#‘spiffy’ I’m crying

[noelletism]

she’s so sassy sometimes, but she’s also a huuuuuuuge fucking dork :P love her

[thatsdemko]

without you there’s nothing to live for - l.norris

masterlist

pairings: lando norris x fem!reader

warnings: jealousy + insecurities + fluff + build up(kinda long I’m sorry about that) + some errors here or there

a/n: while I had bits and pieces of this work in millions of other lando drafts I think I have to give credit where it’s due to @userlando and her anons ☺️🫶 I’m in such a shit mood so i figured posting this might make me feel better. enjoy xx

Lando Norris was annoying. a childhood friend of yours that somehow stuck throughout the years and never seemed to vanish. he was like a a piece of gum stuck to your shoe, he just never left.

and while you’re thankful he’s the longest lasting friendship you have; did you fail to mention he could be annoying?

his hands drum against the kitchen island, a distraction worthy of you flicking your pencil in his direction, but he’s too quick the pencil would just end up behind him, so you result in throwing him a very pointed look that shuts him up.

“is that pencil up your ass too today?”

you give him another look before staring down at the empty grocery list you failed to create, because lando has claimed your flat as his flat. the lavish lifestyle penthouse was abandoned at the instant call of your arrival to Monaco, and now all of his expensive taste clutters your space.

“did you put eggs on the list? I need eggs. it’s good protein—“ he shuts up to the sound of you breaking the pencil in half, another annoyed look tossed his way.

lando could be a lot. but there was no one who could keep up with you. there was no one like him in your corner, and while he pushed your buttons you were eternally grateful for his loyalty despite your rather jaded friendship.

“let’s just go to the store? I’ll drive.” he says like there’s another alternative to the store. ever since he got his license and moved in, you’ve never even put your foot on the accelerator. you’ve almost forgot the thrilling feeling of driving.

“eggs have been added to the list.” you finally say, typing up your notes of a grocery list once you were finally able to think straight without lando tapping away or chatting your ear off.

god was he annoying, but you loved him for him.

—

his wallet funds are bigger than what you have. you feel guilty every time he buys, but it’s not like you have the funds to do so. he knows that guilty look across your face when he ends up paying for 10% groceries and 90% female hygiene products. he doesn’t mind, just shoves his card in the machine and says a thank you for the person who bags your things.

“you have to let me pay you back—“

“no, nonsense.” he cuts you off, the conversation goes like it always does. you beg, and beg, to try and wiggle in a payback, but he refuses. all those years of your parents giving him shelter, taking him to races, or letting him play in your backyard it’s the least he could do.

“but the price adds up, and you’re paying for most of the rent—“

“I won’t have this conversation with you. just get in the car.” he says it without letting you have another word in. it’s his turn to shoot you down with pointed looks every time you try to mention money.

“y/n?! is that you?”

lando’s heart nearly drops to his stomach at the sound of that voice—that voice, being your ex boyfriend. he came out of nowhere, like the stalker he is, and finds himself walking around lando’s spiffy mclaren with wide eyes and confusion at your presence with the formula one driver. he must’ve forgotten lando was your best friend.

“you going to introduce me to your new boyfriend?”

before you can protest lando shakes his hand. you can tell by the grip lando has on him it’s a firm hard handshake. one to prove a point about the 2 a.m calls of you crying to your best friend from across the world. he was a shitty man, and maybe showing lando off like that would put him in his place.

“this is lando, you guys met awhile back.” you say.

you watch the two of their eyes glimmer in the sunlight with hatred for one another. lando was the guy you told him not to worry about— and he still was— and he was the guy lando was desperately wanting to kick ass.

“don’t remember that.”

“I actually remember, didn’t you spend half the night snogging another girl?” lando’s gentle reminder makes your ex’s face flush pale. you watch a little smile lift to lando’s lips before you both excuse yourselves to head home.

“my new boyfriend is so cool.” you say in a sarcastic tone once it’s just the two of you in his car.

lando let’s out laugh, and just puts the car in reverse. the simple act makes your head spin. his hand reaching behind the head of your seat, the way his eyes quickly glance on you before he looks back to ensure no one is coming. these thoughts were never present until this run in. would lando be a good boyfriend?

you can’t help but explore those thoughts in the twenty minute car ride home in pure silence.

your mind wanders to the idea of waking up to him in your bed. his legs tangled with yours, lazy soft kisses pressed your cheeks. you could melt at just the thought of it.

or maybe he’d make you eggs. you’d wake to the smell of bacon grease and him shirtless—like he always is in the kitchen— creating a masterpiece meal that you devour in minutes.

what switch has suddenly changed in you? because now when you look at lando, your heart does things it never did before. your head spins of ideas of him as your boyfriend and it’s so sickening you could throw up.

“I’m going to unload the groceries, you’re more than welcome to sit and stare into space for as much as you need.” his words spook you. a little yelp escaped your lips that he’d caught you. your eyes bug wide—like they always are when you get into your daydreams— and mind so full you lose track of time and often forget your surroundings. you had no clue you’d been sitting in the driveway this whole time.

“where do you want the tampons again? I seem to forget.”

“under the bathroom sink please.”

you wonder if you can shove your thoughts under there too. a nap is needed to clear your mind of whatever seems to be boggling it all about lando.

—

a nap certainly did help, however, waking up to lando shirtless in your bed also napping? yeah, all that hard work of suppressed thoughts came right back.

you think about taking your finger and running it all over the divots, curves, and muscles of his body. you think about how much stronger he’s been looking lately and how the little hair on his chin is growing onto you. what is going on with you?

it was common for lando to come in your room and sleep with you. nightmares were rare for you, but they happened more often than you expected and lando always wanted to be there for it. but this was just a nap? why did he have to come in and sleep with you? he could’ve just slept in his own bed, that certainly would’ve helped your heart if he did.

you roll out of bed and tip toe around your bed, until your heart makes you stop. you stare at his peaceful state. the way his curls fall over his forehead, the thick long lashes you desperately want, the soft smile on his lips— his eyes are opening, shit, you think to yourself.

you quickly book it out of the room to save yourself from the embarrassment of him catching you watching him sleep. what a creep you were becoming in the matter of hours. this is why you shouldn’t like your best friend. hell, this is why you shouldn’t let your man best friend live with you. it was destined for one of you to fall in love.

but it was also destined for you to most likely get your heart broken.

lando doesn’t date women like you. you’ve seen his roster of women rotating in and out of your place, none of them looked like you: an average woman with average looks. who’d want that?

a little part of hope lingers in your chest when you see him enter the kitchen. his lips press against your temple as he mumbles a good morning.

“how was your nap?”

“not long enough.” you admit watching him type away on his phone. his elbows are pressed against the granite counter tops, his fingers work vigorously against the screen. a little smile appears on his lips that make you nauseous. it could just be max, but it could be another girl.

almost two hours ago this wouldn’t of mattered to you. you wouldn’t of cared if lando invited a girl over and you stayed locked up in your room, but now all of a sudden it’s bothersome.

“what’s got you all smiley?” you ask, partially out of curiosity but partially to just kill your heart with his response. he sets his phone face down on the counter resting his chin in the palm of his hand, “max is coming over, and so is pietra.”

“exciting.” you grin, though the words disagree with your expression making his face drop with worry.

“are you worried max is going to take your best friend spot? he could never, y/n.”

best friend. yeah, that’s all you’ll ever be when girls like ria and pietra exist. deadly beauty that could put a man in his place. when was yours ever going to show up?

—

you’re tipsy off the expensive bottle of wine max brought. your body is pressed against lando’s for support as you all laugh about something max said. you can’t help but wrap your arms around his strong bicep, resting your head against his shoulder listening to pietra expose Max’s recent mess up.

lando doesn’t take notice in the way you’re seated. he knows you’re beside him based off the heat that radiates off your body. you always got overly warm when drunk, and sometimes a bit too affectionate, but he didn’t mind. he actually loved it when you wanted to be beside him.

“so when did this happen?” pietra points her finger between you two, a bright smile pressed against her lips as she cozies herself up to her own boyfriend.

lando clears his throat. he practically yanks his arm out of your grip leaving you to fall back against the cushions beside him. you hide your face into his back out of embarrassment suddenly becoming aware of how you two look. “oh umm—“

“oh gosh! I’m so sorry. I think it’s the wine talking in me.” she quickly apologizes, a blush filters her face similar to yours.

“it’s not the first time today that’s happened.”

“do tell,” max sits on the edge of his seat listening to lando explain the run in, your face is still pressed into his back. you’re hoping that maybe if you just stay there you would disappear into thin air or end up in your bedroom sound asleep away from all of this.

“I still want to kick that guys ass—“

“wait,” pietra cuts off max, her voice demands all the attention in the room. you pry your head from out of lando and peer behind him at her, “you didn’t even tell him you are just friends? you let him assume that you’re dating?”

lando’s mouth opens and closes. nothing seems to come out making max throw his head back in a laughing fit, “oh god! I owe ria money for this, you like y/n!”

Lando’s face is flushed red, a similar color to the glass of wine in his hands. there was nothing he could say. he couldn’t even protest it when it was true. he hadn’t even realized he never corrected your ex boyfriend, because truth be told, he wanted to be shown off as your boyfriend.

“come on pietra, let’s leave these two alone.”

they leave as quick as they came, leaving only the half full bottle of wine for yourselves. you both sit in silence, no one musters up the courage to speak.

you both get ready for bed like nothing happened. the awkward silence eats you up. you want to speak up and tell him you feel the same, you want things to go back to normal. you just want annoying lando back.

when you finally finish your nighttime regiment, you’re ready for bed. you turn the corner into your bedroom and see the silhouette of lando reflecting against the wall. your night light was on, and he was laying in your bed, cozied up under the covers.

“sleeping in here tonight?” you ask slipping under the covers beside him, he moves himself closer to you occupying the middle of the bed.

“you don’t mind, do you?”

you shake your head curling your body against his, “I like it when you sleep with me.” you say making a sense of pride soar through his chest. he likes the way your body molds against his.

“your new boyfriend will protect you.” he smiles down at you, carefully place a kiss to your forehead before reaching over and turning off your lamp.

“thank goodness he’s here, I can’t sleep without him.”

“you know I’m talking about myself right?” he lifts his neck up, face looking down at you, your eyes closed practically half asleep already.

“goodnight, boyfriend.”

“goodnight, girlfriend.”

tags: @oconso @xcicix @imsorare @weasleyswizardwheezes-blog @monzabee @lpab @frreyaa @motorsp0rt @lovelytsunoda @smoothopz

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[gh0stsp1d3r]

ℒℯ𝒶𝓋ℯ 𝒽ℯ𝓇 𝒶𝓁ℴ𝓃ℯ

warnings: angst and fluff, Rafe is an asshole. This can be platonic or not ! reader is also just as chaotic as jj. dare I say they match each others freaks.

“Well, here are the hors d’oeuvres right here.” He pointed to a table.

“Okay.”

“We’ll be right back, okay?” You told them with a smile, grabbing onto JJ’s arm, suddenly feeling cornered by the three boys in front of you.

“No, we’re actually gonna follow you in here just to make sure…” Rafe started.

JJ grabbed your arm this time, he ran inside, shoving the doors in their faces, you all interrupting the kooks dining by running into chairs and shit.

They were behind you, JJs grip never letting go of your arm. You let out a cry when you tripped and fell over a plant, jj looking down at you and quickly helping you back up, despite them being right behind you both.

You both ran into a room, jj sighing in relief, thinking you both finally got away.

“Are you alright?” He asked you, his hand on your arm. You nodded, seeing some doors and nodding your head towards them.

“Ah, excuse me, guys.” JJ knocked on the door rapidly.

“I’m taking a shit!” The man yelled. Jj went to the next on, trying to open one, both being locked. He groaned in annoyance and you turned a corner, but Rafe was already walking towards you.

You backed up, hitting JJs chest. He wrapped an arm protectively around you and scowled at the boys in front of him.

“Hey, what you doing in the locker room?”

You both tried to get away, but you were suddenly grabbed by your arms, JJ being shoved onto the ground.

“Cute outfit.” JJ remarked before falling onto the ground.

“Shut up!” Rafe rolled his eyes, Jj glanced over at you being held tightly on your arms.

“Leave her alone.” He told Rafe, Rafe laughing and shaking his head.

“Afraid I can’t do that, bro.”

JJ was put into a chokehold while Rafe stands in front of him. “Hold them still. What- what do you think? A four iron, right? Alright, keep his head still, I’m gonna line this up.” Rafe pretended to hold a gulf club in his hands.

“Very Rafe of you. Five on two?”

“If you could please stop talking? It’s very disrespectful, I’m trying to hit a ball, right?”

JJ struggled against the man who held him in the chokehold, you scratching the men who held you in place.

“Fuck you.” You spat out to Rafe, his eyebrows raising.

“Wow! Lotta talk for a little lady like yourself.” Rafe chuckled, amused.

“Let us go!” You cried out, fingernails clawing at the man who held you. The man didn’t say anything, Rafe turned to look at you with raised eyebrows, ignoring you and just laughing in your face.

Rare leaning down to JJs level, smiling at the struggling boy in front of him.

“Your face looks really bad. Starting to look like your dad a lot more.”

JJ spit in his face.

“All right. It was-“ Rafe stepped back, the lights being turned on and off, a voice interrupted Rafe.

“Gentlemen!” You and JJ were shoved away, pretending to look innocent. “Is there a problem?”

“Oh! Pardon us, officer. No, there’s not an issue. You know we- we just-“ JJ spluttered. “Actually, yes. No, there is an issue. Uh, we got a criminal trespass in progress here. Beep! Call it in, right?”

“Blatant disrespect for private property.” You chimed in. “Terrible, real criminal shit.”

“Yeah.” Rafe nodded.

“We’re in violation of all kinds of shit, sir. But these.. young gentlemen…” JJ touched the collar of the boys shirt, his hand being pushed away.

“Don’t touch my shit.”

“They caught us, sir, and they were just about to take us away. Ain’t that right, boys? And that’s what you should do. Escort us out of here. Ya got us.” You and JJ held your wrists out in front of you, you both being dragged away by the guard.

“Oh, fix that tie son.”’ JJ turned over his shoulder. “You’re lookin’ spiffy, too. You powerpuff girls have fun.”

“Yo, y/n, you look pretty hot for a pogue!” You turned around, looking at the boys in disgust, but JJ was quicker to act. JJ threw the guard off him, you watching in shock as Jj attempted to attack him, but got pulled away while you followed behind, eyes wide.

“You think I’m afraid of you? Come on! Say that shit again!” JJ spat, being turned around by the guard, you glancing behind you.

When the guard was busy, you stormed up to them, none of them willing to stop a girl. They underestimated you.

You stood in front of Rafe, all of them waiting for something. You slapped him in the face, he laughed quietly, and then you punched him square in the jaw, all of the boys being in shock, the others pulling you away.

“Don’t even come near the cut, or you’ll be real fucking sorry!” You shouted as you were dragged out, being pulled outside along with Jj.

“I really appreciate what you did out there, let me just walk out by myself-“ JJ spoke, being cut off when you were shoved to the ground next to him. JJ’s eyes widened, attempting to held pull you back up.

“Hey, shove off, man!” JJ shouted at the guard who kept trying to push him away. You looked down at the bruises forming on your arms, getting up to follow JJ.

“You rough him up?” He asked you with raised eyebrows.

“Not really.” You said with a small pout. “I tried. Got to punch him in the jaw.”

“Hey, that’s my girl!” He spoke, holding his hand out for a high five, you shrugging and raising your hand up. He grabbed two drinks from a table, giving you one and downing the other.

“Aah! Whoo!” JJ exclaimed. “I really appreciate the discretion.” JJ told the guard, finally being able to walk freely for moment without being shoved. All eyes were on the both of you now.

“It’s okay, everybody! Don’t panic!” He shouted.

“Hey, leave it to the men and women in uniforms let’s hear it for them.” You clapped your hands, both of you being pushed away by the guards again. “Rose! You look like lady liberty with those spikes.” You put your fingers on top your head, resembling spikes coming out. “Very cool stuff.”

“Oh, give me one of those.” He pointed.

“Let go of them!” Kiara shouted to the guard, everyone turning to her now. “You can’t boot him! I invited them here!”

“Kiara-“ her mom attempted to get her to quiet down.

Jj shoved the guard away when he grabbed you with force. “Oh, sorry about that. Hey, mandatory power hour at Rixon’s, Kie! Pope, you as well, all right?” He told her. “Rixons cove. Let’s roll. All right, Kie, come on!” He clapped his hands.

“Workers of the world unite.” You clapped with him. “You know, throw off your chains!” You shouted, both you and Jj walking away with drunken giggles.

“Whoo-hoo!” JJ exclaimed to John B. “Colonel.”

“Captain.” He saluted.

“Mission accomplished, sir.”

“Come on, Kie!” You shouted. “Whoo, hey pope!” All of you laughing as you ran away from the party.

—

“You know, you trying to fight them for me is very noble of you.” You told him later, both of you sitting next to each other, the fire crackling behind you.

He furrowed his eyebrows, confused until he remembered. “Oh. That…”

“Very sweet.” You shrugged.

He shrugged his shoulders, giving you a small smile. “I ain’t letting no one, especially not Rafe and his fuckin’ gooners talk about you like that.”

[jhilsara]

Of Bookstore, Coffees, and Late Nights pt. 4

Sunshine!Reader/Southern!Reader/Plus Sized!Reader

Pairing: Fem!reader x Spencer Reid

Summary: Welcome to the holiday special! Set during season 8 you spend Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with Spencer.

Word Count: 8k

Warnings: Canon typical BAU themes, sick family members, holiday family fighting, (no Maeve...this is my fanfic and I say Spencer's had enough trauma)

Previous|Next

Halloween   

Spencer had convinced you to go out with him, JJ, and Will. They were going to take Henry trick or treating and then go off to a bar their team frequently ventured into.  

Spencer and his team had recently landed from a case and Spencer was grinning from ear to ear. Apparently, Henry had not wanted to go out on Halloween, but something changed his mind. Spencer refused to tell you what Henry’s costume was, declaring it a surprise.   

Spencer had picked you up and you two were in your own costumes. You dressed as Katniss Everdeen from the new Hunger Games movie. You had dragged Spencer to go see it after you had him read it during one of their earlier book exchanges. Spencer was dressed as Doctor Frankenstein. Large white lab coat and ridiculous googles.   

“Are you sure this is okay? I mean, I don’t know them that well.” You asked nervously.   

Spencer just laughed and nodded. “I’m more than sure. JJ and Garcia have been hounding me to make time for you to hang out with them.”  

“Because they like me or because they want to profile me?” You asked skeptically.  

Spencer shrugged, “Honestly, could be either, both, or none of the above. But, JJ knows you helped Will from bleeding out so, you’re solid in her book.”  

“I thought we agreed to not ever talk about the bank again?” You mumbled.   

“I know I know; I won’t bring it up again.” he said with a grin.   

You rolled your eyes, knowing well it wouldn’t be the last time.   

Once they arrive at JJ and Will’s house Henry answers the door and immediately you melt at the sight. Little Henry was dressed as Spencer, badge and all, and you had to bite your tongue from almost crying.   

JJ popped up behind Henry and smiled at the two. “Nice costumes.” she said looking them over.  

“Uncle Spencer, do I look like you?” Henry asked excitedly spinning in a circle.   

Spencer leans down to pick up Henry, “You look just like me! I think I’m looking in a mirror Henry.”   

The blonde boy giggled and hugged his uncle.   

“Come on in, we’re almost ready to go. Will’s just finishing the dishes.” JJ said, ushering them in.  

Will come’s around the corner with a rag in his hand as he looks for the source of noise, “I thought I heard y'all.” He said smiling.   

Will comes up to you arms open for a hug, “Hey.”   

you immediately hugged him, “Hey Will.”   

You smiled when he pulled away. Will raised his hand to Spencer, who was still holding Henry. 

“Can you watch him so we can go change real quick?” Will asked.   

Spencer nodded, “Absolutely, go don’t worry about it.”  

“Promise we’ll be quick; our costumes are easy.” JJ said with a grin.  

The two hurry off to their bedroom and Spencer sets down Henry.   

“Are you excited to go trick or treating bud?” Spencer asked softly.   

Henry nodded in excitement. “Mommy and Daddy are going to be my back up.”   

You just smiled as you watched Spencer interact with Henry. He easily kept him entertained and was overall, just great with the kid. you almost think you should have Spencer do some magic at the shop for the kids during the day sometime. He just easily knows what to do. It’s charming.   

JJ and Will come around the corner and are in all black suits and sunglasses. You gave a loud guffaw of a laugh, having to cover your mouth.   

“Oh, now this is just a stereotype.” Spencer said, trying to look upset, but his smile gave him away. 

“What? We can’t poke fun at ourselves?” JJ said with a small spin in her fake FBI suit. A massive plastic badge hanging from her hip.   

Spencer just shook his head.   

“I feel spiffy, this isn’t a bad suit for a costume.” Will said looking over his sunglasses.   

JJ laughed and then clapped her hands together looking at her son, “You ready Henry?”  

Henry bounced in excitement and ran up to his parents.   

“Wait, wait, before we go let me get pictures of you guys. It’s so cute.” You said, fishing out your phone.  

Will, JJ, and Henry pose. Will and JJ make a Mr. And Mrs. Smith pose back-to-back that has you giggling.   

“Perfect.” she smiled as she finished snapping a few pictures.   

JJ moves to open the front door and ushered everyone out, “Come one we’re burning the night away!”   

Henry had about an hour and a half of trick or treating in him before he started dragging his feet.  

“You tired big guy?” Will asked his son as he picked him up.   

Henry nodded slowly, fighting to keep his eyes open.   

“It’s bedtime for this one.” JJ said kissing the crown of Henry’s head.  

Will adjusts Henry in his arms. “We’ll go put him to bed, we’ll meet everyone at the bar.”   

Spencer and you nod, waving them off.   

“He’s the cutest kid I’ve ever seen.” You coo watching them walk off.   

Spencer nodded, “He absolutely is.”   

“You’re so good with him.” you crossed your arms. “Maybe you should lead a reading time or do a magic show at the bookstore.”   

Spencer looks down at you, “Now you’re just extorting me for labor.”   

You giggled, “I give you plenty of free coffee to warrant asking you for story time with the kids in the bookstore.”   

Spencer makes a face. “Definitely extorting me.”  

“I’d say it’s more a barter and trade system.” you said with a grin.   

“Whatever, come on.” He laughed, grabbing your hand to lead you off to go to the bar.   

You feel your face heat up from Spencer holding your hand, you go quiet and just let him lead you.   

Once at the bar, Derek and Penelope are already seated in a back booth. Penelope spots the two first and she stands waving them over.   

Penelope immediately grabs you from Spencer. “We need shots!” she declared as she dragged you with her to the bar.   

Derek just laughed watching them leave.   

“How many drinks has she had?” Spencer asked with a laugh.   

“None. She was waiting.” Derek responded with a chuckle.   

Penelope and you stand at the bar waiting to order shots. While they wait for the bar tender Penelope takes this time to chat you up.   

