#((And her poor brother going “oh no” in the corner as usual))

[nether-twins]

"You know, I've been thinking a lot lately. And then I mean... A LOT. What if - just to throw this out there - I started a, say, club of sorts for pranksters like myself? I love what I'm doing now on my own, but it would sure be better and funnier if I had more people like myself to share my ideas with."

[poppadom0912]

The best babysitters

Warnings: Mentions of absent father but all fluff

Summary: Work prevents you from going home one night, thankfully you’ve got the best backup in Chicago.

A/N: This is being posted later than I planned. My mum was in hospital and it gave me a scare but she's all recovered now so here this is. This is in celebration of 1k, a few more will follow as my workload has decreased significantly.

This fic exists in the same world as my other fic ‘older sister’ but can also be read as a stand alone.

You were tired.

Work was beyond busy today and your clients were being unnecessarily stressful. All you wanted now was to go home, relieve your babysitter of her duties and enjoy the night in with your daughter.

It seemed that the universe had some sort of vendetta against you though because just as you were putting the finishing signatures on the last few papers, an intern, a woman you saw earlier at reception, came running into your office slightly out of breath.

You wanted to scream.

Letting the poor intern talk, you smiled at her stiffly, dismissing her after saying you’d make your way. There was no way you could ask your babysitter to stay late for God knows how much longer, you could remember her telling you she has a lecture tomorrow morning.

Getting up from your desk, you sighed, screwing your eyes closed when you caught the time on your phone. Your sigh in defeat could probably be heard all across Chicago.

Walking out your office, the sound of your heels filled out the empty space, majority of the firm had gone home, only a few stragglers staying behind to close up on any loose ends.

Turning your phone on, you ignored the several notifications screaming for your attention and went straight to your contacts.

Your phone only rang twice before the person on the receiving end picked up.

“Hey Will, can you do me the biggest favour please… You’re a life saviour, thanks, I owe you one.”

Hanging up the phone, you stared ahead through the windows at the bustling waiting room, raised angry voices overlapping and bleeding though the walls.

You could already feel your headache intensifying.

*****

Using his spare key, Will entered your house. Shuffling inside, he took off his jacket and shoes as usual.

Hearing the front door open, little pattering feet were immediately heard running across the house. Will smiled at the sound that he didn’t hear often due to all of your demanding jobs.

“Mama! Mama oh-“

The immense joy on Harper’s face disappeared as the nearly two-year-old rounded the corner on her little chubby legs, expecting to see her beloved mother who she missed all day only to suddenly be met with her redheaded uncle.

“Well hello to you too miss Harper.” Will smiled down at his niece nonetheless, crouching down to scoop her into his arms to which she didn’t argue and instead welcomed.

As soon as she was safe in his arms, the toothiest, giddiest smile broke out on her chubby face that was so scarily identical to yours that it could only be explained by witchcraft.

Harper giggled, such a sound making Will forget about all the horrors that stained his day from the emergency department.

“Hi!” She exclaimed, her smile remained upright and never faltered. “Hi!”

And soon after, she pressed her open mouth onto his stubbly cheek, her attempt of a kiss. Despite struggling with the tough task and all the slobber that remained on his cheek, Will’s reaction was instant and wouldn’t change for the world.

“Oh, thank you so much Harper! Uncle Will missed you tons. Look at how big you’ve grown!”

But, before Will could have all his focus solely on his adorable niece, the sound of the front door unlocking diverted his attention.

Lo and behold, Jay casually strolled in as though this was another random Tuesday.

Oh, that son of a b-

Harper’s scream that followed definitely burst Will’s eardrums.

Will winced, tipping his head away to protect his ears from any further damage before turning to glare at his brother who was taking his jacket off.

"What are you-"

"You said we'd meet at Molly's for a drink but you weren't there." Jay cut Will off, a smile on his face as he looked at Harper and spoke without looking in Will's direction. "Natalie told me you were here."

"Jay Jay's jealous Harper." Will said, his tone all factual and matter-of-fact as he looked at the toddler in his arms. "He didn't want to miss out."

Jay didn't even try to look offended or hurt by Will's remark because deep down, it was somewhat true because how could Jay let Will have all the fun by himself?

"Stop hogging her you buffoon and let me hold her." Jay told Will, not waiting for a reply as he moved forward and took Harper into his arms, the girl didn't protest nor did she willingly lean forward.

"What- Uh, I've literally been here for five minutes Jay."

"Am I your favourite uncle? I knew it!"

*****

Following Jay’s sudden and unprompted arrival, Will dismissed your babysitter, paying her what you usually did and a little more as compensation for staying so late.

Once she had left, there wasn’t much left around the house for them to do besides turning the dishwasher on and making Harper’s nightly milks, but it wasn’t her bedtime just yet and maybe if time permitted it, Harper could stay up a little beyond her usual bedtime.

Consider it a small treat for this special circumstance without her mother implementing her strict nighttime routine.

While Will was sorting away the finals bits in the kitchen, Jay easily made himself comfortable in the living room while Harper continued to babble nonsensically, a few discernible words welcomed themselves into the mix. Jay allowed himself to take a second to relish in the moment, trying to prevent himself from having an existential crisis as he realised he was both emotional but also proud of how much she was growing.

“Dada, look look! S’ Dada!”

Moment ruined, Jay’s smile instantly fell.

Jay followed the direction of Harper’s index finger to the tv, his face hardening at the sight of the man who failed his fiancée and his baby who just turned one.

Harper's 'dad' was a television reporter and it had totally slipped his mind that this was the channel he worked for. Seeing his stupid face yap away about the news made his blood boil.

Jay changed the channel without a second thought.

Your ex fiancé had suddenly decided to leave on Harper’s first birthday, not even having the decency to at least show up at her birthday party.

A year later, and Harper still remembered the man whose name was her first word.

It devastated you still to this day what he had done and Harper’s random interjections of ‘dada’ only made the wound deeper.

“Dada isn’t here harper.” Jay said, tone as soft as it could be as he tried to explain it without her crying.

“It’s just uncle Jay and Will, and mama will be home soon.” Jay continued, holding the toddler in his lap so there was no chance of her running away crying.

Luckily, Harper was a mummy’s girl through and through, so despite the large absence of her father, simply mentioning ‘mama’ or anything akin to that made her entire face light up in a way that no one else could.

“Okay Halstead’s, listen up!” Will said as he entered the living room, phone in one and a towel in the other.

“Y/N’s saying it’s mostly likely going to be another two hours minimum so we’re most likely going to have to stay over.” Will told Jay specifically before looking down at Harper.

“You wanna get into your PJ’s Harps? Jay Jay can make you some milk.”

And despite her highly energised state, Harper would never turn down the enticing combination of her pyjamas and warm milk.

Crawling out of Jay’s lap, Harper moved towards Will who in turn of carrying her gave Jay the towel he was holding. And as much as Jay wanted to fight his brother, he knew Will had more experience with kids - i.e. Owen - and so he could gladly change her diaper.

With Will and Harper standing over him, brown eyes wide, glinting with a hidden intent Jay had become familiar with since childhood. It really wasn’t fair that you and Will both had your father’s eyes which Harper just had to inherit. Jay found himself useless and always surrendering to those goddamn eyes, even as the youngest sibling.

Whenever Jay remembered his childhood, it never made sense why the two older siblings never folded as easily when he looked up at them with the biggest, most imploring eyes. Even now, three decades later, and not a single thing had changed.

“Okay, okay! Just stop looking at me like that.” As soon as Jay spoke, the two rejoiced, their happiness still discernible even as they made their way upstairs.

“Let’s get this party started then.”

*****

And so party they did.

Well at least according to Harper’s standards.

The night started off with warm drinks - Harper with her milk while Will and Jay spoiled themselves to the expensive coffee beans that you easily could afford but neither your brothers indulged in unless under your roof.

Following this, Harper had a short but very fun time running around with sudden newfound energy, causing as much havoc as humanly possible for anyone her size.

It was safe to say that she tired herself quite quickly.

As Jay opened himself and Will a beer, he walked back into the living room, his eyes landing on his older brother and niece, the younger scrunched up into a little ball on Will's chest. Her face completely relaxed and arms wrapped around his torso as she snored quietly.

"Now this, after today, is my kinda party."

"Amen." Will agreed, tapping his bottle with Jay's as a silent 'cheers'.

Jay settled besides his brother, both of them staring forward at the muted movie Harper randomly chose, the first she watched that didn't have any princess affiliations.

"Gosh, it feels like years since we last babysat her." Will said, a sombre but nostalgic tone lacing his words.

"It does." Jay hummed as he swallowed his beer. "We're all so busy with work we can hardly make time for each other."

Will scoffed. "I see you almost everyday, strolling casually into the ED like you own the freaking place. Who are you kidding?"

Jay rolled his eyes but agreed nonetheless.

"Yeah, we need to visit more often. Make more effort and take out the time."

The silence that followed was filled by Harpers little snores and the occasional sound of a siren blaring past in the distance.

"I'm so tired I could knock out right here on the floor."

"Don't be such a doofus, go put her down in her bed."

"Aye aye captain."

*****

When you finally returned home three hours later, tired beyond belief. You were so close to dropping to the floor as soon as you locked the door but as you ventured into the house, you were met with the most heart warming sight.

On the floor in the living room remained your two younger brothers and your daughter. Harper was still scrunched up in a ball on Will's chest, her hand clutching his shirt while said man had his face leaning forward into her hair, his breaths causing Harper's curl to move occasionally. Jay sat besides them, hands crossed slightly on his lap and his head tipped backwards, resting on the sofa.

Even as your eyes burned with the need for sleep, you took a few pictures of the scene before you, your smile not going till your head met your pillow.

If Jay and Will woke up with sore necks in the morning, there was a very seasoned doctor in the house for a reason.

[cherryheairt]

Hi again (●’◡’●)ﾉ

Please can I request some oneshots of different genshin characters ( Diluc, Zhongli, Neuvillete) reacting to the reader getting into a bar fight when drunk.

hello! I love this ask it sounded fun

Diluc

Diluc was the last to know of y/ns activities tonight, despite owning the tavern that they happened in.

In the midst of his stacks of paperwork for the winery's many shipments, Diluc was interrupted by Adelinde opening the study door in a rush.

He lifted his head from his work, placing his pen down. "Is everything alright?" He asked, though assumed not. The always calm and collected Adelinde had a red flush on her cheeks, as if she had run to find him.

"Master Dliuc, I'm afraid there's been an incident at Angel's Share." She answered, catching her breath.

He rubbed a brow, nodding. "Isn't there one every night?"

She shook her head, exasperated. "It's y/n, she got into a fight with one of the regulars-"

Diluc wasted no time, standing from his chair and rushing past the maid. "Why didn't you say so sooner?!" He yelled behind him, a fury of red and black as he went to the stables.

Diluc made it to Mondstat's city in minutes, pushing the stead as fast as it could run. In front of the tavern, the amused face of Kaeya had just exited.

Before Diluc could speak, Kaeya carefully pushed his shoulders back, away from the door. "Calm down, Diluc. If you go in there in that state, nothing will get solved and the poor fellow will only get more hurt."

Poor fellow? Was y/n not the one who had gotten hurt? "I don't have time for this-"

"Though I have to applaud y/n, I never would have guessed that she had that kind of fire in her." Kaeya laughed, patting his brother's shoulder before leaving.

Diluc didn't have time to dwell on his words, slamming the door open.

Inside, only four people remained. Diluc went to y/n's side immediately, taking her face into his hands and inspecting it. Perfectly clear of aby blood or bruises. He scanned the rest of her exposed skin, nothing. "What happened?" He directed his question at anyone who would answer.

Jean, Charles, and a man Diluc vaguely knew as Albert were all crowded around, though Albert further from the rest with a wet cloth on his cheek, sulking at a table.

At the bar stools, the rest sat. Jean spoke up, "I am to mediate the fight when I heard of it. Kaeya beat me to it, though. I just stayed to make sure nothing else happened." She said, tired eyes barely staying open this late at night.

Charles nodded, "I sent someone to fetch you as soon as it stopped."

Diluc just crossed his arms, standing in front of Y/n as he glared at Albert. "What did he do to her?"

From behind, Y/n scoffed. "Nothing. He went down in one hit." The words were slightly slurred, though the amount of time that had passed waiting for Diluc to come most likely sobered her up a bit.

"Right, so what did he say then?" He questioned.

This made Jean herself bristle, though still silent.

"Bastard made a comment about Barbara, then tried to pass it off as 'oh, I'm just admiring her beauty and grace!'" Y/n mimiced Albert's nasally voice. Diluc looked to Albert, who shied away from everyone's gaze, clearly having no one in his corner. He shifted uncomfortably, leaving a bright ashy burn mark to be visible on his cheek.

Diluc whipped around to fully face Y/n again, spotting what he did not see the first time. A red vision, clutched tightly in her hands.

"You got a vision?" He asked, but it sounded more like a statement.

Y/n nodded, "I wish I got it in a cooler way, but hey, now we match." She winked, earning a small smile from him. He put a gloved hand on her shoulder, "is the matter settled, Jean? Clearly, he was in the wrong."

Jean, who might usually argue further about bar fights such as these, especially ones involving visions, nodded. It was involving her dear younger sister after all, some morals can be absolved.

Diluc and Y/n left first, dismissing Charles for the night and allowing Jean and Albert to discuss the matter in private.

Diluc led Y/n home, embracing her in front of him on horseback. "You're sure you're okay?" He asked.

Nodding slowly, she leaned back into his warm chest. "I'm great. Just wish Kaeya hadn't pulled me off before I could get another hit in." She admitted, amused.

Diluc laughed along, agreeing. "He's had that coming for a long time. It was time someone showed him his place.

They both went to bed contently, warm in each other's embrace.

On both of their nightstand lie two matching, glowing red visions.

Neuvillette

Y/n winced as a cold cloth wiped away at her swollen face. "Ow! Could you be any gentler, please?" She whined, attempting to tug her face away.

Neuvillette kept a soft but firm grip on her cheek, not allowing her to stop him. "If you hadn't gotten yourself into that fight, I wouldn't have to do this in the first place." His baritone voice reprimanded her.

She groaned, "That lady had no right to talk about you like that. The audacity to speak of the Iudex like that!"

He only raised a brow, patting at her split lip. "While I appreciate you defending me, there is no need. The people have a right to their opinions." Always neutral, Neuvillette stayed indifferent to the court's opinion of him.

"Not when they're wrong," she huffed. "She called you a cheater! Telling the whole tavern of how the Iudex rigged the Oratrice to send her husband to the Meropide because he insulted you."

"Lady Penny is simply upset, as any wife would be if her husband was sent to prison."

"Perhaps she should go join him if she misses him so much." Y/n rolled her eyes.

Neuvillette laughed softly, setting the towel down on the desk and taking her face softly in his arms. He caressed her bruise carefully, kissing it once, twice, then setting a final delicate kiss on her split lip.

"We can not send everyone we don't agree with the the Fortress, it would be anarchy."

Y/n giggled at his soft touches, squirming to the edge of the desk to hold his porcelain one in her own hands, which had proudly showed off her bloodied knuckles. "We won't know until we try."

He sighed contently, shaking his head in amusement. "What ever shall I do with you?"

[fleuraimer]

how would carmy react if he ever accidentally hurt his girl…like not in a fun sexy way but in a real way…whether it’s genuinely fucking/spanking her too hard or saying something rather mean during sex

oh god i feel like he'd literally burst a blood vessel 😭

tw!! carm hurts his cub (emotionally). allusions to domestic ab*se (carm is a healing boy, all right?) happy ending.

i can see this happening after carmy loses for the first time. like, it sucks to lose for anyone, but this is carmen we’re talking about—the definition of a loser; a boy small and quiet enough to frighten into a corner, terrorize into a blank mind (poor, bruised boy. built a name for himself out of hollow self-confidence and false healing, a persona that crumbles with one (hundred) too many punches).

he walks through the tunnels with his head hung low, eddie’s hand massaging his right shoulder and benny’s soothing his left; nacho in front, his larger form shielding carm’s blotchy face from the inconsiderate paparazzi. y/n trails timidly beside her bear—hurting and erratic.

the locker room is stock-still silent as they file inside. usually, there's hollering and chanting in celebration as soon as they step through the threshold, and after congratulations and hugs (and kisses from his sweet cub), carm heads for the shower to wash away the grime of his brutal victory.

this time, though, there are no congrats to be given.

everyone seems to be walking on powder eggshells, overly tentative and precautionary as they tend to him. any questions they have for him are low and prudent, and any answers he has to offer them are clipped, and slightly cruel—finds it difficult to show kindness when their own is unwarranted, he lost. he failed (and failing does not call for sympathizing but for reprimanding, punishment; not consolation but condemnation).

"jus' fuck off, dude," carmen huffs, shrugging benny's hand of his shoulder. he sighs, drops his palm from figure and turns on his heal to walk out, anxiously twirling his toothpick along his tongue.

he steps next to y/n, where she waits, pretty in pink, like always, with her hands folded in front of her legs, eyes to the floor. he bumps his boney shoulder to hers, "think he needs you." her eyes flit up to meet his, and he gives her a small smile, and look of encouragement. "go get him, tiger," he whispers gently.

famous last words.

everyone silently gets the message and leaves the locker room to give carmen his space; all except his girl, his sweet cub.

"carmy," she utters softly, stepping toward him.

he throws her a look over his shoulder, "not now, cub, i'm... not now."

she frowns—presses still.

