of the car, in his human form, every car ride he had ever had previously was in his cat form. Sunghoon didn’t dare let go of (Y/n)’s hand once they both sat in the car, afraid that if he wasn’t touching her, she would disappear. But she didn’t, she was there, she was real, and now she was his. 

Sunghoon was in awe of the house in front of him, (Y/n) had parked the car in front of a cozy-looking house. It wasn’t the biggest one he had seen, but it was the one that looked the most like a home. “Welcome home, it’s not huge but it’s enough for the two of us,” “I don’t know what to say, I’m just so happy to finally have a place to call home, thank you,” Once again, Sunghoon embraced (Y/n) into a tight hug, he didn’t even notice himself moving closer to her before he had already buried his face in her neck. Her scent was intoxicatingly sweet, he liked it, a lot. 

“I didn’t expect you to be so cuddly, I’m not complaining, though, but at the shelter they told me you were quite cold to everyone,” “Mhm, being rejected over and over will do that to you, I don’t know why, but I just really like being close to you,” He snuggled even closer to the human, his tail was swishing back and forth, his sensitive ears made magnetic shocks go through him as they rubbed against her. “Come on, let’s head inside, it’s cold out here, at least for me, I know hybrids tend to be warmer than us humans, so you might not notice it as well as I do,” Sunghoon reluctantly released her so that they could walk into the house. Everything smelled so strongly of her, he loved it, he never wanted to leave.  

 (Y/n) showed Sunghoon around the house, he still held onto her hand whenever he could, “So, this is my bedroom, and here just across from it, would be your room, it’s really plain right now but you will be able to decorate it as you wish, these two rooms have private bathrooms so we don’t have to share, and then downstairs there’s another bathroom that we can use when we’re down there or if we have guests over, which we probably won’t have considering that I don’t have any friends and you’ve been in the shelter for so long,” Sunghoon didn’t understand why he almost felt happy about it being only the two of them, forever. 

“The bed is made for you in there, there’s a towel and toiletries in the bathroom if you want to take a shower before going to bed, I have taken time of work for a week so we can go out shopping for some new clothes and things for your room during the upcoming days, I also don’t know anything about your preferred diet so we need to buy stuff for that too,” “I eat most things humans do, except for mint-choco ice cream, I need to eat a lot of protein to stay healthy, and because of my cat side I can’t eat big amounts of onion, garlic, and stuff like that. I can eat some but not a lot or I can get gut problems or even anemia,” “Good to know, well, we’ll go shopping tomorrow so everything will be fine, you can pick whatever you want then, I’m gonna head to bed as I’m exhausted, sleep well, kitten,” 

Sunghoon blushed at the nickname, “Ya, I’m not a kitten,” “Mhm, you keep telling yourself that,” “Good night,” Sunghoon was a bit scared to say good night, afraid that this wonderful dream would end if he did. Nonetheless, he opened the door to his room. (Y/n) had been right about the room being plain, but so had his room at the shelter been so one more night of that, didn’t bother him. The bed was big, almost three times the size of his old one. He walked into the bathroom, it was nice, luxurious even, once again, he realized that (Y/n) treated him as a person and not as a pet. 

Even though he was part cat, Sunghoon loved showering, it was nice feeling clean and fresh, the soap in the bathroom was mostly targeted toward women as it smelled like roses, it smelled like (Y/n), so Sunghoon didn’t mind it. He liked smelling like her. However, he would have wished that the scent actually came directly from (Y/n) and not just from using the same soap. 

After the shower, Sunghoon lay down in the bed, it was soft, like a cloud, before he knew it, he had fallen asleep, dreaming of (Y/n) and how living with her would be. 

~ Fast forward a week ~ 

During this week, (Y/n) and Sunghoon had gone shopping for clothes, towels, toiletries, food, and a few decorative pieces for his room and for the house to make it feel more like his home as well and not only have touches of (Y/n). Sunghoon enjoyed spending time with (Y/n), at home it was just the two of them, he could hug her as much as he wanted to, he could make sure that his scent was all over her, and hers on him, he was lovesick and he never wanted this to end. 

A week had gone by, and it was now time for (Y/n) to go back to work. This means Sunghoon would be home alone for a few hours every other day as (Y/n) could work from home some days. “I don’t want you to leave, please don’t leave me,” He tried to give the human his best ‘puppy eyes’, but nothing worked, she wouldn’t budge. “I have to work, Hoon, otherwise I can’t afford to keep the house, or you,” Sunghoon was pouting but he eventually gave in, letting go of (Y/n), he went to the sofa, shifted to his cat form, and curled up on the sofa, covering his eyes with his tail. He was sad and wanted to spend his lonely hours asleep until (Y/n) would return from work. 

Eventually, Sunghoon got used to (Y/n) heading to work every other day, he still didn’t like it, but he understood that it was a must for her to work. To work off some of his possessive feelings that wanted to lock her up and never let her leave him, Sunghoon began working out, he quickly became buff, his muscles defined and tempting. Oh so tempting, for (Y/n). There was no denying that she had found the hybrid incredibly attractive before, but now, she could barely resist throwing herself at him. But that would be wrong. What if he didn’t want that? So she tried to keep her horny thoughts to herself, and maybe it was time to find a new partner so that she could blow off some steam. Even if she wished that her partner would be Sunghoon. 

~ About a month after (Y/n) went back to work ~

(Y/n) walked through the door, groceries in hand, Sunghoon noticed that she seemed extra cheerful today, he had been in his cat form so he shifted back to his human form just as she came into the living room. “Hello, kitten, how are you?” “I’m good, worked out a bit earlier, and then I watched a movie, fell asleep, that’s about it, how about you?” “I’m good, I ate lunch with one of my coworkers today, Jay, he’s really nice, he even paid for my lunch, he’s handsome as well,” 

Sunghoon’s smile fell. (Y/n) had eaten lunch with another man, he’s handsome, no, you’re not supposed to find other men attractive, you have me, you don’t need anyone else. He thought, but he tried to swallow his jealousy, he couldn’t lose you for such a silly reason. Silly. No. This was about life or death. 

For the following couple of days, (Y/n) always had something to say about this Jay. Sunghoon was trying his best to control himself but each day it got harder and harder, the final straw for his self-control was when you returned home, later than usual, and you smelled like a man, it was subtle, but it was clearly there for his sensitive nose. Someone’s trying to steal my (Y/n) from me. 

As (Y/n) stepped into the living room, talking about Jay once again, his scent creeping up on Sunghoon, her eyes sparkling, he couldn’t take it anymore. He was jealous, jealous that another man had touched his girl, jealous that (Y/n) seemed so enthralled with this man. He was threatened, what if this Jay takes his place in (Y/n)’s life? What if she doesn’t want him anymore if she has Jay? What if he loses his home? He couldn’t control himself, his body moving out of pure instinct. 

Sunghoon lightly pushed (Y/n)’s shoulders until her back collided with the wall, he had one hand on her waist now, and the other on her cheek, he gazed into her eyes with yearning, worry, sadness, and an urgency like never before. “What--mmm” Before she could end her sentence, Sunghoon crashed his lips onto hers, his fangs felt cold against her lips yet she welcomed the feeling, it was exciting, new, it felt dangerous. 

(Y/n) was surprised, stunned, by the cat’s actions, but she didn’t dare push him away, not because of fear, but because she was afraid this was her only chance to experience him. Sunghoon inhaled deeply, almost going feral from the scent of the (Y/n)’s arousal, this only caused him to deepen the kiss even more. 

Once Sunghoon stopped attacking (Y/n)’s lips with his own, he had teary eyes, from frustration, “Please don’t abandon me for some guy, I’m better than him, please, you have to be mine, you’re mine to keep, mine to love, please, I love you, I don’t want to share you with anyone, I want to be selfish, just this once, please, (Y/n),” 

(Y/n) was still trying to catch her breath from the make-out session that had just happened, she raised one hand to his cheek, gently caressing it, wiping away some tears that escaped from his eye, she leaned in, giving him a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m all yours, Honnie, you don’t have to share, don’t worry, I only need you,” 

Sunghoon immediately leaned down for more kisses. This time even deeper, yet more gentle than the first. He was ecstatic, he finally had his home, and his person, his person that he didn’t have to share. She was his and he was hers. “I can’t control myself anymore, I need all of you,” “Then take me,” Sunghoon lifted (Y/n) up and carried her to his bed, where they spent a long night reassuring one another of their love for each other, and Sunghoon made sure to erase every trace of Jay from her body and mind. Now his scent was engulfing her entire being, and his image was the only one in her head. His tail swished happily back and forth as (Y/n) lay in his arms, and soon enough she fell asleep, as she listened to him spinning loudly, happy to finally call her his. 

[itsvelyria]

"types of smiles the f1 boys would love from their s/o"

happy show-your-loved-ones-you-love-them day!! 🤍🤎

Charles Leclerc

the shy smile: he fell in love with you when he saw that smile for the first time. he always knew you were too good, too nice to this cruel world and despite all the hardships you’d faced, you somehow still retained that innocence from childhood. that shy smile, all gentle and modest — he liked to think you reserved it solely for him, made his heart flutter like a schoolboy with their first crush all over again. your lowered eyes, radiating a certain charm he could never put to words. it was like he was cleansed from all the negativity that accompanied his line of work. maybe it would be better to say he was your devoted follower, begging his goddess for just a glimpse of her smile every so often.

Carlos Sainz

the loving smile: it wasn’t like Carlos had never had a crush before, hell he’s been in a long-term relationship before. but never has he felt the pull to you so strong before, even as you are right across him, laughing at something his sister said. his mind can only focus on the way your eyes sparkle at dinner with his family, mapping the crinkles beside them. and as the gaze he is dying to have land on him does, the bright smile shifts, edges softening into fondness, the slight raise of your eyebrows asking what he needed. he reaches across the table, greedily needing to feel your warmth too, wanting this moment to last forever.

Danny Ricciardo

the smirk: he can see it taunting him even from a few feet away, in the neon pink glow of the club. you were teasing him, challenging him after a casual remark about how you had no game. the glances you send up at the second level where he hung by the railing shoots sparks of green fury in him. he should have known better; you were nothing if not confident and it was evident in the guy you had been grinding against for the past 15 minutes. he hated everything about this, his skin felt like it was on literal fire, and he had half a mind to go down to the floor to drag you away. perhaps Max had a point, maybe he needed to face the reality that he had feelings for you.

George Russell

the warm smile: miles away from your hometown, new cities every week, away from everything and everyone he'd ever known, you were his anchor. your presence grounded him when it felt like the world was spiralling away and he had absolutely no control over anything. he waited as you spoke to a member of the team, the warm smile on your face taking the tension out of the new girl. it was the same smile you brought to restaurants and parties, making the people around feel at home. it was the same smile you gave him in his moments of uncertainty. you bounded over happily, saying something about the same school, with the new girl trailing behind and as he smiled at his colleague, something in his brain told him that things may change and ebb away but your smile could never.

Lando Norris

the proud smile: his whole life, he’s been working to be the best – to stand on the topmost step of the podium and hold that trophy up, to have people acknowledge him as a great driver, the best in the world. and he’s one step closer, the first race win of his career, a step towards greater things. he could feel the elation emitting from his entire team, but the pats on his back and cheers from his team couldn’t compare with that beam on your face. even all the way up on the podium, the only thing he was focused on was your face and how it resembled a mother hen looking on her chick. he pumps the trophy higher, the sense of pride bursting in his chest and all he could think about was how he was going to be a better driver, a better man, for you.

Lewis Hamilton

the comforting smile: it was the slightest tilt of your lips, the light from his nightstand outlining the soft frame of your body. the smile in your voice was easy to detect even as he laid his head on your tummy, exhausted from a long day of endless meetings and emails. sometimes, he wonders why he works so hard. his life has already amounted to so much and he had accumulated enough life experience to know the most important thing was family and his sweetheart. and then its nights like this, when the world beyond your sanctuary is dead asleep and everything fades away, leaving only what mattered: the gentle vibration under his head and your sweet lullaby and smile telling him nothing was more important than this moment right now.

Max Verstappen

the smiling eyes: the Internet had never been a nice place to him. sneers and belittling comments deterring him from ever going on there if he had a choice. but as a 3-time World Champion, his social media obligations were more important than before. when you two started dating, he wanted to keep it private. everything bad in the world, in his opinion, had no chance of ever hurting you as long as he was around. which is also why he never brought you to races. the fewer the interactions between you, the less there was for the media to scrutinize. but it was moments like this, as the camera pans to you in the garage. your face is hidden but your eyes are bright and admiring him in his element, your name broadcasted with his beneath, told to whoever was watching, that he bookmarks the image in his mind.

[ninapi]

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- ̥۪͙۪˚┊❛ Mine ❜┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌

Premise: Not everyone can be the strongest sorcerer, Suguru knows this. Not everyone can have it all, no matter how hard they try. But there was one thing he wasn’t wiling to give to his best friend just like that, and that was you the only one who could made his demons go quiet…

Word count: 3691

Warning: spoilers of the original manga timeline~

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Summer months were your least favorite of all.

The air was hot, and breathing was unbearable, there was no trace of a single breeze, the mood around you always the worse. Not just you, but your teammates hated the season and not just due to the weather, but the excessive number of curses parading around, left barely any time left for you to even shower and scrub the stickiness of your skin off.

Being a first year in the Jujutsu academy wasn’t easy. The missions were tough, you were being tested all the time, your wit, your physical strengths, cursed energy levels, individual rites and skills; not just that, but you were constantly in danger specially being their new addition, they would always throw your team around for cleanup missions, messy back-up harsh ones and even sent you out to fight a special grade curse on your own once by mistake when they gave you Gojo-senpai’s mission instead, sending him to fight a lesser curse in the country side in error, one that almost got you and Nanami, who came after you when he realized what had happened, killed, though that’s what you signed up for.

Having to back up the two strongest sorcerers in the campus surely didn’t help.

Your party consisted of the very much constipated, moody Nanami Kento and the very opposite of that Haibara Yu. You got along with both of them just fine, they were both very different though, Nanami would always help you get your head straight, help you train, strive to be better, while Yu was always there to cheer you both up, always bright and smiley, a lovely man. But somehow you always ended up flocking around your seniors instead of your own group, regardless of the rumors of you and Nanami being actually a thing, your interests were some place else.

Shoko was a wonderful model figure, you wished to be like her one day, she’s still so young yet so powerful, being able to cure others was a noble task, much better than having to go around chasing ugly stinky curses. So you were seen around her often wanting to learn as much from her craft as possible. In all truth, she didn’t like having others snooping around, but you were helpful, having you there helped her with her experiments and helped her develop new techniques, having you around was far more useful than having her own teammates invading her personal space.

As for Gojo, he had an open crush on you. There was no soul in the school that didn’t know about the intense flirting and shameless looks he threw at you all the time. But then again, he does the same with almost every girl around, or so you thought, that’s what he leads on anyways.

You on the other hand, had a crush on his partner. The beautiful, kind, loved by many, Geto Suguru. A year your senior, yet the coolest guy you’ve ever seen in your entire life.

Unlike Gojo, he wasn’t as interested in you, as a woman at least. He’d give you the same attention he’d give the rest of your party. He was kind, gentle, always offered his advice, he did a great job taking care of his juniors and his own party, he was what every sorcerer wanted to be, powerful, known for and feared from, yet not cocky in the slightest.

It was impossible not to have a crush on him.

Though, as time went on, you noticed his demeanor change. He had bags under his eyes, his smile seemed shallow, fake even, his body thinning as days went by, his peaceful aura disappearing into oblivion. His attitude was very unlike him.

While everyone fuzzed about Gojo being the strongest sorcerer ever, all your worries were on his counterpart.

He wasn’t as needed anymore and his whole set of values were being challenged at that very moment. His sleep deprived self, had been overly consuming curses and he couldn’t think straight any longer, now unable to distinguish what was bad from what was good, it was a subjective concept after all.

“Geto-senpai! There you are! I’ve been looking for you all over the place.” he was leaning against a tree, seemingly lost in his thoughts when you found him. You could see he was coming back from a mission, his uniform and a good part of his face still covered with someone’s blood and remains of some kind of goo.

“(Y/N)? Sorry did you say something?” his smile didn’t reach his eyes, you could see how he was trying to avoid worrying you, he always dotted on your team and didn’t want his existential crisis to affect sweet little you, who was constantly checking up on him, unlike his friends.

“Just that I was looking for you. Here! I got you a souvenir from my last mission!” placing a small tin on his hand you smiled up at him, waiting for him to discover its content.

“Oh, for me? You didn’t have to bring me anything. Thank you. Let’s see, what could be hidden in this small box~” a little of the old Geto could be seen on his features every time you talked to him, it was nearly impossible for him to keep sulking in his insecurities when you smiled so sweetly up at him like that, your eyes shining with excitement, it was almost contagious. Maybe not everything was lost for him just yet.

