#(I wasn't finding ANYTHING the other day other than 'oh here's our passing mention of Andrew in our current forecast!!1!')

[hwadam-stories]

⊹ PHANTOM PAINS ⊹ PILOT EPISODE

(black!fem!) mea harper!reader x ceo boss!dhan tae-oh

ᴍɪɴᴏʀꜱ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴀᴄᴛ

I do not consent to my work being reposted, — stolen or translated anywhere else.

⊹ CW: long post, emotional cheating, unrequited love, depression, fluff, drama, etc.

⊹ SYNOPSIS: Celebrating his niece's birthday at a restaurant, Dhan recognizes you from across the room as his past lover from five hundred years ago and is determined to stop at nothing to be with you again.

⊹ A/N: this is my first serious fanfic, feedback on this pilot (comments, messages & reblogs only!) will help me consider continuing it with motivation. Canon divergent / somewhat canon compliant to the MEA CULPA (2024) film by Tyler Perry with some crossover aspects thrown in. I hope you enjoy!

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

"Does Your Majesty wish to meet again in our next lives?" You asked, wrapping your arms around him.

"Of course, were you considering abandoning me?" Dhan replied, chuckling.

"Okay then, when the time comes, I'll be your master once more." You promised. "Your love. Your pain. Even your very last breath, please give them all to me."

"They are all yours, y/n."

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

There was a time when those words meant everything to him.

A time when finding you meant everything to him.

But after his fifth life, Dhan had given up on his search and the phantom pains have haunted him ever since.

It was a pain that wasn't his, a pain that never faltered in reminding him of his failure despite the many times you two were reincarnated throughout the last five hundred years.

Your souls were connected after all and even though this pain has brought him a great deal of misery, part of him hoped you weren't feeling anything.

Presumably, because he was always reincarnated as a man, he assumed you would be reincarnated as a woman but other than that, he never really had any concrete way of finding you. It was safe to assume that since his ethnicity changed, yours did too.

Not that he particularly cared what race you were now, all that mattered was that he was reunited with you. But that promise has become nothing but a fleeting dream. A delusion Dhan couldn't completely let go of because this pain meant that you were alive, somewhere out there. Hopefully looking for him too.

In every lifetime after the first one, he always accumulated a great deal of wealth somewhere in his mid to late twenties under the name of Dan.

In this era, he was Dhan Tae-Oh, the boss of a CEO corporation in Korea and came from a long line of gangsters that reinforced the values of family and business to a rather high degree.

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Tonight, he was celebrating his niece's 9th birthday and his sister-in-law's most recent promotion in the fashion industry.

His younger brother, Charles Kang, arranged everything at the finest Italian restaurant in all of Chicago, Illinois, called up Dhan three days before and here they all were.

"You know, we got lucky tonight." Charles set aside his fork and knife for a sip of wine.

"I initially planned to invite more people for Abby's dinner party but a larger group had already reserved a bigger table and I snagged us the only one they had left."

Now that Dhan gave it a second thought, Piccolo Sogno was unusually packed tonight and much busier than he had initially anticipated.

Even looking over his shoulder he could still see the glimpse of the same crowd he passed through, still waiting in line outside.

His assistant, Seon-woo, mentioned something about a on the rise celebrity artist being one of its more known customers over the last couple of years. No one Dhan had really heard of or cared to for that matter.

"Their celebrating their mum's birthday, I heard." Susan remarked, her posh accent gleaming through. She looked past her husband and over her shoulder, seeing the large the table behind them.

There were about five people and that one particular redheaded woman must've been the birthday mom. "Surely Abby won't mind sharing her special day when two cakes come out." Susan teased.

"You got me a cake?!" Abby gasped, beaming with a smile. "Is it a big one?"

"You can only have two slices, young lady." Susan tenderly pinched her daughter's cheek. "The last thing we need is you bouncin' off the walls at 2 o'clock in the mornin' on a school night."

Abby pouted and brought those puppy eyes straight to her uncle.

Dhan stifled a laugh, hiding that cheeky smile behind a half closed fist. "I'm sorry Abby, not even that can convince me to break your parents rules but I'll make it up to you when dessert arrives, I promise."

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Dessert was served in the form of a double stacked white and pink frosted cake decorated with strawberries and red icing for the words "Happy 9th birthday, Abigail!"

Candles were blown and nine year old Abigail Kang became tonight's birthday girl that the staff (and some nearby tables) sang to. Pictures were taken and there were smiles all around.

The gift that Dhan purchased was a reasonably expensive one but not something he would ever think to showboat about. He simply had some connections here and there and thought to put them to good use for the short time he was going to be in Chicago.

"All fourteen of Taylor Swift's albums!?" Abby squealed, wrapping her arms around her Uncle Dhan and squeezing him tight. "I love it! I love it! I love it!"

Dhan laughed nervously, patting her head and squeezing her shoulder tenderly. "Your arms squishing my insides make that explicitly clear."

Everything was going great. Dhan was feeling great.

That is, until things weren't great anymore.

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Dhan suddenly gripped the edge of the table to stop himself from keeling over on the floor of the restaurant.

His chest became uncomfortably tight and his head began throbbed with a splitting sensation.

The phantom pain had returned.

For the sake not wanting to make a scene or ruin what was already a perfect night, Dhan got his breathing under control, keeping some stoicism to his face to not alarm anyone.

The tightness in his chest seemed to lessen but the throbbing in his head wasn't going anywhere.

"Pumpkin, why don't me and you freshen up in the girls' room and leave the boys here, yeah?" As if on cue, Susan took her daughter by the hand and headed straight for the bathroom.

"Dhan." Charles sighed, addressing him in a somber tone of their birth language. Entirely oblivious to what his brother suffering with. "I know we haven't always seen eye to eye but I'm really glad you could make it tonight."

He listened to his brother -- or at least tried to.

The words were being drowned out by a sudden ringing in his ears, leaving him momentarily stunned that it almost felt like the world around him was going to spin.

But he wasn't feeling nauseous from the alcohol or a sudden fever. It felt more like ... resentment.

It put a bitter taste in his mouth and made him clench his fist at the end of the table until his knuckles went white.

His brother hadn't done anything wrong and yet Dhan was being swallowed whole by the sensation, not knowing where to place it.

It's just ... if his brother wasn't the problem, then who?

"Oh look! Her Majesty, The Queen has finally arrived." A woman's voice cackled in the air.

She was an older looking caucasian woman with red curly hair and wine red lipstick, belonging to the group that booked a table for a total of nine and judging by what the already opened and nearly empty wine bottle, she must've had a bit too much to drink.

That's when he saw you approach the table.

It was you. It was really you.

His soulmate.

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

"Don't worry son, your second wife will be on time." Azalia, your mother-in-law cackled, caressing the cheek of Kal, your husband.

His awkward shuffle of a smile made it crystal clear that whatever came out of her mouth tonight, he wasn't going to come to your defense anytime soon.

What can you expect from a man that holds his disrespectful mother over your marriage of three years?

What's worse is that Azalia had the nerve to invite the one woman she favored more.

Your husband's childhood friend, Jenna.

The same childhood friend that had become the topic of your marriage counseling session that your husband Kal had ditched midway through for this dinner party.

A session that you had to finish by yourself, making you the one who arrived late.

Jenna was a tall, light skinned woman with dark curly hair and a bright red dress with a V neck to show off a window of cleavage and a shortened skirt to show off her toned and slender legs.

And to add salt to fucking wound -- Azalia made sure Jenna sat next to your husband while you sat at the end of the table with your only friend and sister-in-law, Charlise.

"I'm sure you won't mind, y/n. You and Charlise probably wanna talk anyway."'

You looked at Kal, searching his gaze for something, any sign of him speaking up to his mother but to your utter disappointment he just let it happen.

You can only push down the intense feeling of resentment and agitation with a passive aggressive smile, taking your seat at the far end with Charlise.

This was going to be a long dinner to get through.

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Apart from a brief exchange of words from your brother-in-law, Ray Hawthorne, and the couple sitting across from you, Charlise was the only saving grace at this table and frankly the only reason you kept it together as long as you did.

As much as you wanted to tear off that terrible red wig and burn it, you tuned out your mother-in-law whenever she made any more chide remarks about you.

Not much of a point in ignoring your husband, he was too focused on Jenna and giving Azalia one of the most expensive birthday gifts you had ever seen.

A silver and gold watch that you knew your unemployed husband didn't have the money for.

"Happy birthday mom, from me and y/n."

You scoffed in utter disbelief and stood up from your seat, grabbing your purse. "If you'll excuse me, I think I need some fresh air."

"Oh, well you take your time. We're doing fine here." Azalia insisted, smiling from ear to ear.

Kal was on the verge of getting out of his seat, expressing concern. "I can come with you babe--"

"No." You snapped coldly, barely sparing him a glance as you waved him off dismissively. "I'll be fine on my own, thank you."

Kal frowned, lowering himself back down with a defeated expression. "A-Alright, just don't stay out there too long."

You sighed into the night air, hands pressed against the metal railing while the people behind you carried on with their evening under the lit up patio roof. Glasses clanking, people laughing, wine pouring and plates clinking.

All of it was just background noise to drown out one particular thought that you couldn't run away from.

Maybe it's time to put this relationship on permanent leave.

It's not a pleasant thought. It never was. You and Kal had known each other for eight years and had been married for the last three of them. You've had your ups and downs like any other couple and got through it but this? This was too much. His mother was too much.

But that's probably what SHE wants. The sooner you're gone. The happier she'll be.

You only stuck it out this long because you genuinely loved Kal and Charlise was the anchor keeping you grounded.

As one of Chicago's most successful defense attorney's alongside your brother-in-law, you had everything and yet nothing at all with how your marriage was starting to fall apart, on top of shouldering the numerous bills since Kal lost his job as an anesthesiologist.

God, where did it all go wrong?

"Having a rough night?"

You were snapped out of your thoughts by the deep and smooth voice of a man walking up beside you. The cool night's breeze washing over you both.

He was a tall and handsome man of Korean decent. The darkness of his long hair making the crimson color of his eyes seem as though he were some beast straight out of a fairytale.

Alluring eyes that stared into you with a hint of sincerity and invitation.

You can barely hold in a chuckle, crossing one arm over the other to let your wedding ring glint in the moonlight. "That would be the understatement of tonight."

He sees this and can't hide the smirk on his face. "I don't blame you. In-laws can be infuriating like that sometimes. Especially mother-in-law's."

The restaurant wasn't exactly that big in terms of table arrangements so it makes sense one's antics would be overheard when they're standing around the biggest table in the room.

You chuckle again. The tightness in your chest starting to lighten but your smart enough to keep up you guard to shut down any potential flirting, even the harmless kind. "Can you expect anyone to act cordial on their birthday? I've been here all night without a single drink of my own and tolerating her has been exhausting."

You certainly weren't the type to open up like this to a stranger of all people but it felt good. Yes, you had your friend, Charlise, but there was something different about this man. Something oddly familiar.

"Because she's acting like a cunt towards you and only you and you feel that if you didn't step out when you did you would've tore her a new one right infront of her favorite son and the entire restaurant?" He guessed your exact feelings with a cheeky smile.

You exhale a baffled laugh.

It's like he knew exactly what you were feeling.

"Oh, so you're a mind reader now?"

He raises his right hand, jokingly. "Guilty as charged, your honor."

The both of you laugh.

"Dhan."

"Y/n."

Dhan smiled, staring longingly into your eyes. "A pleasure to meet you, y/n."

⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Eventually, you were back inside the restaurant. Sitting comfortably beside Charlise and ignoring another passive aggressive comment from Azalia.

You had been gone for a solid eight, maybe ten minutes tops.

The dinner eventually ended and everyone was putting aside their plates and gathering up their coats and belongings while Ray generously secured the bill.

That's when the waiter approached with an expensive looking bottle of wine.

Ray dismissively waved his hand. "No need to send over anymore wine, sir. You can take that back, the dinner party is over."

The waiter shook his head. "I'm sorry sir this isn't for the table. I'm looking for a y/n, is there a y/n here?"

You raise your hand slightly to get the waiter's attention. "I'm y/n."

The waiter smiled at you, presenting the bottle. "Piccolo Sogno would like to formally gift you our most exclusive wine to enjoy right at home. On behalf of a generous courtesy from Mr. Tae-Oh, ma'am who wishes you a fine night. Thank you for you dining with us."

A bit stunned, you still accepted the bottle. That name alone already clued you in to who this was from.

Unaware of your husband's jealous gaze, you can't hide the smile on your lips as you read the note on the bottle.

A drink to wash away all your frustrations - Dhan.

[ajvocals43]

could you write one where dean is just having a rough day and doesn’t want to be alone when he goes to sleep but also doesn’t want to ask the reader to cuddle him because he’s dean💀 like a little fluff and comfort

This is so cute. I'm not used to writing comfort for others but I tried. It kind of took a turn from where I was going originally, but I hope you like it all the same.

What I'm Here For

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader

Word Count:

Warnings: Mentions of PTSD, slight swearing

A/n: This was shorter than I thought it was going to be and honestly, I got excited about a part of it that I actually ended up using for a different fic so that's another thing.

Ever since Dean’s been back he’s been off. Which is to be expected I guess, I mean… he was in hell. Believe me, Sam and I would never forgive ourselves for not being able to bring him back. I don't know how he survived as long as he did down there. It was to be expected that he’d be pretty traumatized. He tries to play it off but we can see it. The fear behind his eyes, the sadness and the anger. That last one was pretty apparent; specifically when anyone tried to get him to talk about that time. He was always on edge. He closed himself off from us. Until he snapped at Sam which was worrying; because if he wouldn't talk to Sam, he surely wouldn't talk to me. 

 Dean and I’s bond was strong but not as strong as his bond was with his brother. Anyone with common sense knew that the brothers’ bond was stronger than pretty much anything. Our relationship was…complicated to say the least. We both knew that there was something under the surface, there were looks and kisses and…other things… but with everything our lives entailed, we were both too scared to identify it. But even then, apparently we were not great at hiding those feelings, as we’d been told by others.

Multiple times. 

Today had been a great example of that as tension surrounded the house that only the two of us occupied. Sam and Bobby had left earlier on to head to the local library, only to be caught in one of the biggest storms I’d ever seen. They’d called a little earlier to say that they were staying to help with crowd control and they’d head out when the storm passed. Which left me and Dean at Bobby’s house with not much to do. We’d busied ourselves with research on the apocalypse and whatever we could get our hands on about the angels.

Until the power went out. 

Now I was sitting in the kitchen in the dark at… 12am waiting for Dean to get back from checking the main breaker panel out back. The only light came from the fire in the study and the few candles across the floor to ensure that we didn't fall on our faces. It was cold and rainy and windy and dark and he’d refused to let me go with him. It wasn’t a big deal but I didn't want to just sit here like some kind of damsel. But that was a fight I wasn't in the mood to pick tonight.

 A gust of cold wind and rain blew through the house as the door swung open in front of Dean’s shadowed figure. And straight out of a movie, a bolt of lightning shot across the sky, visible through the open doorway. And Dean was just standing there. 