"carm," she tries again, sliding a supple palm up the curve of his back.

he jerks away from her touch, "not fuckin' now, y/n!" he keeps his back to her and starts toward the medical bed, blood dripping from his fingertips.

she bristles, but doesn't let him see it. takes a defesive step back, kicks up her chin, and swallows the lump in her throat (she hated it when he yelled, when he bunched himself up and tucked himself away in that corner of his mind, away from everyone, even her, but his protector. she couldn't help him there, couldn't pry him from the clutches of claws).

"please don't speak to me like that, carmen," she says, soft but firm. "i'm your girlfriend, not on payroll."

he snorts as he rips a white towel off the overhead shelf and starts soaking up the blood from his various wounds. he's rough as he scrapes it up and down his battered body, hurtful. y/n longs to reach out and do it for him—delicate and caring, the way he deserves—but keeps her twitching hands at her sides.

"fuckin' act like it," he mutters under his breath.

her eyebrows rise with indignation, "excuse me?"

"i said y'fuckin' act like you're on my payroll, shit!"

y/n's spent a long time trying to learn how to not be sensitive. she came from a household of men—four brothers, all boxers, thanks to her father—but just because she was constantly surrounded by their brutality doesn't mean she ever fully adapted to it. she inherited their tough skin—took the chipped pieces on the gym floor and melded them to her flesh herself, thicker, harder to pierce—but she couldn't bury her very being, no matter how hard she tried; she would always be a sensitive soul.

she exhales a shaky breath, her fingers curling into her palms, nails digging. he didn't mean it, he was just upset with himself.

"watch your damn tone, carmen."

"or what?" he scoffs, whipping around to face her, tossing the bloodied towel to the side. it's the first good look she's gotten at his face since the start of the fight, and it makes her want to scream.

he's got a swollen, bruised left eye and a crooked nose, a swelling jaw and busted lips; battered and bloodied, from his collarbone, scattered all across his torso.

her throat threatens to close up, and carmy's taking a looming step closer to her too fast for her to combat it.

"what the fuck are you gonna do? fuckin' bitch at me like you always do, huh?" she flinches as he gets in her face, stumbling back. "carmy this and carmy that, but s'never fucking good enough, is it? you just get to sit there and look pretty—live in my house, use my fuckin' money—and god fuckin' forbid i ever ask anything of you!" he throws his arms up, exasperated, huffs out a laugh, though it's certainly humorless. "i'd screw those precious fuckin' feelings a'yours, get y'cryin' like the fuckin' crybaby y'are..."

his voice trails off, the fiery blaze in his eye faltering—like he knows he's fucked up—but his face hardens again before she has the chance to decipher it.

there's part of her that wants to hurt him the way he's just hurt her, put up a fuckin' fight and scream at him the way they're both so used it. another part, though—a much stronger part—is too hurt to hurt him; too sad that her bear would take violence and cruelty over the kindness of others because he'd never been taught how.

she looks at him with a broken furrow between her brow—a bitter smile on her lips. her voice is watery as she starts, "i never asked you for any of that. you offered, and i accepted. and my sincerest fucking apologies for being a human, with emotions." she scoffs, let's out her own humorless laugh. she bites her lips to try and stop the river of tears at bay, looks to the side so he won't notice as a tear slips down her red cheek.

carmen exhales a long breath—he went too far. "cub—"

she lifts a dismissive hand, "no, y'know what? it's fine," she sniffs harshly, rubs underneath her eyes to stop the stray tears from slipping. "i'm— i'm gonna give you some space," she utters, turning to find her purse and coat. carmy watches her gathering her things uselessly, stuck. "seems like y'could use it."

she doesn't look back at him as she rushes to the door, and only stops when she feels a large paw grazing the exposed skin of her back.

"y/n," he whispers, wavering, unsure.

she brushes his hand from her figure.

"i'll be at your house," she mumbles, and slips out of the door.

when it slams shut, carmy can't help the chocked sob that works its way up his sore throat. he stumbles backward, trips over his feet and crumbles to his knees. he curls into himself (like the boy in his mind, tucked safely in the corner), wraps his aching arms around his bent legs a cries like the crybaby he'd just accused his girlfriend of being.

his sweet cub.

god, he fucked up. they fight, so much—too much. he knows her mannerisms, has studied the inclinations of her sadness, frustration, irritation, and anger. he can't ever recall being faced with her disappointment, however, her utter hurt.

he fucked up, bad. but he's gonna fix it (has to, or the boy in the corner will never stop shaking with fear, sobbing, wailing—waiting for his protector to return with his cub).

——

it's late when carmen gets home. their home, not his (couldn't call it his, was never his when she's the one who made his house a home). he walks through the door of their penthouse with his hands full—his duffle bag, a bag of take out (from the three michelin star joint down on 39th), a heart-box of chocolates, and a large bouquet of flowers—and his tail tucked between his wobbly legs.

he places her gifts on the kitchen counter when he walks by in passing, groaning in relief as weight is lifted away from his body (he got beat the shit out of—had to if he fuckin' lost).

he walks into their bedroom as quietly as he can, softly kicking the door shut behind him. in their king-sized bed lay his sweet cub, curled up beneath the blankets—chin tucked and knees pulled to her chest—in a baby pink nightie and matching bonnet. he watches the subtle rise and fall of her back, smile fondly.

he shuffles to the foot of the bed and sets his duffle there, then moves around to her side, kneeling before his sleeping beauty.

"cub," he whispers, feather light as he presses stray baby hairs peaking through the band of her bonnet back underneath. "wake up f'me, baby, 've got some grovelin' t'do."

she groans groggily into the sheets as she starts to come to, stretches out like a cat as her tear-clumped, heavy eyes peel open.

"hey, sweet cub," he murmurs. she eyes him blankly through fluttery lashes.

he deserves that.

"i'm sorry, my girl," he sighs heavily, beginning to pet at her blotchy cheek. "i didn't mean it, fuckin' any of it. you don't bitch at me, y'never ask too much of me," he brings his free hand up to cradle her pretty face as tears begin to well in her eyes. "this is your house, your home. my money is yours, more than it's mine—fuckin' spend it all, cub, i don't care," the both huff out a short laugh, his fond, hers snotty. "y'not a crybaby, you're my baby—my girl, my sweet fuckin' cub, and i'm so goddamn sorry i said those things to you, baby."

she sniffles, curls her fingers around his wrists to keep him close. "y'mean it?"

his lips twitch up in a gentle smile, "i mean it, cub; m'so fuckin' sorry, sweetheart."

"good."

she pulls him in by her grip on his wrists, mouth pressing to his.

safe to say he's forgiven (he carries her out to the kitchen—arms clasped around his neck, legs wrapped around his waist—and presents her gifts to her for good measure, though. sits her in his lap and feeds her yummy pasta and chocolate with a glass of sangria, one of her go-to drinks, to see that giddy smile.

then eats her out of the kitchen counter, too).

——

a/n: how to make the writing process go faster no glue no borax

not edited/proofread!!

[liyaauhr]

Aiden & Taylor HC’s because no-one talks about them enough! 🎢

— disaster child + disaster child = recipe for chaos

— After her father’s death, Taylor never really got to have a normal childhood like most people her age. She didn’t want to rely on her twin brother constantly for help and had an emotionally unavailable mother so she spent her time trying to help out around the house as much as possible. Her first time goofing off was actually with Aiden who convinced her to skip class to go to the skate park and taught her how to skateboard.

— Gossip about their classmates ALL THE TIME. Literally Taylor will call up Aiden at the ass crack of dawn being like “OH MY GOD you will NOT believe whats been going on with blah blah blah” and Aiden would immediately be like “OMG wtf??? Oh I knew they were a bitch 🙄”

— They team up to cheat in uno. Both of them sneak in +4 cards to their deck and trade cards underneath their legs like dealers to get the people they’ve targeted out in the round. This person is usually Tyler because he has a whole FLIP OUT and when it’s not him it’s Ashlyn because you cannot tell me she wouldn’t get competitive and be a sore loser.

No. this is totally not based off of personal experience. (My friends suck 🤧)

— Once during Christmas, after watching so many movies (and paying attention to none) Aiden had the bright idea of recreating the traps in Home Alone. His parents were away and Taylor tried to talk him out of it…but then he offered a monthly supply of chocolate bunnies and a declaration of a prank war on Tyler so naturally, she concedes. The whole thing was surprisingly easy considering Aiden just has a bunch of questionable random junk lying around that is that is scary dangerous when utilised so with Taylor’s craftiness and Aiden’s creativity the two of them end up making some unstoppable traps. Unfortunately, instead of taking them down once they were finished, both of them got sidetracked by making cookies for the rest of the group to eat. As of on queue, a poor unknowing Ben had walked into the front door after guitar lessons with Tyler and well…you can imagine the disaster! Literally hundreds of booby traps flying at him from every damn corner, every wrong step taken resulted in another attack and eventually a net came out of nowhere and trapped him mid-air!

(Tyler was behind him and could not stop laughing for a good hour as Aiden and Taylor watched in horror, he now has infinite blackmail material in his gallery.)

— I hc that while Tyler is a great cook, Taylor is an excellent baker! When she’s concentrated she can make some really good cookies and cakes that she had learned from her mum.

Key word: WHEN SHE’S CONCENTRATED

Long story short, they’ve blown up a whole kitchen before (at least it was Aiden’s).

— These two 100% do dumb tiktok challenges together and you cannot convince me otherwise.

— Before the Savannah trip, I like to think that Taylor was intrigued by Aiden’s energy when he first arrived especially considering she’s the type to notice people who aren’t necessarily well known (as seen with Ashlyn). Whenever she saw him he was always smiling and goofing off with the tall guy that followed him around and she sorta missed that feeling after losing it so long ago when her father died. Her brother and mother had never been the same since and Tyler became more serious, not to mention her other friends weren’t exactly the silly type.

And the two seemed to stick to the ginger haired girl like glue (to her dismay). She found it funny watching them annoy her to no end and Ashlyn had always been someone she had secretly wanted to get to know.

I feel like a part of her really wanted to make friends with them from the beginning because while the people Tyler and Taylor hung out with were nice enough, they always felt so disconnected and out of touch from them.

— They share a PE class together and literally both choose not to try in class and instead choose to goof off and gossip instead.

— Once Aiden’s roots were growing out and Taylor noticed and offered to re-dye it for him. Turns out she has 0 hair skills (all the genes went to Tyler lol) and Tyler walked in on the both of them in the bathroom. Aiden with patchy bleached hair that looks like its frying itself raw and Taylor with random bleached streaks and botched bangs. Safe to say, neither of them are allowed to use hair products and tools anymore.

— They match together for Halloween because everyone else is a loser who can’t accept their amazing ideas (e.g chicken onesies, angry birds etc.)

[lila-lou]

✨High School Sweetheart - Pt 2✨

Summary: You come face-to-face with a ghost from your past—Dean Winchester. Five years after he vanished from your life without a word, and now he´s here. But neither you nor he are teenagers anymore.

-Listen to "Chance with you"-

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Warnings: Language, ANGST, Fluff, poor fucking dean

Word Count: 6231

A/N: English isn’t my first language, please be lenient. 💙

It barely took ten minutes of sitting beside Dean in the Impala before Sam, watching his brother’s slightly dazed expression, finally broke the silence. Sam’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he noticed the faint blush still lingering on Dean’s cheeks, his older brother biting his lip, lost somewhere deep in thought, the edges of a grin tugging at his mouth.

“Still really pretty, huh?”, Sam mumbled, a slight smirk pulling at his own lips.

Dean blinked, as if snapped out of a daydream, glancing at Sam with a mixture of irritation and sheepishness. “Shut up, Sammy”, he muttered, though the flush on his face deepened as he tried to focus back on the road.

But Sam wasn’t about to let it go that easily. “Oh, come on, Dean. The look on your face says it all. You’re practically glowing”. He leaned back in his seat, watching his brother with a look that was both curious and amused. “I mean, I knew she was special, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this”.

Dean let out a breath, shaking his head, though he couldn’t hide the small smile still playing at his lips. “Yeah, well…”. He trailed off, running a hand over the steering wheel as if it could ground him, as if the familiar leather beneath his fingers could keep him from spiraling into the memories of you. “She’s… I don’t know, Sammy. She’s always been different”.

Sam nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. “She got to you, huh? Even back then”.

Dean let out a rough chuckle, rolling his eyes at Sam’s all-too-knowing expression, but he couldn’t shake the warmth spreading in his chest, even if he tried to hide it behind his usual bravado.

“Yeah, yeah, don’t get all mushy on me”, he shot back, giving Sam a light punch on the arm. “Just ‘cause I’ve got a soft spot doesn’t mean you need to turn into Dr. Phil over here”.

Sam grinned, rubbing his arm dramatically. “Hey, I’m just saying, it’s kinda nice to see you like this. Kinda reminds me you’re human after all”.

Dean scoffed, his cheeks darkening a bit more as he focused on the road, though a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Alright, smartass. Keep it up, and I’ll throw you out of this car faster than you can say ‘college boy’”.

But Sam wasn’t about to let up, not when his brother was in rare form, and he leaned back with a smirk. “Right. Go ahead, toss me out. Maybe I’ll find my way back to that little bookstore she’s got. Tell her all about how you kept looking at that card she gave you when you thought I wasn’t looking”.

Dean’s head whipped toward Sam, his expression caught between shock and embarrassment, and he quickly cleared his throat, shifting in his seat as he tried to play it cool. “Pfft, the card? Didn’t even realize I had it”. He shrugged, feigning nonchalance, though his fingers instinctively brushed against the pocket of his jacket, where he’d tucked it safely away.

Sam chuckled, shaking his head. “Right. Like you’re not gonna call her first chance you get”.

Dean cleared his throat, trying to shake off the knowing look Sam was throwing his way. “I’ve got bigger things to worry about than a card, Sammy”, he muttered, eyes fixed on the road.

Sam smirked, crossing his arms as he settled back in his seat. “Uh-huh. Bigger things like… calling her? Or just figuring out how you’re gonna manage to stay away?”.

Dean shot him a quick glare. “You know, you’re real mouthy for someone who’s got a free ride”.

But Sam wasn’t letting up. “Look, Dean, all I’m saying is… we’re still in town, at least until we figure out what’s going on with this case. Not like you’d be going out of your way”. He raised his eyebrows, his tone both teasing and genuine. “Maybe it’s a sign, you know?“.

Dean scoffed again, rolling his eyes as he tried to keep his focus on the road ahead, though the twitch of a grin betrayed him. “A sign? Really? What’s next, Sammy, you pulling tarot cards out of the glove box?”.

Sam shrugged, a smirk still lingering on his face. “I don’t know, Dean. You’ve always been the one to follow your instincts. And I think we both know this isn’t just another hunt”.

Dean let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head. “You really are going for that Dr. Phil gig, aren’t you?”. But the usual bite in his tone wasn’t there. “Look, it’s not like I’m dying to make her life any more complicated than it needs to be. You saw her—she’s doing fine. Better than fine, actually. So, maybe it’s better if we just leave her out of all this”.

“Right, sure”, Sam replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Because you looked real ‘fine’ back there when you were about to drive off again. Totally ready to let her go”.

Dean shot him a glare, but it didn’t have much heat behind it. “Just because I want her to be okay doesn’t mean I need to go barging back into her life, alright? She’s got her shop, her routine. She deserves someone… better. Not someone who has to leave town at a moment’s notice”.

Sam leaned forward, his expression softening, but his eyes remained steady on his brother. “Or maybe she deserves the truth. You know, the Dean who sticks around long enough to let her decide for herself if she wants you in her life”.

Dean clenched his jaw, trying to shrug off Sam’s words, but something about them hit too close to home. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, but his grip on the wheel tightened, his shoulders tense. “I don’t know, man”, he murmured, voice softer now, almost hesitant. “I left her once. Not exactly the best track record”.

“And yet, she still gave you her number, didn’t she?”, Sam countered, his voice gentler now, but unyielding. “Seems like she’s already made part of that decision. Maybe all you have to do is follow through”.

Dean stayed silent, his gaze distant as he considered Sam’s words. The road stretched out ahead of them, but the weight of what Sam was saying hung thick in the air. He knew his brother was right—that he’d only be lying to himself if he tried to brush this off as a coincidence or some passing feeling.

Finally, he let out a low chuckle, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “You know, you’re getting a little too wise for your own good, college boy”.

Sam shrugged, leaning back with a satisfied grin. “Just looking out for you, big brother”.

-Flashback-

It was a crisp autumn afternoon, a few days into the new school year, and Sam had already noticed the way Dean’s gaze lingered on you whenever you crossed paths in the hall. Dean would lean against his locker or sit on the edge of a bench outside, looking casual, pretending he was just minding his own business. But Sam saw the way his brother’s eyes tracked your every move, the subtle shift in his posture whenever you were near, as if he was debating making a move but could never quite bring himself to.

Sam knew Dean well enough to know his brother wasn’t one to hold back, not usually. Dean had always been confident, sometimes cocky, and had no trouble talking to girls when he wanted to. But with you, it was different. Sam saw something softer in the way Dean looked at you—a rare uncertainty, almost like he was afraid to ruin something he hadn’t even started yet.

So Sam, always the quiet observer, decided to give his brother a little nudge. With a smirk, he took matters into his own hands, slipping a note into each of your bags. He kept it simple, setting up a “chance meeting” during lunch.

Neither of you ever found out who had orchestrated it, and Sam never breathed a word about it afterward, but he remembered watching from a distance as it all played out.

The lunch bell rang, and you wandered over to the spot Sam had mentioned in the note—an empty table under a big oak tree at the far edge of the school grounds. As you approached, your gaze landed on Dean, already sitting there, idly picking at the sandwich in front of him. When he looked up and saw you, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by a crooked grin, though you could see a faint blush on his cheeks.