“Cinnamon candy? Never tried them before, are they good?” he tilted his head, seemingly analyzing the treats. Normally Satoru was the one that received this sort of gifts, he didn’t know what to think about it. Did you perhaps confuse the two of them? He didn’t want to believe that was the case, you’d always been on his side unlike the rest who clearly preferred the strongest of all in their presence instead.

“I was just thinking about the last mission we had together. About how cool you looked while you were consuming that evil giant curse. But then it occurred to me, it must taste disgusting, poor senpai. Then! I saw these candies in a shop on my way here, cinnamon candies aren’t really what I would call sweet, they’re more like a cleanser, spicy even. It might make your job easier.” he was speechless, in all these years nobody ever thought of the consequences of his technique, nobody worried about him, it stirred something within him that he didn’t know he could feel. You were always this kind and not just towards him, but right there, a few minutes ago, he had been hating on humanity with all his might, hating on all those looser monkeys, good for nothings, hating on his own friends even, how they left him behind, how they didn’t care about him as much anymore. And now there you were, being as selfless as one can be, thinking about him even during one of your missions. Getting distracted like that while fighting curses could get you killed, it was a worrying thought, but one that filled his chest with a warmth he didn’t know it could shine so brightly within him.

“Senpai?” you reached inside your skirt pocket to look for your hand towel, gently dapping the blood away from his handsome face.

“Sorry, I’m spacing out a lot today. Thank you, you’re a sweetheart, nobody really cares about good old Geto and his disgusting technique these days.” his smile was more genuine this time, making your cheeks tinge with different shades of red, you hadn’t seen him smile like this in quite some time, it made you feel proud of still being able to pull smiles out of him unlike the rest.

“It’s not disgusting! I actually think is cooler than Gojo senpai’s.” you whispered the last part making him chuckle. To think he was on the edge of despair a few minutes ago.

Maybe not all was lost just yet.

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His self-doubts kept growing oddly quickly, Satoru’s success rate and popularity fanning the fire of his loneliness even more.

There were few moments now where he got to be with his teammates, most of the missions were now handed to Satoru alone without questioning and that was taking a toll on every sorcerer there was in the school, not just him, the mood around the classrooms was grim, some of the upperclassmen didn’t even attend to classes often anymore. What for? They weren’t necessary any longer, not with the heir of the Gojo clan and his almighty technique at their beck and call.

You wandered around the training grounds looking for the apple to your eye when a wild Gojo jumped at you from some side bushes. “Jeez senpai! You almost gave me a heart attack, what the heck!” you were panting, trying to calm your racing heart from the jump scare.

“Your fault, how do you pretend to be a good sorceress when you can’t even notice ME, the great Gojo Satoru, the best there is out there~” he leaned against you, snaking his arm around your shoulders, a full confidence display that you weren’t comfortable with.

Shrugging him off, you walked over to Shoko, who you spotted not far from the offense zone reading a book on her own while trying her best to ignore her annoying teammate as usual, Gojo trailing behind you like a wounded puppy, “You’re so mean to me (Y/N), you’re always hurting my poor heart. Maybe a little kiss from those pretty lips of yours could help it heal~~” Shoko could physically feel your frustration irradiating from your body from where she was sitting, sighing in shame and about to puke at his antics she got up, facing you. “He’s over there, (Y/N).” she pointed over to a set of stone steps to the side, hidden by some trees. You couldn’t see him, but he could see you and the entire scene unfold, a proud smirk shining at the way you rejected him so easily.

“What? You didn’t come to see me, sunshine? I could swear you came to ask me on a date. But don’t worry, I won’t make you go through it I know it can be embarrassing, let me ask you out instead.” the lust filled eyes he was giving you made Geto get up from his seat, walking over to you faster than he intended to.

“Senpai!” your eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as soon as he was in your line of view, causing Gojo to scuff.

“Hey, were you looking for me?” he addressed you and you only, infuriating Satoru who had tried really hard to get your attention and that had now been lost to his best friend.

“I was! I haven’t seen you around much lately…I was worried…” he reached over for one of your hands, looping it around his right arm. “Shall we go get something to drink then, catch up maybe? I’ve missed you too...” the soft tone he was using with you made an entire swarm of butterflies move permanently to your guts, Satoru’s look of disbelief causing Shoko to snort. This was very unlike Geto, he’s never hitting on girls, that was Gojo’s role in the team.

“What? You seriously didn’t know they were like a thing, sort of? You’re ridiculous Gojo, and you dare to call yourself his best friend? Have you not seen the way they look at each other? Even I get it and I don’t give a damn about anybody’s love life.”

“What do you mean a thing?” his eyes were glued to your bashful smile, the way your eyelashes fluttered oh so beautifully for another man, for his brother in arms, his best friend, he didn’t know how to feel about the entire situation, specially not now that he saw the way Suguru returned your smile, honey dripping from it just as it was from yours.

He did have an honest crush on you, he loved how sweet you were and how cute you looked when you were being all shy. He wished you’d smile for him the way you were smiling right now for his friend. And the truth is he didn’t really know you were interested in Geto, not romantically at least, he thought you were just being nice as usual with your seniors, maybe he was just always too busy and failed to notice both of you slipping through his fingers.

Geto had never been interested in dating anyone, that was a known fact, it was just not in his plans for the near future. But having you around made him feel calm, made him forget how desperate he felt, made him feel understood. Your smile could drown his doubts and sorrows, just like your candy could kill the nasty taste of death from his tongue.

Suguru knew Satoru was serious about you, he knew him well after all, but so was he. Satoru didn’t need you the way he did, he was already the strongest, the most wanted dead and alive, the one every woman drool for. He loved his friend, that was never a lie. But he wasn’t willing to share the only ray of light he had in his life with anyone, not even with him.

A possessive hand landed over the one you were resting on his arm as he walked you to the closest cafe to the school, his guard going up almost creating a bubble around you, separating you two from the rest of the world.

To you it felt endearing, to others, Shoko and Satoru included, felt dangerous.

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The night Yu died in your mission, you lost a part of yourself.

Nanami was just as broken, blaming himself for what happened while you just couldn’t stop crying. You knew this could happen at any time, your job was dangerous, and you were still new to the arts of sorcery. But you didn’t expect to lose the center of your team, everyone loved him, even Nanami was nice to him. It was a hard blow for the two of you and the school in general.

What was even more unexpected was the fact that the events had triggered Suguru to commit an atrocious act.

You were all broken, confused, hurt.

Nothing made sense to you anymore.

Not only had you lost your friend and teammate, but the man you loved committed treason and killed a bunch of harmless humans without a documented valid reason to do so.

The news hit you like a train, it had to be a misunderstanding, he’s the kindest man you’ve ever met, you decided not to believe in anyone but Suguru himself, you wouldn’t form an opinion on the matter until you had formally talked to him, he did have a different view on the world, not everyone understands him the way you do.

That night, the window to your room opened from the outside, waking you up from your restless sleep. “S-suguru…?” it was pitch black outside and all you could see was the outline of his hairstyle illuminated by the moon shining on your wall, but you could recognize him with your eyes closed, his scent, his presence, you knew it was him.

“Yeah…can I…?” he walked over to your bed, clearly distraught. Understanding what he wanted you moved to the side, making space for him to join you under your blanket, waiting for him with your arms opened and a warm welcoming smile on your lovely face.

“Is it true…?” he buried his face on your chest at your question, letting you untie his bun and run your fingers through his long hair. You’ve gotten closer over the past few months, yet you weren’t officially a couple, not to others at least. You kept things private, late night secret meetings, stolen kisses behind trees, an unnumbered amount of quiet cuddling sessions in your bedroom when his thoughts claimed the best of him, but this was all just for the two of you, the world didn’t need to witness your relationship to give it any sort of worth or weight, you two were the only ones that mattered in the situation.

“Yeah…I killed them all. They…were torturing these little girls just because they are like us, even had them locked up in a cage like if they were some type of wild animal in a circus…they all deserved death… Didn’t they, baby?” he looked up at you searching your eyes for your approval, he knew in his heart he did the right thing, but a side of him was uncertain if you would cast him aside for his actions and go to Satoru instead.

“Hmm…I trust your judgement. If there was no other choice, I would have saved the girls too. You did great, love.” your soft smile filled his chest with that familiar warmth he grew addicted to, he knew you’d be on his side, there’s just no one like you.

He wanted you, needed you.

Right now.

Always.

“Come with us, babe. The girls don’t have anywhere to go, they’re my family now. I was thinking maybe you could come too? Go away, never look back…Make this world a better place…together….” his head was back on your chest, satisfied with the way his day was going. He didn’t even need to see your face, he knew he would win you over even without trying hard to convince you.

He wasn’t manipulating you, he truly wanted you by his side, wanted you as his queen, as queen of the new world, a world where everyone would be part of his family, where nobody would ever feel lonely again, where he didn’t have to eat more curses, where sorcerers wouldn’t be treated like pests, or worse, like government toys.

“Are you asking me to be the mother of your new daughters, Suguru~?” you giggled, joking around to lighten the mood a bit.

“That’s exactly what I am asking you, yes.” he placed a loving kiss on the middle of your chest bone, his hand rubbing circles onto your hips.

You knew he wasn’t joking; this was serious, but he was now a criminal sentenced to death, Gojo would be sent out for his head. Was that the life you wanted? The life of a criminal on the run?

It wasn’t ideal, but a life without Suguru in it was even worse, he was all you wanted, regardless of the implications of that decision.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go before Gojo-senpai senses you in my room.” the smirk he gave you made heat pool in your stomach; you weren’t really trying to give him any crazy idea…

“Oh, but why? That would be so much fun…shall we make it known to him before we leave, how much you enjoy having me in your room…?” his mind had twisted even more as of recent, his possessiveness growing constantly with every little look Satoru gave your way. The thought of him knowing how much you desire and love each other instigating fire within him.

The night was long.

Satoru did feel his presence, but Suguru wasn’t stupid, he didn’t allow that to happen until you two were about to leave. He wanted him to know about your passionate encounter, he wanted him to realize you had gone with him, that you had chosen him, even if he was now a wanted criminal, a murderer, you still preferred him over Mr.Perfection.

When Satoru arrived at your room it was too late. All your stuff nowhere to be seen, your bed in disarray, the smell of mixed arousals and sweat hitting him right up his nose the moment he got in. He did it on purpose, and he knew it, made it clear for him he had claim you in every possible way, that you were his and his only.

Satoru was the one broken now, he lost his best friend, his teammate, his brother. And he also lost the only girl he’d been genuinely in love with. All in one night, without the chance to fight for any of you.

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Satoru went after Suguru many times, never being enough of a man to actually kill him, but he hadn’t had the chance to see you after you left.

Suguru kept you and your adoptive daughters safe in his newly acquired secret mansion, gave his queen everything and then some more. His family was a top priority for him, even if it wasn’t the only one.

Though, Satoru knew you’d come out of your hiding place if he dared to touch your man, and so you did.

He had attracted Geto releasing high quality curses within a secure invisible barrier, not even other special grade sorcerers would realize there was one to begin with, knowing he wouldn’t be able to pass on the feast. He knows how you always worried when he overconsumed them, and you would insist to tag along to keep your man in check.

What he didn’t expect to see though was how he consumed curse after curse, after curse, all high grades, with you in his arms. You kissed him deeply while the curses were still mingling inside his mouth, both laughing hysterically as you both indulged the curses as if they were carnal pleasures. A very different picture from the one he had in his head for his sweet innocent love and his best friend.

A grotesque scene, to him that is. To you and Suguru it was nothing but exhilarating and arousing. The taste of death mixed in with your deliciousness, it was addictive, to the both of you. Satoru was about to leave, disappointment sipping within his broken heart, his best friend turned wicked, his cute love lost her mind. That’s when he saw a little girl running towards you, panic almost dragging him to the scene.

“Mama! Are you done now? Mimiko is falling asleep!” Suguru kissed one last bit of curse out of your plush lips before indulging his daughter, quickly getting to them and lifting them both in his arms.

So this is how it was now, there was nothing left to save.

Nothing made Suguru happier than having his very dysfunctional and broken family gathered in his arms. You were all happy, satisfied with your current life.

Yeah, he definitely made the right choice…

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Masterlist

[om0000]

I think Star and Wander would be just as frustrated w/ each other as Wander was with Dom in s2, if not more. Ostensibly, they share the same goals so theoretically it shouldn't be too hard for one to get thru to the other. Problem is, both Wander and Star are very stubborn irt their views and what they think is the right way to go about things. Granted, with s3 being about testing Wander, he likely would've started to question his beliefs abit and eventually become not as stubborn with his views, especially considering Dom blunty turning down his offer of redemption/friendship at the end of s2. Maybe Star would've had a similar arc? What do you think ?

YEAH !!!!!! YEAH LITERALLY !!!!! thx for asking! big oc infodump incoming

thats exactly what ive been thinking of, like SFEF honestly have the universe's best interest in mind. they motivate their actions on the belief that they're right n they're genuinely doing good by freeing galaxies of villains, even if it's in frankly cruel ways n their definition of what is "good" n what is "evil" is extremely black n white n divided. they are the always the good guys n others r the bad guys who are inherently fundamentally evil n dangerous n deserve every terrible thing in the world to happen to them (that worldview is basically exactly what leads to the dehumanization of villains in their eyes n that is what makes it rlly easy for them to do what they do cuz they don't view villains as actual ppl with their own motivations n reasoning but as a disembodied force to be defeated).

star, who is the perfect guy to represent SFEF's beliefs n ideals (like he genuinely does not question them in the slightest he accepts their worldview as his own to the point his self-identity is tied directly to SFEF. the way he goes about fulfilling his duty is sort of tainted by his own personal wants n opinions sometimes, that's why sugar n ultra r there to level it out, but at the core he operates on the same logic as SFEF do, underneath all of their inspiring slogans n speeches of their righteous mission), is also the perfect guy to serve as a contrast to wander. star is literally like helplessness-less wander from the wanders episode. we only got to see him once in the show n the only thing he did was do a cool pose n explain his worldview, so star is basically what would happen if he got to act upon n actively spread his ideology — if wander had to face against someone w his own discarded belief n prove not just to himself but to literally the entire galaxy that it is not the answer

i feel like wander would be absolutely delighted to see SFEF show up at first. new people in the galaxy, and they're here to help, and they're really good at their job and others seem to really like them — this is basically like the hot shot episode situation. but then as their mission goes on hed begin to recognize their approach is flawed AS HELL — hed get that ideological ick from them. the problem is — he's the only one. post-dominator, after his pacifistic approach didn't work and dominator turned out to be an irredeemable sadist who could've only been stopped by force, the yonder galaxy would sorta start questioning wander n be more willing to side w SFEF n their more forceful methods. maybe that would even include sylvia, give her a bit of an arc — ofc shed still stay w wander n in the end shed support him, but judging by her character i feel like she wouldn't be opposed to a team of good guys who stop villains by force instead of trying to befriend them. even if she started warming up to peepers a lot n even cheered for hater in the end of the galaxy, she still doesn't seem to fully agree w wander on the sentiment that villains can be redeemed (quite paradoxical considering she was a redeemed "bad guy". wonder where that stems from). i think an arc of her coming to her own conclusion that wander really is right abt that instead of just going along w all his plans throughout all s3 would do her pretty well. so there goes the testing wander part. no matter how confident in ur own righteousness u are, if literally the entire galaxy rejects ur worldview u can't help but start to question it. that might even work to wander's benefit in a way, cuz his approach admittedly is still kinda flawed, so starting to question it might in the end make it more nuanced n balanced instead — curiously, what tries to break him ends up helping him in its own way. in the end it'd all probably come around to a big epic wander win n a great philosophical conclusion abt pacifism n what is good n evil n how too drenched in nuance everything actually is to apply such simple black n white logic to it. idk exactly how it'll happen but thats how i imagine it

now this part is curious, cuz smth needs to happen to SFEF after they lose right? now um the best outcome would be to show the entire bigass intergalactic SFEF organization the error of their ways so they can use their influence n power for something better — but idk how to actually come to it, cuz it's quite the feat.

