#( t; just a little thank you )

[thelonelynindroid]

He's so caffeine dependent. I need him

[chaosduckies]

Silence In The City (1)

I hate school a lot for not letting my finish anything that I wanted to write and luckily I found the time to write today! So I give you an idea I’ve had on my mind for a good while, I’ve just never written it down! I will say these characters are some of my favorite because of the dynamic I have planned for them! Hope you enjoy!

Word count: 4.3k

CW: Violence, depictions of anxiousness and anxiety

1-

Everything was all wrong. The way the system works. How life works. How humans work. It was all just some twisted lie. Of course humankind had been ruthlessly attacked by these monsters at first. Huge and massive beings that rose from the sea, easily crumbling buildings and killing millions. It was terrible, taking ages to finally figure out a way to kill them. There was nothing to bring back the lives lost, everyone was broken apart, cities crumbled to dust as vegetation took over what was originally theirs. And soon, it repeated and repeated, until these monsters would finally restore their original home. Destroying countless cities along the coast, sometimes even working their way closer to the middle of the land. Though they were usually killed by then. 

I’ve never really been the type for fighting. Yet, I still find myself here. They had told us to go into our underground bunkers for safety but I couldn’t make it in time. The city was quiet except for the thundering footsteps coming from the monster. I just ran into a building, scared and alone. I had no idea where my parents were, but I had hoped that they were safe. Next thing I knew, the monster was after me. Crumbling down buildings in an attempt to take a life since there was no one else around. Or so I had thought. I was cornered and tired, the dust from all the rubble filling my lungs. I was about to be killed by the rubble falling on top of me. I had already given up, knowing that I wasn’t going to get out of this alive. When nothing had happened and there was a loud thud, I looked up, seeing an even bigger, more powerful being, standing over the monster. The monster struggled to get up while the one standing over leaned down, its eyes focusing on me. 

They only looked half like the monster that had just threatened my life, but yet, didn’t have the same malicious look in his eyes. Scales all along their body that stopped halfway up their fingers, neck, and chest. The most beautiful shade of purple eyes that I have ever seen, toned skin, tail with spikes all along their spine, even another pair of arms. And yet somehow, he acted even more human than he looked. He showed concern for a little while before scooping me up somehow, protecting me against any further danger. After all the loud growling and harsh noises were gone, only leaving the strange humanoid kaiju huffing for breath. They opened up their hands high up in the air,  eyes studying me with worry. As if they had been making sure I wasn’t injured. Of course I was still scared. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. Or what this guy would do to me. He had looked more human anyways. 

Soon enough, I heard my parents' strained voices crying for me. Out of desperation to be reunited, I crawled over to the edge of their palm, reaching out to them with tears in my eyes. They had noticed the person who had saved me, obviously scared but they stayed, wanting me back. I looked back at the half-human half-kaiju, their eyes glaring down at my parents. He turned towards me, eyes going wide before slowly lowering his hand to the ground. I stumbled off, nearly falling face first but ran into the warm hug that was waiting for me. I glanced back at the monster who had looked away, having a troubled and dark expression before locking eyes with me. I started trembling, but otherwise put on the best nervous smile as my parents urged me to run away. Their eyes shot up before he crawled away, making sure not to crumble buildings. 

I hadn’t forgotten about that day. When people were allowed to come out, we all tried to go back to our homes, but most of them had been demolished. Including mine. We were placed in a camp until they could find a home for us to relocate to, but I just couldn’t stop thinking about that guy. Whether they had been a monster or human, they had saved me. Even protected me. And I still ran away without giving a thank you. I was terrified, sure, but that didn’t condone not thanking him. They practically saved the whole city and they wouldn’t ever get any recognition for it. Usually those huge monsters were killed by people who could handle the suits, I’ve never seen anything like what just happened ever. Not on tv at least. Why did they look so… surprised by me though? Like when I smiled at them, or when I was just scared out of my mind in the corner. I never found out the answer until today. 

The camp was full of people. We were just lucky that food was okay and that we were getting supplied everything we needed. Until a military team had arrived. They were searching for someone. Telling people to gather in an area so they could check our faces. When they came up to me, they had all started talking. This didn’t happen with any other person, which just worked up my nerves. Why were they here? To take me away? To punish me for not being able to make it to the bunker on time? I wasn’t made for war! Was it because of that human-monster hybrid? Was I not supposed to see them? What was going on? A million questions stirred in my mind, making me anxious and worried. I had feared that they would be taking me away from home, and kept hoping that it wasn’t the case. 

I stayed still, playing with my hands and looking down at the ground, waiting to be told what would happen next. I was scared. I always have been. There was no reason for me to, but the anxiety always made me feel this way. This wasn’t helping at all either. The military people came back, my parents gripping my shoulders and kept whispering that everything would be okay. I didn’t believe them this time. They walked up to me once again, “You’re being transferred under government care. Your objective is classified until arrival. Please follow us.” They had instructed, waiting for me to follow them. I jumped, looking back up at my parents with mortified faces. They were just as terrified as I was. I looked back at the guy who was just talking to me, “B-But my parents?” I scooted closer to them as they gripped my shoulder tighter. He had sighed, walking but up to me, “Only you. Sorry kid, you’re being called to duty, and if you ignore we have been ordered to take you forcefully.” 

My eyes shot open, my entire body pausing. I didn’t hear when my parents started arguing to let them come with me, but it just wasn’t allowed. My mom, with tears in her eyes, looked at me. I always hated when she cried, “It’ll be okay, alright Devon? Just please be careful.” I knew why she was saying it. They were going to take me away, and I don’t even get a say. My parents had argued for me but… I never fought for myself. Never was a fan of fighting. They had, however, allowed me to pack a few things. Or what I had left of my stuff. My parents watched me pack a few clothes, making sure I had everything. I looked back, seeing my dusty stuffed animal dog and grabbed it. I knew it was childish but I couldn’t go anywhere without him. I could just clean them off when I get to wherever I was going to. My mom made sure to grab my pills and placed them in my bag, “Don’t forget to take these.” She smiled sadly, trying not to cry. To be honest I was trying my hardest as well. I didn’t understand why I had to leave. They never gave me a reason, and I was anxious. Was it bad? The place they were taking me to? Was I in trouble? 

The thoughts never escaped my mind as I hugged my parents close, then started to follow the guy into a car. People had surrounded me, as if making sure I wouldn’t try anything. Of course I wouldn't. I already knew I wouldn’t win that battle. Not now or not ever. It was quiet on the way there. Sitting in a car for two hours, only listening to the people on the radio transmissions and getting stares from the people sitting next to me. I stayed quiet, afraid that if I said anything it would only make my situation worse. I was already away from my parents and I’ve lost my home, what more could they do to me besides kill me? I panicked at the idea as the car drove past a massive gate. There were several check-ins, and soon we were finally in. My heart wouldn’t stop beating as I stared at the huge base. I walked through several hallways, earning stares from a lot of people. Some older, some looking the same age as me. I knew what this place was. To train people to kill those monsters that terrorize cities. Was that what I was here for? I wouldn’t even last a single hour here. 

They took me up an elevator, leading me to another place where there was a lab. Holographic screens everywhere, people testing new weapons out. I flinched when someone had started barking orders. I gripped my backpack tighter, thoughts swirling in my mind. Could I just go back home with my parents? Can’t I just cry right now? It’s taken so much out of me just to stop myself. I didn’t want to show it to everyone else around me though. They would think I’m even more of a useless kid than they already do. I could already tell that. So what was I even doing here if they all thought that about me? 

The people started talking with one another before one of the scientists came up to me, the people who used to stand beside me to make sure I didn’t try to escape took a step to the side. The woman was tall and looked to be in her thirties. I jumped as her eyes pierced through me, seeming to stare deep into my soul as she studied my every move. My eyes nervously trailed down to the ground, nervously moving around my feet. I felt like a big underneath her stare. And it didn’t feel very good. 

“This is who the monster decided to save?” She sounded unimpressed as she wrote things down, circling around me. She lifted up one of my arms, shaking her head and sighing, “Too skinny, too weak, do you suffer from any illnesses?” She asked. I looked at her sadly, forcing my voice to work without cracking, “Anxiety disorder.” She raised her eyebrows, muttering something under her breath that I couldn’t hear. It made my anxiousness even worse.

But what did she mean by monster? Was it that guy that saved me? My eyes went wide at the thought. I was going to see him again? I felt terrified and scared, but at the same time happy? It was a strange mix of emotions as she had dragged me to a large metal door that seemed heavily protected. Automatic windows had opened, revealing a large room with only one inhabitant inside. My eyes widened as I played with my hands and shuffled my feet. There, only a few meters behind the glass, was the person that saved him. Trapped in a tiny metal box. Well, tiny to him, not so much for me. They looked to have been bothered in their sleep and slowly started opening their eyes, letting out a soft groan and never moving. Some part of me screamed to run, to hide and never look back, but the other part felt sympathy for him. Why was he locked up in here? Did he do something bad? It didn’t really seem like it. They looked so peaceful, as if nothing was wrong.

“You’re going to go in there. No escaping and we can’t guarantee that it won’t kill you.” She instructed, getting ready to throw me in there. He gripped my bag and continued to look out the window, my nerves only worsening. Kill me?... would he really do that? After being so gentle and protective? Was that why I was here? Just to meet him again? See how he’d react to seeing the one person he helped get out alive. “Get a peculiar reaction out of him like you did at the attack and we’ll see what we’ll do with you after…. If you’re still alive,” She grinned like she had expected it to happen, “Here’s a tablet containing the means of shocking it into submission if you feel threatened, here is also an ear microphone so we can speak to you through it.” She handed me a small tablet with a few buttons, but I eyed the button with the lightning bolt on it warily. Shock him? I could barely think about it without gagging.

I gulped, not knowing how he would react to me. Holding the tablet that I had an odd feeling he would recognize and hate me for it. I also hated the fact that she called him an “it” and a monster. If he was a monster then why’d he kill one? Why would he save me in the first place? Why make sure he wouldn’t topple over any buildings? I took a deep breath before I was shoved on the other side of the door. I yelped, landing face first onto the cold metal floor. I groaned quietly to myself, sitting up with my backpack still attached to me. I let out a sigh of relief, then made the mistake of looking up. My eyes were glued to the massive being in front of me, their entire face taking up my vision. I felt myself barely breathing, my body trembling, but I never ran away. 

