#AHEM THE WORMS WORKED WITH ME

[lilithschosen]

Oh, oh! *waves hand from the back* What about Rio at work with a Bluetooth vibrator linked to Agatha’s phone??

Just me? Oops *closes hoodie over my face*

yet again learning about things because y'all be requesting them LMFAO

also super sorry this took a while, it was working and then the ADHD brain kicked in and i got distracted ehehehehe so pls have this :)

She didn't want to be out of the house, away from Agatha, but she had to head off to Boston to maintain her contacts with her previous federal agent coworkers. She tries to keep up with them, stay for a long weekend and get beer to shoot the shit with friends.

Since she started dating Agatha, the trips were harder and harder to keep up with. She couldn't take Agatha with her and it kills her every time.

As she steps off the plane at Logan, she unlocks her phone and sends a quick text to Agatha that she landed safely. Agatha sends back a heart emoji, then a request that she calls before she starts unpacking her suitcase.

Odd.

Rio knew what was in her suitcase since she packed it, unless Agatha snuck something into her stuff before she left.

She sucks air through her teeth, pulling her suitcase along behind her as she walks into the airport and eyes the signs for her way out.

Eventually she manages to escape the clutches of Logan International Airport and snag a cab into Boston proper. Agatha's surprisingly quiet for an afternoon away from her, but she doesn't pay it any mind. Figuring she was busy fixing something in the shed, or doing any of the millions of tasks she normally has sat on the backburner when Rio isn't home.

After being dropped off at her hotel, checking in, and pushing the door open to her room, she finally sighs and relaxes. She sheds her bags and coat, rubbing at the top of her shoulders to relieve the stress from existing generally around such large groups of people for so long. She tosses her suitcase on the bed, going to unzip it before she stops and laughs to herself.

Hand to her back pocket, Rio takes out her phone and calls Agatha. She balances the phone on her shoulder as it's held to her ear leaving her hands free to unpack her suitcase.

"Hey babe," Agatha says, grunting quietly as she twists at a bolt on the lawnmower she was working on. She wipes the sweat from her forehead before setting the wrench on the top of the mower. "Just got in?"

"Yes sir," Rio takes the zipper of the suitcase in her hand, "You told me to call you before I unpacked."

Agatha chuckles, "Oh, yeah. Go ahead, babygirl."

The pet name sends electricity through her body and directly to her core. She unzips the suitcase, flipping the lid open and spots a box nestled between her sets of clothes.

"What did you pack me?"

Rio grabs the box, pulling it out as she examines it. The seal was broken, package partially ripped close to the top flap too. Pushing her thumb into the lip of the box, she pries it open and dumps out the contents.

"I already set it up," Agatha smiles into the phone, hand to her mouth as she digs her tooth under a nail. "This way I can make you cum from Westview, wherever you are."

Rio blushes. She gingerly takes the toy and examines it. It's a sleek, purple egg toy. Something she could fit inside of her discreetly with ease. Her eyes flick from the toy to the clock on the bedside table and she curses.

"You are something else, Harkness," she picks the box back up to put everything away. "I was hoping to try it before dinner, but it's too close."

Agatha chuckles through the phone, the low, bassy tone that tells Rio everything before Agatha does herself.

"Wear it to dinner."

Rio drops the box. "Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack."

Rio runs her thumb against the purple silicone, chewing on the inside of her cheek. The thought of being at Agatha's mercy so far away excited her, but she knew Agatha had a mean streak. She was playing with fire.

"Fine."

Agatha grins, putting the phone call on speaker and unlocking her phone to pull the app open. Rio pushes the box to the floor and shoves her suitcase back before wiggling her pants down around her ankles. She sits on the bed, knees bent and apart as she rubs her fingers against her clit.

"Are you touching yourself?"

Rio sets the phone next to her on the bed and gasps as she runs her fingers from her clit to her cunt. "Yup."

"Did I say you could do that?" Agatha warns, "I'm literally controlling your pleasure tonight, hon. Do you really wanna poke the bear?"

Rio's hand stops, fingertips teasing her entrance as she whines. "Daddy, please."

Agatha leans her back against the wall of the shed, phone in her hand ready to turn the toy on while grinning. "Slide it in, baby. I know you're wet enough already just from the thoughts alone."

Rio does as she's told. She slips the thick part of the vibrator into her pussy, nestling the long, thin part to rest against her clit. She purposely clenches around it to make sure it was snug, then pulls her hand away.

"It's in."

Agatha sets the toy on the first level, a gentle vibration that makes Rio hiss a moan through her teeth on the other line.

"Feel good?"

Rio nods, forgetting she was on the phone with Agatha and not in the same room as her for a beat. She swallows hard before she grumbles a "yes."

"Now put your clothes back on," Agatha turns the toy off and takes the phone off of the speaker. She pins the phone to her ear, plan slowly beginning to unfold exactly as she wanted it to. "Let me know when you get there, I'll talk to you later. Love you."

The call ends before she can process everything. She huffs, feeling the now dormant toy between her legs and bites the inside of her cheek.

She dresses quickly, not wanting to linger on the thoughts any longer. If she can ignore it, then that's better off for her. She quickly opens her recent texts and clicks on the group chat, checking the location for their dinner reservation. Luckily for her it wasn't too far, and also wasn't super fancy.

Rio opts to walk the block to the restaurant and catches one of her friends standing outside, cigarette in hand. She waves, smiling as she approaches the woman who just stares wide eyed and holds the cigarette away from Rio.

"Oh my god, hey!" she says, wrapping an arm around Rio to hug her. "How was the flight? Not bad, right? You're in the air for maybe twenty minutes."

Rio stuffs her hands in her pockets, nodding. "Yeah, the coffee lady walked down the aisle once and I missed her. Was busy checking work emails."

The woman snubs the cigarette out and flicks it into the nearby trashcan. "Well, the guys are inside at the table. Let's get in there."

Rio steps to the side, willing to just follow her into the restaurant. She pulls her phone out of her pocket and sends a quick text to Agatha to let her know she's at the dinner. Unsurprising to her, Agatha responds immediately with a kissy face emoji. She sighs, rolling her shoulders back as she braces herself for whatever was about to happen.

As she walks into the restaurant the woman she follows leads them towards the back of the building. Two men sit, hunched over a table with beer, furiously discussing something Rio doesn't pick up on until they get close.

"Dude I'm telling you, Gandalf would kick the shit out of Obi-Wan."

"You're out of your fuckin' mind, man."

Rio laughs, shaking her head. "You idiots still at this? It's been years."

The blonde man's head snaps to her and he grins. He jumps up from his chair and throws his arms around Rio, fully encompassing her in a bear hug as he squeezes. She lightly pats him on the back, barely returning the overwhelming hug. He drops the hug, still grinning, but quickly shuffles back to his seat.

"Forgot you're not a hugger," he ducks his head in apology, "How are things in Westview?"

Her heart jumps at the thought of Westview, of Agatha, and she smiles to herself. "It's great, really good. Small force, really in-depth case work."

"And Detective Harkness?" the other man asks, smirking with the beer bottle to his lips. "You were obsessed with her before you even left."

Rio blushes. "Shut up, James."

The darker skinned man, James, winks at her before sipping his beer and setting it in front of him. "I'm just happy if you're happy. You're like a black cat, so it's good to see you've got actual feelings."

Rio rolls her eyes. "Daisy, you've been dealing with these dickheads for how long again?"

Daisy, the other woman in the group, shrugs as she pinches the bridge of her nose. "Don't even get me started. Zeke over there won't shut up about how you tripped and found love in New Jersey of all places."

Rio groans, head tilting back in a dramatic fashion. "All of you are annoying. I thought we were here to catch up and for you to spill your secrets."

Rio slides into her chair, arms folding in front of her on the table as Daisy does the same. The four of them scoot further in as James begins to rattle off the case the three of them are working on and Rio just nods.

After some time, and their food being ordered and dropped off, she thinks that Agatha just forgot. The kissy face was to keep her on edge. But then she feels it. The subtle buzz deep inside of her cunt that has her gripping the edge of the table. Daisy catches the movements and raises an eyebrow in question.

"Cramps."

Daisy frowns, pointing down to her bag and mouthing "Advil?" to which Rio shakes her head no. She fishes her phone out of her pocket and stares at the three bouncing dots in the text conversation with Agatha.

"How's it feel, pretty girl?"

Rio's thumbs hesitate over the keyboard before she responds.

"How long am I sitting here?"

She looks up from her phone, thankfully none of her friends notice she was ever on it.

"Until I say you can leave."

