#'why won't they show the wife's face who could it possibly have been'

[death-rebirth-senshi]

OH MY GOD

[squid-headcanons]

heyyy would you be open to doing a Hwang jun Ho x reader one shot lots of angst but ends with fluff?? The plot can be up to you :)))

night at sea

-> hwang jun-ho x reader || squid game oneshot

-> summary: after the death of your friend during your mission to find the island, you sit on the deck to think. jun-ho finds you sitting alone and decides to join you.

-> genre: angst -> fluff oneshot

-> warnings: death mention, cursing, nothing else really.

-> a/n: thank you for requesting!! i hope that i fulfilled your request, and i hope you enjoy!! this is my first time writing for squid game, and jun-ho, so i hope i did him justice! tysm again <3

The rain pounds down against your back as you sit on the deck, watching the waves crash around you. You were part of Gi-Hun's crew to track down the island, but you sincerely didn't think something like this would happen. One of your best friends, another crew member, had been hit by the explosion on the wrong island. You tried not to show emotion, but nights like these, you had to let it out.

Tears fell carefully from your cheeks as the ship swayed back and forth with ferocity. The night sky was staring at you, blaming you for joining the crew in the first place. You knew it was a bad idea, but it was part of your job. You couldn't turn it down. But risking your life for some idiotic, probably fake island where participants play some childhood games and die in the process? You couldn't take it anymore, this was fueled by delusions and you weren't having it.

You were snapped out of your thoughts as footsteps approached you. You turned your head to see Jun-Ho looking at you with confusion spread across his face. Turning back to the dangerous view in front of you, you ignored his existence. He was the one who insisted on this trip, along with Gi-Hun. You didn't want to deal with the delusions anymore.

“Hey, why are you out here so late? You need to get rest for tomorrow,” Jun-Ho said, his arms crossed over his chest. He was a little bit worried about you, afraid that you could possibly fall overboard due to the storm.

“Can't sleep,” you muttered, your gaze turning to the sky. “There's too much to think about to sleep.”

“What's on your mind?” Jun-Ho asked, sitting down beside you. He didn't mind the rain, he was honestly more concerned with you.

“The man that you killed during your stupid operation was my best friend. The one in the body bag underneath us right now? The man with a wife and children who I have to explain all of this shit to?” you said, the tears falling even more rapidly from your cheeks. Your voice was faltering, cracking under the pressure.

“... I'm so sorry ... for your loss. I really didn't know that there would be a bomb, and I'm sorry that he was the one to open the door. None of us could've known. However, if having someone to blame makes you feel better, so be it,” Jun-Ho said softly, staring out into the night sky with you.

“Why the fuck are we out here anyway?! All I know is that we're looking for some island that probably isn't even real, based on stories of shit that sounds super fucking unrealistic! I mean, childhood games killing over 400 fucking people?! I don't get it, and I don't get why my friend had to die because of some fake shit!” you cursed at him, looking him dead in the eye as your heart spoke for you.

“... do you wanna know what I went through? The games, the reasons why I'm looking? That might make you understand things better,” Jun-Ho said, looking toward the ground. He knew the pain you were going through, he saw it every day in that damn place. He was so tired of watching people feel this way.

“Sure. Fine. Whatever you think will make me feel better, but it probably won't. Don't get your damn hopes up,” you said, watching the waves crash against the ship once more.

“... I was looking for my brother. I heard Gi-Hun talking about some island with a business card, and the same card was in my brother's room. So ... I infiltrated the facility. I followed their cars and killed one of the guards so I could take his place. Everything that Gi-Hun saw in there was real, I watched it first hand. I went through hell in that place. I was fearing for my life daily while watching the players be bet on like horses. What hurt the most, though ... was when I found out who was running the games,” Jun-Ho admitted.

“Wait ... you know who was running the games, and you didn't tell anyone? Why?” you asked, eyes wide with both curiosity and fear.

“The Front Man, the man behind the games, was my brother. He shot me in the arm and I was found in the ocean. I just ... I want to find him and talk to him. Ask him why, sit with him and just understand why he's doing all of this ... I would rather die than never find out.” Jun-Ho felt a weight lift from his chest as he exhaled, waiting for your response.

The sound of waves crashing filled the silence for a few moments. You were thinking carefully, letting what he said truly sink in. You hated to admit it, but you understood. When you looked at his face, you understood the pain written all over it. He just wanted his brother back, and you couldn't blame him. What happened wasn't his fault, your friend just happened to be caught in the crossfire.

“I'm sorry,” you said softly. “I get it. I think we've both lost a part of ourselves searching for that island. I've lost a friend, you've practically lost a brother ... I want answers too.”

He placed a hand on your shoulder, gentle and reassuring. “Let's go inside and get dried off, maybe talk through everything I know. It felt really good to get all of that off my chest, and ... it feels good to trust someone again.”

You stood carefully, extending a hand to help him as well. The ship's deck was incredibly slippery, so you held onto each other as you made your way back into the cabin. After drying off, you both sat near a wall, away from the others that were sleeping. You didn't want to disturb them, so you both spoke in hushed tones.

As he explained small details about what all happened, you listened intently, but you felt yourself nodding off. You had your blanket over your lap, pulling it slightly over your torso as you grew more cold. It was getting later and later, and the lack of sleep was getting to you. Eventually, you dozed off, your head slipping onto his shoulder.

As he realized what was going on, a red haze creeped gently across his cheeks. He let his head rest on top of yours, placing his hand on top of yours as well. You two had earned each other's trust throughout the night, and he wanted to keep you safe.

Despite everything, Jun-Ho seemed to have found a side mission.

[bellarkeselection]

hey! I have a submission/request for a fanfic for whenever you can get to it.

While Monica and Kayce are separated, Kayce and a female farm hand (who has been around for a few years) end up having a drunken night together. Feeling ashamed, she ends up drinking in the pasture (clearly hasn’t learnt her lesson) with Rip. She ends up having a night with Rip as well. Well a few weeks later she finds out she is pregnant and doesn’t know who the father is. She tries to hide the pregnancy for a bit until she can find out the paternity but something happens and she has to spill the beans to them

Two Baby Daddy’s

None of us say that we are going to help someone cheat on their husband or wife…sometimes these things happen. But what I didn’t expect was having two possible baby daddy's to the infant growing in my belly…let's go back to the beginning though shall we?

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes I rolled over on my side feeling a soft bed mattress underneath me. My gaze found a familiar tousled locks of brown curly hair that could only belong to Kayce Dutton. I sat slightly up on the pillows just staring at him. “You sure know how to show a girl a good time, Dutton.” I kissed his head climbing out of the covers shrugging on my clothes that we had thrown around the room the night before.

I snatched my hat off the door handle leaving his bedroom and went straight to the barn. Climbing on my horse the work day wasn't bad and the guys were playing poker and drinking beer by the end of the night. I walked outside of the building leaning against the wooden fence drinking from my beer hearing footsteps coming up behind me. “You didn’t talk much today. Care to explain why?” Rip came walking up to me.

“The cattle don't care much for talkin’. And I just didn't have anything good to share except that I am a coward who can’t tell the guy I like how I feel without a whole lot of alcohol.” I take a long drink feeling the buzz in my head starting to appear.

Rip leans on the fence watching me. I had been a loyal farm hand for years. He respected me as much as John does. “Everybody makes mistakes in their life. You just have to man up and take responsibility for it.”

“That sounds like a good idea. But I'd rather do the opposite it and just make the pair go away for a few hours. What do ya say, Wheeler?” I swayed my hips at him holding the beer bottle in my freehand trying to gain his attention.

Rip stood there for a moment debating in his head. He knew Beth would tear down whoever slept with her man even though she didn't much care for labels on relationships. “Beth wouldn't like that very much if we hooked up.”

“Hey, it's not like I'm just some random girl. I am her best friend and you could just say you did it to make me happy for a night. She won't sink her claws into me over that.” I slowly walked up to him running my freehand down his chest ever so slowly. “What do you say. One more girl before you make Berh your wife forever?”

Y/n, I….hell with it.” Rip decided to change his mind cupping my face and smashing his lips onto mine before his brain told him this was wrong.

Moving my hands up his chest I moaned into the kiss enjoying the feeling. The bottle in my hands dropped to the dust and dirt underneath our boots. Rip tugged me closer to his chest deepening the kiss. “We should get out of here before they come looking for us out here.” He warned me of the cowboys fighting inside the bunkhouse over who was really winning the poker game.

Dragging me to his cabin Rip kicked open the door and I jumped up into his arms wrapping my legs around his waist. He carried me to his bedroom, sitting me on the bed. We each quickly removed our clothes before I held his face in my hands pulling him down onto me and the bed.

That night was two weeks ago and it brought more conflict than I ever wanted in my life.

Walking down the hallway of the main house and to Beth’s room I knocked three times before she opened the door knowing it was me. “Did you get what I asked you for?”

“Yes I did. My father knows I can’t have kids. So you better be more discreet about this.” She moved out of the way, letting me inside the bedroom. She reached into her purse handing me a pack of pregnancy tests.

Taking out one I went into the nearest bathroom while she stood guard inside with me, blocking the door shut with her body. “Thanks Beth…..oh I’m so screwed now.” Holding the test in my hands it took a few minutes before we had an answer.

“Do you know who the father is?” She questioned me, arms crossed over her chest.

Lifting my head up I felt my entire body shiver at the thought. I hadn’t told her about me and Rip yet since it was just a one time thing. “I uh….I slept with Rip. But I also slept with Kayce a few days earlier.”

“If you were anyone else I would kick your ass. But because you are my friend I will help you hide this until you find out who the father is.” She responded to me helping me to my feet before we went our separate ways.

Weeks later -

Climbing down from my horse as quickly as possible when I got into the barn after work saying that I wasn’t feeling too good and so Rip let me heed back earlier. Stumbling into the dirt I rushed over to one of the empty stalls that we kept the horses in. I bent my head over the wall and puked whatever was in my stomach. “Y/n, woah hey. Hey are you alright?”

“Kayce?” I croaked through the fact that I was trying to catch my breath still.

He was holding my hair back out of my face when I slowly turned around to face him. “Rip said you weren't feeling well so I thought I'd come check on you.”

“Thanks Kayce. But I'm fine.” I pushed away from him, snatching my hat up from the dirt ground and dusting the dust off of it.

Kayce stared at me and stepped forward grabbing me by the forearm when I attempted to leave the barn. “Hold on a second. There's something I need to talk to you about. Beth, just told me she wants me and Rip to come down to the hospital with you.”

“Shit Bethany. What the hell are you doing?” I cursed under my breath.

I have been keeping this a secret for a few weeks now. I needed to keep my job after all and not ruin my friendship or whatever that I had with the Dutton standing in front of me now. I had gone to the hospital yesterday evening asking for a paternity test to find out who the father of the baby was. “Do you want to explain why she would want me and Rip to go to the hospital with you?”

“Kayce, I…it’s because-”

“Y/n, are you feeling better? We managed to finish the job earlier so the boys are going out for drinks if you want to come with us.” Rip's voice entered the barn and he dismounted his horse seeing the two of us.

Glancing over my shoulder, my chest tightening in a panic mode. “Rip?”

“Is something going on here I need to involve the boss in?” Rip points his finger from me to Kayce.

Clutching my hands into fists I sucked in a sharp breath. The two men were just staring at me now. Thanks to Beth I supposed I have no choice but to explain the situation if I don't want them to both be angry with me later down the line. “There's something I need to talk to you two about…I'm pregnant.” Lifting the sweatshirt I had on you could see a growing belly underneath the shirt I was wearing.

“You're pregnant. How far along…do you think it's mine?’ Kayce covers his mouth with his hands.

Rip blinked when I focused my attention on him. “Or it could be mine.”