I jumped when their eyes had opened, groggily searching around the room until they landed on me. I held in a breath, my eyes wide but not full of fear. This was the person that saved me. They wouldn’t kill me, right? It didn’t really sound logical at all. Though… that didn’t really explain why he was locked up in here. He didn’t really look like the type to do any true harm to someone

As soon as their eyes found me we held a silent staring contest until his own eyes grew wide as he picked up his head. Did he recognize me? He shook his head, laying back down on his arms. I looked around. Seeing that the room was cramped. Not for him at all but for the guy just laying on the ground seemed to be cramped. The ceiling looked too low for them to get on their legs, heck, it even looked too low for them to sit on their knees and sit up straight. I flinched when they slightly moved their head up a little more. I felt like a tiny bug under their gaze. I stared at one of their hands, the one I had been in just a few days prior and shuddered. Their claws were at least three times my own height. I briefly wondered just how small I am to him. How he saw me through his eyes. Just a bug? Another small insignificant creature? 

I gripped the tablet in my hands, listening to the microphone in my ear. They had kept saying to talk, to do something, but what was there to do? He was just sleeping, and I ruined it. I didn’t like the thought that they forced me to bother him. And the fact that he looked annoyed with me being in here too. I sucked in a shaky breath looking away and at the door, but I couldn’t help but turn back to the vibrant purple eyes glaring at me, no, the tablet. The collar around his neck seemed to be the shock collar basing it off of the marks around where it is on his neck, there were also some on his wrists. All four of them. I looked down at the tablet in hand, and back at him, still glaring at the object in my hand. It sent a chill down my spine as I did the exact opposite of what they kept telling me to on the microphone. I placed it down and kicked it away from me, along with the microphone. There was no reason for me to have either of them. I wasn’t going to pay attention to what they were going to say. None of this seemed right to me. 

Their eyes went wide at my action, looking between me and the tablet that must not have looked far to him, but it was for me. They seemed to be shocked as they raised their head up, and up, until entirely looming over me, holding themselves up with their crossed arms. I gulped, not realizing just how big they truly were. I backed away a little thinking, for only a brief moment, that it was a mistake to toss away the one thing that could have kept me alive. Though, if he really wanted me dead wouldn’t he have done so the other day? Instead of saving me he could’ve just let it happen. Instead he didn’t. And I still had yet to thank him! They lowered their head, as if trying to examine me more before looking away, disappointed. Though I did catch a bit of sadness hidden. I hadn’t noticed how much I was trembling. Or how much I had backed away, my back almost against the wall. I felt terrible for looking that way in front of him. What if that was why he was disappointed? Because everyone was scared of him and so am I? Of course I’m scared but at least I’m attempting to try something. I scrambled further up to see him looking completely away, almost turned to face the wall opposite of me. I kept taking steps closer despite the warnings given, and stood a few feet away from one of his hands. Big, scary, but I just grabbed the backpack on my shoulders and stood up on shaky legs. My breath was shaky, but I forced words to come out eventually, “Th-thank you. For saving m-me.” He slowly turned his head, his eyes searching to see if I was lying. I heard him scoff above me, the noise deep and irritated, “You’re a really good liar. How about you go back with your friends out there and treat me like some monster like they all do?” I covered my ears with my hands, their voice loud. Liar? Friends? Monster? Did he mean the scientists? Why did he think I was lying? Was he really a monster if he saved my life and practically everyone else’s by dealing with the real monster that day? Now there were even more questions than answers. 

I didn’t move. Even though I was terrified, trembling, and honestly thinking about just making a run for it, I still stayed. It was silent for what seemed like forever before they moved again, glaring at me, eyes piercing through my soul. “Go away.” He nearly growled, slamming a fist on the ground. I was airborne for a half a second, placing my hands out in front of me so I didn’t land on my face. Heart racing, breath shaky, tears forming in my eyes. Dead- Dead. I could’ve died. The thoughts wouldn’t leave as I stared at the fist only mere feet away. I looked back down, watching as my own tears hit the metal ground below. I could’ve been dead now. Why wasn’t I dead? Why was I alive right now? Wasn’t he going to kill me? My breathing quickened, my arms and legs becoming weak. I used a shaky hand to grab a fistful of my shirt against my chest, feeling how hard my heart was beating. How it seemed to ring through my ears with every thump. I closed my eyes, trying to get as much air into my lungs to calm myself down. My stomach throbbing. The anxiety eating at me. The constant thoughts of how I could’ve died. What I would look like. I just kept taking shaky breaths, slowly regaining my mind. I reached into my bag worriedly, grabbing a water bottle and my pills, dumping two out into my hand and downing them with water. I held my head, taking my last few deep breaths. My body was still trembling and my heart was still beating abnormally fast, but at least my mind wasn’t lost. 

Using the back of my hand, I wiped away the tears, sniffling and forcing myself to look up. Their other hands clawing at the metal, their eyes still piercing through me, holding me in place out of fear. Why was he so angry? Was it because he was trapped in here? Because they treat him like this? It didn’t take a whole lot to figure out how they take care of him. The collars, the tablet, the chains on his lower pair of arms. Who knows what else. But was he really that bad? I mean, of course I just had a near death experience, but after a second look I realized he was just trying to scare me. It would’ve worked. The people here were terrible. It didn’t matter if he was half kaiju half human, did it? It didn’t matter if he was probably taller than a skyscraper. Okay well that might invoke fear in literally everyone he meets but still. It didn’t really seem to me that he truly wanted to hurt anyone. A few days ago he struggled to avoid breaking anything that might wreck the city even more than it already was. He even held me to keep me safe. How was he being held in a prison like this when he’s saving billions of people? It just didn’t sit right with me. 

I gathered up whatever courage I had left in me, trying to forget about what had just happened, “I-I’m sorry that you’re i-in here.” My voice came out weak, quiet, almost like I was about to cry. Honestly, I was. Everything about this was telling me to run and get the heck out of here. That would be wrong. That would be proving their point that I think of them as a monster, wouldn’t it? 

Their eyes widened in shock, lowering their head even more, almost touching the floor. I flinched when they moved their fist, flattening their hand on the ground as if they were confused and interested. It was unnerving to have their full attention, but I stared right back, rubbing my arms to hide the fact that I was shaking. He lifted his head back up, contemplating. I had no idea what was happening, but for some reason their entire mood had seemed to shift. Why did they react that way when I said that I was sorry? They didn't seem mad anymore. Relief washed over me as he raised his hand up and covered up a mirror high above me. Was it actually a window? Were they watching us? I didn’t know. 

He sighed, studying me like he was earlier, trying to see if I was lying, “You’re hard to stay mad at,” His voice was a lot quieter, “Kieran. That’s my name.” He opened his mouth like he was about to say something else but shook his head, looking down at me. I sucked in a shaky breath. Kieran? “Devon.” I quietly said. He seemed to hear me before somehow. He removed his hand from the mirror, glaring at it for a few seconds like they had done some unspeakable crime. They actually did actually, keeping Kieran here in the first place. 

“You’re welcome for saving you by the way. Don’t expect me to do it again.” He told me, turning away. I couldn’t help but notice how he seemed to sound happier now. Like he was happy I was talking to him. I smiled, jumping when the door opened. I watched as several people walked it, three of them carrying a tablet and keeping a close eye on Kieran. The other people walked right towards me. I flinched, unable to fight back against the grip they had on my arms. I was forced to my feet and shoved through the door. I stole one more glance back at Kieran, meeting their sad eyes. Once the doors were closed, I let them push me around the long hallways. What did they mean they wouldn’t dave me again. Would they have to? I wouldn’t think so if I was going home after this. I did what they asked me to do, didn't I? Why did he look so sad when I left? 

Eventually they opened a door that led to a small room with only the necessities. A bed, bathroom, closet. They threw me in there, “People will come and get you in the morning. They asked that you rest for now.” They had ordered from me. What? Was I staying here for the night and going home? I sat on the bed, digging out my stuffed animal and laying down, sinking into the hard mattress. I sucked in a shaky breath and cried silently. Nothing could ever just be normal. 

——————

I’ve absolutely loved kaiju ever since I could remember and I’ve been wanting to write a story for it! To be honest I mostly wrote this for myself just to feed my delusions but also just to get out of my writer’s block and to save me from spiraling cause of school. But thank you for reading! This actually did get me out of a major writing slump (thank you school) so I will finally be able to finish answering asks and writing commissions. Thank you for being so patient!

Taglist: @da3dm, @dav8530

If you would like to be added to any of my writing please let me know!

[muppenthings]

Aliens ✨️

I'm not certain why but that was my first thought when seeing the post asking for art ideas, I have no specific intention, just a one word prompt trying to give you entirely free ideas...I love your art so much

So I got an idea and ran with it.

These little ones are called "Space fairies". They get everything they need directly from solar energy, so they don't need to eat or breathe. I ended up developing them quite a bit but I'll not rant here. xD

[cuddlebugmonster]

I gift you a baby Donnie 💜 0w0

(Ur sona is the cutest ever 🥰 luv ur arts too, am bad at saying hellos so hello aaa)

I would die for this child, No take backs

[brutal-nemesis]

big question!! dude can we please see a scene in the AU where castys has his tongue cut off and he has to deal with that? like man, the shock and the pain and the fuckin grief? and neteri just being herself ofc

anyway the latest erebus chapter was heartbreaking you’re so good at being awful to these lads (i can’t stop reading)

Thank you I try,,,,,

Okay strap in fellas I think this is banger as hell I had a great time and let me know if you have any other requests for the AU!

Castys & Terror AU Masterlist - Castys Masterlist - Next→

Ingredients: shockingly, tongue gets cut off! some suffocation as well

Castys wasn’t great at sitting in chairs normally, something his parents had always reprimanded him for, but, hey, they’d never taken it as far as to fucking tie him to one, and Castys was grateful. This shit was uncomfortable. Like, yeah, the rough ropes around his wrists and ankles were tight and itchy, but also the position just sucked. Not that he’d rather be standing or something-

“You must be Castys!” The door had swung open, and now this little lady with a white coat on was walking up to him. 