what is a bit less of a feat is to redeem just star sugar n ultra in the end. ultra has her own arc going on of gaining conscience n beginning to question SFEF's ways by virtue of their beliefs being programmed into her, n the very act of her gaining free thought goes directly against her programming. so she doesn't have a brainwashed stupidass little head like how star does, which makes it just the tiniest bit easier. wander would come in super handy as a guy who showed an alternative to loyal to their authority soldiers/robots at least two times before. now i just dont know if i should let ultra have her happy ending or give her the beep boop treatment, inevitably shut down for good or sent back to be reset back to her factory settings the moment she stops being convenient to the cause or even worse tries to sabotage it. hard choice

sugar... sugar is a bit of a pickle. they dont go against SFEF but they don't exactly support it either. u see their species — bonbons — due to their physiological advantages, r rlly convenient for SFEF to hire. theyre almost impossible to hurt, have the ability to regenerate, can shift shape freely n can solidify or liquify their body's consistency at will. so basically SFEF practically has control over their homeplanet, in the cultural n societal sense. working for SFEF is like the go-to career there — kinda like the military if they payed better n also didn't endanger ur life so much. so sugar isn't there out of some righteous desire to save the universe, or for glory, or out of obligation — theyre basically there for the bag. its like a 9 to 5 to them. a circumstance. that attitude is outrageous, but that's the point — sugar is rlly detached from reality. they just go w the flow. they dont want to think too hard about the cause theyre contributing to. they dont want to think of the fact their actions have consequences. they dont want to take the lead of their own life. n since they leave it up for grabs SFEF is happy to accept the offer. in order for sugar to have an arc of abandoning SFEF n growing as a person they need something DRASTICCCC to happen, put them in a situation where they have no choice but to take action n actually pick a side. to commit. idk how that'd happen but it would be great trust 🙏🙏

now star. heheheheheh. until just recently i actually didnt even consider a character arc for him. hes a stubborn self-assured delusional fucking blockhead who would rather kill himself than admit he's wrong. i felt like just keeping him that way cuz i didnt see how wander would be able to make him reconsider that wout it feeling forced. but then it came to me, that if there's anything he believes to be as correct as himself — its SFEF. like ive said SFEF is basically tied into his self image now. every "I'm not wrong" automatically translates into "SFEF isn't wrong" n vice versa. n now — what if those sentiments weren't just separated but directly put against eachother, one or the other inevitably false. what if SFEF fired him. its their big final loss, star is forced to admit defeat, mark the end of their mission in the yonder galaxy n just come back to the main SFEF station empty handed. but they don't even let him do that. they just fire him. he fucked up his first mission in a relatively small galaxy that was literally almost wiped out by a huge threat beforehand — like it was perfect picking n he fucked that up. he proved himself worthless n hes not rlly important enough to deserve a second chance from them, they can fire him n literally nothing would change (a big shocker for star who genuinely thought he was all that. in reality they didn't even hire him in the first place cuz of his skills or something — it was because he looked like their mascot 😭 ofc going up the SFEF career ladder to the point they oh so generously allow him to lead a mission took him a lot of effort. but in the end he's just another easily replaceable cog in the machine. he refused to see that until now. he was like the biggest SFEF d-rider ever n he naively thought he meant something in return, that his efforts would pay off, that he'd be recognized for how absolutely jawdroppingly cool n awesome he is, that he has some worth to them — but he doesn't). n so something that was a big part of him, something he built his identity on, now leaves him on the side of the road. n it creates a huge dissonance — n he can't figure out whether he's wrong for fucking up n being a fucking loser or they're wrong for firing him, cuz both of those r thoughts he refused to even consider before. now probably for the first time in his life he's forced to come face to face w the fact he failed, in a way he can't brush off or takw himself back from after. to make matters worse he's basically homeless now lmao cuz he used to live on the SFEF spaceship station until they fired him n he cant come back to his parents house cuz that's the most shameful humiliating shit ever to him n hed rather kill himself than let his parents know the fucking SFEF fired his ass cuz its kinda a big deal 👍 n so there goes wonder — @catfacedcat's oc

some exposition so wonder is a criminal who keeps getting away n hes basically like stars arch nemesis n they also have a bit of a Thing going on. toxic yaoi situationship. now to star wonder was like. a spot on his squeaky clean self image. falling for a criminal n ur enemy is basically... a flaw. a weakness. an inevitable loss n stuff. actually there was smth rlly good that came out of it, interacting w wonder a lot n warming up to him made star question a bit maybe he's not such a fundamentally evil terrible badguy after all. like "maybe nuance is real n bad ppl r still ppl hmmm ☝️☝️ nah no way" or whatever. so what i mean to say is star is at the lowest of the lows rn right. this is that inevitable loss. hes the spot on his own made up image of himself that he couldn't live up to. so he goes to the guy who he feels he belongs w most now — wonder. belongs not in a romantic sense(ok maybe a romantic sense too) but in a "ure the only person im vaguely close to who i feel like could look me in the eyes rn simultaneously the only person id let see me cuz the very act of me feeling anything towards u was already a step so low for me that begging u to let me stay w u doesn't even feel like going much lower. anyway so can u let me in ure my only hope 🥺" sense. so he just stands outside of wonders car cuz wonder doesnt even have a fucking house either, holding a cardboard box w 3 shirts 10 ties n a cactus, completely drenched out in the rain probably fell in a fucking puddle on the way. n i feel like he doesn't even expect him to open the door. n wonder wouldn't really be to blame if he didn't like things r rlly complicated between them. + she alr has to share her stupid broken ass car w her coolioburger 4yo kid (big shoutout to woopa) like be so fr rn. but hed probably let star in anyway n they just sit there rlly awkwardly n avoid eye contact. basically a huge humbling experience for star that is sure to kickstart a character arc of reconsidering things n becoming a better person n stuff 👍 all because of yaoi

big shoutout to my frjends for this one fr stars arc was like a group project

[sanjisblackasswife]

PLEASEEEE IM BEGGING DO NSFW HEADCANONS FOR CORAZON🙏🏻🙏🏻 Something about big tall men turning into putty over the slightest touch makes me SCREAMMM😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

(I love ur work btw!!🫶🫶)

Rosinante (Corazon) Dolflamingo NSFW Alphabet

Black Fem Reader in Mind

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Right after sex he immediately holds you, the main part of his aftercare is reassuring you if you’re okay and how well you are. One of the last things he ever wants to do is not make you feel validated and comfort around him. So he’ll light up a cigarette and place you on his chest, his long fingers running up and down your nude back to cup your butt as you’re buried in his neck and he is whispering in your ear.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

His hands, not really a reason why but he takes good care of them and they’re so surprisingly soft.

He loves your thighs. So jiggly when he plays with them and whether you have a thigh gap or not he loves to use them as a heater for his naturally cold hands

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

He practices safe sex so in a condom is where he finishes, sometimes thought when he just wants to feel you he pulls out and sprays all over your tummy, it’s usually a lot so close your eyes because he may land on your face.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He wants you to take charge in the bedroom. He has seen you upset and he’s so embarrassed to admit you turn him on when you’re eyes are fiery red in anger, cussing up a storm and yelling. He wouldn’t ever try to be a brat and make you shut him up, in fear you may not understand, but he just wishes one day you climb on top and demand what you want from him. Bet he would have the prettiest whimpers<3

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

He had his fair share in the marines and before meeting you. They were all one night stands and maybe 2 serious relationships, but he did learn a lot from you on how to pleasure both you and himself so he’s pretty good and what he does. Clumsy still, but good.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

He really, really, really, really, really, likes positions where he is fucking up into you. Like A LOT. He doesn’t know what it is but you’re so easy to hold up against a cold (shower) wall and just have your legs wrapped around his scared waist and fuck as much as he can.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He’s a natural goofball so there are some moments where the sex is just so unserious. He tries but sometimes little things would occur like him hitting his head on the headboard or cumming way too soon and he panics. It’s always fun and sweet though

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He grows a little kore than average, its a pretty dark brown happy trail as well. It’s very attractive if you don’t care about hair, but if you want him shaved just let him know, he may let you shave it for him.

I = Intimacy (how are they duruing the moment? the romantic aspect)

He tries. He does, he really wants you to feel special, but he would fail horribly sometimes by either putting himself on fire trying to light candles or almost dropping you while carrying you to the bed. If you’re a good sport about it you can cheer him up and let him start over<3

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

He stilk does it the same amount he did before he met you. Which isn’t a lot, if he really needs it though and you’re too busy for him he’ll go to his room for a moment and take care of himself

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Big boy is actually very vanilla. He is a simple man so he isn’t really into much, he does however have a praise kink, moreso giving than receiving, he loves letting you know how well you’re taking him in.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Ironically the shower/bath. He only takes them with you and 9/10 it turns into steamy sex. You do however only fuck him in he is sitting down because the pure thought of him slipping and falling while you both are naked makes you terrfied

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

How you look at him. He’s such a flustered baby all you need to do is give him eye contact and maybe a few lingers if the hand on him and he’ll be wanting to take you somewhere private.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

He will say no to a lot, hurting you, choking you too hard, slapping your face, or degrading you. You’re his Queen and he’d much rather die (no pun intended) than to harm you.

Pegging.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

LOVE LOVE LOVES to give. Your thighs are his favorite earmuffs and your pussy is his favorite meal. He’s so sloppy with it and a few times he has held his cigarette to his hand while eating you out….looked kinda hot.

If you go down on him he’s so cute and whiney. He can’t help but to buck into your mouth going “w-wait wait! Baby…” when he’s already came but you still suck and lick through his orgasm

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

He takes the pace be default slow and long strokes, but he never likes to bottom out. he’s LONG and BIG so he tries his hardest to not hurt you. Just give the baby a little reassurance and he’ll be able to move in the pace you desire.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Not a fan. Much rather take his time, the most of quickies he’d do is go down on you or let you sit in his face before he leaves. Sex with you is always something he values to make sure it’s memorable each time.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

No. And whats funny is even when he uses his power yall have still almost have gotten caught by Law which is VERY EMBARRASSING on his end so he will always prepare the bedroom or bathroom with the door LOCKED

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

As long as you like sweetheart he won’t stop until you had your fill.<3

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

…it’s embarrassing how many toys he has. For you. He even has a cock ring that he wants to use on you.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He isn’t too innocent to NOT tease you, whispering in your ear how good you look and how badly he wants to fuck you as you sit on his lap and taking a sip of his coffee as if he didn’t say anything is his specialty

He however loves to be teased by you! Your boldness will always get him riled up. He may even act bratty so you can put him in his place.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Well like i said he uses his power alot when you both have sex so you both are loud sluts, but Cora…

Top 5 prettiest moans. It’s so …pretty. You can actually cum from the sound alone if you have a voice kink he’s such too good.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He can speak Spanish and his accent change is really attractive. He moreso speaks it when he is upset.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

He’s what 8-9 feet?…..man…he like 9-10 inches MINIMUM. Very long, uncut, light fleshy pink, one long blue vein on the top and yes it blushes. Hence why he likes to go slow, he knows what he’s packing.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

He’s pretty average. He won’t never say no to some time of making love with you though. On average you both have sex 4-5 times a week including quickies

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Doesnt go to sleep until you’re well, clean, and in his arms as he smokes one last cigarette, you faintly heard it but he has sung to you while kissing your forehead as you rested on his bare scared chest, telling you how much he loves you and how grateful he is to have you.

[xetlynn]

The Hunger Games: Protector; Chapter One, The Reaping

[Information] [One] [Two]

"No! No!!!" A scream emitted in the air, startling me awake. I jumped up but Katniss was already comforting her little sister, Primrose.

"Shh, shh." The older one hugs the girl, stroking her hair. "It's okay, it's okay. You were just dreaming, you were dreaming." She tells her, the blonde begins to sob. I go over to them, joining in comforting her.

"It was me." She cries. Prim has been having these nightmares ever since she turned 12.

Meaning she was now a part of the reaping. Something I never understood could be a thing but of course, it is.

"I know, I know. But it's not. It's your first year Prim, your name's only been in there once. They're not going to pick you. Try to go back to sleep." Katniss tells her, even though she doesn't know that it's kind of true, being picked in your first year is rare. "I can't." She looks up at me frowning.

I kiss her forehead. "Just try, flower." I whispered before glancing over to the brunette who sighs as I lay her back down. Both of us sat in the bed with her.

"Deep in the meadow, under the willow," Katniss begins to sing, Prim joins in as I just listen. "A bed of grass, a soft green pillow."

"You remember that song. Okay, you finish it. We gotta go." Katniss kisses her temple just as I had done before her. "Where?" Her voice stops us. "We just have to go, flower." I smile softly. "But we'll be back, I love you."

We grab our jackets, Buttercup hisses at the girl beside me. "I'll still cook you." She threatens the cat. I open the door, trying not to chuckle at her hatred for the poor kitty.

"I will never understand your two's bond." I shake my head, speaking on the quieter side as the village is a little less noisy today. "It's not difficult to understand."

We glance around before going under the District boundary. An electric fence that's barely ever on due to not having much electricity in 12.

Getting deeper into the woods, having to fetch our hunting gear we have to leave out here. Katniss uses a bow and lately she's been teaching me how to use it. I'm better with the traps. Always have been. And with fishing if we ever go to the water it's easy to use an arrow as a spear.

Close contact hunting has always been a specialty of mine compared to a bow and arrow. She gives me the bow and I give her a look, trying to hand it back to her. She stops me with a low smirk on her lips.

"You need the practice, [Name]." Folding her arms, I let out a sigh, snatching the arrows from the ground as she scoffs out a snicker.

This is where we grow quieter than mice. Our footsteps barely crunching below us. Pointing when we hear the slightest noise. After some time we finally spotted a doe. I look over to her and she nods her head doing a motion to use the bow.

I aligned the arrow into the correct position, taking in a deep breath as I pulled it back. Using one eye to track the deer. It was unexpecting, I almost felt bad for wanting to kill her. I ready the shot.

"What are you two gonna do with that when you kill it?" A voice speaks, spooking the doe causing it to run away. Both Katniss and I goran. "Damn you, Gale!" Katniss calls out angrily. He chuckles at us.

"It's not funny." I point at him. "What're you two going to do with a 100 pound deer? It's Reaping Day, the place is crawling with Peacekeepers." He questions our antics.

"We were gonna sell it to some Peacekeepers." Katniss tells him. "Of course you were." He rolls his eyes. I put the bow and arrow into one hand, following beside the two. "Like you don't sell to Peacekeepers." I argue with him. "No! Not today."

"It was the first deer I've seen in a year. [Name] could've gotten it. Now we have nothing." She complains to the taller boy. "Okay." He picks up a rock, throwing it. Scaring off some birds and Katniss hurries me. I pull the bow and arrow out. Shooting one. The two cheer for me since I'm usually horrible at this.

Suddenly a plane flies above us, I grab onto my cousin pushing her to the ground. Gale in front of us.

Once it's out of view we get up, dusting ourselves off.

We went to find the bird I shot, then afterwards we sat on a large rock.

"What if they did? Just one year, what if everyone just stopped watching?" Gale asks us. I play with the grass as we talk. "They won't, Gale." Katniss disagrees.

"What if they did? What if we did?" He glances at me and I shake my head. "It won't happen." My little cousin speaks up once again.

"You root for your favorite, you cry when they get killed. It's sick." He rambles, something we know but understand why he vents about.

The games are sick but have been going for 74 years it's not going to just disappear. "Gale." Katniss and I say at the same time. "If no one watches, then they don't have a game. It's as simple as that." He gestures. Us two hold our amusement.

"What?" He questions us.

"Nothing." "Huh?" We replied to him. "Fine, laugh at me." He huffs out. "We're not laughing at you." She defends us but I shrug my shoulders.

"I kind of was." I chuckle, Gale playfully shoves my arm. "We could do it, you know? Take off. Live in the woods. It's what we do anyway." He grows serious, my face falls. "They'd catch us." Katniss says.

"Maybe not." He argues. "Cut out our tongues or worse. We wouldn't make it five miles."

"No, I'd get five miles. I'd go that way." He points off into the distance. "[Name] and I have Prim and Zay, you have your brothers." She reminds him, I think about putting the little ones in danger and my chest tightens. But the games, the chance of their names being read out loud…

"They can come too." Gale simply says. "Prim in the woods?" Katniss huffs, Gale and I laugh. "Maybe not." He hums.

"I'm never having kids." Katniss sighs, leaning backwards. "Same." I agree, staring up at the sky. "I might. If I didn't live here." Gale tells us.

"But you do live here." She prompts him. "I know but if I didn't. Oh, I forgot." He changes the subject, pulling out a piece of bread.

Splitting it in half for the both of us. "Oh my god! Is this real?" She asks excitedly. As I stare at it in disbelief, giving him a kiss on his cheek.

"You're fucking amazing." I told him. "It better be, Cost me a squirrel. Happy Hunger Games."

"And may the odds-" Katniss bites into her bread "Be ever in your favor." I finish for her, taking a bite into mine as well.

"How many times has your names been entered?" She then asks us. I don't like talking about how many times I had to put my name in for the family. Lying about it to my dad and Kat many times.

"Fifty one." I take another bite of the bread. "Forty two, guess the odds aren't exactly in our favor." He nudges me as I frown deeply.

The three of us go back to the village, Katniss and I separating as I go back home to help Clare with prim and Zayden. Kat going to the trade building.

I entered the house, not expecting my father but there he stood, he was in cleaner clothes than usual. As well as Clare, she was already dressed and cleaned up for the Reaping. Primrose along with Zayden came into the front room, pulling me into a hug.

"Let's get you two ready, hm?" I ask them with a toothy smile. Prim was filled with anxiety so all she responds with is a nod. Zayden being only five and not understanding what he was getting ready for he cheers to do so.