“Oh, hey”, he said, a bit too casually, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness you hadn’t expected. “Didn’t think anyone else knew about this spot”.

You smiled, feeling the same odd flutter in your chest that had been there since the first time you’d noticed him in the halls. “Yeah, me neither”, you replied, sitting down across from him. Your hands fidgeted as you unwrapped your sandwich, and you risked a glance up, catching his eyes on you.

The two of you settled into a quiet, awkward rhythm, stealing glances and giving each other shy smiles. It was strange—usually, you could hold a conversation with anyone, but something about him, about this moment, left you a little breathless, as if words would somehow ruin it. So instead, you both sat there, eating in silence, lost in the simplicity of each other’s presence.

After a few bites, Dean cleared his throat, his voice low and a little rough. “So… you’re (Y/N), right?”.

You nodded, trying to ignore the way your cheeks heated up as he said your name. “Yeah. And you’re Dean?”.

He chuckled softly, nodding. “Yeah. Dean Winchester”.

Silence settled between you again, but this time it was comfortable, both of you just taking in each other’s presence. The occasional breeze rustled the leaves overhead, casting dappled shadows across the table, and the scent of autumn filled the air—fresh, crisp, with a hint of warmth from the fading afternoon sun.

Every so often, your eyes would meet, and you’d exchange a shy smile, like you were both trying to figure out why this moment felt so special. For a while, neither of you felt the need to say anything. You just sat there, grinning like two kids with a secret, your sandwiches forgotten.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of glances and soft smiles, Dean let out a breath, shaking his head with a small, almost bashful smile. “So… you come here often?”, he asked, his tone teasing, though there was a hint of sincerity underneath.

You laughed, the sound breaking the quiet around you. “Guess I do now”, you replied, meeting his eyes with a smile.

And in that moment, something unspoken passed between you—a silent understanding that you both felt something real, something new.

As the lunch bell rang again, neither of you wanted to leave, but you both stood, reluctantly gathering your things. Dean gave you one last look, his gaze warm, a quiet promise lingering there. You exchanged a small wave, parting with barely a handful of words spoken, but it didn’t matter. The connection was there, something simple and pure that you’d remember for years to come.

And as you walked back to class, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed—that, somehow, in that quiet moment under the old oak tree, you’d found someone who might just mean something.

-End of the flashback-

The memory faded, but a faint smile lingered on Dean’s face as he drove, lost in thought, his fingers still brushing the edge of your card in his pocket once more. That first lunch under the oak tree—so simple, barely a conversation at all, really. But it was one of those memories that had stuck with him all these years. He hadn’t known then how much it would mean to him, how that day would be the start of something he’d never really shake. He could still picture the way you’d smiled at him, shy but genuine, the way your laughter had slipped out, breaking the quiet like sunlight streaming through a crack in the clouds.

“You’re remembering it, aren’t you?”, Sam asked, his voice quiet, softer now, like he knew he was treading on something sacred.

Dean blinked, pulled back to the present, his hand dropping from his pocket as he cleared his throat. “What are you talking about?”, he muttered, but his face betrayed him, that faint, far-off look still in his eyes.

Sam chuckled, shaking his head. “Come on, Dean. Your first meeting. I know you remember it as well as I do. You were looking at her like she was something you’d been searching for”.

Dean rolled his eyes, but there was no real bite to it. “Alright, Nostradamus, dial it down a notch”. He hesitated, glancing at his brother, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “Wait… you were watching?”.

Sam shrugged, feigning innocence but failing miserably. “Maybe. I mean, someone had to play matchmaker. You weren’t exactly making any moves on your own”.

Dean’s jaw dropped slightly, a look of realization dawning over him as he put the pieces together. “Wait a minute. That note… You’re telling me you set that up?”.

Sam grinned, unapologetic, as he raised his hands in mock surrender. “What can I say? I knew you needed a little push”.

Dean shook his head, a mixture of disbelief and grudging appreciation crossing his face. “You were fifteen, Sam. Already sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong”.

Sam just laughed. “Hey, don’t knock it. Without me, you two would probably still be stealing glances from across the hallway”.

Dean rolled his eyes, a low chuckle slipping out despite himself. “Guess I owe you one, then”, he muttered, his voice a little softer, his gaze drifting back to the road. The thought of that quiet lunch, the way you’d both sat there smiling like idiots, felt as fresh as if it had happened yesterday.

He fell silent, the weight of the past settling over him again, that strange mix of regret and nostalgia twisting in his chest. Sam watched him for a moment, his expression softening, sensing his brother’s quiet struggle.

“You know”, Sam said, his voice gentle, “maybe this is your chance, Dean. To do things differently. You’ve got the card. You’re still here. It’s not like you’re running out of reasons to reach out to her”.

Dean’s grip on the wheel tightened, his jaw working as he wrestled with the decision that had been simmering under the surface since they’d left the bar. The logic was simple enough, and he knew Sam was right. But the thought of opening that door again, of letting you back in, was equal parts terrifying and thrilling.

After a long stretch of silence, Dean let out a breath, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “Maybe”, he said quietly, his tone carrying a touch of hope he didn’t often let himself feel.

The evening settled around the small, dimly lit motel room, the hum of traffic from the nearby road blending with the low rumble of the TV in the background. Sam was already fast asleep, sprawled across one of the twin beds, his breaths steady and even. But Dean lay awake, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting back to you—back to those lunch breaks you’d shared, the quiet moments that had managed to etch themselves so deeply into his mind that they felt like yesterday.

-Flashback-

It had been a week since that first lunch together under the oak tree, and somehow, it had become an unspoken routine. Every day, you’d find him waiting for you in the same spot, and each time you’d sit across from him, settling into the easy rhythm that had formed between you. Each day, it was a little less awkward, the smiles a little brighter, the silences a little more comfortable. And each day, Dean felt something in him relax, as if the weight he carried had lightened, if only for those few minutes with you.

On this particular day, you’d shown up with two hot chocolates, handing him one with a shy smile. He took it, surprised but grateful, the warmth of the cup seeping into his cold hands.

“I thought you might need it”, you said, your voice soft, almost teasing as you sat across from him, watching his reaction.

Dean took a long sip, his eyes twinkling with a familiar mischief as he set the cup down, looking at you over the rim. “You know, you keep bringing me stuff, and people might start thinking we’re a thing”, he teased, his voice carrying that trademark Dean charm, but with a warmth you hadn’t quite heard before.

You rolled your eyes, chuckling as you pulled your own cup closer. “Oh, please. They probably already think that”. You tried to keep your voice light, but there was an unmistakable blush creeping up your cheeks, which only seemed to amuse him more.

“Guess I’ll just have to get used to all the rumors then, huh?”, he replied, a faint blush of his own coloring his cheeks, though he played it off with a casual shrug. “Could be worse. There’s no one else I’d rather get a hot chocolate from”.

You bit your lip, feeling your heart stutter in your chest as you looked at him, his grin still lingering, his gaze holding steady on you. Dean had this way about him, this mix of cockiness and mystery that set him apart from everyone else. He was older, and though you didn’t know much about his life, there was something in his eyes—something quiet, something that hinted at secrets, like he’d lived more than anyone you’d ever met.

And somehow, all of it—his smirk, his laugh, that intense, guarded gaze—it made you feel giddy and nervous all at once, like you were balancing on the edge of something you couldn’t quite name.

You cleared your throat, trying to shake the feeling, but your voice still came out softer, a little breathless. “Well, guess I’ll just have to keep up the hot chocolate supply then, huh?”.

Dean could feel his own heartbeat pick up, thudding against his ribcage as he looked at you, but he kept his expression casual. He wasn’t about to let on that just sitting here, watching you smile and laugh, was enough to make him feel… well, a little unsteady. This wasn’t supposed to be part of the plan. He was just here for a few weeks, maybe less, keeping his head down, blending in, not getting too attached. And yet, here he was, heartbeat racing, feeling like he was balancing on the edge of something he hadn’t prepared for.

“Guess I’ll just have to keep showing up, then”, he replied, his voice light, though there was an unmistakable warmth in his eyes as he looked at you. “I mean, can’t say no to free hot chocolate”.

You laughed, shaking your head, and the sound sent a warmth through him he couldn’t quite explain. He glanced down at the cup in his hands, trying to hide the slight blush creeping up his neck, but he couldn’t resist looking back up at you, his gaze softening despite himself.

“Not just here for the hot chocolate, though”, he added, the words slipping out before he could stop them. He cleared his throat, trying to play it off with a shrug, but he knew he’d already given himself away. “I mean, the company’s not too bad either”.

Your cheeks flushed more, and you bit your lip, a small smile tugging at the corner of your mouth as you looked down, trying to hide your own reaction. That small gesture, that shy, quiet smile—it made Dean’s chest tighten, and for a moment, he let himself just watch you, forgetting the rules he’d set for himself.

In those simple lunch breaks, in the way you’d look at him with such unfiltered warmth and kindness, Dean had found something he hadn’t expected: a chance to feel… normal. He hadn’t thought that was even possible anymore. Not with the life he led, not with the weight of everything he knew he’d have to leave behind.

But with you, it was different. You made him want things he’d never thought he could have—a life that wasn’t always on the road, days filled with easy moments and quiet laughter instead of danger and uncertainty. And that scared him, more than he’d admit. Because he knew he wasn’t supposed to want this, wasn’t supposed to get attached. But here he was, feeling his pulse race every time you so much as looked at him.

You glanced up, catching his gaze, and for a second, the two of you just held each other’s stare, the air thick with something unspoken, something fragile but real.

-End of the flashback-

The memory faded, but the feeling lingered, a quiet ache settling in Dean’s chest as he lay in the dark, staring at the motel ceiling. He let out a long breath, his hand rubbing over his face, trying to scrub away the emotions that had crept up on him, emotions he’d buried for so long he’d almost convinced himself they were gone.

But being back in town, seeing you again, had peeled back every layer he’d built to keep those memories at bay. He could still see you as clearly as if no time had passed, that shy smile tugging at the corner of your lips, your gaze soft and sincere in a way that had always made him feel like he was something more than the kid his dad had dragged from town to town, always moving, never staying. And those lunches—just a few stolen moments under that oak tree—had been the closest thing he’d ever had to a taste of normal. They’d left him wanting a life he’d known he could never keep.

Dean let out a low, humorless chuckle, running a hand through his hair. “Should’ve known better”, he muttered to himself, voice barely a whisper in the stillness of the room. But there was no denying it: he’d never really stopped wanting that life with you.

He rolled onto his side, trying to settle into sleep, but his hand drifted unconsciously to the pocket of his jacket, where the small card you’d given him rested, a reminder of the day’s events, of the quiet invitation you’d made him.

For a moment, he debated it, running a thumb over the edge of the card, letting the idea linger. But he knew the risks, the life he’d bring crashing down into yours, the way his path never seemed to lead anywhere that didn’t end in heartbreak or goodbye. He didn’t know if he could pull you into that world, not after how hard he’d tried to keep you away from it back then.

But he also knew that maybe, just maybe, he couldn’t keep himself away any longer.

With a sigh, he closed his eyes, the faintest smile tugging at his lips as he whispered to himself, “Guess we’ll see”, before finally drifting into a restless sleep, the image of you still lingering in his mind like a quiet promise.

-Flashback-

Days later, on a quiet night, the kind of evening that felt wrapped in stillness, only broken by the rustle of leaves in the soft breeze and the occasional bark from your dog as he sniffed at everything in sight. You hadn’t expected to see anyone in the park this late, let alone Dean Winchester, slumped on a bench, face bloodied, bruised, and staring into the distance like he was barely holding himself together.

Your heart dropped, the sight of him so raw and shocking that for a moment, you thought you were imagining it. His clothes were torn and stained, dark patches of blood spreading across his shirt and jacket, and his arm was cradled awkwardly, held close to his side in a way that made you realize something was seriously wrong.

He looked up, eyes widening slightly as he registered you standing there, but his expression quickly turned guarded, his gaze flickering away as if he could somehow hide the damage from you by simply looking somewhere else.

“Dean… what happened?”, you whispered, approaching him slowly, the weight of concern heavy in your chest. You felt your dog pull at his leash, sensing your worry, but you held him back, focused on the broken figure in front of you.

Dean forced a smirk, though it came out more like a grimace, his face paling with the effort. “You know, just a rough night”, he muttered, trying to sound casual, like he was brushing off a scraped knee rather than the blood seeping through his shirt. “Thought I’d get in a little brawl. Keeps things interesting”.

You frowned, not buying his attempt at humor for a second. His arm was cradled protectively, and the tension in his face told you he was barely holding it together. He looked exhausted, broken in a way that went beyond the physical injuries, as though something much deeper had been hurt tonight.

“Dean, you’re hurt”. You knelt down beside him, reaching out carefully, but he flinched, pulling back instinctively before realizing it was just you. His defenses dropped, just for a moment, as he looked at you with something raw, almost vulnerable, in his eyes.

He let out a heavy sigh, glancing down at the blood staining his hands. “It’s… it’s nothing. Got into a fight, bit off more than I could chew. Happens”. His voice was rough, edged with the kind of pain he’d clearly been trying to ignore, but there was something else there too—a flicker of shame, as though he didn’t want you to see him like this.

But you could see the weight he was carrying, and the thought of him out here, alone and hurt, made your heart ache. “Come on, we need to get you to a hospital”, you insisted, your voice gentle but firm, reaching out again, this time more determined.

Dean shook his head, a grimace of pain tightening his features. “Can’t”, he said, his voice low. “Too many questions. I’ll… I’ll figure it out”. He tried to push himself up, only to falter, his breath catching as he slumped back onto the bench.

“Dean…”. You felt a surge of frustration and worry, torn between wanting to respect his stubborn independence and the overwhelming need to help him. “If you’re not going to the hospital, then at least let me help. My place isn’t far from here. I’ve got first aid stuff, and… you can clean up. Please”.

He looked at you, and for a moment, he seemed to consider it, his resolve wavering. Finally, he nodded, letting out a breath that seemed to carry the weight of his pride with it. “Alright. Just… just don’t tell anyone, yeah? I don’t need anyone knowing I can’t handle a stupid fight”.

You nodded, a soft smile breaking through your worry. “I won’t say a word”.

With a careful hand, you helped him stand, his weight leaning against you as he took a shaky breath. The walk back was slow, every step a reminder of just how much he’d been trying to mask his pain, but he didn’t complain, didn’t try to pull away.

As you reached your front door, you turned to Dean, pressing a finger to your lips and whispering, “We’ve got to be quiet. My parents are asleep”. He nodded, gritting his teeth against the pain as you helped him navigate the steps, each creak of the floorboards feeling impossibly loud in the stillness of the night. Your dog trotted quietly behind, sensing the need for calm as you led Dean through the dimly lit hallway, past closed doors, and up to your room.

You cracked your bedroom door open and guided him inside, holding your breath as he took in his surroundings. It was a simple room, but every inch of it was distinctly yours—a world apart from the barren motel rooms and grim hunting spots he’d known all his life. Posters lined the walls, a mix of bands and books you loved, and there was a soft, warm glow from the string lights draped along the headboard of your bed. The bedspread was a gentle shade of blue, soft and clean, with a few cozy throw pillows tucked neatly on top. A bookshelf stood by the window, crammed with novels and notebooks, a few favorite titles spilling onto the floor in stacks.

Dean’s eyes widened slightly as he took it all in, his gaze wandering over the posters, the string lights, the soft details. He looked almost out of place, like he’d stumbled into another world—a place where the harshness of his life didn’t belong. He shifted his weight awkwardly, cradling his injured arm, and you could see a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes as he took in the details of your room, details that, to him, seemed to capture pieces of you he hadn’t known yet.

“Nice place”, he muttered, trying to keep his tone light, but you could tell he was genuinely taken aback. It was like he was seeing a different side of the world—one he hadn’t been allowed to experience.

You gave him a small, reassuring smile, whispering, “Thanks”. You motioned for him to sit on the edge of your bed as you quietly opened a drawer, pulling out the first-aid kit and some supplies.

He lowered himself onto the bed slowly, grimacing as he tried to keep his sprained arm steady. The mattress sank slightly under his weight, soft in a way that made him blink in surprise. Everything in your room seemed to have a softness to it—the kind of comfort he wasn’t used to but found himself instinctively leaning into.

Dean watched as you moved around your room with quiet familiarity, pulling out bandages, antiseptic, and a towel. You flicked on the lamp by your bedside, casting a warm glow that softened the edges of the room, and as you sat beside him, his gaze lingered on you, a hint of awe in his eyes.

“Feels… nice in here”, he murmured, almost like he was embarrassed to admit it.

You settled beside him on the bed, the first-aid kit open between you as you prepared a damp cloth, dipping it into a bowl of warm water you’d brought up from the bathroom. Every movement was gentle, careful, your focus fully on him as you began to dab away the dried blood from his face, wiping it away in soft strokes.

Dean watched you, his eyes tracing your expression as you worked. He seemed almost hesitant, like he didn’t quite believe he deserved this kind of care. There was a rawness in his gaze, a hint of vulnerability that made your heart ache as you gently brushed a thumb over his cheek, wiping away a streak of dried blood.

“Does it hurt?”, you asked softly, looking up at him, your eyes filled with quiet concern.

He shook his head, though you knew he was lying. “Not much”, he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze fixed on you as if he was trying to memorize every detail. “Guess I’m tougher than I look”.