The vibrations increase, sturdy now and hard to ignore but not overwhelming. Rio exhales slowly, steadying herself in the moment as she tries to focus on the conversations of the table.

Rio clenches her fist, eyes closing for a beat as her mind flashes to Agatha behind her. Her hands trailing up her sides towards her chest. Fingertips grazing over her hard nipples before pressing a kiss to the base of her neck. She can almost feel it as a whimper escapes her lips.

Her eyes snap open in a panic. No one heard it, thankfully. Her phone buzzes in her lap and she checks the message.

"I miss your pretty mouth around my cock."

Then a picture of Agatha taking a photo of herself sat in front of the full length mirror. Naked. With her harness on and her other hand firmly holding it in place.

Rio presses her thighs together as Agatha simultaneously increasing the intensity of the toy. She exhales harshly, catching the attention of Daisy again.

"Rio if you're struggling you can dip out," she reaches for her hand to pat it comfortingly. "We'll just grab breakfast or whatever."

Rio swallows hard, nodding. "Thank you, I'm sorry. It came early, must've been from the altitude or whatever."

Zeke and James look up from their chatter and flash sympathetic smiles and waves as Rio stands from the table. She sheepishly returns them before scooting the chair she was sat in previously and slowly making her way toward the door.

Walking out onto the sidewalk, she quickly calls Agatha and holds her phone to her ear. The vibrations from the toy were nearly too much to handle as she stumbles on her feet toward the cute, fully lit path between the buildings. The phone rings for a moment too long and she groans, managing to make it to a bench before Agatha answers.

"How's it going, babygirl?"

The thick, breathy voice from Agatha nearly does her in. She checks around her before she speaks, legs firmly held together as if the toy would fall out.

"I'm so fucking close, daddy," she whines, heat rushing to her face from the desperation in public, "I had to leave. Daisy thinks I have my period and I just needed out."

Agatha clicks her tongue in disapproval. "But I said I'd tell you when you could go."

She feels her orgasm looming over her, like a rain cloud threatening to undo everything.

"Please."

Agatha pulls the phone from her ear and increases the speed once more. Rio chokes a whine, coughing as she remembers where she is.

"I'm gonna make you cum right where you sit, baby."

Rio pants into the phone, her hand trembling to even keep it up to her ear. "Fuck, daddy. I can't- I'm too close to the restaurant. What if they see?"

Agatha shrugs on the other line. "Guess you should've listened to what daddy said."

Rio rolls her hips on the bench, stifling a moan as she feels the orgasm take hold of her. She bites down on her lower lip, desperate to scream as her pleasure runs through her body. Agatha moans into her ear, surely grinning ear to ear as Rio struggles to remain inconspicuous while ruining her underwear.

"Bet you look so pretty cumming just like that," Agatha rasps, "I need to fuck you in public more, you're good at being quiet when you have to be."

She blinks, gasping as she manages to overcome the orgasm and regain her composure. She feels her arousal bleeding through her slacks, coating her inner thighs. Rio shakes her head and clears her throat before the toy stops vibrating inside of her.

"This'll be a fun weekend for the both of us, I think."

Rio manages to stand, phone still to her ear. "Oh no you're going to keep using this once I'm back in that fucking room. I need to tell you every detail on how this feels."

Agatha groans, "God, yes you do. Get to walking, Vidal. We've got a busy night."

[starry-bi-sky]

No.

No, no, no, no, NO!

He's shaking. His heart is burning in his chest, pounding like a jackhammer against his ribs, and there's a trembling, aching rage building beneath his tongue and pressing against his teeth.

In his hands, his fingers tense and wrists locked, the article reads in big, black font: JOKER LOCKED IN ARKHAM ASYLUM AGAIN!

Danny shouldn't feel so angry about this, this is a good thing. Gotham doesn't have to deal with him for another few months at the least. He should feel relieved, a little more at peace.

He is not.

He cannot swallow the fury thudding behind his eyes, the burning white heat searing a deeper hole in his chest. A searing green filling static in his ears in the way only the rage of the restless dead can have.

How is he going to kill him now?

Arkham may be the only asylum in America made entirely of tissue paper, but it's still an asylum. There are cameras, guards, other patients resting inside. Danny can think of a million different ways to sneak in and kill Joker, but someone will hear his screaming.

It'd have to be rushed.

He doesn't want it to be rushed.

It's a cruel thought. Cruel and cold and merciless, but Danny doesn't feel an ounce of shame, not an ounce of guilt, for it. He wants to be alone with the Joker when he kills him, that's all he wants. In Arkham, you are never alone.

He forces his anger to bubble back down into his chest, stuffing it between his heartstrings and his ribs like a blanket you're trying to bunch up into a corner. It sizzles and burbles. The static begins to fade out into a high-pitched ringing; it sounds like distant screaming.

Danny is still trembling, but he can think a little clearer now.

He can wait.

He can wait. He can wait. He can wait. He canwait. Hecanwait. Hecanwait.

He can wait.

He's waited five years for this. He can wait one more week. One more month. One more year. However long it takes for the Joker to break back out, Danny can wait.

And when the Joker does, inevitably, break out.

Danny uncrinkles his fingers around the edges of the newspaper, loosens his limbs just enough so he can pay for it.

He'll be waiting.

The dead, after all, have all the time in the world.

[irlneo]

outfit WIP for Wyrm

been busy trying to make an outfit for my worm on a string character i wanted to kind of make for WH, but im struggling... im keeping it 70′s though. any critique on it or other outfit ideas would be appreciated as long as its colourful

[2tarbell]

can i just say that i love you?! you write trailerpark!rafe so well and i’ve waited so long to find a writer that created a work solely based on him! my obsession with trailerpark!rafe literally came from that short film drew did with rudy 😭😭

anyways i saw that you were looking for blurb ideas and honestly i can’t get trailerpark!rafe and reader doing cute domestic things together like going to the grocery store, washing the truck together, and maybe us seeing how rafe asked reader to move in with him and seeing his reaction to her adding her sweet touches to the place and making the trailer more homey for them.

thank u my love :C ur so sweet and i appreciate the message!!!! wrote something a little small just detailing rafe’s feelings about domestic stuff 💝 ENJOY!!!!

TRAILERPARK!RAFE who loves how reader has become his life.

he had watched her grow up beside him, neither family abundantly rich. but her chalk drawings of butterflies and hearts stretched along the path of her family home — the colors and softness always enraptured rafe, as well as the furrow of her brow when she yelled at him for killing some little bug. then she turned from a little girl with dirt on her cheeks into a mature woman with curves and determination she definitely didn’t have before.

he was sixteen when he fell in with love her, with her soul.

so he asked her to move in with him on their six month anniversary, all bashful and unsure in the way only she could make him. he was nervous about asking her to just come over, yet alone move in with him in such a shitty little trailer; void of decoration and love. he had always wanted to be more for her, for them. this precious woman that wormed her way into his heart since the moment they met at twelve.

it was cute, the way he was avoiding looking as he drove. she could see his ears turning a bit red, his knuckles turning white on the steering wheel. he’d been on edge the entire evening — shifty eyes and shaky hands so unlike the man she had come to know and love so dearly.

it all made sense when he spoke lowly, eyes still on the road ahead:

“so, uh... whaddaya— ahem… was thinkin’ ‘bout you maybe — uh — movin’ in?”

“you— you want me to?”

rafe couldn’t imagine anything better. so he nodded. and so did she.

the drive continued with her head on his shoulder, both biting back cheesy smiles at the next step they’d decided to take. rafe brought her hand to lips, pressing a long kiss to her knuckles — his fears of being not enough were washed away as his place eventually became their place.

there she was that very weekend, all tender and sweet and telling him where to put her stuff amongst his. he sees her in the furniture they picked, the flowers on the kitchen table, the pictures of them on the walls, in the very foundation of the trailer.

(then of course they fucked on every surface available, ‘christening’ the space.)

her hands soothing and gentle on his arms when he comes home to her. rafe never was good at being gentle like she is — he thinks loveliness lives in her bones as she kisses his cheek and mumbles something about dinner that she made him.

but it was the first night after they moved in together, he saw her in the bathroom preparing for bed and felt all air leave him. he can’t imagine a life without her in it. doesn’t want to even entertain the idea. the thought of a place without her burns in his mind — searing and almost painful. he can’t believe there was a time when she wasn’t his.

[ink-n-shadow]

DAD FORCE 141 YOU SAY???