He's going to stand with dad due to being younger. I'm glad I won't have to stress over him for more years. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to volunteer for him if he ever was picked during the draw.

The thought freaking me out I have to physically shake my head for it to go away.

I get the first bath started, Prim getting cleaned up first. Clare picked her dress out, also letting me know that I have one on my bed.

"Thank you, Aunt Clare." I hug her, she only nods forcing a smile before walking away. My father picked up Zayden who was playing with a wooden plane I had carved when I was 12 right before he was born. I had a feeling he was going to be a boy. I argued with my parents all the time.

They believed it was a girl, or that might've been to mess with me. But I knew in my heart I was going to have a little brother and I was right. My mom taught me how to do wood carvings.

Making little animals and objects, she would sell them sometimes, just to earn a little bit more money. Then after she passed it was something to take my mind off the world around me.

"You’re home early." I speak up, picking up the off-white dress my Aunt had given to me. It had tiny flowers around it. It was gorgeous. "We all got sent home early due to the Games." He tells me as he bounces Zay on his hip.

I nod my head, staring at my little brother who was so focused on "flying" his little plane. "You don't have to worry about washing him, he got a bath last night. Hasn't been out much since." He lets me know, playing Zayden back down, grabbing his clothes off the tall dresser.

"Just worry about yourself and little Prim." He says, kneeling down. "Thank you." I give him a small hug. Prim was already out of the bath and dressed. I brush out her hair and then send her off to Clare before I enter the bath next.

The water was cold, so I didn't bother to boil some water. Just wanting to get it over with. My heart quickly beating in my chest practically forced me to be quicker.

I hated bodies of water. I don't know why, I just always had some weird phobia about it. The unknown. What could happen even if it's for a split second. I hated everything about it.

Getting done fast, I dried myself off. Throwing my undergarments on before the dress. I use a towel to hurriedly dry my hair off. I put my hair into two tight dutch braids, a few strands out of place but I didn't care enough to fix it as the pain in my arms was too annoying to continue dealing with.

I walked out of the bathroom, Clare went into the room and fixed up the bath for Katniss. I go to Primrose, grinning at how beautiful she looked.

"Pretty flower, come here." I take her hand, spinning her around. "You look gorgeous, my flower." I kiss her nose making her giggle, throwing her arms around me. "Thank you, leaf." She lets out a long breath as she grips onto me. My nickname she gave me is because I started calling her flower, she thought it was dumb at first. So she gave me a "dumb" nickname too. I love it even though she didn't want me to.

I heard the front door open as Prim called out for her mom. But then hearing the door as well. "Aww. Look at you. You look beautiful. Better tuck in that tail, little duck." Katniss pulls her sister towards her, tucking in her shirt that poked out in the back.

"I laid something out for you, too." Clare speaks up to Kat. "Okay." She goes to the bathroom. Getting herself ready.

"Now you three look beautiful." Aunt Clare tells us. "Wish I looked like you." Prim tells her sister. "Aw, no. I wish I looked like you, little duck." Kat tells the little blonde who shyly smiles but the conversation was cut off by the whistle that blows. Time stamping that we need to get moving for the Reaping.

"Hey, you wanna see what I got you today? It's a Mockingjay pin. To protect you. And as long as you have it nothing bad will happen to you. Okay? I promise." Katniss pulls out a little gold pin, trying to calm down the girl.

Zayden gets a little antsy as well.

As we walk outside it's time for me to separate from my dad and Zayden. My heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest.

Like if I didn't grip it, it was going to explode but I took a deep breath in, instead. It was like this every year. This was my second to last year of The Reaping. It wasn't any easier though. I give my last hug to my little brother, giving him back to my dad.

"[Name]." He reaches his arms out still and I kiss his cheek. "I'll see you after, okay?" I tell him, trying to be hopeful.

My dad's eyes were saddened, he observed my every move before I had the courage to actually look at him. "I love you, dad." I hug him, his embrace lingers for a little longer than it should. When another whistle blows and I hear Prim begin to panic, I let him go.

"I love you too, We'll see you after." He nods his head and I do the same, heading over to my younger cousins.

"Shh, shh, Prim. It's okay. It's time to sign in now. Okay, they're gonna prick your finger to take just a little bit of blood." Katniss explains what is about to happen.

"You didn't say-" "I know. It doesn't hurt much. Just a little, right [Name]?" She looks up to me and I nod my head. "Go sit down there with the little kids. I'll find you after, okay?" She assures the youngest girl who nods her head. The Peacemaker calls out to the next girl.

Prim goes up. Katniss and I move into our lines.

Unfortunately having to be away from one another.

"Welcome! Welcome, welcome. Happy Hunger Games. And, may the odds be ever in your favor." Effie, the woman who has done this for years, her colorful get up almost being a mockery to the colorless aura of District 12. Her candy-like pink hair that's huge and puffy.

"Now, before we begin. We have a very special film. Brought to you all the way from the Capitol!" She grins, clapping her hands before showing off the screen to the right.

It's the same thing every year, I roll my eyes at the sight and the sound of President Snow's voice. "War. Terrible war. Widows, orphans, a motherless child. This was the uprising that rocked our land. Thirteen districts rebelled against the country that fed them, loved them, protected them. Brother turned on brother until nothing remained." I shifted in place, listening to this.

"And then came the peace, hard fought, sorely won. A people rose up from the ashes, and a new era was born. But freedom has a cost. And the traitors were defeated. We swore as a nation we would never know this treason again. And so it was decreed that each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up, in tribute, one young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage, and sacrifice. The lone victor, bathed in riches, would serve as a reminder of our generosity and our forgiveness. This is how we remember our past. This is how we safeguard our future." The video finally ends, after what feels like an eternity.

"I just love that! Now, the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District 12 in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. As usual, ladies first." The colorful woman moves over to the large glass bowl of names, drawing the first piece of paper. Moving back to the microphone and opening the paper.

"Primrose Everdeen!" And the world stopped.

My heart dropped and I saw the back of Kat's head. She looked frozen in place. "Where are you dear? Come on up. Well, come on up!"

I see the blonde reluctantly moving towards the stage.

"Prim! Prim!" I hear Katniss but in quickness, not even realizing what I'm doing I grab her.

"I volunteer! I volunteer as Tribute!" I scream out loud, my voice breaking subtly. Primrose, comes to Katniss and I. They both grip onto me. "I believe we have a volunteer, Mr. Mayor." Effies says in shock, a smile on her face.

"You both need to get out of here. Get out of here!" I tell them. "No!" Prim cries.

"[Name], no, don't do this!" Katniss cries but is separated by the Peacekeepers that grab onto me. "Go find your mom and my dad. Zayden as well!" I ordered them.

"No!" Prim shouts again. "[Name]!" Katniss screams. "Go find them!" I demand. They both scream, no, trying to fight against the peacekeepers.

"I'm sorry!" I tell them. Clare grabs them as I'm ushered to the stage.

"A dramatic turn of events here in District 12. Yes, well, District 12's very first volunteer. Bring her up!" Effie holds a card in her hand as I stand next to her. I force the tears back down. Except one that had already escaped but I didn't wipe it. Standing there in shock. Wanting to throw up the bread I had eaten with Katniss and gale earlier in the day.

"Come on dear. What's your name?" Effie asks me, putting the mic near my face. "[Name] Everdeen." Yes, my mother gave me her last name instead of my father's. She didn't know they were going to end up together as they weren't serious when she fell pregnant.

"Well, I bet my hat those were your sisters, wasn't it?" She proudly states but I shake my head. "Cousins." I sound like I'm out of breath. "Ohh," She sings out. "Let's have a big hand for our very first volunteer, [Name] Everdeen." She claps enthusiastically, but the crowd was quiet, only doing the three finger salute. She awkwardly moves on.

"And now, for the boys."

She pulls a name and comes back to the mic. "Peeta Mellark." She reads out. I spotted the blonde boy from the crowd, recognizing him from when we were children.

When he attempted to convince his father to trade one of my carvings for bread. Getting himself in trouble for insisting, I left the carving of the bear there even though I wasn't given anything. He ended up throwing a slightly burnt loaf towards me in the rain. I was leaned up a tree weak with Katniss in my arms.

I heard how his mother had yelled at him for burning that bread. His gesture was never forgotten. It was a horrible time for my family. My mother had passed and Katniss and Prim's father passed. My father working extra hours in the mines. We weren't even scraping enough to get by.

Just making sure that Prim and Zayden had food and formula. Clare was stuck in place with her depression, going mute and not even taking care of herself.

The same blond boy who saved my family that day walked up onto the stage to enter the Hunger Games with me and I was devastated that it had to be him.

"Here we are, our tributes from District 12. Well come on, you two shake hands." She instructs us. We shake hands, both of our faces drained of color.

"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

If you want to be in the Taglist for this let me know!!!

Maasterlist

P.M. ML

[dragonblobz]

The Desert Pt 4

Slight angst. Much fluff. I love Sunstreaker. That is all.

“I like it. I like the human a lot. The bearings on that thing……”

Sunstreaker ignores his brother for as long as possible.

“Prime isn’t gonna be very happy with us…”

Sunstreaker’s axles grind. His frame shuddering for a moment. Sideswipe chatters on, completely oblivious.

“Can we keep it? I mean, how can it give us away if it’s WITH us, right? We should TOTALLY keep it!”

“It’s not a fragging pet.” Sunstreaker snaps this retort. And then follows it with logic.

“We should have left it.”

Sideswipe is just as vitriolic with his response. His cheerful cocky demeanor nowhere to be seen suddenly.

“I'm not a decepticon. And I’m NOT a coward. I won’t run. Ever.”

Sustreaker feels the first inklings of true anger.

“Are you implying that I’m a coward?”

Sideswipe doesn’t answer, but the defiance is still there. He changes the subject instead.

“Well. What are we going to do with it?”

“It can’t be allowed to go off and talk about us.”

A silence hangs between them, broken only by the purring of engines. The whirring of tires. First contemplation, then understanding, and then Sideswipe practically snarling at him.

“We. Are not. Decepticons.”

“You can roll ahead if you want. I can meet up with you after.”

“I’m not going to honor that with a response.”

Memories flashing in his processors. How the little beast had tried to defend, even in futility, his brother. Against all odds. So brave and so without fear. Just to help his twin.

And another memory. It’s frightened little bloody face…. Little fleshy servos spreading and pleading for mercy…..

This just makes him even angrier. Words are easy. And he’ll do whatever he has to do to keep them safe. But he knows, that his brother knows just as well as he does, that he can’t actually harm this human.

Sideswipe has fallen silent. And continues to remain so. Right up until the human starts moving inside him.

…………………….

I’m drowsy. Lips feeling so dry and cracked and caked with something. Crusty. I’m SO thirsty.

My eyes peel open, and for just a brief moment, my discomfort is forgotten.

Dawn in the desert. The blues and violets of the sky kissing at the landscape before the warmer hues bleed in. The landscape is timeless and ancient and oh so beautiful. Just as beautiful as the dreams I’d just had, but can’t remember.

I stretch, lazy. Hands brushing at the soft padded top of this Lamborghini.

Lamborghini…..

I smile, face all crusted with old blood and puffy eyed and sleepy.

“Gmornin….”

There’s no response. I don’t mind in the slightest. Sit upright. Marvel at the shimmering mirage on the blacktop ahead. It’s like the highway is giving birth to a new desert day.

My tongue feels like leather in my mouth. I rummage around in my shoulder bag till I find my Fiji, then gulp water down. It’s not cold anymore. I don’t care.

Afterwards I stuff my free hand in my pack. Searching around. I feel loose pills. Metformin bottle must’ve come open.

“Crap…” I grumble as I fish two of those pills out and eat em with another swig of water. Then cap the bottle. Not much left.

I’m just comfortable. Sort of? My face hurts. I reach up and carefully prod at myself with my fingertips.

I can feel how much dried blood is on my face. Rake at it with my nails.

My nose FEELS okay. No crookedness. No pain at poking other than a bruised discomfort.

Suddenly….. I hear a car horn blaring violently. Jerk towards the sound.

The red Lamborghini, Sideswipe, is side by side with us. Just blaring his horn madly.

“Is everything okay??” I twist around in this harness, peering out these tinted windows. Looking for another jet monster.

“Ugh. Everything is fine. He just wants to tell you good morning.”

I grin at this. Then laugh. Then wave at the other car like a fool.

“Good morning, Sideswipe!”

The red Lambo screams with horsepower as he accelerates, pulling ahead of us. And then……

It’s like I’m watching an action movie. Just watching this sports car swerve it’s ass end around. Till it’s literally. In the same lane as us. Facing us. Driving backwards. Still blaring it’s horn.

“Show off!” I laugh delightedly and clap my hands.

Sunstreaker’s voice sounds SO grumpy.

“He’s just NOT gonna stop until I relent.”

Suddenly….. it’s Sideswipe’s voice I’m hearing from this car.

“Hey there, little buddy!”

I’m grinning.

“Hi! Good morning!”

I lift a hand and do a wiggle finger wave at him thru the windshield. It feels like he literally just wanted to TELL me good morning.

“Did you fail at marksmanship? Because I KNOW you missed me.”

I feel myself blushing under the dried blood. Right before I’m literally grinning so hard its making my nose hurt. Did I just get a pick up line from a ghost car robot?

“Ohmygod…..”

I begin giggling harder. Nearly having to bite my tongue to prevent myself from retorting….. and failing.

“Oh I hit it every time, I assure you.”

“OoooooHOOOOOOooooo…”

His raucous catcall is cut off.

“There. You’ve said good morning. That’s quite enough.”

Oh man Sunstreaker sounds SO crabby. And I don’t hear Sideswipe anymore.

I watch the red Lamborghini repeat it’s previous performance, only in reverse. Whips it’s body back around. Two more aggressive toots of it’s horn as it passes the driver’s window, letting us pass, and falling back in line behind us.

I just got flirted with by a ghost car robot guy.

I’m just blushing and hiss giggling. Hands traveling up to cup my own warm cheeks. Feeling the dried blood.

Geez, I bet I look gross. And then I remember…..

I look up. At the dash. And I see it. Lots of dried blood there. From when my face had smacked into it last night. And all that cheerfulness disappears.

“Im sorry…..”

I don’t expect the car to answer, but he does.

“Why?”

I reach forward, brushing my fingertips on that old blood on this dash.

“You’d told me not to make a mess but…..” I curl my pointer finger, scratching at that dried blood.

No response. I feel awkward for a moment. Remembering how this car had barked at me not to touch him before. And here I am, poking him.

He doesn’t say anything. Just the sounds of that purring engine. I open my hand and just pat the dash, apologetic, and then pull my hand away.

Back into my pack. Searching for that one essential item I never leave home without. Flicking pills around with my fingers. Scraping something soft. Socks. And then….

“A ha!”

I hold the package of baby wipes up like it’s a trophy and I’ve won a tournament.

I open it and pull a wipe out. Reach forward. Hesitate.

Nothing. Just that same purring engine. I reach a little farther.

Still nothing.

I stay frozen for a few moments. Gathering the nerve. Then finally start wiping my blood off the dash. It’s dry. I’m having to really scrub.

That does it apparently.

“What are you doing…..” Mr Car sounds irritated, but more so confused.

“Cleaning up my mess.” I’m saying it in an asshole cheerful tone, and I’m grinning. “You’re welcome.”

“You should clean yourself up first.”

This particular tone makes me pause. There’s no irritation at all. It almost doesn’t sound like my new friend. He sounds….. he almost sounds….. repentant?

“It’s…. It’s okay…. I’ll get to it next, I promise.”  My own voice sounds almost timid.

The car accelerates. I can FEEL our speed increasing. And his voice is, once again, that grumpy growl.

“Don’t trouble yourself on my account. Now clean your face. You look ridiculous.”

I blanch. Look out the window again for a time. Just watching everything go from ethereal desert dawn to….. well….. crispy hot ass desert.

Trying to convince myself to just do as I’m told. Feeling so badly. Why does he have to be so….. mean?

I huff, shoulders setting.

No…. Oh hell no….. I’m not just bowing to what I’m told anymore. Not ever again.

I clench my jaw. And wordlessly start scrubbing his dash again.

“I told you…. Clean…. Your filthy face…..” pure venom.

I wrinkle my nose, the action stinging.

“And I told YOU that I WOULD. When I’m DONE cleaning up my MESS.” Now I’M growling. Stubborn.

I expect him to just go silent. I pull a fresh wipe out. The old one is all gunky. And I scrub again.

The entire car around me jerks as his tires squeal and scream. Breaking to a rapid stop. Right in the middle of this lonely desert highway. This time, the harness keeps me safely pressed to the seat.

“Do. As you’re told.” This tone is a threat.

My jaw clenches.

“No.”

His engine cuts. Several moments of sheer silence. And my stubbornness crumbles away to be replaced by an uncomfortable anxiety.

The door glides open.

“Get out.” His tone is almost deadly now.

“No.” This word is tenuous. Trembling. And I’m afraid.