“I can’t believe Spencer hasn’t brought you out until now! I mean- there was the wedding, but I’ve been begging him to let me hang out with you!” Penelope pouts.   

You laughed, “Well, my schedules a little crazy. I’m always working at night so I can’t really go out like this all the time.” you told her.   

Penelope nodded, “Right, you run a late-night cafe and bookstore, right?”  

You hummed in agreement. “Yeah, I do. It’s a lot of fun and the inside is super comfortable. If you ever want to drop by, feel free to! I’d love for you to come by.” You told the blonde.   

Penelope’s face bursts into a big grin. “That sounds great. I’ll make sure to take you up on that.”  

Finally, the bartender makes his way over to them.  

Over at the booth, JJ and Will finally made it in. The group is chattering amongst themselves, waiting for Penelope to come back with you.   

JJ looked over to spot them at the bar, and she took an opportunity.   

“So, Spence...” she started with a conspiratorial tone.   

Spencer immediately froze and gives JJ a knowing look. “Why do I already not like where this is going?”  

“It’s nothing serious just...” her eyes avert over to the bar, “Do you like her?” she whispered loudly across the table.  

Derek started to laugh, looking at JJ with a raised brow. “Are we really about to press pretty boy on his love life right now?”   

Spencer’s face is tinted pink as his eyes widen. “JJ...” he sighed.   

“Spence.” She replied with a deadpan stare.   

His eyes flickered over to try to see if Penelope and you were coming back. Hoping he could escape this grilling.   

“I’m not gonna let this go, so you can answer here or at work with Rossi and Hotch in the room.” She said with a smirk.   

Spencer sighed and looked down at his hands on the table. “She’s wonderful, and when she was a hostage, it really hit me in that moment that she’s important to me.” he murmured.   

“She’s too sweet though...and I’m, me.” He said quietly.   

Derek and JJ make a face. They didn’t believe that for a second. Before they could reply though, Penelope bounced back with you in tow.   

“This conversation isn’t over Spence.” JJ murmured.  

“Oh, everyone’s here!” Penelope shouts, moving to hug JJ in excitement.   

Penelope shoots a playful glare at Spencer, “You better move boy genius because my spot is next to big man.”   

Spencer rolled his eyes but slid over to get up. Penelope shot him a dazzling smile and moves to saddle herself next to Derek. Spencer gets back in the booth, and you slide next to him. With everyone in the booth, they’re basically brushing against each other. Your leg is pressed against his and you feel like you’re burning up. It could be the alcohol or your nerves, you’re unsure.   

The night goes on and you drink far more than you probably should have. You're a light weight and Penelope Garcia just kept ordering shots for her, you, and JJ.   

The three women are standing outside in the cold air chattering away while they wait for the others to close out their tabs.   

You’re swaying on your feet humming a mindless tune and Penelope’s leaning against you.   

“You’re so sweet- I understand why our boy wonder would keep you to himself.” Penelope giggled.  

You shook your head, “No no, it’s not like that.” you giggled.   

“Oh please,” JJ rolled her eyes her own smirk on her face. “You two were giving each other eyes all night.”   

You gasped, “No we were not! He’s my best friend.”   

JJ and Penelope give each other matching looks before humming in acknowledgement.   

“I’m serious! I know what a sarcastic mmhmm means, I invented it.” You said with a frown.   

The doors open and the three, much more sober, men come out.   

“Come on baby girl, time to say goodbye. You need your bed.” Derek said pulling Penelope off you.   

“Oh, my bed sounds fantastic!” she said excitedly, letting Derek lead her off.   

“We better get going too, your momma can’t stay all night.” Will mentions to JJ.   

“Bye Spence, bye Y/N!” JJ waved goodbye.   

Spencer turned to look at you, and you’re still swaying a bit. Spencer wraps an arm around your waist to keep you steady and starts to lead you back toward the subway.   

“Come on, let’s get you home.”   

You immediately leaned your head on his shoulder wrapping your own arm around him to keep yourself balanced.   

“You’re my favorite person Spencer.” you murmured as they walked down the street.   

He chuckled softly, “You’re mine too.”   

“No, no, I’m serious.” you said your words a bit slurred.  

“I know.” he said softly.   

You looked up at him, your eyes furrowed, “No, you don’t.” you said it a bit more seriously. “You’ve done more for me than I can explain.” you whispered.   

Spencer paused and gently moved his free hand to press you closer to him, petting your head. “I think it’s the other way around.” He murmured into your hair.   

The two stand there, your face pressed into Spencer’s shoulder for a while. It takes a cold breeze to make the two of you separate.  

“Let’s get you home before you catch a cold.” he whispered, gently moving you forward again.  

You just nodded, looking at your feet as they walked, trying to hide your flushed face.   

Thanksgiving   

Thanksgiving was always awkward. You only remember Thanksgiving being fun when you were between five and ten. After your mother cheated, Thanksgiving had been... rough. To put it politely.   

Even after your parents' divorce, they would still try to get together for Thanksgiving, but something tends to always go wrong.   

There was the year you refused to come out of your room because you didn’t want to see your mother. So, Bridget tried to feed you under the bedroom door. Then there was the year that Bridget got food poisoning because their mom didn’t cook the chicken breast for Bridget all the way through. That one was rough. She was eleven and violently puking for three days straight. Or the year that Lauren brought her new boyfriend over. He had tried to make Bridget and you call him dad while Big Joe was sitting right there.   

Thanksgiving has just not been their Holiday.   

This year you had invited Spencer. He wasn’t going to Vegas to see his mother until Christmas, and he was just going to spend it alone. You offered for him to just spend it with you and Big Joe, it was always just the two of them recently. So, it wasn’t a big deal. Just a chill lunch, watch the parade on the tv, and send Spencer off with leftovers.   

At least, that was your plan.   

You're in the kitchen with Spencer, cutting veggies for the stuffing when the doorbell rings. You stand straight looking at Spencer in surprise.   

“I’ll get it!” You shout to your dad, walking briskly to the door.   

Upon opening the door, you see your baby sister. It’s such a shock it takes you a second to register what’s happening.  

“Birdie?” You blinked in confusion and rubbed your eyes trying to see if you were seeing things.   

“Happy Thanksgiving!” Bridget’s boyfriend, Jamie, says excitedly and leans in to give a hug.  

“Oh!” Jamie wraps you in a massive hug, squeezing you tightly. “I’m so happy to finally meet you and Bridget’s dad!”   

You looked at him a little puzzled before turning to Bridget. “I thought,” You sighed trying to even your breathing. “I thought you were spending the holidays with Lauren again?”   

Bridget just shrugged, “Changed my mind. Now can we go in, it’s freezing out here.”   

You step aside to let them in and are bewildered that your sister even showed up. You make your way through the living room and stand next to your dad in his wheelchair. His eyes were half closed, a light snore as the television played the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.   

“Daddy, daddy wake up. Birdie’s home.” You whispered.   

Big Joe jolts a bit and grumbles, “I wasn’t asleep.”   

“Sure, you weren’t daddy.” You patted your dad’s shoulder. “Anyway, Birdie’s here with her boyfriend Jamie.” You said making Big Joe look over at the two standing awkwardly in the doorway.   

His face breaks into a grin, “Well, come in Pidgeon, no need to be shy.” He struggles to sit up a little straighter in his chair.   

You look over at your sister and Jamie. Her boyfriend is all smiles, you swore if he had a tail, it would be wagging. Jamie walks over to shake your dad’s hand and introduce himself.   

Bridget on the other hand, has her feet planted firmly to the floor. Unmoving. You watched her closely and saw just how pale Bridget was as she looked at their dad. She hadn’t seen their dad in a long time. She mostly just called, if that, but this was the first time in maybe two years that Bridget was standing in the same room as her father.   

You look back at Jamie and her dad as they chatter. You see how thin her dad’s gotten. It’s not news to you, nothing about his health was. They were already on borrowed time, your dad truly beating the odds. As you look over at your baby sister, you realize that the last time Bridget saw their dad he could still walk easily. He only barely needed the wheelchair for bad days.  

Bridget was in shock.  

“Y/N! I need some help back here!” Spencer comes around the corner from the kitchen, covered in flour. He’s holding his hands up like he’s innocent.   

“Oh, good god, Spencer, bless your heart. I’m coming!” you told him shooing him off back to the kitchen.   

You go to Bridget and nudge her, “Birdie you and Jamie can keep daddy entertained right? I’m still cooking.”  

Bridget just nodded slowly making her way over to the couch.   

You sighed and went back into the kitchen.   

“Spencer, I said to add a little flour to make a rue... not a half cup.” you laughed looking at him.   

Spencer cleaned his hands with a small rag and looked over at you with a displeased frown.  

“I need exact measurements, not... your southern shorthand.” He murmured.  

You rolled your eyes and looked at the pot that was supposed to be your rue for the macaroni and cheese. You see the powder in the pot and shake your head.   

“Southern shorthand’s about to make the best food you’ve ever eaten.” you told him with a raised brow.  

“Grab me a clean one please. This one can go in the sink.” you point over to under the counter.   

Spencer easily does that and moves to cutting and peeling potatoes.   

“Was that your sister?” he asked.  

You hummed in acknowledgement. “Yup.” you said with a pop of the P.   

“Isn’t it a good thing she’s here?” he asked tentatively.  

You sighed, “I mean,” you leaned back on your heels biting the inside of your cheek. “Yes. It is good. I just...” you turned to face him.   

“Spencer, you didn’t see her face. It was like she didn’t recognize him.” you hissed in a whisper.   

Spencer paused on peeling the potatoes and gave you a deadpan look. “Because she didn’t. When was the last time she really saw him?”  

You paused, “When daddy could still walk on his own... She's only seen him in the chair once.” you sighed heavily.  

Spencer moved closer to you and held your arms in reassurance, “She’s in shock. Just, give her some time.” He offered.   

You nodded and rolled your sleeves up, “I’m just gonna focus on cooking right now.”  

By the time you and Spencer finish everything the parade is over, and your sister has set up the small dining table. You and Spencer slowly bring out the food and your dad rolls himself up to the head of the table.   

“What do you want to eat dad?” You asked him after everything was placed on the table.   

“Everything, it’s Thanksgiving! I could eat a horse.” he said with a hearty laugh.   

You shook your head at your dad but filled his plate. After you set his plate in front of him, everyone else builds a plate for themselves.   

“Magpie, you still make homemade cranberry sauce?” Bridget asked, eying the small plate.   

You nodded, “Yeah, you never liked the canned stuff.” you replied like it was obvious you’d make it the way she liked.   

“I haven’t had Thanksgiving with y’all in years...” Bridget said.   

You just shrugged. “It’s not that hard; besides, I’ve gotten so used to making it.”   

Bridget bit her tongue. You and her dad hate cranberry sauce. Bridget was the only one who ate it. You don’t have to tell her you made it every year with the hope she’d come.  

“Well, it’s the first time I have both my girls here, so let me say grace just this once.” Big Joe said with a smile.   

Everyone nodded and closed their eyes.   

“Dear lord, thank you for this meal. Thank you for blessin’ me with daughters who care so much. Thank you for providin’ them with such kind folk who care for them like I do. Please bless us today with the kindness and health to go on another year, amen.”  

Big Joe smiles at his daughters and motions for them to eat. “C’mon let’s not let this go to waste.”   

Their family meal was awkward.   

You and Bridget flank the sides of their dad and Spencer and Jamie sit across from each other. The men trying to keep polite conversation while you and Bridget just stare at each other.   

“This meals good Magpie, better than mom ever makes.” Bridget complimented.   

“Well mom barely ever really cooks. I’m sure she just catered.” You bite back.   

Spencer moves his hand to grip yours under the table. You sighed, “Thanks though, I try.”  

Bridget turned to her boyfriend giving him a look that said, ‘I told you so.’   

Jamie coughs, “So, you run a bookstore?” he asked.   

You nod, “Yeah, I co-own it with a friend of mine. Part bookstore part cafe.”  

“It’s a great shop, my favorite in town.” Spencer added.   

You snorted, “You just say that cause I give you free coffee.”  

“Oh, is that where you two meet? That’s romantic, a warm cozy book nook.” Jamie asked leaning forward.   

Your and Spencer’s faces both burn deep burgundy colors.   

“No no-”  

“It’s not like that-”   

“We’re not dating-”  

“He’s my best friend we’re not-”   

You start talking over each other going back and forth. Finally, they both just shut up.   

“We’re friends. He’s not my boyfriend.” You finally said, avoiding Spencer’s eyes.  

“Oh, I’m so sorry, we just assumed-” Bridget slammed her elbow into her boyfriend's side.   

“Sorry.”  

It’s an awkward meal.   

After everyone eats Spencer and Jamie clean the table, rinsing off the dishes and loading them in the dishwasher. You and Bridget bring the leftovers into the kitchen, placing them on the counter.   

“Can we talk?” Bridget asked with a nervous look.   

You nod, unsure of what your sister wants to discuss. Bridget coughed looking at the two men, “Alone .”  

“Ohhhhhhhhh.” Jamie and Spencer quickly make themselves scarce to leave the sisters alone.  

Bridget moves to start packing up the leftover food. A nervous habit she picked up from their mother, she had to do something with her hands. You go to help her, trying to make whatever conversation this turns into less awkward.   

“We need to talk about daddy.” Bridget whispered.   

“We or you?” You asked with a raised brow.  

Bridget sighed and looked at you, “I’m trying to have a serious conversation here.”  

“Really? Because as I remember it, I’ve been trying to have a serious conversation with you about this for a while. The last time we discussed this you told me ‘Fuck you.’” you replied with a fake smile.   

Bridget sighed and stared holes into the food she was packing into the glass Tupperware.   

“I was scared ! No one wants to think about their dad dying!” She tried to say with a strained voice, her movement becoming more aggressive.   

You slam your hands on the counter, “And you don’t think I’m scared Bridget?! I’m fucking terrified everyday I’m gonna wake up and find that he didn’t!”   

You're breathing heavily, trying to stop the burning you feel at the corners of your eyes, you know yelling isn’t helpful right now, but it feels right.  

“You chose to take care of him, he’d be better off with a full-time team! You are such a miserable bitch sometimes!” Bridget yelled right back.   

Bridget’s anger has always been fierce and loud. While yours has always been passive. You can’t stand her trying to lecture you right now.  

“I’d rather be a miserable bitch than a fucking coward who can’t even look daddy in the eyes.” You bite back.   

Bridget throws her hands up, “You know what? Have a great fucking Thanksgiving. I’m not doing this right now.”   

You crossed her arms, “Run away, like always.” you murmured under your breath glaring at the floor.  

Bridget took a deep breath before turning toward her older sister, “I am trying. It might not be when or how you wanted, but I am trying.”  

You didn’t respond expect for a flinch when you heard the front door slam behind her sister.  

You stood alone in the kitchen and leaned over the sink.  

“Magpie...”   

You sigh, your dad’s tone tells you something's weighing on his heart, and you know it’s about Bridget.   

You take a deep breath and try not to break into a sob. “Daddy-” your voice shook.  

“Don’t hate her, Bridget isn’t like you.” Big Joe tells you, his voice gentle.   

You are very aware that the walls are thin, and your dad heard you argue with Bridget., hell, everyone heard your argument with Bridget. That doesn’t make it any less hurtful or true.   

“I don’t hate her; I just hate how she ignored you for so long and just-” you paused looking up. “It’s not fair.”  

“What’s not fair?” Big Joe rolled closer. He was using his soft dad voice, and it was the straw that broke your back.  

Your lower lip started to shake, and you could feel the hot tears running down your face.   

“All of it! None of it is fair, why... why did you have to be the one who’s sick?” you sobbed.   

He grabbed your hands and held them tightly. “Magpie, the world’s not fair. No one made me sick, it just, it happens.”   

“You’re my dad... I’m not ready to give you up.” you hiccupped through your tears.  

Big Joe moves to stand on his shaky legs, he wraps you in a tight hug. You can feel how much smaller he’s gotten. The muscle deteriorating in his body.   

He pressed a kiss to the crown of your head, “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Okay? I’ve been beating the odds, right? I can keep going.” He told you.  

He pulled back to brush away your tears, “Don’t be mad at your sister... When I do go, you’ll have each other, you should take care.” he said.   

“Bridget’s not cut me out of her life Magpie, she calls me every day when I’m in the doctor’s office.” He reassured you.   

Your eyes widen, “She does?” You’re surprised.   

Big Joe nods. “We don’t talk about the doctor’s visits or anything, but she calls every day, and we catch up. I know too much about Jamie by the way; he’s a chatty Cathy...”   

“I didn’t know that.” you said with a frown.   

Your dad shrugged, “I didn’t think it was important. It obviously was, you’ve been holding too much in Magpie.” he said softly.   

You looked down a bit embarrassed. “You don’t have to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders... you’ve been doin’ that since you were thirteen. It’s not your job; your job is to live your life.”  

You nodded, rubbing your face to dry the tears.   

“Why don’t you go out with that nice friend of yours? I’ll be just fine right here.” He said referring to Spencer in the living room.   

“Oh god, Spencer.” you sighed covering your face, “I look awful...”   

Her dad chuckled, “He won’t mind. Now go on and get.” He grumbled.   

You give a soft laugh, “You just want to watch the game in peace.” you said knowingly.   

“Hell yeah, I do, you never liked football. I don’t know who raised you.” he joked, wheeling himself into the living room.  

You follow behind him and into the living room. Spencer’s pacing circles in front of the couch. He only stops when he hears them come in.   

“We’ve been kicked out.” you joked. You grab your coat and your purse, “Dad wants to watch the football game, and I have no interest in that.” you told him seeing Spencer’s confused face.   

He nodded and grabbed his own coat, “Happy Thanksgiving Joe.”  

Your dad nodded, “That’s Big Joe to you boy.” He teased Spencer.   

You rolled your eyes and walked out with Spencer following behind. Outside the front door you felt Spencer gently grab your arm.   

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.   

You swallowed hard, “I’ve been better...” you murmured. “but I should probably apologize to Birdie for grilling her like that." You bite your cheek in thought.  

Spencer shrugged, “You don’t have too immediately. It takes two to fight.”   

You snort, “You’re the best, you know that?” you said moving to wrap your arm around him as they walked.   

Spencer easily slides his own arm around your waist, “I’ve been told a time or two.” he responded smugly.   

You rolled your eyes, “Okay okay, remind me to not boost your ego again.”   

Spencer looked down at you and smiled softly. Your eyes were still rimmed red from crying, but you looked better than when you had come out of the kitchen. Spencer could hear the argument between the two sisters vividly. The walls of the apartment where thin and the animosity between the two women had been brewing all afternoon. They were bound to explode.   

He rubs soothing circles into your back. He knows you’ll work it out. You're too bright to be dimmed so easily.   

Christmas   

Christmas morning was always fun. The past couple of years it’s been hard. It’s just been you and Big Joe, and honestly it just reminded you how lonely you were. Thanksgiving was always awkward, but Christmas has always been fun. Even when your mother was visiting, you still found some joy at Christmas. Now? You just longed for one where it wasn’t just the two of them.   

There was going to be a Christmas that would just be you... you weren’t ready for that.   

You missed baking cookies, trying to make gingerbread houses with Bridget, and curling in front of the fireplace wrapped in a million blankets watching those 70’s claymation holiday specials. You and Bridget’s giggles filling the living room as you slept in a fort made from couch cushions and sheets.  

You missed being a family.   

You sighed and turned the oven on, getting ready to make a small turkey for you and Big Joe. You had other food to still prep, and you were ready to just give up and order a pizza.   

Halfway through boiling the eggs you heard a loud knock.   

“Magpie were you expectin’ that friend of yours?” Her dad shouted.  

You wipe your hands off and pokes your head into the living room, “No... I think he went to Vegas to visit his momma.” you said, walking toward the door.   

“Surely to god it’s not a solicitor on Christmas?” you asked.   

You open the door and see Bridget and Jamie. You stand there a little surprised. You hadn’t talked to her since Thanksgiving when they had a massive blow out argument.   

“Y/N! Merry Christmas!” Jamie exclaimed holding what looked to be a pie in his hands. His smile was genuine as it reached his eyes.   

“Merry Christmas Jamie...” you said in surprise.   

Jamie walked past her but not before making a face at Bridget.  

“Merry Christmas Big Joe!” Jamie’s voice carried off into the room.   

Bridget’s holding a bag and looks embarrassed to be standing in front of you.  

“I brought a peace offering...” Bridget said passing the bag over to you.   

You raised your brow in question but opened the bag anyway.   

Inside were two gingerbread house kits and a champagne bottle.   

“I thought we could, maybe, try to bring back an old tradition...” She murmured looking at you hopefully.   

“Birdie-” You started but she cuts you off.   

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to freak out at Thanksgiving...I just... I’ve been trying so hard to think that daddy was gonna be just fine.” Bridget’s voice cracks.   

“I- I can’t picture that the strongest person I know has to be rolled around in a chair, ya know?” she said, her voice watery as she tried to blink back her tears.   

“Daddy’s sick Bridget. He’s already lasted longer than most, but...” you took a deep shaky breath of your own. “We only have a little time left with him.” you whispered.   

“I know.” Bridget said firmly. “I’m gonna show up.” she promised.  

You look down at the gingerbread houses and back at your baby sister. You pulled Birdie into a tight hug.   

“Better late than never.” You whispered.   

“I missed this.” Bridget said holding onto her sister.  

“I missed you Birdie.”  

The two sisters walk into the apartment together. You set the bag down under the tree.   

“I’m cooking if you want to help?” You asked her.   

“Ohhhhhh no. I don’t cook. I’m awful- you want Jamie.” Bridget said pointing to her boyfriend.  

Jamie stands and mock salutes you, “Sous chef reporting for duty!”   

You rolled your eyes and motions for him to follow you.  

While Jamie’s in the kitchen, it makes the task so much faster for you. Faster than even when Spencer helped her. Jamie clearly knew how to cook and obviously made meals for your sister. The two busted out the mashed potatoes and deviled eggs easily. What would have taken you half of the morning and afternoon took you and Jamie just the morning to finish. It was great to have an extra pair of hands that knew what they were doing.  

When you put the rolls in the oven to bake, you notice Jamie’s hand fidgeting in his pocket.   

Now that you thought of it, his hand was constantly shooting down to check that he still had whatever it was in his pocket.   

“If ya got a ring in there for Birdie, I’d suggest being less obvious.” you joked with a light laugh.  

Jamie freezes and his face erupts into a bright red shade, “How... how did you know?” He stuttered out.   

Your brows shoot up as you whip around to face Jamie. You look between him and the doorway and don’t hear anything to suggest Bridget heard them.   

“I was joking!” you hissed out. “You’re serious?”   

“Of course I’m serious! I love Bridget.” he whispered to you. “I wanted to propose with her family there, but it was either you guys or Lauren, and Bridget is fighting with her right now.”   

“They’re fighting?” You asked in quiet surprise.   

Jamie nodded, “Bridget called her after Thanksgiving and I don’t know much, but it was a screaming match over the phone.”   

You make a face. “Sounds like mom.”   