“Is that supposed to be scaring me?” I called from my place in the entryway.

No answer.

“Would you come inside? It's freezing out there!” 

Still no answer.

“Dean?” I was getting impatient. And cold. 

Another lightning bolt cracked across the sky and it was then that I noticed Dean’s figure shaking. It hit me then. “Oh my g- Dean!” I rushed toward him, pulling him into the house and kicking the door shut behind him. I hadn't thought about the PTSD the storm would’ve caused for Dean. His movements were jerky and stiff as I helped him peel the drenched coat and flannel from his arms. I moved him over to the fireplace and went to the kitchen to find something hot to drink. 

 Sometime later I was walking back into the study with two steaming mugs. “Thankfully, Bobby has a gas stove.” I announced. Dean turned around in time for me to hand him one of the mugs. “Careful, it's hot.” 

“Thanks, mom.” Dean grumbled, blowing steam off the top. I chuckled, relieved that he was getting back to normal. It was quiet for a while…well until Dean took a sip. “Ugh. What is this?” 

 I laughed, “it’s tea, Dean.” 

“It’s gross is what it is.” He said, putting his cup down. 

“It’s healthier than alcohol.” I said, taking a sip of my own only to spit it back out. “Nope, that's disgusting.” I put my mug down next to Dean’s, laughing.  

I was relieved to see the tension start to ease from his frame as he joined me in my laughter. “I didn't even know Bobby had tea.” 

“Yeah…probably not the best choice on my part.” I leaned back next to Dean. Because Bobby’s couch was so damn old, I sunk in further than I thought I would, but neither of us said anything. We both shifted around a little before we got comfortable. 

 It was quiet for a while after that. I wasn't going to prod at Dean about the elephant in the room. He would talk about it when he was ready. Plus, I was not in the mood to get into another fight with him right now. We were all the other had for the moment since there was no power and nobody nearby. There wasn't any danger nearby and it was getting late. We both should have headed to bed but I didn't say anything for a while. 

 Until I realized I was starting to fall asleep on the couch. And so was he. We were snuggled pretty close at this point but neither of us mentioned it. I certainly wasn't going to complain about being this close to his warm body. 

"You should go to bed." I said quietly.

“What? No. I’m good.” The exhaustion was slurring his words. But no way was I leaving Dean. That storm was still raging outside. If anything, it’d gotten worse. Dean might’ve acted like he was okay but that didn't mean I had to. He was exhausted but I knew that he wouldn't sleep like this. His nightmares were bad enough and that was if he could fall asleep in the first place. 

"Dean."

 “I’m fine,” he insisted. More lightning lit up the sky, followed by a loud rumbling of thunder and I felt Dean stiffen beside me. I knew by this point that physical contact was the way to get through to him when he was scared. I tried grabbing his hand that rested on his leg but it didn't seem like enough. So I let go and stood up. 

"What are you doing?" he asked.

 “Lay down,” I said. He wasn't going to go to bed by himself. If I left him alone, he would probably just drink and wait for Bobby and Sam. 

"Y/n-"

“Shut up and lay down.” I insisted. “On your side.” I corrected.

The fear was still there but now it was mostly covered with confusion. But he complied, only jumping slightly when more thunder rolled outside. I hesitated for a second but then laid down next to him. I wrapped my arms around him, hoping that he didn't push me away. Well, physically at least.

It took him a second but eventually Dean pulled me into him, tangling our limbs so I couldn't tell where exactly I ended and he began. But I felt him relax again, breathing a sigh into my hair. “Thank you.” he murmured.

 “Don't worry about it.” I said back quietly. “It’s what I’m here for.” I nuzzled my face into his neck, bringing us as close as I could. All I could hope for was that this brought Dean as much comfort as it brought me. Not that I’d tell him but I cared for him more than I had for most people in my life. A lot more than I thought I would. I would do anything to help him. Always.

Masterlist

[wordslostforever]

Couples Therapy | Ch. 2

Ch. 2 "Reminiscent of our days"

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff/fem!reader

Summary: When your marriage with Wanda starts to fall apart, you both decide to have a last chance by going to a professional, for your son's sake, and your own.

Warnings: 16+! Established relationship, Fluff, mentions of kidnapping, mentions of self-harm (Not explicit), angst at the end, implied sex.

A/N: Some of the flashbacks aren't in chronological order, so apologies if there's any confusion. I hope you enjoy :)

Italian letter mean flashbacks

Ch.1 "Work with me"

Word count: 4.6k

“Tommy! Billy!” Screaming, your eyes remained on your watch for a few seconds before calling your sons again. “We are late, come on!”

Standing in the the porch, the sight of your children covered your eyes, of them running toward you with their backpacks and lunch boxes.

A smile covered your lips at the excitement held in their eyes when they saw you waiting for them. It saddened you knowing that the simple gesture of dropping them at school in the morning made them this happy. How the constant figths with your wife changed the whole rutine you once had. Natasha's house wasn't that close to let you get them and leave them at school before work.

“Go to the car, I need to speak to your mom.” You said softly as they arrived close to you, and Tommy nodded making his way towards your car, but Billy stayed still, a trouble expression on his face. “What’s up, buddy?”

“You ate breakfast with us, does that mean you are not leaving?”

"I'm not leaving." Respondily firm, you crouched down at his level. You smiled at reassuringly, patting his shoulder. "I will never leave you, nor your brother. Never. I'm your mom, and no matter what happens, I will always be there for you two, okay?"

"Okay, good." You saw Billy's smile grow and he hugged you briefly before stepping back with a sideways grin. "Tommy was scared, you know, not me, of course. I knew you wouldn't leave."

"Of course, buddy. Just ask anything, okay?, I'm here to tell you whatever you want to know." You stood up from your place and looked at him with a smile.

He was exactly like you, but Tommy, Tommy was completely like Wanda. "Now, go to the car with your brother. I'll be in a few."

He walked away to the car, and you turned to the door to find no other than your wife looking at you with a grin on her lips. Giving a step, your hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her into you.

Wanda gave a little chuckle before meeting her hands around your neck. Closing the gap between you, letting her lips join with yours.

“I missed this.” She said as you pulled back, her hand fidgeting with the baby hairs on your neck.

“Me too.” You nodded, without stopping the silly smile that formed on your lips. “I’ll meet you at the consult at seven, after I finish my turn.”

“Oh, no, I think she is going to interview us alone this time.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know, I have an appointment at six.”

“Uh, okay, that’s weird.” Wanda narrowed her eyes at the complain, but you raised your hands in surrender. “I’ll be there.”

You kissed her again before the honk of your car forced you to stop, both of you looking at the window of the car where Tommy signaled with his hand for you to hurry up.

“So impatient, just like someone I know.”

“Oh, yeah? I hope you love them.”

“Of course I do.” When another honk sounded, you chuckled leaving a last chaste kiss on your wife's lips. “I’ll see you later.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

******

“So, y/n, how did you two meet?” Your therapist asked as soon as you were comfortably sitting alone on the couch. She didn’t give you the time to ask why you were alone, but you didn’t complain, trying hard to make the whole thing work.

“It was at my best friend’s party. Although, it wasn’t really Natasha’s party, it was more like Tony’s... But- Well, whatever, it doesn’t matter”

You walked inside the tiny house where Natasha lived, hearing the music blast in your ears. You didn't know how many hours had passed since you arrived at the party, maybe two or three, but to be honest, you didn’t care anymore. The only thing that you cared about was leave this loud and crowded place to eat something.

You weren't a fan of parties, but you made the effort for Natasha and Steve. You kind of regreted it.

The house, you knew it by hand, after all Natasha was the owner, and you were always with her. Soon, you found yourself in the kitchen, smiling instantly when you saw the figure of a brunette roaming through the fridge. 

You giggled softly at her back, startling her. She closed the door of the fridge with a jump, before facing you.

“I’m not Natasha, but if you’re looking for food, knowing her, there’s no more than a bottle of ketchup in there with a few water bottles.”

“Yeah, there’s pretty much nothing.” She smiled at you, her gaze analyzing you before looking back at your eyes.“I’m Wanda, Wanda Maximoff.”

“Nice to meet you, Wanda.” You let go of her name, gently. “I’m Y/n Y/L/N, Natasha's best friend.”

“Oh, you’re her.”

“She talked about me?”

“No, Steve mentioned you, I am his best friend- Well, there’s Bucky too and Sam, but- yeah.” Wanda rambled the last words, before coming back to her senses and shaking her head. “I’m one his best friends”

“I see. Well, Wanda,” Saying, you let out a playful smile.“this party sucks and I’m leaving. Do you wanna come?”

“It’s your best friend’s party, tho?”

“So?” You chuckled at her confused expression. Playfully rolling your eyes, you fixed your jacket on your shoulders. “She’ll forgive me, besides, she also doesn’t want to be here. Tony is hosting the party, therefore, there’s no guilt to carry. So, are you coming?”

“I’m not coming with you, I don’t know you.”

“I don’t know you either.”

“What if you want to kidnap me?”

“What if you want to kidnap me?” You asked her with your eyebrows raised, your hand dramatically going to your chest, faking worry.

“But you invited me, how…?” She tilted her head, confused, and you looked up, thinking.

“I don’t know, maybe you’re pulling the reverse psychology or something… Uh, see, now you crept me out.“ You widened your eyes a little at your own answer before you walked beside her to the back door, but before you could walk any farther, you turned around. She followed your figure with her eyes, and with a flirty smile and a wink, you said a few last words before leaving. “Goditi la festa, bella. (Enjoy the party, beautiful)”

You walked out after that, to your car. But just a few steps away, Wanda’s voice stopped you.

“Wait, I’m coming.” You heard her say before she arrived at your side. You hand played with the keys of the car while a winning smile grew on your lips. “You speak italian?”

“No, I took it out of a movie.” It was the simple answer that made Wanda roll her eyes playfully, with an amused face. You chuckled at it, before raising your eyebrows with a smug smile. “Did it work?”

“You’re dumb,”She started saying, before finishing. “but, yes, it did.”

You made to the car a minute later, letting yourself open the passangers door for her.

“Do you like donuts?” You asked, shortly before she entered the car.

“Yeah.”

“You’ll love the place I found then.” When you excitedly clapped your hands together, startling Wanda again, she softly punched your shoulder. “After you, my lady.”

My lady.

“Did you know back then that you were going to feel these things for Y/n, Wanda?”

“At that moment? No, absolutely not.” Wanda settled comfortably on the couch, fixing her hair with her hands as the memories of the first day she met you passed through her mind. A stupid smile formed on her lips at the thought of you. “I thought she was going to be a good friend because she was nice and caring. I never thought that I'd fall in love.”

“Do you remember the first time you felt that way for her?”

“Oh, yes, I could never forget it.”

It was a sunny day, you and Wanda had decided to take the day at the beach after all your friends stood you up with the meeting they had planned a couple of days ago. Wanda was grateful for your proposal, and really appreciated it, but inside herself there was a small ache that didn't seem to go away.

"Hey, you okay?" You asked beside her and Wanda came back to her senses, peeling her gaze from the ocean to you and bit her tongue to avoid worrying you. "You know you can tell me anything... or ask for anything."

"I-I don't want to bother you with my problems." Wanda pursed her lips as a short laugh escaped your lips. Your head shook in denial and you took her hands with yours.

"I don't mind. It bothers me more to know that you're bottling your problems inside when you can talk to me about it." Wanda hesitated for a few seconds, her gaze dropped to your hands, then to your lips and stopped at your eyes with a sigh.

"Jackson cheated on me."

"He did what?" Wanda squeezed your hands a little, trying to calm your anger. You took a breath of air releasing the tension in your body before looking at Wanda fondly. "How did you find out?"

"He told me yesterday before we broke up." Wanda said, swallowing hard and you shook your head indignantly. "I think it's my fault. He told me I was too distracted and we barely spoke these days."

"So, what? Does he have the right to cheat on you? Hell no, don't be silly. He is the only one guilty here."

"But-"

"No."

"I just-"

"I said no. We are not doing this, you're not doing this." You said firmly, cutting her off immediately and with one hand caressed her cheek shortly. "You are going to listen to me very clearly, okay?"

"Okay."

"You are the most amazing woman I've ever met. You're wonderful, caring and loving." Wanda was silent, fixed on your gaze as you spoke confidently. "If he doesn't see that, it's his loss. You deserve much more than him because you are incredible, and you shouldn't let anyone make you feel less than that."

"How do you know I am?"

"Because I know you, and I can see clearly the person you are. You have made my days so much better by being there." You said before sighing and smiling encouragingly at her. "You are worth everything, and honestly, I don’t think anyone would deserve the woman you are. But if they do, they should make you feel like you own the world because you deserve that."

At that you turned around to look at the ocean, leaving Wanda to process what you said. Wanda stared at you for a couple of seconds, feeling her heart pound in her chest.

"Thank you."

"Anytime, Wanda, I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

When your arm went around her shoulders embracing her, Wanda leaned into you, absorbing your presence. And she paused, her eyes fixed on the sea in front of her with anxiety.

She was in love with you.

"She punched him the next day."

"She did?

"She really did" Wanda let out a small laugh with amusement at the memory of her asshole ex-boyfriend bleeding from his nose.

For me. She did it for me.

"Of course I punched him for her." You said lifting your shoulders without much significance. "He was a dick anyway."

"Yes, she told me you did."

"What did she tell you exactly?"

"Nothing much, it's just came up. Now, you, Y/n, do you remember the first time you felt that way for Wanda?"

"Yes, I remember it as if it was yesterday."

Green eyes lit up with the sun's rays, those green eyes that made your world turn upside down. 

Wanda leaned her back against the fence, looking at you with a smile that made your heart flutter in your chest. You sighed with your arms crossed, watching the scenery behind the brunette, and turning back to her eyes, stubbornly holding her gaze. You agreed to accompany her on a trip to the countryside, but now, you felt it had been a mistake. Wanda stubbornly looked at you, urging you to accept the ridiculous proposal she made, but you refused. You were not going to enter that forest that had a big sign warning you not to enter.

"Come on, are we really going to stay here forever?" Wanda asked, and you nodded giving her a thumbs up. Wanda denied, rolling her eyes in irritation. "Let's just jump it. We didn't come all this way to stand here like idiots."

"You want to jump and go?" You let out a laugh before shaking your head, biting your lip before Wanda's intense stare. "That's illegal, you know, trespassing. I'm not going to be a felon."

"Who's going to know? It's empty. Come on, it'll be fun!"

"No, I'm not going to." This time you stood up straighter, determined, but Wanda's mocking look made you raise your eyebrows in confusion.

"Okay then, don't call the police on me." You saw Wanda hop the fence and look at you for a second with a sideway grin. "Snitches end up in ditches."

"Don't joke… Wanda?" You snorted as soon as you saw Wanda walk towards the trees. When Wanda was a couple of meters away from you, you followed her, jumping over the fence and quickening your pace to get to where she was.