“Yes, I’m Castys,” he said flatly as she scurried behind him before coming back without her bag. And then she just…stared at him. Castys wasn’t sure what she was looking at, since there really wasn’t much to see, just, like, him. Eventually her eyes wandered up to his, and she jumped in place a bit.

“Oh, right, I’m Neteri.” She stuck her hand out like she expected him to shake it.

“You know I’m tied up, right?”

“Ah. Yeah.” Her skin was dark enough that it wasn’t immediately obvious that she was blushing, but Castys was pretty sure she was. She ended up awkwardly grabbing his right hand and shaking it a bit. “I, um, I’ll be preparing you for this afternoon. Sorry, I’m just a bit nervous.”

“Well, you’re not tied to a chair so I think you’ll be okay.”

She laughed. “You’re right, you’re right, but I’m just…I think I’m going to do something I’m not supposed to do.”

Castys raised an eyebrow. “Let me go because I’m funny?”

Neteri rolled her eyes, but she was smiling, so clearly she did think he was funny. “No, you’re staying put, sorry bud. But I think I’m going to keep you. You’re kind of perfect.” She tried to cup his cheek in her hand, but Castys leaned away, staring at her with wide eyes.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” His mouth was really dry all of a sudden, he wasn’t perfect, he was a fuck-up, a useless heir, that had been his goal, he wasn’t good at anything he was supposed to be good at, he wasn’t well-mannered or polite, he had a huge fucking scar on his face and a lopsided smile because of it, he was filthy and vulgar and didn’t have any interest in getting married he was absolutely anything but perfect. So why the hell did she want him?

“It’s not important right now. You’ve got a big day ahead of you!” She clapped her hands, dismissing the subject entirely. He wanted to press her further, but after seeing the lovely object she pulled out of her pocket, everything else was forgotten.

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Aw, what are you gonna do about it, Castys? I thought you were tied to a chair!” Great, now it was his turn to feel his face grow hot, because, yeah, what the fuck was he gonna do?

Normally, he doubted he’d immediately recognize it for what it was, but today, right now, after just being told this lady wanted to keep him, it was instantly clear. And Neteri was right, he was only able to squirm uselessly and lean away as she wrapped the collar around his neck without much trouble. His first swallow after she’d sealed it shut felt horrible, and he absolutely did not want to get used to it.

“See, it’s not so bad. It looks cute on you!” She ruffled his hair, which only made Castys more uncomfortable.

“I don’t want to be cute. I’m not a fucking dog.” He wasn’t sure whether the collar was part of Neteri’s weird desires or just to humiliate him, but either way he hated it.

“No, you’re not, but you’re also not a prince anymore, and you’re the property of the Xernan Empire, and this is a good reminder of that,” Neteri said as she walked around behind him, probably to her bag. Castys rolled his eyes. He didn’t need to be reminded that he wasn’t a prince, since it was his favorite new development in all of this. Unless…unless it wasn’t just a reminder for him, but for everyone else, too…He really, really hoped there wasn’t going to be some sort of public display, but given how Neteri’d said he had a “big day” ahead…fuck, that was probably the case, huh?

“Now, I’m going to…oh, I might get in so much trouble for this,” Neteri muttered as she stared at the floor, standing in front of him once again. She had leather gloves on, which would have been nice earlier when she was touching him, and she was holding…a pair of shears? He didn’t think she’d put on gloves if she was just going to cut his hair, and given that she thought she might get in trouble for it, it seemed like she was going to…maim him somehow. Castys curled his hands into fists as Neteri slapped her cheeks with her palms, still talking to herself. “No, I’m going to do this. I deserve it. It’s not that far off from what the emperor wants. Okay,” she held the shears up and gave Castys a concerningly bright smile. “Any last words?”

For once, Castys didn’t take the opportunity to speak.

Instead, he locked his jaw shut tight, teeth clenched so hard it hurt, lips pressed together, walls of protection around his tongue. 

That’s what she wanted, wasn’t it?

Neteri cocked her head, watching him. “Nothing to say all of a sudden? No jokes?” Her smile disappeared as her eyes narrowed. “You figured it out, didn’t you, Castys? What I’m going to do to you.”

He didn’t bother nodding.

Neteri stepped up to him, her knee on the chair in between his legs, leaning over him, her face right above his as he craned back to avoid her. “You’re going to have to get used to obeying me, Castys.” The cold metal of the shears rested on his cheek. “So open your mouth.”

If there’s one thing Castys was good at, it was disobeying orders.

After a few moments of neither of them moving, Neteri pinched Castys’s nose shut with her free hand, not saying a word. Fine, he could play that game. Hold on as the pressure in his chest built, as his head started to spin, as his vision started to darken, every fiber of his being screaming at him to just give in to the inevitable and take a breath. He could do it quick, a little gasp, fast enough that she wouldn’t be able to do anything. Okay, three, two…

The exhale was shaky, but it was fine, just a quick inhale as he snapped his mouth shut-

His teeth scraped against metal, the sensation sending shivers down his spine.

Neteri stared at him with a detached coldness as she rotated the shears, forcing his jaw open wide, wide enough for her to stick her hand in and grab his tongue, pulling it out despite his attempts to pull it back, turning the shears to the side now, opening them up, the cold blades-

Snip.

Castys’s mouth was hot it was burning he was choking the smell of blood was so strong he was suffocating on it her hand was still in his mouth her fingers pressed against his wound magic piercing through his jaw he’d scream if he had the air and then that was it her hand was gone he lurched forward coughing and spitting blood and saliva all down the front of the threadbare shirt he’d been given and once he saw the discarded little piece of pink flesh on the floor he couldn’t look at anything else he couldn’t believe that was it it was gone it wasn’t in his mouth his mouth was empty there was only the blood still dripping out and when Neteri laid a hand on his back he wanted to growl at her not to touch him but he couldn’t he couldn’t say anything anymore he was quiet nothing to say no thoughts or opinions of his own just how his parents had wanted him-

“It’s alright, Castys, just breathe. It was a little more difficult than it needed to be, but you did it.” And why did it need to be at all? “Just two more things left today and then you can rest. And then hopefully…” Her hand slid up, resting on the back of his neck, on that awful collar, and Castys wanted to scream. He never, ever wanted to belong to her.

But what he wanted didn’t matter anymore.

Castys was dragged out and whipped and branded and left out on display, brought back and patched up by Neteri and given soup that he couldn’t taste, and when the door slammed shut behind her, he finally allowed himself to cry.

His back and chest hurt, of course, the wounds aggravated no matter how he moved or what position he laid in, but he could deal with it. It was nothing compared to what he’d lost, the little pocket of empty space inside his mouth.

Words were all he’d ever have to really fight back, complaining when he was forced to do things he didn’t want to, scaring off all the suitors his parents picked out, jokes keeping him calm when he was scared or upset, even when he couldn’t do anything he could still say something, make sure everyone knew how he felt, and now he was more helpless than ever before and he couldn’t say a single fucking thing. 

He didn’t even know where he was going to end up, either sold off to some asshole or left in Neteri’s clutches, and no matter what, he wasn’t going to be treated like a person. The collar made it pretty clear. He was less than human now, a pet, a lab rat, property, something that didn’t need to have thoughts or opinions anymore. 

He’d rather be a prince after all.

Castys Cult: @as-a-matter-of-whump​ @blackrosesandwhump​ @fanmanga1357-blog​​ @thehopelessopus​ @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi

@hearse-song​ @muddy-swamp-bitch @whumpasaurus101 @yet-another-heathen​​ @galaxywhump 

@starnight-whump​ @his-unspoken-words​ @misspelledwitch @suspicious-whumping-egg​ @pumpkin-spice-whump​ 

@painsandconfusion @i-can-even-burn-salad @befuddled-calico-whump​ @whumpinggrounds​ @whump-queen​

@whumpedydump

[lost-in-fandoms]

I think that sometimes when you're reading some fics you can tell which side of the ship is the author's most special boy and there's nothing wrong with it, it's just a thing that happens. My problem with a lot of lestappen fics though is that the author's most special boy is charles while MY most special boy is max

[perpetualexistence]

Since you seem to be the expert, could you write a quick fic of Chris or Don putting tiny Topher in their wallet and then putting their wallet in their back pocket?

Topher would be so excited to be in the wallet in the back pocket of his favorite hosts.

It's been 500 years pocket Topher anon. And I'm so sorry I took this long. But I finally got around to it! Don't know if this is what you were expecting, but it's what came out of my brain.

Also it's like nearly 1000 words. I hope it makes up for the wait.

There are many advantages to being a tinyshifter. Others would argue that being able to shrink was more dangerous than it was worth. What with being stepped on, or being seen as prey by now much larger animals, or just how long it took to get from one place to another.

Those people didn't see the potential that Topher saw. Being small was perfect for a gossip like him. You could get into anywhere before any security detail noticed. He'd even snuck his way into the hottest party of the year once! Yeah he'd nearly gotten mauled to death by a fiesty purse dog. It had been worth it to actually spot the Chris Mcclean. For the 5 seconds it took for someone to see him unshrunken and kick him out.

So when his dad revealed that he was going to host a new show traveling the world, Topher was more than excited. He could sneak onto the most hyped up reality show AND get a free flight to wherever he wanted?! Sweet! Or, it would be if his dad had said yes to tagging along.

But he never listened to the word 'no', and he wasn't about to start now.

He waited until Don was about to leave. He always forgot something last minute. He always panicked, and it always made it easier to snatch his wallet.

Not that it was hard to steal his dad's wallet in the first place. Oh the things he'd charged on that credit card. And he WAS running low on hair products...

Wait, focus! eyes on the prize Topher!

He set the wallet down on the coffee table right by the front door. Perfect, now for the fun part.

He focused on making his body curl in on itself without actually moving. Just have to be as small as a mouse to slip into places and get the best gossip. Smaller, smaller...perfect! He was pocket sized now. Now to just slip himself inside of the wallet.

That was on the coffee table miles above him. Oh. Whoops. No problem, he just had to grow back to normal, sit on the table, and THEN shrink.