WELL AHEM.

naw naw bc this has been in my brain for WEEKS now and NO ONE has written it yet so-

*ahem*

JOHN PRICE GETTING HIS MAKEUP DONE BY HIS CHILDREN THANK YOU GOOD BYE-

would you believe me if i told you i've thought about the exact same scenario—

john knew that having two daughters would lead to this moment. and by this moment, he means him being sandwiched into an (extremely) uncomfortably small princess chair, bee balanced on one thigh and his youngest daughter (affectionally known as 'worm' or 'wiggleworm') clambering up his midsection to scrub the pink powder into the socket of his eye.

"you're gonna poke daddy's eye out!" bee squawks at her younger sister and bats the little girl's heavy hand away, instead using her own brush to mix the pink and blue together into a muddy purple.

and john's quelling the squabbling with the threat of taking off all the makeup, which instantly has his two girls squealing in protest and begging him to stay put, bee and worm working in tandem to apply the glitter just right on the tip of his nose.

but it all comes full circle when you peek your head into bee's room to tell john that the footy game is on, only to be met face to face with your big burly husband squished into a plastic pink princess chair, smears of pastels across his skin (and in his beard) and glitter caked onto patches of his face. you nearly double over in laughter when worm balances one of her princess crowns on john's head, announcing the makeover was done with a proud smile and a "finished!"

john didn't even know you took a picture of him until he's ambling onto base one day and the boys are rushing up to him, asking him how long it took him to get the glitter off and whether he got to keep the tiara (yes, yes he did. he's gonna go put it in his office right now).

©️ ink-n-shadow 2024

do not copy, plagiarize, steal, borrow, or repost any of my work without my expressed permission

[caliblorn]

I promised to make this post months ago and completely forgot about it until the last few days (a classic!), so here I am now. Making it. And with silly art included. Yay!

As many of you know, Mannimarco and Vanus Galerion in Elder Scrolls Online are portrayed as 2E contemporaries who mirror each other journeys to leaders, out of the Psijic Order and into their own groups. ESO makes it clear that they're meant to be similar in age as well, and it does so both by de-aging Mannimarco's model for the "Half-Forming Understandings" quest, and by making it say by Vanus himself in Artaeum Lost.

BUT! If you have played Morrowind or Oblivion, you might already be familiar with Where were you when the Dragon Broke?, an account of different people's experiences during the Middle Dawn, the 1E Dragon Break. And oh! Look who it is.

(notice also he says God, not King) The Middle Dawn happened between 1E 1200 and 1E 2208. Time fuckeries as much as you want, but nonetheless, 1E ends in 2920, and we know FOR SURE that Vanus was born the first years of 2E and that he joined the Psijics as a 11 yo. So, even if we took into consideration ONLY the latest period of the Middle Dawn, Mannimarco would have been a... 700+ years old novice when he met Vanus. Very funny to think about, but an old mer having an intellectual rivalry with a teenager doesn't really scream "brilliant" to me.

I'd say the retconning of his age is also supported by Worm Saga, were he doesn't mention at all his period in the Maruhkati and makes it sound like he was either born or taken to Artaeum at a very young age.

Plus, both in Worm Saga and in the Vault's flashbacks and in every other source ever (WRITTEN FOR ESO. AHEM.) we see that his "discovery" of necromancy happened on Artaeum. Like, it's screamed into our ears a couple of times or more in the game itself.

The problem with all of this? The book that implies he lived through the Middle Dawn is still present in ESO.

Which is to me one little example of a bigger issue with ESO writers rewriting/retconning things without taking away/trying to somewhat link the original sources. But I digress, there are different ways to make this work but since some are too complicated to be discussed now, I'll just share with you what I usually go with;

Mannimarco is a great liar. Not only a liar, a politician. A sales man. A guru. He knows how to give himself prestige. What "Where were you when the dragon broke?" is to me is either fake accounts fabricated by the Cult themselves, or stolen accounts (probably from Artaeum's archives!) where his false experience was added and then sent around Tamriel.

If I had to make a TIMELINE for all the pieces cited, I would say the publication order would be "Where were you when the dragon broke" (used as propaganda by the Cult to make Mannimarco's figure important)-> "Artaeum Lost" (disproves what was fabricated about Mannimarco)-> "Worm Saga" (new attempt to give himself prestige with that "aldmer, scion of et'Ada").

[silverflqmes]

hi guys i am alive, i am working another sfkr oneshot bc im insane and the brain worms got to me but anyway, i came once more bearing a song, and it’s not taylor swift this time ( i’ll yap abt her another time in regards to sfkr )

BUT THIS, THIS SONG.

I DID NOT PAY ATTENTION TO THE LYRICS DURING THE END CREDITS BUT WHAT THE FUCK THIS IS LITERALLY THE MOST SEFIKURA SONG EVER???? AND IT’S IN THE FUCKING SOUNDTRACK OF THE GAME???

the beginning gives zakkura vibes and could honestly function as a song for them too BUT.

THIS IS JUST SO CLOUD AND SEPHIROTH CODED WTF.

LIKE HELLO??? SEPHIROTH WHEN HE GIVES CLOUD A PURPOSE EVERY TIME HE LOSES HIS WAY AND THE REUNION VIBES TOO LIKE DUDE THIS IS INSANE TO ME.

CLOUD BEING IN DENIAL AS WELL NOT BEING ABLE TO DISTINGUISH REALITY FROM DREAM OR DELUSION LIKE UGH WISKSHDKSHS

AND THIS PAIRS SO WELL WITH THEIR EXCHANGES IN REBIRTH, “FILL YOUR HOLLOW HEART” LIKE DURING THIS IS JUST WIEIEJEHEMRNMEKEKEOE IM SO ILL.

ahem, anyway i could yap more, so maybe i’ll add onto this later cuz i got stuff to do rn but i just NEEDED to get that out. for now.

on another note hopefully i will have that sfkr oneshot done soon bc its making me fucking insane.

[icedb1ackcoffee]

do you have any fucked up fics (feyd related or not 🤭) you’ve enjoyed recently? you’re a great author so i trust your taste in other great authors 🤩

okay soooo of course I have to shout out @inkwingsinc's fic, bit my gun with my black-gold gums (which, if you haven't read yet, just call off work now because you WILL LOSE SLEEP reading this divine fic!!!). it is genuinely one of the best writing i've ever read, and the plot/characters/story are so unique and carefully thought through. it's like, god-tier. ink is a treasure, and we are blessed to have this absolute GIFT !

the first feyd x reader fic I read was @peggyao3's fic, preyd, which i still go back and re-read because it just hits. Every. Time. Peggy also has so many more Feyd fics that leave me drooling, and I force myself not to read them all because I *will* devour them all too quickly.

@luminnara also has a great collection of feyd fics, including my personal fave, gladiator!

i also really really enjoyed @sansaorgana's thrown to the wolves fic!!!

if you want something else in the dune-universe, i HIGHLY recommend fleshed in the wife by @thefudge. it's paul x irulan and is INCREDIBLE.

(idk if all of them will be the level of "fucked up" you're hoping, but considering they are all feyd fics, well.... they're all naturally a tad fucked up. i just know that there are a lot of fics out there that I've enjoyed that I'm blanking on. if I've comment on their fic, chances are I enjoyed it and I just have terrible memory.)

tbh i really try not to read a whole lot of feyd fics, especially right now, because i don't want to worm its way into my own ideas/writing, so those are the main ones I've enjoyed!!!

also, if you want fic recs outside of that, trust that I read a lot of...ahem. Weird shit? basically anything in my bookmarks on AO3 are what I consider to be the crème de la crème, particularly this venom x reader fic collection by @snarky-badger or this pennywise x reader fic (yes, really.) i re-read both at least once a year. (currently, i mostly read trad/indie books more than fic, so if you or anyone else wants any recs, let me know that too!)