“Yes, That's why I took the test. The reason Beth told you Kayce is because the doctor has the results now.” I whispered avoiding their gazes on me.

Rip headed towards the doorway and we followed him to the truck. Beth came with us since she knew I needed a friend when we entered the room and the doctor came in with the results. “This will be a very interesting conversation for the father. So I will say congratulations to you Y/n. The father has the same blood DNA as Mr. Dutton.”

“I'm gonna be a father again?” Kayce breathed out.

Beth pushed the doctor out of the room and Rip followed her out into the hallway leaving us alone in the room. “Thanks for the help. Now let them yell at each other then kiss alone.”

I remained in my seat, hands covering my mouth with my hands so terrified of what I would say to him. There were two options he could say to me. He would either be happy or not want anything to do with me and our baby. “Kayce, I don't know where to start. I should have told you how I felt before now. It shouldn't have been alcohol to make me have the guts to tell you that I've had feelings for you for years.”

“It was because of Monica and me why you didn't say anything wasn't it?” He turned his head at me and we were looking the other in the eye. “I'm sorry I didn't see your feelings earlier…I love Tate. I guess he was right that I was too chicken to tell you the truth.”

I blinked through some tears needing to hear the words from him to believe it. “Kayce, how do you feel about me?”

“This is how, Darling.” He got to his feet, getting down on his knees in front of me. I gasped feeling him press his lips down onto mine slowly. Wrapping my arms around his neck I kissed him back until we needed air and he was panting for breath. “I've always had feelings for you. I won't leave you and this baby.”

I gasped sniffing through happy tears. “You won't. But what about Tate?”

“He's gonna be thrilled to have a sibling.” Kayce chuckled, kissing my forehead. “I love you Y/n.”

Laying my head against his chest I smiled when he wrapped his arms around my waist holding me. “I love you too, Kayce.”

[thefirelookout]

Dead silence

This post is an attempt to share or let out some of my complex feelings about the situation in Bangladesh.

We went to our city's protest yesterday. It was a silent, peaceful protest. The Bangladeshi student community here in Kingston stood in a human chain with placards. "Save Bangladesh student", yes grammatically wrong, yes, it assumes that young revolutionaries need saving, so on and so forth. The protest started and ended quietly. My non-Bangladeshi friends were a bit confused, since they're used to chanty protests for Palestine, or union picket lines with cars passing by, honking in support. There was more noise even for the Iranian protests, Zan Zendegi Azadi. The silence of a graveyard in this one, though.

Who cares about little old Bangladesh? I sometimes wonder. We're not in the eye of the middle eastern storm like Syria, Lebanon or Palestine are. We're not strategically important, we don't even have many natural resources like Sudan or Congo do. The Prime Minister visited China recently to ask for an aid or a loan, and came back pretty much empty handed. China isn't very interested in us. India has gotten what it needed to get, and can milk more out of us, but they can do the same with Nepal or Bhutan too. We're never in the headlines, the US or the West in general isn't interested in us at all. And Pakistan denies that the 1971 genocide ever happened.

Which is why, the world isn't missing our voices due to the internet blackout.

The voices were all over my Facebook newsfeed. Aunties and apus on Facebook live selling sarees, jewelry, crafts, elderly boomers sharing gardening tips, quick fixes or herbal remedies that they swear by, people sharing posts about cricket or which cricketer's wife wore what, food bloggers calling every possible dish juicy (be it a burger or the meat in biriyani), celebrity drama, political drama to the extent of what was allowed back home. That sort of thing.

Now, again, there's the silence of a graveyard over here. And I feel like screaming till I snap my vocal cords. Can you all please come back? Please? The silence is unbearable! Please! I won't judge you if you sell your wares! Please! I won't judge if you think turmeric water can act as a miracle detox! Please, please I won't say a word if your post about your stupid cricket match! Just something, please say something! I haven't seen a single one of you online. Please don't die, please stay safe. When the internet comes back, please, post about your vacations and your pets. Not the dead, please, don't post about the bodies. I can take a bit of silence but not more bodies please!

Speaking of bodies. There was an armoured vehicle, painted navy blue in the colours of the police (fuck them). And there was a body on top of it. Dead, obviously, very dead, because it flopped down with the slightest nudge, and was left on the streets. Before that happened, the vehicle drove about as if parading its spoils of war, with the body on top. Sending a message. This will happen to you if you raise your voice.

That image has been haunting me for two nights now. So yeah, I'm not man enough to get some incisive political analysis out. I have no either or predictions for what happens if the regime falls or doesn't fall. My body feels numb, I've been binge eating because I still have food in the house and I won't be gunned down if I go out to get groceries now. My non-Bangladeshi friends, bless their first world hearts, have never had to live under fascism. Bless their hearts, have never had to stifle their voices to the extent that we've had to. Bless their beautiful hearts, could hardly pronounce Bangladesh. But they still showed up to that docile little protest because they care about my spouse and I. I can't even begin to thank them.

My insides are tearing up. I'm sitting with a poker face typing all this word vomit, but my insides are nothing but a scream. No clever realpolitik comes out of a heart that's screaming, because our mouths are sewn shut.

[heyiwrotesomethings]

🐉 anon here! I hope you're doing alright! I hope these request won't be too much! Would it be okay if you wrote about Shinobu with a s/o, she/her, who has that dragon tattoo? Possibly a criminal syndicate but wants to leave her family because of how bad they have gotten! The family found her at a younge age and took her in, becoming the imitating woman she is. But what her boss asks of her is too much and not what she wants to do. So she tries to leave and stagger away from the family, meeting Shinobu in the process! She would be seen as a monster, but she really does have a good heart. Maybe even a slow burn with Shinobu? Those are my favorites! While she stays or keeps meeting Shinobu, the family finds her and roughs her up, she kicks thier ass but ends up being taking down. The boss would come in and try to cut her pinkie off, but Shinobu comes in being the badass queen that she is and deals with him herself, and saves her s/o, with a happy ending! Again, I hope this isn't too much to ask! I love your work!

What Is Right

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: Here you go, sorry it took so long! I hope it’s alright, I am having trouble with the December requests that are left. 😫 Word Count: 5,640

“Aniki, are you sure about this? Is there really no other way?”

“Of course not,” Akira scrutinized his adopted younger sister, put off by her reluctance, “That cowardly man’s betrayal killed my father, our father.” He hissed, crushing the remains of his cigarette in his hand, ignoring the burn.

“Then, if it’s absolutely necessary, shouldn’t it just be him who has to pay?” (Y/n) risked speaking out against him yet again, “Why kill his family, but leave him be?”

“It sends a message!” Akira shouted, “He’ll know not to fuck with us again. He’ll be forced to confront what he took from me, us. Don’t you understand, (Y/n)? That’s why I’m telling you this.” He grasped her shoulder a little to tightly to be friendly or comforting. “I’m trusting you to bring honor back to this family. That dragon tattoo on your back isn’t just for show, its supposed to mean something. It’s what unites all of us. Otosan loved you like you were his own flesh and blood. If you want this band of misfits, your family, to continue to have a legacy, you will do this.”

“But, they’re only little kids. Not even his wife knows the shady shit he’s dealing in. And it’s not just that… we’ve been pushing away our allies with the decisions you’ve been making in Otosan’s stead—“

“Do you think this is easy?!” Akira shouted again, getting in (Y/n)’s face, she stayed remarkably calm despite this, “I was chosen to make the choices that no one else has the guts to make! This is what has to be done!”

“I just can’t do it, Aniki.” (Y/n) shook her head, “It���s more than and eye for an eye to me. I think you’re asking for too much.”

“You either do this, or you will be marked as a scourge on this family. The family that gave you everything when you had nothing. You think you repaid us for that debt yet?” He asked coldly.

“I doubt I ever could.” (Y/n) murmured, focusing on her breathing to keep a calm appearance, “I’ll… prepare then.”

Akira searched her eyes for a long moment before straightening up again, “Good. Go on, then. I expect results. You have a week.”

“Very well.” (Y/n) bowed before the young man who had used to be so carefree, then got up and took her leave.

***

It had been a couple days since (Y/n) had that meeting with Akira, and she had yet to carry out her mission. She had shadowed the happily unaware family in that time, and it only made the reality of what she had to do even harder.

She was running out of time, only a few more days before her once beloved Aniki would call her back and put her through god knows what for disobeying him. So she decided to do what any decent person tasked with killing a burgeoning family would do, and got wasted. If she couldn’t do it sober, perhaps she could do it drunk.

But of course that plan went south quickly. Instead of gearing herself up for a bloodbath she was drunkenly sobbing in the izakaya. She had never had to kill anyone before, hustle and intimidate, rough-up, sure, but never with the intent to irreversibly maim or kill. The very public moral dilemma (Y/n) was having was finally brought outside when the owner of the establishment cut her off and sent on her way, leaving her to drunkenly stumble down the road alone.

She barely knew where she was, but that didn’t stop her from picking a direction and lumbering away. She didn’t really care where she’d end up. She wasn’t going to be welcomed back to the family unless she had carried out her job, and she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. She knew she’d never be able to go through with it.

“What am I supposed to do?”

Her foot rolled over a pebble as she said this and unable to correct herself, she fell sideways, half in the path, half in the woods. Instead of attempting to get up, she just laid there. Not long after her tumble, she heard the crunch of gravel from the main path, the sound eventually coming to a stop right where she had fallen.

“Oh dear, have we had a little too much to drink tonight?”

(Y/n) managed to sit up on her elbows a bit so she could peer back into the path and her breath caught in her throat. Standing over her was a downright ethereal woman. Oh no, had she hit her head on a jagged rock on the way down? Had she died? Well, that put an end to one dilemma at least.

“Woah,” She said, oh so eloquently, “beautiful.”

“Oh my, thank you.” She chuckled, causing (Y/n)’s heart to stutter. “Here, give me your hands, let me help you up.”

(Y/n) didn’t need to be asked twice, she took hold of the strangers hands, a little more calloused than she would have imagined, and clumsily rose to her feet, almost falling back down a few times in the process.

“You can hardly even stand up. We had better get you home so you can sleep this off. I hope you will have learned your lesson about such heavy drinking when you wake up with a hangover tomorrow.”

Home… (Y/n) sobered just a bit.

“I, I can’t go home!” (Y/n)’s shoulders drooped and the buzz she had going fell flat, “I have no home to go back to anymore.”

The woman gave her a sympathetic look then seemed to be contemplating something before finally speaking again.

“Then I suppose you can stay with me for the night. It’s too dangerous to be out alone at night sober, much less drunk.”

“Nah, it’s fine. Don’t worry about me, I’ll manage.”

“Don’t be difficult,” the woman sighed, “either walk with me, or I’ll drag you along. Your choice.”

(Y/n) laughed half-heartedly. “The way my feet keep tripping up you’ll probably have to drag me anyway.”

“I can see that.” She smirked, putting one of (Y/n)’s arms over her shoulders to help her keep her balance.

“My name is (Y/n) by the way.”

“And mine is Shinobu.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Shinobu.”

Shinobu hummed, but did not outwardly share the sentiment and somewhere in (Y/n)’s drunk brain she had the sense to be a bit embarrassed. What a wonderful first impression she had made, laying on the side of the road, drunk off her ass.

“I swear this is not normal behavior for me, you just caught me at a really bad time.”

“I’m not judging you, we all deal with grief in our own ways.” Shinobu told her.

“Grief?”

“Based on the puffiness around your eyes and the way the moon catches on your cheeks, how sore your voice sounds, you have been crying a lot, haven’t you?” She clinically deduced.

Grief… that would be an apt way to describe what (Y/n) had been feeling since her adoptive father had been killed, since everything she thought she knew about her family had crumbled in his absence. How Akira was spiraling in the name of revenge. How heavy and constricting the ink engraved upon her back felt as the days dragged on. How quickly things had changed.