And he had to do it now because he could hear the thunderous creaks of his dad coming down the stair.

Crap crap crap! He thought of getting bigger as quick as he possibly could. The second he was able to reach the coffee table, he climbed onto it. The table creaked at his weight but that didn't matter now. He could hear Don's footsteps getting louder. It wasn't hard to shrink when he desperately wanted to hide. He dove into the folds of the wallet just as he heard Don stop in front of the table.

"Oh, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Topher could feel himself jostle as the wallet was being picked up. He couldn't see much of anything now that it was closed, but that didn't matter. He was so close to spoilers galore and worldwide shopping and why wasn't the wallet moving anymore?

He yelped when artificial light hit his face. He closed his eyes at the shock. When he opened them he could see Don's disappointed face staring at him.

"Topher, get out of my wallet." Don ordered.

"Aw, but the plan was so good and everything! How'd you know?" Topher whined. He crouched deeper so only his head was popping out of the wallet. If Don wanted Topher out, he'd have to grab him himself.

"You really thought I wouldn't notice my wallet being heavier?"

"Are you calling me fat? I can see the headlines now. 'Up and coming reality tv host Don Mallory gets cancelled for fatphobic comments. Public devastated!' Your career would be ruined. But if you were to, I don't know, make it up to me with a trip around the world-"

"Topher, you know I can't just bring you along! The network won't just let me bring a plus one."

"Then the network doesn't have to know! Let me hide in your wallet. We can call this father and son bonding!" Topher knew Don was always desperate for ways for them to connect, so maybe this would work?

"We've already done that in a way that won't get me in trouble with the network! Remember disco night?"

"Disco is dead and you killed it."

Topher knew he screwed up when he saw his father's face fall at that comment. Okay, maybe that one was a bit too far. Don had been really happy when he'd dragged Topher along. It wasn't his fault his dad was super embarrassing!

"Topher."

"Okay, fine, sorry! Just...please? Who knows when I'm going to get a chance like this again?" Don was still looking hurt so great, okay, fine, Topher would make it up to him. "...You can tell me all the history facts they make you cut for time?"

The smile began to return to Don's face and Topher knew he had him. Don still let out a light sigh. "Alright, BUT. You have to stay in my pocket the whole time we're airing. No trying to get on camera."

"Promise!" Topher lied. He wouldn't ever stop trying to do that, but he could stop himself from making it TOO obvious. "Now, don't you still have a flight to catch?"

"Right, right. Sorry, this is going to be a bit bumpy." Don moved his thumb and gently pushed Topher's head back all the way into his wallet. Topher immediately began trying to fix his hair from the safe confines of the wallet before being jostled as he was moved into complete darkness.

By the way he was now moving, he was in Don's pocket now, moving rapidly as Don moved to grab his luggage.

Luggage that Topher wouldn't have with sneaking himself on.

Oh well. He'd just figure something out later.

[softquietsteadylove]

Hii love, may i ask for more of the Proposal Au, maybe Thena telling Gil about her family when they are in bed cuddling and having a soft moment.

Gil inhaled as he woke, dragging the morning air into his lungs. Sometimes he cursed his early rising nature, wondering if it really could be handed down through genetics like his mother liked to joke that it was. He got a whiff of Thena's shampoo.

She was cuddled right up with him, which was nothing new by now. He nuzzled the top of her head. If he couldn't sleep in on his vacation then he could at least be comfortable.

If anything, maybe they were a little too comfortable this way. But he didn't think that was a bad thing. They were getting married...kind of. It was a good thing to comfortable enough with each other to cuddle, be close, maybe share a kiss or two.

Thena pushed her head further into his chest, which meant she was also waking up.

Gil chuckled; how did he never know before how cute she was? He tapped her bare shoulder, fixing the strap of her night dress, "hey."

She made a sound of protest, especially as he rolled onto his side with his arms still around her, shifting her position of practically lying right on top of him.

Gil settled on his side, gazing at the beautiful woman next to him. He was reminded of a time when he had first met her, and it had seemed impossible to fathom how a woman as beautiful as she was had as normal a job like he did.

Thena blinked her bleary eyes open, glaring at him as soon as she could focus, "this better be good."

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," he more or less whispered. It was just them and the rising sun and the breeze in his mother's perfectly landscaped yard.

"Liar," she grumbled, but still clung to the warmth he offered. "Will your mother come barging in here looking for help with another wedding activity?"

"Not today," he promised, although it wasn't really up to him if that happened. But he rubbed her back through the light material. "Even she sleeps in a little bit on sundays."

"Sunday already," Thena mused, yawning as she did.

"Yeah," Gil agreed, although the closer they got to concluding their trip here, he had to admit it made him a little sad. He would miss not seeing his close-knit family again. His sisters--even Kingo!

Thena began lazily running her fingers over his back in the t-shirt he was wearing. It felt nice to get his back scratched a little, and her hands were so small and light. Maybe he would miss things like this too.

"What?"

"Hm?" he blinked, having been happy to lose himself in her touch. But he opened his eyes again and found her staring at him, even in their close proximity.

"There's something on your mind," she clarified, moving one of her hands from his back, trailing it around his shoulder and arm to his chest. "Just ask."

He chuckled; she was quite good at reading him. Not that he professed to be a closed book in any way. "Well, I was thinking about Kari and Sersi and Mom, how I'll miss them--and I guess Kingo too."

Thena laughed quietly (cutely). She continued her little morning massage, getting all the right spots and relieving even imaginary soreness. "He would be so offended if he heard that."

"Well, I'll put it in one of my speeches, so he will," Gil resolved, and Thena laughed even more, although she tried to hide it. Kingo was still like his brother, and thus, not his favourite sibling with whom he had grown up.

And he was still a little too friendly with his fiance, but whatever.

"But," he hesitated, and that was all Thena needed to see to encourage him. "I was wondering...about your family, I guess."

"What would you like to know?"

His eyebrows shot up. He hadn't expected her to be so...willing. He adjusted himself in the bed so he could tilt his head differently. "Uh, you sure?"

He had definitely heard her tell someone at work asking about her family to go to hell (in corporate speak, which entailed asking them to keep their correspondence with her professional).

Thena settled her face in the bend of his shoulder again, letting him play with the ends of her hair. "I wouldn't say we were particularly close, even when they were alive."

"Uh-" he opened his mouth immediately, to either offer his apologies or tell her she didn't have to tell him this, or both. But she reached up just to tap his lips and keep him from interrupting further.

"I was brought up in quite a strict household," she sighed, although it didn't seem like that sad a story to her. Or maybe it sounded like she was detached from it, telling it about someone else. "My mother was a retired ballerina, very beautiful. She tried to teach me to dance but I had no natural talent--which she told me at every opportunity."

This story was getting worse and worse.

"My father was a businessman of some sort. It was never my place to ask, even as I got older. All I knew was that he supported our lifestyle. The expectations for me were high, they needed me to be a good representation of their own rigid upbringing."

"I was still quite young when they died," she continued, starting to sound more connected to the words she was saying. "They went on a trip together and simply never returned. All I was told that the ship they were taking back to mainland had experienced a problem and supposedly no one made it back."

Gil stayed silent, as she wished, but he held her tighter.

"All I had known was boarding school and tepid approval from them. If anything, I wasn't sad enough when they died--my distant relatives told me to be ashamed when I was at the funeral," she laughed again, although he could hear the dry, sardonic edge in it. "I even went to the bathroom to try and wet my eyes and appear more tearful."

He kissed her forehead, at a loss for what else to do.

"My elderly caretaker at the time was the only one really with me," she did smile again, at least. "She sat with me through it all, helped me talk to all the lawyers."

So, that was why she knew so much about contracts and settlements, even when they were both just starting in the office.

"She used to let me help her make pastries and set the table for just the two of us," Thena recounted more fondly this time, and her body also relaxed again, slowly. "She was the one who really raised me."

Gil sighed through his nose, pressing his cheek to her hair, "I'm sorry I didn't know."

"I never told you," she said much more lightly, but happily accepted the closer snuggling. "It doesn't bother me--not anymore, that is to say. But I suppose that's why being here is quite refreshing."

He blinked at her, not really making the connection between the two.

But Thena took the liberty of rolling him onto his back again, solely so she could lie half on top of him, like a lizard on a rock. She tapped his nose, then dragged it down over his lips and chin (he needed a shave). "Your family is so warm and kind. I admit it overwhelmed me at first, the sheer density of their presence."

Kingo alone would do that to anyone, Gil defended in his mind. He wrapped his arms around her, letting her rest her chin on his chest, cramping his neck to he could watch her draw little circles in his shirt.

"They're wonderful, Gil," she concluded, drawing her eyes up to him more tenderly. It was almost shy, in how gentle the admission was. "It's the kind of warmth I remember longing for as a child. So, next time you worry that your mother is being overbearing, I assure you, I have invited it."

He chuckled; of course Thena would meet the double barrelled energy canon that was his mother and say that she invited her exuberance. Ajak was bright and bouncy and extroverted, while Thena was quiet and subdued and borderline unsociable. It made it all the more charming how much they seemed to like each other. "Could be worse in-laws, I guess."

The marriage itself was becoming less taboo as a subject.

"Much worse," Thena smiled with her teeth. It really was a stunning smile. She gripped a piece of shirt between her fingers. "What is this?"

He chuckled again, unwrapping his arms from her slim little waist and running his hands over her bare arms. "My shirt?"

"I mean," she frowned at it, "why are you wearing it?"

"Well," he got out pathetically, turning pink as soon as she pursed her lips at him in suspicion. He looked up and away from her, "'cause...y'know."

"I don't, it's why I asked," she sat up now, legs curled up beside her while she was almost perpendicular with his upper body. She grabbed a larger fistful of the shirt--the offending white cotton. "I know you get too hot easily, I don't believe you wear this to sleep in the summer."

Gil huffed; she was a good detective. "I usually sleep shirtless, but I didn't want you to feel weird about it."

"Oh," she purred, finding amusement in it. She tugged at it, "to protect my maidenly virtues?"

"Okay, come on," he sighed, embarrassed enough and trying to get her to release the fabric of it. "Is being a gentleman to my fiance so bad?"