You gave him a small smile, continuing your work with gentle hands. “I don’t doubt it”, you murmured. “But even tough guys need someone to patch them up sometimes”. Your voice was tender, carrying a softness that felt like a balm on wounds that went deeper than the bruises and cuts on his face.

Dean’s gaze softened, a flicker of something vulnerable slipping through the usual guardedness he wore like armor. He didn’t say anything, just watched as you worked, his eyes following the movement of your hands, the way you handled him with such care, as if he were something fragile.

As you moved closer to clean a cut near his eyebrow, your faces were just inches apart, and you could feel his breath, slow and steady, warm against your skin. He was still, so still that you could almost hear his heartbeat, the air thickening between you as he held your gaze, his expression open in a way he rarely allowed himself to be.

“You’re always this soft?”, he asked, his voice so low it was almost a murmur, his eyes never leaving yours.

You felt your cheeks warm, but you didn’t look away. “Only for people who deserve it”, you replied, your voice equally quiet, the words carrying a meaning that hung in the air between you, heavy and unspoken.

Dean’s jaw tightened slightly, his gaze flickering downward as if he didn’t believe he was worthy of that softness, of that quiet care you were offering him so freely. He swallowed, a faint smirk pulling at his lips as he tried to brush it off. “Not sure I fall into that category, sweetheart”, he muttered, his voice laced with a self-deprecating humor that barely hid the vulnerability underneath.

You rolled your eyes at his words, but there was a smile tugging at your lips, soft and genuine. “Well, you don’t get to decide that”, you murmured, still focused on the cut above his brow, carefully dabbing at it as though he might break under too much pressure.

Dean’s smirk faded, replaced by something softer, almost disbelieving, as he looked at you. “Guess not”, he whispered, his tone lacking its usual bite, as if he was letting himself accept your care, even if just for a few moments.

You finished tending to his cuts and bruises, then sat back a little, finally taking in the full picture—Dean Winchester, bruised and broken, but with that familiar, guarded warmth in his eyes, one that was aimed solely at you. Despite his injuries, he managed a small, crooked grin that sent your heart racing all over again. You didn’t realize it then, but this was a moment he’d remember, the memory of your touch lingering with him like a promise.

-End of the flashback-

You lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, thoughts drifting back to Dean—the boy he’d been, the man he’d become. So much time had passed, and yet, seeing him again felt like slipping into something familiar, like picking up a story that had been left unfinished.

He’d stood in front of you, years later, carrying the weight of battles fought and scars earned, a look in his eyes that told you he’d seen more than he’d ever wanted to. Yet somehow, despite the rough edges time had given him, there was something unmistakable in his gaze, something that brought you right back to those early days—the same quiet warmth, that flicker of mischief, that vulnerability he tried so hard to hide.

It was almost surreal, how he looked so much older, and yet, to you, he was still somehow that eighteen-year-old boy who’d made you feel like the center of his world in those stolen moments.

You rolled onto your side, pulling the covers closer as your heart beat faster, memories rushing back to fill the silence of your bedroom. You thought of how he’d looked at you back then, like he was trying to memorize you, and how he’d looked at you now, like he couldn’t believe you were real. And in that moment, you felt the weight of those lost years, the ache of missed moments and the wonder of seeing him again, as if fate had brought him back to you.

But even now, as a grown man, standing in front of you with a lifetime of stories written on his face, he still looked at you with that same spark, that same fondness. It was as if, in his eyes, you hadn’t changed at all.

———————————

A/N: Please let me know what you think.🥰 Right now, early-seasons-dean gives me all the vibes... I just.. CAN´T. HELP

-

Taglist: @blackcherrywhiskey @baby19sthings @suckitands33 @spnfamily-j2 @lyarr24 @deans-baby-momma @reignsboy19 @kawaii-arfid-memes @mekkencspony @lovziy @artemys-ackles @fitxgrld @libby99hb @lovelyvirtualperson @a-lil-pr1ncess @nancymcl @the-last-ry @spndeanwinchesterlvr @hobby27 @themarebarroww @kr804573 @impala67rollingthroughtown @deans-queen @deadlymistletoe @selfdestructionandrhum @utyblyn @winchesterwild78 @jackles010378 @chirazsstuff @foxyjwls007 @smoothdogsgirl @woooonau @whimsyfinny @freyabear @laaadygisbooornex3 @quietgirll75 @perpetualabsurdity @pughsexual @berryblues46 @deanwinchestersgirl8734 @kr804573 @iloveeveryoneyoureamazing @globetrotter28

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Bunch of Stuff Coming in August

July 2023 Wk 5

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Laws of Attraction (Sat iQIYI) 2-3 of 8 - Oh good, we now know that Thailand has the same statutory rape laws as the US. Dub con is as dub con does. MEANWHILE Oh my God I love evil lawyer cutie so much. Him and his beautiful weaponized smile, maybe my new favorite character. I like the way this director is playing with noir mystery tropes, settings, and archetypes too - it’s feeling very 60s pulp, I’m getting gay Travis McGee vibes. Grandma knowing that her grandson likes boys is so sweet. I have to be completely frank here, this is what I wanted from both Manner of Death and KP. I truly love this show

Hidden Agenda that isn’t hidden (Sun GMMTV YouTube) ep 3 of 10 - It’s a very Cyrano de Bergerac kind of narrative... If Cyrano fell in love with Christian instead of Roxanne. Mock date was fun. 

Low Frequency (Sat iQIYI) ep 4 of 8 - Into the lion’s den. Investigation begins. Why isn’t the ghost acting lookout? Who are these random side characters? I’m confused. Half way through kiss is right on schedule tho. 

Wedding Plan (Weds YT & iQIYI) ep 2 of 7 - The kiss was nice, but it’d be nicer if Nuea had punched Lom. Manipulative arse. A trash watch is happening!

Be Mine Super Star (Mon Viki) ep 4 of 12 - Meh. 

Dinosaur Love (Sun iQIYI) ep 5 of 8 eps - The hazing has begun + secret relationship and it’s kinda like a v soft SOTUS. Dino is getting a bit too controlling and obsessive for me so it slid down the ranks. I much prefer La Cusine’s version of this dynamic. The friends protecting Dino’s interests were funny tho - boy is so obsessed he outsources his stalking. 

Be My Favorite (Fri YouTube) ep 10 of 12 - Max is BEST BOY. I hate Kawi. Tra la la. Trash watch here.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Jun & Jun (Korea Thurs Viki) 2 of 8 - Our ex idol is a total FLIRT. Nice to see an uke with agency. I mean baby girl is a newbie worker bee… but still flirty, good for you, sweetie. I see your little lip bite and so does your soon to be husband. Speaking of, I love Choi Jun’s style of seme aggression: a little sleezy + a bit too handsy + ultra clever with his words. Plus tie tug!!! Also threatening to take off your TAILORED suit so baby wears your shirt and smells like you? HOT. Boy you sped right past American style and into Italian - that’s real Corinthian leather, that is. 

Stay By My Side (Taiwan Fri Gaga) 5 of 10 eps - Mid series kiss right on schedule. Thank you for never upsetting me, Taiwan. Omg. Such boyfriends. Only Taiwan gets this sappy. I have to say, I watch this show after Tokyo on purpose. (I need the pallet cleanser.) Still, I’m scared that the perception will be that Bu Xia is using Jiang Chi, not in love with him, when the truth about ghosts comes out. Why doesn’t BX’s useless sister do something for her disaster brother? I guess JC likes a needy boy? Oh no, the kiss confusion. Lip touch but rejection (?). Nooooo. I suppose they have to draw this out for 10 eps. Gah, they’re so cute. But BX is a bit dim, isn’t he? Poor thing. 

Minato's Laundromat Season 2 AKA Minato Shouji Coin Laundry Season 2 (Japan Thu Gaga) 4 of 12 eps - Shin is such a worrywart, over protective, over the top boyfriend. I guess we saw a little bit of give from Minato? More than usual, baby steps. This is Japan after all.

Tokyo in April is... AKA Shigatsu no Tokyo wa (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 7 of 8 - Japan’s favorite trope = the running of the gays. Kazama knows everything now. Ep ends on one of my few triggers. SKIP! Japan you better NOT go there.

Vian the series (Vietnam YouTube ) ep 11-12fin - terrible ending, he turned back into a cat and the whole thing was pointless. I am very annoyed. 4/10 FATALLY FLAWED 

It’s airing but ...

Stay With Me ... NO I WILL NOT! And you can’t make me.

In case you missed it

Stay (Pinoy YouTube) finished its run at 7 eps. It’s mostly English & set in LA (shudder) so I did not bother. I say little to no chatter about this (that’s normal with the Pinoy stuff tho). Did anyone watch and enjoy? 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Coming August 2023

8/1 Stay Still (Hong Kong Tues YouTube) 5 eps - Yes we have had BL from Hong Kong before, but that was... before... who knows what it’ll be like now. Hayden, moves into a new apartment and starts a complicated relationship with his neighbor’s grandson, Damien, after an unexpected kiss. Meanwhile: Archie rekindles a romance with his high school sweetheart, Kelvin, who is now married.

8/11 Love Class Season 2 (Korea Fri Viki) 10 eps - Hyun, Minwoo and Joo-Hyuk are looking forward to their freshman year at college. But trials and tribulations of love that await them outside the classroom: from learning about maturity to being unable to forget the scars of past lovers. (All new cast from season 1.) 

8/12 My Personal Weatherman AKA Taikan Yoho (Japan Sat ????) 8 eps - hum. 

8/19 Love in Translation (Thai Sat One31) ? eps - Two strangers start working in a cafe together.

8/20 My Universe series begins (Thai Sun iQIYI) 24 episodes - This is sampler pack BL, 12 pairs, each pair gets 2 episodes, not entirely sure on the order they’ll drop in. Known couples include EarthBank from Destiny Seeker and KaownahTurbo from Love Stage!!!, mostly fresh faces otherwise. Jane to direct several. 

8/22 Kisseki: Dear to Me formerly known as Miracle (Taiwan Tues ????) 13 eps - From screenwriter Lin Pei Yu (We Best Love, H3: Trapped) features a student doctor forced to take care of a gangster. I love the premise and like the writer, I’m thinking Viki or Gaga will get this one.  

8/24 Man Suang (Thailand movie domestic cinemas) - historical drama about Thai burlesque with KP’s MileApo. Tong is in this one too? 

8/? Sing My Crush previously Follow The Wind (Korea ????) 8 eps - supposed to have released in the first half of 2022 this is a adaption of Myung’s webtoon, from the director of My Sweet Dear, and the Love Tractor production house, looks like Korea does About Youth.

8/? Why R U? (Korean remake)  is supposed to be out this month, filming started in sept 22. I find everything about this hilarious. I mean if Korea remakes it, we lose all the sexy and then... would we have a story at all? No we would not. Not even for six short eps. It’d be like one of those mesh shopping bags. 

We can probably expect a new BL from GMMTV too, to slot into BMF’s spot mid month. 

2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED)

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

I do love a hyung romance, and this aggressive ghost-ish thing is working for me. (Low Frequency) 

Hidden Agenda + My Ride. 

So coy

I agree with @heretherebedork​ that these two make a great side couple but I am utterly in love with...

HER. (All Laws of Attraction.) 

(Last week)

[kit-williams]

absolutely simping for your yandere raven guard boys, they honestly make me feel so much better after a rough day. 😭

i did want to ask on how they'd react to their dove having really bad social anxiety and trust issues? they've had bad experiences in the past so they keep their emotions well guarded, but get past the layers and they're really devoted and affectionate. or at least try to be affectionate.

like a little thing i imagine is Dove wanting to hold one of their hands, but is super nervous about it because, "wait, what if they hate affection? what if i come off as awkward or annoying?" just a bunch of what if's and all that. feel free to delete this ask if it's too much- at the end of it all i just want to let you know how much i appreciate the raven bois. <3

Its very funny given how I've made Dove to be an activist and to be outgoing. But I like the thought....

Of course once everything got going the boys would make sure Dove was always safe and know that they always were up for her affection... Sor even making it a point to be "overly" affectionate with her to let her know that her touches were wanted.

But I can imagine poor Dove seeing Sor actually relaxing for once and she wants to ask him something but wait... Sor usually rarely talks... always clipped short words or sentences making sure that whatever he said was only really important and when he did talk for awhile it was only to his brothers in high gothic. Practically ignoring that she was around... She is so caught up in her own head she doesn't see how his black eyes are watching her from his peripheral as he just watches her mentally crumble before slinking off.

Moremo was always open but Dove notices he's been so busy since her ex left... oh she would be only a bother... and then when she sees Kazi training with such a serious look on his face she feels before he can put on his normally sweet smile for her.

It's Sor that finds her in her dark little corner with her knees against her forehead as she is just hiding and lost in her own thoughts that she can't help but scream when she sniffles and lifts her head only to see Sor suddenly there.

"You're upset." He says softly.

"I'm just-"

"I can smell you... you've been a walking scent ball of anxiety. Made it easy to find you." He says as if it was obvious.

"Thank you?"

"No it's- never mind. Why are you anxious?"

Dove muttered how she just wanted to talk to him... maybe hold his hand because sure she's held Kazi's hand and Moremo's... she hasn't held his yet.

Sor let out a rare soft smile as she could feel his hand gently embrace hers, "You don't need to ask Dove. I might not... say as much as Kazi can fill the air... nor as well as Moremo can... but I can at least try."

Dove felt herself blush as she just leaned against his muscular arm and that's all she could ask for... was being told that she was allowed into their world even if it was just this tiny little sliver. That's all she could want.

Normal Tag list @bispecsual @egrets-not-regrets @moodymisty @bleedingichorhearts @liar-anubiass-blog @thevoidscreams @barn-anon

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

HELLO NEMO!

First of all, let me give you coffee and second of all, long time not written so buckle up for my usual novel.

I absolutely adore the “you are my peace” kind of trope(?) it just hit the spot and I love how you fitted it with Mephistea (and I think it also fits especially well the assassin’s creed franchise main protagonists (and some maybe more than others but I digress) but of course every traumatized/tragic backstory bbg blorbo also fits well within this trope) But omg do I love the way Mephisto looks at Aranea in that post!

For that epiphany of yours : it was brilliant.

For the Hellion Family idea : it’s perfectly chaotic and do you think there would be as much chaos when Cleric!Dottie is first introduced to them ? (I’m talking about everything is on fire in the room and that one guy arriving with pizza level of chaos if you understand the image I’m referring to) Also, can we say that Jacob pestering could also be linked to being the middle child and this seeking more attention ? And is everyone in the Hellion Family comfortable being/going along their day naked ? (And how did Jacob even convinced(seduced really) poor poor Cleric!Dottie to even join the chaos) Maybe someday Jacob would somehow notice how exhausting and taxing his family energy is for Dottie (who was just so trying to escape/hide from some of the chaos) and maybe built a calm safe space just for her (and also hoping to butter her up more to his case lol) I’m also really happy that you could finally tie the quote that inspired the monicker “morning star” to Dottie !

and listen telenovela Hellions Family would be something I would watch religiously cause the chaos is unmatched lol

I also feel that Mephisto would need a really stiff drink to even try to counterbalance the headache his children induced and maybe(hopefully) let him keep his glorious mane intact for a couple of hours before he inevitably needs to spend another eternity on his hair care routine. Oh ! And Do you think that haircare could be something Mephistea do together to unwind ?

And I’m really excited to meet Ravenna (and to know from what corner of the virtual universe Lucanis comes from too)

And I also thought about Mathias and Dottie while listening to the song “Je l’aime à mourrir” by Francis Cabrel and I just thought the lyrics fitted them so well with all the trauma and torment both went through. I can just imagine Dorothea learning guitar in secret and then singing this sweet sweet of a potato Mathias and maybe this could become a song he (and she) could then sing to their children to describe how much love they have form them and each other. (Here is a link to the song with English translation of the lyrics : https://youtu.be/iXPJA_3zNZE)

I also had a thought about Fedelucia, since she likes to read so much, I thought that Lucia could transmit her love for reading to Petruccio so he could then discover the world in his own way through books. As for the feathers, maybe Lucia helped Petruccio make something out of the feathers Ezio brought him in order to gift them to Maria. If Federico hears about it, he might gift his youngest brother something with an eagle feather, maybe just an eagle feather tailored to write and some paper with a note saying something along the lines “so you can board on your own adventures” and thus maybe inspire Petruccio to write his own stories.

Hope you have a good day xx

HELLO THERE, "HELLO NONNIE"!!

(so many hellos to give around!!)

FIRST OF ALL, DEAR GODS, THANK YOU FOR THE COFFEE (goddamnit, I truly needed it so much. Woke up far too early to run all errands, and now I got one heck of a headache, so this coffee is HEAVEN SENT)

lemme reciprocate with a good croissant

SECOND OF ALL, IT'S SO LOVELY TO SEE YOU BACK, omg lemme just dive into this poststopper of a ask (my favourites lololol)

Lemme answer you paragraph by paragraph (so buckle up, this is going to be an equally long answer!!!! like, truly long olololol)

I absolutely adore the “you are my peace” kind of trope(?) it just hit the spot and I love how you fitted it with Mephistea (and I think it also fits especially well the assassin’s creed franchise main protagonists (and some maybe more than others but I digress) but of course every traumatized/tragic backstory bbg blorbo also fits well within this trope) But omg do I love the way Mephisto looks at Aranea in that post!