She didn't say anything, didn't even look at you when you got to her side, but you knew she had a winning smile on her face and that made you bite your cheek inside, holding back some comment that would make you feel less of an idiot.

You walked for a couple of minutes with Wanda in silence. You weren't sure how Wanda knew about that place, but once you reached the end of a ravine, and she turned around with a familiar smile, you furrowed your eyebrows.

"Are you going to push me down?" You said dumbly, widening your eyes in fake concern. "Did I annoy your ass too much? Is this the end for me?"

"You're so dumb." Wanda laughed at your puerility, before opening her hands in surprise and pointing her head down the ravine. "I found this with my brother a couple years ago, in high school, before we moved to college."

"Wait, you didn't tell me this was your childhood hometown." With a surprised smile, you raised your eyebrows playfully and held back a chuckle. "You're a country girl. Where are the boots and the hat?"

"You know, you are making me reconsider pushing you off the cliff."

"Oh, with your cowgirl boots?" You felt Wanda's punch on your arm, and raised your hands in surrender. "I'm joking, I'm joking. Why did you bring me here?"

"So you could jump."

"Oh my god, Wanda, you're supposed to hug me, not make me jump off a cliff." You said again teasing her, your voice showing surprise, watching as Wanda rolled her eyes in irritation with a smile, cutting off your stupid joke.

"There's a lake at the bottom, so you would be jumping into the water."

"Oh, that sounds nice, but what if I break my legs because the water isn't deep enough?"

"You know what, whatever." You saw Wanda roll her eyes, and you laughed in satisfaction. And before she could walk past you, you grabbed her waist, pulling her to you in a hug.

You felt her body tense, you weren't much of a hugger, but you needed it. You knew she had done all this for you, to get you out of your room and out of your cave of sadness by taking you on a little trip to cheer you up. It was one of those week, the bad ones.

Wanda stayed with you, every day, she was there for you, even in the moments you were a nightmare to be with. 

And right then and there, when you felt her arms wrap around your waist securely and her nose bury itself in your neck with a giggle that made your whole body shiver, you realized it wasn't just gratitude you felt for her.

You loved her. You loved her with your whole being.

***************

"How did it go?" Wanda asked you as soon as you left the office, her arm carrying her purse and her other hand firmly closing her jacket. "I found it very refreshing."

"You say refreshing as if it wasn't before. Are you saying we were boring?" You stopped for a second to look at her, a smile forming on your lips at the panic on Wanda's face.

"No, that's not what I meant." You walked towards her a little, Wanda shook her head and waved her hands downplaying her words. "I meant that it was nice to remember our life together before, that's all."

"I know what you meant." You said laughing a little, as your hands traveled to your wife's waist with agility, settling into her already familiar body. 

"You are playing with me."

"Yep, that's what it feels like when someone changes the meaning of your words." Wanda rolled her eyes, punching your shoulder gently before tilting her head. "Let's go home now, it's cold."

"Such a crybaby." At her teasing, you let go of her in false indignation, taking a couple of steps away from her towards your car. You heard her giggle behind you and a silly smile appeared on your lips.

Wanda arrived at your side a few seconds later, slowing your walk with her arm, grabbing your waist gently. Shortly after, you both reached the car, but before you could take a step towards the driver's seat, Wanda grabbed your shoulder with a sideways smile moving the keys on her hands. You rolled your eyes before opening the door of the passenger seat.

You were going to say something about it, a funny comment about how disastrous Wanda was at driving, but the look she gave you once she got in the car made you shut your mouth humorously. You put the radio on Wanda's favorite station out of instinct and smiled when Wanda started humming one of the songs playing.

That warmth you loved so much settled in your chest as you watched Wanda drive in concentration, the air around you both in the small car becoming comfortable and making you feel at home. At times like that, when you had the chance to admire and love your wife how you felt, it made you reconsider how you had come to think about divorcing her in the first place. 

You couldn't deny that Wanda was a sculpture carved by the delicate hands of the gods, made in their likeness, perfect and ethereal. The only Goddess that came to mind in comparison was Aphrodite, but no, Wanda was far above her.

"Stare is rude, you know?" 

You had barely realized that you were now at home, Wanda was watching you calmly, patiently. You settled back in your seat recognizing where you were and turning your gaze to her with a dumbfounded smile, embarrassed that you had lost track of time thinking about her. 

"Penny for your thoughts?" Wanda asked you, amused at your attitude. "You really lost yourself there. What got you so thoughtful?"

"You." You blurted out the word so casually that it made Wanda's eyes widen and her cheeks redden. You knew it had been quite some time since you complemented her out of the blue. "I was just thinking about how unreal you are."

"Unreal? As if I'm like a ghost, too empty?"

"Jeez, how did you get to that conclusion so fast?" You chuckled, watching her shrug, and grabbed her hand gently, bringing it to your lips and leaving a chaste kiss on her knuckles. "I meant unreal in the sense that you're too good to be true... That you're too perfect to be true."

Wanda's gaze softened at your words and she caressed your cheek lovingly. The position you were in was awkward, and you both knew it as you both tried to move in for a kiss, letting out a silly giggle as your lips met. Your heart raced at the silence and the only sound you heard was Wanda's soft breathing above your lips as you pulled apart. 

"You are perfect too, moya lyubov'" Your eyes were still closed, but you knew perfectly well that Wanda was watching you with her green eyes, her fingers following your jaw gently, trailing along your nose and ending on your lips. 

You opened your eyes meeting hers in a tense stare and gently gave her finger a short bite, before smiling mischievously. Wanda denied with a smile, biting her lip, taking in for a second the silent proposal you were giving her. 

"We are not having sex in the car, Y/n." Wanda pressed her lips to yours one last time, pressing a short kiss to your lips. She settled back into her seat, opening the door and giving you a playful look. "We have a perfect bed inside."

"You're too loud." You got out of the car with her, closing the door and looking at her with a smile from the other side. Wanda raised her eyebrows. "You'll wake up the kids."

"Oh, am I the loud one? I hope you don't hear yourself then." Wanda tilted her head to one side with a winning smile as you opened your mouth and closed it without a word, feeling your cheeks heat up. "I'm taking the car tomorrow, and I'm going to be late so you'll have to pick the kids from school."

"Oh, okay." You turned around the car getting to Wanda's side, and she looked at you, knowing you were too generous to ask the reason why. You bite the inside of your cheek, feeling the well known squeeze growing in your chest. Distrust.

"I have to buy some stuff after work," Wanda explained and you nodded, the strange feeling diminishing. Wanda's hand went to your shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze, and before you could offer to join her, she cut you off almost as if she had read your mind. "Alone."

"Maybe we should buy another car." Wanda walked toward the front porch of the house, and you followed commenting.

"Why? We are fine with sharing the car." Wanda denied, and you sighed as you reached the front door. The keys jingled as Wanda pulled them out of her purse. "Besides, I really don't need the car that much. It'll be a waste of money." 

"Not really," You said, stopping Wanda in place as she pulled the keys away from the door to look at you with a raised eyebrow. "You need the car tomorrow, and I have to pick up the kids, but I don't have a car to do so. I'll have to pay for a cab, or ask someone else to-"

"You can ask Natasha."

"Yeah, but she won't always be there for this kind of thing."

"It's just this time, Y/n." Wanda said irritably, and you touched your neck trying to calm down at the familiar annoyed tone that crossed your ears. "We don't need to waste money on a car."

"We have the money to waste on a car." At that moment you noticed your wife's look change to one of anger, and you rolled your eyes impatiently.

"Of course we have." Wanda blurted out angrily and ironically turning to the door and unlocking it with the keys she had.

You laughed indignantly at her attitude, you knew perfectly well why she had been angry, why everything that had happened before would be blown away by this pitiful fight. You knew that Wanda hated it when you talked about the money you had earned from a project, a project that let you work with Tony Stark on a multi-million dollar invention. While you had both agreed to save the money for your children's future, there was still money to spare.

You walked in a few seconds after her, relaxing and putting on a smile. It wasn't late, but you knew Billy and Tommy were in their rooms when you walked in. Natasha sat alone on the couch watching TV.

Natasha gave you a knowing look, your argument with Wanda loud enough to be heard from inside the house. Wanda called your children, who ran downstairs to greet you.

Soon after, Natasha left after you thanked her for taking care of the twins, her hand had been placed on your shoulder encouragingly before she walked out the door, and it made you sigh.

Dinner was a great distraction from the trouble that was between you and Wanda. You listened to your kids' days intently, laughing when Tommy told you about throwing a juice box at a classmate for being annoying, only to scold him when Wanda gave you an accusing look. Billy, on the other hand, told you about his drama club and the plays they planned to perform.

You loved the family you had. You really did.

However, even your children couldn't minimize the tension once you were left alone in the kitchen when the twins went up to their rooms. Wanda dropped the dish towel once she finished drying the last dish and you took it, drying your hands after you finished washing the last glass and leaving it on the rack. 

The kitchen was locked in a suffocating tension that made your body stiff every muscle. Wanda leaned her hip on the countertop looking at you, and you returned her gaze relaxing your posture.

"Why do you do that?" Your voice was as soft as possible with the question, trying to appease Wanda's angry posture. She sighed, softening at your voice. "Why do you keep being so defensive about it? It's been months and I can't go back and change what I did."

"I know."

"Then why?"

"Because you left me. You left us, your kids." You shook your head at her words, in the pit of your stomach forming the discomfort you remembered gone. Distrust, jealousy.

"You don't get to do that. You don't get to say that after what you did too."

"That doesn't have to do anything with it." 

"It's got everything to do with it!" You blurted out abruptly, the words leaving your lips in a spiteful, indignant manner, and you clenched your fists trying to relax the anger in your chest. Wanda looked at you indifferently, unsurprised at your outburst of anger, and shook her head, dismissing your words. "Do you even feel bad about it?"

"Of course I do."

"It doesn't seem like it. At least have the decency to try and pretend you do, try at least, show you love me." The silence after your words grew between you, the tension making you shift uncomfortably in your place before Wanda's intense gaze.

Wanda didn't say anything, it was hard to know what she was thinking. Usually you knew exactly what it was, but the look she gave you was so indescribable, so complicated that you didn't know if it was possible to decipher. 

You waited a few seconds for her to answer, but the silence only grew more, and you turned away from looking at her, your back resting on the countertop. You closed your eyes, taking a breath of air listening to Wanda move and assumed she left.

What you didn't expect was to open your eyes and see her in front of you, her gaze steady on your eyes and when her hands touched your stomach under your shirt, you gasped feeling her body press you into the countertop hard. Her lips moved to yours, and her hands forced yours to her body.

"Show me I'm yours." The whisper on your lips ignited something in your body and you kissed her hard, flipping her over pressing her body now on the countertop.

This wasn't the first time it ended like this and you hated it.

[annymation]

How much have Magnifico and Amaya changed in Swap Au and what are the changes in their backstory (you mentioned that they also switched roles)? Does this mean that in Swap Au, the parallels between the villain and the hero are Amaya-Aster and Magnifico-Asha?

I WAS HOPING SOMEONE ASKED! THANK YOU SO MUCH I GET TO TALK ABOUT THESE FREAKS!!!

Alright, so in this swap au, it was pretty easy to imagine Star!Asha and Human!Aster, like, it's just them but Asha is more bubbly and optimistic while Aster is a bit more mature and realistic, nothing crazy... BUT THE ROYALS SWAPPING IS SO CURSED THE MORE I THINK ABOUT IT!

So let's talk about them one at a time:

Queen Amable the Sorceress

Backstory

Okay so for this to work, we'll change some things slightly. Amaya's backstory in this AU remains pretty much the same as Kow!Magnifico. Bla bla bla she wanted to be queen but didn't want to grant wishes and learning magic was too hard for her cause' her heart wasn't in it, badabim-badaboom her parents make a new heir.

However, this new sibling is not Florian, but oh don't worry, Florian will show up later. Swap Amaya had a sister, a sister named Harmona. You might remember her from the villains backstory I wrote way back. Originally Harmona was a mean girl that stole Amaya's boyfriend, but in this AU, Harmona is a good person, in fact, she's pretty much your typical Disney princess that wanted to study magic and one day become a good queen for Rosas

And a good queen she becomes indeed, leaving Amaya quite displeased for being casted out into the shadow of her little sister.

One day, a young man was found, passed out and floating adrift on a boat near the kingdom's shore.

Harmona ordered that he'd be brought to the castle at once, so she could help him with whatever he could need. Obviously the dude is our good ol' Swap Magnus

So Magnus explains he rather not talk about his past just yet, because it's oooh so traumatic, and all he wishes is to repay the queen's kindness by serving as her royal potion maker

Harmona agrees, seeing how her older sister seemed infatuated with the stranger

(Ya know, when you swap the genders it feels weird that Harmona is hooting for her sister to date this guy they just found at sea with no backstory, maybe I'm just looking too much into it but like, suddenly it's no longer a little sibling being a cool wingman and now it's more like "Wtf are you doing? He might be a sociopath" and indeed, he is)

Amaya fell head-over-heels for Magnus, but the guy just wouldn't reciprocate to her advances no matter what. But she knew the feelings were mutual.

Magnus admitted that indeed, he did love her, but to love means to hurt when that person is eventually gone, and that was a pain he didn't want to go through... Not again. (More on that in a bit)

But Amaya convinces him, saying they'll find a way to live happily EVER after. Saying he'll never lose her (lol and then years later she chases after Star!Asha into a storm and dies for a few minutes and he desperately brings her back to life, sacrificing his own youth lmao)

The two of them start dating, doing all that lovey dovey stuff like kissing, giving each other presents, plotting to kill her sister, baking cookies, all that good stuff.

1 year later and Harmona is dead.

Amaya rises to the throne, now with a magic staff she obtained in a quest. And after some practice with Magnus, she knows how to appear a lot more kind hearted and charismatic in the eyes of the public. Soon the two are nicknamed Queen Amable and King Magnifico (I considered renaming them different things so it's not so confusing but I can't think of anything, sorry)

Personality

The queen is a very passionate about giving her people everything they need, she's dramatic and has a larger than life personality. I know I've always said Kow!Amaya was inspired by Mother Gothel, but swap!Amaya here has that Gothel mannerisms to the MAX, like she's full on breaking into song here and there and cracking jokes that may be a lil bit passive aggressive if you pay close attention to what she's saying.

She has a bit of a temper that she does her best to keep under control when in public, but she's also very calculating, not letting her emotions take too much control over her.

She becomes more and more vicious as the story progresses, being absolutely ruthless in her pursue for Asha's magic and finding great joy in making Aster suffer along the way

I'll just let this image speak for itself

Appearance

Ooooh boy that's the best part! Pinterest here I come!

Alright, so first thing's first, in this Au Amaya is older than her husband, and unlike him, she doesn't like drinking youth potions, they taste horrible and cause a lot of pain before taking effect, so she let's herself age a lil bit, after all she is aging like a fine wine.

In conclusion, her hair is white.