[holymaccaronii]

AAAAAH okay okay, I decided myself to share 2 things in one in this post: the lore of my ihnmaims AU + a design I’m working on. To be completely honest, I’m not sure if I’ll want to develop this AU into a fic or anything like that, but for now I’ll use it as an excuse to draw and design characters. Note that I might come back to this post and edit the lore paragraph, as it is still a work in progress, though I am liking where this is going. Please PLEASE excuse my English, some things might not make sense without me noticing, but I tried describing the plot the best I could. *Ahem*, now, the lore:

“PLAN B”

The lore takes place after the bad ending in the videogame where the player is turned into the worm, yet still doesn’t allow AM to access and torture the humans sealed in the moon colony. Since the last humans had “failed” their mission to defeat AM, a “Plan B” was scheduled to happen. Unbeknownst to the humans of the colony, another AI was created and implanted within the moon, taking up almost all of the space in its core due to its large size. This machine had the sole purpose of ensuring the survival of those humans once AM was defeated, or not. Inside it were millions of plant seeds, animal embryos and frozen samples that would later be used to repopulate the earth, yet it also had defense and destruction technologies to be used in case AM was not defeated. This machine was perfectly calibrated to be able to overcome any adversity that arose, but of course, all that changed when one of the humans managed to wake up and leave their capsule. This human got to understand what all of this was about, though they did not like where this was heading one tiny bit, thus they used the time they had left before the last human on Earth was killed to change and mess it all up. Humanity's greed had claimed yet another victim, as this AI was torn apart piece by piece until it was completely separated and rebuilt into an insane amount of sentient robot models as the years passed. This human managed to transform their own body as well, rebuilding it just as a sacred temple in order to be crowned monarch of this new society now living in a city on the moon. Despite all this, the goal of bringing humanity back still remained, now with the small condition that this human had to be considered a savior and supreme leader to all. Once the last human on Earth had died, robotic troops began to be sent to Earth to study it in detail and plan attacks against AM’s systems, which were disadvantageously located deep underground. Many of these attacks resulted in large unnecessary losses as these robots were not calibrated to combat AM, but they still continued to upgrade themselves to increase their damage range over time. This continued on as a seemingly endless war that barely progressed.

Again, I am aware that maybe some stuff might not make sense (or maybe it does?), but this is basically a continuation of what happened canonically in the videogame. The name “PLAN B” also makes reference to my OC BE, thought that was cool :p. I’ll explain the events that happen here later on as well.

Many if not all of the robots I’ll design will include a whole lotta exposed wires + their outer shell/ body parts, as I liked this dynamic, and it will be important later. The “monarch” that I mentioned in the paragraph is turning out to be this guy down here. I based myself off from those ceramic sun decorations, and thought it would be cool to make his face switchable. In reality they have a body too but I jus like wire amalgamations too much + they’re easy to draw. I’ll continue workin on em :-)

Edit: [THIS LORE IS NOT UPDATED]

[annymation]

What things annoyed and infuriated you the most in Wish 2023 (or Canon!Wish)?

OOOOH BOY! You just gave me permission to open a whole can of worms! Let's gooo!

Okay so here's a list:

I don't like how weak the reveal of what Magnifico actually does is. Asha finds out that he doesn't grant all the wishes, awesome, that would be a cool reveal, except, it's not a reveal, she freakin KNEW THIS! Asha herself said to a kid "It could be you someday" COULD! Asha, you said COULD, as in, there's the POSSIBILITY he'll grant that kid's wish, not a certainty! Not to mention if he only grants ONE wish per month then OF FREAKING COURSE not all wishes are granted. Okay, case in point, there's no grand reveal that the king is doing something no one knew, Asha apparently just forgot how their kingdom works.

Now hear me out, I am NOT one of those people that says Magnifico is a hero and Asha is a villain, I wanna make this clear, because although I find people who legit think like that kinda funny and I reblog their takes from time to time, I also find it frustrating that Disney managed to make a STRAIGHT, WHITE, MAN, IN A POSITION OF POWER, MORE LIKABLE THAN THEIR SECOND BLACK PROTAGONIST! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? IT'S SO EASY TO MAKE US HATE HIM!!!-ahem- But, although Magnifico is the most likable character in the movie, I do not see him as a hero, no no no, keeping the wishes away from the people of Rosas is bad, pretending that he'd grant Sabino's wish only to say SIKE was bad, saying he'd never grant Asha family's wishes was bad. So, am I saying Magnifico is a villain?... No. That's topic number 2, Magnifico wasn't a villain, he was a jerk. A jerk does not a villain make. I didn't feel threatened by that man for not a single minute, and that's including when he was possessed by the evil book, speaking of which.

That dang book both ruined and saved the movie honestly, because yeah, although it's a stupid way to make Magnifico an actual villain, but in a way that makes us sympathize with him since he's not in his right mind, and the last thing you want is for the audience to feel bad for your villain... Well, there's exceptions of course, but that's a whole other subject. But even though the book caused all this damage, it also gave us King unhinged, campy, straight up evil, fruity, voiced by Chris Pine having the time of his life Magnifico, and I loved every second of it, I ate possessed Magnifico up, I was living for every cringe cliche evil dialogue that came out of him, like hell yeah, that's what I've been waiting for, that's what it's all about WOOOOOO!!! I loved him so much I just copy pasted his personality into the Magnifico in my rewrite, although, my version is actually willing to kill teens, while Canon Mag seemed more hesitant for some reason, my headcanon is that Magnifico was fighting the curse deep down, and that's why his magic actually didn't hurt anyone, so... That's sad, hope he breaks out of the mirror and kills them all Idk

We're on topic 4 and this is not even half of my problems oh my... Anyway, Asha is boring. And I mean like, in a way that feels intentional, how did they do it? It's fascinating how she has nothing going for her, she doesn't stand out, doesn't have any internal conflicts at the start of the movie, something ALL Disney princesses have: Belle doesn't fit in with her village, Mulan struggles to make her family proud, Mirabel struggles to make her family proud x10.000, Moana wants to explore the sea but can't, Ariel wants to explore the land but can't, Jasmine wants to get out of the castle but can't, Cinderella is a victim of domestic abuse, ya'll get the idea, all these girls get their struggles that make them compelling, what's Asha's struggle that has been with her for most of her life?... Uh... Her grandpa, this dude we just met and seems pretty happy... Doesn't have his wish granted yet... Ok, what else? Oh yeah everyone in town seems to love her and dance along with her to show tourists how cool the kingdom is... Uhum... So yeah she has no compelling struggles that hook us with her from the start, and the conflict she DOES get, as I explained before, feels underwhelming.

The setting, oh the setting. Like, don't get me wrong, the architecture is pretty, but nothing about it screams SPAIN to me, where is the cultural food? Where are the bulls? Where's the stuff we associate with the Iberian Peninsula? They did such a good job in Encanto, what the heck happened? Oh and did I mention that most of the animals that appear in the forest are not even native to the Iberian Peninsula, there would be no racoons in a medieval setting there, considering they're an invasive species that was brought there from North America, something that, I assume, wouldn't be possible back then, as I don't think the americas were even discovered yet, but anyway, there they are, racoons hanging upside down from their tails, something they can't even do. Sorry for expecting biology accuracy from my disney movie guys, but you can't just make Encanto, that was freaking amazing with it's inclusion of so many gorgeous latin American animals, and then do whatever Wish is, like bruh where were the Lynxes??? They're an endangered species there, Disney could've raised awareness!!!

The music...

Valentino was absurdly annoying, and it would be SO EASY to make a baby goat cute! Baby. Goats. Are. Cute. SO WHY DID YOU MAKE HIM UNFUNNY GOAT THAT MAKES BUTT JOKES???

Characters were unmemorable, Asha's mom didn't do anything, Sabino, whose supposed to be the backbone of the story, is barely a character, and again, it's not like Disney hasn't made likable elderly people before, Moana's grandma, Mama Coco, but my guy Sabino was just... There.

Aaaand I probably could go on and on but I can't think of anything else, feel free to share your own problems with the movie yall.

[sk8erboi04]

Achilles Come Down is Regulus coded and I can PROVE IT!!

Okay so I have literally never posted anything on the site, I literally just exist as a ghost that likes silly funny things, but I have been inspired so severely and I physically can’t not say something.

Picture this.

I was driving my car, minding my own business and absolutely vibing, when all of a sudden a song auto-plays that I haven’t heard in like, three years.

‘Achilles Come Down’ by the band ‘Gang of Youths’ hit me like an emotional truck, and outside of how beautiful that song is on its own (literally if you haven’t heard where have you been go listen to it NOW) that silly little fandom worm we all know wiggled its way into my brain and gave me the most violent fanon idea I’ve ever had.

*Ahem*In this essay, I will explain how ‘Achilles Come Down’ is a perfect representation of Regulus Black and his relationships with Sirius, James, and his parents, as well as his inner turmoil as a character.

Okay, so to start, we are running on the idea that James and Regulus have or at least had a relationship in some capacity. I will accept one-sided feelings on James’ part, mutual feelings but never official, or officially together for any stretch of time. If you are not a Jegulus shipper, your mom’s a hoe, but you can enjoy the familial aspects at least, so there you go.

Beginning with the song as a whole, there are three voices we hear singing at different moments throughout the song, each with their own intention and influence on the song’s subject. Within the song's narrative, we listen as Patroclus tries to inspire Achilles to fight for his own life and push through his hardships, while Hector tries to poison Achilles' mind with self-doubt and despair.