“I said. Get. Out.” There’s a finality in the sound of his voice that makes me start to sniffle and cry. Hating myself for it. Unable to help it.

“Don’t…. Don’t leave me here…. I’m sorry…. I’ll do as you say….”

“OUT!”

I don’t answer. Stupid baby wipe falling from my hand so that both hands can just clutch at this harness around me, white knuckle tight. A death grip.

The entire car roars around me. And… begins to warp….

I begin to hyperventilate. Panicking. Watching the parts of him around me changing shape. Harness pulling out of my hands and disappearing. My pack falling thru the cracks onto the pavement below.

I dumbly realize that he’s doing it again. Changing like he’d done last night. Metallic sounds as he transforms around me. And I cough out a terrified sob. Just close my eyes.

“Don’t…. Don’t hurt me….”

I’m just trembling as the movement and shifting stops. I feel something huge and tight around my waist. I’m pressed to warm metal. Cheek smooshed.

“Sunny…..” I recognize Sideswipe’s voice. It sounds like a warning. I still haven’t opened my eyes.

“SHUT UP!” It’s a snarl. Vibrating on my cheek and on my body.

I just quiver with my eyes squeezed closed. Body all limp otherwise. I’m damn well AFRAID.

Nothing happens for several minutes. I’m just suspended and pressed against this hard warm metal. I can hear a whirring beneath it. A pulsing sound, quiet but steady.

Finally, I open my eyes. Move my face. Where am I?

And when I realize where I am….

My ghost car robot is a robot now, not a car. The tight feeling around my waist is his huge hand. He’s holding my limp body to his chest. An errant moment where I realize that rhythmic whirring pulse must be his heart. And he’s glaring down at me with murder in those glowing blue eyes of his.

I had not been this close to him last night. I’m SO close. Can practically look up his pointed humanoid metal nose. And he looks SO angry.

“I’m sorry….” It’s a squeak. Just a pathetic little whine. And pull my hands up to press my palms on his massive metal chest. Funny, I can FEEL that whirring pulse too.

“Shut. Up.” This isn’t a roar, but it’s deadly. I whimper, but otherwise comply.

I feel him moving, but can’t look away from those eyes. I’m just as afraid as I’d been looking up at that awful metal jet monster.

My feet touch on the ground. That big metal hand leaving me. I stumble as he pulls away. Shaking so badly.

I see Sideswipe now. At some point he’d also turned back into a robot. And he’s wearing that same expression I’d seen on him before. That grim determination. None of that silly teen boy whimsy when he’d greeted me. And his arms are crossed along his big red chest.

And just seeing him….. I feel better. Just a little. Because that expression isn’t directed at me. He’s looking at my angry yellow robot. And boy, does that yellow robot look ANGRY.

He's glaring down at me. Practically smoldering with rage. He’s trembling. I can see it.

He moves now. I jerk in response. Cringing involuntarily.

He freezes. I watch his expression smooth from murder to a simple sneer.

“Tsk. Stop looking at me like that.”

“Stop looking at me like you’re gonna hurt me.” It’s a frightened chirping retort.

He doesn’t answer me. Those glowing murder blue eyes leaving me to flick down along the pavement. And he squats. I flinch at it.

He pauses. He clearly had noticed my flinch. But he doesn’t look at me. Just slowly resumes his actions.

I watch his giant hand pinch the very tips of his thumb and forefinger on that package of baby wipes that had fallen out when he’d transformed around me. And I watch that sneer morph into grumpy thoughtfulness.

He just studies that package for a few moments. And I’m still trembling. Not understanding.

His fingers twist along the plastic. I can tell he’s trying to open it….. he’s just too BIG.

That thoughtfulness curls right back into a sneer. I can tell RIGHT when he loses his patience. Crushing all of his fingertips along the package till the plastic splits and baby wipes are flopping everywhere. All over his hand. Splatting on the ground.

He reaches his other hand up. Starts plucking wipes off of his palm. His wrist. Flicking them carelessly away.

And he speaks. His voice no longer angry, but still wavering. Like he’s TRYING to sound calm.

“You’ve got filth all over your face plate. I hurt you, when I ejected you. Didn’t I already tell you I’m not going to hurt you again?”

He’s saying this as he delicately plucks the mess of wipes from his hand. Till it’s just a small wad of them pinched between his thumb and forefinger.

It’s true. He had said that. As I’d buckled myself into that harness. I allow myself to stop shaking. But I’m still staring. I’m still afraid.

He finally looks at me. And there is no more anger. Just a sullen scowl.

He approaches me now. And it’d be funny at any other time. So slow. He’s moving so slowly. Exaggeratedly slow. One hand delicately pinching that wad of wipes. The other spreading it’s fingers and showing its palm. Like he’s trying to show me that I don’t need to be afraid of him.

I stiffen, but otherwise hold still. Pupils flicking over. Looking for Sideswipe. Seeking a friend.

And what I see eases the rest of the tension in my body.

There he is. Big red robot. Arms still crossed. But there is no more grim determination. He looks physically relaxed. And there is the silliest grin on his face. Not that ego playboy grin I’d seen before. He looks PROUD. And he’s not looking at me.

I turn back to Sunstreaker. And it is HERE that I see that grim determination. An expression I’d mistaken as sullen before.

He’s not angry at all. He’s determined. I feel myself softening. Holding as still as I can as he crouches before me. So close. He’s no giant like that jet monster had been, but he’s still HUGE.

He reaches his hand forward, still that absurd slowness. And I gasp as I feel that wad of wipes brushing at my cheek.

He’s enormous and looks so grim. His touches are SO gentle. All nervousness drains away from me and I just stare up at his face as he meticulously cleans mine. Taking such care. I feel an odd warm feeling in my chest. And I begin to just grin stupidly up at him.

He doesn’t appear to notice the change in my expression. His own still so grim. Intense concentration. Like he’s taking the greatest care with those massive fingers near my face. Until that determination doesn’t look like determination at all. It looks like supreme effort and care.

His glowing eyes flick to mine, finally noticing my silly dumb smile. And there’s this odd rusty hue on his cheekbones. As that effort morphs into a definite scowl.

He finally speaks. A little growl, almost carried away in the desert wind.

“Hold still.”

“Okay….” I’m just smiling so wide. Chest so warm that the desert around me almost feels cool. As this huge robot delicately cleans the blood from my face.

[helloalycia]

moving on [four] // alicia clark

summary: you begin to realise that you like Alicia as more than a friend, and your delusional thoughts are telling you that maybe she likes you, too.

warning/s: none.

author's note: this may or may not be the chapter you’re all waiting for 😉 also y/c/h = your colour hair

one / two / three / five / six / masterlist / wattpad

After an exciting yet very long day of activities and challenges, the competition was coming to a close. The teams were very close in points, ours – Team Unity – just a little ahead of the other, which meant the final challenge, a group tug of war, would determine the winner.

The odds were in nobody's favour, so it was hard to work out who could win. Alicia was still as competitive as ever and I found it wholeheartedly amusing, especially because she was doing a terrible job at hiding it. When we all lined up, getting ready to begin, she passed me the rope to pass behind and so on.

"Try not to let him psyche you out," I advised her, hiding a smile. "And even if he does, we tried our best."

"You're saying that like we've already lost," she said with a warning tone. "We haven't. And I won't."

"Whatever you say."

She breathed out coolly before looking ahead and directly at Nick who happened to be at the front, leading his team. He was grinning, enjoying watching his sister squirm. It was easy to tell who the easygoing sibling was.

Madison stepped up, whistle in hand, and glanced between both of her children. The rest of the residents were surrounding us all, anticipating the game and looking to Madison as she gave a quick speech.

"It's been a fantastic day of challenges, each team giving it their all," she started, and everybody cheered. "Team Unity are in the lead by three points, so the winner will be determined by the team that wins the tug of war. Best of luck to both teams!"

I clutched the rope tightly between my hands, glancing over my shoulder to see the others doing the same. When I looked ahead, Nick's team were smiling but ready to go.

Madison finally blew the whistle and I pulled with all my strength. The rope's tension was tight between both teams as we struggled against one another. There was cheering and hollering for both sides, names being shouted with encouragement, but I couldn't make out specifics because my arms were beginning to hurt.

"Come on, guys, we got this!" Alicia shouted with encouragement.

There were a few times when we had the upper hand and I truly thought we would win, but in a last second move, the other team tugged us all forward, making us stumble on and let go of the rope. I barely had the chance to realise we'd lost before the others erupted into screams of joy, the crowd cheering them on. Madison had blown the whistle to signal the end of the game and I straightened up, sighing when I realised what had happened.

"And the winners of the stadium games are Team Valiant with a whopping thirty-two points!" Strand announced over the commotion.

"It was a good effort anyway," Alicia told our team, offering a sympathetic smile. "We'll get them next time."

We shared one final group hug before dispersing amongst the crowd. I looked to Alicia, smiling apologetically.

"You upset?" I asked.

She scrunched her nose, shaking her head. "Nah. It was still fun. Besides, I'm much more mature than Nick is. I won't be a sore loser."

I laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and squeezing it supportively. "That's my girl. You did good, Alicia."

She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. Before either of us could say anything more, we were interrupted by a bragging Nick who approached us with a cocky smile.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Team Loser!"

"Nick," Alicia acknowledged. "Congratulations on the win."

He studied her closely, but she didn't flinch in the slightest. A smile spread across his lips as he looked between her eyes. "This really stings, doesn't it?"

"Not in the slightest."

He waited for her to crack, but she didn't surprisingly, so he snickered and straightened up. "Good game, sis. Maybe you'll beat me next time."

Alicia hummed, holding her nonchalant stance, and I tried not to laugh.

"It's a shame you were on the losing team, Y/N," he added, looking to me. "You were pretty good out there."

"You won because of one game, otherwise we were in the lead," I reminded him with amusement.

"A win is a win."

"Touché."

He grinned, making Alicia scoff quietly, and then Madison called from the distance, "Nick stop bullying your sister!", and I started to laugh.

"I'm not!" he called back, before nodding to us both. "Ladies."

When he left, I glanced over at Alicia who was back to glaring at him from afar. "So, still taking the high road?"

"Uh-huh."

"Because I can totally shave his eyebrows off in his sleep if it makes you feel better."

She blinked, acknowledging my words, then glanced at me with humoured eyes. "Don't. That sounds very tempting."

I chuckled. "That's the point."

She began to smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine. As long as he doesn't keep rubbing it in my face. Otherwise yes to the shaving his eyebrows thing."

"You got it."

After everybody got cleaned up, the sun was already setting and others had already got started on the bonfire and barbecue. By the time I'd showered and changed, I could smell the food being cooked up, the scent curling in the air alongside the smell of burning wood. It was a homely scent, one that reminded me how lucky I was to be here.

Food and drinks were served up and the bonfire party was in full swing, everybody still excited from the day's events. Kids were playing, adults were mingling and enjoying the break from our usual chores, and it almost felt like the old days, before everything bad went wrong.

I was hanging out with Alicia, Nick and Luciana, the latter and I trying not to get involved in the former's sibling rivalry. As much as Alicia acted indifferent, it was easy to see her getting worked up by Nick's occasional digs, though it was all in good faith. I think she was just glad she could fight with him again and it not be life or death.

Soon after everyone had eaten dinner, it was finally time for the prizes to be given, in addition to the small flimsy but cute medals everyone had received throughout the day for participating. We'd set up a small stage near the barbecues and everyone gathered around as Alicia stepped up, backed by the judges and a table of awards.

"Good evening, everyone!" she shouted enthusiastically into a megaphone. "Is everyone enjoying themselves tonight?"

Cheers erupted in the crowd, people raising their drinks and kids screaming without even knowing why. I couldn't help but smile, still amazed at everything the Clarks, Luciana and Strand had managed to do with this place.

"That's what I thought," Alicia said with a laugh. "I hope you're all ready because now is time to hand out the awards! Starting with the winner of today's challenges which is Team–"

Before she could finish, Nick's team began to cheer with pride, whooping and shouting excitedly as they pushed themselves onto stage to accept their award.

"–Valiant," Alicia finished, giving a sideways glance at her brother before grabbing the trophy from behind her.

Nick ushered the kids in his team to go and collect it, and everybody watched with adoration as they held the trophy above their heads with toothy grins plastered on their faces.

"We just want to say thank you to everyone who supported us," Nick began to make a speech, to Alicia's dismay and everyone's amusement. "You believed us in and thanks to you and our skills, we managed to bury Team Unity in the ground."

Alicia rolled her eyes as they cheered once more and left the stage. Clearing her throat, she looked back to the crowd.

"Moving on," she began swiftly, making me laugh, "I will now hand out some extra awards for those who impressed the judges with their skills. First up – the most enthusiastic of the games!"

She went on to hand out a few more medals and smaller trophies, surprising every single person who received it. And then finally, she finished off with a final award.

"To wrap up the awards tonight, I want to present the final medal for the biggest team player," she announced, picking said medal up from the table. "Even though this person definitely didn't want to play, she did because I happened to ask very nicely. And she's been nothing but supportive the whole way through, even though it was definitely her fault that we lost the three-legged race."

It took me a moment to realise that she was talking about me, and when her eyes fell on me, it confirmed my thoughts.

"They've been the biggest team player, so without further ado, here's to Y/N!" she continued, and everybody began to clap, leaving me no choice but to awkwardly smile and go up on stage.

She was grinning when I stopped beside her, eyes bright as she placed the medal around my neck.

"Seriously?" I muttered, quirking a brow.

"Seriously," she confirmed with a wink, and the strange feeling from earlier returned.

I gave a final awkward smile to the crowd before waiting for the clapping to stop so I could speak. "For the record, we lost the three-legged race because of Alicia's elephant strides, not because of me. Thank you."

Everyone began to laugh as Alicia shoved me off the stage in disagreement. I couldn't help but smile.

Alicia wrapped up the awards with a final thank you before everyone got back to celebrating, remembering what today was all about. I waited for Alicia to join me, arms crossed as I gave her a half smile.

"I can't believe you did that," I told her when she approached me. "It was very cute."

She shrugged like it was nothing. "I was just being honest."

My teasing dispersed when I saw how genuine she was being. "You know, with all of those awards, you deserved one the most for setting today up. It was a lot of work."

"Seeing it play out was reward enough," she assured me, glancing out at her handiwork. Then, she added jokingly, "Though the trophy might have been nice."

I laughed, shaking my head. "There was no way you were winning that."

"Shut up," she mumbled lightheartedly, nudging me in the side.

I couldn't look away from her profile as I admired how happy she looked tonight. "It's not a trophy, but I have an award for you."

Surprised, she glanced at me. "Really? What?"

"Just wait here," I told her, leaving her standing there confused as I went to find the others.

Not long later, I returned with Madison, Strand, Nick and Luciana in tow, the five of us holding a big bouquet of flowers and a wrapped up present. When Alicia spotted us, her eyes widened with amazement.

"Like I said, it's not a trophy, but hopefully you still like it," I said to her jokingly.

"This is all for me?" she asked, still not quite believing it.

"It is, sweetie," Madison confirmed with a proud smile. "You did such a great job with planning everything today and bringing it all together."

"And we know you don't like too much attention, so we thought we'd give it you now rather than onstage," Strand added with amusement.

She was smiling widely as she accepted the flowers and looked down at them with adoration. "This is beautiful, guys, you really didn't have to."

"Don't forget your present," Luciana said, shaking it slightly in her hand before holding it out. "We think you'll like it. It was actually Y/N's idea."

"But we all went through the effort of finding it," I added when Alicia glanced at me questioningly. "I'm definitely not taking the credit."

"Oh, quit being modest, loser," Nick sighed, wrapping an arm around my shoulder in an annoying brotherly way.

I shoved him off as he laughed and Alicia passed the flowers back to her mum so she could open the gift. She'd barely unwrapped the top before she saw a glimpse of the box, and then she tore through the wrapping eagerly.

"It's a brand new Monopoly game!" she exclaimed, eyes twinkling with excitement. "I've been looking everywhere for one of these!"

I smiled, her own excitement contagious. I knew she'd been on and off searching for a game that had all the pieces in tact, but it was a struggle. Luckily for us, Luciana had come across one on a semi-recent patrol after I'd told her to keep an eye out, and it just happened to be brand new. The perfect gift for Alicia.

"Thank you all so much!" Alicia said, her smile permanent as she pulled us all in for a group hug with her free arm. "Seriously, you didn't have to."

We all hugged her before Madison offered to put both gifts in her room for when she finished up her evening. After a final thank you to the others, Alicia and I were left alone.

"So, Monopoly was everyone's idea?" she asked me with a raised brow.

I shrugged. "Maybe. You like it though, right? I thought it would be nice to play if you want. I know you missed it."

Her expression softened and she nodded, stepping forward and pressing a surprise kiss to my cheek. I definitely wasn't expecting it, my face heating up as soon as she stepped back and met my gaze.