And like Kow! Magnifico, she wears no crown, her hair IS her crown

How is her hair you may ask?... It's shaped like a rose

I can't quite decide if she'd have a rose on top and loose hair that give more of a elf vibe or if she'd have a rose shaped bun that give more of a bride vibe, ya'll decide in the comments

Her dress would be tones of white and gold.

King Magnifico the Warlock

If you play D&D like me you might have gotten all giddy seeing that tittle, thinking Mag made a pact with an evil entity or something, but nah, sorry, I'm just calling him "Warlock" cause' that's the male equivalent of a witch

Backstory

On Kow!Amaya's backstory, I was inspired by the greek myth of Persephone and Aphrodite fighting to win the affection of Adonis, but ultimately Adonis preferred Aphrodite.

But with Swap!Magnifico, I'll be taking inspiration from a certain other myth. The myth of Apollo and his lover Hyacinthus.

In the myth, Hyacinthus was a beautiful spartan prince, so beautiful, that he attracted the attention of not just one but TWO gods: Apollo god of the sun, music and prophecy, and Zephyr, the west-wind. However, Hyacinthus fell in love with Apollo first, which made Zephyr quite jealous. So jealous, that he went the "If I can't have you, no one can" route and straight up murdered Hyacinthus.

So yeah, you might already imagine where I'm going with this. So enough with the greek mythology class and let's go to Magnus version

Magnus was a young man that lived in a simple village in Greece, but he desired more in this life, to make a difference and help others

So, he started studying potion crafting, to heal the ill and rejuvenate the old, offering to help all of those in need. However, Magnus felt like the people didn't actually love him for who he was, they only wanted favors from him. He wondered if he'd ever meet someone that loved him for who he was

That's when our boy Hyacinthus shows up, but I'mma just call him Ryan for short.

So Magnus and Ryan fell deeply in love. But oh no, someone else is also in love with Ryan, can you guess who it is?.......... Yeah it's Florian, told ya we'd see him later

Florian was overtaken by jealousy, and decided that if he couldn't have Ryan no one else would.

One day, Manus and Ryan are partaking in a game of throwing a metal discus the highest they can. Florian takes this opportunity and once the discus falls in a place that they can't see, he steals it, hides behind some bushes while the couple is looking for their discus, and BONCS the metal discus right on Ryan's head, killing him.

Magnus did not see who the heck threw the discus. Consumed by grief, he locked himself away from the world for days, to mourn the death of his lover, but it didn't take long for people to come asking for more potions, more favors.

Magnus knew that whoever killed Ryan was in that village, he had no way of knowing who, but he knew one thing, they were all rotten, ungrateful pests that deserved a fate worse than death. Consumed by his wrath, he began to architect a plan.

So the gay go do crimes.

Magnus poisons their crops, thus cursing all the villagers, including Florian.

He sails off, running away from the few people that didn't get cursed, and later ends up lost at sea, until he's found by some sailors of Rosas. And the rest you already know.

Personality

So Magnifico in this AU functions as a calming and supportive husband for Queen Amable, though, although he's very gentle with her, his way of calming her is very... Unhinged.

Like, let's say Amaya is stressed because they can't find those dang kids, Magnus reaction to this is being like "Aww my darling, don't fret, I promise you as soon as they fall in our grasp I shall use my potions to turn their bones into mush, make their blood boil like hot oil, and we shall rejoice as we listen them pathetically shriek in pure, delicious agony" and he says all that in the sweetest voice you've ever heard.

He's like, an evil henchman, but that is actually competent, even though sometimes he can get a bit silly, which is very dangerous, don't get near him when he's getting the sillies

Honestly I might be more afraid of this version of Magnifico than the normal one, because the normal one at least has a fun showsman personality, this one just stays quiet most of the time in the background smiling menancingly, that is when he's not pretending to be nice to Aster, acting almost like a father figure, or showing his totally unhinged true nature. Terrifying.

Eh here's a meme for him too, it's basically their couple dynamic:

Appearance

Magnifico with a crown is cursed, but oh well, let's see what I can find on Pinterest

Alright, so straight up, he has Chris Pine's hair from the D&D movie. And he wears a relatively simple crown

His clothes are tones of white and blue with hints of yellow, taking some inspiration from greek clothing styles.

He wears the hood of his cloak often.

OKAY this took a while to write, but it was really fun imagining these alternate versions of the characters! Hope you liked them.

[felicitysmoaksx]

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for sticking with this story! This chapter while on the shorter side took a while to find its voice because I had an idea that wasn't going the way I wanted it to. So I scraped part of it and kept some of it. And this is my Frankenstein chapter. Hopefully, there won't be such a long gap between this chapter and the next. Thanks so much for reading! Hope you enjoy it!

Rating: Mature

Summary:   Her eyes squeezed shut before she dropped her head. Borrowed time. It was meant to be her…It was meant to be-

Word Count: 1.6k

Warnings: Complications with a birth that end in death are mentioned, but don't go into great detail, and heavy survivor's guilt.

Read On AO3 |  Fic Playlist | Fic Playlist but Less Shippy | Want to be tagged when I post a Rheese story?

“I loved the stories you and Sarah shared about Justin,” Natalie said with a laugh to Tucker while they were both in the kitchen getting a drink. If he hadn’t already said that he spent almost every day here, how easily he navigated this kitchen would’ve said that for him. The man nodded, laughing along with her.

“I still can’t believe Hank knew about the concert in New York and didn’t bust us for it,” Tucker shook his head, grabbing a beer out of the fridge while handing Natalie another water. 

Usually, he’d stop drinking after one beer, so he could drive home. But he wasn’t driving home because he was staying here. Olive was having trouble sleeping alone in Justin’s room by herself, so Tuck offered to blow up the air mattress and shove it in between the foot of the bed and the desk like he used to when he slept over so she could have some company. If the roles had been reversed, Justin would’ve done the same for Leah. He even thought he heard Annie say she and Erin were spending the night too and with Travis and Autumn taking Sarah and Erin’s old room…Maybe he should offer the air mattress to one of them and he just tough it out with a pillow and blanket on the floor. It was carpeted…

“I’m probably being nosy but I have a question that’s just been bugging me for a while,” Nat told him in an almost guilty tone. 

“Okay,” Tucker said feeling curious. 

“Autumn, I’m wondering why she follows Sarah like-”

“Like a little duckling following behind its Momma?” He finished for her and the female doctor nodded, “I asked Sarah about it…Actually, I assumed she was Autumn’s mother before I remembered that wasn’t possible because she would’ve had to be born right around the time Owen was…but she gave me a vague answer about it taking a village.” 

“When Leah gave birth to Autumn, it was like Murphy’s law. Anything that could go wrong, did. Preeclampsia but we already knew that it developed at the same time as her gestational diabetes. The doctors were slightly concerned but they said they’d monitor it and everything should’ve been fine.” Tucker's face twisted, while he watched his daughter clammer up into the brunette’s lap, “But we weren’t counting on there being a placenta abruption too.”

“Oh god,” Natalie breathed, second-hand dread filling up her stomach. Tucker swallowed. “Leah passed away due to labor complications and the doctors said Autumn almost went with her. They said my little girl was lucky to be alive,” 

“I-I am so sorry,” Natalie said, her heart breaking for both the man in front of her and the little girl. 

“So flash forward to two hours later? I’m not sure about the time. Most of that day is a blur, but I texted Sarah to let her know Autumn was here because Leah and I had decided we wanted it to be just us in the delivery room.”

He paused, shaking his head. “Justin was serving his year in jail, so we hadn’t seen each other as much because he was our bridge. Up until Autumn’s birth, Leah saw Sarah more than I did. Because I wasn’t sure if we were friends just because we were both Justin’s friends.” 

“What made you realize you were friends and not just because of Justin?”

“She showed up at Lakeshore Memorial. Now I remember this part perfectly, and I think it’s because of how surreal the situation felt. I told her, ‘Leah’s gone, and not only do I have to raise a baby by myself, which I have no clue how to do by myself, but I also have to bury my wife.’”

Natalie didn’t know who she felt worse for, because she had been in Tucker’s shoes with Jeff. But also for Sarah to hear something so jarring. Tucker smiled now, even if it trembled a little at the edges.

“And my best friend, the one who claims to have no maternal instincts, took it all in stride, squared her shoulders in a very Camillie Voight way, and I know you don’t know Ms. Camillie but trust me, I got chills. She said we’d figure it out together and we did.” Tucker shrugged, “She was with me every step of the way and yeah, I had a village between Hank, Erin, Annie, Justin when he got out, and Olive when she came along. Leah’s parents. Even my parents, but they’re older because they had me late in life so Sarah was…is…”

“You’re main support system,” the woman finished for him. He nodded, not even mentioning that the brunette practically lived at his house the first year of Autumn’s life. Because that’s how long it took him to get the hang of the whole parenting thing. That Sarah had to give him a crash course in everything baby. That Sarah changed her whole schedule around in her last year as a medical student, so that he could work at night and when he tried to thank her for it, she waved him off. Because that’s what best friend’s did.

 “She’s never tried to be Leah, and Autumn has other women in her life, but Sarah is her mother figure. The one she looks to first after me…Sometimes before me. I’m probably not explaining it right…” 

“No,” she reassured him because she got it, understood it. Will had been that for her, never replacing Jeff, but offering a support system all the same. “I understand what you’re trying to say.” 

 [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

“Can we talk?” Hank asked later that night after almost everyone had left. He had found Sarah in the backyard, staring at her tree with Connor’s suit jacket wrapped around her frame. The stark white gauze stuck out to him in the dead of the night. Like a reminder of what they had lost and what was almost lost. He turned and sat down next to where Sarah was sitting with her knees tucked in tight.  It had been Camille’s idea to plant two trees; one for each girl so they knew they had roots with the Voight family, when Erin and Sarah came to live with them.

For a second, he wondered if his youngest daughter heard him as she continued to stare ahead. Then she glanced sideways at him as she spoke quietly, “I hate when you say it like that. Quiet. Gentle. Like you’re trying to approach a deer without scaring it. Reminds me of when I used to get in trouble as a kid.”

“I was more stern than that,” Hank disagreed, with a shake of his head as he took a seat beside her. Sarah’s lips twitched as if she wanted to smile. But she hadn’t smiled since earlier when Tucker had made her laugh. He sighed, burying his hands in his coat pockets. “I’m worried about you, kid.”

“Isn’t it a little late for that?” She asked in a dry voice. When her joke missed its mark, Sarah shook her head. “I’m not your responsibility anymore, Hank.” 

(Sarah didn’t know that Hank refrained from commenting on her calling him Dad all day and now it was suddenly Hank?)  

“You’re my kid,” her pseudo-father disagreed quietly, looking at the young woman he had known since she was eight years old and took into his home at eleven, “It’s always going to be my responsibility to worry about you.”

[LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

“He’s worried about her,” Erin said quietly to Alvin as she started filling up the sink to wash the dishes. Most of everybody was gone after the emotionally draining day. The ones to linger were family, Tucker with Autumn, and Annie with Travis, Connor, their unit, Trudy, and Sarah’s co-workers from Med. 

“I think he has a right to. Doesn’t he? You probably remember it clearer than I do because you actually saw it while I only heard about it secondhand. You remember how hard Sarah took it after Camille died.”

Erin’s eyes widened as she turned to stare at the older cop. Because she did remember it. When everything with Sarah and Justin being shot, she didn’t even think about Sarah spiraling like she had with Camille’s death. 

Because there wasn’t a version of the world where Sarah and Justin both didn’t make it through this. And yet, here they were in a world post-Justin Voight. 

“This wasn’t supposed to happen, Al,” her voice broke, tears threatening to spill over. 

“I know. But it did. And now Hank is doing what he can to make sure she doesn’t disappear again.”

[LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

“I think you need to talk to someone,” Hank wasn’t sure how else to say it. How did he explain how much his youngest daughter was scaring him because he wasn’t even sure she was allowing herself to grieve. How could he ask her to see someone when she was a physiatrist? When she could probably see the signs, but was more than likely actively ignoring them in favor of anger?  When Sarah remained silent, he continued. “Sarah, I know you’re angry-”

“Of course I’m angry!” Sarah exploded, standing up. She paced a few steps forward before she whirled around to face her pseudo-father. Her arms flailed out in anger while tears welled up in her eyes. “Because no one understands that I’m the reason Justin is dead! If he hadn’t been protecting me…he’d still be here! No, instead they’re comforting me and checking on me when I don’t deserve that because the truth is I got your son killed, Hank.”

[real-jaune-isms]

Green Haired Swordsman Meets Green-eyed Monster

*In the days following the Raid on Onigashima, Luffy and Zoro were nearly comatose from their exertion and wounds. Now, after a week, Zoro just woke up and was greeted with a sight he hadn't expected.*

Zoro: My head... damn I need some booze. Robin:I can get you some in just a minute. Zoro: Wh- Robin, the hell are you doing here? Where are the others? Robin: Luffy woke up about an hour ago and ran off, and the rest of our nakama had follow after him to make sure he didn't destroy anything in his search for food. Zoro: Heh... yeah, that sounds like him. Still doesn't answer why you stayed, though. Robin: *clears her throat and looks away* Well, someone had to make sure you weren't alone whenever you woke up, and to explain the situation so you didn't wander around in confusion. And I... drew the short straw. Zoro: Well then, I guess I appreciate the courtesy. So what situation needs explaining? Luffy beat Kaido, obviously, but what else happened? Robin: *smiles at how immediately confident Zoro is in their victory* Well, the two of you have been passed out from your wounds for a week, and in that time Momonosuke-sama revealed his presence to the country and declared himself the Shogun. I almost didn't believe what I was seeing, but it seems Shinobu-chan used her power to age him up by 20 years. Fuhuhuhu~ Zoro: Ah, so the brat reclaimed his clan's place on top. Good for him I guess, hopefully Kin'emon and the others can help him get a handle on that. The age thing sounds wild, but I did see him flying around as a full sized dragon so that tracks. Anything else? Robin: Um... yes, actually, there was something I wanted to talk to you about, Zoro-kun. I suppose you mentioned it in passing before the raid but... you spent some time with Momonosuke-sama's sister, didn't you? Zoro: Hmm? Ah, yeah, I was with Hiyori for a couple days. Robin: *eyes narrowed and glowering a bit* Yes, and it must have been quite an eventful period. When she heard you were incapacitated, she insisted on coming to see you. She begged Chopper to let her help with your treatment, and more than a few times tried to nestle beside you for comfort. You two must have... bonded quite a bit... for her to be so close and caring towards you. Zoro: Yeah, you could probably say that. She let me claim Enma after that weapons bandit took Shusui, I saved her from Kid's first mate while he was running around as that serial killer, we slept together... Robin: I'm sorry, you did what?!?! With a woman you knew for less than a week?? I know I've been coy and playful in the past, but I didn't realize you'd find someone else this quickly. Zoro: The hell do you mean? We just- oh for the love of... I mean we shared a bed, and I didn't even ask for it. We were in a shack in Ringo, which was pretty damn cold, and she was helping treat a nasty stab wound I got from Kid's buddy. I was trying to get some rest to help it heal, and I guess while I slept she draped her coat over me for a blanket and then went to sleep next to me to share body heat. We had that kid with the big eyes who laughed a lot with us too, and nothing lewd happened. I mean, she offered me her body, but I wasn't interested in that. Robin: Oh... I see. I'm sorry for getting so... worked up. I guess I just... Zoro: Thought I'd gotten laid with the first girl that offered? That's the pervy cook's thing. Robin: Well she is the Oiran of the Flower Capital. Zoro: Ah, so she's a professional at seduction and I'd be in an elite crowd for getting with her. I'm not into having sex for the glory. Robin: But this is the country your family descends from! Surely it reminded you of home, and you might have felt something special in the prospect of a woman who shares your culture?? *She's growing more exasperated, and hating the words even as she says them because they're justifying why he should be with another woman* Zoro: I never cared much about my village being founded by a Wano samurai, and I'm happy with the culture I'm part of now, being a pirate. Why do you actually care so much about this? Robin: Because clearly she loves you!! Zoro: *Sigh* Robin, I know she does. And it's flattering, she's a very pretty woman, but she's just not my type.