As I mentioned though, there is a third voice that appears throughout the song that speaks French in the time between the characters fighting over Achilles’ well-being and the chorus. This character’s identity is unknown as far as I can tell, but his narration is far more metaphorical regardless and we’re not gonna get into that until later(though each instance will be numbered for later reference), in the meantime, we can move on to the lyrics and how this is so incredible Regulus coded and how I KNOW I’m right.

The song starts with the opening lines:

Achilles, Achilles, Achilles, come down - Won't you get up off, get up off the roof? - You're scaring us and all of us, some of us love you - Achilles, it's not much but there's proof - You crazy-assed cosmonaut, remember your virtue - Redemption lies plainly in truth - Just humor us, Achilles, Achilles, come down - Won't you get up off, get up off the roof?

Now this first stanza reads to me as an emotional James, trying to convince Regulus that there is still time to join him and Sirius and the other marauders and to get away from his parents/Voldemort. Perhaps at this time, Regulus is feeling like it’s too late, maybe he already has the dark mark, but James is begging him to understand that it’s okay, and he still has time to make the right decision.

After a few lines in French (1) from our third voice, the original voice continues:

Achilles, Achilles, Achilles, come down - Won't you get up off, get up off the roof? - The self is not so weightless, nor whole and unbroken - Remember the pact of our youth - Where you go, I'm going, so jump and I'm jumping - Since there is no me without you - Soldier on, Achilles, Achilles, come down - Won't you get up off, get up off the roof?

At this point, I still believe this is James, becoming even more desperate to save Regulus and bringing up their time at Hogwarts and the relationship they had at that time. Now, I personally believe they would still be together in the context of the song, but it works from multiple angles, playing at possibly a past relationship that’s now over but still treasured, or a one-sided thing for James where he’s still trying to reach Regulus in a way he never could. Regardless, this is James’ hail-mary, saying if you do this, you will leave me empty; an attempt at reaching Regulus emotionally, even if that means threatening his own well-being.

From here we move on to the chorus:

Loathe the way they light candles in Rome - But love the sweet air of the votives - Hurt and grieve but don't suffer alone - Engage with the pain as a motive

Today, of all days, see - How the most dangerous thing is to love - How you will heal and you'll rise above

Now this is clearly James and Sirius (and whoever else you want on the side of goodness) reaching out to Regulus, but the first half gets a little tricky. I’ve taken it to mean Regulus loathes the way they do things with the order of the phoenix and Dumbledore, but loves the grace, safety, and love they show. (this is related to hating what Rome is doing ((lighting the candles)) but loving the results ((the sweet smell))) They call out to him saying “you will hurt to leave what you know, and you will be afraid but you don’t have to be alone in this. We are fighting because of the pain they have caused you and everyone else.”

The second half of the chorus is much simpler, speaking to how literally the WHOLE THING in ‘Harry Potter’ as a franchise is that love concurs all, and that while it would be dangerous to leave the dark side, he can heal and rise above his family and history through ~the power of love~.

After some more of our French gentleman(2), we hear from our second voice:

Achilles, Achilles, Achilles, jump now - You are absent of cause or excuse - So self-indulgent and self-referential - No audience could ever want you - You crave the applause yet hate the attention - Then miss it, your act is a ruse - It is empty, Achilles, so end it all now - It's a pointless resistance for you

This is Regulus’ parents, discouraging their son from following in his brother's footsteps in their terrible parenting way. Speaking of how he would be selfish to leave, how Sirius would never want to see him again anyway, and how it would be pointless to fight what they have already predetermined for his life.

A little more French(3), and then we’re back to the original voice:

Achilles, Achilles, just put down the bottle - Don't listen to what you've consumed - It's chaos, confusion and wholly unworthy - Of feeding and it's wholly untrue - You may feel no purpose nor a point for existing - It's all just conjecture and gloom - And there may not be meaning, so find one and seize it - Do not waste yourself on this roof

Now THIS is Sirius talking. He argues against his parents' negative influence and tries to convince Regulus that everything they’re saying is a lie. He then relates to Regulus, referring to his own experience of leaving the family and how he felt hopeless and lost, but calling Regulus to action to find meaning outside of his family (cough* James *cough) and push forward, not letting the family and Voldemort waste his life.

We then hear an updated chorus:

Hear those bells ring deep in the soul - Chiming away for a moment - Feel your breath course frankly below - And see life as a worthy opponent

Today, of all days, see - How the most dangerous thing is to love - How you will heal and you'll rise above - Crowned by an overture bold and beyond - Ah, it's more courageous to overcome

Not much to say here tbh. I don’t have any strong feelings on a different interpretation one way or another, other than the fact that ‘it’s more courageous to overcome’, is something Sirius was able to do while Regulus, unfortunately, couldn’t, and maybe this was destined, as Sirius was a Griffandor and Regulus (in my opinion) actively fought being placed in his brother's house and thus, couldn’t show his true courage until the cave.

A tiny more French(4), and then THE moment the fight comes to a head (note that the ‘good’ voice is the one in parentheses and/or italicized):

You want the acclaim, the mother of mothers (it's not worth it, Achilles)

More poignant than fame or the taste of another (don't listen, Achilles)

But be real and just jump, you dense motherf#cker (you're worth more, Achilles)

You will not be more than a rat in the gutter (so much more than a rat)

You want my opinion, my opinion you've got (no one asked your opinion)

You asked for my counsel, I gave you my thoughts (no one asked for your thoughts)

Be done with this now and jump off the roof (be done with this now and get off the roof)

Can you hear me, Achilles? I'm talking to you

I'm talking to you

I'm talking to you

I'm talking to you

Achilles, come down

Achilles, come down

This is very dense, but I think the obvious back and forth of the voices speaks as well as it can to the fight of good vs evil in Regulus’ mind as he tries to grapple with what he wants and knows is right vs the pressure of the dark side and the fear of its wrath. I DO especially like the line about being more than a rat, simply because of the symbolism with Pettigrew and how Sirius/James are reaching out and trying to save Regulus, all the while, their friend is being swept away as well.

A bit more French(5) and then the last iteration of the chorus:

Throw yourself into the unknown - With pace and a fury defiant - Clothe yourself in beauty untold - And see life as a means to a triumph

Today, of all days, see - How the most dangerous thing is to love - How you will heal and you'll rise above - Crowned by an overture bold and beyond - Ah, it's more courageous to overcome

This last bit, when listened to with Regulus in mind, comes across as very hopeful. Throw yourself into this unknown, but safer reality, do it ferociously and courageously, and surround yourself in the light of these good people who want to help you. See that your life is not condemned, you can live to be happy for yourself.

Whoa! That was a lot my friends, but now that that's settled, let's get into this FRENCH! (also the fact that they speak French, it’s literally too perfect) I’m just going to translate and do all of it in one big chunk for clarity and also this is already a mile long😅.

I see that many people die because they believe that life is not worth living. I see others, who are paradoxically killed for ideas For illusions, which give them a reason to live (What we call a reason to live is at the same time an excellent reason to die).

Of a building manager who had killed himself it was once said that he had lost his daughter five years ago, that he had changed a lot since then, and that this experience had changed him

What triggers the crisis is almost always uncontrollable. The newspapers often speak of “intimate sorrows” or “incurable illness”. These explanations are valid. But we should know if, on the same day, a friend of the desperate person did not speak to him in an indifferent tone.

The memories of a lost homeland, the hope of a promised land. This divorce between the man of his life, the actor and his setting, is properly the feeling of absurdity.

Either yes or no. this would be too easy. But we must make allowance for those who, without concluding, always question. Here, I am hardly being ironic, this is the majority. I also see that those who answer “no” act as if they thought “yes”.

Now, if you just read that all and were like, WTH girl, what even was that? Well, let me tell you! Every instance of French in the song is an excerpt from ‘The Myth of Sisyphus’, a book written way back in 1942. Why does this matter? In all honesty, it kinda doesn’t😅. Sisyphus was a king who figured out how to cheat death so everyone could live forever, and it SUPER ticked off the gods, so now he’s stuck rolling a boulder up a hill forever and ever.

I have racked my brain trying to tie this into the Regulus stuff, but it’s just not working so now you just get to know what the French stuff is about and that’s gonna have to be good enough, I’m afraid😂

ANYWAY, with everything combed through and all the parallels pointed out, I hope you can go listen to this song with new ears and get on my wavelength about it! Enjoy your life, you know, drink some water, viva la vida loca and all that.