She released the material, flattening her palm against his chest again. "It's not anything I haven't seen, by now."

Between the beach and all the times he had generally taken off his shirt to do heavy lifting or gardening for his mother while here, she had gotten enough of a look at him.

"But this is," he did his best to look her right in the eye (despite her holding back her laughter at him). "It's different."

She raised her eyebrows at him.

He sighed, finally relinquishing the last of his drowsiness and sitting up against the pillows. He still had a hold of her arms, fixing that errant night dress strap again. "Does it always do that?"

"Don't avoid the question."

"You didn't ask a question."

Thena tugged at the bottom of the t-shirt, only to pull it up just slightly, as if she were threatening to pull it off of him herself. "Why is it different?"

He sighed; the Goddess of War didn't get her name for being flexible and knowing when to quit. He moved his hands from her bare shoulders to her waist again, somewhat pulling her with him as he leaned back against the headboard. "Because, sleeping with you was already new. I figured what's the harm in a little modesty?"

She shrugged one of those shoulders, delicate and dainty and pale. And that stupid strap fell again. He secured his thumb right in the bend of her clavicle to fix it yet again.

"Does this even fit?" he grumbled, toying with the flimsy little strap of satin. He eyed her, "do you always wear this to sleep?"

Something about the question ruffled her, and he watched as a blush brightened her morning complexion. She looked around the bed, as if her answer had been lost in the sheets somewhere. "That's-"

"Guys?"

"Mom!" Gil barked at the door, his hands on Thena, her threatening to tip his shirt off him.

"What?--you said to knock, and I did!"

She had a point.

"I just wanted to say we're going to go out for brunch, honey--give you a break from all the cooking."

If it was going to be brunch - breakfast/lunch - why was she still coming to tell them at the crack of dawn?

"You kids continue...take your...just come downstairs when you're ready--okay, I'm going!"

Gil thunked his head against the headboard, looking up at the ceiling. Only his mother. He looked at Thena, whose blush had somehow doubled. That was interesting. He tilted his head, trying to see more of her face, but she twisted herself to avoid looking at him. "You okay?"

"Hm," she answered in a total cop out. She released his t-shirt, attempting to pull herself away from him without further incriminating herself.

"Ah-" he held her steady, leaning forward again. She looked really cute all flustered. He kissed her cheek, and he wasn't sure if he felt her shiver or if she twitched. "If you hate it so much, then fine, I won't wear it anymore."

He was only somewhat serious about it, although if it really bothered her, he didn't want to offend his bride-to-be. And he was more joking than anything. Although, when he finally moved to get up and get ready for the day, Thena tugged at the collar of it one more time.

She was still avoiding looking right at him, but god she was beautiful. "I didn't say I hated it. But...I wouldn't say you need it, either."

He could have said the same about the silky little dress-thing she was wearing, the straps of which obviously weren't working for her. But she did release him, and he did have to get up and maybe have a shower (maybe on the cooler side).

She looked at him as, on his way, he hooked his finger in that stupid strap again. He twisted it in his finger before letting it fall back to where it seemed to think it belonged. "Same to you."

[erineas]

Every time i leave and reenter this site there's new people looking at my dust and I'm like:

[spotaus]

HEY!

It is me!

I had a thought concerning New Age AU :D

I spend some time thinking about waht you said.

That the castle Nightmare (and dream and their family) lived in. The royal castle.

Is the tree of emotions.

So. So hear me out.

I wonder that. if the castle is the tree. does that mean it may be a bit sentient.

You said that nightmare can easily change it because he is conencted to it (the apple ritual) but i wonder if the castle itself is kinda sentient.

And VERY mad about how its powers got used.

Maybe the story of the twins. OG story. is connected to the prophecy. But it was a warning.

It was a warning to remain united. To trust your family and to listen to them when they ask for help. To believe them when they notice things about people youdon't notice.

To warn away from going out on your own. warnign away from searching for power that you shouldnt take. (the apples were never suposed to be eaten after all.)

And of those twins the one who ate the apple actually succeed in killing their twin. that the grieve of that moment intensified the emotions based power source into overdrive which caused the one who ate the apple to even gain godlike abilities.

the whole prophecy was a warning.

The royal family that settled in this place. found the story. found the tree (having recovered after the twin who ate the apple died) and instead of seeing a warnign. saw a to do list.

The lessons they took:

power makes you undefeatable

the power makes you stay in control

the best way to gain this power? eat an apple and kill someone important to you.

attachment is a weakness waiting to be used to grow more powerful.

sadly after they grabbed and misused one apple? they got paranoid. if they can use the tree to gain power others can too! so they cut the tree down. and to make sure it could never grow back. build the castle on top of it.

Meaning there is only ONE apple. the one consumed by the one true ruler. and the ruler neeeds to willingly summon their apple/soul to give to eat to the new ruler. to pass on the forbidden knowedge and power through lessons and traditions.

over time the trees influence took over the castle. but because the ruler ate the apple and has a direct connection they can still control the castle.

the tree/castle watches as nightmare broke the cycle. as nightmare refused to hurt ccino (adn so his brother) nightmare, even through fear chose love and trust.

the castle willingly helps and protects nightmare.

and when nightmare lost the apple's power? officially breaking that godforsaken cycle? the castle is just more protective. thorn now protect the castle and the trees around it hide it.

this is of course. lost knowledge. the royal family made sure to destroy the knowledge in fear of someone standing against them.

but nightmare managed to break it still.

and maybe... just maybe... now somewhere deep in the castle. deep underground as a forgotten meadow deep underground. in a beautiful little cave. a new tree starts to grow to truly help heal the land.

haha sorry this got long again lmao.

but yeah! If you have the tree/castle kinda sentient you can have that the very land was trying to sabotage the old rulers but couldn't do a lot because of the one apple's power and so having to listen.

it would be the source of all that powerful magic.

Ough. It SO is slightly sentient.

Ancha once again you have obliterated me w/ ur storytelling istg-

Okay. I love that this info has been lost completely to time. Like. The only one that's aware is the tree/castle itself.

I think the interpretation I like here is that, the stump is somewhere within the grounds, maybe even in the treasury or armory, but the *roots* make up the building kinda cypress tree style, so as they cut down the tree, the once vibrant life in the old roots turned to stone and was left almost completely powerless. (I am, unfortunately, a sucker for the idea that there was a time that *someone* treated the tree with respect 😔) (Also hense the new young tree sprout growing out of the ground deep in a hidden cavern, because the roots relocated the power to a safer location.)

The castle, desperately grasping for that power back, so no one might mis-use it ever again. And then seeing Nightmare resist its twisted urges (like u said) in the name of love and care? It rips that power away the moment it loses its hold on Nightmare, and takes the seeds of magic away from harm's reach. But... Nightmare isn't upset by the loss. He doesn't go digging to get the power back. He... doesn't dig for *any* power.

Less blood is shed in vain on its land, more plants and ecosystems are allowed to thrive.

And gods, just the idea that the castle grows up plants and trees to better defend itself abd the people inside? This reaction is spontanious and Night assumes it connects to the state of the magic leaving him, but it doesn't harm anyone so ehhh. But the tree is trying to encourage and protect those who helped it without knowing...

And dude the whole story of the og story and both twins dying and then a family misconstrued that entire story into one of power and consumption and betrayal??? Waughhh it's beautiful....

I'm losing my mind here at the storybook level magical healing and forgiveness and learning lessons, I love it so so dearly <3

[chaosduckies]

Restoration (Chapter 9)

The very, VERY long awaited chapter! Where you finally find out what happened to Ryker’s parents, and a little bit of Nathan’s past! Great, right? Hahaha- no. I was evil this time around.

Word Count: 6.7k

CW: Description of death, mentions of death, panic attacks, horror elements (They’re watching a horror movie), I think that’s it!

9-Nathan 

It was hard to breathe. My body trembling, heart racing, vision blurry. There were loud noises coming from above. The ground shook as people starting barking out orders and running all over the place. Mom had taken me under a cabinet to hide. Something was happening, my mom was badly hurt and struggled to stand on her own two feet, while people dressed up in a uniform were storming the building with weapons that looked painful. 

My mom laid down on the hard, wooden floor, catching her breath and watching with me as several shoes filed into the same room as us. I was terrified. I didn’t know if these people would hurt us like the other ones did. I heard several screams, yelling, threats, and then there were several questions being asked to the people who tortured us. 

“Where are the humans?” 

“Where is the rest of your family?” 

“Why are there cages set up in the back room?” 

I cringed, back, hugging my mom, but only earning a quiet yelp and her pushing me off of her. I apologized quietly and raspy, trying to stay quiet so those people don’t find us. I had forgotten that she didn’t like to be touched. 

After several minutes of the uniformed people asking several questions, they began searching for us. They had checked nearly everywhere. I was scared of what they were going to do if they found us. I mean, I was still in the mindset that everyone would hurt us. It’s all I’ve ever known since I was just a kid. That people would kill just because some don’t listen to them. 

“What do those people look like, Nate?” My mom had asked, trying to get a peak outside. I cringed, forcing myself to look outside. 

“B-black uniform… a gold badge on one’s. They have those… talky thingies on a belt.” I looked to her, seeing a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She smiled, softly laughing, “Nate, honey, I need you to go out there and get one’s attention. They’re going to help us.” 

My breath hitched in my throat. Go out? Help? What if they don’t? What if they don’t see us? What happens then? They’re still looking… if mom really says they’ll help us then they should find us. But I didn’t think they would. More and more of them were leaving the house. They’re not going to find us. 

“Please, Nate. We’ll die if they don’t f-“ I heard a soft thump! I looked back, seeing that my mom was passed out on the floor, her leg bent in an awkward position. I hurried to her side, tears on the side of my face. What was I supposed to do? She’s passed out from shock, people were looking for us. I was just a kid. What could I do? Even if I managed to be brave enough to go out, what were the chances that they’d even see me? What are the chances that they won’t just place us back in another cage? Well, if my mom says that they’ll help shouldn’t I believe her? She knows more than I do anyways. 