Shinobu led her to an incredible mansion that she couldn’t help but gawk at. The inside was just as impressive. She had half the mind to ask Shinobu if she was a noblewoman, but by the time she had recovered enough to ask, she had already been led to a guest room.

“Drink this water and then rest. I will see you in the morning.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Shinobu gave a short nod and smiled before closing the door.

(Y/n) staggered into the cot and fell into a sleep like death mere moments later.

***

The next morning, almost afternoon, actually, (Y/n) awoke with a brain splitting pain. She could hear whispering around her, but they might as well have been screaming. She groaned pitifully and weakly attempted to shield her eyes from the sun.

“Oh! She’s waking up.”

“Is Shinobu-sama’s medicine ready?”

“I have it right here. Excuse me… Can you sit up please? We have medicine for your headache.”

(Y/n) grunted, slowly sitting up and then putting her head in her hands. Her head was swimming and she immediately wanted to lay back down, but a cup of sludgy looking medicine was soon put under her nose.

“Make sure to drink it all.”

“The smell may be off-putting, but it works really well.”

“Once you get some food and water in you, you’ll feel a lot better.”

Beyond the smelly hangover cure, (Y/n) could smell something good enough to make her mouth water. With great resolve, she downed the medicine and suppressed a gag, finally looking up at the three young girls working around her.

“Thanks,” she sighed, “sorry, I’m normally not such a mess.”

“Shinobu-sama said you were going through a difficult time. We aren’t judging.” The girl with pink butterfly clips promised.

“Here,” the girl with pigtails offered her a generous tray of food, “eat up.”

“You’ll feel better in no time.” The girl with braided hair smiled.

“Thank you all so much, really. This is fantastic.” (Y/n) said between bites.

“We will be sure to let Aoi-san know you enjoyed her cooking.” The girls beamed.

As (Y/n) ate, she chatted with the girls, learning all about the Butterfly Estate and all of its inhabitants. She also learned about the mansion’s purpose, to provide shelter and care to the injured. After her meal had settled, (Y/n) felt almost normal. There was still a bit of a dull throbbing in her skull every once in awhile, but given how much she drank the night before, it was amazing how much good that medicine did for her. She didn’t want to go back to her reality. She wished she didn’t have to leave this oasis.

“So, where is Shinobu now? I wanted to thank her before I left.” (Y/n) asked once she helped the girls clean and prepare the room for any new guests that may need it.

“Oh, she had something come up earlier this morning so she couldn’t come by to check on you herself.” Kiyo explained.

“She probably won’t be back until much later in the evening.” Sumi nodded.

“But we will make sure to let her know when she comes back.” Naho promised.

(Y/n)’s shoulders slumped slightly with disappointment. She had made such a poor first impression, she was hoping to end on a good note at least. There was also the fact that every moment (Y/n) was here, was another moment away from facing her reality. Maybe she could stall just a little bit longer.

“I’d really like to tell her myself… ah! What if I helped you guys with your work until she gets back? Would that be alright? Then I could really show my gratitude to you all.”

The girls gave it a little thought, but saw no harm in getting a little extra help for the day, so they happily agreed. (Y/n) spent the rest of the day sweeping, dusting and washing bedding. She was a little clumsy, and bit too rough and almost ripped the sheets she was scrubbing, but she got the hang of it. It was a lot different from the work her adoptive father would give her.

As she worked, she found out there was more to this infirmary than met the eye. She learned about demon slayers and was fascinated by their cause. It all seemed so noble to her, risking their lives to save unaware people like her from demons who roamed the night. She owed Shinobu more than she knew for last night.

When Shinobu came home around dinner time, she was surprised to see her guest was still there and even more surprised when said guest fell to her knees before her, thanking her so thoroughly for her good deed. Stunned, she blinked slowly then worked her mildly surprised expression back into a kind, yet reserved smile.

“Oh my, you are much more chipper than you were last night. Thank you very much, but please stand, there is no need for any of that.”

(Y/n) stood, but let it be known how much Shinobu deserved every second of praise and appreciation. She bowed again, but only at the waist. It was at that point the younger girls decided to chime in, telling Shinobu about all the tasks (Y/n) had helped them with during the day, so of course Shinobu offered to let her stay for dinner as well, and since the sky was darkening, she invited her to stay another night. Before they knew it, an extra night became two, then three, then—

(Y/n) was running out of time. Her week was almost up, just one more day. She had a decision to make, and she wasn’t sure why it had taken her so long to get to this point, as there was only one correct course of action.

Early that morning, she leapt out of bed to make the treck back to the city. She would come back, of course. She promised Shinobu she would fix all of the clunky sliding doors around the mansion today. She silently thanked the stars for the millionth time that she crossed paths, er, fell into the path of such an extraordinary woman. She was going to follow Shinobu’s example and live a life she could be proud of, a life her adoptive father would have been proud of.

“You’re up early.”

(Y/n) nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Shinobu call to her from the engawa, a cup of tea in hand.

“When I told you the doors could wait until the morning, I didn’t mean dawn.” She teased.

“Ah, right, but I’m actually heading to the city. I have some affairs to get in order, but I promise I’ll take care of those doors as soon as I get back.”

“Is that so? Well then, safe travels. Be back before nightfall and stay away from any alcohol while you’re out.”

“I’m telling you that was a one time thing!” (Y/n) said in an exasperated tone.

Shinobu chuckled and (Y/n) smiled despite the jab.

“I’ll be back later in the afternoon, try not to work too hard!” (Y/n) sent Shinobu a wave, then bounded off of the engawa and left the estate grounds.

When she made it to the city, she kept a low profile, staking out a certain home as she had earlier in the week. At this time, the man who had killed her adoptive father with his cowardice and big mouth was busy at his day job while his wife took care of the children at home.

She took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. When the wife answered, (Y/n) asked to come inside and explained all that her shady husband had been up to and why it was important for her to take her kids and leave the city as soon as possible.

(Y/n) expected to have to persuade the woman further, force her out the door if necessary, but it seemed she already had her suspicions about her husband’s strange behavior. Hearing gossip about people seeing him in the Red Light District, and him claiming they had barely enough money to make ends meet despite the large amount of money she had found hidden away in the back of one of his drawers. She had been waiting for answers before doing anything rash, but (Y/n) provided her the last bit of incentive she needed to skip town with her kids and take her unfaithful husband’s money with her. Her parents still lived in a little known mountain village a couple weeks journey from the city, they would go there.

(Y/n) helped the woman and her children pack up their most precious belongings and got them a ride that would take them to the city limits where a carriage would be awaiting them next. When (Y/n) saw their car disappear around the corner, she left the crowded city herself, finally allowing herself to really breathe for the first time all week. There was no turning back, but that was fine. She felt so much lighter.

She couldn’t risk showing her face around town any more than she already had today. It wouldn’t take long before her betrayal was discovered and Akira would send the clan after her. What her punishment would be, she was not sure. However, under Akira’s harsh leadership, she was sure it would not be pleasant.

She stomped down the anxiety fluttering within her. She was on a better path now. No more shady shit, she wanted to put her strength to good use. She was going to ask Shinobu about becoming a demon slayer once she returned to the mansion. When she got back and took care of the doors like she promised she would, she did just that and asked Shinobu about becoming a demon slayer. Shinobu didn’t seem surprised by (Y/n)’s interest, but she did try to dissuade her from taking that path. However, with passion and persistence, she did finally manage to get Shinobu to give in and introduce her to a cultivator.

“But… I thought you were going to teach me.” (Y/n) had sheepishly admitted when Shinobu dropped her off on the first day.

“To start all the way at the beginning with the fundamentals of proper swordsmanship and Water Breathing would be… how can I say this kindly… tedious and not worth my time.” She answered with a mischievous smile.

“That didn’t sound kind at all!”

“I’ll tell you what, you do well, and I’ll give you a supplemental lesson here and there.”

“I’ll hold you to it!”

And in the next few months, (Y/n) learned a lot. When the time for the next Final Selection came around, she would be well prepared. Between what the Water Breathing cultivator taught her and what Shinobu refined with her own expertise, she felt confident in what she could accomplish. Maybe a little too confident.

“Can I come with you this time?” (Y/n) asked hopefully as Shinobu packed a light bag of supplies for her mission.

“I will tell you what I always have. You haven’t passed Final Selection yet. It would be unwise to bring you along.” Shinobu said, snapping her small medical kit shut. “I mean no offense when I say this, but I don’t want to have to worry about you while I have to focus on doing my job.”

“Please?”

Shinobu gave (Y/n) a smile that was paired with a look she knew all too well at this point. The ‘I’ll leave you in charge of all the most annoying chores while I’m gone if you keep this up’ look. (Y/n) pouted.

“I don’t get it! Why can’t we have supervised missions? Don’t you think it’s a little extreme to go from training without seeing a single demon, to a several nights of fighting them alone in the woods? I trust that everyone is doing their best to prepare me, but it would still be helpful to see what I’ll be up against in the future.”

Shinobu considered this as she checked over the experiments scattered around her lab one last time. It was a fair point. People tended to either go in with too much confidence or went in terrified over what to expect. Many fledglings had been killed by getting stuck in their heads and forgetting all they had been taught.

She would hate for (Y/n) to meet the same fate.

“Very well,” she sighed, “you may come, but,” she pointed her finger towards (Y/n) in warning, “you are only to observe from a distance. Do not attempt to engage unless absolutely necessary. If you go against me, I will make sure that you will never be cleared for final selection. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes! I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise!” (Y/n) eagerly held out her pinky and Shinobu sighed again inwardly before hooking their pinkies together.

Hopefully she wouldn’t regret this decision. It was getting harder and harder for her to deny (Y/n) anything. Despite the undesirable first impression and how rough she appeared around the edges, (Y/n) was a true sweetheart. She had a very abrupt introduction to the mansion, but quickly became another familiar friendly face within its walls. It would be devastating to see her life cut short.

“So, where are we going?” (Y/n) grinned excitedly and Shinobu couldn’t help but smile as well.

“A village to the southeast.”

***

Everything had gone smoothly until it hadn’t.

Shinobu had left a small trail of poisoned demons in her wake, (Y/n) safely observing and cheering her on at a distance, until two other demons had snuck up on them both. While Shinobu was busy taking care of one demon, (Y/n) had to defend herself against the other. Shinobu had lent her a Nichirin Sword for just such an occasion, but (Y/n) was having a hard time reading the demon’s erratic movements and had been slashed half a dozen times across her arms, legs and back before she finally managed to behead the thing. It hadn’t been very clean, but she gave a triumphant, albeit breathless shout of victory.

She had then turned to Shinobu, excited to she her reaction to her hard fought kill, but that fire died immediately when she saw how angry Shinobu looked as she strode towards her, the last demon melting into a pile of goo behind her.

Instantly (Y/n) felt the need to be defensive. “You- you said I could defend myself if I absolutely had to! Everything’s fine, right?”

“Everything is not fine!” Shinobu dropped to her knees beside her and opened her medkit, “You are covered in wounds! If you had a uniform, you wouldn’t be hurt half as badly. You might even get an infection on top of all of this. I shouldn’t have let you come.”

“Hey, none of this is your fault. That demon scratched me all up, not you.“

“You wouldn’t have gotten hurt, if I had left you at home.” She restated stubbornly. “Now show me your wounds, the sooner I clean and wrap them, the sooner we can get home so I can give you proper aid.”

(Y/n) let Shinobu clean and wrap her calves and arms, but when Shinobu began peeling back her clothes to try to work on her back, (Y/n) froze.

She had been rather vague with Shinobu about her past. How could she tell Shinobu she had been raised in a criminal syndicate that took a turn from admittedly kind of in a grey area, to definitely irreprehensible? That the night Shinobu met her, she was trying to gear herself up to kill an innocent woman and her children? No, she couldn’t. She could only imagine the disgust Shinobu would feel, the betrayal. (Y/n) suddenly felt ill.