"I love it, Y/N, thank you," she assured with a smile, and I forgot how to speak, cheek still burning from where she'd kissed it.

She must have known the effect she had on me – either that or my gormless expression was ever so amusing – because she began to laugh, eyes crinkling and laugh lines prominent.

"C'mon, let's go find some drinks," she encouraged, taking my hand and instantly tugging me away.

It was difficult to do much else other than think about her smile for the rest of the evening.

"...helloooo, Y/N?"

Zoning back into reality, I looked over at Alicia who was sat in a chair next to me. She was watching me with a raised eyebrow and amused smile.

"Where's your head at?" she asked.

"Nowhere, just got distracted, sorry," I answered, looking back out ahead.

We were both keeping watch tonight, sat in a tower just outside the gates of the stadium.

"You tired? I know I'm very convincing when it comes to doing the night shift," she smiled playfully at this, making me laugh, "but you could've said no if you didn't want to."

"It's not that, don't worry," I assured her. "Besides, who would keep you awake if I wasn't here?"

"Very true."

I smiled, glancing at her briefly and feeling that familiar flutter in my stomach that had been present as of late. It was a strange one, gradually realising that I liked Alicia in a slightly more-than-friends way. After everything – all the time we'd spent together, all the jokes we'd shared, all the considerate things she'd done for me – it was difficult not to like her.

I had been so used to looking out for Y/S/N these past few years that relationships had never been a priority for me – I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to like somebody, friend or otherwise. But now... now it was different and I no longer had other priorities. Instead, I had time.

And even though I was certain she couldn't feel the same – I didn't even know if she liked girls – I was content keeping this crush to myself and enjoying it. Eventually I'd get over it. At least that's what I told myself.

"So, since we've established my presence is irresistible, I'm going on a supply run in a few days," Alicia said after a moment of quiet. "D'you wanna come with? There's room for one more."

I considered it, pulling a face. "Ah, I dunno..."

She patted my arm encouragingly. "Oh, c'mon, it'll be a change of scenery."

I glanced at her. "It sounds like it's my presence that is irresistible."

She grinned, her eyes twinkling under the moonlight. "You caught me. Now, are you coming?"

I sighed dramatically, unable to say no to her even if I tried. "Sure."

"Wow. Don't sound too excited."

I cracked a small smile as I looked ahead into the darkness. "It's not that. I just... I wonder if it'll ever be safe enough to do other things. Like a day out. Something that doesn't mean supply runs are what we do to have a change of scenery."

"What do you mean?"

I shrugged, leaning back into my seat. "I don't know. It's just like before the world turned upside down, if we were bored or something, we could go out. Go to the park or watch a movie or play bowling. There were sources of entertainment. Or art to appreciate, like a museum or something. A treat, y'know? Now there's nothing."

She hummed thoughtfully. "We can kind of still do that. Luci bought some DVDs back on her last run and we found that DVD player."

"I suppose... It's not the same though. The experience of going somewhere new and enjoying the moment."

I exhaled softly, wondering why that was suddenly on my mind. I should have been grateful for what I had now, not dwelling on what I didn't. Shaking my head, I glanced over at Alicia with a small apologetic smile.

"Never mind me," I said. "Just daydreaming again."

She watched me with a softened expression. "No, it's okay. Maybe one day, right? We thought we wouldn't have a home and we have this. Who says we can't have fun days out, too?"

I appreciated her effort to make me feel better, flashing her a grateful smile, before looking ahead again.

It wasn't a conversation I expected her to remember. I barely remembered it myself, it being a result of the nighttime atmosphere making me comfortable enough to reminisce. And yet, she'd remembered it alright, and gave me something that nobody ever had.

"Can I take it off now?"

Alicia sighed from beside me. "Did I say you could take it off now?"

I groaned petulantly, continuing to step forward slowly. She'd insisted I go out with her – a very unusual surprise considering the only times we'd left the stadium were for supply runs or patrol shifts – and had me blindfolded since we'd left the front gate. I'd been in a car for about twenty minutes and then she'd led me outside, presumably to the surprise location, but hadn't given me even the slightest of hints as to what it was.

As I was walking carefully, I almost tripped over a rock or a step and caught myself with the help of Alicia before I could fall flat on my face.

"Shoot, sorry, that was totally my bad," she said, not letting go of my hand when she helped me stand up again.

I heard the amusement in her voice and looked to her, hoping she could sense my displeasure and impatience. "Are we there yet?"

She squeezed my hand gently. "Almost."

"Almost," I mimicked childishly, mostly still annoyed that she'd almost let me fall.

She laughed quietly, tugging me along more carefully this time, and then we finally came to a halt. Letting go of my hand, she stopped behind me and her hands wavered by the knot behind my head.

"This is it," she said in my ear, admittedly sending chills down my spine because it felt oddly intimate with her so close. "You ready?"

All I could do was hum in agreement, thrown off all of a sudden.

She undid the knot and removed my blindfold, making me blink to get used to the light. We were still outside and I was confused to what I was supposed to be looking at at first. And then I saw the sign in front of me and raised my eyebrows with surprise and confusion.

Jackson's Art Gallery & Museum

"Where are we?" I asked, tearing my eyes from the building and looking at Alicia.

She grinned like it was obvious. "I thought the sign was pretty self explanatory."

I shook my head, still surprised. "No, I mean– it is, but what are we doing here? How did you find this place?"

She began to walk to the entrance, leaving me no choice but to follow as she said, "I was on a supply run when I came across it. And then I thought, you know who would love this?"

I blinked, unsure how to react, and continued to follow her through the front revolving doors and to the deserted reception desk. Like she'd been here before, Alicia rounded the desk and grabbed a brochure before smiling up at me.

"Welcome to Jackson's Art Gallery and Museum," she said with a funny voice, making me smile because I realised what she was doing. "Can I interest you in a brochure, ma'am?"

"Alicia."

She cleared her throat, flashing me a smile and tilting her head. "My name is Candy, ma'am. I'm the receptionist." My smile widened as she continued, "So, would you like a brochure?"

"I would love a brochure," I played along, accepting it.

"Excellent choice," she said, before joining my side again.

"Alicia, what is this? What are you doing?" I asked her before she could lead me further into the gallery.

Her expression softened as her eyes met mine. "I thought you'd like it. I've already scoped the place out and most of the exhibits are still in tact. Plus there's no dead, so we can have a look around without any interruptions."

She made it sound so easy, like it was a completely regular thing to do and like she hadn't completely gone out of her way to give me this special visit. My heart warmed at the realisation and I exhaled softly, appreciating it.

"Come on, we don't wanna get caught in any queues," she said when I didn't speak, grabbing my hand and tugging me into the first exhibit. "I hear it can get pretty busy this time of year."

I rolled my eyes at how nerdy she was being but let her drag me around. She treated it like a real day out to an art gallery, encouraging me to check out my brochure and showing me around all the exhibits. Most things were still in perfect condition, though I had my suspicions that Alicia had come in here prior to this trip and done some cleaning up and dusting around. There was no way half of these sculptures had remained spotless without a display case. Why she'd gone to so much trouble for me, I wasn't sure...

We studied all the different paintings, read all the plaques, posed with all the sculptures. We even stopped by an interactive part where visitors were encouraged to do their own drawing in a sketchbook. I drew a terrible rendition of the bowl of fruit before me, signing my name and feeling oddly excited at how fun today was. I hadn't felt this alive in so long.

"Let me see yours," I said to Alicia before we moved on, rounding the desk to take a look at hers.

She slid the sketchbook toward me and I widened my eyes slightly, amazed at her drawing of the interior of the hall we were sat in.

I scoffed lightheartedly. "Of course you're good at drawing. Is there anything you can't do?"

She chuckled. "Quit being a baby."

We checked out the final exhibit before reaching the end of the line, coming face to face with a tip box.

"I must say, this was an excellent tour," I said playfully, but meaning it. "I'd definitely leave a tip if I could."

"Hmm." Alicia looked around suspiciously before pulling something out from behind her back. When she held it out to me, I realised it was a dollar. "Here you go."

My face began to hurt from how much I was smiling. She'd found a dollar just for this? "Alicia."

She pressed her lips together to contain her joy. "Go on. It's part of the experience."

My heart was full as I accepted the dollar, eyes still lingering on hers because she was simply amazing. I almost forgot why she'd given it me because I was too busy admiring her.

"There," she said after I dropped the dollar in the box. "Now onto the best part. The gift shop."

Without a second wasted, she walked away and I was forced to follow, realising she was leading me to the gift shop. Again, the whole place had been tidied up and looked almost new. Now I definitely knew Alicia had gone out of her way to do it, but why?

We both looked around the store, fiddling with the trinkets on display. I admired the postcards full of art and she tried to justify taking a keyring for keys she didn't have. The whole experience had me spilling with gratitude and I couldn't take her humbleness anymore.

"Why did you do this?" I asked her when she was flicking through a book.

She quirked a brow, distracted, and looked up. "Huh?"

I gave her a knowing look. "This. You found this place. Surprised me. And I know it wasn't just something you came across. So spill it. Why did you do this for me?"

I had my suspicions of course, though it could have been solely delusions and me seeing what I wanted to see. I needed to hear it from her.

She played it cool, closing the book and putting it to the side. "Well... you were talking about how you missed having a day out and enjoying the moment. So, I thought I'd give you something to enjoy. Show you that there's still things to look forward to."

How could she remember such a silly comment and prove me wrong in the best way possible?

"Malory on guard duty was talking about how she really wants a pet dog, but you're not out here finding her one, are you?" I pointed out. "So, what's different with me?"

She smiled with amusement, stepping toward me. "Y/N, you're my friend."

"Wow, and Malory isn't?" I scoffed playfully. "Ouch. I'll be sure to tell her that."

Alicia rolled her eyes, trying to stop herself from laughing. "You know what I mean."

"I don't," I told her, meeting her eyes, and I knew I had to share what was on my mind because the last thing I wanted to do was misinterpret today. "You went out of your way to organise this whole day for me. After I made one comment. Friends don't do that."

"Yeah they do," she said nonchalantly.

I pressed my lips together, studying her expression, but she was avoiding looking my way and instead distracting herself with the merchandise. I wasn't being delusional, right? This was what I thought it was?

"You did this for me," I repeated slowly, not quite looking away from her. "So, if I wanted you to kiss me, would you?"

Her breathing hitched as she glanced at me, and I wondered if I'd said the wrong thing. But it was either this or live in denial forever, and I didn't want to anymore.

"I suppose so," she finally answered, voice low and eyes fixed on mine.

I swallowed hard, eyes lowering to her lips. There was nothing more to do than ask. "Well, I–"

She didn't even let me finish as she leaned forward, closing the gap between us. My skin was on fire where her hand caressed my neck and I immediately closed my eyes, falling into her. Her lips were so soft, fingers so delicate, and my insides were filled with butterflies.

This wasn't what I expected and yet I wouldn't have had it any other way. I hoped she couldn't hear my heart beating out of my chest.

[propertyofkylar]

Oli... Oli... Oli... Time!

+ His reaction to his Darling proposing to him

+ What if his Darling was aware of all the creepy/nasty stuff he does but they don't care? Like let's say Darling notices the red light on their computer camera, and they go like "Oli, I told you not to do that stuff. No pussy/dick for you tonight." All nonchalant. Not impressed in the slightest.

+ Oli's reaction to a Darling that loves to tease him? Doesn't need to be sexual. Maybe cute stuff like running up to him and petting his head and then running away

+ Oli's reaction to receiving a handmade gift, like a handknit scarf and a hat. Would he wear it or keep it hidden like the most precious treasure?

+ How would Oli cheer up his significant other? What if they weren't together, but he was still their stalker?

+ Would he prefer to be the small spoon or the big spoon?

+ Does he have any insecurities?

+ Would you consider him as someone who is deeply sensitive? We know that he's easy to cry and stuff when it comes to his Darling. But what about everyday life?

+ What are his preferences in games/movies?

+ Is he scared of blood? Or uncomfortable?

+ What kind of music would he listen to? Lo-fi, Piano? Or emo/scene music?

And that's all I can think of... For now. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁💜

read the first sentence in the tune of this

lots of oli qs ! gonna put them under the cut!!

his darling proposing to him?? he cries. probably faints. it is everything he has ever wanted in his life

if his darling was aware of his creepiness and didn’t care oli would be conflicted. because it’s like, yay, you accept him and care about him no matter what!! but on the other hand, he gets off on being nasty. so it might not be as fun for him. but it wouldn’t deter him in the slightest lol *he goes to jerk off alone sadly*

oh man. a darling that teases oli would be so perfect. it would fit him so well. he’s insanely easy to tease. it would make him nervous (in a cute way) and he would blush so much. it makes him so happy!!

he would LOVE handmade gifts. of course any gift from you is perfect. but you took the time to make him something?? that’s so special!! he would wear it proudly! or do insanely nasty things to it. or both. he’s like that.

to cheer up his partner if they were sad, oli would do something very specific. if you like to be comforted, he would put on your favorite movie, get your favorite snacks and snuggle up with you. if you like to be alone when you’re sad he would make sure your bed was nice and cozy and leave you to be (but he would still watch from afar, he’s still a yandere) if you weren’t together though he would send care packages and notes “from a secret admirer” and still would keep his eyes on you from afar

bro please let oli be the little spoon…boy jsut wants to be held and loved…

he has a lot of insecurities! i’ve mentioned before that oli is fairly self-aware about how weird and creepy he is, and it has naturally resulted in him frequently being shunned/an outcast. that’s why he takes such a special interest in his darling: they’re one of the few people who have been kind to him, so he falls in love instantly. he has a really bad inferiority complex

he is a very sensitive person. he often gets upset at work and such when getting scolded by his boss or something similar. this makes him usually keep to himself - he is easy to upset

oli is a romantic. he looooves romance movies. in terms of games he likes rpgs. he also has made the two of you in the sims. you have five children.

blood does kinda squick him out, but he can handle it if need be. if he ever finds himself needing to “take care” of someone who wronged you…he’s a big boy and can figure it out. he would prefer to hire people to do that but that’s not always possible, guy doesn’t wanna get too suspicious

i never thought of what music oli would like! i think he mainly listens to instrumentals…they relax him!

thanks for your qs as always!! im so glad you like oli so much!!!

[animehouse-moe]

Black Night Parade Volume 1: Christmas Come Early

Well, it's November, you know what that means: it is now the domain of Christmastime! What a dreadful period of limbo with crappy weather and no proper holiday as we drag Christmas out from the shadows.

Anyways, this manga's about Christmas but from the perspective of the inverse/black Santa Claus. It's fun, unique, stylish, and very much promises the ability to go the distance. I don't think I need to sell people on checking it out, but I will, just to be sure.

So, what's the idea? Well, it's kind of hard to give a good overview without spoiling certain aspects, but our main character Miharu is working a dead end job at a convenience store where he decides to steal an expired cake. Rookie mistake, obviously, as anyone with half a brain would know that stealing that cake would get you in quite a bit of trouble with our black Santa, Knecht.

Also, fun fact! Knecht in German, the origins of Saint Nick, means "Servant". Don't have anything too much to add there, but do pay attention to Knecht's design in the manga.

Anyways, I might as well get to art since I already showed some. Black Night Parade can be really good looking when it wants to be. Really great storyboarding, layouts, and blocking, all atop very sharp and pretty line art. I'd say that art is just one of Nakamura's strong points, of which this first volume proves that there are many.

I mean, take a look at this art that also comes from this volume. Sort of completely different, no? That's something that Nakamura does really well this volume. The fluidity of the designs and their expressiveness is incredibly well done. If I were to compare it to anything, this opposite end of the art gives off a "Fujimoto feeling" in terms of detail and line art, but Nakamura's refinement is still ever present in things like hands. It's almost scary how well they draw them.

You know, I've named Nakamura a good bit here, but I haven't really explained them. They're the creator of Arakawa Under The Bridge, you know, the very popular and long running comedy manga that got an adaptation from SHAFT? Yeah, that Nakamura. I had high hopes for their ability to perform with this series so I came in very blind, and I am not disappointed in the slightest.

Their ability to work with humor, specifically in the context of this story, is very very solid. The personalities of the characters aren't super deep, as they tend to gravitate towards one note, but not in the "flat" way, if that makes sense. They all have very strong personalities that they don't tend to stray from, which you might think makes them one note or flat, but the approach to the humor really helps with that.

Our main character Miharu acts as the receptacle of those characters, where we don't see them unless through the lens of Miharu, and Nakamura is very thoughtful in exposing only bits and pieces of a character at a time. As expected of a certified veteran in the craft, they avoid falling prey to exposing 110% to readers off the line, and are very conscious of keeping things at a reasonable pace and avoiding re-iteration of humor.

It's all very very well thought out in that regard, and balanced even better. The volume doesn't rely on a specific "brand" of humor like rug pulls or a straight man to be consistently funny. It pulls from a wealth of backgrounds to create comedy that is wonderfully adapted to each moment.