[whumping-valentine]

🦌 Fawn and Hunter - Part 14 🦌

"The Apocalypse"

Content: ??? Idk this is kinda tame. Nothing whumpy happens. I suppose Stockholm syndrome and captivity, mayhaps. Oh also people die but that's whatever lolll.

3,200 words

Hey y'all, it's time for part 14! I meant to get this out like over a week ago now but I got distracted by drawing because I'm trying a new art style and am absolutely obsessed with it.

Since I've gotten lots of followers since the last part's release, here's the Masterlist if you wanna read it!

As always, I apologize for my writing quality 😓

Enjoy! 🛸

     Severin's adaptation to werewolf life in a cult was difficult and surreal, to say the least. Not to mention scary. No one had yet realized he wasn't actually a part of the pack, though some have commented on his unfamiliar smell. The trio assured them he'd been here for a while now. Agnes and Anthony's rank was enough to keep them from prying any further.

     The good news was none of this speculation had gotten back to Ethel. If she heard of the suspicions and wanted to check it out for herself, Severin would be a goner. Surely she'd also figure out her two top dogs were behind it, too. That wouldn't be good for anyone.

     They've made it by for a week now, and news was starting to circulate around Severin's spacecraft…

-----

     “I'm here at the sight of the crash in the small town of Woodmar. An apparent UFO has wrecked in the middle of the woods. Authentic, or hoax? Let's find out.” A news reporter spoke. She and the cameraman inspected the wreckage while commentating.

     By now, it had run out of power, so none of the technology worked. While the craft might have been able to be explained away as an art project, the destruction it left in its wake didn't have the same level of excusability. As soon as this story got out, it was sure to gain traction all over the internet. It was the most definitive proof of extraterrestrial life the world had ever seen, and it was right here, up close and personal.

    Both the reporter and cameraman got noticeably more excited and scared as they inspected. It got harder and harder to pass off as anything other than the truth of what it was: a UFO. The two of them talked about how they wished it was a live broadcast instead of a pre-recording, they wanted the world to see this immediately!

     In the middle of the reporter's sentence, the microphone's signal was unexpectedly cut off, and the camera stopped working completely. The two inspected their devices, unaware of the creatures who stalked them from behind the trees.

     In an instant, both the reporter and the cameraman were shot dead.

     A pair of aliens emerged from behind the bushes, guns in hand as they approached the human corpses. They looked down on them in scorn before inspecting the ship.

     “Oh, of course." One of the aliens groaned, "You know who's ship this is? It's Severin's!”

     “I always knew he wasn't cut out for this." The other shook their head, "Should we tell The Council?”

     “No, of course not. We cannot let them know someone has already fumbled the mission, they will think poorly of us all. It's not good that the humans are already suspicious of our plans. We need them to be oblivious, at least for a little while longer.”

     “What do you suggest we do?”

     “There is not anything that we need to do. It wasn't a live broadcast. All we need to do is destroy the camera, and the evidence is gone. By the time the news station realizes the reporters they sent are missing, it'll be too late. We won't need to hide anymore.”

     “We’re already here, aren’t we? We’re already infiltrating. It’ll only take a few days now before we have control over this pathetic planet. By the time The Council arrives to survey, the human race will already be enslaved and ready to serve the Empire.”

     “I sure hope so.” they said, "So long as the fuck up doesn't fuck it up anymore than they already have..."

----

     Hunter let out a sigh as they awoke, groaning as they stretched their arms, bones cracking.

     “You sure slept in.” Fawn mumbled, already wide awake, sitting with their hands cupping their head, “Though maybe it’s 8 am and I’m the one up early. Who knows.”

     “Mm. You sound depressed.” Hunter mumbled, “It's day 40, you know? Hooray, give it up for day 40!” They cheered sarcastically.

     Fawn sighed and rubbed their face, “Oh, human life is so short. I can't believe I'm wasting away my precious days trapped here doing nothing! My precious, sweet young days! Why couldn't it have been when I'm older, at least then my glory days would've been behind me!”

     Hunter chuckled, though it was more sad, “Glory days are a myth. Don't worry about your youth. Some people peak early, others late, and some not at all. Some people die before their good days. Some never had a chance in the first place.”

     “Yeah, because people like you took it away from them.”

     “I know.” Hunter said, though it wasn't remorseful nor regretful. It was simply an admission, or acknowledgement. “I won't pretend to be a good person. I'm not. Though… I do wish I could've done things differently.”

     “What, you expect me to feel sympathy for you, or something?”

      “No, of course not. I'm not looking for pity, I don't want pity. I'm just stating how I feel. How you feel about that in return is up to you, I don't fucking care.”

     “Really? Because it sure sounds like you do.”

     Hunter sighed, “Look… this isn't easy for me to say, but I'll finally tell the truth for once. I like you, Fawn. Well, not romantically or anything like that, but I… I enjoy your company.”

     Fawn wasn't sure how to respond to that.

     “Jesus, I say something sentimental for once in my life and you look at me like I'm insane.”

     “Well…”

     “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m already insane.”

     “You’re a murderer.”

     “I know.”

     Neither spoke another word. 

     One of the members walked into view with two plates of food.

     “Oh, day 41, even better!” Hunter said. The member placed the plates on the floor, before introducing themself sheepishly.

     “Um… hi. My name is Severin. I'm… from space?” He said, awkwardly pointing upwards.

     “You're an alien?” Fawn questioned.

     “Shh, not so loud! I'm… not supposed to be here. I'm planning on leaving soon... with… two of my friends. They told me they wanted you to come with us.”

      “What, the two people who took us here in the first place? And now they’re making you do the risky job of getting us out? Yeah, friends that I’d definitely trust.”

     “You don’t understand- ugh- look, do you want out or not?”

     “Of course I do! Are you kidding me?”

     Severin unlocked the door, “Then follow me and stay quiet.”

     Fawn's eyes widened. Oh, this was happening fast. They quickly, yet cautiously with suspicion, stepped out of the cell. Hunter hopped to their feet to follow.

     “Can we leave this one here?” Fawn whispered. Hunter folded their arms, and Severin shook his head before hurriedly rushing both of them out.

     He snuck them up the stairs where Anthony and Agnes were waiting to help keep cover. The three acted like a shield, even though there wasn't anyone else around. Agnes and Anthony had managed to get them to leave the area due to their height on the hierarchy. They'd said Ethel wanted them for something. Once that was figured out a lie, it'd be over for them.

     Ethel will surely find out about all of this and won't be pleased in the slightest, but the twins made their decision to leave no matter the cost. Once a nice distance away, Agnes and Anthony took off their masks, heaving a sigh of relief.

     Agnes had long dark brown hair that looked choppy and uneven. Freckles lined her face, her eyes were tired and grey.

     Anthony had short light brown hair, that was a slight bit lengthy and very, very messy. Just like Agnes he too had freckles.

     “Oh, wow. You guys look… normal.” Fawn said.

     “Huh? Why?” Agnes questioned, “What did you think we looked like?”

     “I dunno, like werewolves, I guess.”

     “What do you mean ‘like werewolves’?”

     “I don’t know, like all hairy, or something.”

     “Is that racist?” Anthony asked.

     “I don’t know, you’re the werewolf, you tell me!”

     “Listen,” Agnes said, changing the subject, “We may be out, but we aren't safe, and we never will be. Anthony and I were Ethel's top members, when she realizes we're gone, she's gonna come and find us. Especially once she and the rest of the pack also notice the humans are missing, and we gave them false directions, and then the rest of the whole Apocalypse stuff…”

     “So… what do we do now?” Fawn asked.

     Anthony shrugged, “I dunno. Try to survive, I guess.”

     “We need some kind of plan.” Agnes said, “Ethel will find us, and she'll be angry.”

     “And the other invaders have to know I've messed up badly by now…” said Severin.

     Fawn clasped their hands together, “Welp, it sure sucks to be you guys. See ya!”

     Agnes scoffed and folded her arms, “Do you really think you're safe? You and your friend here are more screwed than we are.”

     “W- okay, first of all, they're not my friend, and secondly… I'm still leaving.” they said, and turned to leave, walking away.

     I didn't call it the Great Human Extinction for nothing.” Anthony yelled out to them.

     Fawn stopped and turned, “And why did you call it that?”

     "Why do you think?”

     “Well… considering I’ve seen werewolves, vampires, and now aliens, I’m gonna guess an overthrow of Earth?”

     “Pretty much, yeah.” Agnes confirmed, “Worst case scenario is you die. Best case scenario is you’ll no longer be human by the end of this. Or both. Both is highly likely.”

     “Well that’s great to hear.”

     “If you don’t end up dead or a non-human, you’ll be enslaved by my people.” Severin said.

     “You guys are the best at delivering good news.”

     “See? You're screwed, too. We're in this together.” Agnes said.

     “I didn't ask to be in this in the first place!”

     “Do you think anyone asked to be in this? No, we didn't. Our chances are stronger together, so you can either go and fend this off alone, or bare the storm with us.”

     “Ugh.” Fawn groaned, “Fine.” They said, folding their arms. Everyone looked to Hunter.

     “What about you?” Agnes asked.

     Hunter responded, “Bold of you to assume I have anything better going on in my life.”

     “Well then, we have a group at least.” Anthony said, “that's a start, right?”

      “Barely.” Agnes said, “Let's get out of these woods, first and foremost. We'll go from there.”

     And so, the group of five made their way through the forest. Anthony was anxiously trying to rip apart his mask, Agnes distracted herself by gazing up at the trees, and Severin jumped at every cracking branch. Hunter looked unbothered, and Fawn felt like they were running a marathon from how fast their heart was beating.

     As they walked, they could see a building up ahead through the trees. They could feel their heart flutter as they picked up their speed. Once their feet hit the concrete and they knew where they were, they took off without a second thought.

     They ran down the street as fast as their legs could carry them, running all the way up to an average, inconspicuous house. It was small and feeble, but by God, it was home.

     Fawn nearly burst the door down as they unlocked it with a hidden key. The first thing they did was collapse onto their couch, and began sobbing. They weren’t sure if it was out of relief, fear, sadness, or all of the above. Probably all of the above.

     Agnes, Anthony, and Severin followed them inside, while Hunter stood in the doorway. They rubbed their arm awkwardly as Fawn cried, feeling… strange. Guilty? Did they feel guilty? They felt intrusive just being in the doorway, so they turned around and sat in their front yard.

     After a minute, Fawn’s cries slowly dwindled until they were left sniffling. They felt like they could fall asleep right there as they were. They were exhausted in every sense of the word, and now for the first time in months, they felt they could truly, finally relax. They were home. On their couch. It felt like everything could be okay again…

     If it weren’t for the whole apocalypse thing.

     Fawn took in a deep breath, exhaling it in a mix of a sigh and a groan. They pushed themself up, sitting criss-crossed on the couch. They rubbed their eyes under their glasses, then just sat. Sat and stared at the dirty carpet of their living room floor.

     Nothing would ever be the same again, nor would it ever be how they’d hoped. All of their plans, their dreams, their entire life, it was gone. It didn’t matter if they were still trapped with Hunter at the cabin, or by the werewolves, or even if they were right here back home on their couch. It would all end up the same. Nothing mattered anymore. They wondered if it ever did.

     They stood up from the couch after what felt like hours, and walked up the creaky wooden stairs to their bedroom. Their heart skipped a beat as they turned the old knob. Everything was just as they left it before going out on their walk.

     They grabbed a spare pair of glasses they had, and they weren't prepared for how amazing it was to see without cracks. They sat on their bed and stared down at the old pair, running their thumb over the cracks. Their hands began to shake, and they tossed them away to the floor, landing in a pile of clothes. They reached for their medication on the bedside table and stared down at it.

     It would be so nice to not feel like they're dying all the time, but… They’ve already been forced to stop taking them all at once, and considering the whole apocalypse thing, they doubted they’d be able to refill their prescription. This bottle was all they had left, and it would be for the best to just deal with the anxiety- as awful as it may be. At least they weren’t someone who needed drugs in order to live…

     Their favorite old jacket was thrown over a wooden chair. They put it on, and it felt like the most comforting thing to exist. So warm and secure. They picked up a handheld mirror that laid on their desk and took a look at their reflection. They knew their hair had grown over the last few months, but seeing their actual face really put it in perspective. Their hair was down past their shoulders. They couldn’t recall the last time it was that long.

     Before going back downstairs, they grabbed a wooden baseball bat they had lying underneath their bed. Agnes and Anthony were being nosy as they innocently looked through Fawn’s things, but Fawn didn’t care. Severin looked fascinated by the alien-to-him objects, typing stuff down on his half-working tablet.

     Fawn left their house where they saw Hunter sitting criss-crossed in the grass, picking at the clovers and dandelions. They cautiously approached them, sitting down next to them with a bit of distance. Hunter glazed over to them with a side eye, keeping their attention on the ground.

     Fawn twiddled with their thumbs, and fidgeted with the loose threads of their jacket, unable to think of something to say. It was strange, what they had. They were a captive and a captor, a victim and a murderer, a fawn and a hunter. Yet now, they could almost feel like… friends. Fawn scrunched their face at the thought.

     Hunter was the one to break the silence, “Why are you still here?”

     “What do you mean? This is my yard.”

     “Oh. Yeah. That is true… I guess the better question is, why am I here, huh?”

     “Yeah, Hunter, why are you here?” Fawn said, “That’s not even your real name, either, is it?”

     “No, it’s not. Does it matter?”

     “If you wanna sit in my yard and rip up my grass then yes, it does. Tell me your real name or get out.”

     Hunter shrugged and got up.

     "Wait, you’re actually leaving?”

     “Hey, you gave me an either or and I took it. Have fun with your group of four, I'll finally fuck off.” They said, and began walking away down the street.

     “Ugh- wait.” Fawn said, getting up to follow them. Hunter didn't stop walking.

     “What, grow attached to me now?”

     “Fuck you.”