Ngl, the whole "You are my peace" trope, combined with an artwork of my favourite couple soundly asleep in each other's arms is probably, without doubt, my most favourite thing to draw AND write. Combine that with the soothing atmosphere of a nearby lagoon, with the light reflecting onto the water and scattering around, and you got my personal Paradise and safe space, because it honestly helps me calming down a lot, especially during my bout of anxiety, when I cannot keep it under control When I drew that for Mephisto and Aranea ( but truly, for Jottie, Mottie, Ardynia etc. etc.), I just loved to imagine all sort of tender emotions that their black hearts could still feel, at least for one another, because they truly are each other's peace and safe space, when the world outside is just too much to face. And you are right, it fits SO MANY characters from AC as well!

For that epiphany of yours : it was brilliant. For the Hellion Family idea : it’s perfectly chaotic and do you think there would be as much chaos when Cleric!Dottie is first introduced to them ? (I’m talking about everything is on fire in the room and that one guy arriving with pizza level of chaos if you understand the image I’m referring to) Also, can we say that Jacob pestering could also be linked to being the middle child and this seeking more attention ? And is everyone in the Hellion Family comfortable being/going along their day naked ? (And how did Jacob even convinced(seduced really) poor poor Cleric!Dottie to even join the chaos) Maybe someday Jacob would somehow notice how exhausting and taxing his family energy is for Dottie (who was just so trying to escape/hide from some of the chaos) and maybe built a calm safe space just for her (and also hoping to butter her up more to his case lol) I’m also really happy that you could finally tie the quote that inspired the monicker “morning star” to Dottie !

I KNOW, RIGHT??? Like, my brain birth all kind of ideas all the time, but this one actually STRUCK ME LIKE A FREAKING LIGHTINING, BECAUSE HOLY HELL (no pun intended), HOW DID I NOT THINK ABOUT IT FIRST???? Jacob and Dorothea as Cambion and Cleric????

I am still reeling into the thought of it, because it opens up to so many fun/sensual/soft possible scenarios for them! And also, I get to *FINALLY* play Dorothea's more impish and straightforward side - aka, how she would be had she not received a very strict Victorian education from her mama and papa - and let me tell you, she is a toughie. Like, her and Jacob in this whole BG3/DnD AU are the true definition of "Looks like he could kill you: it's a cinnamon roll" (Jacob). "Looks like a cinnamon roll: she could kill you" (Dottie).

And omggg YES.

IT WOULD BE PANDEMONIOUM, WHEN DOTTIE IS BROUGHT DOWN TO CANIA. A WHOLE ASS PANDEMONIOUM. Precisely as the image you were describing lololol, which is why, I think, Jacob would try to steer clear of his family knowing about Dorothea for as long as he could, because OH GODS, he would never hear the end of it, especially from Zaynab and Raphael (to say nothing of Mephisto, though he would be more amused by the fact that his own son is actually following in his steps more than he likes to admit lolol).

AND YES. Nudity is not that big of a deal among the Hellions (the reason being because sometimes I am just too tired to draw them clothed tbh. If I draw them all naked it's because I don't have the energy to draw their overlycomplicated garments lol) but there are varied degrees of nudity they are willing to show, so to speak. Like, Mephisto and Aranea usually are naked when together, but they do not go around Mephistar stark naked all the time. In general, they are all big on seduction and temptation, so they all live up to whatever they imagine would elicit a reaction into the object of their obsession.

BUT YES, IN GENERAL THE HELLIONS' FAMILY IS NOT BIG ON CLOTHING LOL. (expect when they have special occasion. Then they go the opposite direction and POMPOSITY BECOMES THE KEY WORD). So, yes, I like to imagine that poor Dottie, while equipped with the divine blessing of Lathander, has a hard time actually withstanding all the chaos in Cania, and Jacob would take notice of this and try to create a safe abode for her (which, I like to imagine, was suggested to him by Aranea herself, since it was exactly what Mephisto did for her when he brought her to Cania after she signed his contract), where she can just rest away (and be the victim of Jacob's clumsy attempts to actually seduce her into signing his contract - gods, the man is persistent lol).

AND OMG YES: Jacob's own pestering behaviour DEFINITELY stem (in this AU) from the fact that he literally is the middle child, so he was kinda overseen, what with Raphael's theatrical personality, and Zaynab and Karim being the only children born out of the love Mephisto harboured for Aranea. (good gods, my poor bebe Jacob, I need to draw him a sad cambion blorbo and Dorothea comforting him😭😭😭)

AND YES. I HAD THAT QUOTE HANGING ON MY HEAD EVER SINCE I CREATED THE NOIR!AU (where Dottie is actually a fallen angel), BUT I NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO USE IT ON SOMETHING THAT I SHARED HERE!! so when I drew the artwork, the other day, I was like OMG YES. THIS WILL BE PERFECT.

P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

and listen telenovela Hellions Family would be something I would watch religiously cause the chaos is unmatched lol I also feel that Mephisto would need a really stiff drink to even try to counterbalance the headache his children induced and maybe(hopefully) let him keep his glorious mane intact for a couple of hours before he inevitably needs to spend another eternity on his hair care routine. Oh ! And Do you think that haircare could be something Mephistea do together to unwind ?

HONESTLY. I wish I was faster/the day had more hours/I had more hands/was a better artist to be able to bring more artworks about the Hellions. HECK, I WISH I WAS ABLE TO DO ANIMATION, SO THAT I WOULD MAKE CINEMATIC OF SOME SORTS.

OMG THAT STIFF DRINK, YES.

Poor Mephisto, whenever I think of him, all I can think about is that gif of Scar from the Lion King, because that's his default face whenever his children are around lol

Because despite his children being all adults by now, they are all very childish between themselves, especially the youngest three ( I do headcanon that, while Raphael is supposedely around 5000 years old, given or take, Jacob, Zaynab and Karim (and Azriel as well, if I settle to make her the youngest of Mephistea's children) are much younger and comparatively closer in age (like, I hc that Jacob is around 300 years old, while Zaynab and Karim are around 150 years old), which means that they are the more prone to actually cause trouble. Also, Jacob and Raphael do have a sort of rivarly in terms of who will succeed their father - if ever- so they are constantly stuck in constant competition.

Regarding Mephisto and Aranea sharing their hair care routine to unwind, the answer is YES.

I can definitely imagine Mephisto just sinking into his mattress, while massagging his temples because THE PERSISTENT HEADACHE WON'T LEAVE HIM ALONE.

Cue to Aranea just coming into the room with soft pace and humming and old Zakharan song, bringing all that she needs to just take care of her husband's glorious leonine mane.

And she would gently brush his curls, sometimes humming, sometimes chatting with low voice about all things related to the two of them, so that Mephisto can just unwind and ride out the whole sensory overload that his progeny has caused him with their shenanigans (because between the two of them, I do think that Aranea has a higher threshold of tollerance, compared to Mephisto, so I think she is the one that usually initiate the unwind for him, and once he is anchored back into tranquillity, he takes care of her with naked cuddles and soft love making).

And I’m really excited to meet Ravenna (and to know from what corner of the virtual universe Lucanis comes from too)

I am still in the process of learning Dragon Age lore and whatnot, so for now all I have is just some initial ideas for both Ravenna and Lucanis. BUT. for what I am envisioning for now, she is a spitfire, he is on the quieter side and he is very much his wife lololol Like, I am leaning toward much more sweetness and smluffness, so to speak! I kinda need it, to counterbalance the angst (which, I am sure, will be plentiful once Dragon Age The Veilguard comes out lolol).

And I also thought about Mathias and Dottie while listening to the song “Je l’aime à mourrir” by Francis Cabrel and I just thought the lyrics fitted them so well with all the trauma and torment both went through. I can just imagine Dorothea learning guitar in secret and then singing this sweet sweet of a potato Mathias and maybe this could become a song he (and she) could then sing to their children to describe how much love they have form them and each other. (Here is a link to the song with English translation of the lyrics : https://youtu.be/iXPJA_3zNZE)

HOW DID YOU FIND THIS SONG????? IT'S PERFECT.

PERFECT FOR THEM. OMG I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO IT WHILE ANSWERING THIS ASK, AND IT'S JUST SO PERFECT????? THE LYRICS FIT THEM TO A T, and dear gods, the thought of Dorothea learning how to play guitar just so that she could serenade Mathias (WHO WILL MELT FROM ALL THE LOVE HE HAS FOR HER FML)....

AND THEN, THEM SINGING IT TO THEIR CHILDREN, SO THAT THEY TOO WOULD KNOW HOW MUCH THEIR PARENTS LOVE ONE ANOTHER???

oh my heart.

MY HEAAAAAART.

Like, Sophie, Valerie, Rosaline and Sebastién would ABSOLUTELY be sitting there and drowning Papa Mathias and Mama Dorothea with questions and whatnot, while I can so imagine Léonie and Lucien just rolling their eyes and saying EWW LOVE COOTIES NOOOO. PAPA MATHIAS, TELL US STORIES ABOUT KILLING TEMPLARS IN PARIS.

Absolutely adore this whole concept, omg it melted my heart, THANK YOU FOR SUGGESTING IT.

I also had a thought about Fedelucia, since she likes to read so much, I thought that Lucia could transmit her love for reading to Petruccio so he could then discover the world in his own way through books. As for the feathers, maybe Lucia helped Petruccio make something out of the feathers Ezio brought him in order to gift them to Maria. If Federico hears about it, he might gift his youngest brother something with an eagle feather, maybe just an eagle feather tailored to write and some paper with a note saying something along the lines “so you can board on your own adventures” and thus maybe inspire Petruccio to write his own stories.

OK, FIRST OF ALL YES.

YES. YES. TO EVERYTHING.

OMG I READ "PETRUCCIO" AND MY WHOLE HEART JUST WENT OUT OF THE WINDOW.

THAT SWEET KID. I ADORE.

You know, in my version of the story, he ends up marrying Fiammetta, Lucia's own sister? Like, the Auditores in my AU cannot seem to resist the Barbarigos' daughters lololol. Now we need to combine a matrimony between Francesco and Claudia, and they are all settled!

BUT I AM DIGRESSING. BACK ON TRACK.

BECAUSE OMG YES. YES. I CAN SO IMAGINE LUCIA READING TO PETRUCCIO, DISCUSSING STORIES WITH HIM, BRAINSTORMING AND WHATNOT, AND ENCOURAGING HIM TO ACTUALLY WRITE DOWN ALL THAT HIS IMAGINATION ALLOWS HIM TO.

And I am just melting at the idea that Lucia would help him create something out of the feathers Ezio brought him, and Federico would take note of it and of the fact that books have become a passion for Petruccio, and he would gift him an eagle feather to write his own adventures.

Gods, Petruccio would actually cherish it for all time, and I imagine him being so hesitant to use it, because it would become such precious gift and memory of his eldest brother. And I imagine that, when eventually Lucia and Federico get married, he would compose something for them to read on their wedding day, as a thank you for all the love they showered him with.

GODS I LOVE THIS. APPROVED. IT'S CANON NOW.

Nonnie, thank you SO MUCH for this ask! I had so much fun answering to all your point, and truly, thank you for allowing me to blabber about it all and infodump.

It made me so insanely happy, it felt like the best cup of coffee in the world <3

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

TRULY THANK YOU! <3

[gamerbearmira]

Hello it is I!

POV PEPA

She needs to calm down. Gain some control. But it's a little hard to do that when her mind is racing the way it is. She doesn't understand why this is happening. And why to poor Mirabel? She's such a wonderful girl. She doesn't deserve this, and poor Julieta she must be out of her mind with worry and fear.

She needs to calm down her panicking like this isn't going to help anyone, let alone her sister who needs her right now. She focuses on her breathing.

in-one, two, three.

out-one, two, three.

Clear skies, clear skies,clear skies

She isn't aware of how much time has passed around her but she has a feeling it's only been a few minutes. Felix is right next to her whispering sweet things in her ear, dios Mio he's such a wonderful man, she takes another calming breath in, feeling the weather around her calming down as she does. She then takes a look around the room needing to ground herself in the moment. Her mother is sitting at the head of the table like always but she looks tired, not reacting to her storm like she usually would just sitting there. She sees her brother-in-law entering the dinning room with her sobrina in his arms. Finally she looks over to see Dolores and Camilo sitting in their usual spots both looking at her with wide shock and fearful looks. She wants to comfort them but she honestly has no idea what she could even say in this moment that would comfort them so instead she looks for Antonio.

He isn't here.

The wind that just calmed down picks up again.

"WHERE'S ANTONIO?" She whips around to look at her husband barely recognizes her own panicked screeching which she almost regrets doing seeing her daughter flinch from the corner of her eye.

She watches Felix blink in shock then look around for their youngest son only to have panic fill his eyes when he realizes that he isn't there. "I d-don't know I.... He was here just a minute ago!"

Before she can panic even more Dolores squeaks out "He's with Tia Julieta." The relief that fills Pepa is instant and fills her entire being but just as instantly as the relief came so did the heartbreak. Julieta is in the nursery with a baby Mirabel. He didn't go into the nursery looking for Julieta.

She sighs softly trying to mentally prepare herself for what shes about to do "thank you Dolores." She quickly gets up but stops there just behind Augustine and Isabela and Luisa is Julieta with Antonio and a squirm and whimpering baby cradled in her arms.

Julieta's pov

She didn't mean to start crying but Antonio asking for Mirable shattered the small amount of control she had built up. She doesn't cry long just a moment but she feels guilty for doing so. Antonio stands in front of her looking so scared and lost and her crying just makes him feel worse but she can't help it.

"Tia what's wrong? Why did you cry? I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry!" Antonio looks so heartbreakingly sad and confused which almost makes Julieta cry again but she keeps her composure this time.

"Oh Antonio no. You didn't make me cry sweetheart.... I am just really sad. Casita did something last night and well... Come here and look." She shifts the now quiet bundle in her arms so that Antonio can see the baby Mirable. Antonio quickly moves forward,practically crawling into her lap to get a better look. Mirable smiles slightly as she looks up at Antonio which makes Julieta smile slightly at the adorable sight the two of them make.

"I don't understand.... This is a baby... Why would a baby make you sad? Shouldn't everybody be happy?" Antonio looks up to her waiting for her answer

"yes usually a baby would make everyone happy. But this isn't just any baby... This is.... Mirable." Julieta stumbles through her explanation trying her best to explain something she herself doesn't understand.

"Mira? This is Mira?" He looks back and forth between her and Mirable a strange thoughtful look on his face.

"yes this is Mira. I don't know how and the why is a little... Complicated but this is Mira tonito." Julieta hopes he doesn't have any questions about it she doesn't know how much more she can take.

He nods his head once before saying "Ok. Is Mira coming to breakfast?" Julieta is both relieved that he doesn't have any questions and slightly shocked at his quick acceptance of the situation.

"I.... Yes. I think Mira and I should go to breakfast now, in fact why don't we all walk to the dining room now?" Pepa is more than likely calmed down by now and trying to delay this will probably only make it worse in the long run. Mirable whimpers slightly from her cradled arms.

Antonio hops off her lap with a quick "ok." He holds out one of her hands for her to take and as soon as she takes it he starts leading her to the dining room. As they make their way to the dining room Mirable starts to squirm and whimper.

All eyes are on her as soon as she's in sight in the dining room she shifts slightly uncomfortable but takes a deep breath before saying a simple "Hi." She finds herself surrounded by well meaning family members asking questions and she instantly regrets leaving the nursery.

Pepa realizing Antonio was gone but only after while is so real. And then when she finally calmed down, she started up again 🌚 or at least she will soon👹👹 But these guys had Julieta stressing 💀💀 Mirabel too. Wouldn’t be surprised if the chaos (and the QUESTIONS) left the poor girl overwhelmed. And she’s not even the one answering them 🦈🦈

All of them need to be cut a break 💀💀

Julieta after coming downstairs:

[eadanga]

The Royal Romance Chapter 8 Part 3

Hana sighs as she sets down her coco “I can’t believe the things Olivia says sometimes poor Drake”

Maxwells nods “Yeah he usually doesn’t let Olivia get under his skin like that”

“Well I hope he’s alright I saw him go outside but it’s not a good idea to be out there right now I heard there’s a storm brewing tonight what can he be thinking”

Riley looks outside and sees the sky getting dark and the clouds moving He shouldn’t be out there I’m gonna go get him before he freezes to death she stands “There’s only one way to find out”

Hana looks at her shocked “You mean you’re thinking of following him?”

Riley heads towards the door “He shouldn’t be out there alone besides I’m not gonna sleep well if he dies of hypothermia and I didn’t stop him” MC grabs her boots then heads to get her coat

****

Liam walks down the hall as Olivia wraps her arm around his “…So this is piece is over 100 years old my great great great grandfather brought it back from a war he fought and was victorious”

Liam plasters on a grin “Wow fastinating tell me more always love hearing about your history Olivia” Liam looks away as Olivia continues 40th time she’s told me that story Out of the corner of his eye he spots Riley walking down the hall he smiles Damn she’s beautiful even as she walks He notices her lacing up her boots and putting on her coat What’s she doing? There’s blizzard coming why is she getting dressed to walk outside? I really hope she’s gonna be ok then again she’s a strong woman she can handle anything but still

“Liam?”

He snaps out of his thoughts and sees Olivia looking at him “Yes Olivia”

“Are you ok?”

“Fine just a little tired from all the skiing and skating if you’ll excuse me Olivia” He bows “I think I’m gonna go rest up”

“Oh ok I’ll see you at the ball then”

“Of course” He walks away as he sighs Forgive me for that lie Olivia but I need to know if she’s ok He looks around Now if I remember the room with the best view is here He enters a room and walks to the balcony he pulls out a pair of binoculars and spots her heading towards someone Is that Drake? What’s he doing out in this storm? They could die of the cold I hope they’re not gonna be out there for long

****

Riley trudges through the snow and spots Drake in a clearing in the woods “Hey Drake”

He turns around “What are you doing out here?”