“What is it, what’s wrong?” Shinobu asked. She tried to peel (Y/n)’s clothes from her back quicker, worried she was having some kind of reaction to the demon’s attack.

(Y/n) tried to pull her clothes back up over her shoulders, but Shinobu was faster, a quiet gasp that felt deafening in (Y/n)’s ears left Shinobu’s lips as the spiraling dragon tattoo was revealed. The blood seeping from the gashes across (Y/n)’s back making it look even more ferocious.

“When did you get this done?” Shinobu lightly poked her shoulder blade, the dragon’s snoot.

“A few years ago.” (Y/n) mumbled, pressing her palms together.

“Why haven’t you told me about this before?”

A weak hum and a shrug of the shoulders.

“You know,” Shinobu traced the coils, making (Y/n) shiver, “I have heard about a group of criminals that bear similar tattoos…”

(Y/n) broke down and told Shinobu everything about her up-brining from when her parents had gone out on a routine fishing trip and didn’t come back, up until the night they met, now months in the past.

“I understand if you don’t want me around anymore. I’ll—ah!”

Apparently Shinobu had been treating her back throughout her tale, as made evident by the sudden tightness of the bandages around her torso.

“That’s just foolish. Do you think I’m afraid of a little ink? Do you think I would ever be afraid of you, (Y/n)? Let’s think logically here.”

Shinobu proceeded to verbally beat some sense into (Y/n)’s brain. Reminding her of all the good she had done in the last few months.

“There is no better place for you than the Butterfly Estate. It’s a much better fit. Isn’t that right?”

Before (Y/n) could collect herself enough to respond, she felt Shinobu pinch her skin lower on her shoulder blade.

“Yes, you are so very wise Shinobu.”

“Why thank you.“

(Y/n) blinked, turmoil somewhat pushed aside for the moment. “Are you… pinching my skin to make it look like my tattoo is talking?”

“I’ve patched you up as best I can here. Get dressed, it’s time to go home.”

“Hey, don’t ignore me!” (Y/n) fumbled with her clothes then stumbled to her feet to catch up with Shinobu.

It was a little awkward on (Y/n)’s part as they walked back to the mansion, but once the fact that Shinobu still liked her caught up to her, the conversation became more natural and by the time they returned to the mansion and Shinobu completed the finishing touches to (Y/n)’s care, (Y/n) felt a familiar weightlessness and with Shinobu’s teasing pokes, the tattoo on her back didn’t feel as heavy and constricting anymore.

***

In the following weeks of recovery, (Y/n) and Shinobu grew quite a bit closer and many residents of the mansion took notice. The touches that were a couple beats too long when they passed the other something, the lingering looks, and most damning was how Shinobu would put off some of her work to join (Y/n) for a meal or a chat and a walk around the garden, knuckles brushing as they went. (Y/n) couldn’t help but feel hopeful that Shinobu might want to change the nature of their relationship as well.

On this lovely summer day, she was prepared to share her feelings, for better or for worse. She had already planned a little outing that Shinobu agreed to join her on. Nothing too grand, just a sweet little picnic in the woods near the mansion. It was pretty much a date already. She had woken extra early that morning with the intent of getting everything in order before they left, but when she walked past her window, something on the sill outside caught her eye. A letter.

She opened the window and took the letter and wasted no time in opening it. The curiosity she had felt chilled into a heavy feeling of dread.

Traitorous coward, the letter read, If you have any ounce of honor within you, you will come to the cemetery and accept your punishment for deserting the family, or we will burn this mansion and everyone in it to ash.

There was no sign off, but (Y/n) didn’t need one to know it was Akira. She let the letter flutter to the ground and jumped out of the window so as not to be caught running down the halls. This was her mess to deal with. She would not allow anyone to be hurt because of her.

Part of her was hopeful she and Akira could talk it out, but she knew that wasn’t going to be very likely. Whatever happened today would be the final wedge between them.

She went to the cemetery and walked to the very last row. Though it was not specified, she had a feeling she’d find him near his father’s grave.

“There you are.” Though she expected it, (Y/n) stiffened at Akira’s icy tone. “Look who left her comfy new castle to finally face the consequences.”

“Aniki—“

“No, you are no sibling of mine. Not by blood nor bond.” Akira sneered, “I trusted you to do the right thing for this family. You’d think after taking you in, you’d have a sense of duty to avenge the man who took you off the streets and put food in your mouth.”

(Y/n) stood a bit taller, holding her head high, “I don’t regret letting them go. They did nothing wrong. I heard all about how you got your man in the end. That was all that needed to be done. It’s over.”

“Not until they’re all dead.” He growled, then sighed. “Here is how this is going to work. You tell me where they ran off to, or you will pay dearly.”

“I won’t tell you anything.” She declared almost talking over him with how quickly she replied.

“Oh, trust me,” he glared, “you will.”

People (Y/n) once considered family and friends had quietly surrounded them as they talked. And now were charging at her with the intent to harm. She managed to hold them off for a time, even incapacitated some after all the training she had done to become a demon slayer thus far, but between being outnumbered and her wounds still relatively fresh, she was beaten to the ground and held there at knifepoint barely able to breathe with the combined weight on top of her back.

“Start with the fingers.” Akira ordered cooly. “If she manages to hold out, we’ll move on to the toes. But before all of this is done we also have to take that tattoo back as well. Try to be as delicate as possible. I want to dry it out and hang it on my wall. My father always said it was one of his favorite works.”

“Stop!” (Y/n) squirmed beneath the weight, struggling to pry her wrist out of one of the many grabby hands. She closed her eyes and grit her teeth tightly, anticipating the first slice, but then she felt some of the weight get yanked away and her eyes shot open, craning her head back, she was surprised to see that the Calvary had arrived.

Inosuke cackled and crowed as he swiftly kicked outward like a hurricane, Kanao weaved behind thugs and struck them in their weak points, toppling them. Tanjirou delivered a few swift headbutts and even Zenitsu, though screaming, came through as well. Last but not least, Shinobu floated gracefully to the ground behind (Y/n), her smile too sharp and her eyes to dark to be considered kind. Her gaze was trained on Akira, challenging him.

“My home is filled with an array of trained fighters at all hours of the day, and our allies are many. You had best cut your loses and move on with your miserable life.”

Akira ground his teeth together and his eyes flickered all around him to see just how overpowered he was despite how small the opposing group was in comparison. He determined his clan was no match and called back his gang to retreat, but not before giving (Y/n) one last hateful glare.

While Inosuke cheered and cackled wildly around them, Shinobu dropped to the ground beside (Y/n) to check her over.

“Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Show me.”

“I’m alright, you guys got here just in time. How did you know where to find me?”

“I believe we had a date planned for today.” Shinobu reminded with just the tiniest hint of attitude. “I went to your room, saw the letter on the floor and rallied the troops. If something like this ever happens again, you better tell me instead of running off by yourself. We are stronger together.”

Now, Shinobu had a lot to say just then, but (Y/n) was still fixated on the first line. A date. She saw the outing to ask if she wanted to date as a date in and of itself!

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Shinobu asked, tilting (Y/n)’s head in her hands, “Are you concussed?”

“No! I mean, I don’t think I am, I just, you just—“

“Yes?” Shinobu coaxed with just a touch of impatience. If there was something wrong, she wanted to know about it as soon as possible.

“You-me-we-us— date?!”

Shinobu laughed, it was a little more unrestrained than her usual chuckles and it made (Y/n)’s heart palpitate.

“Yes, is that not what this outings was supposed to be?”

“Well,” she flustered, “technically no. It was supposed to be like a pre-date to ask if you would like to date… it sounds kinda silly when I say it out loud but—“

Shinobu then sighed and rested her forehead against (Y/n)’s. “I think it’s cute. But we can just start dating now. I think we’ve beaten around the bush for long enough.”

“Y-yeah? Okay.” A smile spread across (Y/n)’s face. “Awesome.”

Shinobu took (Y/n)’s hands in her own and placed a quick kiss on her cheek before helping her to her feet.

“Why are you stumbling around like you’re drunk?” Shinobu asked, finding it difficult to keep (Y/n) upright. “Perhaps I should check your pupils again.”

“No, no, I’m good! Great, even! A goddess just kissed my cheek!” (Y/n) beamed, hooking her arms around Shinobu’s shoulders.

“Don’t make me change my mind.” Shinobu warned, a light blush dusting her cheeks.

On the tail end of the sweetness of the moment, Inosuke butted between them to tell Shinobu how hungry he was despite Tanjirou, Kanao and Zenitsu’s best efforts to keep him back. Shinobu chuckled and nodded in understanding. They all marched back to the mansion and enjoyed a hearty breakfast together with the rest of the Butterfly girls, (Y/n) and Shinobu sitting hip to hip during the whole lively affair.

[ffarawaysworld]

Your eyes shot open when you heard the front door lock clicked, you're nervous. Who could it be? Its 3am, and it's raining too. You sigh in relieve when you saw Sanzu's head peeking through the bedroom door.

"Babe.. You asleep?", he whispered before slowly entering, in the dark of the room his eyes was searching for you.

"Awake..", you responded as you sat up, trying to get out of bed. But Sanzu was faster, he dropped his jacket at the door and charged towards you. Now you're laying on your back with him on top of you, trapping you in his embrace.

"Is everything okay?", you asked. He planted his face at the crook of your neck, inhaling the scent he missed the most while he's been away.

"Mhmm.. I just miss you a lot..", his voice was muffled it almost sounds like a random mumbles. Him not removing his mask was not helping at all. You hugged him back, an attempt to ease whatever that is bothering him. He didn't say anything about it, but you know him too well. Work was probably kicking his ass he's been home late if not home at all for a week or two lately.

"Haru, babe.. You hungry?",

"Kinda..",

"Kinda?? I mean I can make something real quick if you want..",

"Really? Will you?", he lifted his head up to look at your face. You can see the light in his eyes come to life.

"Why wouldn't I? But there's also rice and some side dishes from dinner too if you'd like something heavier..",

"That sounds even better.. I want that..",

"Alright, go take a shower while I set up the table". You both got up from the bed, taking different path; him to the bathroom and you to the kitchen.

Sanzu came out just in time. He took his seat beside you instead of in front of you like how he always did. His left hand holding yours, occasionally gently squeezing and bringing the back of your palm to his cheek while the other is used to hold the chopstick to feed himself.

And you just sit there; watching his every move, once or twice asking him is everything up to his liking, does it taste okay to him. He will say yes everytime, with a smile so genuine assuring you that your cooking is what he longs for each and every day.

After he's done, he helped you with the dishes because he knows how you don't like putting it off for later. You told him to just go on and rest but he won't listen, he insisted to help you wash them.

You both then went back to your room, snuggled to each other for warm and comfort on the bed as it gets colder. It is now 4:30am, and the sky was just pure black; no moon nor stars in sight. It was so quiet that its so calming. You both was looking out the window while laying down, holding each other. Your back to his chest, and him resting his chin on top of your head.

"I guess it's true..",

"Hm?", he hums in question.

"That night is the darkest just before the dawn..",

"It sure is," he paused as he makes you turn around to face him, not letting you go, still. And he continued, "But in this darkness, I have you. The light of my life, the one who gives me hopes to keep going, who shows me that life is worth living".

You smiled, kissing the scars on the corner of his lips. He was anticipating for your lips to touch his after but he was disappointed so he decided to take the matter in his own hands. He pulls you by your waist in an attempt to bring you closer if that's possible.

He pressed his lips on your forehead, "My love". Another one on your eyes, "My life". And another on the tip of your nose, "My heart". And lastly, his kiss landed on your lips, "My wife..".

You covered his mouth with your palm, "Embarrassing..", you whine as you feel your cheeks reddened.