Jamie nodded in agreement.   

“Well, let me see it!” you demanded, holding your hand out.  

Jamie rolled his eyes but fished out the small box and handed it to you. You excitedly opened the box, and your eyes lit up. You passed the small velvet box back to Jamie.   

“I think she’ll love it.” you said with a genuine smile. “So, are you proposing today?”   

He nodded. Your face beams. “I’m so excited for you guys. Truly.”   

“Just gotta find the right time.” He said holding the box tightly.  

“There’s never a perfect time... just maybe do it before me and Birdie start building gingerbread houses.” You suggested.  

“Why?” Jamie tilted his head in confusion.   

“Because she brought champagne and we’re light weights.” you patted Jamie’s arm.   

“Go on in the living room, I’ll finish up and get ready to serve soon.” You offered.  

Jamie nodded and smiled, “You’re a good sister.”   

You shrugged, “Not really, but appreciate the sentiment.” you teased.  

Dinner goes wonderfully. Much better than Thanksgiving. You serve everyone their food and the conversations are lively and exciting.   

“Your momma called me,” Big Joe said turning to Bridget.   

Bridget freezes, like she used to as a kid who was caught, and she looks up at her dad.   

“What about?” she asked.   

Her dad gave her a pointed look, “You’re fightin’?”   

Bridget rolled her eyes. “I got into it with her, it doesn’t matter.”   

“She said you were fightin’ about me.” She sighed and looked at her dad.   

“Well, what she neglected to tell you daddy, was she was trying to tell me how to take care of you. As if she knows anything more than Magpie does.” Bridget said stabbing her turkey aggressively.   

Their dad nodded, “She did not tell me that part.”   

“Sounds like Lauren...” You murmured shoving potatoes into your mouth.   

Bridget gives you a pointed look, “Please, I don’t want to argue over mom right now.”   

You put your hands up in surrender. “I won’t. My lips are sealed.”   

After dinner they transferred to the living room and finally do a gift exchange. There weren’t a lot of presents, just a handful for each other. Plus, the gifts you made for your friends.   

You already got your gift from Bridget, but you gave her a present. It was homemade cookies that were Bridget’s favorite as a kid. You got Josie to bake them for her.   

“This is my apology for Thanksgiving...I shouldn’t have cornered you.” You said softly.   

You smiled at your sister and Bridget went to wrap you in a hug.   

Bridget and you both had a few presents from your dad, all of which were cute and sentimental.   

Finally, Jamie gets ready to give Bridget his present. He hands Bridget her gift and it’s a beautiful print of the night sky and stars the day they met. While Bridget’s too busy looking at the print and getting teary eyes, Jamie drops to his knee.   

He doesn’t even get the words out before Bridget immediately breaks into a sob.   

Jamie gives a soft laugh, “Bridget Daniels, will you marry me?”   

Bridget nods aggressively and throws herself at Jamie. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. “I had a whole speech prepared but then you started crying.” He chuckled into her neck.   

“You know I’m a crier!” she blubbered, fat tears rolling down her face.   

Jamie just laughed and pressed a kiss to her cheek.   

You were filming the whole time on your phone the second Jamie gave Bridget her first gift.   

“Congratulations!”   

“Well, what a good excuse to pop open the champagne you brought!” You teased pulling the bottle from the gift bag.   

Bridget gasped, “Oh yes! Grab it!”   

A few hours later you are three glasses deep in champagne and are trying to delicately place gumdrops strategically on the roof of your gingerbread house.   

Bridget’s also three glasses in and keeps giggling as she looks down at her hand.  

“Biiiiiiiiiirdie!” You drawl out looking over at your sister and her half-built house.   

“Stop gigglin’ about your mushy love life and build! I don’t want to win because you half assed it!” You pout, sending a playful glare at your sister.   

Bridget stuck her tongue out at you, “Magpie don’t be ugly. I’m two sheets to the wind and you know it!” Bridget said her accent seeping out of every syllable.   

You just laughed loudly, snorting, “We’re both two sheets to the wind!”   

The two are rolling on the floor filled with giggles. Jamie is sitting on the couch next to Big Joe in his chair just smiling at his fiancé.   

“I haven’t seen them this giddy since they were only up to my knee.” Big Joe said with a gruff chortle.   

“I told her to just apologize... Bridget’s so stubborn. She won’t ever admit that she looks up to her sister, but she spends a lot of time talking about her. Especially after that bank robbery she was in...”   

Big Joe nodded; a scowl crosses his face at the memory of the bank robbery. “That was the worst day of my life.”   

Big Joe turned to look at Jamie, “Did you know that boy from Thanksgiving is an FBI agent? He saved her.”   

Jamie’s eyes grow big as saucers. “What?”   

Big Joe nodded, “He saved my baby girl. I’ll always remember that.”   

Jamie grows quiet thinking it over, “...and they aren’t dating?”   

“Nope.”   

You and Bridget are back to working on the gingerbread houses, with deadly focus as they build. Your hands are shaking as you pipe icing for decoration on your house. Bridget is holding her breath as she places small colored candy pieces as fake lights.   

“Are you decorating the yard?” You asked her. You're looking at the cardboard base with laser focus.   

“I want to make a snow man, so yes.” Bridget replied.   

You sighed. “Fine I guess I’ll do something...” you pause biting your cheek in thought.   

You ruffled through the bag of candy and came across the Sour Patch Kids. You gasp in excitement and start putting the small child shaped gummies all over the base.   

Bridget looked over and pouted, “Hey! Those were for us to eat not decorate!” she whined.  

You rolled your eyes, “Birdie don’t get your panties in a twist- here I only grabbed three!” you said, handing over the bag to your sister.   

Bridget frowned, “Liar you used like, ten.” She said flipping you off.   

“I’ll eat them! It’s my share.” You exclaimed with a sigh.  

Bridget shoved the candy in her mouth, “You better, these are expensive.” She mumbled with her mouth full.   

Before you can respond there’s a knock on the door. You bolt up and go to answer. Still tipsy you wobbled a bit before standing straight. You open the door, and your eyes widen as you see Spencer on the doorstep.   

Your face is flushed from the champagne, and you’ve thrown a garland around yourself like a scarf, you looked a little ridiculous. Not to mention the remains of broken candy and frosting on you.   

“Merry Christmas.” He said, Spencer’s eyes slowly roam your form, and an amused smile formed on his face.   

You tried to wipe off whatever remains of the gingerbread house were on you, “Merry Christmas Spencer. I didn’t know you were coming by?” you said flustered.   

Spencer shrugged, “I couldn’t make it out to see my mom this year, I’m not staying long though.” He said turning to pull something from his satchel.   

You stand in the doorway wringing your hands and tilt your head in curiosity.   

“Here!” he exclaimed, finding what he was looking for, he handed over a small, wrapped gift to you.  

You gently grabbed the present from him, “I have yours inside- I can go grab it real quick.” you offered.  

Spencer shakes his head, “No it’s okay. Open yours first.”   

You can see how eager he is, so you do as he requested. You gently peel the wrapping paper off and it’s a jewelry box. You opened it and gasped seeing inside.  

“Oh wow... Spencer...” you whispered, the breath knocked out of you as you looked at the gift.   

It could be the champagne, or it could be that you are quick to cry, but your eyes well up with tears brimming and ready to fall.   

“You don’t like it-” He whispered as he moved to grab the box.   

You pull back away from him. You cradled your gift close, “No, Spencer this is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever got me.” your voice cracked as you looked up at him, your tears falling.   

You tried to wipe them away, “Sorry-” you hiccupped, “I’m a little drunk.”  

Spencer just smiled at you.   

“God, now your present sucks in comparison.” you murmured looking at the beautiful necklace he gave you.   

Spencer snorts, “It’s not a contest.”   

You rolled your eyes and grabbed the necklace, turning your back to him.   

“Will you help me put it on?” you asked quietly.  

Spencer comes up behind you and his hands gently grab the silver chain. His hands are warm in comparison to the cold metal touching your skin. His touch is feather light as he focuses on clipping your necklace. His breath tickles the nape of your neck, and it sends a shiver through your body.   

“Sorry, it’s been out in the cold.” Spencer said, thinking your full body shiver was from the metal.   

You don’t reply, not trusting yourself. He fumbles for a moment, but the necklace is on. A beautiful magpie feather pendant rests against your collarbone.   

You turned back to him and tilted your head. “How... where did you even get this?” you asked holding the pendant in your hand.   

“It’s a long story, but I've been looking for a magpie present for a while.” You looked down at the ground with a shy smile.   

“I mean, that’s what your family calls you right? Magpie.” He whispered.   

You smiled, “It’s special...for me and Birdie.” she murmured quietly.   

“I thought so.” He replied softly, “I finally saw that in a store a while ago and it just, it made sense to me.” He said softly.   

You looked up at him and gave a tiny smile, “Thank you Spencer, this was really sweet.” you pushed up on your tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek.   

“Wait right here, let me grab your gift.” you told him.   

You don’t see how red Spencer’s face is.   

You quickly rush inside and grab Spencer’s gift from under the tree. Bridget and Jamie are nowhere to be found but you can hear idle chatter in the kitchen.   

“Magpie,” You turned to see your dad looking at you expectantly.   

You tilted your head, “What is it daddy?”   

“That boy, the one at my front door,” He started.   

Spencer. Big Joe was talking about Spencer. You bite your lip. There’s too much alcohol in you right now to have whatever conversation this is. Not to mention Spencer’s probably freezing.   

“Spencer?” You asked for clarification.   

“Yes! Him... Magpie, are you in love with him?” He asked.   

You almost choke. You start coughing and look at your dad with wide eyes.  

“Where did that come from?!” you exclaimed.   

“Now, I ain’t stupid. I might be sick, but I got perfectly working eyes.” he said with a frown.   

You sputter for a second, “What makes you think that? He’s my best friend.” you cross your arms defensively.  

“Y/N.” Big Joe said sternly, giving his daughter a firm look. “I’ve seen how you look at that boy.”   

“Daddy,” you sighed. “I don’t have time to date- I have the store and you-”  

“Don’t use me as an excuse to not live your life, Magpie.” he said softly. Her dad reached out to hold your hand.   

You took a shaky breath, “Daddy- I can’t, I have to go give him this present. I can’t do this right now.”  

“I’ve seen how he looks at you, friends don’t look at each other like you two do.”  

You go silent and bite your lip. You look down at the gift in your hands, “I think I do... but I don’t know if I’m ready.” you whispered.   

Big Joe motions for you to bend down, opening his arms for a hug. You set Spencer’s gift over to the side and wrap your arms around your dad.   

“If you’re gonna fall in love with anyone, I’m glad it’s him.” He whispered as he hugged you tight.   

You pulled back and gave a sniffle, trying not to cry anymore.   

“I have to go, he’s probably freezing.” you told your dad, grabbing Spencer’s gift before walking back outside.  

You quickly rushed back to the door, Spencer still standing there, hands in his pockets.   

“Sorry, dad stopped me.” you said, handing him a box.   

Spencer nodded and gently opened the box. He pulled out a small diorama that was the size of a book. It was Sherlock Holmes apartment.   

“It’s for your bookshelf. It’s like a little decoration. I thought Sherlock would be perfect.” you said softly.  

“This is perfect, thank you.” He whispered looking at the details.   

“There are a few loose items that are still in the box. Once you set it up it’ll look great.” you added.   

Spencer put his gift back in the box and looked at you with a warm fondness that took your breath away for a moment. You’re still tipsy and feel warm all over and he’s looking at you with those big hazel doe eyes that have mesmerized you.   

“Stop looking at me like that...” you murmured, your hand playing with the magpie charm on your neck.   

Spencer chuckled, “Like what?” he tilted his head.   

You frowned, “Like, I don’t know, your big puppy eyes... like I’m doing something special.”   

Spencer tilted his head and stepped closer, “You are special.”  

Your face heats up in a flush, “Merry Christmas.” He pulled you into a quick hug before turning to leave.   

“Merry Christmas...” you murmured watching him leave.   

You lean against the door when you come back inside and cover your face.   

You heard murmured whispers from the living room and giggles.   

“He’s cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute.” Bridget’s voice drifts toward you in a high-pitched tone.   

“What are you? Twelve?!” You groaned walking back into the living room.   

“Mmmmm maybe?” Bridget said with a giggle and threw her arms around you.   

You rolled your eyes and tried to stop the flush from creeping down your body. 

[philtstone]

Shawn/Juliet, "holding hands under the table"

i cant actually find which number it is from this list of prompts but that could just be my brain being fried from the week. also, everyone can feel free to send me more prompts lol. strike while the iron is hot, etc. this might be the most sedate tone i've ever hit with a psych fic. set immediately after the s5 finale -- like, hours after -- and hopefully the characters are all at the right place, emotionally. theres definitely a bit of a grey zone there in s5-6 where a lot is left unsaid but kind of known but also kind of not known. oh, jules.

She asks Lassiter to give her a ride because she probably shouldn’t be driving with a recent head injury. EMTs said no concussion, which is a good thing, but Juliet feels shaken enough that she’s going to do the intelligent, grown up woman thing and ask a friend for a favor.

She can’t help but wonder if maybe she does have a concussion after all, because Carlton behaves extremely fucking weirdly for pretty much the entirety of the drive.

Considering it’s Carlton, that’s really saying something.

“Vick gave me Shawn and Gus’s check,” she says as smoothly as she can, as they get in the car. It’s not entirely a lie, but it does feel oddly duplicitous in a way that holding hands with Shawn under the briefing table earlier didn’t. “Can you drop me off at the house?”

“House?” says her usually gruff partner, high-pitched. She’d caught him at the last second and kind of serendipitously, right as he was making his way out of the station, looking spooked, his jacket only half-on. At the time Juliet felt relieved, but now she’s wondering if maybe he’d needed some time to decompress before being made responsible for another person’s safety again. “What house? Spencer’s house? Doesn’t he live in a laundromat?”

“Henry’s house,” Juliet says, giving him a weird look while he turns the car on. His right eye is twitching. It’s possible that the evening’s events shook him more than he’s willing to admit; wouldn’t be the first time. “Gus told me they headed over there for the night. Carlton, are you alright?”

“I’m just spiffy,” he says through oddly gritted teeth, and sounds the opposite of. “One drop off, coming right up.”

Juliet decides she’ll figure it out in the morning. Her head kind of hurts, as does her elbow, and the catharsis she’d hoped to achieve through finally putting her signature down on that paper has left her a little bit shaky.

It feels good, though. She’ll probably have a good cry in the shower later on.

We did it, says Shawn’s voice in her head, so firm and final and confident. Her stomach and chest and general person are suddenly overcome with a slamming wave of affection she definitely was not prepared for. Swallowing, Juliet tucks her phone between her legs and shoots him a quick text. Wrapped up at the station.

Incoming text from SHAWN SPENCER:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BABE WITH THE POWER!!!!!!

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

u gonna go home & rest?

Shawn’s texts were exuberant before they started dating, too, but the million heart emojis are a recent development. Something about their introduction makes Juliet want to clench her hands together, melt into the ground, and laugh hysterically at the same time. Shawn turns being a walking contradiction into an art form sometimes. So terrified of facing all the love he’s got to give head-on, but so reckless and sloppy about leaving a trail of it around.

Maybe that’s why she’s fallen so hard for him, Juliet thinks; it matches her inexplicable combination of extreme trust and extreme caution.

Okay. Woah. Too much. Chill out, Juliet; now’s not really the time.

Not with Carlton showing all the signs of working through a hernia in the driver’s seat beside her, mere hours after Serial Killer Takedown.

Yeah, Juliet replies to her boyfriend, then lays her head against the cool car window, closing her eyes before she can notice Carlton’s alarmed glances at her phone.

When they pull up, half the house lights are on. Clearly no one is sleeping, despite the horribly late hour. Juliet glances down at her phone again and realizes it’s pushing three in the morning. She winces. 

“Are you going to be okay driving home?” she asks, one hand on the door handle. Carlton’s staring directly out of the windshield at the house, looking aggrieved in that way that gives him the general look and demeanor of a wet cat. She really hopes he’s okay.

“Fine,” he says. Juliet holds her phone against her lap and sighs. 

“Alright.”

“O’Hara –” he begins, pained, as she opens the door.

“Yeah?”

“I …” A beat. “Nothing. I’m – you get some rest tonight. And – and stay safe.”

“I will,” Juliet replies, surprised by how sincerely the words come out.

Given everything that’s happened, she didn’t expect her own confidence on the subject to be so strong.

Juliet steps out onto the front lawn and watches her partner drive away. Behind her the house silhouettes itself in its own lit glow and the quiet sounds and salty smell of the ocean close by begin to properly filter into her consciousness. She stands still for a few long moments in the dark, which is less threatening now than it was a few hours ago. The humidity thickens her hair and her breath fogs in front of her. When she got Shawn’s text that he and Gus were crashing at his dad’s house instead of the Psych office, call if u need anything jules, she’d been yearning for a shower a bit too much to really think about it. Once her paperwork was out of the way, though, a shower became less important than – whatever feeling brought her here.

Shawn would say it was the idea of pancakes. She likes to think she’s capable of marginally more emotional vulnerability than he is.

She bites her lip, then presses send on the text.

Home.

The response is an immediate string of emojis, mainly the heart bubbles but with the addition of a few inexplicable inanimate objects too. She’s not sure what the megaphone or candelabra or pineapple are supposed to represent, but she’s smiling when she knocks on the kitchen door, which is meaning enough for her.

Henry opens it. He looks — exhausted, about the same as Juliet feels, despite the lack of head injury or general bodily trauma. The lines in his face immediately soften at the sight of her. Juliet refuses point blank to allow her eyes to well up.

“In you come,” Henry sighs, making way. Dr. Spencer — Maddie, Juliet supposes — is at the kitchen table nursing a cup of tea. Muffled sounds of a television come from the next room. Juliet vaguely recognizes them as Phineas and Ferb.

At her entrance, Madeline raises an interested eyebrow and glances at Henry, but beyond that moment of silent communication says nothing.

“Do you want some tea?” she asks simply.

“Please.”

Henry squeezes her shoulder, gently enough that she realizes he somehow noticed and filed away all her injuries earlier. Henry Spencer the detective still surprises her sometimes. “Boys are in the living room,” he says, and goes back to the table while his ex-wife putters around the kitchen more comfortably than is probably wise.

Juliet chews on her lip again. An amused smile fights its way to the surface, coupled with an odd twang of yearning that doesn’t really make much sense. Poor Shawn, she thinks, and it's almost a laugh in the same way she’s almost about to cry. But that’s been true all evening. Henry pulls out another old photograph from the box they seemed to be sorting through before her arrival and peers over the top of his reading glasses.

“Oh God, can you believe I used to wear this stuff in public? You hated this thing.”

“If by this thing you mean that horrible yellow suit …”

“See, it wasn’t the yellow that was the problem. The cut did nothing to flatter my physique.”

Madeline is laughing when Juliet slips out, chamomile tea in hand, to the living room.

At the entrance she stops and takes her heels off. Phineas and Ferb is playing, and loudly at that. As promised, Shawn and Gus are huddled on the couch nursing their empty pancake containers, smelling like sugar and more or less dressed in PJs; she spots what’s surely one of Henry’s old fishing t-shirts, cartoonish in the logo and slightly too baggy on Shawn. She knows any old clothes he keeps in the closet here probably don’t fit him anymore. Juliet wonders if Gus went home to change or if he, too, borrowed clothes. Shawn’s hair has flattened a bit where he must have yanked his shirt down over his head, floofy the way it can be in the mornings sometimes. He’s holding a pillow against his chest. Gus’s sock has a hole in the big toe. Every so often one or both of them will giggle at the TV. 

Her eyes do well up, then. 

Of course Shawn picks that exact second to notice her.

He notices a lot of things, Juliet has come to observe, few of which fit congruously with the many things he forgets or overlooks or can’t be bothered over. She wonders if that’s just an extension of how the spirits work, and if he’d explain it to her if she asked him. There’s a resigned part of her that doesn’t think he will, and a practical part of her that guesses at an attention deficit diagnosis that probably gave him some grief growing up and doesn’t really pair well with psychic visions or an enduring fear of being too vulnerable.

Three in the morning is too late to be mulling any of this stuff over, Juliet thinks. Besides which, most of it becomes suddenly irrelevant as she’s hit with the expression that takes over his face at the sight of her.  

Three in the morning, she reminds herself. Near death experience. Don’t read into it.

Shawn doesn’t say anything, only looks at her with all that throat-closing tenderness Juliet has ignored so many times before. I think you’re swell, he’d said. In some ways, she’s always been able to see right through him without even trying. 

Gus is wedged right beside him, hogging the blankets. There’s enough room on the couch for Juliet to fit on the other side of them. 

She walks over, hands Shawn her tea, and climbs into his lap. Her knees bend over his right leg, her shoulder sinks into his chest and her head settles against his neck. Shawn still doesn’t say anything. He just sets the mug down carefully on the floor, takes a deep, relieving breath, and wraps his arms around her. She hadn’t really worried that Gus might complain, but when he reaches over unprompted and squeezes Juliet’s unhurt elbow, the last little knot in her chest dissolves fully. She gropes her hand over the upholstery and squeezes his arm back.

“... latest in my brilliant line of ‘Inators, I call it the Unlikely-Inator! She pairs beautifully with the Likeli-Inator 2000. Together, Perry the Platypus, I shall use them to somehow take over the Tri-State area, and then the world!”

“You wanna change?” Shawn murmurs into her hair after a moment. 

“Later,” Juliet says.

“Mmmkay.”

The old t-shirt is soft against the skin of her cheek and smells like laundry detergent. The rest of the house smells like a family lives in it, even though Juliet knows that’s not really true, and it also smells like Shawn, a little bit. Shawn smells like Shawn, too. His chest rumbles beneath her with every soft laugh the cartoon pulls out of him. 

“Oh – oh, remember this, this next bit is really funny,” Gus says. His voice is just as soft as Shawn’s.

“Man, you know I have this whole show memorized.”

“I’ve never really seen it,” Juliet says quietly. They watch as the little platypus karate kicks Dr. Doofenshmirtz in the head.

“I know,” says Shawn. “But that’s being rectified. Ha! Gus, we should turn the Psych office into a funhouse next week. Just to see if we can.”

He pats her thigh and Juliet feels a small smile turn up the corners of her mouth against Shawn’s neck.

“Shawn, I am not stepping foot in another amusement park since that crazy-ass chick and her boyfriend tried murdering everyone last month. We can try turning it into a bunny sanctuary instead.”

“I like the way you think, hermano. Wait wait, here comes the explosion. Classic!”

She falls asleep slowly, lulled by the comfortable heat of Shawn’s body and the muted, silly sounds from the television. 