I sucked in a shaky breath, wiping away my tears and taking hesitant steps out of our hiding spot under a cabinet. My heart threatened to pound right out of my chest. I kept my arms wrapped around my chest. I flinched when people started running out. I listened to what they were saying before stepping out, cowering behind the leg of the cabinet. They were all leaving. 

Panic rose inside of me. What happens if we don’t get found? What happens if we do get found? 

“We’ve searched everywhere for thirty minutes. There’s no sign of humans except the cages.” One of them sighed, reporting back to someone with a hat and a shiny badge on it. Was that their boss? I cowered behind the leg even more. He looked scary… Like one glare from him and it would be the death of me. I was never going to get us out of here… 

One small group left, but I still heard faint footsteps. People were calling for someone, but it was a voice that sounded not much older than me honestly. Maybe three or four years older. I couldn’t tell. But it still freaked me out when he walked into our room. A flashlight in his hand. I jumped, hiding myself behind the leg even more. This was our last chance… But I don’t think I could do it. I was scared. Terrified. I held a hand up to my mouth to muffle my sobs. Why? 

“Is anyone here?” A light voice asked, the footsteps getting closer. I looked back to my mom, who was still passed out. Even if she was awake, I doubt they’d hear her yelling. Especially since she can’t walk without some kind of help. 

“We’re here to help. Could you please come out if you’re in here?” The footsteps were walking closer. On the side of the cabinet. I think there was a bookshelf there. Good thing we didn’t hide there. But was it good? I don’t think it was. If I go out will he see me? I looked out, seeing him checking through every spot in between the old books looking for us. No doubt he’d eventually find us. I just don’t think I’d be able to handle being grabbed against my will. I’m pretty sure I’d just freak out, and I don’t think he’d really appreciate it. I winced, lightly rubbing my arms and chest. Would he hurt me if I did anything wrong? 

“Hurry up Zaragoza! We’re leaving in five!” Someone had barked an order, making me wince and cover my ears. So loud. But in five minutes they’re leaving. That was bad. This guy would have to find us in that amount of time. 

“Just give me a little more time!” 

The person checking our room crouched down, checking the lower shelves before adverting his attention to another corner of the room. The opposite place where we were. I stood up on shaky legs, seeing him check underneath the chair thoroughly. So he would find us. Does he have enough time though? 

I swallowed, taking shaky steps toward him. He looked around 20. Maybe early twenties. He didn’t look like he would hurt us either, but that could easily be a trick. Still, if it meant that they can help my mom then I’d take the risk. I kind of have to anyways. 

I was getting closer and closer. My body didn’t want to. I nearly tripped a couple times because my legs didn’t want to work, but I had eventually made it close enough to where he could hear me if I slightly yelled. I sucked in a deep breath, the adrenaline getting to me, “S-Si…” I couldn’t even finish it, but I didn’t need to. In some kind of miracle, he had heard me. Despite it being a quiet whisper. 

His eyes landed on me as a walked backwards, eventually falling. Please don’t hurt us. Please don’t hurt us. Please don’t hurt us. It was all I could think about. My body was trembling a whole bunch, I’m sure he saw it too. My head was faced down in case I was about to be killed. I didn’t want the last thing I see be another sadistic face ready to kill me all over again. 

“A… kid?” Was all he said before I heard shuffling. I looked up only for a split second, seeing his hand reaching for me. I quickly stood up, running back, but tripping over my own two feet. Nonononono. Please don’t. Please don’t take me away from my mom. The thought stayed in my mind. 

“Hey now, I’m not gonna hurt you.” His voice just barely above a whisper. I looked up. His hand retracted back to his side, his full attention on me. Everything in my body told me to run, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. My chest was rising up and down fast, and I’m sure he noticed. 

“Is there… anyone else with you?” He had asked. I didn’t hear him for a second, but still nodded my head. He won’t take her away from me right? I can’t break our promise. 

“Do you mind showing me? I’m just gonna help her. I promise.” A smile appeared on his face, and I didn’t know if I could trust it. Would he really help her? Or would he just hurt her even more? I sucked in a breath, forcing myself to stand on shaky legs and showing him under the cabinet she was unconscious under. He told me to move out of the way so he didn’t accidentally hurt me while moving it effortlessly, and looking completely shocked at my mom’s limp body. Her chest rising up and down. 

The man in uniform wrapped his fingers around her weak body, and I couldn’t help the little whimper that came from me. He brought her closer to his face, making sure that she was still alive. Shocked at first, then he quickly turned to me, worried. I bit the side of my cheek, backing away. Don’t pick me up. Please. Don’t. 

I stumbled backwards, not ready for what was eventually going to happen. His thumb was pressed up against the front of my body, pressing me slightly into his pointer finger. Tear stung my eyes, thinking that I was about to die. I tried pushing away, kicking, but my body was weak. It hurt to even move at this point. The only thing that was keeping me from passing out was the adrenaline. 

“Kid, it’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you. Just going to check if you have any bad wounds.”  

Of course I was! I was covered with bruises from head to toe, I’ve broken so many bones I forgot what number I was at already, Worst of all I had cuts from being played around with like some sort of doll! Of course I was hurt! I guess the adrenaline rush was over, because the next thing I know I was passed out. 

——————

I woke up in a cold sweat, my body sore for no apparent reason. Groaning, I turned on my light and read my clock. Ten minutes before the alarm went off for school. Might as well start getting ready. That was a weird memory though…

Lately things have been getting easier at school. Mostly because everyone was was excited for Christmas at the end of the month. I however, wasn’t too excited. I mean, I rarely had anyone to celebrate with. Last year we were still in the hospital and my mom was taken to some other building close by where I was. They said that she was really sick, so I spent it alone, and same goes for this year. She has work now. 

It was barely the first week of December. Classes were going by slow and handing out less and less work. Even the teachers want to have those two week off. I don’t blame them. Everyone around me seemed to be asking each other to go to the school dance before the break. I didn’t really understand why there was one, but I’m pretty sure most people were only going for the free food. Me? I didn’t really feel like going. Too many people. Plus, I can find something to do at home. 

I’ve actually found a job. It’s small, and doesn’t really pay much, but at least it’s something. I mean, how else was I supposed to buy Lucky and all of them Christmas gifts? It’s the only way I know how to get people to like me. It hasn’t worked yet, but I’m sure at some point it will. I just had to keep smiling and hoping. 

The entire reason I was getting the gifts was because they’ve been really nice to me (Minus Jasmine since she keeps glaring at me every time I’m with Ryker. She literally scares the life out of me but that doesn’t mean I won’t get her something). It’d feel wrong not to get them something. 

I’ve saved up a little bit of money. I already have an idea of what I can get Angela, Lucky, Jasmine and Isabelle. Dylan was still a mystery to me since we’ve only ever talked that one time, and I have a half idea for Ryker, but I doubt he’d like it. I already have a gift for my mom. Since she loves wearing necklaces and earrings I bought her a pair a couple days ago. She has no idea, but I’m sure she’ll love them. The necklace was actually a heart-shaped locket. Inside there was an old picture I found of all three of us. Before we were kidnapped of course. I just made a copy of it and cut it out to put inside. So, I’m sure she’ll love it. 

It was freezing outside. Snow covered the grass, the roads were somehow fine, and some younger kids were making their way to school like me. Something felt off about today, but I didn’t think much of it. 

——————

School today was fast. It was last period before I even knew it. maybe because the classes didn’t feel like grading all of that work before the break. I know I wouldn’t. But still, I just wasn’t expecting Mrs. Kay to give us another project only two weeks before break. That’s not really enough time unless it was a slideshow or a short poster board presentation, which I could not do under any circumstance. 

“We’re doing Christmas presents!” She cheered at the front of the class. Some people were cheering along with her, some just smiled and laughed. I just stared at the drawing of a Christmas Tree on the board. What? I was trying not to think about how bad the gift I was getting for Ryker was going to be. I mean, I couldn’t really think of anything else. 

“Just give your partner a Christmas present. That’s all I’m asking for. Just take a picture of them with their gift and I’ll consider it as proof that you actually did it. Remember, you still need to pass this class to graduate.” Her eyes trailed off to a random girl sitting in the classroom who just rolls her eyes. What was up with this teacher and giving us the strangest projects? It was just crazy. 

I sighed, trying to figure out what else I could get for Ryker. I mean, he gave me the idea in the first place. It was during Lunch about two days ago and he mentioned something to Dylan about a band he’s been wanting to see. He’s also mentioned to them to me, and I agreed to listen to some of their songs. Surprisingly I liked it. Why do I bother mentioning this? Well, because that band is going on tour, and they were coming to our city in the last week of December (I looked it up). I just figured I would buy tickets as a gift. I just needed the money. 

The only thing I worried about was if Ryker would even like it. Did he like concerts? Would he think it was stupid? Would he think I was stupid? Probably. But at least if I buy two, he could take Jasmine with him. I didn’t want to bother him. Plus, I’ve never been to one before and I have no idea what to expect. I don’t think I’d like it with all of the loud noises. And the people… 

Anyways, that’s what I hoping to get for him unless I somehow get another better idea. So far nothing. 

Ryker tapped lightly on the desk in front of me. I shook my head, barely realizing that I was zoned out that entire time. I nervously smiled up at him, hugging my backpack close to my chest. Today was Friday, meaning my mom had work, and I didn’t have work today. I would probably just go home, sit outside and read a book or something. I didn’t feel like staying inside all that much even if it was freezing cold outside. 

“You good?” He asked, moving his hand away from me. I bit the side of my cheek. Of course I was grateful, but I hated how he always thought I was uncomfortable around him. Like he always has to be wary of everything he does around me. I don’t mind, but I kind of wish he would be comfortable around me too.

“Wanna come over after school? It’ll only be me and you for a while. Everyone else is going Christmas shopping and told me not to come sooo…” Ryker trailed off, trying to read my expression. I wound’t mind. That get’s rid off all my plans though. Not that there were any to begin with. I’m pretty sure he’ll ask if I wanted to go outside anyways. I nodded my head. 

I mean being alone with Ryker wasn’t new to me. What could go wrong? 

“Have you ever been to my side of the city? Like, to stores or anything?” He had randomly asked, a smile on his face. I shook my head. I could never dream of it. It was a crazy idea in the first place. I mean, I could get stepped on at any moment, grabbed, yelled at, worst of all I could get lost. It was a huge place for giants, so imagine what it was like for humans. I shuddered at the thought. 