"Aren't you adorable? We've been married for almost a year and you're still shy over this?", he teased.

It is indeed weird, because Sanzu is rarely like this. You can never expect when he's being lovey-dovey because it usually came out of nowhere. The only thing you're sure about is that he's like this when he's extremely tired, or drained. He'll become so clingy, spouting sweet nothings to you; it is the side of him that nobody gets to see and know except for you.

"I love you", you said, covering your face on his chest.

"What was that?",

"I love you..",

"I can't hear you..", he teased again, gaining a hit on his forearm. He giggled, "I love you more sweetheart..". You both continue talking about random things, most of it was just you talking about what's going around while he's away. And he just listen, like he always did while appreciating the view of his beautiful wife.

It didn't take you long to finally fall asleep in his arms. Those warm and comfort from him that you too, have been missing really helped a lot. Sanzu can't help but smile when he saw how calm you are in his embrace, he loves how you feel safe with him because as your husband, it is his duty to protect you.

He fall asleep not long after, with few plans on the back of his head about what to do for later when you both wake up. Spending time with you the whole day is his core plan; it doesn't matter if you're going out or staying home, all he wants is to be with you.

alright so this is something that i talked about with my bby @yooniverse-art on twt. something among the line of "someone you'd make a sandwich for at 3am" but i am here giving my baby haru a heavy meals at 3am. keeping it sfw *runs away* pls forgive me i was half asleep writing this

[thefreakydeaky]

Loving is Easy

Part Seventeen: Touch

Negan Smith x Reader

Rick Grimes x Reader

Summary: Life becomes complicated as you try to maintain relationships with two older men, your boss and an old family friend.

Warnings: Angst, smut

"Yes. I've been following your advice to a T. It just isn't working." Rick told her, frustration in his tone.

There was a long pause.

"I need someone whose ready to fill the role of being my wife and all that that entails."

Your eyes widened.

"You said she would want this. You were wrong."

You let go of the breath you hadn't realized you were holding and backed away from the door.

Maggie's attitude and odd behavior was beginning to make sense. She had made some kind of agreement to marry you off to Rick. You couldn't understand why she would do such a thing. What could she possibly get out of it?

And Rick. His territorial behavior, his jealousy, his declaring that he loved you. Was it all for show? He had an end game in mind all along. The betrayal and underhandedness of the entire thing aside, if you had known he was looking for marriage you never would have gotten involved with him in the first place.

Your eyes began to fill with tears as you made your way back to your office. You didn't even know who to go to with your heart ache. You couldn't go to your friends, because Maggie was one of them. You couldn't go to your mom and Simon because their views were old school.Fuck. What could you do?

You texted Negan asking if you could meet him at the bar after work.

He replied with a, Sure thing, Doll.

You knew he was far from neutral, but you felt so alone. You needed someone who was on your side. You needed to feel supported and understood.

•••••••••••

"I'll kick his ass."

You shook your head.

"That won't solve anything. He and Maggie still went behind my back regardless. Nothing can change what they've done."

You asked for another gin and tonic.

"This is some fucked up shit. How long have you known this girl?"

You sighed.

"Ten years."

He shook his head.

"What did you say to him?"

You took a sip of your drink.

"Nothing yet. I was too upset. I would have caused a scene and for now, it's still my place of employment."

"I am so sorry. This is a really shit situation they put you in."

You shrugged.

"I should be used to shitty things happening to me by now. The whole thing with Harlan, losing my job. I probably only got hired at GHN because Maggie sold him on marrying me. I have got the worst luck."

"Come on now, Babydoll. It ain't all bad. You've got your health, your smarts, your looks. You've got people that love you.You can get another job."

You struggled to accept that he was right for a second. You also had a place to stay in case Rick fired you before you could quit, you realized. Some people weren't so fortunate.

"I guess you're right." You polished off your drink and asked for another.

"What about your friend? You're gonna have to face her eventually."

You frowned.

"I don't even know what to say to her. I'm so fucking mad. I just don't know."

A drink later, you were making out with Negan in the back room. His hands were under your shirt kneeding and groping your tender breasts. Your hands on his chest felt his coarse dark hair and lean muscled body.

"Let's go back to my place and get you out of that skirt." He panted into your ear.

You didn't hesitate to take him up on it. You barely allowed his front door to close behind you when you started shedding your clothes as fast as you could. You didn't want to miss a second of being skin to skin with him. You got onto the bed, He followed.

Negan's hand splayed over your throat. He squeezed gently, his lips pressed kisses along the side of your face. His other arm curled around your side, holding you against him, your back to his chest. You could feel his hard dick against your ass.

"How do you want me?" His nose nuzzled your ear.

You turned your head and kissed him deeply, your tongue running along his.

"I want you in every way I can have you."

He laughed and it was such a full and beautiful sound.

"Saying a thing like that is dangerous, Babydoll."

You smirked at him and moved forward onto your hands and knees.

You felt him move into position behind you. His hands glided along your sides stopping at your hips. With his right hand he reached down and ran his fingers over your lips. When he reached your vagina he dipped his first finger and middle finger into you and found you weren't quite ready for him yet. His fingers caressed your labia, flirting with your clitoris in very light touches. He leaned down and pressed gentle kisses to your lower back.

Then he dipped his fingers into you again he withdrew them slowly. His minstrations were teasing and arousing at the same time. As your wetness increased so did the speed with which his fingers fucked you. Before you knew it you were clenching around his digits. His breathing had picked up just from hearing the sounds you made, from feeling you get so wet.

He took himself in his hand and aligned the head of his dick with your vagina. The slight stretch as he pressed forward into you was delicious. You made a little humming sound of pleasure. He moved his hips back slowly and then in toward you again. It felt good, but it wasn't what you wanted. You looked back over your shoulder and called his name.

"Negan, harder, please." You requested.

The way he looked at you. His gaze laden with veneration and desire, made you yearn to kiss him.  He adjusted his balance and then his hips snapped into you.

You moaned deeply.

Negan held onto your hips as he thrust into you then pulled out, increasing the pace. Your body bounced as you quaked from the force of his movements. Your harsh breathing and his was in your ears. The squelching sounds your body made as he fucked you turned you on even more.

You moaned his name. You began clenching around him, holding it for a few seconds, then unclenching. You repeated the act as he continued to give it to you rough and fast. It was all that you wanted. He was all that you wanted. His hands at your hips gripped you tightly almost enough to hurt. Your walls were so lusciously stimulated by the feeling of his long hard cock moving in and out of you.

Your fingers curled into the bed clothes as he went even faster. You felt it, your nerves reaching the end, all you needed was one final... You reached down and pinched your clitoris.

You cried out. Like a tidal wave, taking you away from the shore of your consciousness your orgasm came crashing down on you. Your very skin sang with overwhelming pleasure. Your world for the moment was all sensation, all fiery passionate sensation. You felt Negan go tense behind you, his hips stuttering as he came inside you. You went down onto the mattress together a second later. You held each other as you caught your breath. The rest of the night was full of heated kisses and frantic love making.

In the early morning hours your phone rang. You looked at the screen. Rick was calling you. You sent it to voicemail.

[classicsubliminalbo]

Fleur-de-lis 17: Finale

Originally published Jul 23, 2017 This series is being revised

The footage is grainy. The timestamp in the bottom right-hand corner shows 10/22/2004. A twenty-something Elena Maxwell sits center-screen, restrained to something like a dentist's chair, her wrists held down by straps. She doesn't struggle. Her head bobs up, down, side-to-side, eyes searching aimlessly for some understanding. Behind the camera a man's voice whispers, "Kazan, Elena. Session nine."

"Elena!" Another man calls, his voice booming, commanding. The inattentive woman tenses, rigidly turning her head to lock eyes with the man offscreen. An absent smile spreads across her face. "Yes, my love?" she asks.

"You've been disobedient recently," he replies sternly.

Elena frowns. "What have I done, my love?" "Who is Freddie Carmazzi?" "He's a photographer, my love."

The man scoffs. "Modeling, still? I thought we were finished with that nonsense." "But my dream..." "You don't have dreams!" The man snaps. "Not anymore. I'm offering you something better. A purpose. And that purpose is to be my wife."

Elena takes a deep breath, and for a second it looks like she could disobey the man. "Yes, my love. It is my purpose to be your wife."

"It's sticking," the other man says quietly. "A few more sessions and she won't be able to break from the conditioning anymore."

The man with the booming voice steps into the camera's view now. He's George Maxwell, the kind of billionaire you've never heard of but probably owns the paper you read. The man behind the camera is Dorian Hawthorne, his old friend. They've been perfecting this process for years. Maxwell, still dressed well for an old man, takes his time walking to Elena's side. She watches him with rapt fascination. Her body shudders as he takes her chin in his hand. She looks up at him like he is a god.

"Remember what you are," he says. "Remember..." she mumbles. "Good pet." He whispers. She repeats him, "I am a good pet."

- - - By the time Michael Ramsey met with Gisele Bunchen, Miranda's spirit had been broken. She'd been put through Maxwell's conditioning sessions so many times that she found herself doing the things Elena asked without hesitation--even when she felt the control weakening. The spirit inside of Miranda that had driven her to break the conditioning dozens of times was weakening, and she was genuinely beginning to accept that this was her life. She sat quietly during the dinner, obeying her orders as Michael delivered them.

"What's her problem?" Gisele asked. "I am a mindless slave," Miranda said after Michael had given her permission to speak. "I must obey my orders." She knew it was wrong, but it felt like the truth. There was nothing she could do but listen.

Her mind was still fuzzy. Michael and Gisele's conversation came to Miranda in fragments.

...dorian hawthorne...mind control...george didn't trust elena...elena would be educated...george kept tapes...

And that was when Miranda woke up. At first the words echoed in her head, "George kept tapes...George kept tapes..." They were standing up now, Miranda was following Michael out of the restaurant. What had they talked about over that meal? Why couldn't she get that word out of her head? Tapes. Why was it so important?

They returned to Elena's penthouse where Michael dropped Miranda off. Elena inspected her and asked Michael, "Everything went well?" "She'll make an offer within week," he said with an accomplished smile. "And how did you do?" Elena playfully asked Miranda.

Miranda knew that if she wasn't convincing, Elena would put her through another round of conditioning. "I did as Michael told me, Goddess," Miranda tried her best to sound as robotic as possible.

Elena narrowed her eyes in a moment of suspicion, and then she said, "I don't like you being out for so long. Let's get you back in the conditioning room."

The conditioning room was what Elena called her walk-in closet. A makeshift brainwashing booth like the ones she'd used at the Fleur-de-lis Fashion Show to keep her models docile. The setup looked crude--a small television mounted to the back wall of the closet with a chair placed directly in front of it, but it got the job done. Miranda was the only slave that she had in the penthouse regularly and it was becoming a hassle sending her to the Fleur-de-lis office every time she needed a reconditioning.

Miranda didn't protest when Elena ordered her to the bedroom. She continued to obey her orders when she sat down in the chair and Elena slipped the headphones. The closet doors closed behind her, and for a moment Miranda was surrounded by darkness. And then the television turned on. Images and sounds designed to reinforce her brainwashing assaulted her mind. The light from the television was so powerful, so alluring that she couldn't close her eyes. She began to slip away.

tapes

The word pulled her back. The program continued, but between the subliminals pounding in her ears, she focused on her own word: pleasure, purpose, tapes. obedience, duty, tapes. submission, tapes, tapes. tapes, tapes, tapes.

Miranda blinked, and suddenly the program was over. The television was black, the headphones silent, and the closet shrouded in darkness. Slowly she pulled the headphones off of her ears, and she took a deep breath. Hours had passed. Elena was deep in an Ambien dream, but Miranda still tiptoed around her bed. She stepped out onto the balcony just to see the Los Angeles skyline. Miranda hadn't seen the world this clearly in a year. But she didn't have time to enjoy it. That word was still ringing in her ear, and while she hadn't pieced together its meaning in the conversation, at least she knew that it was something.