TLDR; I’ve decided ‘Achilles Come Down’ is the perfect depiction of Regulus trying to get away from his parents' harmful ideations while being called to by Sirius/James who are attempting to save him.

[aachria]

Hi, another fan of SSSBMTY here! First of all, I just wanted to say how much I've been loving the fic so far. I haven't really had any time to get into long fics recently but yours was really amazing and I just wanted to let you know that.

I was curious if you would do a slight redesign with the boa sisters for the upcoming chapter like how you did with sabo (I refuse to believe that ace and luffy's brother isn't just extremely white passing like hrithik Roshan lol)

I also wanted to ask if you would be ok with me writing a SSSBMTY spinoff with my own oc (yes I did see the previous ask but I just wanted to double check). I was thinking of starting it at Amazon Lily bc idk if I could write 133 chapters until my oc meets Ed

Once again, I can't wait for another update

Aw thank you darlin, that means a lot :)

I mean honestly, I tend not to poke much with the canon designs of characters unless I got the little gremlin fixation in me (Woe Piercings Be Upon Ye beam notwithstanding). I DO think that given them living on a little island where there's no wind or CLOUDS where they wear, ahem, not a lot of very covering clothing means they should ABSOLUTELY be tanned as FUCK, but I like the Boa sisters canon appearances. They're a little weird and freaky and odd and I dig it. Boa is a whole other can of worms I am afraid to poke. (You're so real for that Sabo thing. You're so real for that.)

I adore y'all writing SSSBMTY spinoffs, at this rate there's gonna be a fucking FLEET of stuff in the inspired by section of the work lmaoooo. Go right ahead pooks!!!

[oz-me]

Oz! I have a very important question, one that could change everything! A question that could affect the very fabric of the universe!!

*ahem*

What’s your go to snack and soda combo?

Alrighy so let me break it down for ya CHUMPS. Working: Healthy options to avoid crash. Pistachios and a sparkling water+ lemonade mix. Gayming: Caffeine. no snacks. only game. movies: Raid the local 711 and hope the haul is good enough to make the brain worms happy.

[chaotic-orphan]

Delirious Villain x Hero Caretaker, part 3:

Read part one Here

Read part two here

TW(for all parts): panic attacks, sick villain, delirious villain, sick Whump, villain hates being sick, fear of being sick, past whump, older brother whumper, PTSD, family Whump, sibling Whump, forced to vomit, graphic depictions of fever and illness and hallucinations, panicked whumpee, hero caretaker, villain doesn’t want help, graphic depictions of throwing up, sweat, heavy manipulation

I know it took me a million years to upload this part, but I finally understand the writers WIP jokes now better, so, ahaaaah… eheh… ahem, anyways.

*~*~*~*~*

They wiped their eyes on their sleeve, eyebrows knitting together as they settled down again, lying on Villain’s shoulder, tucked up next to them cozy.

“Villain?”

“Yeah Hero?”

“The… your brother beating you… it doesn’t explain why you hate being sick,” Hero said. Villain laughed a little and Hero felt the vibrations on their cheek.

“Right, yeah. After a while, when we were older… I think I was thirteen, he was sixteen. We all got a takeaway from the local Chinese place. We were eating it at the dinner table, and it was all fine and good. Then after Brother told me to come with him. I remember I didn’t want to at first, but my mum insisted I do, so I did.”

“He walked up the stairs to the bathroom and when I got in he locked the door.”

“Did you enjoy your food?” Brother asked, arms folded across his chest, leaning against the door. The years had only made him taller, more handsome and broad. High school had turned him into an idol around town and everyone knew his name.

“Yeah, I did,” said Villain. “It was nice. Did you enjoy yours?”

“Yeah, I did,” said Brother, black eyes locked on Villain’s. His mouth twisted up into a pondering pout. “But I mean, I’m allowed enjoy unhealthy food because I work out a lot. You don’t.”

“I do,” Villain protested. “I work out everyday after school, and I’ve been eating well, the diet you gave me I’ve been doing it all to the letter, Brother, I swear.”

“Okay, so if I check your school bag downstairs I won’t find chocolate bar wrappers will I?”

Villain froze at the question. Brother pushed off the door, looming over Villain, backing them up until Villain’s legs hit the side of the bath and they sat on the edge of it, shrinking down small, but Brother kept crowding them.

“That’s what I thought. It doesn’t matter how much you work out or what diet you follow if you’re still going to eat junk food. You are what you eat, Villain. People who eat takeaway and junk food get fat. Do you want to be fat?”

“No, no, I don’t Brother. I’m sorry. I’ll stop. I pro—“

Brother’s hand shot out, wrapping around Villain’s throat and hurtling them back against the wall of the bath, their legs flying up as they fell.

“I am so sick of you and your fucking promises, Villain. They mean nothing. You know why? Because you are nothing. Yet you keep trying to worm your way out of the consequences. My patience is running thin.”

Brother squeezed Villain’s throat harder and Villain gasped and flailed, trying to escape to get air to breathe. Brother was stronger than them though, and held them there a moment longer before letting up and walking to the bathroom sink with a long, drawn out sigh.

“I’m sorry,” Villain gasped, hand’s going to their throat. “I’m sorry, Brother.”

“Sorry isn’t good enough,” Brother said, gripping the sides of the sink and staring into the mirror. “I have tried with you, Villain. I have tried so hard to make you better. To make you perfect, likeable, loveable, anything more than this pathetic thing you are, but you make it so hard! Why can’t you just be better? Fucking god fucking damn it!”

Brother turned to face Villain in the bath, walked over to them and grabbed them by the collar of the shirt yanking them out. The motion was too quick for Villain to register, they couldn’t get their legs under them in time. Villain’s legs folded against the edge of the bath as Brother dragged them out, their knees hitting the bathroom floor with a heavy thud.

“Even your body knows where it belongs,” Brother hissed. “So why don’t you?!”

Brother dragged them to the toilet and flipped up the seat, dragging a struggling Villain to it. “No! Get off me! Mum! Dad! AGH—“

Brother laced his fingers through Villain’s hair and slammed his head against the toilet bowl. Villain bit his tongue with the impact, the taste of iron flooding his mouth and nose as his body was becoming more loose and struggles ceasing slightly.

“Look what you make me do! Just obey! Obey and all this will be easier on you, Villain. I’m doing this to help you! To make you better. Stronger, and you fight me the entire way!”

Brother let go of Villain’s hair and left them kneeling in front of the toilet. Villain spat some of the blood into the bowl in protest.

“What do you expect me to do?” Villain asked, the fight gone out of them. They just wanted this beating to be over with as soon as possible. They wanted to sleep.

“You’re going to throw up your dinner.”

Villain turned their head to Brother, eyes narrowing into a glare. “No I’m not.”

“Yes you are.”

Villain put two hands on either side of the toilet bowl and stood up. Brother grinned, though his eyes betrayed the emptiness of it. The malice behind their smile. The sick twisted enjoyment of Villain being defiant.

“Getting brave now, are we?” Brother hummed, head tilting as they regarded Villain. Fists balled by their sides and that hatred fuelled glare told Brother he was in for a fight. Good. “You’re throwing up your dinner tonight, Villain. The choice is whether you want to do it, or I do it. Either way you’re not getting out of here until you do.”

“Hope you’re ready for the long haul then,” said Villain and they struck first. Brother hummed as Villain’s fist connected with their jaw.

“Maybe you have been working out,” said Brother, and he swung his fist. Villain ducked under Brother’s arm and used his momentum to shove him forward. Villain didn’t wait to see if he fell or how far, he turned to the door, unlocked it and bolted out of it and down the stairs.

Brother’s footsteps followed close behind, haunting Villain as they desperately ran to the front door, unlocking it and yanking it open. A hand slammed it shut above their head and Villain yanked at it with all their strength but it barely budged open again before clicking shut.

“Kids!” Dad said from the kitchen and Villain ran to them. To help them, save them. Brother yanked on the hood of Villain’s jumper, choking them but Villain scrambled out of the stupid jumper and kept running, fixing their t-shirt as they ran into the kitchen.

“Why are you two—“

“Brother has been beating me,” Villain all but screamed. He panted as his lungs tried to catch up with him, swallowing air like it was free pizza at the arcade. “He’s been beating me, all the time. That’s how I get the bruises. That’s how I get the cuts,” Villain said, showing them his patchwork arms that he hid beneath his hoodies and long sleeves.

Well not anymore. No more hiding. Screw that. Screw protecting their psycho older Brother.

Brother walked slowly into the room, crossing his arms and leaning against the doorframe, Villain’s jumper in his fist. Black eyes watching Villain as they spoke. Completely unfazed.