When Juliet wakes up, her cheek is pressed against an actual pillow, she’s horizontal, and she has no idea what day it is. She blinks against the grit in her eyes and the fact that her whole body is sore before realizing she slept on a couch. Someone put a pillow under her head and a blanket over her body and took the time to change her out of her gross work clothes. She looks down, only mildly discombobulated. She’s wearing the old fishing t-shirt Shawn had on last night and what must be a pair of Madeline’s pajama pants. They’re a pretty purple color and silky against her legs. She definitely still has her underwear on. A soft snore comes from the ground below her and Juliet realizes she’s still in the living room at Shawn’s dad’s house; Shawn himself is burritoed in an ancient sleeping bag on the ground directly beneath her and Gus is sprawled on a camp bed that’s a bit too small for him on the other side of the coffee table. They’re both still fast asleep. The light coming from the window is light enough that it’s properly morning, but the rest of the house is still dead quiet. A soft blue light appears suddenly on the coffee table; her phone is vibrating, which she realizes must have been the thing that woke her up in the first place.

She reaches carefully over Shawn to grab it. The home screen shows a text from Carlton, received minutes ago.

Got home alright?

She could say that Gus gave her a ride; it would be another easy lie, and he’d happily corroborate it. She hates the idea, though. She looks down at Shawn’s sleeping form, the unruly tuft of hair poking out from beneath the blankets and the drool on his pillow. Telling Carlton would be a bad idea, she knows.

Juliet types, for a second time trying not to think too hard about it, Yes, home. Safe and sound.

She sinks back into the surprisingly comfortable couch cushions, instinctively curling into herself, full of feeling she can’t quite articulate. After a moment of staring silently at the wall, Juliet turns onto her back and reaches one quiet arm down. The tips of her fingers meet the soft warm skin of Shawn’s ear, and when he doesn’t wake up, she keeps her knuckles there, barely moving, only rubbing her thumb up and down every so often. 

Everything else can be a problem for tomorrow. Slowly, she falls asleep again. 

[collar-shocked]

[holds up my hands]

u-uhm I-

well. I need to read up on him more but his whole cabin in the woods mountain man vibe makes me think more traditional. Not like.. traditional traditional cause he.. well he’s in tpof. But in the sense that I’m thinking of an oc who at first was alt. some piercings and tattoos. But then the Mason effect hits like “you don’t need any shit” [proceeds to rip the piercings out]

“you don’t need this poison on your skin” [says while actively carving out a tattoo

idk I just like this idea so if it doesn’t fit with Mason I’ll find someone else

OOOO HEEHEEHEEHEEHEE

Mason IS quite the traditional man! However, I also think it depends. I don't think he'd be bothered too much by certain tattoos or piercings, but then turn around and be very bothered by others. PLUCKING AND CARVING THEM OUT IS VERY ACCURATE THOUGH!

Thankfully appearance doesn't matter during the actual auctioning since he plans to make the 'product' prey, but it may influence the way he treats them when on the mountain. He's a gentle, respectful man, and a very tactful hunter- but Mason will absolutely treat someone like garbage if he thinks they deserve to be.

But then there's keeping them, and in comes the strictness. Like you said, there's many removals- but for the simpler tattoos they seem to really like? The ones that mean something to them? Yeah, they can keep those. Mason will just have to 'clean them up' first in a way that doesn't disrespect the Lord. He takes dear ole Sandy to their skin and carves away the color, makes the wounds gruesome and deep enough to leave vibrant scars where the mess once lived in their skin. Carve em' like marker lines on a soon-to-be stamp. He so generously made it right just for them!

And also, modest earrings can stay. "Long as y'look presentable and not like'a box'er cray'ins, I'll leave you be." so to say.

He DOES enjoy a bit of colored hair, though. Thinks it's spiffy! (Unless you're using neon green, then he's going to scalp you.)

NGFDBFD SORRY FOR THE RAMBLE I REALLY LIKED THIS IDEA AND AM SO SO HOPEFUL TO SEE THEM COME TO LIFE NOW

I NEED THEM TO CRY AS HE SQUEEZES THEIR PIERCINGS OUT LIKE PEARLS AND SQUIRM WHILE HE CARVES THEIR TATTOOS OFF THEIR FLESH

[crispy-bonnie]

Headcanons for paygangs s/o’s having selective mutism?? Like every character

okay when i asked if you wanted more than one , i didn't know that you wanted all of them oh my fucking god i'm only doing the ones you simp for because i do not want to write that many . your simp list shall now be leaked on tumblr <3 /p

update // local bozo has provided me with money to prioritize this particular request . ask , hand me your entire wallet and you’ll receive

another update // dallas and chains’s segments are shit . i’m real tired guhh

You're selectively mute - PAYDAY GANG HCs

Dallas

Dallas isn’t too experienced with stuff like this, but he still does his best to help

He immediately assumes you’re non-verbal due to negative stimuli, so he makes sure to offer you anything that might make you feel better

“What do you need? Water? Snacks? A hug?”

If you answer at all in some way he can understand, he’ll fetch it in seconds

If not, he’ll just stay with you and let you do your thing

If you’re crying, he’ll do his best to comfort you. If you’re happy about something, he’ll ask questions about it and let you go on about it as best as you can

He lets you hang out with him in his office while he’s working

Dallas would have a chair pulled up and a cabinet full of fidget toys and gadgets that you can mess around with

He cleaned the toys daily so that when you want to play around with them, they’ll be ready and all spiffied up :D

He also will have you help him with some of his work if you’re up for it

Like the others, he won’t push you to talk if you aren’t ready, and he makes sure you’re feeling safe and comfortable

Chains

Similar to Dallas, he lets you chill out in his workshop, regardless of whether or not you’re happy or not

He’ll keep you preoccupied by letting you tinker his guns a bit if you’re up for it

He’ll let you fidget with some of the parts in case you like one or a few of them

Chains knows a minuscule amount of ASL, but not enough to know how to understand everything

He’ll do his best to decipher it and answer to it though

He also will cuddle with you in case you need it

He’s got a little couch in the corner of his workshop, so it provides a bit privacy for the two of you

Chains will try to get you to be able to talk again, but if his attempts don’t work, he won’t try to push any more

Very similar to Dallas, just a little less experienced with it

Wolf

100% understands your problem, especially since he spends a good chunk of his time around Jacket

Does his best to accommodate to you whenever you go non-verbal

He’ll ask as to why either for future reference or so that he can keep you from the source, but he won’t pry if you choose not to tell

He’s willing to use practically anything to communicate with you

Sign language, non-verbal cards, text-to-speech, you name it

A contrast from his usual heist behavior, he’s very gentle when you go non-verbal. He’ll make extra careful not to cross any boundaries and make sure that you’re comfortable until you’re able to talk again

If you’re non-verbal because of positive stimuli, he’ll try his best to communicate with you about this thing that made you so happy. Of course, he won’t pry you about it.

He’s overall very sweet and makes sure that you’re okay while you’re in this state

Now, if someone were to make fun of you or try to pull anything weird while you’re non-verbal, he’s already got the drill ready

Y — ‘Wolf, why do you have a thermal drill?’

W — “Don’t worry, I’m just going to be shoving this down someone’s throat.”

Y [panicked] — ‘WHY???’

W — “MF SAID IT’S STUPID TO GO NON-VERBAL SO I’M GONNA SHOW THE BITCH WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE NON-VERBAL”

Legit either sends you into a panic attack or has to make sure that you don’t thermal drill someone’s face off

Either way, you manage to stop him from doing it and he simply just leaves it alone, and he bombards you with a fuck ton of care

If he comes across the person in question, especially in your non-verbal state, he’ll fucking destroy them

Yes, this includes Hoxton

Overall very protective and supportive <3

Hoxton

Literally has no fucking clue what’s going on at first

“You gonna answer me or what?”

He’ll get the memo if you use cards or write it down, but will have no clue what’s going on if you use ASL or gestures

Ends up having to ask Wolf since he’s seen him use these signs a couple of times

Finally fuckin learns about ASL and figures out why the hell you’re not talking

With this knowledge, he becomes very fuckin protective

If anyone makes you even a little bit uncomfortable, he will not hesitate to throw hands

“The fuck did you just say you wanker!? YOU WANNA FUCKIN’ GO MATE!?”

Ends up throwing you into more stress unintentionally

He’ll try to figure out ways to get you to talk again, whether it be exposing you to stuff that disgusts you or running you through some calming exercises

“Hey hey, just breathe with me, okay? One….Two….”

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t

He still won’t ever fully understand why you end up non-verbal and still won’t understand even after an explanation is given

That doesn’t mean he’s not there for you, of course. He’ll do everything he can within his lack of understanding to help you out

Houston

Like Hoxton, he has no clue what’s going on

However, when you tell him, he’ll understand and ask if there’s anything he can do to help

Mf will literally spend hours trying to learn how to sign so that he can understand you or so that he can make sure he doesn’t overwhelm you with talking

H - *signing*

Y - ‘honey, that means egg’

H - “Dammit”

Hoxton sometimes acts ‘nice’ and teaching Houston some signs

But he’s teaches him the wrong shit

Like- Houston’ll be trying to learn how to say “What’s the weather?” but Hoxton would teach him how to say “cock and nuts” instead

You end up having to reteach him lol

ASL aside, if you use non-verbal cards or other means of communication, it’ll click easier for you

He makes sure to keep a notepad and pen on him, so when you need to talk to him, he just pulls it out and hands it to you

Can’t tell whether or not you’re non-verbal because of positive or negative stimuli, so if he thinks that the thing you don’t like is bringing you joy or something, forgive and correct him

Hoxton will often make rude remarks regarding it, resulting in a beat-up Hoxton and you now laughing your ass off

Mf’s antics were so funny that you went verbal again

Like the rest, very protective, just less understanding

Sokol

Another fucking Jacket???

You were speaking just fine and suddenly you don’t wanna talk??? Wtf??

He thinks you’re doing this on purpose, so he ends up getting quite frustrated

“Пиздец, just talk to me already! Why are you being so… difficult!?”

Literally will send you further into a non-verbal state and you’ll end up just crying on the spot

It’s not pretty

The second he sees tears glossing over your eyes, he fucking PANICS

He doesn’t know how to apologize though?? Not when he’s this frustrated with it

Eventually the two of you just spend a bit of time trying to process things

When the two of you reconvene, you end up explaining to him what’s going on with the whole situation

“Ah… n-non… verbal…? So- you’re not doing it on purpose?”

Once it finally clicks, he does his best to try and find ways to communicate with you

Notepads, flash cards, even those silly little buttons that people use to train their dogs how to communicate /ref

He made one attempt to learn ASL, but he immediately gave up because of how frustrating it was

Sokol felt the need to learn how to sign when he really just could’ve learned how to understand it 💀

That aside, he does his best to make sure you’re okay while you can’t communicate

Literally will fetch you anything and is willing to take a look at whatever it is that’s bothering you/making you so happy

It’s a struggle, but he’s doing his best <3

Jimmy

Despite spending a good chunk of his time around Jacket, he still struggles a bit to understand the whole non-verbal thing

Then again, he’s constantly shitfaced on coke so-

He’ll often keep pestering you on why you’re not talking or anything, only stopping when someone else intervenes

If you use ASL or gestures to communicate, he’ll start getting frustrated since he doesn’t understand most of it

With non-verbal cards or soundboards, he can understand a bit better

When you get sent into this state because of negative stimuli, he’ll try his best to calm you down

Most likely by offering you coke. And it works…sorta

J - “Shit uh… you want some coke-?”

Y - *wheezes*

J - “Wh-what!? Was it something I said!?”

If you’re non-verbal bc of positive stimuli, he’ll just talk about or show you stuff about the thing making you so happy

Literally making it worse 💀

At some point he’ll just end up getting tired [not of you! just by the fact that he’s been hammering that alcohol n drugs] and invite you to cuddle

Once the two of you pile up on the couch, you both kinda just calm down while cuddling

He falls asleep, you return to a verbal state again

Jimmy wakes up to a nice surprise when he sees that you’re talking again

He kinda just offers to cuddle every time you go non-verbal

It’s not the best strategy, but it sure as hell works

Sydney

Similar to Wolf, she completely understands and does her best to accommodate whenever you’re non-verbal

Can understand a good portion of ASL, but not that much

She doesn’t sign for you, but she’ll get a basic understanding if you sign

Simple gestures might raise some confusion though, but after one or two tries, she usually understands what you’re asking for

Very protective of you, regardless of whether or not you’re mute because of something positive or negative

Will literally kick ass if anyone makes fun of you or nags you to talk sokol cOUGH COUGH

“OI! They’ll talk when they wanna talk so SHUT IT YOU FUCK!”

She’ll let you sit in her silly swivel chair and draw whatever comes to mind. She has a bunch of crayons and paper stashed away specifically for you!

Sydney always hangs up the little drawings you make on her cork board because she thinks it’s cute

She also has noise-canceling headphones in case you’re overwhelmed by something

She’ll give them to you, sit down on the couch or at her desk with you in her lap, and let you chill out there

Always makes sure you’re comfortable and won’t push you to talk until you’re ready

Jacket

You don’t even have to try and explain those non-verbal moments. He kinda just knows

He’ll offer up some methods of communication if you don’t have a specific one, the most prominent ones being a tape recorder or a notepad and pen

Mf will literally buy you your own tape recorder not only for helping with communication, but also because matching tape recorders??? Please?????

The both of you use the exact same tapes, sometimes even trading tapes when you want to express something else

Sometimes the two of you will just annoy Sokol with it

Spamming tape recorder lines before Sokol has to swat the both of you away using his hockey stick

Though, for heists, the two of you make sure to use tapes with different voices to make sure other heisters can differentiate you

Though, sometimes you mix each others’ tapes up lol

Knows ASL very well, and also has some non-verbal cards in case you prefer to use those

He makes sure that you’re okay while you’re in this state, and he’ll murder literally anyone who even makes you uncomfortable in the slightest

If you find the corpse of some guy who told you to ‘speak up’ with his brains bashed in, don’t question it

Very understanding of whatever the situation is, and is very protective while you’re non-verbal

[jmdbjk]

White Day, Pt. 2

For our second date of the evening, JK changed into a spiffy crisp white button down and proceeded to fluff and primp his hair for 3 minutes. He hasn’t forgotten all the hair styling tips. Look at him scrunching up the top for some extra fullness. You don’t spend ten years in the stylist’s chair and not learn a few tips about how to manipulate your hair.

Jimin showed up in the comments and JK went off the rails a little bit, trying to show off his wardrobe change and then tried using his smooth lines to make sure Jimin doesn’t wander off ...

Come on Jimin, isn’t it a little late to be playing hard-to-get? COME BACK! PAY ATTENTION!

A commenter said let’s date for 5 minutes and JK said, sure... then he tried to scroll back and find the name of the person so he’d know what to call them... and their name was John Kanya? Did the translator mean Jeon Kanya? HAHAHAHHAAH! Way to go Kanya! One step ahead!

He shared a song that he said Tae really likes and then he tried to search for a song request in the comments. He called Siri a punk because Siri couldn’t understand JK’s pronunciation of “old love.” Bless him...

Oh but when he found it, GOOD JOB whoever requested that song! So dreamy and romantic for our date night with JK! 

And yes, he had the music turned up loud and was yelling at us over the music JUST LIKE IF WE WERE ACTUALLY IN THE CLUB! I can see why he enjoys the interaction with us on Weverse live. It really is easy for him to connect with us and have real interactions in real time (as long as Army isn’t behaving like he’s 15 years old again.) 

The sweetest thing was he saved these songs to his library AND he practiced speaking English at the same time. Armys did good here. He was having fun.

He reads English very well, and I’m sure he understands 99% of what he hears. Its the pronunciation and conversational vocabulary parts that are tricky. 

And then he opened up to us a little bit...

I can see why he ditched Instagram. It’s too fake and impersonal.

Y’all, I started laughing out loud when the next song request came on and the vibe of it made him proclaim he should be drinking whiskey shots and not highballs HAHAHAHAHA! He is a blast. FYI, there are cocktails made with a mixture of whiskeys and they have names like 3 Wisemen (Jack Daniels, Johnnie Walker and Jim Beam) and Four Horsemen (Jim Beam, Jameson, Johnnie Walker, and Jack Daniels). Ugh. I am a whiskey sipper, not a whiskey shooter. And apparently, JK is also NOT a whiskey shooter either. So playful.

And philosophical JK rolled around and he told us he says again and again, he can’t be our #1 priority, that we should prioritize our own lives and whatever obligations we have going on. He said this while putting more of Bam’s eye drops in his eyes and over-dramatically acting like he was crying. 

For about the next twenty minutes he tried to get in the mood to sing and then he saw Namjoon in the comments and they had an adorable exchange which ended with JK singing a song that Namjoon suggested. 

I wonder if Joon had an ulterior motive behind asking JK to sing a variety of genres...you know our leader is always thinking... regardless, Kookie was having fun.

This goofball... said he was pacing himself as far as drinking because he had to really go to the bathroom. But we would have never known right? His reason: because he is such a pro. LMAO!

Oh! and then Namjoon came back in the comments and told JK to hurry up and release an album! THAT’S RIGHT JOONIE! LIGHT A FIRE UNDER JK’S ASS! And JK said he has a plan...well... from the mouth of the man who said he wasn’t a planner... oh then he elaborates that NOT having a plan is in itself a plan. STOP TRYING TO WORM YOUR WAY OUT OF THIS! 

He rambled on and on how he’s not lived with a plan up until now. Kookie-pookie, that’s because you’ve never had to manage your own time before. I think he was being vague in that he really doesn’t have a plan to release anything. He does not have that fire burning in his belly that Jimin, Hobi, Namjoon and Yoongi have. Each of those members have different fires burning. Jungkookie is living up to his free-spirit ways. He is very confident in himself and he has confidence that Army will always love him and he’ll stay on the path that shows him being himself. I said what I said. Or he may drop an album tomorrow. Who knows? We sure don’t. 

He really is the opposite of a Gen Z-er. Except for his use of social media. Which is null and void mostly. Typical Gen-Z in that aspect.

He closed our second date of White Day by confiding with us that he had to pee really really bad. 

[sssardonian-ssserpent]

I would be very interested in seeing how you would play Sparda from Devil May Cry

I’m not sure who that is but looking through the wiki, he seems to be a big bad demon man dressed in a spiffy suit and that is definitely my strong suit of characters.

[carmasi]

Mercenary for hired :  EP4 - Trip to  the Cave of Frozen Stone

As the morning dawn came, he opened his silvery eyes, he hadn’t sleep this peacefully in a while, not even when he was under the tutelage of his former teacher, he sat straight  with his bare chest and only his bottom, it was first light he always woke this early he wondered if his contractor had woken  by now. He wasn’t sure how to act around the woman, he was not good around women to begin  with , but normally they would keep their distance or leave him alone, this one was different though,  or so she appeared. He had convinced himself not to be swindled by the woman's apparent  good nature,appearances can be deceiving, he had learned this the hard way. He made his way downstairs  where the dining area was,  the hotel in Rachel was a far cry from  the places he’d stayed at “ so spiffy” he mumble between his breath as he looked around,though he never really took any missions that required him to stay at an hotel, they usually camped  out when hunting or he guarded a carriage. He brushes his hair back. The kitchen staff was there and there were maybe  2 other patrons “ Hello Mr. Wright” one of the kitchen  ladies  called out. He was caught by surprise  and stepped back.

“Oh.. right I’m sorry I was told  as much” she apologized before chuckling a little “Our male staff is currently on the back, but your companion Ms Kyrius said you’re free to have anything you’d like.. She usually takes her breakfast in the veranda upstairs, she may be there now” he didn’t  make eye contact with the woman  as she spoke though he made sure to nod at his understanding. He looked around  to  know where the balcony or the veranda as she called, she giggled “if you're looking for Ms Kyrius go upstairs where the rooms are and take the first door to the  right that’s where the veranda is” he blush was he that obvious? and what had come over him?  Maybe the guilt of refusing her invitation multiple times finally was eating him up.  He sighed and made his way upstairs “ shall we bring you something to eat up there as well?” the lady asked  cherry, he jolted, he really wasn’t too good with ladies.  She giggled, he nodded and continued his path.

He really wasn’t expecting her to be up so early in the morning, they didn't agree on a time as to when they’ll leave. She was after all,  a woman, a spell caster, not a hunter or a knight who’d  seek for the thrill of adventures. He took the door as he was told and  the bright light of morning sun blinded his silver eyes, his black hair blowing back with the wind when the scent of morning dew filled the air. Rachel was sure to be a desert but something about this moment in time, this place, made it look beautiful. His silver eyes linger on the railing of a small table and the figure of a blonde sipping on tea. She looked almost lost in thought, he was sure she hadn't noticed anyone that came in or out of the balcony as she stared into the emptiness. He walked closer, though not enough to be at her side, he still kept his distance. While he stared he noticed her guard was down, she was relaxed, she didn’t seem to have a care in the world so blissful. He looked around, and shrugged. Who would care to keep their guard up in a place like this? He frowned, remembering his own past. “L…Lady” he called out, stumbling on his words still, she looked back at him, her honey brown eyes meeting his silvery gaze, she smiled “ Wright! Good morning!” she greeted cheery, he blush “ are you ready for our adventure” she cheered again clasping her hand together, she didn’t stood to greet him, she didn’t tried to get closer, she had reminded herself  about  people’s personal space, and  given  the man disposition to women, or to her,  she would try not to make it more uncomfortable for him.

His brow raised, she wasn’t getting close as she normally would, she stayed put, something that he appreciated, though it seemed so out of character for her. He’s only spent a day and a half.. Well maybe two days if you count their time on the airship, but in that time, he came to know how  familiar she could be with just about anyone really. He thought maybe she was just one of those women who’d be flirty with men and  would attempt to get as close as they could to them, he had had  his handling with some of those. As soon as they entered the city though,  he noticed it was not just him, or men,  children, woman, anyone in sight she’d greeted, anyone she saw she even hugged, and everyone who saw her returned her bright smile “how could anyone be like that?” he though, as he nodded at her  question “great.. Please have something to eat before we depart.. I’ve had packed enough food for the trip and something to camp out if need be” she  giggle “ I’m embarrassed to say I am not the  greatest at directions but I  can get to Ice cave, I’ve been there multiple times already” she cheered positively confident that she’d be able to get to where they needed to. 

It was now the third portal they’ve taken through the desert field of Rachel in order to  get to the caves of ice,  as the mercenary  slashed through the corpse of another cobalt, and looked back at the blond woman beside him,  she too cast spell to remove the monsters that stalked them “ Oh goodness ” she mumble a bit flustered as the mercenary sheath his sword “I…” he  attempted to speak but stopped as her eyes meet his, he looked away almost instantly.  What was this pulling she had on him? “ I’m sorry” she weeped. “I normally use fly wings to get around the desert, And I thought I would be okay without them  given I’ve been there so many times” he looked  at her from the corner of his eyes as she fiddle with her fingers, she looked sad, not as she normally  looked, it didn’t suit her “I knew I was terrible with directions,  but gosh” she chuckle almost as if it was a joke trying to look at the map once more “ Once I got lost in the woods and my familiar had to fetch me out” she  giggled again her voice cracking even as she tried to make it a joke “ I’m sure I can figure this out, just give me a second” she keep looking at the map, and he sighed looking at her, as he swung his sword again at another Kobolt that approached them. 