And that's the highest praise I can give the volume, really. It's consistently funny, and is able to be funny without laying all of its cards on the table. It's got a set pace at which it plays its hand, and that basically guarantees that the only way is up.

So, it's a dark humor series about Christmas with great art, great humor, great basically everything, and it has an adult cast. There's really nothing I can fault this first volume for, so all I can do is say that it's an incredibly easy recommendation for people looking for a good laugh or some "Christmas cheer" in manga format.

[onecantsimply]

Hello I just found your account as a big Record of Ragnarok fan and lover . If it’s cool can I Ask for head-cannons of Shiva , Thor and Buddha being Older brothers to a Male reader . and if you can can you include a small scenario of the older brothers reacting to someone breaking their younger brother’s heart by cheating on them . Thank you for your time

Good god, this took a while lmao-

My apologies-

-

𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕧𝕒:

• Ong, this man is one of the best older brothers. Best to spar with, have a great time with, and just be chill with most of all- His pillow can now be yours for a bit- Being a younger brother can mean lots of teasing from him, but that’s just how Shiva is- He just enjoys teasing and being the older brother-

- Alright if someone’s cheating on you, he might just beat their ass. Woman or not, that person fucking with his brother, and WE KNOW DAMN WELL HE LOVES HIS YOUNGER BROTHER- The least he would do is threaten to erase them from existence. Because if someone is cheating on you, they’re not worth it. And he’ll make erasing them an easy process with one swipe of his fist.

- Onto the comforting, Shiva isn’t exactly too good with it, but he’ll try to hear you out or cheer you up. Whether it be sparring or dancing around, he’ll try most of what he can just to get you cheered up. Even the slightest bit of a smile will make him happy to see. He’ll be by your side most of the time to see how you’re doing if he’s not busy with his wives or any work he may have.

- While he may not be the best in comforting someone after a breakup, he tries what he can- Maybe a few small hugs would be included within the comforting, but that’s if you’re miserable. Bet your ass he’s gonna erase a hoe from existence if you’re like that because he doesn’t like seeing that look on you-

𝔹𝕦𝕕𝕕𝕙𝕒:

• Certified, best older brother figure. If you’re a God, and just a younger brother figure, most likely that you two are eating candy together and just chilling around in Heaven, meditating like the calm mfs you two are- Small jokes are cracked every now and then with confident talking about Gods at times- But if you’re really his younger brother as a Human, he’ll still care as much as he does now. Hell, he may help you turn into a Demigod if you really want to stay with him-

- Though, if we’re getting into cheating now, Buddha can immediately tell that something’s wrong with you. That energy in your soul is displaying a sadness and depression that shouldn’t belong in his vicinity, no sir. So, Buddha will tend to question you about it. And when you happen to tell him about what happened, he would suppose of talking about it instead of meditating.

- He knows how to comfort people, especially when they’re in a low point. He’ll explain that the person who had cheated on you isn’t exactly the happiness you had to find in life. Happiness is something you’ll have to find yourself. Not within someone else. Maybe a bit of meditation to find a good point of relaxation would help? Maybe you want some food of your choosing? Buddha will help with that, hell yes. He wants you happy, and he doesn’t want to see you so depressed.

- Maybe if you want, you two could go to a different place other than Heaven. After all, being in one place could be pretty boring, even if said place is something that you could find peace in. Though, Buddha supposes that other places could help you find peace as well. As long as he can see you happy, he’ll do it.

𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕣:

• Serious brother, but still very understanding. While he is not really the best to hang out with unless you’re a fond of a quiet time, he would still be a good fond of a good spar. Bonus points if you’re strong enough to make him pull a battle horny grin.

- While on the Topic of cheating, Thor doesn’t exactly know how to deal with comforting you. The only thing he can do is just listen or keep you close. There may be awkward pats to the back as he listens to you vent. Though, as an older brother, Thor does feel a protective feeling for you to an extent.

- If you want him to kill a bitch he can. But most likely that he won’t since he doesn’t really feel the person worthy- And, he wants you to handle the matter yourself. While he can be slight comfort material, the matter of resolving that business is up to you, and only you.

- Listen, if you’re miserable, and it’s that bad, Thor will help you to some extent. And if he happens to encounter the one that cheated on you, his older brother instincts will kick in, and he will give them the biggest death glare while tightly clenching his Mjölnir. Bet your ass that your ex is terrified.

[cloud-9ine]

Cable Shocks

⤷ pairing - denki kaminari x reader

⤷ fandom - bnha

⤷ warnings - slight angst, hurt/comfort, illness, exploitation

⤷ summary - you notice the other class 1-a students using denki’s quirk for their favours, and you catch him later paying the price

⤷ word count - 3.2k+

Denki Kaminari was a giver.

He gave his help, he gave his laughter, he gave his love, and recently, he was beginning to give himself, too.

It started off innocently: he showed the Class 1-A students his party trick- look at that, he can charge phones! After that, the others had regularly come to him in need of their devices being charged, or electricity constantly pumped into something that only he could provide. And Denki, being a giver, well, he never said no.

It didn’t matter to him that it would make him short circuit, it didn’t matter to him that they would laugh, it didn’t even matter to him that all he could taste every evening was acid.

Denki Kaminari was a giver, and he was prepared to give his life.

Your class common room was never empty. At any given time, there was always at least two of your classmates in there- no exceptions. If you wanted to make tea in the early morning, Iida and Yaoyorozu would greet you with beaming grins unbecoming of such an unnatural time. Alternatively, if you wanted to cry at 3 AM, you would lay your eyes on Tokoyami and Jirou plunged into the darkness, leaving you to wonder whether they were just acting off or if they were summoning a demon to curse those who have wronged them.

At this moment, Denki was sat on the centre sofa, three cables stuck between his teeth. Beside him sat Mina, eagerly chatting to Kirishima who sat opposite to her on a plush chair with Sero lounged over the arm of it. The three looked content, but you couldn’t help but notice the stiffness at which Denki was disposed, concentration knotting his brows as he worked on keeping the sparks flowing through the wires.

You slipped into the room, deciding on the space on the other side of Denki. The other occupants of the room gave you a quick hello before returning to their previous conversations. With the exception of Denki, obviously, who seemingly forgot his task the moment he heard your name mentioned. His eyes sparkled once he saw you, his head turning to the side as he opened his mouth to speak.

“Hey, Kaminari, you’re dropping the wires!” Sero snickered, eyeing up the way Denki looked down in alarm.

“Only 27%? Come on, I need more than that!” Mina whined, shoving the cables back into the spooked boy’s mouth. He looked at you apologetically, attempting to convey something with wild gestures that you couldn’t begin to comprehend. You laughed, patting the top of his head to quell his struggles.

“Don’t worry about it. Let’s just chill, yeah?” He paused, dropping his hands to his lap and nodding. You grinned, bumping your shoulder against his before pulling your phone out. Denki squinted at the object, as if it had personally offended him. Grinning, you shook your head.

“Fully charged. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” His expression softened, cheeks glowing a slight pink at your words. You shifted slightly to get more comfortable, ending up slumped against Denki’s side, who in return leaned into you.

“And so basically, I told him he was nuts, right?” The careless ramblings of Mina was enough to get you to relax, scrolling aimlessly through your friend’s Instagram posts. Ochako had posted a weirdly aesthetic picture of mochi, Midoriya had posted a picture of Ochako, Iida was posting about cyber-bullying, the works.

Being in physical contact with Denki while he was in charging mode, you noticed, made your hair float up like static electricity. You didn’t mind this, taking to flattening down your hair every once in a while during your relaxation. It was easy to let go with your classmates- the gentle lull of the voices of the others mixed with the pleasant buzz of Denki’s skin against yours made for a comforting experience that almost made you fall asleep.

“Hey dunce face!” Denki jumped at the sound of Bakugo’s voice, his elbow jutting into your side and forcing you to tense up. He didn’t seem to notice your subtle glare, however, as his attention was focused on the other boy that had slammed open the door (not that Bakugo seemed entirely angry today, but it was just his natural disposition that made every action of his aggressive).

“H-Hey bro! What’s up?” Bakugo didn’t respond to Kirishima’s words, further ignoring the similar muffled greeting that Denki managed to let out.

“I need this charged,” he grumbled, moving to Denki and shoving a fourth wire in his mouth. You frowned, eyeing up the two boys wearily. The screens of the current phones flashed, an indication that he wasn’t putting in enough charge. He gulped as Bakugo stomped back out the room, his eyes squeezing shut as he amped up the electricity.

As if a switch had been flipped, Denki’s blonde locks frizzed up before succinctly falling back down to his head. You stared at him, eyes widened as the wires dropped to the ground.

“Wheeeee!” His body fell into you, thumbs sticking out with a goofy smile painted onto his face. A small smile pushed passed your lips as you grabbed a pillow and placed it under his head just as he fell off your shoulder and into your lap.

“Oh my god! He’s buzzed out!” Mina cackled, grabbing her phone to snap a couple of photos as the others laughed.

“I love the guy, but my god is he dumb.” You bit your lip at Sero’s grin, angling Denki’s head away from the camera and raking your hands through his hair. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling his face into your stomach as he rambled about something to do with being okay. It was hard to understand him in this state.

“Come on guys, not cool.” You mumbled, using your sleeve to wipe away a bit of drool on Denki’s chin.

“Ah, cheer up (Y/N)! He does this all the time- it doesn’t matter!” Kirishima’s words made a pit coil in your stomach, nausea prickling your throat.

“It doesn’t matter. Leave him alone.” Mina rolled her eyes.

“God, it’s not a big deal. It’s his own fault, anyway.” You couldn’t help the annoyance that fuelled the glare in your eyes, but you pushed it down with a harder bite to the inside of your cheek. There was the burst of something metallic that tinged your tongue, but you ignored it.

“Come on, Denki. Let’s go,” said boy didn’t seem to recognise your words until you propped him up so you could stand up before pulling him off the sofa. Seemingly slightly resigned by your actions, Mina dropped her phone into her lap, looking away. This didn’t stop the other two from laughing, however, the volume of their cackles only increasing as Denki fell into your back.

With a groan, you shoved your shoulder into the door to open it and letting Denki clamber through. You painstakingly led him into his dorm room, redirecting him away from every wall he tried to run into and each piece of furniture he rammed into his abdomen. Your phone was blowing up with notifications, but you elected to ignore that as you made sure he didn’t hit his head as he fell onto his bed.

You wrote him a quick note and stuck it on his door, turning around to make one last check that he wasn’t going to kill himself the moment you stepped out the door.

Come find me when you’re back to normal.

“(Y/N)…” he whined, hands reaching out for you as he rolled onto his side, eyes sparkling once he saw you. You sighed, moving to brush a strand of his hair behind his ear.

“I’ll see you later, yeah?” It didn’t seem like he quite understood what you said, but the compliant nod and shining smile was enough to convince you he would be okay.

AlienQueen: [ATTACHMENT SENT]

[TheRaven, StarMan, MyChemicalHeadphones and 10 others liked this photo]

PinkQueen: guys!! look at kami asjadoawdhd

ALiteralRock: haha! you shoulda been there

Froggi: He’s been doing that more lately

Invisibitch: Good! It’s so funny!

PinkCake: hes so cute <33

GreenCake: It’s interesting how Denki has been ‘buzzing out’ more, but I suppose if he’s been using his quirk more often outside of training he could be slowly building a resistance.

BoomBoomBoy: Shut up.

IidaTenya: I sure hope he is safe!

TapeMan: nah, (Y/N) got im

You didn’t see Denki for the rest of the day.

When you stirred from your sleep, it was still dark. You felt a warmth building below your skin that spurred you to strip of your blanket, allowing it to fall into a crumpled heap onto the floor before creeping out the room. In the dead silence of the night, each one of your footfalls sounded like a bang to a drum.

The common room was empty that night. You squinted through the darkness, feeling your way to the sink to pour yourself a glass of water. You stilled in the quiet for a moment, letting the movement settle as you took a sip. There was always a sort of ringing once it got quiet enough, a small reminder that despite the fact you were alone in the dark, there was still something going on.

Click.

At the end of the hall, a light turned on, the orange glow a stark contrast from the deep shadows that plagued the area. You heard a quiet shuffling, before a muffled gagging sound rang out.

Eyes widening, you rushed as quietly as you could down the hall, nearly crashing into the door as you shoved your way into the bathroom.

Hunched over the sink, chest racking with coughs and gags was Denki, his eyes teary as they struggled to focus on you. A dark substance, almost completely black if it were not for the slightest translucency, dripped from his parted lips and into the basin, clashing against the pure white marble.

You clapped a hand to your mouth, willing down the tears that welled in your eyes.

“Denki… what?” You choked out, voice hoarse from the dryness that stung your throat. Denki attempted to push himself up, hands trembling and knuckles white as he gripped the side of the countertop.

“(Y/N)…” his voice shook as he reached up to wipe his mouth, taking a step back from you in a vain bid to pass you and leave. You quickly snapped the door shut, no longer caring whether you woke anyone up.

Click.

Denki weakly chuckled at the look on your face. The lock. He closed himself into the corner of the room, pressing his back against the wall.

“Look, I’m fine-“ He was cut off by himself, lurching back over the sink and coughing up more of the liquid.

“What is that?” You questioned, silent horror pinching your features. He turned on the tap, filling his hands with water and washing out his mouth. Darting to the toilet- and struggling to move in such closed quarters- you balled up a handful of toilet paper and wiped his mouth. He leaned into your touch, skin emanating heat and covered by a thin sheen of sweat.

“Battery acid.” You felt your knees go weak.

“What?”

“It’s battery acid. The more I overuse my quirk, the more likely this stuff is to accumulate in my throat,” he looked away from your piercing gaze, “it’s okay, really.”

“What part of this is okay?” You spat, voice wavering. Denki winced at your tone, turning to washing his mouth out with more water, “Does it hurt?” He paused, and that was all the confirmation he needed.

The two of you stood in silence for a moment, only the sound of running water interspersed the atmosphere. You reached over and turned it off, not acknowledging the shrill screech of the metal as you levelled Denki with an even stare.

“It’s from the charging.” He muttered, and your knuckles clenched.

“Of-fucking-course.” He cringed, a clammy palm feebly gripping your forearm. His eyes were desperate, frown twisting his expression into something you couldn’t bear to look at.

“Please, (Y/N), it’s okay,” he begged, a tear slipping out of his eye just at the same time you felt one trail down your cheek.

“It’s not okay, Denki. How long has this been happening?” He fell silent, and you could feel the anxiety coiling in the pit of your stomach.

“Four months.” In a split-second decision, you lunged forward, wrapping your arms around his neck and pushing your body into his. He nestled his face into your neck, hands coming to rest on your hips. Seemingly unable to keep it together any long, he crumbled, chest stuttering with every breath and his tears soaking the skin that was exposed by your nightshirt.

The silence of midnight began to creep in once again, only broken by the soft whimpers and sobs of the boy practically clutching onto you. You waited as long as you needed to until Denki had caught his breath, not counting the minutes yet painfully aware of each one as it passed.

“From now on, if someone asks you to charge anything, you say no, okay?” Denki frowned, rubbing away the tears in his eyes.

“I-“

“From now on, if someone asks you to charge anything, you say no, got it?” You spat, voice much firmer and tone a lot more sharp. He gulped, resigning to nodding with a sullen expression on his face.

“Are you good to go back to sleep? Or is there anything I need to do first?”

“It’s fine. You can go back now, don’t stay up for any longer.”

“I will do what I want, thanks.” you seethed, eyes glinting. Denki looked taken aback, glancing over your expression wearily.

“Uh…” “I am not going back to sleep unless you’re coming with me. You’re such an idiot-” you paused, “-but you’re my idiot, and there’s no way I’m letting the others treat you like this,“ you cupped his face, fingers pressing into pink cheeks as you angled his face to look at you, “if they want anything else from you, they have to go through me first.” Agape, he only nodded again, allowing you to grab his hand and pull him out the room.

Once he flicked the light off, the two of you were awash in darkness once again, but this seemed not to deter you. Rather, you traipsed across the corridor with a ridiculous amount of determination, only narrowly avoiding the various obstructions in the shadows.

“Here, let me light-“ Despite the little he could see, Denki could practically feel your burning glare. Bringing his hand down, he murmured an apology, musing in your little nod of satisfaction he could feel the motions of.

It only took you a few minutes to get to your room, pushing him inside and closing the door behind you. In spite of everything, Denki could feel heat rushing to his cheeks for an entirely different reason than his fever.

“(Y/N)?” He squeaked, hearing you fumble around the room yet not finding courage to stay anything but completely frozen.

“Yeah?” You questioned, voice low but feeling remarkably pleasant to his ears.

“This isn’t my room.”

“I know.”

“So why am I here?”

“Because I’m not leaving you alone. Come on, I’ve got the spare pillow.”

Denki currently didn’t have the energy to feel shame about the sparks excitement that welled up inside of him as he rushed to the sound of you getting on your bed. You held the blanket up for him, and he all but fell down next to you. The pounding of his heart was almost enough to distract him from the acrid burning of his throat.