Elena's hubris was not locking her computer. Miranda tapped the mouse at the desk, the desktop lit up, and she began her search for the tapes. Whatever they were, she had a hunch that they'd be backed up somewhere. The "videos" folder was a dead end, as well as "Fleur-de-lis," but then she saw "George's Documents," and the synapses in her brain began firing.

...george didn't trust elena...

Miranda opened the folder, which took her down a new path. George's Documents > Valverde Research > Elena Sessions

Dozens of videos sat in the folder titled "Elena Sessions." She double clicked on "10/22/04" and a young, entranced Elena greeted her on the screen. A man's voice behind the camera said, "Kazan, Elena. Session nine."

- - - "Thank you, Goddess!" Gisele moaned. "Thank you for freeing my mind!"

Miranda watched with a sober smile as Elena Maxwell straddled her greatest conquest on the bed. She'd been in Gisele's position so many times that she even felt herself craving it a little. Obeying Goddess Maxwell was an indescribable kind of satisfaction that she knew she could never feel in a regular relationship. Miranda sidled in behind Goddess Maxwell, pressing her soft breasts against the woman's back.

Elena giggled and ordered Miranda, "Tell me how it feels." "Intoxicating," Miranda whispered. "I love being a good pet."

Elena hadn't heard her trigger whispered in years, but she collapsed on the bed as limp and mindless as the first time she'd left a session on Hawthorne's island. George Maxwell had programmed her to be the perfect wife, and that programming still ran deep.

"Goddess?" Gisele whimpered. "There is no goddess," Miranda growled.

A few months later, a guest arrived at the Maxwell penthouse. She was the young daughter of an old friend, Adeline Hawthorne, the heir to Dorian Hawthorne's fortune. Gisele had finalized her purchase of Fleur-de-lis and had begun folding it into her own lingerie company. Most of the Fleur-de-lis models had been released from their contracts, and Elena Maxwell was looking for a sunny place to settle down and spend her retirement. She greeted Adeline at the door, naked, eyes as blank as the models in her catalogs. "Please, come in," she said. "My Mistress is waiting for you." She led Adeline out onto the balcony where Miranda sat at a small table, her legs crossed and her smile proud. Elena took her spot next to her Mistress.

"Put a tea on, Elena," Miranda ordered. "Yes, Mistress," Elena droned, and disappeared through the sliding doors.

Adeline took her seat across from Miranda. "Quite impressive what you've done with her," she mused. "Thank you," Miranda replied. "How much is she worth to you?"

Adeline laughed. "I wasn't a part of my father's business. I knew about the things he did on his island but he never included me on those matters. George, on the other hand, seems to have left a protégé," she eyed the direction Elena had marched off in. "I have all of my father's equipment, but Elena Maxwell has all of my father's secrets. And that information is invaluable to me. You're not going to sell Elena to me, Miranda, because you don't need the money and I know what she's put you through."

"So I'm just going to give her to you?" Miranda asked. "The only thing you want," Adeline said. "Is for Elena Maxwell to never have another free thought. And that's what I'm willing to give you."

Miranda smiled.

"I'll pay the cost of shipping, of course." Adeline added. Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Shipping?" "To my father's island, of course! I inherited it in the will. It's a little spooky now, in the state he left it, but I've made plans to rennovate. Maybe turn it into a gallery of sorts." "And what will you do with Elena there?"

Adeline's own smile shifted into sordid grin. "She'll be my first display."

[beevean]

One of the problems w nocturne is that now they cant even adapt SotN (the alucard part of it i mean, lol and lmao for Richter n Maria) properly, bc there's no cycle of resurrection nor the same Alucard-Dracula family confict

In the games SotN is Alu being forced to awaken and confront his lineage alone! It's him trading words w his dad and facing him directly

Meanwhile in nfcv: N!Alucard is biased towards his vampire legacy, he is the one to handle the fight and deal the finishing blow to N!Dracula (and stealing what should have been Trey's moment bc useless belmonts amiright) and later when his dad and mom are revived they just. Dont tell him shit and fuck off alone. And he didnt even sleep he just went around killing vampires.

What im trying to say is that the pivotal moments and circumstances that lead to SotN are gone in nfcv. Like why should i care that Alu fights some rando vamp leader? Even if its Drac somehow, this is the Drac that went to live away w his wife and completely forgot abt him and that Alu could have visited at anytime. They already threw SotN elements into the story without regards for the timeline

Meanwhile SotN Alu is grappling w being in the future, with his friends dead, completely convinced that his dad doesnt loves him while Drac is desperate to keep his dear son with him even if he has to cleave his human side with his bare hands. Its a vry tense and raw family relationship that they cant recreate now

It's what I said here: the lore changes in NFCV completely destroyed any chance of the showverse having anything remotely similar to the gameverse. It's such a divergent AU that it became its own thing.

As of now, Nocturne has yet to answer its biggest unanswered question: what did Dracula do in the past three centuries? He ignored his son, probably spent some decades travelling and having kinky sex with Lisa, and then he saw her die of natural causes. What then? His castle has become Alucard's home. Did he... find himself another castle? Did he revert to the hermit he was pre-S1? Did he become a nomad?? Annette doesn't know about him, so I suppose he lived in obscurity. He wasn't even interested in Sun Thundercat's plan, no one mentioned him, he didn't peek to see what the hell was going on in France like Olrox did! Where the hell is he???

And speaking of! We know that Aluc, instead of sealing himself away, stayed around and fought vampires (which means good jorb to you too for killing vampires for centuries and having them still becoming the ruling class), and possibly witnessed the death of his "friends". Now that I think about it, didn't the OG show end with Trevor, Sypha, Alucard and Greta all living together in the new village? I would assume Alucard became something of an honorary uncle to the Trepha kid. But now Richter doesn't know who he is? Did he peace out when Trevor and Sypha died, leaving the Belmont bloodline be?

Anyway, yeah, it is literally impossible to even attempt to recreate the SoTN story. We lack the entirety of the context, we lack the main villain, we lack Richter's and Alucard's intertwined legacy. Which is what makes me think that they won't even try. After all, this supposed adaptation of RoB has more in common with fucking Bloodlines of all games, plus the superfluous backdrop of the French Revolution. They shattered the lore so thoroughly that now they're basically forced to write an AU fanfiction, something on the same level as a high school AU of old.

Remove the whip, and you would never tell Nocturne is supposed to be tied to the Castlevania franchise - hell to the original cartoon.

[yonak-a]

THE TALE OF TWO MECHANICAL BROTHERS (CHP. 3)

Upon coming back downstairs, Fixerr was holding something rather shiny in his hands it was almost as big as he was. The little skeleton was so excited to show his father his new trombone that he and wrecker made from scratch; alongside the many ways it could modified! Wrecker could see the excitement, in his brother's eyes as he took out his own little instrument... a simple cowbell. The two brothers decided to put on a show for their dear old father, Fixerr was surprisingly really good at playing on the new instrument almost as if he had been receiving lessons in secret or possibly practicing on his own time whenever their father was at work. Their father just smiled as he watched their little performance with a big mechanical grin on his face, their mother watching as well just as big of a grin... "Astral, you are truly a wonderful father to our boys. I just wish you didn't work so many long hours as you do." The mother would say, as she gently shook her head in amusement as Astral turned his head to his wife, with a soft smile but also a guilty look in his eyes. He wants to be there for his family more often, but his position as the royal scientist unfortunately prevents a lot of family time, so he truly does cherish any moments he can with them, no matter how brief the interaction, or how small the accomplishments. "You are a wonderful mother, and an even greater wife for putting up with the boys on your own as long as you have due to my work... my dear, beloved Lucile. I truly don't deserve you or your patience." Astral would say in a half joking, half not joking tone. He truly was one lucky husband to have a wife who understands what his job means, and why he can't always be there for them even the time calls for it most. But, alongside the fact that she understands that no matter what he will always have time to try and be dad when he can. The two brothers soon wrapped up their performance as both the parents clapped and cheered them on for such a wonderful show they were presented with. Wrecker decided to finally speak up however with a rather precarious question, "Dad... When do you plan on leaving again for that core project the king has you working on now...?" The room fell silent, as the older of the two brothers brings up something not even the wife knew of at the time. "Core project?" Lucile butted in, asking with a rather confused complexion plastered over her face. Fixerr stared in worry at all three of them, "Dad is leaving for even longer on a new task... again?" the younger brother asked, his voice shaking, as if he was worried, he would never get to see his dad again as he clung to Astral's leg begging him to not do the project. "Please dad! Stay home! Go back to your old job!" The child cried out to his father, as the other two just stared waiting for an answer from him.

Finally, Astral decided to break the ice-cold silence as he began to explain, "There is a chance I won't be coming home anymore due to a king's demands that we install a whole new core system due to major overheating issues from being right next to the forge... and he needs us to be working even more overtime to ensure it doesn't explode." The father explained with a heavy heart.

[wraith-of-christmas-future]

The Conversion and Evolution of Christmasland :

The birth year of Christmasland and The Wraith equate the same. 1938 was the year Charles Talent Manx the III and family had died. Once he brought the car home his fate had been sealed. Tied to her as if invisible chains locked onto his very soul. Inevitable lifeline that would eventually blur inward and template as his shadow. The only way in and out of Christmasland.

This is purely book influenced , among others ; ( Peter Pan, Pied Piper , Christmas Carol etc )tethered to various headcanons solely of my own creation.

This excludes the show's capability of Victoria McQueen being able to enter Christmasland. Without the Wraith guiding her, she will never enter it's gates through the rock face or her bridge. The farthest she would obtain would be out hundreds of miles away from the park onto St. Nick Parkway ; which harbors immense danger when concerning it's flora and fauna. Another safety precaution that is heavily mixed with my own headcanons and Dark Carousel influences.

But we won't get into the Wraith just yet, let us dabble into the mystery which envelopes Christmasland as a whole in both book and show. Even though one should note that she is the instrument of Christmasland. So she will be mentioned throughout.

I.

My version of Christmasland is a blending of them both. The show aspect that it had been Charlie who thought of it since the beginning, this I intend to keep. With the help of his two children, who only one had made it into the show. In the book there are two with the Manx bloodline. Two precious , beautiful, little girls. Millicent Manx that most of you know, and Lorrie Manx. I intend to suggest he has/had both, depending on verses. Lorrie may have perished to illness at an early age, or have died due to some other cause. Unless someone becomes interested in taking her up..she will remain as a deceased character in multiple verses. Lorrie will not be forgotten on this blog.

At that time, Christmasland was just that. Stories to tell to his daughters. Imaginary , untouchable. Like an itch one just couldn't quite scratch. Having forgotten how to tap into the unseen. Or questioning if he had at all back in his youth. The memory more tattered than reserved. ( As if Peter Pan had forgotten how to fly. )

If not haunted by phantom images of this burnt sky harrowing over abdominal snowmen ( no, not yetis.. actual snowmen )with eyes of furious infliction, protecting a boy already broken. That boy being Charles. Bits and pieces of a memory equivocal, but always present in their fragmented reels. Christmasland would gradually be built onto these same reels, if not subconsciously when fantasizing over his children being allowed to just be children. To have joy and laughter. Which wasn't capable in their current reality during the Great Depression. His very own children had to be put to work in a field on a farm he loathed more than anything. It was a life that could have made anyone empty on the inside. An emptiness that still ached.

Which is why Trauma House becomes erected out amid the outskirts of the park. A name given by loving fans, that we all kind of ran with. Due to the park being built onto reels already tainted, it slipped into creation. Mostly show influenced. It harbors his worst sets of trauma within those walls. That we'll gradually lay out in the future.