She kept walking looking at the map,  he followed she hasn’t notice the amount of monsters that had  gone by and that the mercenary had to  take care of,  yes she had said to him he needn’t  to  protect her or care for her until they arrived at the cave, but how could he not  when she was so absent  minded? he groan and brush his hair back wondering to himself what would’ve happened to her if any other other mercenaries would’ve taken  her request. He looked around as they started to lose some daylight, they still haven’t reached their destination and unlike  the day,  these deserted areas could be cruel at night, and  some monsters were more active during these times as well. They entered another field as he looked around to assess their  situation “oh gosh I can’t see the map” she complained as she finally  lifted her head up “ wait… it's getting  dark.. .” she sighed and looked back at him, he looked alert  and more concerned with their surroundings  than anything else, so much so he didn’t notice her until she tug on his  cloak “uhm?” he let out as he looked to his side to find her close by, he  gulped slightly resisting the urge to pull away “It's getting dark… we should find a safe spot” she spoke softly as she let go of his cloak when she got his attention. He frowned when she did.. Why did he frown?  He asked,  why did it bother him that she had let go? ”y..yes” he mumbled softly as he followed behind her.

 As they walked to find a safe spot he had notice the only monsters they had to be weary off were minimal, a couple wind hills, and Roween, and the occasionally annoying and tiny anophele, he looked over at Kyrius who seemed to still be debating  at a place to  camped he smirked, she was terrible with directions indeed, she had said it but she was so confident that she’d be able to get them to where they needed to go without trouble, it was almost amusing how confident she was. To his right he saw a clearing under a tree, ruins surrounded  the  clearing almost like a empty campsite,  she may not have seen it as she continue to walk south, he raised a brow “ isn’t that back where we came from ?”  he asked internally before gathering his own courage he sighed “ c… come on” he spoke as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her along, she yelp as she was pulled he pulled her closed and covered her mouth “shh” he whisper close to her ear, she blinked twice surprise, as she looked up at him, his jet black hair covering most of his face but his silver eyes glimmer with the light of the moon above the sky. She blushed and wiggle away “s..sorry” she whispered, as he watched her for a moment, she was flustered, he was confused for a minute before realizing what he’d just done, he lowered his head “m-monsters ahead”.. He  stammered in an attempt to explain himself and why he had done what he did “ we..” he continued still averting  Kyrius gaze “ we just went by a clearing.. Seemed l-like a good place to c-camp” 

Kyrius nodded and stayed closed “ okay lead the way” she asked he  did as he was told and soon they  arrived  to the clearing and had setup camp she sat by the fire as she looked over the map he sat a foot away from her still she looked back “ do I make you that uncomfortable?” she asked sweetly, he looked up, he almost jolted at the question, he huffed as he blush “d-don’t flatter yourself” he spat , her gaze went back to the fire and sighed softly. He notice, his gaze meet the floor, he had this issue with any woman, all women, he wasn't used to their presence as a child he wasn’t around them neither as a teen he didn’t know how to act or what to say half the time they would just run away from him like he was a wild beast or a sick man “I-Im not good with w-woman.. In general” he explained, continuing almost as if to make her feel better, she looked back “ V..Vera said as much” he continue “Vera?” Kyrius asked confuse as she hasn’t heard the name, he looked up at her “ T-The woman in the guild” he responded “You seem to be  okay around her though” Kyrius  pointed out curiously as she was, she stood without him noticing and walked closed “T-That’s just… because I’m use  to her.. And t-the other in the guild” he finished as he explained, he had said his truth,  though not entirely, he was better, at least he thought, but  there was something about the blonde, there was something about Kyrius, that was different,  something that made him both nervous and excited, something he hasn’t felt before, maybe it was just how straight she was, and he hasn’t without intent,  or how familiar she became with anyone around her.  Kyrius sat back down, a little closer but still leaving a good distance between them. On a leaf she slid a couple pieces  of food, some fowl and a homemade sandwich next to him.

He hadn't noticed her approach because he was too busy avoiding the gaze of those brown eyes, too busy contemplating his own thoughts, too busy trying to figure out what it was that made her different. He  blink and almost jumped a foot  when he notice her next to him, she giggled “ you’re like a cat” she smile letting her face rest on top of her knees as she look at him still smiling “so skittish, but you’re so big, like a beast… a skittish  beast” she teased as she giggle, his cheeks burned red  yet again as he saw her, he blinked as she teased then looked again grabbing the food on the small leaf. As they finished eating  their dinner they stayed alert by the fire. He didn't let it die, the night started to become cold, he blew on his hand as he  took a peek at her.  Her robes looked warm enough, if it wasn’t because her midriff was shown “A-aren’t you cold?” he asked, she looked at him “me?... not really.. I like the cold..” she whispered slightly as she saw him “ are you cold?” she asked , he didn’t say much, she's gotten use to his silence and his stuttering by now, yet again she stood and walk his way “ here” she stood in front of him her hand extended as she kneel down  to his side, she held out a flame heart and hoover slight over her palm “It’ll keep you warm” she  mumble looking straight into his eyes, he hesitated, but his hand reached out as she transfer the item to him, her fingers gently caressing his as she did. 

He held it close, she was right it did keep him warm.. Warmer than the fire  they had goin “ you should sleep” he said straight, she smiled maybe he didn’t notice it, but she did “alright” she replied softly as she drifted to sleep, she didn’t move  she stayed by his side, close by. He looked her over from the corner  of his eyes as her breathing became steady and her eye flicker slightly, she was deep in sleep, he kept watch over night to make sure not a single monster came close. She awake,  before the sun came up, he was still up she tilted her head “ Go to sleep” she asked he looked back and shook his head “ I’ll keep watch… we’re traveling together, if one of us doesn’t get to rest, it will hinder us both ”she chirped, he refused  she chuckle and  sat next to him, he didn’t move, He wasn’t sure why, but he was getting strangely accustomed to her presence, was this how other people felt around Kyrius, and he hasn’t notice it before because of his disposition? or was there something else? he ponder as he peeked at her from the corner of his eyes “sun’s about to come up” she mumble softly not looking his way, she knew to keep her distance, she respected that, but also, she hated feeling alone, and distance, but she did her best.

As the sun finally light their path and they picked up camp they set off on their way. She stared at the map yet again  looking  in the direction as she tried to figure out where to go,  last she wanted was to get them lost again. As she did so though he stood behind her, he glance at the map briefly  and chuckle, she looked back “Wright?” she asked. He cough slightly as he was caught, then he sighed “m-may I?”  he asked fo the map, and so she gave it to him. He looked at it briefly before turning it around “W-why is the map upside-down?” he asked, her face burned in embarrassment how could she  has the map upside down all this time, she sighed “My mistake, give me” she took the map yet again flustered. As they continued their walk but even with the maps right side up it  had proven difficult for the warlock to find her way, before the  man took the map from her hand “C-Can you  point out  the location.. O-of the  c-cave?” he stuttered again. As he asked  she smile, it was  kind of cute how he did that “here” she pointed out as he looked over the map “Alright… come with me” he  lead the way this time as he grabbed her by the hand without warning, and didn’t let go until they  were standing  in front of a cave  from which cool air came and sound of drops of water could be heard “he-here?” he asked still holding on to her. 

Kyrius smiled and lifted up the hand he was holding on  “ yes.. This is the place” she giggled as he looked to her side, his cheek flushed then he  let go flustered he returned the map and covered his face with his bangs. She did nothing but smile and  press on “Y-You still haven’t said, what are w-we hunting” he asked as he followed behind “right.. She turned to him “ from this point. I am in your care… I hope we can work together to complete our mission” she said, her hand thug behind her back, a bright smile on her lips as her hair danced briefly on the cave small wind current of icy breeze. For a moment he was dumbfounded, how could she look even more beautiful than  how she had been? He shook his head,  the thought on his head not making much sense, at least not to him, he had just meet her. A couple siromas came around the corner as he was suddenly  alert,  he unfolded his sword, she lift an arms in from of him “ They’re harmless, they won’t attack unprovoked” she explained as she kneel down and pull out some pet food, the came to her as she petted them “ They’re actually quite cute, if you’re not trying to hunt them” she giggle “thank you~” she cheered as one of the Siroma offered her a glacier heart's been caring. He smiled softly,  gently, she was everything. He frowned at the thought, she was everything, everything he couldn’t reach.

[jq37]

The Report Card – Fantasy High: The Seven Ep 2

The Girls Are Fighting!!!

We return to Aguefort Adventuring Academy where the man himself has just told the Seven Maidens that their party is being split up which they are NOT having even though it doesn’t seem to be a malicious plot so much as the fact that Danielle, Ostentatia, and Zelda are Juniors while the other four are graduating Seniors. Antiope casts Hunter’s Mark on Aguefort, Penny pleads, Katja threatens (well, “threatens”; she walks up menacingly and then says that he can’t do this because it’s the only group of friends she’s ever had and it’s heartbreaking like all of her non-hilarious dialogue is).

Aguefort understands that it sucks and has no respect for rules but says it’s out of his hands. Sam clocks that he’s hiding something (along with the fact that he seems to know about something going on with Antiope and Penny which we know is their respective internship/apprenticeship offers) and calls him out, hitting him with a Lightning Lure to drag his ass back when he tries to turn into a bat and escape out the window. She’s unhinged and I love it. 

So does Aguefort who decides to let them in on some school secrets, leaving a decoy while he leads them all to the super secret part of the forbidden library which is bondage themed because sure. Also, Ostentatia is topless for this also because sure. He does a lot of pomp and circumstance to summon a book which Yelle flatly says better not just be the syllabus and it isn’t but she’s close. It’s the bylaws of the school district which he has summoned for the guidelines on the special, magical thing the girls can get so they can graduate together…

Their GEDS!!!!! Trés mystical. 

Basically what they need to do is complete a level A, B, or C quest together (which Antiope knows are like the top 3 highest difficulty quests--they go from A-F) and get signoff from the superintendent. But the superintendent has been missing for 12 years and there can’t be a new one until she’s dead (which she isn’t or else they’d be able to appoint a new one). Her name is Tectonya Karkovnya (who I will be calling TK) and Aguefort calls her, “chaotic and impossible to predict,” which coming from him is como se dice, troubling. 

Sam pulls out her mirror to do a little snooping on TK’s past and sees that she’s a coppery, earth genasi woman. She also sees her talking to Aguefort and saying that the magic of consciousness is far superior to his beloved chronomancy. Then the scene shifts to show her getting more and more worried as she got deeper into her studies and then going to a dwarven holy site in the Mountains of Chaos with some kind of shadow figure following her. 

Penny gets photos of the super cursed bylaws and Arthur leaves since he very much is the principal of the school and has to do his job (ostensibly). With Aguefort gone, the girls discuss the proposition after conscripting a very reluctant Antiope to be their leader (Aabria hilariously improvises that a shaft of sunlight somehow comes down to illuminate her and she has to step out of the spotlight). 

They discuss whether they want to do this GED quest or not and Zelda says she wants to but she wants to give anyone who has other stuff going on an out so they don’t feel beholden. Ostentatia immediately shoots back that Zelda is just saying that because she has plans with Gorgug. That brings down the mood and Sam, despite being a water genasi, fans the flames by saying that Gorgug has lots going on that doesn’t involve her so she shouldn’t be running back to him all the time. 

Yelle tries to calm things down and says they should sleep on it but Sam and Ostentatia are taking this super personally and are offended that they’re even having this conversation. Penny accidentally lets slip that she has some kind of apprenticeship (she’s trying to keep it on the DL because it’s supposed to be a secret) and oh man it becomes a Whole Thing. They fight in the way that you do when everyone in the fight actually wants the same thing and cares deeply about each other but are in completely different headspaces which are making them lash out.

Penny, not wanting to be around the conflict, goes invisible. Zelda is suppressing going into a rage and says that maybe she should go be with Gorgug. At least he won’t yell at her. Yelle once again tries to cool things down and suggests they have a text thread where they can say if they’re in or out by the end of the night instead of hashing it out in the open. She’s accused of not being in and, in response, texts that she’s in. Ostentatia and Sam also immediately text that they’re in, which basically makes her “solution” entirely moot. 

Zelda is finally fully fed up and leaves (Penny following invisibly). Katja also follows. 

Antiope can tell that Sam is upset about something that’s not this but Sam brushes her off rudely and storms off (quite literally, causing storm clouds outside in her wake). Yelle goes after her. Ostentatia is left with Antiope.

Time for a string of very emotional mini scenes which I highly encourage you to watch because they are peak improv.  

Zelda, Katja, (Invisible) Penny

Katja runs to find Zelda who is under a tree crying and asks if she’s OK. Zelda says that Sam and Ostentatia are so beautiful and confident and eloquent and she gets so tongue tied and useless when they disagree with her because she’s so timid. Zelda wants this so bad but she doesn’t want to feel like she’s forcing her friends to stay with her. 

Katja, as we know, has major abandonment issues because of her constantly away dad (and prob her mom too) and she doesn’t want to be left behind again but she also doesn’t want her friends to factor her in so she tries to be stoic and says that the people you love have to want to stay. But with a 3, Zelda immediately clocks the emotion behind the words. Instead of calling her out, Zelda offers to listen to music with her. 

Penny takes this opportunity to make herself known (which has got to be terrifying--unless you’re used to it and then it’s like same shit as usual from Ms. Luckstone) and Zelda goat jumps to grab her out of the tree she was crying in above them and tells her that she doesn’t have to go invisible every time there’s conflict. They all agree that they hate confrontation and Rehka gets the funniest lowkey line of the episodes: that she wouldn’t know what to do if they didn’t agree on that. We then cut to…

Ostentatia and Antiope

Where Izzy gets the high key funniest moment of the episode by transitioning in with a big, “You know I LOVE confrontation,” which breaks everyone at the table. But she says it as a preface to admitting that she may have been a bit of a bitch to Zelda. She plays coy for like a half second before she breaks down sobbing with Antiope catching her before she sinks fully to the floor. Antiope comforts her and admits that while she wants to stay with the party, she hates having options taken away from her as they have been her whole life effectively. She was honestly kind of relieved when she was trapped in the crystal because it meant all that pressure was gone for a bit. They affirm that they love each other then Ostentatia goes to apologize to Zelda. 

Danielle and Sam

Yelle goes to talk to Sam (who she adorably calls “merbae”) and while Sam doesn’t wanna talk about it, Yelle says they don’t have to. She just wants to be there for her in whatever capacity she needs. She knows Sam loves her friends and would never hurt them on purpose so something must be wrong with her-- “History of abandonment?” Sam finishes, almost glibly. She’s tired of losing people. She doesn’t want to lose more. She doesn’t want things to change. Nature is change, Yelle says. Nature sucks, Sam says. Yelle is gonna pretend like she didn't hear that. 

Sam feels bad that she snapped at Zelda and Yelle says that they’re all a family. Things will be alright. The storm clouds that Sam reflexively summoned peter out into a cool, refreshing mist. 

Ostentatia and Zelda

Ostentatia goes to where Zelda and the girls are and full ass runs at her like they weren’t just fighting. After assuring her that she’s not there to fight she apologizes, saying she was a cow. Zelda says she honestly agrees with Ostentatia that she wants the group to stay together and wishes she could be bolder in non-rage settings. Ostentatia says that maybe if the Seniors leave they can still have a party and Penny vetos that even though, as Ostentatia says, it’s a pretty reasonable compromise. Anyway, they basically all go in a circle saying they love each other and it’s very sweet. 

I’m serious, I can’t do these heart to hearts justice in this format, just go watch them for that emotional girl group goodness.

Anyway, outside of the main group, Antiope goes to talk to her sister Corsica who is currently teaching a class. Antiope does not give AF. She orders the students out and they scatter. Wouldn’t you?

Antiope wants advice. Should she stay with her party after flaming out of her last one? Should she take the internship and stay on the path her parents want her on? Corsica really feels for her. Antiope has had to struggle in a way that she and their brothers never did. She finally answers that she and her brothers are awesome and successful fighters but none of them have been able to do the scariest thing possible: disappoint their parents. They’re soldiers. They like it that way. They fall in line. But maybe Antiope isn’t a soldier. Maybe she’s a leader. She ordered those kids out of the room without thinking after all and they obeyed. It’s an extremely good speech and Antiope basically has chills, as do I.  

I assume while this is happening or perhaps right before everyone goes home, Penny goes to see Jawbone (who has some spiffy new art--as did Gilear who cameoed early in the episode when Aguefort atomic wedgied him invisibly because sure) and talk about this uber difficult decision she had to make. Jawbone gets to the heart of the matter pretty quick. Penny is a high achiever who’s lived a life without choice. But now that she’s about to be off the rails for the time she’s freaking out. Penny sees the truth in the statement (after hilariously trying to solve his metaphor about an amusement park) and thanks him for the perspective. She then, in a very Fig move, tries to kiss him and Jawbone basically stiff arms her and breezes right past like it didn’t happen, showing her out. What a trooper that Jawbone.   

Moving on to Katja. When she gets home she tries to call her dad who is unreachable on his hell mission. She leaves him a message saying that he should call her back when he can and she knows what she wants for her graduation present now. She wants her party to not break up. This breaks Brennan and me. 

She then snoops arounds for info on TK. She sees letters of her dad trying to get her into Hudol. And she sees some stuff from the Ministry of Adventure, asking if he knew where TK was. But she doesn’t get anything else. At least, she doesn’t get anything else that’s helpful. She does however find a picture of her mom which makes her bolt to go talk to Cinnamon who prances for her to make her feel better. She joins in dancing, badly.

EDIT: I initially wrote that Katja’s mom was dead because that’s what I thought she said but @ennn said that in the Adventuring Party, Rekha said that her mom didn’t die, she left. Which is less dramatic in some ways but SO MUCH WORSE for abandonment issues so, yikes girl!

Yelle meanwhile goes home to talk to her unofficial third mom, Holly, who is the awakened tree under which her house is. Picture a Grandmother Willow situation from Pocahantas basically. Yelle talks about the conflict a bit and, as usual, ends up on a tangent about how the world is unfair and she has to speak for the voiceless. Holly is concerned for her (as are her other moms which I may have neglected to mention in the last recap). She asks Yelle if she can tell her something that might be painful. Yelle agrees. Holly says that Yelle is great and wonderful and kind but she spends so much time speaking for other people that she never speaks for herself. Her moms worry that there will come a day when she needs help and will have to ask for it without couching it in terms of the greater good and she won’t be able to. 

Yelle really hopes she’s high when the time comes. 

At her home, Ostentatia casts Commune With The City to see if TK has been around and she’s not there now but she can tell she has been (though there’s no indication on if that’s recently or not). On a 17 religion check she knows that there is a dwarven holy site in the mountains that matches Sam’s description from the mirror. She’s still avoiding her dad but when she prays for her spells, she asks for her dad to feel like himself again too. 

Hey, what time is it? Let me check my watch. 

Ah yes, it’s time for Sam to make some rash decisions. 

She feels like she should text Zelda but doesn’t. Instead, she goes into Penelope’s room. And she takes out her mirror. And even though she’s expended the charge for today, she tries to make it show her Penelope. 

OK, says Brennan. Sure. Hey, can you roll me a quick little Wisdom Save?

5. 

Haha, Sam’s in danger. 

The mirror heats up as it’s pushed beyond its limits and Sam sees an image of a young Penelope with braces grabbing her hands and grinning and saying that they’ll be best friends. Then, the image shifts and she sees the Penelope of the present in her tattered prom queen dress and glass shard crown. Her eyeless, haunting, demon prom queen form, teeth razor sharp as her words. 

“A call without a text,” she says. “Are you out of your mind?”

“You look better than you ever did alive,” Sam spits back. 

It is a battle of the bitches right out of the gate. The girls are fighting part two if you will. They snipe at each other for a bit and Brennan has Sam roll insight into herself. On a 19, Sephie says that’s not enough for Sam to get a read on herself (yikes girl) so she doesn’t understand that this fight can only ruin her because while Penelope enjoys causing people pain, Sam doesn’t. 

They both get in some very choice barbs but when Penelope tries to entice her into making a devilish pact and disparages her new party, Sam does the mic drop of the century by telling her that her parents are divorcing and hanging up. The entire table LOSES THEIR MIND. It is like a real life representation of one of those Draw The Squad memes. Everyone brandishes their fans in a salute to that truly epic conversation ender. 

As the night draws to a close, Brennan asks the girls who haven’t responded to the text chain yet if they respond. Katja texts that she’s in. Zelda texts Antiope and Penny that she’s not going to text whether she’s in or out until they respond because she doesn’t want it to feel like a 5 on 2 dogpile.

Antiope and Penny call then text, then call, then text, then call each other to discuss what they should do and also hype each other up because with all the drama, they didn’t really get to celebrate their opportunities. Penny tries to downplay her thing and insinuates that it wouldn’t be a big loss if she wasn’t in the group anymore and Antiope shuts that down immediately. You’re the last thing so many people see before they die Penny! That’s so cool! 

They both decide to text that they’re abstaining from voting for now and go to bed.

The next day, Antiope gets up and sees that her party’s schedule has been cleared for the next two weeks by the school for quest reasons. She tells her dad she wants to talk to Charity Blythe (the woman at the Ministry of Adventure she needs to talk do) and he sets up a no pressure (but actually tons of pressure) meeting with her before turning her 5 mile run into a 12 mile run because she is a Jones and 5 mile runs are for Amateurs. 

Ant texts the rest of the Maidens that this meeting is happening so they can maybe get some quest info from Charity and Ostentatia has in the meantime texted (after the 2 abstains) that she will be going for the GED regardless and anyone who wants to join can. Of course, there was never any reason to NOT go for it (besides the danger which they obv don’t care about) and getting it doesn’t mean any doors are closed to them. It’s just that emotions are running so high they can’t fully seem to see that (or at least some members can’t). 

Ant doesn’t have the clearance to meet at Charity’s office so they meet at the Museum of Adventuring instead. In it happens to be the skeleton of Kalvaxus who they killed (if you don’t remember, the Bad Kids killed him first and then he was resurrected so the Maidens could also kill him for catharsis reasons). Tensions are still super high as evidenced by Sam’s snide abstention comment to Penny and Ant and then by her TRYING TO LIGHTNING BOLT THE DRAGON SKELETON TO DESTROY IT.

GIRL.

That doesn't happen though because she’s Counterspelled by Charity Blythe who walks in, surprised to see that Antiope brought her whole party. Antiope says they were just leaving but Charity can sense shenanigans when she sees them and says if they’re gonna spy on the conversation they might as well stay for it which they of course do.

She gives Antiope a rundown of the internship: 1 year commitment with a possibility to expand to 2-3 years. Stipend. She’d have to live in Bastion City.

Katja remembers that her dad was talking to the Ministry of Adventure in the letters she found and asks Charity about it. Charity says they were asking him about TK’s whereabouts because he was friends with her. On that, Yelle casts Detect Thoughts with a Stealth roll of 17 (we see on a secret Box of Doom roll that Charity got a 26 to see her cast it). Anyway, she sees that TK took some object with her when she disappeared (which she later sees is a crystal screen with a map seemingly marking quest locations from A-F) and of course the fact that Charity knows this. Yelle shares this info with everyone as Antiope walks off with Charity to talk further. Katja suggests to the group that maybe Ant should take the internship to get more info for their quest. While she’s talking to Charity, Ant feels the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

See looks up and sees a figure with blood red lips look at her and disappear.