“We could walk around. Y’know, for a little while,” He shrugged his shoulders, “O-of course you don’t have to though! It’s just a thought.” 

Oh. I don’t really know about that. There’s a ton of people around especially since it’s nearly Christmas. I usually buy things online like I already have with most of Ryker’s siblings, but dealing with people fifty times my height would be so much more worse. I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if Ryker was there though. That way I actually have a means to escape if I needed to. Or if I just wanted to hide. I’m sure he’d figure out something. I just didn’t want to bother him. 

“S-sure.” I mumbled quietly, hoping he could hear. I was always so shocked when he could. Then again he has two human siblings. It kind of made sense. 

When the bell rang, Ryker kept his palm flat so I could climb on. I never fail to lose my footing and ended up falling over for the millionth time this school year. I’m sure Ryker was getting tired of it at this point. I would be. 

After walking for a while, we passed the extremely busy coffee shop, and I thought that’s where he was going since he walked towards it, but he didn’t. I was freaking out a little since he just walked through the crowd of people with seemingly no effort. It was a little loud, but it was over pretty soon. I still can’t believe people would wait in such a long line for a coffee. It seemed like a waste of time honestly. 

The cold air slapped me in the face for the second time today, immediately making me shudder and try to bury my face to stay warm. If I’ve learned anything from my mom it’s that the cold would end up getting me sick if I didn’t at least cover my nose. 

“If it gets too cold you can just tell me. We’re almost to the coffee shop I work at anyways.” He shrugged like the cold didn’t bother him. He was only wearing his usual jacket and some jeans. His hands were still invitingly warm. If it wasn’t rude, I probably would have just curled up in a ball and slept right in the middle of his palm. I wouldn’t though. 

I didn’t know where he worked at. I just knew that he had a weird schedule and didn’t really like working there. I wondered why. I feel like working at a coffee shop would b better than stocking shelves at a dollar store in the middle of the tiny town I live in. Then again, it must get pretty busy since where he works is in the middle of the city and its winter. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t like it? I have no idea. I don’t even know why he was taking me there. Maybe just to hang out? 

When we arrived, this place looked a lot more calm and comfortable. The line didn’t lead outside like the other one, there was a library that had a bunch of bean bags and cushioned chairs. It smelled like peppermint and somehow cinnamon at the same time, and it was decorated with a Christmas Tree in a corner with fake presents. What really caught my eye was that there were human-sized tables on top of the other ones like at school. There was also a mini library for humans, and even human workers who were handing out people’s drinks. I liked this place. It was a nice atmosphere. Plus it was amazingly warm in here. 

“Yeah… the other one is too crowded. I figured you wouldn’t like that and I think this is a calm place.” Ryker explained, taking a seat at a table in a corner where the heater was blowing. If he wasn’t here no one would be able to wake me up if I fell asleep. Still, I kept my eyes wide open, looking out for what comes next. 

A woman my height (She was actually half a foot taller than me but you get the idea) walked up onto the table from an elevator and smiled big while holding a small notebook. Oh! I don’t have any money on me. She looked over at Ryker, then gasped. 

“Ryker! I haven’t seen you since they switched our shifts!” The woman placed her hands on her hips. I’m guessing they used to work together. She looked close to her thirties. Her hair was tied back into a loose bun, sweet, hazel eyes that complemented her dark skin tone. She looked really nice. 

“Nice to see you too Nylah.” Ryker chuckled. The woman turned to me with a big smile, holding in a squeal, “Agh! Who’s this sweet little guy?” She ran up to my side, studying my looks before wrapping me in a tight hug. I wouldn’t have minded if it hadn’t hurt my back by pressing against my leftover scars. I shuddered, but kept it to myself. I mean what else was I supposed to do? I just met this woman. I can’t already have her thinking I was weird or something. If she’s close to Ryker and she thinks I’m not a good friend would she tell him something? 

Why was I worried if Ryker would stay my friend? I already knew the answer. He would leave me, and then I’d be lonely all over again. What else was there to it? I might as well make the best of it now. 

“Just a friend from school… I think you’re squeezing him too much.” Ryker’s hand reached out hesitantly, but retracted with a worried face. Was he worried about me? It seemed unreal, but I never really know with him. But to be honest, Nylah was hugging me a little too tightly. I could barely breathe and it was little uncomfortable, but I wasn’t going to say anything. It would be rude. Even if it hurts. Nylah let me go quickly.

“Oh! Sorry honey. It’s just after Ryker’s parents-“ Ryker cut her off by slightly tapping on the table and looking away. After his parents what? They weren’t even around as far as I knew. If they were on a business trip it’s been four months already. I would have thought they’d be back. I’ve actually been meaning to ask him, but it felt like overstepping into his personal life. 

“Sorry,” She whispered, “So what’s your name sweetie?” 

I blinked a couple times before opening my mouth to speak, “N-Nathan.” It came out the quietest whisper that I was so sure even Nylah couldn’t hear me, but she did. I had zero idea how, but she did. 

“Nathan! That honestly suits you,” She grinned, “Is this big teddy bear being nice to you? Oh what kind of a question is that! Of course he is!” She laughed. Ryker hid his embarrassed look, but I could tell he was smiling under the hand that was hiding his face. I laughed a little. 

“Ah, anyhow, what can I get you two?” She grabbed her pen and stared at the tiny notebook. Right, we’re at a coffee shop. But I don’t have any money. 

“I’m-“ Ryker cut me off, “Two hot chocolates?” I stared at him, shaking my head. He was trying to pay for me. I was not about to let that happen. It wasn’t right. 

“Alright, I’ll be right back.” She smiled and left. 

Ryker smirked, resting his head on his crossed arms. I wasn’t mad, more worried. I mean I did want hot chocolate, but I wanted to buy it. It wasn’t right letting Ryker pay for it. Ughhhh. 

“I get it for free I hope you know. I work here, remember?” He chuckled slightly. Right, but I thought it was only a percent off. I guess this place just works differently. Maybe I could just get a job here? It’s really peaceful and calm. I love it here. 

Nylah came back along with another worker who was a giant. She gave me a mug with gingerbread on it, along with a piece of paper. What was that even for? I thanked her, and she just giggled. I sighed, taking a sip. It was good. So good. Why don’t more people come here rather than that other place? Well… I guess that’d ruin the atmosphere. 

“We can go to my house after this. If you want to.” Ryker took a sip, biting the side of his cheek. I guess he burnt his tongue. I nodded my head, taking  another sip, eyeing the piece of paper Nylah handed me. I grabbed it, shocked at what it read. 

Make a promise to me that you won’t leave Ryker. He needs a friend. Especially now. And something tells me that you do too. 

I stuffed the paper in my pocket. It’s not like Ryker could read it, but you never knew. He kept surprising me. I took another sip, playing with my hands as Ryker stared at the window, glancing down at me every now and then. I knew he wanted to say something. The anxiety was eating at me, especially after reading that note Nylah handed to me. Who wouldn’t be? 

I waited for what seemed like hours in silence. I admit, it was awkward, but I really just wanted to know what Ryker was going to say or why he really brought me here. Why did he bring me here in the first place? Besides getting free drinks and him thinking that I’d like the place. I absolutely love it. Not too many people, it was quiet, and pretty much the opposite atmosphere compared to school. It was peaceful. Maybe I should start coming here? No, that was a terrible idea. I’d have to walk on the giants’ side of the city alone and I can barely handle it when I’m with one. Wait I’m getting off track again…  

“… athan?” Ryker whispered above me, questioningly. I shook my head out of my spiraling thoughts and diverted my attention to Ryker, who chuckle and sighed at the same time, “I just asked if it was good. I-I mean the hot chocolate.” 

I blinked a couple times before answering with excitedly nodding my head. Come to think of it, how did he know I liked hot chocolate so much? The only person I’ve told was… Lucky. Right. That makes more sense. I stared at the cup Ryker had, seemingly full. Honestly, it didn’t seem like he liked it all too much. 

“What about you?” I pointed to his cup, making him nervously laugh, “Hot chocolates not my thing.” 

Then why was he forcing himself to drink it? I mean it does explain why he didn’t seem to like it, but why fore himself? Was it because of me? Probably. He didn’t have to force himself to do something for me. Especially not something he doesn’t like. I hate this feeling growing at this knowledge.

“Th-then what is?” I asked curiously, hiding the small panic rising inside of me. 

“You’ll think I’m crazy, but I like cold things. Especially in winter. So like ice cream or a frappe.” He shrugged his shoulders. I don’t think he was crazy. I’m actually not even surprised. He doesn’t wear a thicker jacket (Neither do I but that’s because I don’t feel like interacting with people just to buy another one), he doesn’t wear gloves, no boots, and he doesn’t seem bothered by just sticking his hand in snow without anything on. This guy was some kind of superhuman, so this wasn’t really a surprise. Then again, there are beings who tower over many, many human skyscrapers by just standing up so what else is there to expect in this world? 

I shook my head, slightly smiling, “Why didn’t you g-get that then?” Ryker’s eyes were wide from shock for a split second. He just laughed, “Y’know, most people freak out when I tell them that.” 

“Why? It’s a stupid reason to be.” 

“Yeah. I guess it is.” 

After I finished with my drink, and Ryker traded his own out for a frappe, which he ended up finishing before he even reached his own house. I was safe and warm in his palm, somehow not worried about the fact I was roughly a hundred feet in the air. Or that I was completely trusting someone else with my life. Then again, it’s much easier when you’ve known the person for your entire school experience. Which was about four months. 

When we arrived at his house, the heater was already on, which I was so grateful for. I also found the house a little bit of a mess, but I already knew it was hard for Ryker to keep up with everything. I just kind of wished I could help, but alas, I was literally an inch and a half tall and couldn’t even move around his house without some kind of help. I’m sure Ryker knew that too. 

“Sorry for the mess. I’ll clean up-“ 

I shook my head instantly. He didn’t need to impress me. I’ve known him for four months, and I might still be the slightest bit scared, but I like to think I know him. I don’t even know why he thinks he needs to impress me. I’m gullible. I’ll practically believe anyone if they give me enough proof. 