     “uh huh. I see."

     "Fuck you." Fawn said again, "The woods were my only escape, and now it’s the fucking apocalypse. No one has anywhere to go. This is it… why… why did you even take me in the first place?"

     "I... I was sadistic."

     "What would you know? You're not me."

      "That's not the reason. At least not the main one."

     “Earlier today, you told me you liked me. You… kept me because you were lonely.”

     “You say that with a lot of confidence.”

     “Well I’m right, ain’t I? You decided you liked me, so instead of killing me, you kept me. That’s what you did.”

     “Is it?”

     “Yes! You literally told me!”

     “Did I?”

     “Yes! Today!”

     “I don’t think I said that.”

     “UAGH!” Fawn groaned, “You’re fucking impossible! You’re infuriating!” They plopped down onto a curb, putting their head in their hands. Hunter leaned against a street sign.

     Fawn sighed, "... Back... when I was sick and you were taking- taking care of me. That was- it was the first time I've ever been cared for like that. Not even my own mother showed me that kind of kindness. I- I just can't deal with it.”

     For a moment Hunter’s face softened. Just a moment. “What, so I remind you of your shitty mom?”

     "No, you're like my shitty mother if my shitty mother was also a fucking creep who gave even just a single fuck about me."

     The two sat on the curb in silence as they stared out at the sunset over the skyline. The air was warm with a gentle cool breeze.

     "Ooohhh, I see. So I'm not like your mother, I'm like your mommy." Hunter teased, and Fawn turned an embarrassed shade of red, making Hunter chuckle. They sat down next to them.

     Fawn finally spoke, "Fuck. I think I have Stockholm syndrome."

     "Hey, at least you're self-aware. Spending 41 days trapped with me as an equal fucked ya up, didn't it?” They teased, nudging Fawn with their elbow.

     “You're not funny, or cute, or quirky.”

     “I ain't sayin’ I am. I'm an asshole who likes to torment people. I think you need to care a little less."

     "Does it even fucking matter anymore? It's the end of the world, Hunter!"

     “Yeah, so what better time is there to stop caring?”

     “We’re all going to die. You heard what Severin said. The aliens want to enslave us, the werewolves want to use us as some kind of godly sacrifice, and the vampires… what do they want? Our blood, and- oh, god, is Anaira okay?!”

     “Okay, look. Sure, maybe the world as we know it is ending. Sure, maybe we're all doomed by the narrative. But that doesn't mean we can't fight to the end, does it? I mean, you said it yourself, nothing matters anymore. So let's forget about trivial problems and fuck shit up. There are no more consequences.”

     “If there are no more consequences, then I should be able to strangle you right here, right now. Beat you with this bat."

     “I mean… yeah. You could try. You think once this whole thing really gets going that the police are gonna care? Or rather that they'll still exist at all. It's a time for anarchy, it's time to actually eat the rich. It's time to fuck around and find out. What's there left to lose? So, yeah, you can try to strangle me. The only person who'd be stopping you is me.”

Fawn stood up, and began walking away.

     “Where are you going?”

     “Well, it's the Apocalypse, ain't it? So let's get prepared.”

Taglist: @parasitebunny @whumpy-wyrms @fruitypinapple00 @otterfrost

Lmk in the comments if you want added or removed !

Thanks for reading !! 💕🦌

[denim-mixtapes]

Nice List jim hopper

Hiiii thank you for requesting Hopper!! I haven't written anything for him yet because I wasn't sure if there was a demand, but back before season 3/4 he's the only person I read fic for in the ST fandom so I'm happy to get the chance!! I don't really know where this lines up with the canon. Probably somewhere in season 2 but??? Let's just pretend that canon doesn't exist anyway.

Picking out a Christmas Tree with Jim Hopper w/c: 676

Join the Christmas Party!

“Are you gonna tell me why you dragged me all the way out here, Hop?” 

You wring your cold hands together, willing away the shiver that follows as Hopper digs in the back of the pickup truck. 

“You said,” he grunts, fighting with something in the bed, a fierce metallic clunk interrupts his sentence. Pulling what you now recognize as a hacksaw free from the clutter, he huffs and continues, “you said you’ve never had a real Christmas tree.” 

“Oh.”

It’s all you can muster. Your heart cracks at the gesture, the fact that something small you mentioned in passing a few days ago led here, to the middle of nowhere on the outskirts of Hawkins, surrounded by rows and rows of evergreen trees.

“Yeah, oh! Now come on, ’M already freezing.” 

He guides you up the first row of trees with a firm hand on your lower back. Something you’ve learned in your time living with Jim Hopper is that he’s a man of few words. He never has too much to say, and even when he does he struggles to say it. But that doesn’t mean he can’t find other ways to make his feelings known. In small gestures; a fresh pot of coffee before he leaves for work, or throwing your towel in the dryer so it’s nice and warm when you get out of the shower. Or in larger, more grand ones like this, he never fails to make you feel loved. 

“Do you have decorations already?” You ask, lacing your fingers with his and tugging along toward a tree that caught your eye. “I don’t remember you ever having a tree in the past, real or not.” 

He huffs a single, clipped laugh and shrugs, “I think I’ve got some lights out in the shed. Maybe. It’s, ah, been a while since I put one up, you’re right.” He didn’t need to tell you that the lights were leftover from Joyce’s predicament last year, or that the few ornaments he does have aren’t meant for the tree. Not anymore, they’re too special, handmade little things from Sara’s daycare and elementary school holiday parties, a My First Christmas ceramic teddy bear that he can’t bring himself to throw away. You can see his expression go blank at the thought, his hand tightening around yours ever so slightly, but don’t dare mention it.

Humming thoughtfully, you notice that the one that caught your eye has a bald spot in the back and move on. “Well then we’ll just have to start our own collection from scratch!” 

The smile that takes over his features is still a little guarded, but it’s warm despite his apprehension. “Yeah?” He asks, voice thick with emotion, and presses a kiss to your temple. His whiskers tickle against your hairline, cold nose pressing into your skin and sending another shiver down your spine. “I like the sound of that.” 

As you turn the corner to the next row of trees you spot the perfect one, and without thinking you drop his hand and run for it. “This one!” You shout, turning in place and bouncing on your toes. Your excitement is contagious, only encouraging a wider, joyous smile onto his face as he jogs to catch up. “This is it!” 

It’s picture perfect, almost as wide as it is tall, standing just a little taller than your head. The branches are full, evenly spread, and if you didn’t know any better you would say it was store bought. Fresh snow dusts it evenly, glittering in the winter sun.  

From behind Hopper engulfs you in his embrace, thick arms wrapping around your waist, careful of the blade in his hand. He rests his chin on your shoulder, “looks like a winner to me. This the one you want?” 

You don’t give a verbal response, only lean heavier back into his hold and nod. 

With another quick kiss pressed high on the apple of your cheek, he releases you and twirls the saw in hand with a flourish, “then it’s yours.”

[theliterarywolf]

Hey, I'm always a slut for internet drama, so I'll go ahead and ask: what happened with the No Sleep podcast?

Oh no, nothing happened with the podcast itself.

To elaborate on the whole kerfluffle:

As mentioned before, my students just would not read. It didn't matter if it was read aloud and they needed to follow silently, if it was independent, what have you, they just would not engage.

So, rather than throw my hands up in the air, I thought: okay, let's try something different. So, every so often, I would select pre-screened selections from The NoSleep Podcast. Emphasis on the 'pre-screened' aspect because it wasn't like I was just playing audio out of the blue. I obviously knew I had to make sure that I didn't end up playing anything pornographic or excessively bloody in the classroom. And... Students were engaged! I got strong classroom discussion, a good turn-in rate for classwork, etc.!

And, actually! The vice principal who was supposed to be my evaluator (emphasis on 'supposed to be' because she was supposed to observe and evaluate every other week but, in reality, she only ever swung by once every other month) actually observed a lesson where I used a NoSleep Podcast audio (it was for the story "Dear Jennifer", which centers around a severe parasocial relationship) and everything was fine.

However, a few months down the line when she came back for another rare observation, it was another NoSleep Podcast day. I believe the story for that day was titled "Customer Service". I'm not sure about the exact title, I just remember that it centered around a single mother trying to call Amazon to get some help with the dishwasher she ordered just to end up being tormented by a misogynistic support agent.

Anyway, the class goes fine, discussion and classwork are active and fine, and the vice principal leaves. So the next period passes. Then the next period (which she knows full well is my conference period; keep that in mind). Then lunch. Then the next period. And, finally, during sixth period, this vice principal waddles back into my classroom and, while I'm trying to get students settled before the bell rings, she walks up to me and, with every obnoxious intonation from that scene in Office Space (you all know the one!):

VP - Yeah, so... I can't have you use that audio you played for 2nd period, yeah...

Me - Wait, why are you just saying this now?

VP - Well, it took me a while to get back down here...

Me - You could have sent an email.

VP - Yeah, you just need to find a replacement audio and assignment for 7th period. Yeah...

Me - The audio was fine. It's no worse than you guys having me teach Gatsby with Tom Buchanan's blatant misogyny and racism and Myrtle getting hit by that car.

VP - Yeah, well... If a parent were to complain, I would have to be the one to deal with it, yeah...

Me - ... (thinking "Oh, so you'd actually have to do your fucking job?")

VP - So... Yeah, just make sure to change the audio and make a new assignment, okay? Okay, thank you~!

One of my students, after the bell finally rings - Ms. Lit? Is everything good?

Me - ... Your school's run by cowards. Anyway, get out your Silent Reading books.

And, later that evening (literally, this was around 8 PM), she calls herself sending an email talking about 'Per our discussion today, you were instructed to no longer use audio from the 'NoSleep Podcast' website in your class. This website is listed as containing mature and potentially triggering material...'

To which I responded (my email was formal but this is my angry summary) - EVERYTHING IS 'POTENTIALLY TRIGGERING'. Hell, you guys have me teaching my 10th graders about vaccine articles! I'm sure that could be considered triggering to anyone who lost a loved one to COVID! But, fiiiine! If the issue at hand is to present a perfectly sterile environment with nothing that could ever run the risk of upsetting anyone, I will gladly empty out the classroom library of all the books that the librarian dropped off and give them back to her. Let me know!!!'

...

And to this day, I never got a response to that email. But, hey. I did comply and stop utilizing The NoSleep Podcast in my classroom.

I just started using Uncanny County and various Creepypasta readings instead!

[hinatastinygiant]

13 | Magician

Pairing: Daichi x Fem!Reader

Only in Whispers

Y/N'S P.O.V.

It's been about an hour since you last saw everyone in the main room. Now, it's time to return. You can only hope that someone has found some sort of evidence to further prove who the killer is.

Everyone seems to be a bit on edge when you arrive in the main room. Hinata was the one to find you and ask you to return back, so it makes you feel a bit better knowing that you found at least one person this whole time.

Once the whole group is back, only four people are missing: Tendo, Kogane, Iwaizumi, and Oikawa. You are so worried about the first two. Even after an hour, nobody could find them. Not to mention that now Iwa and Oikawa have disappeared.

You look over at Daichi who approaches you with a sigh. "How're you feeling?" he asks before kissing you on the cheek.

"Like shit," you answer, shaking my head. "This is not what I expected when I woke up this morning."

"Me neither," he replies.

"This is so fucked up," you say, leaning against his shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"I don't know," he answers honestly. "I just wish I could take you away from here."

You smile up at him. "I'd love that," you tell him. "I just want to go home."

"Once it's all over then," he replies, hugging you to him. "We just have to figure this out first."

He then kisses you once more before calling the others to his attention. Tsukishima looks eager to be the first to give details about his findings.

"I found Yamaguchi and those two idiots," he tells you all. "Turns out they were all doing lines in Yamaguchi's room."

"No way!" Yachi gasps. "Yamaguchi? Really?"

"What kind of drugs?" Bokuto asks.

"Cocaine, heroin, LSD... You name it, they probably had it," he scoffs.

"Oh come on, you know that isn't true," Yamaguchi grumbles. But Tsukishima ignores him.

"Hinata and Kageyama are supplying it to him. So if you ask me, they're equally guilty. Even said they'd blackmail me if I told you all," he continues without batting an eye.

"Wow, Yamaguchi," Sugawara shakes his head. "I knew you were stressed but I didn't think you were that desperate."

"It's not that big of a deal," Kageyama adds.

"You're right. It's not," Tsukishima agrees. "It's a huge deal, and you guys are idiots."

While they continue to talk everything out, you look over at Kita who seems absolutely bewildered. But, eventually, he accepts it. He looks sad that he wasn't right in his hunch, but at least the truth came out. You pat him on the back, giving him silent support.

"Well is that all?" Daichi interrupts after long enough. "That really doesn't have anything to do with Kiyoko..."

Just then, Tendo bursts into the room, bursting right through the huge doors. Everyone gasps when he approaches, including you.

"Tendo?! What the hell?!" you exclaim as he gets closer. "Where have you been?!"

"I just found this in a secret room of this house! It was right on Kiyoko's desk!" he says, waving a letter in his hand.

"Well, what is it?" Daichi asks him.

"It's a letter that Kiyoko wrote," he explains to us. "I'll read it to you..."

"My Dearest Nishinoya, I cannot deny the depth of my feelings for you any longer. With each passing day, my love for you has grown stronger and more undeniable. But, my love, our situation is complicated. I know you understand this better than anyone. I need to be honest with you, just as I've been honest with myself. I must address things with Tanaka properly. I owe it to him to have a conversation about where we stand and find closure. It pains me to write these words, but for now, we must keep our love a secret, hidden away from prying eyes. I want nothing more than to be with you openly and freely, to hold your hand in public and to feel your lips on mine. The thought of our love being a secret is a burden I wish we didn't have to bear, but it's a necessary step for both of us to find the happiness we deserve. Yours always, Kiyoko."

Before you can even blink, Tanaka's fist goes flying into Nishinoya's face. The impact is so intense that Nishinoya falls onto the floor.

"How dare you? How fucking dare you?!" Tanaka yells at him. "How dare you come here and act like you're my friend. Like you weren't sneaking around with my fucking girlfriend behind my back!"

"Dude, you're not even dating her!" Noya spits blood from his mouth. "I mean, shit, how many times does she need to end things with you before you get the fucking hint?"

"It doesn't matter!" Tanaka continues. "It doesn't matter because you're a piece of shit!"

"Hold on," Saeko interrupts, but not to stop her brother from punching Nishinoya in front of both a cop and a detective. "So that's why you rejected Asahi."

As she says that, you look around the room for Semi, but he's nowhere to be found. You can see his girlfriend standing quietly in the corner, but he isn't beside her anymore.

"And you're jealous of Tanaka for making out with Kiyoko," Atsumu joins the bandwagon. "I don't think there could be a clearer motive here, Daichi."

"No!" Noya yells. "Fuck, like you're one to talk right now, 'Tsumu!"

"Well, it does make sense," Aone murmurs from behind you.

"What else am I supposed to think?!" Tanaka shouts back at him. "There is so much evidence pointing at you, Noya! You were fucking her behind my back!"