Yikes! Combat time baybee!

Superlatives 

Danielle: Most Likely to Talk Her Way Out of a Hostage Situation 

While, like her mothers, I am slightly concerned that Danielle is the type to set fire to herself to make sure others are warm, I also very much love her chill, warm, encouraging vibes. For those of you coming off of MisMag, she is like vibing at the same wavelength as Whitney Jammer but with the intensity turned all the way down. Danielle encouraging Sam honestly gave me like second hand calm. Excellent vibes. 

Random Thoughts

If you’re wondering how long it took for it to come up that Aguefort banged a phoenix, the answer is 12 minutes.

The concept of phoenix chlamydia is the definition of thanks, I hate it. 

Aguefort saying that TK is a crazy person could literally mean anything tbh. It could mean she is the most batshit person on the planet or it could mean she’s totally normal and just kinda bugs him. Literally no way to tell. 

Someone (I think Rekha?) mentioned that the cursed bylaws book is copper and so is TK. Idk if that’s relevant but thought I’d flag it anyway. 

We learn in this episode that the friendship bracelets Penny made them last week let them track each other and see each other even if one of the in knocked out (which is what gives it utility outside of what their crystals can already do).

We learn in this episode that Skullcleaver Elementary School is actually named after Katja’s family. 

Nothing like the fear you feel when a DM gives you what you wanted even on a failure. And on that note...

Sam, I wish you a very happy Please Go To Therapy. Please girl. 

This episode was such an emotional roller coaster. I deeply empathize with the horrible feeling that your friends have stuff going on and you don’t and you’re going to be left behind. It’s so rough to see everyone hurting and lashing out (or in the case of Yelle for instance, trying and failing to diffuse the situation). But it’s so nice to see everyone trying to be there for each other and apologizing and affirming that they love each other (from Antiope saying that she would kill and die for any of them to Danielle defusing the ticking timebomb that is Sam). The players really get the cadence of how teenage girl friendship works and it’s such a treat to watch. 

“Did we ruin your life?”

Do you think ep 7 of The Seven is gonna be when everything pops off? As a DM I wouldn’t be able to resist that.

Penny’s response to being told that she can’t take every path is, “You can with chronomancy” which isn’t a bad point. 

Rekha is the Zac of The Seven which is to say low key the funniest person on the planet. Her saying she was so scared that she wasn’t gonna be told “I love you” during that scene was so funny. Her comic timing is impeccable. 

Katja fainting at the end of the “I love you” session after Penny says she loves her and Cinnamon. 

I love the table ambient whisper of, “LCAB” under Antiope’s scene with Corsica. 

I really felt for Zelda in this episode. Like, I felt for everyone but especially her, being the quiet one with all this yelling happening. When she was talking about how much she hates to have to fight with Sam/O my heart really broke for her. I’m so glad she got all her hugs in after that. 

In this episode Katja, Ostentatia, and Sam roll nat 1s. No nat 20s.

[sunlit-squid]

(simping softness prompts) could i get some “hey, everything's gonna be fine. stay where you are, i'm on my way” or “holy crap, i thought you were dead! never do that to me again!” if you are feeling so inclined? sorry im just in love w ur writing

For those who don't know, my ask box is open. Send me a simping softness prompt, and I'll write a short sbsp ficlet for you. ✰

i'm gonna do "hey, everything's gonna be fine ...", but don't you worry. i will also be doing "holy crap ..." at some point, since someone else requested it.

anyway, thanks for the prompt, and for the kind words! while we're here, i should also say that @wowthwtslame is doing a similar ficlet challenge. their writing is wonderful, so definitely check them out!

also tagging @azumeowth, who requested the same prompt!

ficlet under the cut. thanks again!

The call came in -- loudly -- at around 2 in the morning.

When Squidward rolled over to check his shell phone, the dull blue screen read, simply, “SpongeBrat”, accompanied by a vomit emoji. Sighing, the octopus put his phone on silent and went back to bed. Surely whatever it was the sponge wanted to blabber about could wait until tomorrow. After a decent night’s sleep.

Unfortunately, sleep was hard to come by. Despite having switched his phone to silent, the device’s small blue screen continued to light up repeatedly, like a small, pathetic rave. Every few seconds, the small blue light cast peculiar shadows on the walls of Squidward’s bedroom. Eventually, after thirty minutes of tossing and turning, the cephalopod grabbed his phone to shove it inside the nightstand -- when he caught a glimpse of the screen itself.

43 missed calls. 37 unread text messages. All from “SpongeBrat” Squarepants.

The phone rang again. This time, Squidward picked up.

“Spongebob, do you have any idea what time it is?” snapped Squidward, despite the uncomfortable, worried feeling growing in his stomach. “No? Well, I’ll tell you -- it is two-forty-seven --”

“I-I know, Squidward,” came a small, shaking Spongebob-voice. “I just -- I didn’t know what to do.”

Squidward paused. Well, that was … not the regular Spongebob volume. Or tone. Or pitch.

“Squ -- Squidward?” came the sponge’s soft, sad voice once more. The frycook’s voice was barely audible. There was some sort of loud, constant whooshing happening on the other end, not to mention a weird crackling noise, which made it very difficult to hear. Squidward sighed, wiping a tentacle across his eyes.

“I’m here,” said Squidward. “What’s this about, Spongebob?”

Silence. Then, crying -- and not Spongebob’s usual loud, obnoxious crying. This crying was quiet and gentle, barely decipherable against the loud whooshing on the other end of the line. Squidward sat up then, pressing the phone close to his ear.

“Sponge,” said Squidward, panic rising in his chest. “Sponge, what’s wrong?”

Spongebob sobbed something indiscernible. Then, he stammered, “I’m -- I’m hurt, Squidward. I’m hurt, and … I’m lost.”

Something funny exploded in Squidward’s chest. Before he knew it, the octopus was out of bed, scrambling for his jacket and keys. Gripping his shell phone tight, Squidward asked, “Where are you? What’s going on, Spongebob?”

On the other end of the line, Spongebob snuffled. “I got on the wrong bus,” he explained, in a shaky, uneven voice. “I -- I’m in a place called ‘Deviltown’ now, and the current is so strong, and the signal is pretty bad --” There was that distorted, crackling sound again -- followed by a few more broken whimpers.

Squidward sighed, feeling his hearts crack with every little sob. “Hey, everything’s going to be fine,” he said, stepping out the door and into the cool Bikini Bottom night. “Stay where you are. I’m on my way.”

-0-

Deviltown, it turned out, was several hours away from Bikini Bottom. Squidward’s shell phone indicated the drive not only went straight, but downward -- which was certainly a problem. Oceanic towns grew more and more dangerous the deeper you went, and Deviltown was apparently thousands of nautical leagues under the sea. Wherever Spongebob was, even the sun couldn’t reach him.

Undeterred, Squidward set off on his journey. His boat was constantly maintained, so the cephalopod was certain it could handle the perilous road ahead.

For the first hour or so, the drive was uneventful -- peaceful, even. The streets were smooth and well taken care of, which was good considering the massive tax hike this past year. Squidward even put on some Kelpy G, which certainly helped to soothe his nerves.

Later on, however, the drive got worse. The once well-maintained roads gave way to rickety rocks and slippery sand, with only a few sporadic road signs to get by. Moonlight became sparse, and by the time Squidward reached a vertical road, he had his brights all the way up -- and was still struggling to see.

A nearby rickety sign read “Deviltown, 10 nautical miles downward.” Peering down into the deep abyss, Squidward gulped. Despite his headlights, he still couldn’t see a thing -- just a vast expanse of open blackness.

A tight feeling wound itself around Squidward’s chest. He thought about backing up, turning around, and going straight home. This was ridiculous. Why was he out here, in the wee hours of the morning, chasing after SpongeBrat Squarepants, of all people? The boy had other friends. Certainly one of them would be willing to retrieve him.

Squidward’s tentacle hovered just over the gear stick. That’s when he saw it: in his passenger seat lay Spongebob’s wrinkled little jacket. The sponge must have left it behind the other day, when Squidward (begrudgingly) drove them both home from work.

Squidward’s chest felt hollow, suddenly. He thought of how many times he’d seen Spongebob in that exact jacket over the years.

He thought of never seeing him in that jacket ever again.

Groaning, the octopus switched gears from “Drive” to “Drive, But Downward”, and puttered his way into the deep and black abyss.

-0-

The journey into the inky black was, bar none, one of the creepiest things Squidward had ever experienced. He told himself, repeatedly, that if he just stared straight ahead and focused on the task at hand, then everything would be fine. Still, hearing creepy noises in the darkness (and being unable to see where they came from) was severely unsettling.

After what felt like forever, the vertical road became horizontal once again, and Squidward finally drove into Deviltown. Luckily, the town had the decency to set up some lamp posts, possibly for out-of-towners like Squidward who were unused to the darkness. Still, the lamp posts were few and far between, and there was nobody out and about, giving Deviltown a fittingly creepy vibe nonetheless.

Tense, cold, and worried, Squidward drove further into town, squinting for Spongebob’s bright yellow body. Surely the boy couldn’t be that hard to spot -- he was likely the only vibrant thing down here. Surely --

Oh. Oh, no.

Squidward brought his boat careening to a stop. Clambering out of it, the octopus made his way over to a rickety wooden bus stop, with a flickering lamp post just overhead. On a bench nearby was none other than Spongebob Squarepants: cold, alone, and unconscious. For a moment, a horrible thought passed through Squidward’s head -- is he dead? -- before he saw the sponge’s chest rise and fall, taking slow and steady breaths.

Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Squidward looked up and down the street. No one in sight.

Gently, the octopus leaned down and shook Spongebob lightly. “Hey,” said Squidward, awkwardly. “What are you doing asleep all the way out here? We have work tomorrow, you know.”

Spongebob stirred. In the dim light, Squidward realized the sponge really was hurt -- his usually spiffy shirt and tie were ripped straight down the middle. Beyond the fabric, the sponge’s chest was badly torn up, too, and for some reason, he had not regenerated yet.

Squidward swallowed. “Spongebob?”

The sponge stirred once more. This time, his eyes opened -- and he smiled, weakly. “Squidward,” he slurred, happily. He tried to laugh, then winced, clutching at his stomach and chest. “Squidward, it’s you … you came … ”

“Of course I came,” muttered Squidward, before he could stop himself. “I -- you … ugh, I hate you.”

Scooping up Spongebob, Squidward gently carried him over to the boat, positioning him carefully in the passenger’s seat. The sponge fussed a little about being buckled in, but otherwise, seemed too out of it to complain properly. Taking a deep breath, Squidward got back behind the wheel and started the engine.

“Heheh,” chuckled Spongebob as the boat roared to life. “Vroom-vroom.”

Squidward rolled his eyes and began turning the boat around, back towards Bikini Bottom. “We’re going home now,” he said, with a sigh. “You need to see a doctor for … whatever it was that happened to you.”

Spongebob simply nodded, then fell to his side, leaning all of his body weight on Squidward as he drove. The octopus felt warmth rising to his cheeks, and for once felt grateful for the murky blackness of the ocean void.

Spongebob was mumbling something.

“What is it?” said Squidward. “Are you okay?”

“I …uh … love you, Squidward,” said Spongebob, in a very loopy voice. “I love your big nose, and your paintings, and I wanna … get married, someday. Okay? Can we get married, someday?”

Squidward’s entire face was bright red now. It took everything in him not to just veer in a random direction and crash the entire damn boat. Taking a deep breath, the octopus collected himself. Spongebob was just severely injured, and loopy as a result. He didn’t really mean any of this.

Squidward decided to play along. “Yeah,” he said. “Yeah, we can get married.”

“Mm,” said Spongebob, chuckling softly. “Can I -- can I wear a dress?”

“Sure,” said Squidward. “Whatever you want.”

“And you’ll … and you’ll kiss me?”

“Mhm,” mumbled Squidward.

“And I can … listen to you play the clarinet around the house … and, and paint with you … and watch your soaps with … you … ”

Squidward looked over. The sponge had fallen asleep, and was snoring loudly. Which was … good. Very good. Excellent, even. That way, they couldn’t talk about marriage or love or any of that absolute nonsense. Now they could just drive forward in sweet silence.

Still, Squidward found himself dwelling over Spongebob’s words far more than he would have liked.

About an hour into the drive home, the octopus glanced over at the sponge, still fast asleep beside him. Fixing his gaze forward, Squidward took a deep breath, clutching the steering wheel in a tight death-grip.

“Spongebob, I …,” Squidward began, shakily. “I love you. I love you, I love you.”

Squidward found that once he started saying it, he couldn’t stop. The words felt good in his mouth, like a massive weight had finally been lifted off his chest.

“I love everything about you,” said Squidward, his three hearts exploding inside his chest. “Your annoying laugh, your stupid singing, all of it. I want to read with you, and garden with you.”

Squidward hesitated, his words floating out into the open water.

“I love you,” said Squidward, one last time. “And I … I don’t know what to do about it. Maybe I’m a coward. I’m sorry.”

Squidward looked over. Spongebob was still fast asleep, snoring away against his arm -- but the smallest of smiles had appeared on his face.

-0-

Squidward woke up in the hospital, seated in a chair next to Spongebob’s hospital bed. The poriferan was wide awake, watching an episode of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy on the hospital television. Of course.

The sponge turned. “Squidward!” he exclaimed, his voice loud and back to normal. “You’re awake!”

“Unfortunately,” muttered the octopus. “How are you feeling?”

“Great!” chirped Spongebob. “Better than ever, actually -- but the doc says I should stick around for a little while, just in case.”

Squidward glanced down. Sure enough, Spongebob’s chest had almost fully regenerated. Thank Neptune. When they arrived at the Bikini Bottom General Hospital early that morning, Spongebob was still in rough shape. The doctor said Spongebob most likely had a run-in with a deep-sea predator, and the attack was too quick and too constant for the poriferan to regenerate. Not to mention there were several lacerations to his vital organs.

Still, sponges were pretty sturdy folk -- and all Spongebob really needed was a long rest in a controlled environment.

Squidward breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Great,” he said, awkwardly. “I, uh. Pay attention next time you get on the bus, alright? So I don’t have to come running after you.”

Spongebob laughed. “Okey-doke.”

The two then sat together in silence for an uncomfortable amount of time. All the while, Squidward wondered if perhaps his stupid, impulsive, not-really-a-love-confession-confession had actually gotten through to Spongebob. His hearts twisted up at just the thought.

“Hey, Squidward?”

The octopus looked up, and was very surprised to find splotches of red decorating the sponge’s cheeks.

“What?” said Squidward.

“My, uh, sea flowers have been dying lately,” said the sponge, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “Maybe you could come by and we could share some gardening tips?”

A brilliant red blush planted itself on Squidward’s face. Then, he cleared his throat, and folded his arms across his chest. “Only if we get to watch a soap afterwards.”

Spongebob grinned. “Deal.”

Squidward found himself grinning, too, despite himself. “Deal.”

References:

“Deviltown” is loosely based off of the Devil Sea, near the Japanese coast.

I will likely be compiling these ficlets into one combined fic on ao3. I originally wasn't going to, but I definitely didn't expect so many requests. So keep an eye out for that, at some point.

[daydream-believin]

styrofoam cup give me strength

summary: you’ve not had a valentine’s date since way back when it was invented in the 14th century. you’re still bitter. and douxie asking you to come over to help him with his date is not making it better

warnings: swearing, alcohol

word count: idk i’m on mobile it’s not too long i don’t think

a/n: i wrote this while groggy. lol i just wanted something out this week. 1/3 valentines fics done. bone apple teeth yall

- it’s feb 14, valentine’s day, and you are once again spending it alone

- you thought for sure moving to a new town would help you better your chances at a successful love life

- but alas you have been in arcadia oaks for two years now and you are still without a valentines date

- you cursed this wretched holiday, always mocking you in your singleness

- it was stupid, and commercial, and made up anyway

- that didn’t stop you from looking spiffy tho

- look, the stupid lovey dovey couples that come in the restaurant tip way better when you’re dressed on theme

- it was just smart okay,,

- ngl you kinda felt like spongebob when pearl took over the krusty krab

- but that’s okay :D

- and all those cheeseball couples you served were just oh so cute, didn’t make you want to cry at all

- or at least go lie in a ditch, contemplating your life choices

- it’s okayyy :D :D

- stars, as soon as your shift is over you’re hitting up the bar across the way from your place

- time to drown out them sorrows am i right??

- actually, now that you think about it, your friend douxie asked you if you could make a quick swing by his place before you began drinking yourself into oblivion

- fuck, how did you forget that

- ah, well, you didn’t know what he wanted, but you were sure it wouldn’t take long

- you never asked, cause the answer might have hurt, but you were sure he had someone to hold tonight, a lucky, lucky valentines date. probably that pink haired chick he hangs with, or maybe that guy in his band? either way, he wouldn’t have much time for you

- he probably just wants you to run an errand for him or help him set something up

- and that was okay too :D

- life was dandy

- your shift ended, and you know that you promised douxie you’d be over asap, but tbh you were way too sober to go help your crush set up his romantic gestures meant for someone else. before leaving work, you poured some wine into a to-go cup with a bendy straw for your trip

- don’t judge

- you knocked on douxie’s door, before just walking right in without waiting for an answer

- look he gave you a key did he expect you not to use it

- anyhoo, you were right

- this place was all ready to go for a romantic evening

- candlelight, fancy tablecloth and place settings, red roses in the vase, soft music playing, rose petals on the ground? leading form the door?

- you furrowed your brows, and then rolled your eyes. yeesh. he was going all out apparently. you wouldn’t put it past him to be wearing a suit or something. wait, does douxie even own a suit? you went to go throw away the empty to-go cup, expecting doux to be in the kitchen, but he wasn’t there

- where was he

- you called out “DOUX! IM HERE!”

- you heard a shuffle from one of the other rooms, and a door swing open

- “wait, where are you, love?”

- “kitchen!”

- douxie appeared behind you. hmm, he wasn’t in a suit, but he was wearing a tie. how strange. a black tie on a slightly different shade of black shirt with some slightly different black slacks and, you guessed it, yet another shade of black shoes

- walk walk fashion baby

- “aww, you didn’t follow the petal path?”

- the confusion spread across your face “...no?”

- “okay,” he pressed his hands together, “could you go back outside and pretend to come in for the first time, and actually follow the petals?”

- “... come again, camelot?”

- “ah, you know what, fine.” he scooped you up, carrying you to the table

- “doux what the fuck,,”

- he put your feet back on the ground in front of the elegantly decorated table and pulled out the chair with a flourish, inviting you to sit

- you blinked. what. wh- why? wasn’t this set up for his date? why was he motioning for you to join hi-? ohhh. ohhh

- OH

- FUCK

- you quickly pulled your escaping soul back into your body and sat down in that chair. mr casperan, eligible bachelor of the evening pushed your chair and and took his own seat across from you, leaning with his head in one of his hands, like a cool cat

- you were.. still in shock to say the least

- you think douxie just didn’t like the quietness cause the next thing that came out of his oh so suave mouth was-

- “so, you come here often?” accompanied by eyebrow waggling

- “... to your house?” you cracked a smile, “yeah, yeah i guess i do.”

- douxie laughed, “sorry, i was just trying to lighten up the mood a little,” he poured you a real glass of wine that was not a bendy straw to-go cup, “you’ve been so down lately, i thought you could use some cheering up.”

- “that’s sweet, douxie. i love you.”

- fuuuuuccccckkkkk

- oh my stars, i mean you two say ‘i love you’ all the time, but, but, this was a date right, it means something else now, you can’t just say that

- wait, or was this a date? what he just said kinda made it sound like this was a one time platonic cheer-up-my-friend date and not a date-date

- okay okay uhhh

- “so like, what’d you want me to help you with?” douxie blinked.

- “y/n?”

- “ i mean this is nice and all but we should probably get a move on before your s/o arrives, don’t want to ruin the surprise.”

- “y/n-“

- you made a motion like you were about to stand. douxie quickly grabbed your hand before that could happen, pulling you back into your seat. “Y/N,” that got your attention, “I- this is for you, you’re my date, i don’t have a s/o... i-“ douxie looked the floor to gather some courage. there was a scratch mark in the cheap wood where archie’s dragon claws had skidded accidentally. he’d have to fix that. after he fixed this. “i, was hoping,,” douxie rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “that after tonight,, you, would be my significant other?”

- he said that last part so nervously, and posed like a question. a question you had to answer. damn

- “i- yeeEs”

- “oh, okay then, y- yes.” douxie took rather long sip from his wineglass. he set it back down with a start “it’s settled then.”

- “settled?”

- “settled”

- “- yeah”

- douxie stood up, his chair making a loud sound scraping against the hardwood. “OKAY,” he clapped his hands together, “let’s start dinner, shall we?”

- “we shall.” you raised your glass to show excitement. mordrax’s bloody miracles this was awkward. and yet somehow the best thing that could have happened. not the worst case scenario but the best case one. you could be crying and lying on the cold dirt outside a bar right now so

- if awkward is coming with not being heartbroken, being on a valentines date for the first time since the stupid fucking holiday was invented seven centuries ago, fuck you st valentine, and your crush actually reciprocating you feelings and-

- wait hold the fuck up

- douxie reciprocated. he actually likes you. he invited you to this date. he asked you to be his s/o. what the fuck

- douxie came back from the kitchen, plates in his hands. as he set yours in front of you, you just couldn’t help but asking a burning question,

- “how, how long,”

- douxie furrowed his brows, “how long what? the dinner didn’t take lo-“

- “how long have you, i dunno, ah, liked me?”

- douxie looked sheepish, pointing his fingers together, “oh, i don’t know, maybe,, since we met?”

- you let out a defeated sigh. “by merlin, me too, we’re so fucking stupid-“ you wheezed. you couldn’t even finish the thought from how hard you were laughing

- and let’s be real, if you weren’t laughing right now you would be crying

- douxie was laughing too, for the same reason

- and now you two were sitting at this table, laughing like madmen

- it was gonna be a long night

- but, you know what? that was okay

- maybe you’d get a little kiss or two at the nights end

- spoiler: you did

[kpop---scenarios]

That's Okay

Pairing: Kyungsoo x Reader / Taehyung x Reader

Genre: Arranged Marriage! AU / Mafia! AU

Warning: Smut, Violence, Language, Angst

Word Count: 7.2k

A smile spread across your lips as your mind wanders to your boyfriend, doing whatever you could to ignore the rambles of your father.

"Who does that fucking Taehyung think he is?" He spits, throwing his fork onto his plate, crossing his arms in anger.

"Sorry, what?" You ask, forcing a smile. God you hated Sunday night dinners with your family.

"Nothing you need to worry about." Your father grunts. "Look, while I have you here, I have some news." He says, clearing his throat before looking at your uninterested mother.

"What?" You ask, your stomach doing flips as the sudden nerves eat you alive.