“I saw you going off alone in the dark with a storm coming and I wanted to see what you were doing”

Drake raises an eyebrow “So you’re keeping tabs on me?”

“Even you have to admit it’s a little suspicious to be out here taking care of something right now”

“I want to be mad at this but I really can’t maybe I’m even a little impressed”

“What did you come out here to do exactly?”

“If you really want to know you’ll have to trust me”

“Well ok now tell me”

“Here I’ll make it easier for you” He shoves her down on the ground MC falls back sputtering

“What the hell?! What was” She looks up and sees the most star filled sky with shooting stars flying across the sky “Drake…”

He falls back next to her “Yes my lady?”

“This is amazing but no excuse knocking me over” She light punches him

Drake chuckles “Sorry about that you looked pretty tough thought you could handle it”

Rikey raises an eyebrow “You think I’m tough”

“Pretty tough for a noble girl I mean”

“I’m no real noble you know that”

Drakes sighs “Yeah I do”

Riley smiles “Looks like were just in time to see this before the storm hits”

“Yeah I didn’t want to miss it we grew up around royals my dad used to do security for Liam and his brother and my sister and I were allowed to hang out with them Liam and I ended up being really close even though I didn’t have the lineage to merit it” He sighs “Savannah on the other hand got along with everyone she loved living at the palace when we were kids but it got harder when she got older”

“What happened?”

“She…” Drake trails off “It was hard on her I guess she couldn’t take it after what happened with…” He clenches his jaw “I failed her I couldn’t protect her from this place” He sighs “Sorry I guess I’m not ready to talk about it this is the most I’ve talked about it in a year”

“Really?” Riley grins “Does that mean we’re friends?”

Drake scoffs “Friends? I wouldn’t go that far Brooks”

Riley rolls her eyes “Should we call it non enemies then?”

Drake shrugs “I guess I can’t really stop you”

Riley grins “Nope”

They look at the sky a little bit longer till snowflakes start to come down then Drake sighs

“We should head back it’ll be quite a scandal if I let one of the Prince’s suitors freeze to death on my watch”

Riley stands and brushes herself off “Let’s head back shall we”

Drake stands and brushes himself off “Of course”

****

Liam watches and they both head back to the chateau he smiles Glad they’re heading back but they were out there a long time and the snow was starting I hope they don’t get sick or anything still wonder what they were doing out there in this weather I worry about them especially Riley.

****

As Riley and Drake walk inside they’re met by Hana running up to them

“There you are!”

“You’re up late”

“I couldn’t sleep with you and Drake out there in the storm”

Riley gives her a small smile “I’m sorry we kept you up”

Hana grins “Oh I’m just glad you came in before it really started coming down you must be freezing Drake dressed like that”

Drake nods “Yeah I’m gonna go change goodnight ladies” Drake waves as he heads to his room

Hana turns to Riley “I guess we should get some sleep too the Cordornian Waltz is tomorrow after all and we need a good nights sleep to pull it off successfully”

Riley sighs “I don’t think any amount of sleep is gonna improve my chances”

“What do you mean?”

“As Drake mentioned earlier I can’t waltz”

Hana looks at her shocked “Oh dear it is late but I can’t show you if you wanted to”

Riley nods Please teach me”

Hana grins “Lovely let’s go to my room”

Riley follows Hana up the stairs to her room as Hana pushes the furniture aside for dancing she smiles “I appreciate you helping me with this”

Hana smiles “It’s the least I can do after you cheered me up at the masquerade and sorry I didn’t think to ask if you knew it it’s good you have Drake looking out for you”

MC nods “Yeah” She grins “Alright the Cordornian Waltz how hard is it gonna be”

“Depends do you consider yourself a good dancer”

MC smiles “I dance like an angel did take some dance lessons but it wasn’t ballroom dancing”

Hana grins “Oh then this shouldn’t be a problem if you have a good sense of rhythm you shouldn’t have problems picking it up now the Cordornian Waltz is a choreographed dance with specific steps I’ll put on some music and be the prince and well start” Hana plays some music then turns to MC and bows “Ahem Lady MC”

MC giggles “Prince Liam”

Hana laughs “Now let’s get into position put your left hand on my shoulder” She starts guiding her in the steps “This is the box step it’s the most basic movements” They spend the night learn the moves of the Cordornian waltz “And that’s the Cordornian Waltz”

MC grins “I think I got it now you’re a good teacher ice skating waltzing how are you so good at these things”

“My parents have been pushing me to learn all the courtly and social arts since I was very young”

“You must have had no free time”

“Between school dance music and etiquette lessons my schedule was very full my parents excepted a lot” She sighs “They were devastated when they didn’t have any sons so they put all they’re hopes in me everyday of my life has been grooming me to bring fame and fortune to my family by winning some prince or nobles hand for all the good it’s done me after my last engagement”

“If you don’t mind if I ask what happened with your last engagement?”

“Peter was an English nobleman he was well off had an ancestral title and home all the things my parents wanted for our family we’d spend many long afternoons horseback riding and sailing her was very kind it would have been perfect”

“But?”

Hana sighs “But the simple truth was I didn’t love him so when he proposed I knew I had to accept for my parents I tried my best but he became suspicious at our engagement party a month before our wedding he cornered me he asked me if this is what I wanted even though I told him what he wanted to hear I couldn’t hold back the tears he knew me well he knew I was miserable and he was good enough not to make a big deal of it but ugly rumors started to fly about why we separated especially since he got married to another woman shortly after”

MC places her hand on her shoulder “Well let people talk they have their own opinions only you know the truth”

Hana nods “Yeah and now I’m competing for the Prince but it’s not all bad my parents have been pressuring me to spend time with you”

“Why me?”

“Oh you got a special connection to the prince and if I get close to you I can get closer to the prince”

“You’re parents have strategies”

“Yeah but I want you to know I do like spending time with you MC”

MC smiles “Me too Hana it’s good to have a friend here”

Hana grins “It’s funny even though we’re still technically competing against each other we can be friends” They laugh before being startled by the clock striking midnight Hana sighs “We should head to bed”

MC nods “Yeah I’ll talk to you tomorrow”

Hana smiles “Good night MC”

Tags: @mfackenthal @the-soot-sprite @princess-geek @gkittylove99 @indiacater @twinkleallnight @iaminlovewithtrr

[lonely-lost-soul]

As the Tide Rolls In

Pt 1/10

Chapter One: New Moon 

Sun hated where he was; it smelled like foul chemicals, he couldn’t sense his litter mate, and worst of all, it was so very dark. He let out a distressed churr for his brother, body feeling unusually sluggish as the bad water entered the gills on his neck. The mer didn’t remember how he got here. One moment, he was swimming through the water with his brother, hunting for fresh food, and then utter darkness. Sun let out another distressed sound as he swam into a hidden wall, his webbed hands brushing against his temple; that’s when he heard a loud screech that sounded like his brother's distressed call. In response, he let out his distress call, and suddenly, the entire area rumbled. He then proceeded to ram himself against the invisible force separating them. In the dark, Sun had no energy, only chirping weakly, to which Moon responded with a snarl. Sun frowned. He couldn’t make out what exactly he was trying to tell him. He only put his hand up to the invisible blockade, and Moon placed his hand on the blockage they would soon learn was called glass. Sun took a breath and used the rest of his energy to pulse with soft yellow light, nonverbally communicating to his brother that he was okay and that they both would figure out a way out of this. He could see Moon’s bare his lips, showing off his teeth doubtfully as he pulsed his bioluminescent colors as a comeback to his own.

His brother thought the worst out of every situation, but surely they’d be okay. Once the bipedal creatures were done with them, surely they’d let the two mers go; it was only a matter of time. 

~Six Months Later~

“Shit, shit, fuck, fuck-” You sputtered, toothbrush in your mouth, the paste leaking from the corners as you shoved on your pants. As usual, you were running late. You had subconsciously snoozed about four of your alarms and were desperately trying to prepare for the first day on your job. Ever since childhood, you dreamed of being a marine biologist; working with marine life was the only job you’d accept, much to your parent's scolding. However, it just so happened that you, out of all the other students in your graduate class, were picked for a top-secret assignment at Afton and Son’s Aquarium. Thanks to your talents, you were at the top of your class, and the animals you helped as an intern could all be rehabilitated and released. You grabbed your keys and bolted out the door; running late for a top-secret project could irreversibly damage your reputation. Your old Subaru sputtered to life as you jammed your keys into the ignition, the rocketship keychain your dad got you clattering against the others on your lanyard. 

You practically burst into the front doors of the aquarium, scarring the poor secretary to pieces. Her blonde hair was tied in an old-fashioned pink scrunchy, and her chubby cheeks were stained a permanent peach. Hands rested on your knees as you fought to catch your breath. God, you needed a workout routine or something. “Um…are you alright?” She asked, her voice wavering; she was wringing her hands together as you picked your head up, hair falling around your face with a crooked smile. 

“I’m alright! I’m new,” you exclaimed, introducing yourself with an awkward wave. Your keys jingle from the key ring at your waist, and your backpack hangs loosely around your shoulders. 

“Oh!” The secretary chirps, “Welcome! I’m Chica!” her blonde hair bouncing as she spoke, “Mr. Afton has been waiting for you!” Her accent was a mix of Southern twang and a valley girl's. But her odd accent aside, your brain skidded to a stop hearing that THE Mr. Afton was here. 

You gawked. The big boss was here? Did you keep him waiting? Why was he here for you, the marine biologist student who got picked for this project? Couldn’t an average manager greet and instruct you on the whales, dolphins, or whatever you’d be working with? 

“Did I keep him waiting?” You voiced your thoughts, panic clear in your tone, and the secretary’s brow furrowed. 

“Oh no, pumpkin, don’t worry; you’re right on time. I’ll let him know you’re here if you want to head to the door to your left. Knock twice before entering, okay?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” You chirped back with a head nod before heading down to the large oak doors labeled, 

AFTON on a beautiful gold plaque.

Following the instructions you were given, you knocked twice on the door. There was shuffling inside the room and a loud, gruff cough before the door was open. The man on the other end was thin, almost unhealthily so; his hair was a dark chestnut, and his eyes were a startling shade of blue. He smiled at you, holding out his hand, and you noticed the scars littering his arms. 

“Newbie!” Mr. Afton seemed to cheer, “Welcome, come in!” He muses, leading you into the old air of his managerial office. “I hope I didn’t wake you too early; I know ‘ow college kids can be; my eldest is in school right now. Micheal, he’s around your age.” I nod as he converses; truthfully, you didn’t care much about Mr. Afton’s sons, but you bit your tongue and smiled at your boss. “Sit, sit, sit!” he ushers you to a big, bright blue chair with little jellyfish. You’ve always liked jellyfish; they were colorful, and there were many different species; maybe the secret project was jellyfish-related. The British man sits at his desk, crossing his arms over one another with a sly smile, “I’m so happy you accepted this opportunity. You don’t know how many people rejected it after hearing about it.” That comment gave you a bit of unease as you raised an eyebrow, “which is why we had to fudge the job application just a little bit.”

“Er…what do you-” 

“Don’t be alarmed.” Mr. Afton held up his hands in a surrender motion, “You’ll still get your thirty dollars an hour. You may need it for the hospital bills.”   

Money wasn’t your top concern, but having that much money in your pockets daily made you want to kiss your manager's feet. No more student loans! Wait, did he just say hospital bills?

“Since you already signed the base paperwork, you can meet the creatures you’ll be working with.” He stood up, grabbed a cane in the corner of the room, and urged you to follow him out of his office. You took a breath, reminding yourself that this is your dream, what you studied for, and that you could take on any challenge. He led you to a set of double doors labeled STAFF ONLY. “Remember the NDA you signed,” you nodded, “Meet Sun and Moon.” Mr. Afton sent you an almost crazed grin as he tossed open the doors. In front of you sat a giant tank that easily fit an orca. You stepped in, passing him, ignoring his childlike grin; inside the tank was a cave, some seaweed and shells, and a few stimulation toys. 

“So…what’s in here?”

“Dumb creatures…” Afton grumbled under his breath, but you caught it; you had to bite your tongue to stop from snapping at him for the comment. He walked forward and knocked on the glass with his cane; the lights flickered and dimmed only slightly as four pairs of eyes flashed to life in the cave. One pair was a striking blue and the other a piercing red; they were bioluminescent creatures, whatever they were. You stepped towards the tank curiously. The blue eyes widened and moved towards the entrance of the cave. You gawked, watching it swim toward the glass. It was a mermaid, a real-life mer right before you. They were lit with yellowish-orange bioluminescence colors; his face and body were humanoid, with a nose, eyes, and a lean torso. Instead of hair, their fins fanned out like the sun; scales dotted their face like freckles. He placed his webbed hands on the glass, and you heard them utter a churr and click curiously like a dolphin. You admired the fins on their arms, and your eyes trailed down to his tail; it resembled that of a butterfly koi. 

Ethereal. 

You reached out and placed your palm against the glass against theirs. As you did, you saw them visibly bristle and hiss before scurrying back into their cave. 

“You have a fucking mermaid?”

“Mermaids, my dear. And language, this is a family friends establishment.”

“TWO?!” You gawked, completely baffled, but Mr. Afton just looked proud of himself, “how? Where did you find them-“

“I’ll send you over all the paperwork. Since you’re starting today, I’ll give you a brief rundown. Sun and Moon are from the same clutch of eggs; we’ve gathered much from the vet techs working with them. You’ll probably meet him tomorrow. His name’s Freddy, you'll like him, everyone likes him.” Afton once more got off track. This time, you interrupted,

“Sun and Moon…”

“Ah, right, right. They’re both male of their species; both are on the more aggressive side. Sun is more curious and, so far, has been the most willing to make contact; Moon, however, only comes out when it’s dark or no one’s looking. He’s reclusive and has an even worse temper than Sun; we think he could be nocturnal. He causes the most incidents…” Mr. Afton pursed his lips, “with their past trainers and caretakers. He’s killed the most. Sun’s injured a good plenty of his mind you. But you’ll be fine, I’m sure of it; we’ve learned from their deaths. God rest their souls.” 

“Holy shit…” you breath, “real life mermaids…”

“Yes. Yes. You aim to care for them, handle feeding, and clean them if they eventually let you. Our overarching goal is for you to become their trainer and open them up for shows to the public. Much like some of the dolphins we have here.”

That gave you pause, “I thought this was a rescue and rehabilitation aquarium…”

“Normally, it is for the bigger sea creatures, but…these two.” He pats the tank, “There are exceptions. They’re the only mermaids humans have ever made contact with, so for the greater good, they’ll stay with us purely for research. We don’t know much about their diet either, as they refuse to eat until it’s strictly necessary.” Afton hummed, “I can’t stop you from doing whatever you think is appropriate to try to bond with them. However, I discourage you from getting into the water with them now. Accidents and all that. Welp!” He clapped his hands, “I’ll leave you to get acquainted with them. You’ll find everything you need on the observation platform. Good luck, kiddo.” With that, you watched your boss spin on his heel and exit the exhibition, leaving you alone in a dim room with a cold chill in the air and two mermaids. You’d have to look over the emails he sent you; you wondered if they even were from colder waters or if they just assumed, because of their bioluminescence, they were native to the deep sea. You climbed the metal steps; they creaked beneath your feet. You would need to physically examine some things, their teeth, for example, to see if they were meat eaters and what meat they even needed to digest. You stood on the platform looking into the murky water of the tank, your nose scrunched up, wondering how often this tank gets clean. Wandering over to the edge, you saw blue eyes peering up at you once again; you knelt on the lip of the tank. 

“Hi, Sun,” you greeted, saying your name; you were sure they had some intelligence, but could they understand you? That in and of itself was another question. Bubbles came from his mouth as he swam closer to the top of the tank, “Hungry?” You questioned, and all he did was flick his tail at you lowly, grumbling. You turned and pulled the cooler of fish towards you. He swam a bit closer, and you saw an arm shoot out from inside the cave, dark blue and covered in spines, stopping Sun in his tracks. The mer, who could only be Moon, trilled lowly, and you heard it reverberate in your skull, making your eyes feel heavy. Sun shook his hand off and breached the surface. The top of his face fins dropped as he stared at you from just above the water's surface. As you opened the cooler, you immediately gagged; the fish was far from fresh; no wonder they barely ate. “I’m going to get you some fresh food tomorrow. Promise,” you crossed your heart, holding the smelly fish out to him. He eyed you suspiciously, with another trill from down below from Moon; you opened your mouth to speak again to try to talk to him when he lunged. You pulled your hand back just in time for Sun to clamp down on the fish with his razor-sharp teeth.

Sharp teeth. Large. Hunts other mammals for food.

He pulled the fish below the water, smirking slyly at you as he tore it in half, tossing the other down to his brother. He blew bubbles in your direction again, letting out a low trill. 

You flex your fingers; if you hadn’t pulled your hand away, it’d be gone, you were sure of it. 

“It’s okay. We’ll keep trying,” You said out loud, unsure if it was toward the mers or yourself. You brought your eyes to look at him again. Sun was still staring at you as he brought the fish head into his mouth, shredding it to pieces before eating whatever remained. He swallowed and stuck his tongue out at you, long and orange. In a moment of impulsiveness, you stuck your tongue in retaliation; you saw briefly how his body and eyes pulsed with light as his grin widened. Sun giggled before catching himself; he covered his mouth with his hands, diving back into his cave and shaking his fins.