"What are you guys talking about?" Tsukishima uncharacteristically joins in. "No, it doesn't make any sense. He would have just killed Tanaka so he could have Kiyoko to himself. If they loved each other, he has no reason to kill her."

Tanaka gulps at the thought. "Really?" he says as he looks down at Noya.

"No, you idiot! Fuck, you should know I would never kill anyone. What the fuck was I supposed to do, tell you that the reason she didn't want to marry you is because we've been seeing each other, oh, and by the way, she's dead downstairs in the bed where you were just hooking up behind my back?!"

"How the fuck do we still have no leads?" Kuroo grumbles. "What are we going to do?"

"Well, obviously it was one of us," Bokuto nods.

"What if it was more than one of us," you gulp. "It's possible that the others are covering for each other. They could even be covering up evidence so we'll never find them."

Daichi then looks at you worriedly. But before he gets the chance to say anything to you, Yachi steals your attention. She puts her hand in yours and gives you an attempted smile. "Don't worry, Y/N," she tells you. "We'll figure this out."

You smile back at her. At least someone's confident.

Suga then shakes his head. "We need to come up with a new plan. This isn't working."

A moment later, Semi bursts into the room next, exclaiming, "I've got a lead!"

Only in Whispers

[remidyal]

Blood Snippet - Vampire Adaine PoV

This was requested by @tangerineblasttheintern, who asked for an Adaine PoV from Blood while she was with the vampires who bought her off her parents before her rescue. Happy birthday!

Adaine woke up in an unfamiliar bedroom, completely lightless, a soreness over her neck and shoulders and really her entire body. She squinted around, able to dimly see despite the lack of light. After a couple of minutes, she slid off the bed she'd been on top of, the ice-cold silk sheets rubbing against her skin. She landed on her feet quietly, glancing around. Black curtains were nailed tightly over the windows, and a dresser sat near the door.

She couldn't remember how she got here. The last thing she remembered, she'd been in the drawing room at home and… There had been guests. Creepy ones.

It wasn't a good sign that she had no idea where she was, after that, she was pretty certain as she creeped as silently as she could towards the door. Wherever she was, it would be best to go to the police, or try to figure SOMETHING out. Not to stay here, certainly.

Given that it was the middle of the summer, this place was far too cold. Adaine rubbed her hands together as she reached the door, moving to slowly turn the knob. Which was locked, from the other side. Because of course it was. She sighed to herself, and then and only then did she notice that she hadn't yet taken a breath since she'd woken up, her eyes going wide and hands over her mouth. Now that she thought about it, she did breath in and out, but she'd been up for like five minutes without.

The door opened, the human man from earlier standing on the other side, candlelight filling the hallway behind him, his voice nearly as formal and stiff as Father's usually was. "Ah. You've risen at last, child."

"What the hell is going on? I'm going home, let me out of here." She demanded, clenching her fists. In spite of the time that seemed to have passed, it evidently hadn't been very restful - she could still feel the drain of the ray of sickness that he had shrugged off earlier. She could manage maybe one more, if she saw an opportunity to run.

"You are home, child. And to leave now would be folly; dawn approaches. Perhaps I should explain? My companions and I have recently lost some… dear and powerful friends. Alas, they will not be returning, and so we sought to start the process of replacing them. Beginning with you, though I'm starting to think perhaps we should have held out for your sister after all." He frowned down at her.

Probably because at the mention of that she had flung the second ray of sickness; it had been equally as effective as the first.

Trying to pretend that hadn't just happened, she ducked past him, heading out and down some stairs, looking for the front door.

"Where are you going, child? Are you not listening to me? Have you not been raised to respect and obey your elders? We chose a high elf child for our new wizard because they are frequently already tought these lessons, but we can teach it again if you force us."

"Oh, fuck off!" She said, turning around and extending two middle fingers out.

"No. A demonstration, then. Sit down at the kitchen table and make no further noise until sunset." He said, gazing upon her.

And, no matter how she tried to direct her body or fight it off, she stepped through hallways she did not know, finding her way flawlessly into a kitchen with no appliances but with a number of cages with animals inside, all of them cringing to the back of their cages as she passed. She tugged a chair out, sat, and tried to make herself do anything else other than wait.

The other three in the house went in and out of the room through the day, one of them seeming to check on her and tugging at her eyelids, and yet still she could do nothing, could not move, could not resist in the slightest.

Finally, at what she could somehow tell was sunset even though she could not see any sunlight at any point, she felt her body relax and was at last able to tap her feet onto the ground, even as the three entered the kitchen, the man at the lead. He started opening one of the cages, rattling it and then coming out with what looked like a stray cat, half-mad with starvation.

"…I trust that you will behave, now. Let us show you how to feed."

The stay did not improve from there.

[hartlow]

the last post i reblogged reminds me of this girl i met at summer camp. her name was sabrina; she was a year or two older than me, so she was in a different cabin and i rarely saw her. she was really popular with both the kids and the counselors, but the two times we interacted, she was kinder than anyone had ever been to me before.

first time we met: i was relaxing in a hammock when she passed by me with a group of other girls (that was during a period of time where you're technically not allowed to just be in the hammocks, but i was a 12 year old hiding my chronic illness; if she knew that was the rule, she didn't say anything). she told me the dinner bell rang a while ago, so i quickly got up like "oh crap, i didn't hear it". she asked if i wanted to walk with her and the other girls. this was SUPER awkward for me as a 12 year old. she was a 14 year old with other 14 year olds, and when you're that age, you think 14 year olds are so much cooler than you. i said sure anyway, though, and as we walked up the hill, she asked me what my name was. i immediately panicked. i don't know if what i had was exactly a lisp, but s's and l's were hard for me when i was nervous, and my deadname had one of those letters, so i introduced myself in the WORST way possible. stuttering, very quiet, basically lisping my name. i cringed at myself and was dreading the possibility of her mishearing me saying a different name, and me having to correct her, as i often had to do with people. but she just smiled as if i didn't completely fuck up, and was like "(deadname)? i like that, that's pretty!". we might've talked more before we reached the dining hall and split up to sit with our cabins, but that at least stuck out to me most. getting a compliment like that from a complete stranger, not to mention one of the Cool Kids in my eyes was very shocking.

second time: it was a different day, and a collection of kids were on the dining hall porch, which had some games set up on the picnic tables. i was aimlessly walking from game to game to observe other people, and started standing on the sidelines as sabrina was playing apples to apples with some campers. they were definitely deep into the game, but sabrina saw that i was watching her, and said to me "here, you look like you want to play. you can have my seat!". not only did she say it, but she genuinely, very quickly got up out of her seat and made a motion for me to sit there. THIS FREAKED MY ANXIOUS ASS OUT LOL. i felt so appreciated, but i genuinely did NOT want to play with these people i didn't know, so it was very awkward as i stuttered, again, and convinced her she could continue playing. i probably straight up ran away to some other area of the camp after that. i don't remember.

i do know that, at least at one point, i ran away to the bathrooms to stare at myself in the mirror, because i was scared i was gay.

i was gay. i interacted with a lot of kind girls there, a lot of them much more frequently than sabrina, and none of them made me freak out the way she would. we had two interactions, and i was kept very occupied at that camp, yet i would still find myself thinking about her. she had long, curly blonde hair and blue eyes. i had never noticed anyone's eye color that wasn't a family member before. i remember pretentiously comparing them in my mind to sapphires.

that year was her last year before you aged out of the camp. i had really wanted her contact information (because i "just wanted to be her friend"), but i chickened out in the end since we hardly talked, and a middle schooler trying to become friends with a high schooler felt unbelievably humiliating. her opinion mattered to me too much, so if she ghosted me, or god forbid rejected me right in front of me, it would've broken me. i couldn't take that risk. i had to go home, knowing i wouldn't see her again and it was honestly heart-wrenching.

it still gets me a little sad. do i think i would've ended up dating this girl at 12 years old? of course not. my mindset was nowhere near that concept. with how unstable i was, it was probably wise that i protected my mental health and didn't risk the rejection. yet she was so nice... even if she turned me down, which she probably would have, she probably would've done it in a very kind way, and then i could say i had given it a shot. or maybe we could've ended up friends, which would've been fantastic. i needed that kind of positivity in my life.

you really have to risk giving things a try. i learned that the hard way. but i'm at least glad i met her in the first place. remembering her always reminds me people aren't so bad.

[herobrinezombie]

Finished another short story for a school assignment. Wrote this one over the past 4 days. my assignment was due 6 days ago lol. This one is definitely longer and hopefully better than Drifting.

City of The Ancient

"I'm telling you guys, we should of turned back. There is nothing down here," Astar bemoaned as we dug deeper into the earth. We'd been mining this tunnel for hours without any luck. "Oh come on, we have to be close to something by now. Just a little further," Vulron retorted before driving his pick into the stone." If we make it back to the surface without anything to sell, I'm just staying down here," Astar groaned. Smacking the wall shut them up, I felt a difference in the vibrations from the area I hit, "Hey quiet, this wall here feels odd, Vulron get over here." Grumbling, he made his way to the wall and swung, surprise washing over his face as the pick knocks out a hole in the wall.

Breaking down enough rock to see through, Astar tosses a torch inside and peers through. "Holy krit, there's like, an entire cavern in there," Astar hurriedly spouts as he snatches Vulron's pick and starts swinging at the gap. I quickly grab his arm, "Astar, slow down. We don't know what might lurk in there, your yelling and loud strikes could attract monsters. Let Vulron finish the entryway, he can do it quickly and quietly. Okay?" Begrudgingly Astar hands the pick back to Vulron and sits down, "You know I get excited over stuff like this, cut me some slack Horax,"

A loud crack rings out as a rock hits the tunnel floor. "Krit, wasn't fast enough to grab it," Vulron grumbled as he lent his hand out to Astar. "Well, entryway is finished, you boys ready to head on in?" Astar grabbing his hand and pulling himself up with it, "Better than waiting around in this barren place."

Entering first and raising my lantern I saw pillars extending into the unlight ceiling above and walls stretching past the limits of the lantern, "This place is massive." Astar stands star struck by the vast structure. "I think we're gonna be rich," he snaps out of his daze and hurriedly walks over to a smaller building. "HEY," I yell out as we run to catch up to him.

"Astar, wait for us, we still don't know what this place is." Stepping into the building we spot him next to a table rummaging through a drawer. "Yah yah got it. Look at all this though," Astar raising handfuls of jewelry and gold trinkets from the drawer, "If this is all in a random drawer. Imagine what the rest of the house holds, imagine what this entire town holds. We'll never have to work again."

Vulron the first to recover from the shock, carefully turns over a couple pieces of gold in his hands, "This is the real deal, Even if this is all of it, this is so finely crafted and intricate. It would sell for a hundred coins minimum. We've finally got our lucky break boys." Astar starts to bounce around the interior, finding more stashes and throwing them into his bags.

We moved from house to house finding riches beyond our wildest expectations. Eventually we relaxed and started going to separate houses on our own and checking in with each other. As I passed Vulron he seemed off put, "Everything okay Vulron?" "I'm not sure, something isn't feeling right. Who left all these items here and why did they leave. It just seems odd." "Now that you mention it, that is curious. The la-'' We heard a scream ring out from the house Astar was exploring. "Oh krit" slipped out of Vulron as we bolted for the door, hearing loud thumps inside. Throwing open the door Vulron yelled out, "ASTAR, WHERE ARE YOU," over the noise trying to find Astar. Grunts make their way to our ears from the next room over. Rushing in and surveying the room we find Astar pinned beneath a bookshelf. Grabbing the fixture, Vulron and I hoist it off him with some effort. "What the riel happened here Astar," I questioned as I reached out to lift him off the ground.

"Something gruting stole the ingot right out of my gruting hand, I couldn't even tell what the grut it was." Panting and words pouring out his word, Astar tries to recollect himself after standing. "I opened that drawer," pointing to a nightstand, "Grabbed some of the jewelry inside, went for the ingot, pulled it out and something slimy wrapped around my hand and then it was gone." Vulron realizing before I did, "Then what the riel where you doing underneath the bookshelf." With his cheeks flushing from embarrassment as he spoke, "I sorta jumped backwards into it from shock and grabbed it as I fell…" As he trailed off, he went picked up the trinkets that fell out of his bags during the incident.

Coughing to compose myself before speaking, "Okay, gruting riel. Vulron how deep in the city have we gone?" Contemplating it for a moment, "I'd say about a half mile in. We could walk back but with that thing out there we should be careful." Preparing ourselves for combat we walk back to the front door. Suddenly Astar grabs my and Vulron's shoulders and halts us. "Listen," he whispers to us while putting an ear to the wall. Following his example we stay quiet and wait.

Slowly I start to notice it too, A low rumble presents itself to us. Panic floods my mind before I can wrestle it down. Through the silence I hear Vulron mumble a few unsavory words. All three of us bolt for the door. Grabbing his attention, "Vulron. Where is our tunnel." Running past me as he answers, "It should be just past these next couple tur-" A massive bellow revibrates from behind us. terror seizes my limbs and I fight to keep myself moving. "WE NEED TO GO, THROW EVERYTHING YOU DON'T NEED," Vulron orders as we trim excess weight from ourselves, leaving the promises of our wealth behind.

Loud thuds bounce off the floor threatening buildings to topple onto our path. "COME ON WE'RE ALMOST THERE," Vulron shouts to us as he turns a corner. I pass the corner and glance back to check on Astar. As he turns the corner, one of his bags lags behind and throws off his balance. As he tumbles to the ground, the bag spills revealing the gold pieces he kept. "ASTAR, GET UP, LEAVE THE GOLD," I shout in vain as he grabs the spilled ingots and scrambles to get to his feet again. "WE CAN'T JUST LOSE IT ALL, IT CAN'T JUST BE FOR NOTHI-" His sentence is cut short as a chain slips from his arms.

He swerves to catch it, another thud vibrates out shaking the cavern. Nearly losing my own balance, I break my sight on Astar. Glancing ahead I see Vulron about to reach the tunnel's entry. As my legs burn I glimpse back one more time to see Astar smash into the ground, "ASTAR, WE'RE ALMOST THERE," but it was too late. A tendril from the shadows lashes out and wraps around his ankle. Pure unfiltered fear washes over his eyes as he reaches out to me. I rip my gaze from him and push my legs harder than I ever had. Astar's screams pierce my ears as he's lugged back into the city.

I reached the tunnel slamming into the wall to break my speed. Quickly twisting my legs, I scramble to keep upright and sprint upward through the tunnel. Vulron running like lighting ahead of me, looks back with his eyes peering behind me, "WHERE'S ASTAR?" "HE DIDN-" I fight back a choke, "ASTAR DIDN'T MAKE IT." Shock and sorrow flood his gaze as his pace weakens slightly. "WE CAN'T SLOW DOWN, NOT YET," I scream out as I catch up to him. Hearing the rumbling behind us, Vulron picks his pace back up. Turning corner after corner, countless scrapes and cuts from jagged stones, finally we see daylight at the end of the tunnel. "ALMOST THERE COME ON," I yell as I brace to break through the wooden barricade.