II. That does not mean he hadn't been tricked by Nicholas ( Nick ) LeMarc over a real life Christmasland. No, the stories this LeMarc spewed enticed him out of his mortgage because his words had been so enthralling due to his own stories that suddenly morphed now into possibility by another man's praise. A chance for his children to be children again. He leapt at the possibility to see those little faces light up again with joy. Strictly book influenced. Yet it had been when Charlie started to speculate he had been taken for a fool by this LeMarc, or how his wife mocked him over it harshly. Nagging him a worthless fool. It was here that he and Wraith both began to merge into each other's prowess. Triggered by the familiar turmoil which rippled the veil wide open. The scorn that ragged endless , the rift between him and the backseat pooled from whatever abyssal state of mind that cried for relief from her devastating persecution. Denying her ever the chance of laying her hands on him.

Fueled by his own pain, as well as the pain of his children -- you see, she never liked that car -- because such, she was the first to be denied. The first to die and never to rise. Blood spilt onto the back seat as two growing girls needed to eat, and all they had was the spoiled flesh of their ungrateful mother. She never believed in Christmasland you see, or him for that matter. So her life was spent.

Three tokens in exchange of making their dreams come true. Thoughts spilling out into reality as Wraith tore through the false gates to the lights just over the horizon. Where both little girls now fully turned , knew the truth was but a few miles more down the road. Encouraging their now turned, younger father to seek the second star to the right and straight on til' morning. This is highly book influenced.

The sky of this inscape changes on whim of moods spun. Purely book influenced. Dark and gloomy ? Red , like ice spawned fire. Or the vibrant serenity of the Northern lights being paraded around in the false sky harboring a moon mimicking his very own face plastered across the surface. Christmasland in show was portrayed as a rather dark but somewhat gloomy place, but not nearly as dark as it had been in the books. My draw on Christmasland is definitely more book oriented. The children are much more violent, with etches of adult like thoughts and corruption pivoting knowledge out onto how they may or may not skin their prey alive to devour later. The animals depicted among them are much more of a macabre threat, especially in park but also presentable out on the St. Nick Parkway. Ferocious monsters of wildest fantasy. Nothing is off limits.

The maze is more than just ice walls and dead end games. With booby traps that could strip your flesh from bones, walls that morphed into faceless mouths that carried a canvas of teeth. Snow covered ground that caved into an endless maw of serpent tongues with razor teeth at every contour. The rides and carney games even have possessive states of mind that mimic the Wraith, and just as violently cruel. Inanimate objects could suddenly animate, from toys to clothing. Devious forms of violence and torture. An endless amount of possibility that was untouched in show.

Outside of Christmasland these things could be killed within the right application, or evaporate into static. Inside Christmasland, they would just regenerate or respawn all together. Manx , and his very special biological children on the other hand, held much more sway over death. It would not be uncommon for them to come back .. one way or the other. Book influenced with added headcanons.

More to come |

[willinglyghoulified]

Book 7: An Early Teaser

Like, extremely early because it won't be done this year. I fell in love with this piece, and literally no one asked for it, but I'm posting it here anyway because I've been thinking about it all freaking day, so you're welcome.

And here's some delicious audio to pair nicely with it because I love you fuckers. ♥

(Hancock is narrator here.)

It had been four fucking hours. I paced for so long in the hallway, you'd think I woulda walked a trench into the floor.

I stopped one of the doctors that finally appeared in the desolate hallway. "Hey, do you know how long my wife is gonna be in recovery?"

He sighed sharply and showed me the name on his clipboard. "Is this her name?"

It read, "Tracy Sutterfield."

"No, no, that's not her."

"All right, then you'll have to wait until your wife's assigned doctor checks on her."

"That's just it -- the doc assigned to her hasn't come back yet. He disappeared with her through this door and they've been in there for hours."

"Yes, well, the process could take... Wait... Was she the rarity?"

"Yeah, the glowing one."

His eyes darkened and he clammed up real quick. "I'm sorry, but I cannot discuss it with you further. You'll have to wait on her assigned doctor." He rushed into a room down the hall.

I squinted at him as he disappeared. That was offsetting.

Finally, Dr. Rivera emerged from Gwen's room, clipboard in hand. His face was solemn but calm. He spoke softly.

"John, your wife did not survive the process."

It was like suddenly being yanked by the ankles into the deepest, darkest abyss while the weight of a million rocks pressed down on me.

"Wh-What? How? ... Why? What did you do to her?" I didn't recognize the meek voice that came outta me.

"We administered the chemical to reduce the glowing, and, in layman's terms, her body fought into exhaustion. Her nervous system and immune system were affected beyond repair. We did everything we could."

I leaned against the wall for support. "This can't be happening... She was perfectly healthy before she went in..."

"'Perfectly healthy' is a stretch, but, again, it's like we discussed before. Yes, underlying medical conditions can cause the procedure to fail invariably, but everyone reacts differently to the chemical."

I was tunnel-focused on the doctor's face. "Wh-Where is she? I need to... see for myself..."

"I'm afraid that's not possible. We've already taken her to the cremation center."

"You what?!"

"The chemical is dangerous and must be kept in a contained space. A decomposing body with the chemical inside could release a gas that is hazardous to all who stand within a ten foot radius --"

I grabbed the doctor by the collar. "If you value your life, you'll keep my wife out of your goddamn incinerator."

"S-Stop! Unhand me!"

"Or what? I got nothin' left to live for."

He quickly took a small remote out of his pocket and pressed a button. Yellow caution lights appeared overhead and an automated voice sounded through the speakers.

"Feral alert in operation chamber. Feral alert in operation chamber."

I slammed the doctor up against the wall. "Turn it off, now, or I'll kill you, you son of a bitch."

With wide eyes, he tossed the remote to the side. The doctor's body trembled against my hands with fear, even in his act of rebelliousness. Other doctors were coming out of the operation rooms and scanned the hallway.

I let go of the doctor and made a leap for the remote on the floor. I grabbed it and shoved it in my pocket while pursued by the eggheads and two security guards with those fucking control poles in hand. I had to find a place to lay low before the whole damn facility was after me.

I didn't believe that Gwen was dead. I couldn't. I wouldn't.

I turned the corner and continued my mad dash down the hall, and someone shouted at me. "Hey, wait!"

I looked over my shoulder and there was a ghoul poking their head out from behind a loose metal panel on the wall.

"Over here!" she shouted.

I turned on my heel and slipped behind the panel quickly.

She placed the panel back on the wall. She was quick and quiet, and the panel fit perfectly in place on her first try. She had done this before -- who knew how many times. She grabbed me by the sleeve and dragged me with her between the metal casing of the walls.

It was a tight fit. Pipes and wires were connected to the walls, and it was hard to get past them without turnin' your body in all manner of shapes.

After a few minutes of traveling between the walls, she removed another metal panel where she confidently stepped into a room without looking both ways. So I stepped into the room behind her, assumin' there was no danger.

Maybe there wasn't any danger, but what I saw in the room was enough to make my stomach turn.

Ghouls of all shapes and sizes sat in the room with makeshift beds lying across the floor and on top of the desks and tables. The floor was covered in boxes, wrappers, and other bits of garbage. There were buckets of shit and piss in the far corner, and everyone reeked of body odor.

Some of these ghouls were horribly misshapen -- a noticeably crooked spine or an extra, useless arm -- or had other abnormalities such as a missing eye or deep incision scars. Most of them wore hospital gowns.

The ghoul that led me to this band of misfits said, "I know where your wife is."

My Wattpad

[tojisrealwifey]

Crybaby — f. toji (pt. 3)

ˋ°•*⁀➷ Synopsis: When you realize your husband might still be hung up on his ex-wife.

・❥・requests : rules

・❥・characters: fushiguro toji.

warnings: themes of a possible divorce, sad gumi, angst.

・❥・wc: 1.8k

・❥・masterlist

・❥・crybaby masterlist

"And I still think you shouldn't. Let's get divorced."

Megumi had taken an immediate ride home when his Uncle Satoru slipped up and revealed his parents' situation.

The ground had been ripped from beneath his feet when he heard about their divorce. The news left him in disbelief, he was practically reeling from shock when he first heard it. 

He would have never imagined that his parents' relationship would come to such a drastic end. His parents, the most loving people he knew and probably will ever know, were getting a divorce.

His leg was shaking the entire train ride, anxiety flying through the roof. He had given his father one phone call informing him of his return, only giving you a text in contrast. 

He only did so knowing his father rarely ever checked his messages. And now knowing the situation, he doubted the two of you were in talking terms.

That wouldn't happen though, right? 

His parents won't outright stop speaking to one another, they still had him, so they can't. Right?

A deep sense of sadness washed over him as he realized the impact the divorce would have on his family. He couldn't bear the thought of his parents parting ways.

He had never seen the two of you ever show dislike towards each other. There was no animosity, only love. Then how come this was happening?

Was he the reason the two of you still stuck together? Because the moment he left for college he was struck with the knowledge of your divorce. Guilt gnawed at his heart, the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders.

Should he have not left in the first place? The question lingered, a bitter reminder of the changes that had unfolded.

Did his absence somehow put a strain on your relationship? 

He was scared for many reasons, but the most important one was custody. Still under the age of 18, he was an important part of their divorce, meaning having to decide who could legally take care of him.

There was a low chance that you would get custody, and at this point, he doubted you would fight for it.

You're already away from him due to college, but this would mean you'll truly be apart. Whenever he came home, you probably wouldn't be there.

If you were, you would be visiting the house, not living there.

As the train neared his destination, Megumi's thoughts were a whirlpool of emotions and unanswered questions. Returning home felt like traveling into the unknown, a path filled with pain and sorrow.

When Megumi arrives at the train station, his father is there to meet him, offering a lift in the family car. Megumi places his luggage in the car trunk and then takes a seat in the back. 

Toji glances at him through the rearview mirror and makes a usual taunt. 

"I'm not your fuckin' chauffeur. Get in the front" Toji says casually. Megumi rolls his eyes subtly before complying with his father's request.

As they drive home, the atmosphere inside the car feels tense. Megumi steals a few glances at his father, noticing the lines of worry etched on Toji's face. 

He wants to ask about the divorce, about why his precious Ma is leaving them, but the words get stuck in his throat, suffocated by the weight of unspoken truths.

Toji clears his throat, breaking the heavy silence in the air. 

"How's college been, kid?"

Megumi shifts uncomfortably in his seat, torn between the facade of normalcy and the conflict brewing inside him. 

"Okay."

Toji nods, but there's a distant look in his eyes, as if his mind is elsewhere. The car ride continues in a sad quiet, each passing mile a reminder of the growing distance between the family members.

As they pull up in front of their home, Megumi hesitates before getting out of the car. He turns to his father, searching for answers in the depths of Toji's gaze.

"Dad, can we talk?" Megumi's voice wavers, unsure if he's ready to confront the painful truths lurking beneath the surface.

Toji locks eyes with his son, his gaze conveying a blend of acceptance and yearning, reflected in his eyes.

"Not now, kid. We'll talk, but not now."

With a heavy heart, Megumi steps out of the car, the weight of the situation lingering in the air like a silent plea for understanding.

The moment he faces the house, he's met with you at the gate.

Look at you...smiling as if nothing's wrong.

"'Gumi!" You run up to him, engulfing your dear son in your arms. He can't resist, and your embrace almost makes him falter.

With no words being said, he wraps his arms around you, returning your affection.

"Your bags." Toji comes up behind the two of you, passing Megumi his luggage when he separates from you.

"Could you bring these from the store, Toji? We're a bit short." You ask softly, handing him a small piece of paper. Toji nods, his fingers lingering against yours when he takes the list from you.

"Your father and I are making Chicken and Egg Rice bowls with extra ginger! Just how you like it!" You're enthusiastic as you relay today's lunch menu, leading him into the house. 