He wanted to play. On some level, he wanted to bond. He could understand you and your gestures. Now, you were able to form a plan. You stood up, placing your hands on your hips, and grinned wildly. 

It was time to put your degree into practice. 

Operation Bond with Sun is a Go.

—

Sun whined as Moon kicked sand up in his face with his tail, “I am not eating that.” Moon hissed, curling more and plunging deeper into the cave, his spines vibrating as he pushed the bottom half of the fish away. 

“Come on, Moony,” Sun whined, “you gotta eat.” 

“No. Not from no tails, never.”

“You’re starving yourself! You haven’t eaten in weeks and need more than I do! This one seems different; she smells like the sea.” Sun said eagerly, swimming closer to his brother, who hissed and swatted at him again. 

“They’re all bad.” Moon snapped spitefully, “They did this to us, want to make us a spectacle.” He hissed, baring his pointed teeth. “I’d rather die.” 

“Don’t say that!” Sun wrapped his arms around Moon, who growled and squirmed woefully, “We’ll get out of here!” That’s when Moon stilled, 

“Yeah…yes.” Moon hummed as he spun to face Sun. Letting him lie on his stomach, his brother tilted his head. “You need to make friends with the new human…” he hummed, eyes crinkling at the corners, “Gain their trust. Get her on our side, then when the moment is right.” He held up his clawed hands, creating a few bubbles before snapping his hands shut around the bubbles, snuffing them out. “Manipulate her into helping us escape; then we kill her and this place behind.” 

“I don’t know…” Sun trailed off, “That sounds a little dangerous…”

“Didn’t you say she was different, hm? That’s what you said, right? You can do this, Sun, and you’re likable and a good actor. Make her trust you.” Moon churred at his brother, who always fell victim to praise of any kind, “Any means necessary.”

“Any means?”

“Any.” 

“Okay! Okay!” Sun chirped, slamming his fist into his hand, “I got this. Moon, we’ll be out of here in no time!” 

Moon hummed pleasantly; he’d be there, of course, as always, to watch and protect his brother if the human decided to hurt him. She’d end up like all the others if she played her cards wrong, made one wrong move against Sun, and your head would be floating at the top of your tank, detached from your body.