You were warm, almost too warm as he shifted to be closer to you. Now that his eyes were getting adjusted, he could make out the expression on your face, eyebrows knotted in concern and eyes scanning all over him, as if searching for some sort of answer that he could only long to give you.

“I’m sorry.” He said it as if it meant anything. If it counted, he truly was. Denki didn’t want to make you worry- he wasn’t worth it. But that’s what you did. He would give too much, and you would worry tenfold.

It didn’t help that his eyes were still stinging and red-rimmed, or every once in a while a dry cough would tickle his throat. It didn’t help that he would wince every time he had to swallow, or that his palms were still clammy and he had to try to subtly wipe them on his shorts. It didn’t help that the pain almost became too much to handle, and he loved you too much to even lie about it.

He loved you- of course he did. How could he not? It was you. You, who stared at him with such adoration, even though he knew you were pissed off. You, who stood up for him even to his friends. You, who worried for him the first time he was buzzed out, and a thousand times later, still stayed with him and ran your fingers through his hair when he was barely conscious.

He watched your eyes strain to stay open, to keep watching him as he was watching you. Finally, they fluttered shut, your breathing evening out as you shuffled closer to him.

You, who got up in the middle of the night to protect him from himself.

He tucked your head under his chin, wrapping his arms around you waist with a gentle sigh. Under the cover of darkness, he confessed this. His words fell on deaf ears, but he couldn’t find it in him to care.

You, who, unlike anyone else, was determined to make him stop giving.

He couldn’t help but fall asleep, the sound of your soft breathing and the gentle rise and fall of your chest like a lullaby willing his eyes to close, comforted by the presence of your figure cuddled to his chest.

Denki Kaminari was a giver. And if there was anyone worth giving anything, it was you.

Extra:

Bakugo was not expecting to start his day in a chokehold.

It had started off innocently, Denki was playing a game on his phone, smug grin on his face, you were napping next to him, and the other losers he called his friends were on the sofas, eyes wide and backs straight. Sure, you could say he questioned the strange way his friends were acting, but he didn’t particularly care.

“Pikabitch, I need my phone-“

Bakugo prided himself on his quick instincts, but you were quicker.

In a second, your arm was wrapped around his throat, face dark and pressure increasing through his gasps.

“Say one more fucking word and you’re dead.” You growled, Bakugo’s fingers gripping your arm in a vain attempt to release himself from your hold, “Got it?” The blonde just managed to nod, coughing out once your arm withdrew from his neck. You settled back in your place beside Denki, sending him another sharp glare before returning to your nap.

Bakugo could only stare wide eyed, not quite sure what happened. All he could gather was that Denki was now off limits, and the others seemed to realise that too, if them cringing was anything to go by. With a gulp, he stormed out the common room.

Now he had to go get his charger.

[classic80sand90smovieloves2]

Meeting and Dating Casper McFadden

(Not my gif)(Requested by anonymous)

- Moving into a new home was never easy. Oftentimes, it meant packing up everything you owned, leaving a bunch of good memories behind, and traveling across the country to a new town where you’d have to make all new friends and renovate old fixtures.

- But there was something about your new house that made it both easier and harder to live in: the fact that it was haunted.

- Obviously your family didn’t find out about the ghosts until after they’d signed the papers and even if they were warned about it, they probably wouldn’t have believed the realtor, but none of that mattered now. Now you were stuck in a old house with a bunch of spirits, stuck until your parents save up enough money to move again.

- So what made the manor easier to live in, you may ask. Well, the fact that it came with a friend….

- You and Casper meet the day you move into the Whipstaff Manor. You’re wandering around, exploring the home and trying to figure out which room you want to live in, unaware that there’s a specter following you.

- The minute Casper sees you, he’s head over tail. You make his undead little heart race and have him second guessing his every action. Which is the main reason it makes him a while to formally introduce himself, he’s too scared that he’ll ruin his first impression.

- Sadly for him, his first impression still doesn’t go over well, regardless of how much he practiced.

- In his defense, it wasn’t anything that he did, it was more the fact that you were suddenly face to face with a phantom. Anyone would have freaked out in response to that, and they would have freaked out to any ghost as well; no matter how friendly.

- So, like the rational young woman that you are, you scream and take off like a rocket, dashing out of the room and down the hall to find a more secure and safe looking room to hide in until your parents get back from the store.

- He follows behind, attempting to calm you down and feeling downright awful for scaring you. Once you’ve locked yourself away into a broom closet, he gives you a minute to breathe before he calls out to you, telling you that he’s sorry and trying to coax you out so that you can talk.

- It takes you another minute to be convinced and to trust him when he says he isn’t gonna hurt you, but eventually, you do brace yourself and open the door.

- Once you do, you find that he really isn’t as scary as you’d originally though he was. In fact, he was actually sort of cute; in a cartoony sort of way, and he’s friendly to boot; so you wind up feeling a bit silly for being so frightened of him. And after you begin to think like that, the two of you begin to develop a close friendship.

- While his uncles might be incredibly obnoxious and annoying, you can’t deny that you enjoy having the ghostly presences in your home; especially when school roles around and you find yourself feeling like an alien with no one to turn to. You might not have any living friends in your town but you at least have a few see through ones at home that ensure you’re not completely alone.

- But, compared to your primarily platonic feelings, Caspers feelings for you were a lot more complicated. He valued your friendship and enjoyed having you as a pal, but he also had more romantic feelings towards you. In simpler terms: he’d had a massive crush on you from the moment you walked in.

- And though he’d have loved to confess his feelings and see if you felt the same, he knew that it was practically impossible for the two of you to be together; at least until you’d died …or until he was alive again!

- The minute he remembers the Lazurus he immediately erupts into a fit of excitement and joy. If you could get it to work, he could be alive again and the two of you could be together for the rest of your lives, either as friends or as something more, he honestly didn’t care which; though he hoped it was the second one.

- So he tells you about the invention and the two of you get to work. You take the wild trip down to his fathers lab, search around until you find what you’re looking for, load the contraption up with it’s necessary elixir, and pull the levers with bated breath.

- You don’t know what you’d expected to walk out of the machine but it certainly wasn’t this. Perfectly done blond hair, shining blue eyes, and a face that made you suddenly flustered to be in your best friends presence. He looked like a Disney prince and you were captivated.

“How do I look?” He asked nervously.

“Perfect,” you responded a little too quickly. “I mean, human, normal …living.”

- His face broke out into a smile and he threw his arms around you, pulling you into a tight hug. The action caught you off guard and made your heart race but you didn’t mind in the slightest.

- Once you’d finished hugging, he pulled away slowly and you found yourselves locking eyes. His gaze flickered to your lips and before you knew it, the two of you were leaning forward and sharing a kiss.

- His uncles may or may not have interrupted you but the “damage” was already done. You were just as hooked on him as he was on you and neither of you could be happier.

- Casper loves pda. He loves being able to actually touch you and be out in public and show the whole town that the two of you are together; even though half of them are confused as to who he is. 

- He touches you and holds you close whenever he can. He’s waited to do it since the moment he met you and now that you’re together; and he isn’t ice cold and only semi-solid, he enjoys every little ounce of affection he can provide and obtain.

- Handholding.

- Cheek kisses. 

- Long, soft kisses. They’re sort of a contrast to his usual hyper behavior, which is why, if you ever need him to calm him down and focus, all you have to do is ask for a kiss or make it obvious that that’s what you’re going to do. He skids to a stop and happily complies as he gives you an adorable little smile.

- Pet names aren’t really his thing but he does call you by fun nicknames that he’s come up with; usually a shorter or longer version of your name.

- Cuddling is a must with Casper. He absolutely loves it, no matter how the two of you do it. Sometimes you’ll lay on his chest, other times you’ll spoon, and other times you’ll face each other on the bed and talk until one of you dozes off.

- Speaking of: he definitely watches you sleep every now and again, which sounds far more creepy than it actually is. Like, you’ll be talking late at night and you’ll fall asleep and he’ll just look at your peaceful face for a while.

- If we’re going with the assumption that Casper maintains some of the aspects of being a ghost, I think it’s safe to say that he’s occasionally at least a little cooler than a normal human, which makes him the perfect companion for hot days.

- Being carried and flown around.

- Sometimes; especially prior to him being in the Lazurus, he forgets that you’re not a ghost and gets you into some uncomfortable situations. And after he turns human again, he definitely has to get used to not being able to go through walls and have things go through him when they’re thrown or fall.

- Testing out exactly what he’s still capable of doing and if there’s any limits to his new life. Is he perfectly normal? Does he have ghostly powers? Do the effects occasionally wear off during certain times or seasons? It’s all stuff you have to figure out.

- For a while after he’s brought back to life, he spends all day experiencing everything he missed when he was still alive. All the smells, sights, and touches; he runs around like Jack Skellington while you sit back and watch with a smile.

- Going to the mall. It’s one of his favorite places to visit, he just loves the entire atmosphere of the place; especially since he wasn’t really able to go and enjoy everything about it before he turned human again.

- Tv dates.

- Playing different games with each other. Board games, pirates, video games, you name it, he’ll do it.

- Sitting on top of the lighthouse with him.

- Enjoying the view from outside of the manor. You have the perfect view of the ocean from your garden so the two of you can always throw a blanket down and stare out at the sea together.

- Just goofing off with each other. Running around the house together, sliding down the stairwell, having him push you in a chair down the halls, etc. You’ve got a huge house to mess around in, why not take advantage of it?

- Dancing together. He told you he was a good dancer.

- Late night conversations. You can always talk to him about anything you want or need to.

- Catching him watching you a lot. He always has such a loving gaze when he’s looking at you, just seeing his face when he’s watching you do something or speak is reassurance that he really cares about you.

- Always having a warm and excited greeting when you return home from school. He also probably occasionally goes with you or at least walks you there or visits during lunch.

- He loves making surprises for you. Throwing you little parties or coming up with different ways to make you smile or cheer you up after school or whenever he can see that you’re feeling down is one of his favorite hobbies.

- He wants to be with you like 25/7 so don’t be surprised if he’s constantly bothering you with his presence. It’s a good thing you love him because if you didn’t he’d become very annoying, very quickly.

- Him just appearing at random is commonplace so your parents and you definitely have to take some time to get used to it. I mean he lives in your house and now that he’s human again, it’s definitely a bit easier than when he was a ghost, but still.

- Getting chairs pulled out and doors opened for you. He likes being a gentleman.

- Him cooking for you. He definitely tries to impress you with his skills and all the inventions he uses; and he just likes doing something nice like that for you.

- Discovering all his dads inventions and letting him tell you about them. It’s really quite fascinating to see how they all work and how excited he gets while showing you how to use them.

- I have a feeling that he doesn’t like winter; for obvious reasons, and whenever it comes around, all he wants to do is stay inside with you and do indoor activities. If you were to want to go out, it’d take you a while to persuade him and even if you did; or were only going out by yourself, he’d spend forever bundling you up and making up a bunch of rules to keep you safe.

- Probably dealing with his ghostly self every now and again. I have a feeling that the Lazurus machines effects occasionally wear off for a little while from time to time so while he’s alive most of the time, you do have moments of spooky transparency as well.

- Pranking each other and other people. He might be a sweetheart but he also has a bit of a mischievous streak.

- Him always wanting to show you whatever cool thing he sees, does, finds, or hears about. Just being able to share things with you makes him happy.

- Listening to his stories from when he was alive or the decades he wasn’t.

- Fixing up his room for him and hanging out up there with all his toys.

- Being gifted some of his mothers things. Dresses, jewelry, stuff like that.

- His uncles bothering the two of you. They’re constantly harassing and teasing you; just try to pay them no mind.

- Standing up for him when his uncles are being more awful than usual.

- He might be the only person you can really bond with in your town, considering the fact that whenever you have anybody over, they’re almost always harassed by his uncles and scared away. Which Casper may or may not be sort of happy about.

- Casper gets jealous pretty easily. Anytime another guy takes interest in you, he always feels the need to mock them behind their backs or be passive aggressively not so friendly whenever they approach you when you’re out with him. It’s best to not bring up guys in your class unless it’s obvious that they only like you as a friend; but even then he’d wonder why you need friends (even if they’re girls) other than him.

- He’s sort of overprotective of you. He just got his life back so he certainly doesn’t want anything bad happening and putting yours in danger.

- He absolutely hates fighting so whenever the two of you have an argument, he’s always quick to try and settle it and apologize; even if he doesn’t really think he’s done anything wrong.

- Saying “I love you” isn’t really his forte. He prefers saying and doing other things to show you that he does.

- The two of you sort of just have to go with the flow and see where your relationship takes you. You don’t know how exactly the rest of his “life” will go so you just try to enjoy the present and what you have right now.

[fandomsandflyingstingrays]

TDPtober Day 4: Jelly Tart

Rayla rolls out of bed with a gasp, flailing her way out of sweat-soaked blankets and collapsing to the ground in a heap, heaving to force air in and out of her lungs. Her hands find the cold of the stone beneath her, and she rests her head against it, waiting until her breaths turn slow and deep.

It was a nightmare, she tells herself, just a nightmare. He’s dead. You’re safe. Callum is safe.

But no matter how many times she repeats the words, she can’t quite bring herself to believe them. She has to know for sure. 

She slips out her door and down the hall, coming face-to-face with the guards that stand at the staircase to the royal wing.

“Can we help you?” One asks.

“I- I’d like to see Prince Callum, please.”

“Can it wait until morning?” The other sighs.

“No, I—“ Rayla flounders for an explanation. Logically, she knows that if the guards are here, it means Callum is safe. But she needs to see him to know, because Viren is a mage, and he could have done anything— turned into an animal and come through the window, or poisoned him, or—

“Rayla?”

She blinks, startled to see a small figure appear at the stairs. Both guards snap to attention. “King Ezran!”

The boy king ignores them, focused on his friend. “What are you doing here?”

“I… I came to see Callum. To make sure he was all right. Why are you awake?”

“I was hungry. I thought I’d take a trip down to the kitchens.” Ezran cocks his head. “Want to come with?”

Rayla pauses. The worry about Callum still pushes at her chest, but it’s lessened with Ezran here. Ezran can talk to animals, and even without that ability, he’s still more perceptive than most. If something really happened to Callum, he would know.

So Callum is probably all right. But Ezran is awake in the dead of the night, and even in the shadows, she can see the circles under his eyes. Right now, he needs her more.

“Of course,” she says, putting on a smile.

The guards part so that Ezran can descend the stairs, and he nods to them before beckoning to Rayla. They walk in silence until they reach the kitchens, Ezran pulling open the doors and letting out a quiet cheer. 

“He always remembers,” he says fondly, gesturing to a plate of jelly tarts beside the oven.

“Barius leaves the tarts out overnight?” Rayla asks skeptically.

Ezran looks down. “We-ell… I might have been coming down here pretty often. And Barius gets up early. And after we ran into each other a few times, he started leaving these out in case I got hungry in the night.”

He grabs a tart and stuffs the entire thing into his mouth, as though he can wave off any further questions if he has to chew enough. Rayla isn’t that easily dissuaded. 

“Why have you been coming down here so often?”

She waits a full minute for Ezran to chew and swallow before he answers, and when he does, it’s too quiet for her to make out.

“What was that?”

“I get nightmares,” he repeats to the floor, glaring.

Rayla blinks. “Of course you do,” she says simply.

Startled by this easy acceptance, Ezran looks up at her, and his shoulders relax the slightest bit. “You know how you were coming to check on Callum? I do that, too. I— I kept having these dreams where moonshadow assassins came through the windows and impaled him. Sorry,” he adds.

Rayla looks down, a guilty knot forming in her stomach. “Me too,” she whispers.

“Anyway, I’m not as sneaky as you, and I kept waking him up. So I eventually stopped doing that, but I couldn’t really stand staying in my dad’s room either, so I needed somewhere to go. And eating helps. Try it,” Ezran says, extending a jelly tart to her.

Rayla takes a bite— a small, civilized bite, mind you— and sighs. It’s not as good as Xadia’s moon berries, but the jelly is sweet and the pastry melts in her mouth. Ezran might be onto something, she thinks, because the dark haze of the nightmare feels just a little further away. 

Once she finishes the tart, she says, “you can come see me.”

Ezran blinks, surprised, and she continues. “I get nightmares most nights, too. It would be nice to see you.”

The young king’s face lights up in a smile, and Rayla feels a rush of affection for him as she reaches over to tussle his hair. “I’d like that,” he says quietly.

“Me too.”

They sit for a while in silence, sharing tarts from the plate until there’s no more left. Then Ezran yawns and Rayla stretches, her own eyes heavy, and they make their way back to their chambers by silent agreement.

“Hey Ez?” Rayla asks as he turns to the royal wing.

“Yeah?”

“When you come see me, will you bring jelly tarts?”

He turns back to look at her, grinning. “Have you met me?”