"In just one month, you will be married off into the Do family. Mr. Do's oldest son, Kyungsoo is taking over for him eventually and as the heir, he is to be married. With the new groups coming in and trying to take our districts we need to combine, and this is how we do it." Your father says, picking his fork back up to finish his food.

Your stare at him for a moment, your mouth hanging open in surprise and confusion. You couldn't get married, you were with someone already, someone you wanted and you knew wanted you, not a stranger.

"But.." you begin before he holds up one finger, almost in your face. That was his thing and his way of telling you he was done talking about it, and you had no say. This was your life though, he couldn't dictate who you were going to spend your life with.

"I don't want to." You say, partially confident but mostly terrified.

Your father turns to look at you, confusion now coated his eyes. You were never one to back talk to your father, or anyone.

"You don't want to?" He repeats.

"Yes. No, I don't want to." You whisper.

"I do a lot of fucking things I don't want to do, but I do them because it helps the fucking family." He snaps. "Are you a part of this family? Because if you are, then you'll get married, goddammit." He yells, standing up and storming away.

"Do as your father says." Your mother whispers. "Please." She finishes before walking away, not even saying a goodbye before she went to the opposite side of the house as your father. He and your mother had an arranged marriage and neither of them were happy. You were sure there was never a moment you saw them actually smile at each other or laugh together. That was the life they wanted you to live?

You wanted to be happy, and in this moment there was only one person you knew that would help you feel even the slightest bit better.

"Baby?" He answers his phone in a whisper as you walk out of your parents house, leaving their staff to clean up the mess of dinner.

"I need to see you." You sniffle, sliding into your drivers seat.

"Bad dinner?" He asks. You didn't answer, he already knew. "I'll be over in half an hour, love." He tells you, hanging up the phone. You could always count on Taehyung to be there for you, like a boyfriend should.

As you pull up to your apartment building, you see a spiffy Taehyung in a suit, leaning against his Mercedes with his muscular arms crossed against his chest. A bright and happy smile spread across your face as you parked in your spot quickly, and ran to him. His arms wrapped around you and you just felt like everything was going to be okay.

"So tell me what he did now." Taehyung says, settling in on your couch.

"Married!" You yell, placing your hand on your forehead. "Can you believe that? He, my father, wants me, myself, to get married to a complete stranger!" You scoff, still having a hard time believing it. "Me! A stranger!"

"Did he say who?" Taehyung asks, suddenly perking up a bit.

"Do Kyungsoo or some shit." You say, not noticing Taehyung's face contort into anger.

"Hah. Does he really think that'll work?" Taehyung laughs, shaking his head.

"Listen to me baby, okay?" Taehyung smiles, standing up. He places his hands on each arm, looking you in the eyes before talking.

"You're going to marry Kyungsoo, okay?" Taehyung says. "Before you freak out, this is a power move on his part, one that I can see possibly benefitting me in the future but I need your help."

"Benefitting you?" You ask, cocking your head to the side.

"Did I say me? I meant us, baby, always." He smiles, leaning in to place a kiss on your lips. Within seconds you already melt into the kiss, wrapping your arms around Taehyung's neck for a second before he pulls away.

"This'll have to be quick, baby." He groans, bending you over the desk in your living room. It usually was a quickie with him, that was one of the problems of dating a mafia boss, he was always busy.

Taehyung groans as he hikes your skirt up, exposing your bare ass. He raises his hand, landing a hard smack right on your cheek before you can hear the dangling of him undoing his belt buckle. He licks his fingers, before slowly pushing them inside you, making sure you were plenty wet for him.

"Always so tight." He breathes, pumping his fingers in and out of you.

He pulls his fingers out of you, pumping his cock a few times before he lines himself up with your entrance. Taehyung pushes his cock into you, stretching your pussy out as he fills you up.

"Fuck." You gasp, clinging to the edge of the desk.

Taehyung reaches up, placing his hand on your head, pushing it into the desk as he rams his clock inside you, making you cry out. You can hear him murmuring things, but not loud enough for you to make out what he said, except for a few things.

"Slut… you bitch...worthless." he mutters and you feel your heart sink. Surely he doesn't truly think of you like that, does he?

You close your eyes, trying to focus on the feeling of Taehyung thrusting his cock into you but your mind keeps wandering to what he said.

"You like that?" He grunts, gripping onto your hips tighter. "Shit." He groans.

You feel the change of pace with his thrusts, knowing he will cum soon. You tighten your pushy around his cock, attempting to keep him inside you for just a little longer.

It doesn't work. He releases himself into you, grunting loudly as he thrusts, enjoying his high.

Taehyung pulls his cock from inside you, allowing his cum to seep from your pussy, dripping down your leg. You lay there for a second while he pulls up his pants, making himself presentable once again.

"I didn't even get off." You huff, standing up.

"Next time." He half smiles, leaving you standing there with his cum falling down your legs, horny and confused.

**

A few days later, you're laying in your bed, staring at a text you had received from your father. You were to get yourself looking good for a dinner at your parents house, with your future husband.

Great. Couldn't wait.

While you did your make up and hair, you had Taehyung on speaker phone, describing what you were doing and what you were going to wear.

"Be sexy and amazing baby, I need this. We need this." He corrects himself quickly. "This is important for our future." You can hear the smile through the phone, whether that smile is genuine or not is what concerns you.

Part of you knew that Taehyung was up to something, no one who truly wants something for 'us' says 'me' all the time. You weren't that stupid, but there were some things you chose to ignore, and these were some of them.

"Alright, I've got to go. I'm running late already. I'll call you after. I love you." You smile.

"You too." He replies, causing your heart to sink. You thought he loved you, but the fact that he never said it, should be cause for concern but you didn't have the time right now. You had a man to woo.

**

Sitting at the dinner table, your plate barley picked at, you stare at the man sitting across from you, the man who is meant to become your husband in three weeks. He was handsome, you could admit that, his heart shaped lips drew you in first, and then his cat-like eyes. His face though was cold, he was intimidating and seemed extremely uninterested.

You didn't have to do much of anything to woo him, he did not object to anything either of your mothers had planned out for the wedding, just went along with it.

"Why don't you two take a walk in the garden and talk?" You father suggested, while everyone else agreed.

You stood up, along with Kyungsoo, leaving the dining to whispers and giggles about how the two of you were a beautiful couple.

**

Walking through the garden, your hands are intertwined in front of you, while he keeps his at his sides, neither of you talking. You wanted to break the silence, or even better have him break the silence, but neither of you were willing.

Until you gave it a shot.

You look over at him, just as he turns to you, and your eyes meet. You give him a small smile while his face remains stone like.

"I'm not going to fuck you." He spits, looking forward again. You stop in your tracks.

"What?" You ask, feeling rather offended.

"You're looking at me like you can't wait until I slide my dick into you, but it won't happen. I'm not into girls who have daddy issues, and let anyone fuck them as long as she can call them daddy while they're inside her." He snaps. "That's you. Reeking of desperation and shit.  Let's get one thing straight, this is for our fathers and the companies, that's it. You mean nothing to me and that won't change." He finishes, looking you up and down before scoffing. "I'll have my doctors check you out, God only knows what the fuck is down there. Permanently stained with random men's cum and diseases." He spits. "You're the best they could do?" He scoffs, walking away, leaving you feeling heartbroken from a man you didn't even know.

**

For the next few weeks leading up to the wedding, you had very minimal say in what happened, or anything in regards to what's usually supposed to be the happiest day in a woman's life. Instead you felt dread and sorrow. You hadn't told Taehyung what Kyungsoo had said to you, you were worried about his reaction. Not that you thought he would be angry with you and confront Kyungsoo, no, more like he would laugh and agree, making you feel worse.

The words your future husband spat at you, like you were nothing were burned in your brain. You thought about it constantly, especially everytime Taehyung was inside you, demanding you call him daddy. All you could see was Kyungsoo's disgusted face.

The day of the wedding, there were no smiles from you as you walked down the aisle. Tears threatened to fall from your eyes instead, the dread of having to live with just a harsh and vicious man for however long, was not at all how you imagined your life would go. At least you knew you had one good thing you could count on, Taehyung.  He had promised you, swore to you up and down that once his plan worked, he would swoop in and take you away, you and him living life together happily ever after.

That's the only thing that got you through whispering 'I do', not to mention kissing the man you were now married too.

**

Over the next few weeks, things were awkward. Immediately after the wedding you were moved into his house, and into his bedroom. You had offered to take a room somewhere else but you were told a man and wife share a bed and that was it. Kyungsoo wasn't one to do anything that would displease his father, so he agreed.

The first two weeks, Kyungsoo didn't come to bed at night but you saw him occasionally during the day. You would catch him staring at you a little more each day, when you came downstairs wearing your booty shorts and tight tank top, the same thing you wore to bed every night.

As time went on, he would sit in the living room when you spoke and joked with his men, never saying anything, just listening. You had caught him a few times slightly smiling at something you had said. His smile was beautiful.

As you walk down the stairs one morning you hear Kyungsoo losing it on one of his men.

"What the fuck do you mean Kai fucked up?" Kyungsoo snaps at Minseok. "What happened?"

"Well you see.. he missed the shipment pick up and they won't reschedule but will come on their assigned day next time." Minseok tells him.

"That's four fucking weeks we have to wait for the drugs." Kyungsoo snaps. "Bring him to me. He better be beaten while I figure this shit out. Dumb fuck. What the fuck was he doing?"

Before Minseok can answer you walk down the stairs, wearing your short shorts and tank top, ceasing all communication from the men. You could feel both sets of eyes burning in the back of you.

"Just bring him to me." Kyungsoo says, walking away once you're out of site. "And stop checking out my wife."

**

By week four, you had finally been able to sneak out to see Taehyung, resulting in you telling him everything that had happened so far, and then Taehyung harshly fucking you in the backseat of his car.

"So he hasn't told you any plans?" Taehyung asks, buttoning up his shirt.

"I told you, we don't talk." You say, rolling your eyes. You didn't tell him that you and Kyungsoo had been getting along better. You knew that Taehyung wasn't to be trusted, but you couldn't walk away, not yet. "We do have that party next week though." You tell him.

"You two are going?" Taehyung asks.

"Yeah. Happy newlyweds." You murmur.

"Well I'll see you there." He smiles, nodding towards the door, motioning for you to get out. A partial laugh and scoff slips from your mouth as you slam the car door, walking back to the house you shared with Kyungsoo.

The night before the party, you saw Taehyung one more time. He buried his cock so far in you that night, you thought he might actually feel some type of way towards you,  instead he told you to be safe. "And Goodluck tomorrow." He nodded towards the door, again.

This was exhausting.

The night of the party, Kyungsoo had sent up a makeup artist and stylist for you. You had chosen a dark blue, deep V neck dress, along with a pair of black pumps. You were given smokey eye makeup, with a red lip. You looked good.  You walked down the stairs where Kyungsoo waited for you in his tux, and he looked darn good.

"You look beautiful." He tells you, holding out his arm for you to link in with yours. You give him a small look, as if you're not sure if he's serious or not. "I'm being serious. You look great." He says, rolling his eyes.

"Thank you." You smile. "You look pretty good yourself." You say, avoiding eye contact anymore.

**

Arriving at the party, you're mesmerized. This is bigger than anything your parents had ever thrown, much more magnificent and way classier in your opinion. Your parents had a tendency to be quite tacky.

You and Kyungsoo walked through the house, your hand tightly placed in his. You tried to ignore the whispers and the stares, but it made you feel important that people were talking about you. You felt powerful. Until you saw Taehyung standing there in his suit, looking mesmerizing and now you felt inferior, like a fraud. He smiled in your direction, and nodded to Kyungsoo, he nodded back.

It was almost as though Kyungsoo could feel the uneasiness coursing through you, and he gave your hand a small squeeze, to let you know you were fine. If only he knew about your history with Taehyung.

As the evening went on, you were introduced to many important people, drank champagne, mingled and now rested your head on Kyungsoo's shoulder as you slowly danced with him. It was strange, you hadn't ever seen this side of him, but then again he was also probably just faking to show off that the two of you were happy.

"I'm sorry." He whispers into your ear.

"For what?" You ask, your eyes closed as your head still lays on his chest.

"For what I said the first night we met. It was uncalled for and rude and I shouldn't have said that. I had just exiled one of my men, and I wasn't in a good place with anything. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you." He tells you.

"What changed your mind?" You ask, unsure if you wanted to know.

"These past couple months, I've been watching you. I know that sounds creepy." He chuckles. "But I've been watching you with my men, when you're alone, and I've gotten to see you in a way I hadn't thought of before, and I think I'm a lucky man." He finishes.

"Wow." You whisper.. "I don't know what to say." You pause. "Actually.. I think I need to tell you something."

"What?" He asks. You look up at him, looking him in the eyes before you start.

"I have been.."

"Excuse me." You're interrupted by Taehyung. "Mr Do, may I borrow your stunning wife for a moment?" He asks.

Kyungsoo looks at you with a raised eyebrow. You shrug your shoulders, following Taehyung as Kyungsoo watches the two of you walk away.

**

Taehyung closes the door behind you, rushing towards you, taking your face in his hands. "I've wanted to bury myself in you since you walked in the door." He groans, placing a kiss on your lips.

You push him off. "I'm with my husband." You hiss, backing away from him.

"So?" He chuckles. "What does it matter?"

"I'm not going to fuck you with him downstairs." You say, walking towards the door.

"Y/N. Stop." He shouts. When you don't he swiftly grabs onto your arm, yanking you into him. "I said stop." He snaps, his grip tightening around your arm.

"That hurts." You cry, trying to get him off of you. "Stop Taehyung." You whine.

"Let her go, Kim." You hear from the doorway. Turning your head you see Kyungsoo standing there, his eyes black and full of anger.

"Mind your business." Taehyung slurs.

"My wife, my business. Let's go Y/N." Kyungsoo growls. Taehyung let's go, letting you walk out of the room, leaving the two men glaring at each other.

"I've been fucking her." Taehyung cackles.

"Yeah? How's your wife feel about that?" Kyungsoo asks. Taehyung's face drops. No one was ever supposed to know about her. "I'll be seeing you." Kyungsoo finishes, closing the door, leaving Taehyung standing there shocked.

Instead of grabbing another drink, Kyungsoo ushered you outside and urged the valet to hurry the fuck up for his car. He was acting as if he knew something was about to happen.

"Whats going on?" You ask, worriedly.

"Look, I don't know what your relationship with that piece of shit is, but you need to end it now, whatever it is." He tells you, his eyes remaining on the road, but constantly also looking in the rear view mirror.

"I've.. just been… sleeping with him." You admit, feeling overly guilty. You had been cheating on your actually nice husband, and felt like a bag of shit for it.

"It's fine baby, shit was fucked up." He tells you, still not looking at you. "But there is something you need to know."

You turn your head and look at him regardless, your eyes wide, mouth hanging open just slightly. Did he just call you baby? Your heart fluttered at the sound of it spilling from his lips. You loved it.  

"Too much?" He asks, a smirk on his face.

"No, I liked it." You admit.

"Fuck." Kyungsoo spits, seeing a car speeding up behind the two of you.

"What do I need to know?" You ask.

"First off, that's him behind us." He says, focusing on driving. "Second, he is married. His wife is Kwon Chaeso." He finishes.

You can't breathe. You literally feel like you are dying at this moment. How could you have not known?

"Fuuuuck." You breathe, barely.

"Relax, we can deal with that after. Right now I need to try to lose him." Kyungsoo says, noticing the car behind you is coming up quickly. "Seatbelt." He growls, noticing you're not wearing it.

Just as you reach for it, the car behind you rams into the back bumper, jolting you forward, causing you to hit your head on the dash.

"Shit." Kyungsoo snaps, pressing down on the gas more.

You feel the blood dripping down your face, as you quickly put your belt on, not worrying about your cut now.

"Hold on." Kyungsoo yells as he abruptly turns the wheel all the way to the right, taking a road you hadn't even seen. The car drifts on the gravel road as he tries to straighten out the car. You both watch the rear view mirror, seeing Taehyung's car drive straight past, a sense of relief washes over you.

You still hold your breath, waiting for him to backup and come after you again, but instead you see another car drive past, Kyungsoo lets out a sigh of relief before calmly driving to his house.

"Those were some of my men. We're okay now." He tells you. "We have a doctor, let's get home and get that cut looked at." He smiles.

**

The next night you laid in your bed staring at the clock. It was 2am, and Kyungsoo still hadn't come to bed. You slipped out of bed, slid on your slippers before you went wandering downstairs to his office to see if he was there.

Opening the door, you're met with a moaning Kyungsoo who had his eyes closed, head thrown back and hand wrapped around his thick cock.

Your gasp startles him. You mutter an apology as he just stares at you, hand still on his cock.

"I was thinking about you." He groans.

"You were?" You ask, walking into the room, closing the door behind you.

"How tight your pussy is, how good it would feel." He groans. You can feel yourself dripping already.

"Why don't you find out?" You whisper, walking over to his desk before bending over. Your large shirt riding up over your ass, showing Kyungsoo you were wearing no panties.

"Naughty fucking slut." He groans, standing up from his chair.

He presses your head harder against the desk with one hand as he lines himself up with your entrance with his other hand.

He slowly pushed himself into you, burying himself into you.

"Shit. I was right." He groans, thrusting in and out. "Rub your clit." He tells you.

You reach between your legs, rubbing your clit as he pulps become faster and harder, needing his release.

"Fuck you feel so good." He grunts, his thrusts becoming sloppy.

"Cum in my pussy." You cry out, your orgasm rushing through your body.

"Fuck." He breathes, his orgasm flowing through his body as he shoots his load into your pussy, filling you up.

The two of you catch your breath, before he pulls himself out of you, wiping you down with a cloth.

"Let's go to bed." He sighs, grabbing your hand and bringing you upstairs.

That night you sleep with your head on his chest, and things are only going up from there.

**

Over the next few weeks, things between you and Kyungsoo kept getting better and better. He took some time out of his day, everyday to see you, regardless of what he needed to do, or who he needed to meet.

Today, you and he were sitting on the couch, your legs sprawled across them as you watched a drama together, keeping a few things just simple and not violent.

"Boss. You got a call." Sehun, one of Kyungsoo's men says, waking up to him with a phone in his hand.

"What?" He snaps, putting the phone to his ear. "Oh, hello. Yes. Sure. Okay. I will have an answer for you in a few days." He finishes, hanging up the phone and handing it back to Sehun.

"Who was that?"

"Later baby, I need to handle some stuff okay? Why don't you go shopping, I'll meet you at the mall in a bit." He smiles.

Things were so good between you two, you didn't want to pry, so you agreed.

"Okay." You smile, getting up to go get ready, leaving Kyungsoo whispering to a few of his men.

**

Walking through the mall, you can hear Yixing behind you, breathing slightly heavily as he lugs your bags around.

"You can put those in the car. I'm just going to check out a few more stores." You tell him. He nods his head, turning around to head back to the car while you continue shopping.

You walk into a lingerie store, checking out something for when you and Kyungsoo finally fuck. You had stopped seeing Taehyung since the night of the party, and found out he was married but that hasn't stopped him from texting and calling you consistently.

As you wander through the store, your stomach drops as it feels like someone is watching you. You look around the store but see no one.

Probably just your imagination.

Pulling out your phone, you call Kyungsoo to ask him a question.

"Baby. Everything okay?" He answers.

"Yes." You giggle. "Just out of curiosity, what's your favorite color?" You ask, looking around again, still feeling the eyes on you.

"Red. Why?" He asks, you can sense the smile through the phone.

"Just wondering. Thank you." You finish, hanging up before he can ask another question.

It doesn't take you long to find a skimpy red piece of lingerie, with stockings and heels, it's perfect. You wander out of the store after you've paid, constantly turning your head. You still feel like you're being watched. Your stomach sinks while a lump in your throat forms. You pick up the pace of your walking, weaving through the crowds.

You try to move around a big group, but unfortunately they stopped in the middle of the walkway to talk, leaving you stuck behind them. You jump as you feel a hand on your shoulder, letting out a yelp. You swiftly turn around, seeing a worried Kyungsoo, standing there.

"Soo?" You say, wrapping your arms around his waist.

"What's going on baby?" He asks, pulling you in close.

"It's nothing. I was being paranoid." You sigh.

"If you're sure?" He asks.

"Definitely." You say, pulling away from him.

You smile at his curious eyes, looking at the store name on the bag you were holding. "For me?" He asks. "You're wearing?"

You nod your head. A smile spreads across his face. Kyungsoo places a hand on the back of your neck, pulling you in close for a kiss. Your first kiss with him, and you melt. It's perfect, you couldn't have asked for better.

That is, unless you had seen a disheveled Taehyung watching the two of you share a kiss. "She's MINE." he yells, stomping away. He would stop at nothing to get her back.

**

That night you stood in front of the mirror, wearing the piece of lingerie you had gotten. You waited for Kyungsoo to be done doing whatever he was doing, but from the sound of it, it seemed as though he was yelling at his men.

You walked to the door, opening it slightly enough to hear Kyungsoo's loud voice booming from downstairs. "Do not, under any circumstances, knock on the door to my bedroom tonight. Unless it's something huge, stay the fuck away. Got it?" He yelled.

"Yes, sir." His men yelled back.

You could hear him walking up the stairs, impatiently waiting to get to you.

You close the door quietly, making your way to the edge of the bed to sit down. You lean back slightly, resting on your elbows as you wait for him.

The door opens, and your breath hitches. Kyungsoo's suit jacket and shirt are already open, revealing a toned stomach you didn't know he had.

"Damn, baby." He groans, licking his lips at the sight of you.

"You like?" You ask, caressing your thigh.

"Nah baby, I love." He growls walking over to you. You scoot back further onto the bed as he climbs on, hovering over you so you have to lay down. Kyungsoo plants a small kiss on your lips, moving down your chin to your neck and to your chest.

"So sexy." He groans, moving his way down to your perky breasts. "Sorry." He whispers, taking the small piece of fabric in his hands and tearing it in half, exposing your tits.

"I liked that." You groaned as he takes a nipple in his mouth, sucking harshly.

"I'll buy you 20 more." He murmurs, moving his mouth over to your next breast. His hand trails down your stomach, moving underneath your little pair of panties. He glides his finger in between your lips, gently rubbing your throbbed clit. You arch your hips as he gently rubs you while peppering small kisses wherever he can.

The two of you are brought out of the moment by hearing shouting downstairs. "Ignore the idiots." He grunts, not wanting anything to ruin this night. Until you hear fun shots, and not just one or two, but multiple.

"Shit." He groans, his phone starting ringing.

"Yeah?" He says, answering the phone. "Shit." He finishes, hanging up the phone.

"Baby. Hide. Somewhere smart. Just hide and do not come out until I find you. Okay?" He says, holding onto your arms tightly. "Okay!?" He yells. "Take your phone. Keep it on you."  

"Yes, okay." You whisper, terrified. "Be safe." You finish as he runs out of the room, leaving you to find somewhere to hide.

And you did, relatively quickly. You chose the armoire so you could hold it shut from the inside. You climb inside, trying to keep as quiet as you can, slowing down your breathing to listen. You hear shots on shots and so much indistinct yelling.