Operation Freedom was a Go.

~~~~

FNAF time chapters are already planned out, so she will be finished and updated regularly hopefully. As always comments, and art are welcome!

[istadris]

lm3 seducer luigi au? 👀

@brendathepeep you're to blame for half of the ideas here.

This is going to be a LONG one, so brace yourself!

First Luigi's Mansion : E.Gadd met Luigi by pure luck, and he was willing to go through the house and capture ghosts while looking for his brother. Everybody wins ! But as he monitors Luigi, he notices that the guy isn't just a good ghost hunter. He draws ghosts ! In a very specific way, dare he say.

Dark Moon : the Evershade Valley is a good place to study ghosts and even obtain answers from them, and that's where E.Gadd starts to realize, oh. oh. Ghosts don't just want to scare Luigi, they're attracted to him. He's basically a walking aphrodisiac. So when the ghosts escape, E.Gadd doesn't hesitate : ghosts are less agressive when horny (usually), and Luigi is a good enough ghostbuster to justify calling him.

E.Gadd intended to tell Luigi about it ! He absolutely did ! But how do you explain to your assistant "oh there is an explanation to why ghosts always harass you" ?

Especially when he's running for his life! And he kept forgetting once the menace was dealt with.

He still tried to harness (or even just figure out) that weird power Luigi has but accidentally made a goo clone. Alas, while Gooigi does attract ghosts, he's not sturdy enough for further examination. After Gooigi reforms from a ghost spilling fluids (not necessarily their own) on him : "dang it, it seems I will need Luigi's consent on this matter after all"

Luigi's Mansion 3 : when Helen invites E.Gadd, she asks him a lot of questions,and some of then are about his assistant. " My, how brave of him to face such dangerous ghosts, how did the poor man survive ?" "Why, I shouldn't probably talk too much about this, but I trust you to not gossip. You see, my dear boy Luigi has quite the surprising talent ..."

(Suggestive content + spoilers for Luigi's Mansin 3 under the read more, you have been warned)

Helen's plan to capture Luigi totally involved to seduce him and lure him away from his family, but our boy's too oblivious for that and fell asleep right after getting to his room. Helen, after waiting for an hour and realizing her sultry pose and hints didn't work, decided to fall back on a simple "grab the rest of the posse and hide"

LM3 starts like in the game with Luigi falling asleep and waking up to things going apeshit, with Helen ans King Boo showing up, and King Boo chasing after Luigi and cornering him at the end of the corridor. Luigi is terrified of course...but fear and arousal have always crossed wires in his brain. Especially with ghosts. Oh, they terrify him, and yet when King Boo presses down on him, he's also hard as a brick, awfully aroused...which KB notices in his aura (and then the tent in his overalls). And he can now attest that the rumours about Luigi's aura being very attractive are true.

KB is very, very amused and tests further this inclination, and smut ensues...and because he wants to make the chase last and to drive Luigi to his limits, afterwards, King Boo all but pushes Luigi down the laundry chute while challenging him to come and get his friends back, but only if each of the floor's main ghosts find Luigi to their liking. And of course he'll spread the word about that human with a kink for ghosts...

Instead of the wanted posters with money for reward, it's a pin up picture with a number to call.

Through the entire night, between floors, Luigi gets harassed here and there by various ghosts and Boos who want a taste of the delicious human, but King Boo also gave clear instructions so the Boss Ghosts get dibs on him.

Stewart, Chambrea and Kruller are pretty easy to satisfy : they're all overworked and stressed out by their jobs, and once Luigi shows up with his delicious, enticing aura, it doesn't take much to convince them to sit back and relax. A head/handjob (well, the equivalent for ghosts as they don't have the same anatomy as humans anymore) and some fondling and kisses, and they're spent and content.

Chef Soulfflé and Amadeus Wolfgeist are Luigi's first obstacles : they're both "artists" whose energy expresses through their art, and so it's less about physical sex : they find release in making their "victim" experiment actual Food/music porn. Luigi never thought he would be able to come just from a concert.

King MacFrights : Ooooh these dungeons and torture contraptions are going to come in handy. The joust still happens though, with the victor gaining the favours of the crowd...a very enthusiastic crowd...

Garden Suites : Like mentioned before, if Dr Potter doesn't get physical himself, his beloved plants, on the other hand...between the very long and grabby vines, sex pollen all over the place, and toothy carnivorous plants, Luigi spends a LOT of time on this floor.

T-Rex + Ug : Gooigi comes in VERY handy there, because Luigi would NOT have survived T Rex vore with his own body. Sharing his consciousness with a pile of good helps for very interesting sensations.

Morty is the sweetest of all ghosts, and gives Luigi a well earned reprieve by letting him rest for a while and pampering his new star the whole time.

He's the first ghost where Luigi is actually the one to make the first move sincerely. However, he also insists on filming everything (and not necessarily taking part himself), puts Luigi through different roles and scenarios...He keeps up the praise all the while, which is an enormous boost to Luigi's confidence (and he realises he has a praise kink).

Boiler room : let's say Clem ain't keeping these rubber duckies just for decoration. At least lying down on a giant rubber duckie floatie in a pool the whole time is kinda relaxing.

Serpci ; listen even in the canon of the game, I thought when I first saw her "what is it with ghost ladies making Luigi sneeze while making seductive poses ? Is this how you manifest your interest?"

Anyway look at her. She would demand worship and praise from Luigi (thankfully he picked up some tips from Morty) and gosh just look at her ❤️

Captain Fishook and Johnny Deepend: look, if you can't see the sex appeal in a hunk shark pirate on his ship and a buff life guard, I can't do anything for you. Luigi even gets to get drunk in the grotto lounge afterwards, turns out pirate ghosts know how to party

Triplets of the Twisted Suites : oh boy, this one is gonna be a wild ride. Three magician girls with a streak for mischief in a floor full of tricks and traps ? It's a miracle he makes it out alive.

Disco floor : Luigi canonically loves dancing, especially in the Luigi's Mansion games. He's killing it on the dance floor. Going clubbing has never been his style, but now he gets the full experience, including the grinding and groping.

Ironically Helen is the only ghost in the hotel who doesn't manage to get a go at Luigi: he passes out in the Master suite for a while (he needs to regain some energy before King Boo) and when she tries to stop him, he claims he played with her pussy and holds up Polterkitty. She's furious but she appreciates that he did look after her precious cat.

Now Luigi arrives to the top of the hotel, armed with all the knowledge he acquired through the night on ghost pleasure, still "smelling" like the most delicious thing to spectres, and facing a blue-balled King Boo who has been watching Luigi's progress the whole time.

Mario when Luigi frees him : "Oh Luigi, you look exhausted, these ghosts must have kept you up all night!"

Luigi : "haha...yeah you could say that."

Who will win ? YOU DECIDE !!

[spotsupstuff]

Found my two year old BTHB card and mmmm... there are some really good prompts in there and oh would one look at that, I even have fun characters to apply these things to, now

Bad Things Happen Bingo: Anger born of worry - Sparrows and Euros Words: 2161 Warnings: one-sided yelling match, abuse mention, panic attack (?)

-

It’s like one of her worst nightmares.

They were just talking, her sitting on the floor of his chamber, him looking down at her with his puppet, suspended directly above as he teased her about something stupid. She was laughing at his overblown dramatizations.

Then the lights died. In the *goddamn puppet chamber.*

Sparrows jumps away as the puppet hurls downwards into the floor where she sat, the umbilical arm screeches as emergency brakes stop it from following behind it. He lets out a terrifying mix of a too organic scream and something alien by its technological nature. Her breath quickens and it takes her a second to shake off the shock.

“Caper! Fuck-!” She dives down to the puppet and forces it to sit. It’s stupid heavy, with him unresponsive and the umbilical arm still connected. Danger signs project themselves all over the walls, not helping even *slightly* with calming her down.

Blessedly, the power starts to slowly come back. The puppet jerks against her hands and grabs her arms as he tries to steady himself again. The whole poor thing is shaking.

“Can you speak?” She leans in, trying to urge him on.

“Te-,” he gets interrupted by a horrible garbled noise. Sparrows flinches and he stops.

“Reset the speakers and begin a diagnostic. If reset won’t help send in the Attendants. And above all: stay calm. Got it?” She says, giving the puppet a reassuring squeeze. She’s not entirely sure if the reassurance is more for Euros or her. He nods at her through the trembling. “Good. Now I need you to let me go.”

“W- waaaaitzzz- I-,” he tries to force through the damage, his grip on her tightens.

But she can’t take any of that right now. He may need the comfort as this is the first time he’s had a blackout (she’s memorized his entire history of major failings, specifically those that occurred before she took this position. she knows for a fact that this is the worst he’s ever had so far, no matter the cause), but comfort to the mind does not equal to safety of the body.

“Not now. Let go.” She says in a firmer tone. He hesitates for a second, giving her this look of desperation and *shame* of all things. It just confuses and stresses her out more, dammit! But then he finally lets go and even pulls away from her as if she just scolded him.

That is something to address later though, she decides as she pushes herself off the ground and races to the control panel hidden in the corner of the chamber behind one of the four ladders. Her right hand grips the ladder and the other starts typing away.

The diagnosis comes up on the screen. It lists off all that is wrong. Makes only a note about the blackout in the puppet chamber, which sends a shiver down Sparrows’ spine. That means there’s something worse. It wasn’t just an innocent, even if unusual for a Generation 2, involuntary power reset.

The hearts are fine, but beating faster than their norm. Memory arrays are fine, though reporting heightened activity. Wouldn’t be surprising if the patterns matched for processing events with the logic centres chiefly active, but instead it’s patterns for more basic, animalistic thing. Pain.

Her heart sinks. In sympathy, pity, worry… Saints below she needs to help him.

Next it says that water intake has increased in an effort to cool down the machinery and... flush something out?? That… that is no good. She remembers in the back of her mind her older brother complaining about longer and fiercer rains as of lately. Originally she chalked it up to his usual craziness or typical older brother bullshit of complaining about something that she’s at least in part responsible for to annoy her. Now it seems like she owes Inferno an apology. There’s been something wrong for a good while, much to her dismay.

The scan-through of the diagnostic hiccups in the lab area. It lists a whole *fifth* as unavailable. That’s *insane.*

Sparrows hails an Overseer. Through the console, she quests it to go and scout out the area unavailable to the diagnostic scan and therefore to the internal cameras as well. She needs to know what’s happening.

At first, it lingers. With an apologetic expression she commands it with code to just go. It cannot disobey her as the Mechanic, so it zooms away.

The screen of the control panel switches to the Overseer’s vision. In tense silence, she waits as it makes its way all the way to the labs.

Then the nightmare only worsens…

Through the screen, she sees a cross. It is brilliant, rich royal blue, glowing, seated on an impossibly dark and squishy ball. It looks just like her eyes.

The speakers click from above. Euros calls out to her. She can’t hear him.

The Overseer travels into the actually infected area. Sparrows’ breath quickens, her palms feel clammy. She never expected to actually deal with the Rot, much less in the Iterator she’s fully responsible for.

And this is just the *outer edge* of the infection! Taking a quick glance at the map with the whole zone blacked out- she feels nauseous.

“Sparrows- please listen-”

The Overseer travels deeper. The typical sharp blue light of the labs is so damn dim…

Her right hand is white knuckled from the too strong grip. Her left is shaking uncontrollably and she vaguely feels tears welling up in her eyes from pure fear.

“I can explain! I have a good reason for not-”

Yet deeper, the Overseer dives. The structural damage becomes more apparent. Cut electrical lines zapping the air uselessly, equipment eroded beyond recognition, support pillars looking like someone threw acid at them. She notices multiple sets of Inspector eyes and trapped neuron flies in sticky blue tendrils.

*He has to be in so much pain- Why-?*

The Overseer scouts further. It enters a room so dark that it almost looks like the Void Fluid itself. Except those damn crosses everywhere.

A tendril reaches out for it from the dark. It narrowly dodges, reappearing a good ways away. Instantly, her left hand flies to the console to hail it back. Away. Just anywhere but there in that pit of pus and decay.

“Remember how your mom got badly sick two months ago? It might as well have been you in that state alongside her! You were so deathly worried- I’ve seen you two interact so so many times, I even got to meet her-! She visited me and I got to know her and she’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the honor of meeting!”

She feels like passing out or throwing up.

“I wanted to give you the time to take care of her. And rest some yourself, too. It was just an unfortunate accident during the time that gave a spark to this- I thought I could handle-!”

“You fucking IDIOT!” Three Sparrows has never screeched that loud before. She’s supposed to sound shy, mellow, sweet, kind of permanently sad. Not like a banshee. Not like she’s tearing her own throat apart like now as she whips around to level a whole Iterator with unbridled fury.

Euros actually yanks his puppet out of her reach, the thing curling up in an attempt at defense. Its lovely dark eyes wide with shock. He looks like a kid trying his best to make it through another beating and that breaks her heart somewhere deep down, it does. That is her *dearest companion* she’s chasing into a corner, not some prey animal.

But it doesn’t feel like she’s the one behind the steering wheel of her own body anymore. There is no reason, no consideration- nothing but horrible horrible rage. She spits and growls and her words become interlaced with shameful hisses, full of venom of a terrified animal.

“How are you so moronic! You were literally made to be one of the most intelligent things in this fucking world, yet you manage to be dimmer than a goddamn bolt! Do you even know what that thing is?? That is the Rot!! The one thing that can *KILL* you if it manages to run even a LITTLE rampant. And what did You do???”

“I just-”

“SHUT UP! I forbid you from speaking to me, Caper of Euros! You are allowed to only listen, so you may- HOPEFULLY- learn at least a semblance of a something from this- if I even manage to save you at all!”

He pulls his puppet higher now, to escape her. He stares at her, speechless just as she ordered him to be, with desperate betrayal dancing in his eyes. As if his feelings of that could triumph over her own.

“We agreed that you’d Tell me if *anything,* no matter how small, would go wrong while I’d be away! I TRUSTED you! And you broke that! YOU- You- URHG!” Sparrows clutches at her head in panicked confusion on what to do next, in inability to think straight through the anger and the feeling of being harmed, in worry for his well being. It’s too much.

“You broke *ME!”* She screams at the top of her lungs through her sore throat, the cruel mix of emotions and feelings makes the last word shrill, shaky. So damn ugly.

Euros only looks away and pulls the puppet all the way into the furthest corner of the ceiling from her with a whine of the chamber. It’s far enough that she has trouble making out any of his features.

She could simply take his umbilical cable and pull on it hard enough to force him. She could just order him to come back down without expanding any physical effort at all. Could curse and yell into his face while he’d have no other choice but take it, all the while completely on mute, without any way of defending himself. She could carve this horrible moment into his mind with trauma *deep* enough that he would never be able to rid himself of it, only with a complete wipe.

…instead, her hands slide down her head, gripping far too hard at the stems growing at the sides of her jaw. She pulls on them firmly until the physical pain outweighs the emotional one, until it forces her to finally get grounded and give up the entirety of the disgusting storm inside of her.

With a deep exhale and closed eyes, she lets go.

After holding that position for a few more seconds, she takes a deep breath again and opens her eyes. The chamber has turned impossibly dark almost like during the blackout, obscuring Euros’ puppet completely. It isn’t the darkness of the deep carmine it takes on when he iterates, it’s the kind that she only read about in the reports of his first Mechanic.

The first one wasn’t a good person. Sparrows met her herself, when she came in for her first day fresh out of school. She was a tall one, wrinkles twisting her face into a permanent scowl. Sharp eyes and shoulders, pointy mask. She was too strict without any kindness to soften it, too mean, too biting with her words. Sparrows spent a single day on a tour with her and had enough. Euros has dealt with her for 86 years since the moment he was turned online. Since his most vulnerable days- as a clueless *child.*

The piece of Sparrows that still wishes for nothing else but motherhood recoils in disgust and shame.

For the first time in her decades of service here, she gets treated to Euros’ very own special coping mechanism created because of One abusive bitch. This darkness has been here longer than her life spans out. This hiding place is a scar she reopened and even though her anger and panic are fully justified, she still feels terrible.

Sparrows looks up into the corner where she knows Euros is trying to hide himself from her sight (quite successfully, if it weren't for the glowing umbilical cable he'd be gone. he even disabled his halo). Her brows are still furrowed, but otherwise her features no longer hold rage. Despite the change, he doesn’t move a single piston. She can understand.

Taking a one step backwards, where the exit out of the chamber is, her gaze shifts down to the floor. With a deep breath, she attempts to speak but it comes out uncharacteristically raspy, hurting. She clears her throat, tries to wet it up so she can speak this damn language at all.

Deep inhale. “I forbid you from sending Overseers after me.” Her tone is defeated, unsure of giving out an order like this without the blindness of anger backing her up. She prefers... not to dictate him around. “Or any other piece of yourself, Hivemind.”

“For your own good.” She croaks, turning around and leaving him behind.

[theweirdgoodbyes]

never asked me once about the wrong i did: chapter 2

tw: depictions of child ab*se, general Catholic suffering

Llewelyn gets his girl in trouble two years later, and poor Mama damn near dies of shame. She finds out when the girl’s daddy comes to the door hootin’ and hollerin’, demanding that Llewelyn make her honest.

They had all just gotten home from supper at Granmere’s, bellies full of etouffee, and were stripping out of their church clothes when all the hullabaloo began. Granmere had been real quiet that night, not even making her usual concerned comments about Merriell. She just sat in her rocking chair and rubbed her cross while they peeled crawfish, only stopping to touch that old thing to her forehead before going back to rocking. Mama always said she did that when she was praying real hard about something, something only she and God knew about. Sometimes Merriell feels like Granmere isn’t human like the rest of them, she’s something else from the other side, old as time itself, sent by God to see into his soul and spy on all his thoughts. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t love him as much as the other grandchildren; that him killing Vernon was just the precipice of the sins he’s committed, all of which can be laid out before her with just one glance. He still steals candy, still waits for Mr. Leconte to come home each night with bated breath, skips school now. At least he’s stopped chasing the poor cat, but Merriell isn’t sure that will save him from damnation.

None of them felt bold enough to open the bedroom door even a crack once they hear all the yelling, but curiosity has Merriell flat on his belly to peek under it, able to just make out Mama’s stockinged feet and an unfamiliar pair of shoes across the house. Daddy had run back to the docks quick after supper, leaving Mama alone to deal with this angry stranger. His brothers take turns pressing their ear to the door above him, quieter than they’d ever been as they try to piece together what the fuss is about. Llewelyn just paces the floor of their shared bedroom, biting at his nails.

“Oh, Llew, you one dead man,” Willard whispers when it’s his turn to listen, “Ain’t you know how to pull out?”

“Shut up,” Llewelyn says, still chomping away at his nails. Merriell’s never seen him look so scared, and it’s a fear he feels seeping into his own bloodstream. This is the worst thing any of them have ever done, far worse than stealing candy. He sees Mama’s feet begin walking towards the door, and scrambles back with a quick warning before there’s a sharp rap.

“Llewelyn,” Mama sounds as mad as a wet cat, “get out here, boy.”

Even though it’s Sunday, and Daddy doesn’t drink today, Merriell watches him beat Llewelyn harder than he’s ever seen when he gets home. Mama, who usually stays out of Daddy’s hair when he’s wailing on them so she doesn’t get hit herself, has to eventually throw her frying pan into the mix. She wacks Daddy hard on the back until he gets off Llewelyn, leaving him a blubbering blood-soaked mess on the kitchen floor. Despite how damn mean Llewelyn can be, Merriell has to stop himself from running over and trying to help his big brother. He stays at his spot huddled in the corner of the kitchen, unblinking eyes counting the spots of blood on the ground, easier to focus on the myriad of specks on the tile than his brothers shaking and sobbing body.

“You think that poor girl’s gon’ marry him with no damn teeth, John?”

Daddy relents, storming out of the house mumbling something about needing a drink, and slams the door behind him. At Mama’s command, Willard and Francis carry Llewelyn back to Granmere’s to get fixed up. She’s a traiteur, as good as any doctor they can find in these parts. She had been there at each of their births, helping Mama through the labors when Daddy was nowhere to be found. She had even been the one to dig the hole for Vernon, chanting in Creole and praying for his soul the whole time.

Merriell helps Mama clean the floor, pretending he can’t hear her cry as they scrub away all the blood. She doesn’t cry much, life and Daddy having made her hard. It breaks his heart to hear her but there’s nothing he can do, nothing any of them can do, to stop Daddy from being such a mean son of a bitch. Sometimes Merriell wishes him dead, and adds that to the list of evil thoughts Granmere and God can hear him think. When Mama goes to empty out the bucket of water and soap, he finds one of Llewelyn’s teeth on the ground, knocked straight out of his mouth and under the kitchen table. Without thinking, he stuffs it into his pocket before Mama can see. Long after the blood has been cleaned up and Daddy has stumbled home, Merriell lays in the bed he shares with Arthur and looks at the tooth. It’s a small, yellow thing and the jagged edges poke at his finger tips like a knife. He doesn’t know why he kept it, but finds some small comfort in rubbing it between his fingers. His own teeth have started to fall out and be replaced, and he feels bad for Llewelyn who won’t grow this tooth back. He presses it to his forehead, closing his eyes and praying to God like Granmere might.

Dear God, please forgive Llewelyn for his sins. Please forgive Daddy. Please forgive me. Amen.

A week later, Merriell finds himself back in church on a quiet Tuesday. They had all risen early that morning, been allowed to skip school but made to scrub their faces and underarms while Mama pulls a comb through their messy curls. She dons her best dress, a light purple number with a hat to match and does her best to keep a smile on her face.

“What a lovely day the Lord gave us,” she kept saying, fanning herself with her hand as they walked to the rickety old church. Daddy and Llewelyn walked ahead of them, Daddy with his hand firm on his son’s shoulder, either out of comfort or to keep him from running. Merriell wonders what they’re talking about, realizing he knows little about the man he calls his father. He can count on one hand the amount of times he’s had a conversation with him, finding that hiding away was his safest option. Daddy didn’t do much else aside from work, drink, and beat them silly; never much time for talking between those events. Mama did all of the childrearing, firm but loving while she did her best to keep them alive and out of trouble. His brothers accuse him of being a mama’s boy but Merriell doesn’t mind. He holds her other hand tight and has to take big steps to keep up with her hurried stride.

“It’s hot, Mama,” Robert complains, kicking at a rock.

“Hush. People pray for days like today,” Mama reminds them. “And don’t kick no rocks, boy, you gon’ scuff those shoes.” They continue their walk towards Llewelyn’s fate in silence, the Louisiana sun beating down hard like the fists of God.

“Ain’t this a crock o’ shit,” Willard mutters under his breath next to him as the ceremony progresses, pulling at the collar of his shirt. It’s a sweltering day in August and Mama’s rule of keeping their church shirts tidy has disappeared in favor of marrying off her son as soon as possible.

Merriell feels hot and sweaty all over, the sparsely filled church somehow stuffier than outside, shirt clinging to his back as he leans forward against the pews. Mama is up front with Daddy and Granmere, far enough where she can’t scold him for not sitting proper.

Merriell watches his eldest brother’s solemn face, still peppered with yellowing bruises, as he stands with his betrothed at the altar. She ain’t ugly, and Merriell thinks real hard to try to find something he finds attractive about her. She’s Creole like them, which is a blessing since Daddy would have surely killed Llewelyn if he knocked up a white girl, and has curly brown hair hidden under her veil. Merriell can see the curve of her belly poking out from her white dress, and wrinkles his nose thinking about how that baby got in there. He’s not ignorant to how babies are made, seen their cat go after more females than he can count and heard Willard and Victor gloat about their escapades. He just doesn’t understand what the fuss is about. He’s still young, he tries to convince himself, more concerned with fishing and helping Mama than girls and what they’ve got going on under their skirts. When he’s older, he’ll want to touch a girl the way his brothers brag about. He knows it.

“They in love?” He finds himself asking.

“You gotta be a damn fool if you think they in love,” Willard snorts, shaking his head, “Llewelyn love that she ain’t never say no to him. Look at him now.”

Merriell wonders what it’s like to be in love. He doesn’t think Mama and Daddy are in love; how could Mama love him with all the bad he does? Auntie Maude and Uncle Ed, little Eugene’s mama and daddy, might be in love; they’re real sweet on each other and steal kisses in Granmere’s kitchen when they think no one is looking. Merriell then wonders what it would be like to get married, now knowing that being in love doesn’t have anything to do with it. What it would be like to be kneeling up at the altar, in front of Mama and Daddy and God, binding yourself to another until the day you die. But when he thinks about who he might marry, as hard as he tries, none of the girls in his class come to mind. All he can see is Mr. Leconte’s face, hand pushing red hair away from his brow with a quick wink. The thought makes something in Merriell’s belly twist tight, and he squeezes his eyes shut to will the image away. He tries to trick himself into thinking he wishes Mr. Leconte was his daddy, someone nice and loving who kissed him goodnight, and that’s why he waits for him each night. The idea of a goodnight kiss brings that twisting feeling back, and he pinches his arm through his sweat-soaked shirt. Punishment for his thoughts, in God’s house of all places. When he opens his eyes again, he looks up to the windows and counts the stained glass panes until thoughts of Mr. Leconte and the heaving feeling in his heart fade away, replaced by the ringing of church bells marking the beginning of his brother’s loveless marriage.

Thanks for reading! I’m thinking this story will probably end up being around 5 or 6 chapters, depending on some ideas I have. I’ve been wanting to dive into snafus psychology and why he is the way he is (war trauma aside) so this chapter is pretty headcanon indulgent heehee

[aceofspades-sml]

Newsies 30/07 matinee - closing matinee

So yes the show closed almost a month ago but I just found this in my drafts and realized I never actually published my notes from this show so... Here you go ! (Also let me know if you want my actual notes from closing night because I just kept ranting about random moments but can totally do an organized post if required)

Cast : all the main actors were on, Les was played by Harry and Bobbie did Hannah but not Splint since she was still sick

Josh's presence on stage at the beggining is so good- like man just owns the stage for the first 30 seconds and oh boy does he enjoy it. Race of all times.

After Buttons steals apples at the beginning he gives one to Ike and then they both spot Tommy boy kind of sulking in a corner and Ike throws him an apple while they both look at him like "take care, kid"

When Tommy boy comes back on for Carrying the banner the apple is still in his hand and I think it's adorable

Matthew was definitely already losing it in the Prologue and like. Mood. I kid you not he was crying for the whole show

Carrying the banner being the mess it usually is

Jacob Albert was back and ready to throw hands with anyone coming close to him. Especially if that person happened to be Oscar Delancey.

"Whatever happened to rOmAnCe"

Henry getting on his knees and crawling toward Wiesel with a pout and Wiesel just sighing and giving him the papes

Harry was such a cute Les oh my god. Actually everytime he was onstage I just kept turning toward my friend mouthing "he is adorable" but like he is so precious and must be protected at all costs

"and guess what ? 🎶He got elected🎶"

"buy a pape from a poor orphan boy ?" "nO he's not an orph-" ft jack holding his boyfriend back

"why don't you come home with us fordinnerimean"

Bowery beauties <3 also Lillie Pearl giving Les a feather from her costume while Davey's entire attitude is just "les NO"

For the first time I noticed Specs and Albert on top of the stage directing the lights during that's rich I love them

Also during That's rich Ike, Buttons and another newsie (if anyone remembers who PLEASE tell me i can't believe I forgot) are watching the show and they are a mess

"hey baby I was just talking about you !" *points at Ike* ft Ike standing up super excited and Buttons going "sit DOWN" while violently gesturing to prove Medda was pointing at him

And then "Life is too short to waste it on youuuu" *points again* and Buttons just mimics following her finger like "see she is pointing at ME"

Anyway also Alex looking at Lindsay for the whole song

When Albert is getting back down after That's rich and Katherine arrives he just looks impressed and stands aside

"we got a father too !" Davey desperatly trying to get his brother to stop talking

Oscar pacing back and forth before world will know while Morris is just sitting there with his legs hanging from the structure

I don't know if it was just me or because I was really close to the stage for the first time or something but Wold will know was the most intense I have ever heard ?? As in I always get chills during this song but then more than usual. Even in the evening it wasn't like that idk this one was just super intense I loved it

Finch physically dragging Crutchie away from the gates of the World after jack, Davey and les are thrown out

"two cents for a glass of seltzer ? Just give me a watah" then Race (who is sitting at albert's table) snatching the glass of seltzer from Jacobi's plate and Jacobi just grabs it right back in a way that says 1- he was expecting it 2- this is totally a thing Racer does every time

Race then proceeds to look personally offended for the next five minutes of the show

"I would say we launched our strike in the most auspicious manner" *longest silence you ever heard* "I dunno about thaAT"

Another one to add to the list of "who wants Brooklyn ?" reactions : mark spending a good minute wrapping his neck ribbon thingy around his eyes

"why don't I tell you what I'm hoping for for tonIgHt" and "can't you see it ? In my eyyyyes ?" This is true comedy right here. Jack trying so hard to be a straight guy and failing miserably.

Bronté legend queen goddess nailing the best Watch what happens ever

When the scabs arrive and Albert just shoves Tommy boy so hard he falls on the floor and Buttons has to help him up oh my god

Anyway I will make no comments about Seize the day nor Santa fe because I was bawling my eyes out at this point. And so was everyone on stage. All I can say is during the name call when it was Les's turn everyone started cheering and it was the cutest moment ever

ANYWAY king of new york my baby love of my life

Everyone rolling their eyes to high heaven when Katherine shows up

"the world's your erster !" Josh Race ceo of saying the dumbest things you have ever heard with an unmatched level of confidence

Featuring Henry's entire "what the absolute hell" attitude I love him like "your WHAT ?????"

I could talk about this scene for hours but anyway sitting in the bronx was so scary when they started spinning on the lamps lmao

The spoon crown is still the cutest thing ever done in newsies to this date <3

And like I never talk about it but I absolutely love how they removed the awkward moment when Katherine starts tap dancing and they all look at her legs because urgh I always hated this moment. But here ? Nothing ! They are just having good fun !

Anyway Matthew already crying during Letter absolutely broke me so I won't talk about it

Did I ever mention Davey is gay

"Front page news above the fold ! Oh yes. Above *flips paper* the *flap* fold *flip* !"

WWH reprise had me absolutely dying because of how adorable Les was okay bye

"Can we table the palaver and *angrily stomps foot* go back to business ??"

Jack and Davey are gay. If you even care.

The scene in Pulitzer's office is always so heartbreaking because you have jack being so confident and all but then the second Katherine appears you can see how heartbroken and lost he is

Michael's facial expressions >>>

Also the way he just has a flight reflex the second Snyder appears like urgh

And Oscar and Morris grab him violently and one of them (I wanna say Morris ?) growls "let's don't" like Jack is trapped in every way possible

Brooklyn's here my baby my angel love of my life

As much as I missed Stray I absolutely loved Lucy's energy on "when you doooo" and her lil high five with Spot

Brooklyn girlsies have my heart now and forever like "Pips !" "Ritz !" "Mack !" "SPOT !!"

Queens

Anyway the rally was. something. I was finally able to catch some of the unscripted comments (what with being in the bronx and all) such as Tommy boy going "how is that realistic ??" and it just made the whole thing so much more heartbreaking

Also the way Davey has to build up so much confidence to speak in front of everyone and then Jack arrives and turn everything he just did to nothing

Finch booing Jack with his whole chest is honestly one of the best moments of the show he just puts his whole heart into this

Gosh I had missed Michael and Bronté's dynamic during Something to believe in they are. they were. them. the best.

"It's good to have you back" "...shut up"

Jack's reaction to bill and darcy will never not be funny because he fully says "I suppose you are the son of William Randolph hearst ?" as a joke and then Bill answers with the straightest face possible and Jack is left like "?????" (Picture that one Pikachu gif if it helps because that's exactly the face Michael makes at this moment)

Spot and Race were flirting idc

"he can't talk right now he'll call you bAcK" *hangs up* *picks up the phone again* *incoherent sobbing*

"no you can't come i-" see uksies is great because they actually made spot scary. Lillie Pearl just has to stomp in front of Bunsen and he backs up to the other end of the stage

I missed almost the whole scene in Pulitzer's office after Once and for all because I was busy looking at Ross Lindsay and Josh in the aisles behind me leave me alone. Also because I was sat right opposite ross's sister and they just spent the whole scene waving at each other

"I am told we once shared a carriage ride !" "I TOLD YOU"

Roosevelt pointing at Les and harry's reaction was just adorable

There is something so personal about Race just going "it's Snyder the spider !" in such a genuinely mean way and Tommy boy having to physically hold him back and dragging him away so he can chill

Anyway I was full on sobbing at the end but during the bows I could see Ryan and Harry making up their bow choregraphy in the back and they were adorable

...this got way longer than I expected I am so sorry I think I am slightly in denial