"I'll help."

"Nonsense! You just came back home. Go take a nap if you want to." You reach up to pat his head sweetly.

Do you really think he can sleep in this situation?

"I slept on the train, so..." He lies. You chuckle, obviously believing him.

Except you didn't believe him, not when the bags under his eyes were apparent to you. But if this helps to keep the atmosphere lively, so be it.

You'll pretend for a while longer.

Due to his sudden visit, you had an inkling of his knowledge about the possible divorce

Satoru probably opened his big mouth.

"So, let me get this right," Satoru started, leaning back in his chair with a playful glint in his eyes.

His demeanor was a mix of casual confidence and genuine concern, especially when it came to you and Megumi.

You were seated across from him and couldn't help but smile at Satoru's familiar mannerisms. 

"Go ahead, Uncle Satoru. Shoot." You match his behaviour, trying to lighten your mood. He notices this by the small stress in your tone when you say 'uncle', taking a play at the way Megumi addressed him.

Satoru chuckled, tapping his fingers on the table.

"You're telling me that you and Toji are on the brink of divorce? The perfect couple, the envy of every relationship out there?" Your smile fades slightly, replaced by a hint of sadness.

"It's complicated, Satoru. There's been a lot of self-doubt and insecurity on my part, and Toji feels like it's better if we part ways."

Satoru raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of curiosity.

"And Megumi? How's he taking all of this? He still at college?"

A flicker of concern crossed your face. 

"He doesn't know yet. We've been trying to shield him from the tension, but I don't know how long we can keep it up. He's quite sharp."

Satoru leaned forward, his tone serious yet comforting. 

"You know I'm here for both of you, right? Whatever you need, just say the word."

You managed to grace a grateful smile, touched by Satoru's unwavering support. 

"Thank you, 'Toru. It means a lot, especially now."

What you hadn't remembered about Satoru at this moment was his meddlesome persona. So you didn't notice as his mind was plotting a way to take this problem into his own hands.

You sigh, suspecting that Satoru let it slip, and not by chance either. 

"So? What's with the sudden visit, 'Gumi? It's not even been two weeks."

"Can't I visit my home?" Megumi answers back with a question, eyes not leaving the potato in his hand, running the peeler across it.

PEEL

"It's nothing like that. I mean, I know I said you can skip a few lectures..."

PEEL

"...but isn't this going overboard?"

PEEL

"Well, it's not like I can be mad about it..."

PEEL

"...I missed you dearly, my baby." You smile sweetly, hugging him from behind, arms circling his stomach.

PEEL

"'Gumi?" You question when Megumi doesn't respond.

PEEL

"Hon?" You pull back, genuinely concerned.

PEEL

"'Gumi? Is something the matter-"

"You're leaving us, aren't you?" Megumi's hands cease to move.

Your heart sank as Megumi's abrupt question hung in the air. You hadn't expected him to bring up such a heavy topic during what seemed like a simple moment in the kitchen, but you should've known better.

Taking a step back, you let out a sigh, gaze soft yet filled with concern. 

"So you found out...Was it Satoru, or your father?"

Megumi's hands remained still, the peeler forgotten amidst the weight of his words. 

"Does it matter?"

Your heart clenched. Silence settled between the two of you, punctuated only by the sound of the peeler dropping onto the kitchen counter. 

Megumi's eyes were now fixed on you, searching for reassurance amidst the turmoil of emotions.

As he turned to face you completely, you took a careful step back, creating a comfortable distance between the two of you.

"Listen, Megumi. Your father and I are going through a tough time, but we haven't made any decisions yet. We're still figuring things out." You say, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Megumi's shoulders tensed as your fingers made contact, the muscles beneath his skin stiffened with subtle resistance. 

His eyes revealed a mix of sorrow and uncertainty as he came to terms with emotions too complex to fully understand.

"But... are you going to leave?" You shook your head gently at his question.

"I don't know, Megumi. It's complicated, and I wish I had all the answers for you."

"Do you not...love Dad anymore? Or me?" He asks the question that has been torturing his mind. You reel back in shock, eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Of course, I do! It's just sometimes...I feel like a stranger in my own family." You spoke earnestly, wiping the tears before they seeped down your cheeks

"But you're my Ma..."

You broke down because of the silent cry in his words, the weight of the situation pressing down on you.

"I'm sorry, hon. But I know that your father's heart will always be set on Rei."

"That's not fair...!" The sudden spike in his volume stunned you momentarily. There was a lot Megumi took after Toji, his ability to remain calm being one of them, but being pushed into such a situation can be enough to break someone.

"Why are you blaming Dad?" He's looking at you, and you can see the truth behind his visage. 

He was blaming you.

Of course, You are the one to blame here, but it still hurts.

"He's always seen you as my mother, from the day I called you 'mom'. He loves you Ma..." He says, voice growing softer with every word.

"I know that, 'Gumi—"

"Didn't you love someone once before you met Dad? But now you only love Dad. How is that any different from his side."

Megumi was trying hard to reason with you. If only things were that simple.

"I'm sorry, Megumi. But there are complexities... things you're not aware of." 

"Tell me! Maybe I can help!"

"No. It's something only I can fix. But, my heart just isn't ready for it."

A moment passed, sadness tainted your face as tears welled up in Megumi's eyes, and he turned away slightly to hide his emotions. 

"I don't want things to change. I don't want us to be apart."

A sob follows after, moving closer to wrap your arms around him, holding him close. 

"I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry."

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[poetzproblem]

Hi Poetz, I was wondering once DB Rachel Career get going does she ever get the chance to do adaption of shakespear play 12th night? I imagine her being a wonderful Olivia! Maybe in a play musical type of adaption? Also who would you cast as her Viola? I was watching a adaption of much ado about nothing and just couldn't help but wonder! I imagine Quinn being a Lil jealous of whoever it is. Lol

Funny that you should ask about Twelfth Night, or What You Will.  For quite some time, this has been one of the two pieces of source material that I’ve been considering for the new original musical that Rachel will sign on to do after Celeste is born. The fact that Rachel will be going back to the stage as her first post-pregnancy project has already been hinted at in I’d Search the Moons of Endor.

Raising two kids is its own unique kind of stress; a fact that Quinn has firsthand experience with now. She's not sure she could manage it as smoothly if Rachel had gone back to work after a couple of months instead of staying home with her and their girls nearly full time for the last year—though more than one production has tried to woo her back to a stage or a set already. She's starting to get antsy though, enough that Quinn won't be surprised if the next workshop invitation that falls into her wife's line of sight convinces her to finally end her maternity leave.

The other possibility would be a musical adaptation of Imagine Me & You where she would, ironically, play Rachel, in a role very similar to her real life, considering she almost married Finn once upon a time. In either case, the role will be very gay, which is exactly what gets Rachel excited about it - the chance to play an LGBTQ character and put some good representation on stage. 

And you are correct. Rachel would be Olivia if it ends up being Twelfth Night that I pick - though the show would probably run only with the second half of the title, What You Will, because it would be a modern adaptation set to music. Think She’s the Man but without the soccer. I’ve envisioned it being much gayer than the original, in that Sebastian would probably be trans, possibly with a more tragic backstory. I haven’t really settled on why Viola would be taking on his identity - maybe to get revenge on the person she thinks is responsible for his death.  But she’d be bisexual, so her attraction to Olivia is as real as her attraction to Duke. Olivia would still think she’s hot for a dude and so would Duke, and they both have a big gay-panic awakening by the end. I also like the idea that Viola actually ends up with Olivia, because let’s face it, didn’t we all want that to happen in She’s the Man?

As for Quinn, she’s mostly proud that Rachel is playing the role and getting good reviews, but yeah, she’s never super thrilled to see her wife kissing other people. She might find it just a little more uncomfortable when Rachel is kissing other women. I mean, Rachel kissed a lot of guys before dating Quinn, so she was kind of used to seeing that, but Rachel never kissed another girl before. 

Do we think that would be better or worse if her co-star ends up being her friend, Jessica Foster?

[awarmbowlofhomemadesoup]

I recently had been reading Stuck in the Middle with You and I got to say I love it. And the fact that you have Pif not welcoming DBK back in her good graces is *Chef’s kiss* and I can see why not only did he cheated on her with Jade-face but he left that spoiled princess to die like a coward. Good to know that Jade-face is facing her punishment and that nothing could save her in the end, not even her own father could save her from the consequences of her actions.

I just wanted to know what would happen back then if Wukong offered Pif and automatic extension to RedSon (when he gets released from Guanyin custody) sanctuary on FFM since he’s technically family and with The Great Sage Equal To Heaven backing up and supporting with the added help from SpiderQueen as pifs sworn sister later on would things be different in other support systems.

Since Sun Wukong in the JTTW got everyone in heaven to beat DBKs ass, that resulted by having a kingdom wiped out like after hearing that I would have sworn my allegiance to those three. I know that Pifs parents enjoyed the beat down that they gave DBK since they let her get married to him and then disowned her so that she could be with the love of her life, in a way he’s spitting on them both and what little good graces they had left.

Hello, Anon.

I would like to say thank you first for your ask.

To answer your question, if the scene in JTTW everyone-beats-down DBK would result in their kingdom getting wiped out, PIF would be forced to swear allegiance, but I don't think she'd take Wukong's offer to have a sanctuary in FFM willingly. Her grudges may make it hard for her to accept it because:

Wukong has direct involvement in Red Son's abduction as Red Boy.

Wukong beat her up in Journey to the West inside her stomach.

She would still remember that Wukong pretended to be her husband at the moment when she was physically and emotionally vulnerable -the former due to Wukong and the latter due to everything that was happening to her. For PIF, who doesn't like to show weaknesses, that would've felt invasive.

She'd be mad if DBK's kingdom got wiped out because, yes, they have accumulated that through unspeakable horrors of violence and exploitation, but they worked hard for that so that Red Son would've something to inherit.

Unless it's more of a take-her-as-a-hostage/guest situation because:

1.) DBK's level as a threat increases with her as his powerful wife, so they need to separate and

2.) They're on thin ice, so PIF had to comply with house arrest in FFM. I mean, with the good guys forcing PIF and DBK into forced Buddhist conversion in JTTW, it's possible. Fucked up, but possible.

But how would that affect the future when DBK is released from his mountain imprisonment?

And this is where it gets messier. I wrote DBK in "Stuck" to be jealous of anyone close to PIF after their relationship blew up because:

1.) It's one of the common behaviors of a cheater to accuse their partner of cheating to absolve themselves of their fault and

2.) Of his own insecurity about the state of their relationship and losing her to someone else.

I can imagine PIF would have a grudging allyship with Wukong given time. But DBK might react badly to his estranged wife's being on better speaking terms with his traitor of a sworn brother.

But interestingly enough, JTTW Wukong and Shancai became friends. If Shancai becomes Red Son once Guanyin lets him, I think it won't be a mysterious bird who'd steer MK toward the staff but a mysterious boy with red hair.

Fun facts about "Stuck." When PIF didn't welcome DBK back, it was more of an in-shock, overwhelmed decision than a conscious one. The fully conscious decision happens later in "The Great Big Fight" incident.

I'll be exploring further why someone like DBK runs away when things get worse. In JTTW, he's the oldest and most powerful of the demon kings. He keeps his word until he can no longer and bails out. But why does he run away when things get too much?

Like escaping the tragedy of their son getting abducted by marrying someone else behind PIF's back? Or, indeed, letting Jade-Face die when Wukong and an army of celestial broke through the gates? It's obvious that he's powerful and suffers no fools, so why does he do that?

About Jade-Face, I don't believe in capital punishment, but the 18 Hells are like that.

As for PIF's parents and sister, they did disown her so that she could be with the love of her life. But that's not their primary reason. Her parents and her sister are less corrupt.

Once again, thanks for your ask and I hope you have a good day.