The door opens, you hold your breath, your eyes wide, you didn't think anyone would actually come into this room. "She's gotta be in here." You hear one man say.

"C'mere beautiful." You hear another voice.

You place your hand over your mouth, trying to not make any noise, until your cell phone begins to ring, your loud ringtone playing. You struggle to turn it off in time. The second you stopped it, the door opens, revealing two men wearing masks.

"Gotcha." The one yells. You try to scream but they shove a cloth in your mouth before you can. A needle is stuck in your neck causing you to pass out to the faces of two men you had seen before.

**

"Suho, go around the back! Chanyeol and Baekhyun, take the front!" Kyungsoo yells, trying to make sure all his bases are covered. He didn't recognize most of these men, but knew some that has been previously exiled from other groups.

He has an idea of who could be doing this. There realistically was only one person who hated him enough to pull something like this.

Taehyung.

A part of him had a feeling it was because of you. What if he did this because he wanted an easy way to get to you. "I'm going to check on Y/N." Kyungsoo yells, heading for the stairs, praying you were okay.

Kyungsoo bursts through the door, seeing you nowhere to be found. His heart sinks into his chest as he searches the room for you. He sees the door to the armoire wide open, along with one of the earrings you had been wearing early before everything happened.

Eyes wide, he looks up at the window, seeing it now wide open, with you nowhere to be found.

"He fucking took her!" Kyungsoo yells, storming downstairs, not bothering to assess any of the damage done to the house.

"Is everyone okay?" He asks.

"Cuts and bruises but all good to go sir." Chanyeol says.

"Good. Now find my fucking wife." He spits, storming into his office and slamming the door.

Kyungsoo sits in his chair, placing his head into his hands, he should have known something like this was going to happen.

He takes a deep breath when his phone beeps. Pulling it out, he checks the message, and it's a picture of you, tied up with a gun to your head, with the caption reading "try and find her, and she dies.'

**

As you wake up you feel a cold metal against your head until you begin to move and it disappears. You're tied to a chair inside a nice office, a cloth stuck inside your mouth so you couldn't scream.

"She's up." You hear from behind you, and an answer coming through the radio. "Okay."

Your stomach sinks. You know what two men it is without question. You've met these two men time and time again, being with Taehyung.

"Mghdjsj" you mumble through the cloth. The man you thought it was chuckles, pulling it from you mouth from behind.

"Wonho. Why?" You groan.

"Sorry, Y/N. Bosses orders." He chuckles.

"Lemme guess, B.I is back there with you?" You sigh.

"You got it, Y/N." You hear.

"He's not who you think.. he's married." You say just before the doors behind you open up, revealing who you can only assume is Taehyung.

"My baby is back." Taehyung sighs, crouching down in front of you. He reaches his hand up, caressing your cheek.

"Let me go." You spit, trying to move your face away from his hand.

"I've let you go once baby, I won't do it again." He smiles.

"I'm not yours. I have a husband who I want to be with and you have a wife." You growl, still pissed off he did that.

"I was hoping he wouldn't have told you." Taehyung sighs.

"Well he did, and I want nothing to do with you. I was done with you before I even found out." You say, remaining strong. There was something about him that always drew you in and made you weak in his presence, no matter what he had done. You needed to stay strong.

"Baby don't." Taehyung pleads.

"I'm not your baby! I only want my husband!" You yell, not feeling good. You try to breathe but your stomach feels weird, you feel like you might vomit.  You can see the anger on Taehyung's face pour through. He stands up, turning his back to you. "I don't want you!" You cry, your head feeling slightly dizzy. Taehyung whips himself around, tackling the chair you're in to the ground, making you hit your head on the floor. Taehyung raises his hand, smacking you across the face as his other hand wraps around your neck.

"You are mine! And only mine! You will never leave me again." He spits, climbing off you.

"Get her cleaned up, it's almost time for bed." He says to his men, adjusting his suit before walking away.

Wonho looks at you with an apologetic look as he lifts up your chair, untying you before picking you up and taking you to the bathroom.

"Quickly shower up. He wants you in his room." B.I tells you, closing the bathroom door.

You turn on the shower, but instead of getting in, you lean over the toilet, violently throwing up as tears fall down your face.

When you finished, you hopped in the shower quickly, washing your body while the tears never stopped. You wanted so badly for Kyungsoo to be on the other side of that door and not Taehyung. You didn't even want to look at him.

"I need clothes." You yell through the door, only having a towel wrapped around you.

"Come out baby, I have your clothes." You hear Taehyung sing through the door. Fuck you wanted to puke again just hearing his voice.

"Here my love." He says, handing you a t-shirt for you to change into, his eyes never leaving you. "Get in bed." He says, patting the spot next to him.

Reluctantly you get in, not wanting to anger him anymore.

He pulls you in close, the smell of his cologne making you feel nauseous all over again.

**

Over the next few weeks you endured what you could only describe as your own personal hell. Taehyung moved you probably about twenty times, each time getting more and more angry, talking about how they're too close. He wouldn't tell you who and got increasingly more angry when you asked. Whenever he tried to make a move on you, you denied him sex, telling him you weren't feeling well, which really wasn't a lie but then he would get angry and hit you. He tied you to the bed whenever he left, which was often, making sure you didn't leave him because he knew if he left you lose you'd do whatever it took to get out.

As the third week came to an end and began into the fourth week, you could feel something was different with your body, not to mention you had missed your period. You were terrified. It all made sense. The exhaustion, aversion to food, vomiting, being emotional, missed period. You knew what this was. You were pregnant. And the possibility that it was Kyungsoo's was only 50%.

**

It had been four long weeks without you.  Four weeks of searching for you constantly, alongside Kwon Chaeso who was searching for her husband.

Kyungsoo had called her back the night you went missing, taking her up on her offer of helping her take down Taehyung. He obviously hadn't been the husband he should have been, but had also been stealing from other groups, selling secrets, betraying everyone in order to get to the top and she wasn't here for it.

Every Time they had gotten close to Taehyung, he had somehow been alerted that they were near and took off, taking you to an entirely new location, leaving them to start their search over again. Frankly Kyungsoo was over it and pissed off.

"I've got her!" Chaeso yells from behind Kyungsoo. "A warehouse just south of the old gas station in Busan." She says.

"Let's go." Kyungsoo yells, his men and hers following behind him as he walks out the door.

**

Crouched behind some bushes, they wait for the perfect time to enter the building. "Kangin should be patrolling the door right about…. Now." Jongdae whispers, letting Minseok get his dart gun ready.

"You sure this is okay?" Minseok asks Yixing.

"Yeah.. it should just knock him out. I don't think it'll kill him." Yixing whispers back.

Kyungsoo didn't care. They could kill them all for all he cared. He just wanted you back.

"Now." Jondage says. Minseok aims and quietly fires, hitting Kangin in the neck, immediately dropping him to the ground.

"Move." Kyungsoo says, leading them all towards the door. "You half take the right, we'll take the left." Kyungsoo says, his group separating from Chaeso's, each of them searching for a particular person.

"If you have to kill anyone, do it, find Y/N." Kyungsoo demands. Everyone nods in agreeance. You're the most important thing.

Opening every door, Kyungsoo's heart drops a little each time. He wants to just have you in his arms. Where were you?

The last door he had opened, unfortunately for him had shown a man he used to call a brother. Kris apparently had come to the dark side after being exiled, but he didn't have time to deal with this.

Then he heard it. An ear piercing scream, followed by a loud slap. The men run towards the sound, desperate to get you away from him.

"Why can't you just love me!" Taehyung screams as he straddles your almost naked body.

He raises his hand again, when you finally cave and tell him. You didn't want to, you didn't want him to know but you couldn't risk it any longer.

"Stop! I think I'm pregnant. Please" you cry out, your face bloody.

"Get away from her!" Kyungsoo yells, cooking his gun and pointing it at Taehyung.

"You heard her. She's pregnant. With my baby." Taehyung cries, turning around to face Kyungsoo. "I win! She's mine now!" He laughs, his face red as tears roll down.

"It's not yours." You say.

Taehyung turns around to face you, his eyes wide and confused. "So what? It's his?" He spits, pointing at Kyungsoo. "This piece of shit who doesn't deserve you!? You're having his baby!?" He yells. "Not on my watch." He finishes, charging towards you.

"No!" Kyungsoo yells, running towards you.

Taehyung doesn't make it to you, he falls to the ground after a woman, you can only assume was his wife snuck up behind him, bashing him over the head with her gun, knocking him out cold. Kyungsoo fumbles with the rope, doing his best to quickly but gently untie you.

"I'm so sorry baby." He whispers, pulling you up to his chest. "I love you." He cries.

"I love you too, Soo." You smile through your tears. Finally you were safe.

**

Through the rest of the months of your pregnancy, neither of you had heard a thing from Taehyung or his wife. You honestly had assumed she killed him, you truly would not have been surprised. There was something about him that was off, it was like a switch had flipped and it made him crazy.

You and Kyungsoo had a daughter together, naming her Do Sunhee, and she was the most beautiful thing either of you had seen. You had told Kyungsoo that there was a possibility that it could have been Taehyung's baby, with how close everything was. Kyungsoo told you he knew in his heart that Sunhee was his, and that was that.

"Come on baby. It's been so long and Sunhee is sleeping peacefully in her room." Kyungsoo whines.

"I know babe, but she should be up by now to eat anyway, she's only 3 months. Just let me check on her. I'll be right back." You giggle, wiggling out of his grip.

You walk into your daughter's room, only to let out a blood curdling scream that made Kyungsoo and his men run to Sunhee's room.

"She's gone." You cry, picking up the note that was placed where your daughter should be.

'I won't let another man raise my daughter'

You sink to your knees, hysterically crying. Your daughter was in the hands of a monster, a monster named Kim Taehyung.

[moody-blues-requiem]

Is it okay to request an NSFW au where Bruno is stuck in Diavolo's body instead of dying, and he and his s/o make love afterwards to celebrate him living despite the circumstances?

This has some end of part 5 spoilers but also gets really canon-divergent, and also starts angsty (me, writing angst??? what??????) but gets all soft and sweet. I hope you enjoy!!

n/s/f/w under the cut!

It’s going to take some time to get used to it all. 

Bruno was dying, you knew something was wrong but you didn’t figure out just how serious things were until you reached Rome. Knowing you were going to have to give up your last minutes with Bruno to fight the boss instead was devastating, but you held back your tears. Now wasn’t the time to cry. You blink and there he is, the man behind it all, Diavolo. You blink again, and you’re sleepy, the adrenaline is pumping through your veins like fire but something pulls you under and you black out. You come to, eventually, and Giorno is impaled upon a row of iron spikes, except it’s apparently Narancia? And Narancia who is apparently Giorno isrushing to his side. His quick movements are able to get him down and close the wounds, but he needs a real medic, badly. The boss appears to be working with you now, except that’s not the boss, that’s Bruno in his body. 

Giorno-in-Narancia’s-body figures out that Diavolo is hiding in Bruno’s body. He grabs the stand arrow, tears streaming from his cheeks, and strikes the body of his friend down. 

The next few minutes are an absolute blur. Everything was suddenly very, very bright, blindingly so. Lying on the ground with your eyes squeezed shut, you felt like you were being tossed around on stormy ocean waves. It lasted forever and it lasted only an instant. But eventually, your eyes opened, back in your own body. Your teammates were starting to stir themselves, Mista looking just as sick as you felt. Narancia remained on the ground, but upon carefully reaching out to his wrist, his pulse was still there. 

Giorno was kneeling on the ground in front of where Bruno’s body once was. On his left was a golden figure, a twisted, nightmarish reimagining of his stand, and on his left, was Diavolo. You nearly screamed for him to watch out as you saw Diavolo begin to move, but the man only put his hand on Giorno’s shoulder. It was still Bruno. 

--------

Time passed, as it tends to do. Narancia and Abbacchio got to share a hospital room while they recovered from their wounds. Trish promised to stay in touch, but “would rather die than deal with gang shit ever again”. Giorno ascended to Passione’s metaphorical throne, and got a spiffy new outfit. And Bruno learned to deal with his new body. 

He never let the gang see, but being trapped in Diavolo’s body broke something inside of Bruno, at least for a while. He stopped sleeping, barely ate, and avoided mirrors at all costs. You cut his hair to match his old style, even offered to dye it for him, but he said he didn’t want to mess with the chemicals. Sometimes at night you’d wake up to him crying in the dark bathroom. But one day, the tears stopped. “I’m done mourning this,” Bruno said to you one morning, as you handed him a cup of coffee. The sun had yet to rise as you two sat outside under the purple sky. “This isn’t Diavolo’s body, this isn’t my ‘new’ self. It’s me.”

You held him until the sun rose, carding your fingers through his silky hair. His hand rested on your thigh, brushing little patterns into your skin with the pad of his thumb, the way he always did. 

---------

Even with Bruno accepting his new body, it took a while before he was confident enough for the bedroom again. He got used to his new junk like he got used to the rest of his new body, but he figured at some point he should probably put it to use. Diavolo-- no, *his* length didn’t hide anything, it was nearly as long flaccid as it was when erect, and it was just a little bit longer and thicker than his old dick was. Surrounded by a well-manicured tuft of pink pubes, Bruno had to admit, he looked pretty appealing. And judging by how he caught you staring, he knew you agreed. 

“Does it, like… feel any different?” you asked, gently palming his erection. 

“It’s still a dick,” he replied. “I think it looks more different than it feels.”

You placed your palm under the shaft, letting it rest in your hand. “I think it might be a liiiiittle heavier? But maybe I’m just nitpicking--”

Before you could finish, Bruno had reached down and unzipped his dick (“Gross, Bruno!” you shouted, jokingly making a face at him), holding it in his hand and pretending to think hard. “I think it’s pretty close to the same.”

“Put that back on!” 

He laughed, reattaching his member. “That didn’t kill the mood too much, did it?”

“A little.” You looked down, and back up, putting on your best doe eyes and batting your eyelashes. “But I think you can make it up to me, signore.” 

You two teased one another like you had before, sharp banter laced with witty innuendos and Bruno’s signature brand of weirdness that was also somehow incredibly sexy. But when it came down to it, the moment of him lining up at your entrance, ready to push into your dripping core, he hesitated. It was almost an out-of-body experience, things felt… off. 

“Bruno?” you asked. “Is everything alright?” 

“Yeah,” he said, but his voice sounded distant. 

“We don’t have to keep going if--”

“No! No, I mean,” he stammered over his words, leaning his head down against your chest, pink hair tickling your bare skin. “It sounds silly, we’ve had sex lots before, but. I’m nervous.”

Bringing a hand up to rub gently over his back, you smiled softly. “It’s like first-time jitters all over again, huh?” Bruno nodded against your chest. “Maybe, I dunno, maybe Diavolo was a virgin--”

“Babe,” Bruno said, suddenly serious, green eyes looking up at you. “The man dressed like the head of a whorehouse instead of a mafia. He definitely wasn’t a virgin.” 

The two of you dissolved into giggles, and you pulled Bruno into a tight, loving hug. The sound of slow but passionate kissing filled the air, your lips meeting your lovers’. Bruno broke the semi-silence first. “I want to keep going, if you do.”

“I do,” you replied. “How about we switch, and I top tonight?”

“I think I’d like that,” Bruno nodded, slightly breathless from the kiss. “Very much.”

Rolling around on the bed to switch places, you settled your legs on either side of Bruno’s waist, his tall erection still standing upright and already brushing against your wet folds. You rubbed over him a few times, teasing his shaft and letting him feel just how badly you wanted him, before lining up his tip with your entrance and slowly, slowly sinking your hips down. Bruno bit his lip, watching his cock disappear inside of you, nodding to tell you he was ready for more. When you finally reached the base he threw his head back in a lust-fueled moan; the voice was slightly different from the old one, but the cadence and how he looked back up at you, love and passion burning in his eyes, biting his lip, was all so very, very Bruno. 

You worked up a slow but steady pace, bouncing on his lap, savoring the way he filled you up perfectly. Your hands gripped his hips like handles, nails slightly digging into his pale skin. Bruno always made the most beautiful noises in the bedroom, even with a slightly different voice his moans sounded like heaven. “Oh, oh, yes, amore!” he would cry out between gasps, snapping his hips up into you. “M-more! Please, god, mmmmore…” His hands found your own hips, bouncing you harder. The old Bruno was strong, but this body was stronger. He moved you over his lap with ease, murmuring “I’m close, love, I want to… can I…”

You leaned down, pressing your forehead against his own. “Cum in me, Bruno.”

Bruno slammed you down onto his lap as his hips bucked up and he came, releasing ropes of hot cum inside you. Your own orgasm hit from the overwhelming pleasure of it all, getting to be with your boyfriend once again and listening to every grunt and groan he made as he emptied his balls in you. Your walls contracted around him, making Bruno’s vision momentarily white out as a hard wave of aftershocks hit his whole system, pushing him directly through a second orgasm. 

When he finally pulled out, a line of thick cum followed, slowly running down your thigh, before being pushed back into place by Bruno’s deft fingers. You collapsed, laying down beside your boyfriend and pulling him into your arms. He leaned up for a quick kiss before resting his head on your chest, contentedly listening to your heart thrum as you came down from all the excitement. 

No matter the time, place, circumstances, or even what body his soul rested in, nothing felt more comfortable than being held sweetly and safely by his love. 

[chidoroki]

The Promised Neverland S2EP11

aka: is this happiness?

Oh lord, here we go. The end and I’m still at a lose on how everything will wrap up. There’s just one thing I hope the anime changes.. but we’ll see.

“Identity” is perfection and my heart is already racing. My nerves haven’t been this wired since ep1.

Alright so when Emma says “Both our destinies and the world..” I’m pretty sure there’s an animation error because you can clearly see her left ear.. off to a great start already..

Aww look at James! What a spiffy looking man! I know Shirai already debunked all the theories about Norman being related to the Ratri in any way but come on, just look at the resemblance!

“Our clan executed a promise that betrayed our comrades?” That just reminded me that we missed out on ch141/142 when we saw the trio’s ancestors! That’s upsetting.

AH!! Never the fuck mind! There they are!! Though I’m not entirely pleased since all we saw were real quick glimpses of them, but still!

Ahh! Demon god too! He does exists in this timeline! .... oh no.

And yes I recognize that “Introduction” is playing again.

... They have cars in the demon world?

Didn’t James jump off a bridge as he was getting shot at? What’s this with him being found all bloody in an alleyway?

Hey, we finally saw an owl.

I swear if Peter manages to get away with all these guns pointed at him again I’m gonna flip.. I know he pulled it off somehow in manga but come on, don’t let it happen twice.

See! I knew the bastard still had the knife up his sleeve!

Holy fucking shit dude... right in front of all those young children.

How in the hell is that knife not covered in blood??

Ya good Sonju? You had enough fun for one day?

Bruh they actually show Legravalima and the five regent heads of the royal family.

Yverk.. don’t tell me he’s actually the demon who kills.. oh no no no, please no..

“Get over it already.” AAhh Ray finally confronting Isabella! Yeess!

“I’m not letting you off the hook by dying.” Please, that’s the one thing I don’t want to happen right now.. or ever. I’ve been worrying about this all week.

I’ll never get tired of hearing him say he’s glad to be alive.. ahh my heart.

Oh my god, Emma’s words are from ch177..

“It’s because your kindness and love were all genuine.” BRO!! That frame of her hugging the young trio! It’s so adorable!!!

Awww Isabella! I wish to hug her too please!!

The Day & Night ceiling still makes me nervous.

Ray, why did you look to Emma like that.. what do you know?? Tell me!

Y’all it really is the same goddamn door from ch131.

My anxiety is starting to spike, help me..

Emma.. why ya let go of Phil’s hand like that?

“We can’t go yet.” What! What?? The trio and Lambda crew?

“We’re going to stay here.” Sweetheart, don’t be getting my hopes up like this.. I swear, if you’re planning to go around and rescue the kids from the other farms and we somehow get another season I’m gonna scream.

Oh good, we do get to hear what she told the boys last ep.

“Can’t we make another promise that’s different from the previous one?” Uh huh.. are we actually gonna see it happen though?

“I want to take all the children in the farms here to the human world.” I know honey but I wish to see it please!

“I’ll stay behind with you.” Of course you would Norman, but don’t you need to get healed first?

“And there are kids I left behind at the hideout, too.” So.. the Paradise hideout does exist? Where Jin, Hayato and Ayshe were normally located? I know I’m dooming myself here but lord please..

Ray wanted to stay behind to make sure the others weren’t pursued by the queen and the royals, aww you precious boy.

OH! “TPN Pf Solo Version!” Nice!

“Then we’ll need more firepower on our side.” Yeah the Lambda crew stays behind for that reason but would I be a complete fool to wish for the GP Resistance as well or nah?

Guys.. is Isabella actually gonna live in this timeline? I’m gonna fucking cry dude.

Aw Vincent and Norman’s little fist bump!!

Phil you absolute sweetheart!

Is this the mandolin version of the lullaby? It sounds a bit different but YEESS the young kids actually made it to the human world!

And Isabella lives!! Hell fucking yes!!

WAIT! WITH HER HAIR DOWN! AND SHE CAN PLAY GUITAR?? MA’AM!! I KEEP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU MORE AND MORE! AAAAHHHH!!

Look at all of the children! Going to school and enjoying life!

Vincent is a doctor already? Aww!

Gilda!! You look so pretty!!

OH the music changed.. what version of the lullaby is this? I must know!

Are those the kids Norman saved?

Fuck! Emma and demon god! Aaahh.. yes the reward would really help in this case since she barely did anything so having her pay the price would be okay here, but still makes me sad.

Ah, it’s that elder demon Sonju and Mujika revive in ch163.

And they.. already made Mujika the new queen? We completely skipped over the capital battle? Of course they did..

Aww but that shot of her and Emma is gorgeous!

HOLD UP! The trio and Lambda crew made it to the human world!

And.. Emma called Phil’s name.. so she has her memories?

Our boy Phil looks so grown up!! AWW!!

We.. end there huh? I, uh.. hmm...

So, what exactly was the price for the new promise? There had to be one, right?

I’m so conflicted y’all..

For a moment I honestly believed they were gonna give us another season filled with Goldy Pond and the Seven Walls and yet we just got a totally rushed slideshow of everything. I’m a total idiot.

Of course I’m happy there’s a timeline where our girl keeps her memories but it just makes the whole season seem way too easy.. there were barely any high stakes and little to nothing happened during this episode too.

And with that we get no Alex either.. bummer.

I don’t know what to think... I have many thoughts and yet all I can think about is Isabella live in the human world and I’m beyond thankful for that at least.

Yeah.. this season was a huge tease and disappointing but there was some good in it, albeit just small moments here and there. I started a list last night in an attempt to help me relax about this darn finale so hopefully I can find time to finish that.. eventually.

I still need to listen to the new soundtrack. I’m sure that new version of the lullaby is from there.

.... Isabella can play guitar. I’m speechless. She’s beautiful. And alive. And I love her. That’s all.