“That’s why I’m wearing jumpers in July. That’s why I haven’t worn shorts all year. He has been beating me, cutting me, hurting me— and neither of you ever lifted a finger. Ever noticed how much he was hurting me, but you know now, so please… please…” Villain begged, tears flooding his eyes and streaming fat and fast down his face. “He told me I have to throw up the Chinese we just ate. He locked me in the bathroom with him and told me either I did it or he would make me. Make me throw up.”

The more Villain spoke, the louder the silence became as their parents looked both shocked and horrified at what Villain was telling them, but didn’t say anything about it.

“Please,” Villain sniffed. “Please say something. Tell him to fuck off. To stop hurting me please. I can’t live like this, I can’t.”

“Oh sweetheart, come here,” said Mum and Villain ran straight into her arms. She wrapped him in the warmest, tightest hug he had ever had and shushed him as he cried. Running gentle fingers through his hair. “It’s okay. We’ll sort this out, okay?”

Villain nodded against her shoulder.

“You want to explain what Villain just said, Brother?” Dad asked and Villain felt warmth flood through their chest as they realised that mum and dad believed them. They actually believed them, despite what Brother had told them all this time.

Brother let out a sigh. Villain turned to face him, stepping out of their mum’s arms and slightly in front of her. Inky black eyes followed Villain’s movements and settled on their face as they spoke.

“Villain is out of control,” said Brother, voice calm. “Ever since we were kids he has been picking fights with kids for no good reason, so I’ve been trying to help him out since he came into secondary school. He doesn’t… he just doesn’t listen. Everyone else, listens! He just again and again refuses my help.”

“Your help is making sure I can’t wear proper clothes anymore you dick!” Villain yelled, a hand on their shoulder calmed them as their mum shushed them.

“See what I mean?” Brother said, gesturing at Villain. “They have these outbursts all the time! I tried to reason with them for years, and I’ve just grown impatient. The only thing that Villain responds to is violence. It hurts me as much as it hurts them, but it’s just a fact.”

“That doesn’t give you a right to hurt them,” said Dad and Brother shook their head with a scoff.

“It does. Do you know how hard it is to be perfect? I have worked my arse off trying to make you both proud of me. Trying to be the best, I just want to help people, you know this. I want to be good, and join the Hero program. I want to make the world a better place.”

“That still doesn’t explain cutting and punching your brother, Brother,” Dad scolded, glancing back at Villain’s arms. “You have left them with scars!”

“That was the last resort, Dad! That was after they got into another fight at school with a teacher no less.”

“What fight?” Mum asked and Villain stiffened under her comforting hand.

Brother sighed again, more dramatically this time and ran his hand down his face, before finally stepping into the kitchen. Villain took an instinctive step back, their back hitting Mum. Brother didn’t even smile like they usually would at Villain’s fear. It sent a shiver up Villain’s spine.

“I think you should sit down,” said Brother, tone somber and heavy. He pulled a chair out for himself and sat down. Mum and Dad shared a look then did the same. All in their usual places. Mum and dad sitting across from each other. Brother and Villain sitting across from each other.

Brother threw Villain’s hoodie onto the table and Villain took it back hesitantly, before throwing it back on.

Hiding.

Again.

It felt like one nail in their coffin.

“Ever since we were kids,” Brother began, looking at Villain. “I have been protecting Villain from getting into trouble as much as I could. Which means, if he got into a fight with another kid I would smooth talk the other kid until I knew they wouldn’t tell a teacher or their parents or anything.”

“Why?” Dad asked.

“Because…” Brother said, throwing his hands up in a useless gesture. “I had built this pristine reputation. Everyone liked me. Everyone wanted to be friends with me, and then Villain comes along and gets into fights left and right, I didn’t want people to think bad of us. Or for either of you to be troubled by Villain’s fighting.”

“Is this true, Villain?” Mum asked, and Villain’s heart sunk to the bottom of their stomach.

Villain swallowed helpless, looking from Mum to Dad to Brother. “I— yes, but I wasn’t fighting for bad reasons! I promise!”

“How many fights did you get into?” Dad asked and Villain was quiet. “How many fights a week, then, Villain?”

“I—“ Villain said with a sigh, shoulders sagging. “I didn’t keep count.”

“There was that many?” Mum asked and Villain shrunk in their seat.

“There was about three fights a week,” said Brother, and Villain glared at him.

“No way there was three!”

“You just said you didn’t keep count,” said Brother matter of factly.

Villain turned to their parents and said: “I wasn’t fighting just to fight. I was fighting like how Brother fought. For people being bullied by other people. And sometimes even for brother—“

“Punching a bully only makes you a bully, Villain,” said Dad, shaking his head.

“Say that to the people being bullied! I was a bully, but I was a bully of bullies!” Villain protested. “The bullies were afraid of me, so they left other people alone.”

“There’s no need to raise your voice, Villain,” Dad chastised and Villain bowed their head and said: “sorry.”

Dad turned back to Brother then. “And Brother, you didn’t need to take this on board for us. You should have let those kids call home so we would know what is going on with Villain as it happens. We are the parents, not you.”

Brother had the audacity to look humbled by the reprimanding. “I’m sorry dad. I just thought… I’m Villain’s big brother. It’s my job to protect them. To help them. To guide them through the troubles of High school and now that they’re older they can’t think fighting solves everything. Especially not fighting with teachers.”

When Dad turned to face Villain again, and Mum was looking at Villain too, Villain saw the way Brother’s repentance morphed into a twisted grin. As if they already knew that they had won Mum and Dad over.

“What was the fight with your teacher about, sweetheart?” Mum asked gently.

Villain frowned, foreboding settling on their chest like a breezeblock, as they realised, it didn’t matter what they said. Somehow brother would twist the story and make themselves look good. They needed to be convincing and tell the truth.

“They said that Heroes were stupid, that they ruined our city and brought all the psychos and Villains into the spotlight, said we were wasting our taxes on them when they destroy our buildings and roads with their fighting.”

Even retelling the words that stupid teacher used made Villain’s hands curl into fists by their sides, how dare they say such a thing. Bet they wouldn’t be so cocky if a Villain was holding them hostage and a Hero saved them.

“And what did you do?” Dad asked.

Villain raised their head, chin jutting in the air and said: “I told him that it was very rude of him not to appreciate how hard the Heroes work to keep us all safe. Then he got mad at me and—“

Brother snorted from across the table. All heads turned to face him. Brother had the audacity to look innocent, but their eyes held that same knowing stare, twinkling with confidence that they could win their parents to his side.

“That’s not what I heard happened,” said Brother and Villain nearly lunged for him, but with the table in the way they wouldn’t be able to reach over and punch him. “I heard you called the teacher an idiot and caused a riot in your class over Heroes and Villains and where teachers fit into the spectrum.”

“That’s a lie,” Villain hissed, slamming their hands on the table. Brother beamed at that.

“See? Villain has issues, anger issues! They can’t even handle me telling the other side of the story.”

“The other side of a story you made up in your head, Brother! You’re lying!”

Brother sat back in their chair, smug, and scoffed. Folding their arms across their chest they said, “fine. All Mum and Dad have to do is call the teacher and they’ll tell them what really happened.”

“And?” Hero asked, voice gentle and soft and safe.

Villain hummed, a wry smile on their lips. “They went to fact check Brother’s story.”

“And what happened?”

“In the time it took them to make the call, Brother had me upstairs, wheezing, winded and over the toilet, spidery fingers down my throat.”

“Christ, Villain!”

“I know,” Villain said with a small laugh. “I guess the fear started there… and Brother… they knew how much it got under my skin, more so than the cuts and bruises, so he kept doing it. In school, out of school, on the way home. He was relentless.”

“And where is he now? Brother, I mean.”

“He was here earlier but I think he’s gone now, I think, shit, I must have been hallucinating or something,” Villain said, eyes widening slightly.

“Let’s just hope you start feeling better tomorrow, Vil.”

“I better. I’m looking forward to your chicken soup,” Villain hummed and Hero laughed.

“You just spent the last twenty four hours throwing up and all you can think about is food?”

“I’m a simple person, Hero, and your soup is like a miracle cure.”

“You’re putting a lot of hope in this soup,” said Hero and Villain laughed, cuddling closer to Hero.

“No, I’m not. I just— Hero… thank you for everything today.”

“You’ve done it for me before,” said Hero, “remember the food poisoning incident? That was not pretty.”

“Just take the compliment, crime fighter,” Villain murmured sleepily. Hero just smiled and kissed Villain’s head and said: “okay, Vil. I’ll take the compliment. Go to sleep.”