Pulling splinters out of my arms I look back at Vulron, "He kept a bag of gold." I sigh, "A piece fell out and he fell with it trying to grab at it. He didn't get up fast enough." Vulron's eye still watching the cave entrance, "We have to go back for him." "Vulron, he's gone, we can't, we don't even know what that thing was." "I can't leave him down there with that monster." He turned to look at me and it was clear I wouldn't change his mind, " Then at least give us have a chance to rest and prepare before we head back." A somber smile washes over his face as we got up, glancing one last time at the tunnel before we headed back to the village.

[munsonsduchess]

Eruption

summary: the kids find out about the baby

w/c: 1,356

warnings: fluff mostly, mentions of sex, pregnancy content warning, swearing, mentions of Eddie being hurt in the upside down

a/n: this one was requested by @guavamoleschickenstrips and I wrote it just before my job interview on Friday. Not beta’d as per usual and if you find any typos or mistakes you can blame my editor. This is part four of the domestic Eddie and wife!Reader. You can find the other parts here:

One.

Two.

Three.

(Moodboard by me)

Eddie had sent word on his "finest messenger ravens" to the party telling them that their presence was requested at his "domain" for a startling announcement. In reality he'd written a note for the kids and dropped it off with Steve when he went to return some videos you guys had rented who would pass along the message.

Since all the older kids found out at basically the same time about "mini munson" as you'd taken to calling the baby it only made sense for the younger kids to find out as well, at least the hellfire kids anyway. You didn't know much about Wheeler's girlfriend, the psychic child or her adoptive brother with a weird connection to a place you would rather not think about.

You thought about it enough when you saw the scars that littered Eddie's body and you knew how lucky you were that all he'd been left with were scars. There had been a moment when you'd cradled his unconscious body in your arms and prayed to whatever god or demon you could think of that he would make it out of this alive. Those days and nights sitting in the ICU in Hawkins General watching his breathing, fearing the worst.

You pushed those thoughts out of your mind and smiled at your husband as he danced around your trailer singing loudly to the Iron Maiden album playing on his stereo,

"Run to the hiiiiiiiiiils! Run for your liiiiiiiife!"

You laughed at his antics knowing he was excited to share his news with the hellfire club, they were as much his kids as the one growing inside you and honestly you all deserved something good after all the bullshit you'd been through.

➽───────────────❥

The door to the trailer shook as the sound of knocking reverberated around the small space,

"Baby your kids are here" you called to Eddie who'd gone into the back bedroom for some last minute prep, or so he said,

"Grab the door will you?" he called back, "i'll be out in a second!"

Pulling yourself off your comfortable spot on the couch you bookmarked the page in your book, a sequel novel to a vampire book you'd found in a bargain bin in the city the last time you and Eddie had been up getting new tattoos.

You opened the door and let the kids filter in one after another, they'd all come kitted out in their hellfire shirts and you could see an advanced dnd monsters guide under Dustin's arm, so clearly they thought they were here to play,

"Sit wherever, there's sodas in the fridge or we've got water" you told them, "you're all still too young for beer"

"Is Eddie home?" Mike asked looking around nervously, he'd been slightly afraid of you ever since he met you, which was in stark opposition to Dustin who Eddie maintained had a crush on you from the moment he met you,

"Yeah he'll be out in a second, I'm assuming you guys know why you're here?"

"Um to play dnd?" Lucas asked, he looked around and couldn't see anything set up so maybe that wasn't the reason after all,

"Better than that Sinclair!" Eddie jumped out of the hallway and wrapped his arms around your waist, "I have exciting news regarding our party!"

The boys looked at one another and moved to the edge of the couch. They knew you came to Hellfire when Eddie was still in school and you'd been here reading when they played in the trailer but was their DM suggesting you were going to join in from now on?

"Oh sweet! Are you gonna join in?" Dustin asked you which earned him a snort and a roll of your eyes,

"Nope not me, I'm happy to sit on the outside and observe, and to help plan your inevitable demise"

"Baby" Eddie pouted, "you weren't supposed to tell them they're all gonna die"

"My bad" you shrugged, "but then again, i could be lying" you grinned at the boys who looked as though they might wet themselves in fear and confusion any second,

"Anyway!" Eddie released your waist and twirled you around, "the exciting news does involve the Stalwart Lady Munson"

"Just tell them Eds, they're gonna piss their pants"

"We are introducing one more member to the party, in roughly nine months time" he looked at you like you'd hung the moon, his dimples on full display as he smiled at you lovingly.

There was a chorus of shouts from the couch, and you shook your head. Eddie always did have a flair for the dramatic so you really shouldn't have expected any different from him now,

"You're pregnant!" Mike yelled, "what? How the hell did that happen?"

"Dude" Lucas put his face into his hands at his friends question and shook his head, he had a seven year old sister but still had to ask ,

"They're always having sex!" Dustin clarified, "the last three times I was here they were doing it"

"Last four" you corrected, "we just ignored you and locked the door"

"You know Gentlemen I thought you'd be happier to hear this news" Eddie said scrutinising the boys on the couch, "Wheeler your sister was like the first person to find out and she was thrilled. Harrington too"

"What? Steve knew? He didn't say anything!" Dustin objected, "that's so uncool"

"Yeah well we told him to keep his mouth shut until we could tell you ourselves" you supplied, "you don't have to be as excited as Eddie about the whole thing but you could at least try not to look like I just shit in your cornflakes"

"Does Erica know?" Lucas asked, then grinned broadly when you shook your head. You hadn't heard anything about the younger Sinclair recently so you couldn't say what she was up to or what she knew, "then I'm super happy for you guys!"

You didn’t mention that Max already knew about the baby having been over for her dinner that evening and seen the positive test in the trash and asked you about it. The red head was delighted for you both and offered to babysit whenever you and Eddie needed time alone.

"When is the baby being born?" Dustin asked, "so I know when to plan for"

"Why Henderson, you want a babysitting gig?" Eddie laughed, "Mommy not giving you enough allowance"

"It's a monumental event! The Prince of Hellfire!" he exclaimed ignoring Eddie's jibe, "or Princess I guess"

"Will you still be our DM?" Mike asked, "I mean I know babies take a lot of time and attention"

"Please, you heard Lady Munson. You boys aren't ready for what's coming"

➽───────────────❥

After the boys left you flopped back down onto the couch. They'd all ended up being incredibly excited about the prospect of Mini Munson all talking animatedly amongst themselves as they left about things they could do to celebrate the birth and Dustin even going so far as to suggest Steve take them to the city so they could buy you a gift,

"Well I think that went about as well as expected" you sighed as you leaned into Eddie, "although I think they're gonna be a little bummed they didn't get to play dnd"

"They'll get over it, besides they're coming back next Saturday when you're at the mall again for your Girls Day Out"

"Are you still mad about Nancy finding out I was pregnant before you? Baby I was puking my guts up in a mall bathroom. She has two younger siblings, she took an educated guess"

"Fine, fine, but I don't want anyone else to see him before me on the day" Eddie pouted, squeezing your middle tightly,

"What makes you so sure it's a him?" you questioned, poking at Eddie's side, "it might be a girl"

"Either way they're a future little metalhead and nerd"

"Oh god that poor baby" you laughed and Eddie frowned at you before assaulting your sides with his fingers, tickling you till you collapsed breathless on the couch,

"I love you, Lady Munson"

"I love you too … nerd"

Taglist: @pillow-titties @eddiesmutson @prettyboyeddiemunson @eddiemvnsonss @slytherinintj13 @inluvweddiemunson @likedovesinthewnd @boomhauer @flashyourgreeneyesatme @wheaty-melon @ches-86 @jobean12-blog @xbreezymeadowsx @lucciaa9 @that-lame-ghoul9000 @hellfireeddiemunson @hoppershoe @shenanigans-and-imagines (if you’re stricken out it means that I couldn’t tag you properly)

If you want to be added to the tag list please let me know

[illegal-spiegel]

Can you please do headcannons about Spike Spiegel with his pregnant girlfriend? We know it’s bound to happen with him 👀

Oh boy here we go-

Part 1? 👀

Warnings: mentions of spice but nothing too bad, mentions of Spike's past but I made it up (cause I couldn't find anything actually confirmed about it other than what is said in the anime), use of she/her pronouns along with feminine terms

why am I getting the feeling that it's an accident and he didn't mean to get you pregnant? 😭

probably forgets to bring a condom ONE TIME and swears up and down his "pull out game is strong"

and yet here you two are 😭😭😭

nah I'm jk

well, not at the forgetting a condom part

but the pull out game thing

he obvi wouldn't try convincing you to do smth you don't wanna do (definitely gives you the look™️ and wiggles his brows and smirks and says smth about bare backing and-)

okay so MAYBE you two were into it

yeah well now you're paying the price, you horny fiends

you're very nervous to even tell him about it

seeing as how he has mega trust issues from *cough* past relationships *cough*

he probably isn't the type to date

so, if this happens when the two of you aren't even an item

you're shaking in your boots

ofc, if you're dating it's a little easier, but still hard

engaged or married is easy peasy tho dw

let's focus back on the not even dating part tho (and maybe dating depending on how long it's been in the relationship)

he probably wouldn't even find out about it from you directly

he would probably overhear you gossiping to Faye or consulting Jet about what you should do (Faye says you don't need no man cause you're a strong independent woman who can raise a baby on her own) (Jet says raising a kid can be hard and, if possible, you should rely on Spike, and he knows for a fact that Spike would be a man and help you)

honestly knowing Spike, he hears that he's going to be a fucking dad and he kinda just

bolts

oops?

when everyone on the Bebop finds out he left

it's no surprise that you have a meltdown

I mean, your hormones being all out of wack doesn't help at all

so, you lock yourself up in your room and worry everyone to death

Jet, of course, tries to contact Spike and track him down

Faye is cursing him every other second and swearing 'when she gets her hands on him she's gonna murder him'

but it appears he just fell off the map

no one knows where he went

don't worry tho (Y/n) bc our hero comes back <3

he was only gone a day or two thankfully, but ugh you stupid man you shouldn't have left in the first place

when he steps back onto the Bebop, many things happen at once

Faye starts screaming at him and goes to fight him, Jet instantly holds her back but is giving him the Disappointed Dad Look™️, Ein is barking his head off, and you're just gaping at him like a fish out of water

he literally doesn't even react to any of it, doesn't even bat an eye

he just walks over to you and gives you the softest, guiltiest look you've ever seen from him

"Can we talk, (Y/n)? Alone?" he asks softly

with him being closer to you now, you can see the bags under his eyes

"Um, sure," you squeak out before standing up

your heart skips a beat when he takes ahold of your hand to lead you away

"Faye, it's fine," you say as you pass her, giving her a reassuring look with a smile

she stops mid-kick towards him (where Jet is still holding her back) to look at you

she huffs and nods her head, lowering her foot back to the ground

Spike leads you to his room and closes the door behind him, locking it for extra precaution so that your conversation won't be interrupted by an angry Faye or a disappointed Jet

you instantly take a seat on his bed, remembering all the times you've been in this room

each time you've been in this room, talking wasn't exactly the goal

you feel...awkward

especially since he's just standing by the door, refusing to look at you

"So..." you start, hoping to give him a nudge

you outta yell at him until his ears bleed for how he left things

but honestly?

you kinda understand

sure, it hurt that he left, but if someone suddenly sprang on you that your whole life was going to change

you'd freak out too

plus, you know his history

so it's no surprise he reacted the way he did

he and commitment have been beefin for years

"Look, I'm sorry for leaving like that. I just..." he trails off, sighing as he runs his hands through his fluffy hair

it looks messier than usual, almost like he's been tugging at it relentlessly

"Spike, it's okay. I understand. I'm still mad at you, but I get it," you reassure, clasping your hands into your lap

he sighs in relief at that part, finally bringing his gorgeous eyes to yours

he opens his mouth to say more but you quickly intervene

"Listen, Spike. I don't expect you to help out. I know you have your whole "I hate kids, animals, and women" thing, so I won't make you have to put up w-"

"Can I talk?" he asks

he doesn't say it in a rude way, if anything, his face is scrunched up like he's in pain

"Yeah, sorry. Sure," you apologize, nodding your head to give him the metaphorical floor

you watch him take a deep breath, his strong chest expanding with the air

"I left to go clear my head. I didn't want to have to think things over with your puppy dog eyes always staring at me, with Jet's dad voice always lecturing me, with Ein giving me the stink eye as he camps out at your feet or in your lap, with Faye...being Faye. I just...I needed to think."

you nod your head in understanding, remaining quiet so he could finish what he had to say

"At first, I thought there's no way I could be a father. I mean, I don't even know the first thing about being a dad! But then..." he trails off once more

you, again, stay silent, giving him an encouraging nod

he closes his eyes for a moment

when he opens them, he suddenly looks determined

he walks over to you and kneels on the ground before you, his hands going to your knees

"But then...I couldn't stop thinking about you. Everywhere I went. It didn't matter where because there you were. Always there. In the bar? I remember the time you smashed a bottle over a bounty's head. In the Swordfish? I remember the times I taught you to fly her. In the fucking men's restroom, I imagine your sweet face covered in my cum after I came all over it."

you blush at the last part, not expecting things to take such a dirty turn

but of course they did. It's Spike you're talking about

"Shuddup," you grumble, smacking his chest with a shy smile

he grabs your hand as it hits his chest though, squeezing that hand as he looks up at you

"God, and that smile, it makes me weak. You make me weak. I used to hate having weaknesses, it's why I distance myself from everyone and everything. But then you—you—wiggled your way right into my cold, dead, black heart and decided to make yourself at home."

you want to avoid looking at him out of embarrassment but you can't bring yourself to look away from his eyes

his eyes are bearing into your very soul, his brown eyes making you feel things that only he can make you feel

"Spik-"

"What I'm trying to say is...I love you. I'm willing to try to make this work if you are. That kid brewing inside of you is mine and I don't want them growing up without a father like I did."

you're flabbergasted, to say the least

"But what about Jul-"

"To hell with her! I don't care about her or what she did to me! I care about you! I want you! I want to live in the here and now and have a baby with the woman I love."

you blame the hormones on the way he has you crying with joy

because you're so emotional though, you can't speak

so, he starts to fear that maybe he made a mistake, maybe you don't want him to be the father of your child, maybe you don-

oh, just kidding. You're kissing him now

you two share a passionate kiss before pulling away, chests rising and falling quickly

"I love you too," you whisper reassuringly before giving him another kiss. "I can't wait for this journey we're about to take." Another kiss. "This means so much to me." Is that another kiss I see? "I can't thank you enough." You guessed it, another kiss.

he has to stop kissing you from how much he's smiling

"Don't thank me. Even if I didn't want to be active in the kid's life, I was still going to help you. I'm not the kind of man who just pumps and dumps."

your nose wrinkles at his words, but you smile and nod nonetheless

you then can't help but to give the man you love another kiss

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MASTERLIST

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