Ryker sighed, grabbing a human sized blanket and handing it to me while I was still in the warmth of his hand. I mumbled a thank you, not expecting a reply. There were times where I was too quiet for anyone to hear. Including humans. It’s just a useless talent I have. Sometimes it even kicks in when I need my voice most. So a really annoying one too. 

“Wanna watch a movie then? I haven’t been able to watch a movie I actually want to watch in a while.” He chuckled, tilting his hand slightly on the arm of the couch to gently let me off. I nodded my head, wrapping myself comfortably in the blanket he so kindly handed me. 

“You’re fine with horror?” Ryker had asked before putting a disc into the dvd player. Horror? How do I tell him I might actually freak the heck out and maybe, possibly pass out? I don’t. I’ll go along with it. It’s his day, and he can do whatever he wants with me. Even if it means he’ll hear me squeak like a mouse again or scream my head off at some kind of jump scare. 

I hesitantly nodded my head as he put the disc in, turned off the lights, and left the room to go make popcorn. I hated how it was already dark outside. It made this a million times scarier for me. 

The screen showed a young woman going through her drawers, looking for something. Suddenly, there was a figure in her mirror, that disappeared just as soon as it appeared. I jumped though. I didn’t do well with horror movies, but I guess I’d just have to deal with it just for tonight. It’s not like this could happen in real life, right? 

Ryker came back with a small bowl of popcorn, offering some to me, which I declined. He sat down, his arms just a few feet away from me. It scared me a bit. What if he gets scared, and knocks me off the armrest? Was I in his way again? Should I move before something bad happens? How scary was this movie? 

It was maybe only thirty minutes into the movie where I was already shaking underneath the blanket I was given. Not just because I was cold either. It was because I was terrified. A guy earlier had died by being dragged in through a mirror and was falling in through a void only to fall into a pit of spikes. I had jumped, but Ryker had no reaction at all. Like he’d seen that before. Then again, we were practically exact opposites no matter how many people say we weren’t all that different. 

A couple of minutes later, Ryker placed his bowl on the coffee table in front of him, but stayed in the same position. I had wondered fro a split second if I should move, but then the girl had scared on tv, drawing my full attention, which was a fatal mistake because now her guts were spilling out and- 

I hid my entire body underneath the blanket this time. I’m sure if the light was on you could see me visibly shaking, but luckily it wasn’t. I just hoped I wasn’t bothering Ryker. That would be bad. If this was something he liked doing I didn’t want to-

Why was it quiet? 

Something pinched my sides, making me squirm and try to swat away whatever on the outside was trying to pick me up, but then my mind had finally solved it. Ryker was trying to pick me up. Heck. No. Never again. I rushed to get out of the blanket, pushing it off of me the second I peeked my head out. My heart was racing, my legs felt like jello, how was I going to run now? Not like I could without facing at least a fifty foot drop. 

“Woah, Nathan, little guy, I was only trying to…” Ryker’s eyes looked me over. He bit the side of his cheek, looking down then turning away and burying his head in his hands, groaning. I jumped expecting him to be mad at me, but instead he just leaned forward into the illuminating light of the tv that was paused. Oh. Oh. What do I do? How do I make it up to him? I-I can’t do anything- 

“S-sorry. I’m s-so sorry. I-I’ll just l-leave.” I covered up my mouth the second the words escaped. Why. Why couldn’t I just be normal? I can’t even get down safely without Ryker’s help, and currently I don’t think he wants to be anywhere near me. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. I backed up as far as I could with safely being on the arm of the couch. I tried my hardest to make myself seem smaller. Great. Now I’ve really messed everything up. I was just scared. That’s all. Why does fear always have to ruin everything for me? 

“No no you don’t have to. I should have known you wouldn’t have wanted to be touched. That’s on me. I’m sorry.” Ryker apologized, a struggling smile trying to meet up with his eyes. My heart fell. I should be the one apologizing. He’s obviously hurt by something, and I couldn’t get rid of the thought that I was the cause of whatever was hurting him. All because I was afraid.

I was only scared because I didn’t want to be held the way I used to be. I didn’t want to be dangled, pressed up against until all the air left my lungs and I passed out, worst of all I didn’t want to be kept in a fist. That would be the worst possible outcome. I was afraid that Ryker would do the same. But, thinking about it now, I don’t think he could ever hurt someone. Not ever. 

I stood up on my shaky legs, walking as close as I could, “I-I was j-just scared. I-I’m sorry. R-really.” I hoped he could hear me. When I heard him chuckled, I knew he did. 

“It’s fine. I get it. Why’d you say okay though if you don’t like horror movies?” He asked in his usual soft voice. I played with my hands while answering, “I u-usually go along with a-anything. I-I don’t w-want you to do s-something you d-don’t want to.” 

It was the truth. What else was I supposed to say? That I was just doing it because why not? Ryker would just ask again. I knew how he’d react. Sometimes. I wasn’t expecting the nickname in his earlier sentence. “Little guy?” I mean I like when he says it, but I don’t like the name in general. Maybe it was because I trusted Ryker and he doesn’t use it to taunt me. I just hope it doesn’t catch on. I’m sure he was just caught up in the moment too. 

“I appreciate it, but I don’t mind doing something else.” He smiled sadly. No, I was not about to be the reason he can’t have fun. I can’t. 

I shook my head, “I’ll be fine. I just get scared easily.” I rubbed my arms. Ryker was thinking for a second before offering his hand palm-up. I looked up at Ryker questionably, but didn’t question him. He kept his hand up against his jacket, “Is that comfortable?”  I nodded my head in response. 

“My parents used to do it with Lucky when something bad was happened. You-you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” 

I shook my head, but my curiosity had the best of me, “What h-happened to your parents?” 

Ryker sighed, giving a soft but sad smile, “They died in a car crash a little over a year ago.” I jumped, slapping my hands over my mouth.

“If you get scared you can turn away, and I’ll block it for you. Would that be easier for you?” I nodded my head. His parents… Did I ask a wrong question? Ryker didn’t seem bothered by it all too much, but still. Should I say something? No. I think I’ve said enough. 

The movie was getting finished up. The last person was making it out of the house. She was crying and laughing while collapsing on the concrete, right before she woke up back in her room that looked perfectly normal except for the face staring at her through the mirror. I jumped when suddenly the person stepped out, and turned around to face the jacket that was keeping me warm. I took several deep breaths before I felt something soft rub my back. Like it was trying to calm me down. Reassure me. I smiled leaning into the gentle touch. What? You would to if you were in my shoes. 

Ryker only let out a small chuckle, right before he change the tv to the news, where suddenly I was hearing raging protests. I quickly turned to the tv, seeing many, many people marching down the street holding up signs and looking like they were all about to cause chaos. There was a warning for humans living in the giant side of the city to move to the human side. 

Ryker and I looked at each other with horrified looks on our faces. This was not going to end well. 

——————

ahhhhh. I do love a decent cliffhanger. I wonder what happens next!

Also, this was a little fast paced because holy moly school does not need to assign five projects due in one singular week. Sorry if it’s not as good as you all had hoped TwT

Thank you for reading!

[irradiatedsnakes]

we are just floating here

[deus-ex-mona]

o h hey that’s mona (wearing the costume sena designed) on a billboard at the same spot as sena’s hanicos display from kawaiku naritai—

[entomolog-t]

so ... just curious ... in your story Bite Me's world, if a vampire were to attempt turning a human to their kind ... would they also shrink as part of the transformation?

— 80

Okay, warning, I'm a big biology nerd and super excited to go off on some biology lore that might not be to explicit throughout the story!

The main inspiration for Bite Me was originally just some goofy speculative biology takes on vampires being parasitic. If they were to have split off from humans some time ago, conditions would favor smaller sizes. Less blood would satisfy them, meaning their prey populations would stay healthier, live longer, reproduce more, etc along with increased access to food increasing their own health, lifespan, and reproduction.

Smaller sizes also mean less chance of getting caught, which, you know, likely reduce survival rates.

Without getting too bogged down in the sciences, I took this concept and ran with it, making vampires a species rather than an affliction.

There will be some nods to vampire lore within the series- like Aedes is allergic to garlic- as are all vampires in the same way (though more severe) that cats and dogs can't tolerate garlic well.

Blood based diets are considered extremely simple and don't require a complex gut system to absorb or process nutrients, which means while Aedes can eat other foods, it typically does not go well.

THOUGH

I have definitely toyed with the idea of doing a magical affliction based au that abides by more traditional vampire lore and OH BOY does that sound like a really good concept to integrate into it.

I think I would tend toward, yes, it would shrink them slowly over time. Though, I am totally open to other head cannons as I really haven't played around to much with AU lore.

[angel---eater]

oof theres this new person in one of the servers im in who keeps trying to... idk, bait people?? probably not actively bait people. they keep putting little feelers out to initiate ship bashing and shipwar behavior in a 'you agree with me right? cause everyone knows this [insert really historically popular fandom ship] is groooooss lol' kind of way. and the only reason im thinking abt this is because this servers first rule, like literally right at the top of the rules channel, is 'no ship bashing under no circumstances for any ship', point blank period. this is a if you dont have anything nice to say dont say it kinda space for everyones peace of mind. its a lil piece of escapism in a lil dedicated ship server. so im sittin here like okay. aight dude. youre looking to get angry about something that doesnt matter with new people to get the blood pumpin. i feel that. but theres a time and place 😭😭😭do that shit with your friends ur yelling in the wrong fandom echochamber..... this one is full of love and peace.....

[tetzoro]

what is the riskiest place that you and zoro have hooked up at, and did you ever get caught 🎤

gaaaawd. this question has been marinating in my brain. i think one of the riskiest places we’ve hooked up at was umm.. on the polar tang…. maybe in a certain office ….. hmm. yeah. hehe. listen, there’s not a lot of places on that submarine for us to sneak away and get some privacy !! we were on our way to wano + i needed a distraction alright! subs freak me out, it was purely medicinal. so of course we had to do it in the doctors office! law should’ve locked the door idk.

we didn’t get caught but yeah. a lot of people could figure it out i fear … 😓