Villain’s soft, even breaths was Hero’s answer, and they smiled, and closed their eyes as well. Holding Villain closer than they ever have before.

*~*~*~*~*

Continued here

[punsmaster69]

30/MAR/20XX

"frisk. look."

i open my cupped hands to show them a little frog.

"Little dude..."

"So cool."

they hold up theirs to show me a couple of worms.

"so cool."

"So cool."

"so cool."

"So cool."

"What are you two 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨??"

"yo."

flowey shrieks when i hold the frog up to him.

"lookin' at critters."

"Get that thing AWAY FROM ME!!"

"....."

he hissed as i moved it closer to him again.

"not a fan of frogs, then?"

"Not a fan of you putting-"

frisk immediately shoves the worms up to his face.

he rapidly wheels backwards.

"That's it. I'm leaving again. Go bother someone else."

me and frisk stare at each other for a moment.

we look around.

there's toriel, who's trying to teach undyne how to skip rocks on the water.

alphys and napstablook are sitting in the shade on a blanket.

mettaton is watching papyrus try to fill up a water gun while standing calf-deep in it.

we nod in agreement.

"....Papyrus."

"papyrus."

frisk shouts for him as we walk over.

"Hey! Papyrus!"

"?"

"HELLO HUMAN!!! HELLO SANS!!!"

"heya."

"c'mere."

"OKIE DOKIE! HERE, METTATON. MAYBE YOU CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK IT."

passing the water gun to mtt, papyrus wades through the water over to us.

"check this out."

simultaneously, me and frisk raise our cupped hands to indicate what i was talking about. he crouches in front of me and frisk.

"YES?"

they reveal the worms.

"OOOH!"

he removes a glove to lightly pet the wriggling creatures.

"UNDYNE DOESN'T LIKE WORMS, BUT I THINK THEY'RE CUTE!!"

"She doesn't?"

"NO. WORMS ARE 'PATHETIC SNAKES', SHE SAYS."

"Sounds like I've gotta go show her how cool worms are."

"WHAT WAS YOURS, SANS?"

upon opening my hands, the frog immediately jumps onto my brother.

there's a loud splash as he shouts in surprise and tumbles backwards.

undyne can be heard cackling from behind me.

toriel shouts over with concern.

"Is he alright?"

a bony thumbs-up rises from the water. not long after rises the upper half of the skeleton.

i watch tori signal the thumbs up to alphys and napsta as well.

"Do you need a hand, darling?"

he shakes his head as he stands up. papyrus sighs as he squeezes water out of his shirt.

"SANS, WHY WOU-"

water pours from his eyesockets when he leans forward to look at me. i barely dodge getting splashed.

". . ."

turning around, he makes sure to dump the rest of the water out; then rattling his bones for good measure.

"AHEM."

spinning to face me again.

"WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT, SANS? NOW I'M SOAKED!!"

"sorry."

"SIIIIGH."

"I'D CERTAINLY HAVE SPLASHED YOU BACK IF I WEREN'T SUCH A KIND AND FORGIVING INDIVIDUAL."

"𝘐'𝘮 not above it, though."

mettaton sprays me right in the face with the water gun.

"agh-"

putting my hands up to block the stream.

"hey. that's not nice."

"Neither was assault by frog."

"yeah."

"neither is this."

i push papyrus back into the water. an immediate "SANS!!!-" is shouted before being muffled.

"You're begging for it, now."

again, mettaton sprays the water gun. this time, i dodge the stream.

"can't keep attacking forever."

"you'll run out of water eventually."

"Urgh!"

he does, in fact, run out of water.

"see? there's nothing you can do now."

"might as well give up."

"....."

mettaton's defeated face cracks into a smirk.

a cold hand grabs my shoulder.

"I DON'T THINK SO, BROTHER."

i'm suddenly lifted off of my feet and suplexed backwards into the lake.

the conversation outside the water sounds muffled.

"What on Earth is happening over here?"

toriel speaks with a hint of concern, but mostly amusement.

undyne laughs.

"Sans just got OWNED."

"Dunked on, even!"

adds flowey.

"No hugs until you're dried off, darling."

"RIGHT. ANYONE BRING A TOWEL?"

"I have a... hand-fan?"

"CLOSE ENOUGH. THANK YOU, ALPHYS!"

"...He ever gonna get out of there?"

undyne's voice gets closer.

"Dude, did you drown him?"

"WORRY NOT, WE CAN'T DROWN LIKE YOU HUMANS CAN!"

alphys interjects.

"...You ARE aware that monsters can drown too, right?"

"WELL."

"NOT SKELETON MONSTERS!!!"

i'm lifted out of the water by undyne.

everyone watches water empty from my sockets the same way it did from papyrus'.

"..'sup."

"It is much like seeing a water fountain."

"ARE YOU DONE BEING A MENACE?"

"yeah."

"That was quite the ruckus."

papyrus sighs at tori's comment.

"ALL STARTED BECAUSE OF A FROG."

"THAT'S why you fell?!"

undyne snorted.

"...relatable.."

napstablook mumbles.

"I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO JUMP AT ME!!!"

"man."

"that really came back and rib𝘣𝘪𝘵 me in the ass."

"................"

immediately, i got dropped back into the water with a 𝙨𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙝.

[garfield-mug]

Ain't Doin' Right (jake seresin x vet tech!OC)

Content Warnings: descriptions of blood and violence, dog attack, panic attack, symptoms of PTSD

Word Count: 2.8k

A/N: well, here's everyone's introduction to the jake and junebug universe! hope you like it and hope it's decent. i haven't written a fic in a really long time. i was suuuper rusty. i originally planned something different (along the lines of how these two met), but it wasn't working out and i had to get something out, so i literally powered through this. give a reblog or comment if you liked this one. - E

Having spent fifteen years as a veterinary technician, June was accustomed to hospitals of all kinds. Private practice, general practice, corporate, emergency, wildlife, specialty, and beyond. She was even familiar (and perhaps unfortunately so) with hospitals meant for humans. When you work with animals, injuries are bound to happen. Most could be avoided, usually happening to those with less experience. Alas, accidents happen, even to those who have been in the game longer than most. And June was in the game.

In a field with an incredibly high turnover rate, she’d managed to hang on. It hadn’t been easy. There were a lot of times (and still a few now) where she had seriously contemplated throwing in the towel, but she was nothing if not spiteful. And persistent. And an unabashed optimist at heart (although she fronts as more of a realist). No one and nothing could kill the hope that the veterinary field could become better, and no one could take away the work she’d put in to make it so. Despite her hope and optimism, neither of those things could protect her from having a bad day. And this was a very bad day. Not the worst she’s ever had personally or professionally, but it’s definitely up there. After a lot of futile arguing, June finally conceded to being driven to the emergency room by one of her coworkers (and kind of friend), Sophia. After filling out the incident report form and informing the unfortunate owner of the dog (which June did not do herself), she got into the passenger seat of Sophia’s car.

Her left arm was haphazardly bandaged with some gauze squares, cast padding, and vet wrap (it was pink with purple hearts) after being cleaned up. She was hoping she wouldn’t bleed through the bandage before they got to the hospital, but her hopes weren’t high. Her forearm was littered with deep puncture wounds and two deep lacerations ran up and around the inside toward her elbow. Thankfully, the dog had decided to let go. Otherwise, it would have been much worse. There wasn’t too much blood on her scrubs, miraculously. Holding her arm out away from her body helped with that. June wasn’t feeling the pain of her wounds either, still riding on that burst of adrenaline from almost losing her arm to a massive dog. She was also distracted by the anger she felt the moment it happened and now. It would linger. It always does when accidents like these happen because of the negligence (or ignorance) of someone else. Then, she’ll feel bad for feeling angry because it really wasn’t the assistant’s fault, they’re brand new and still learning. Finally, she’ll be angry with herself for not being more careful and having someone more experienced help her with her task, but you can only do so much when you’re understaffed. FINALLY, finally, she’ll be angry with management and the industry as a whole for even creating circumstances in which to be understaffed.

June is so lost in her thoughts and emotions that she doesn’t hear Sophia’s question.

“June!”

“Hm?”

“I asked if you wanted me to call Jake.”

And then there was Jake. Sweet, caring, protective (maybe to a fault) Jake. The charming, witty, cocky (ahem: confident) man that had somehow wormed his way under her skin and into her heart. They’d been together long enough at this point, about two years. Jake was at work, too, fitting into his instructor position at TOPGUN nicely. He loved being able to teach the new classes of the world’s best fighter pilots, sure, but he equally loved getting to show off just how good he was in the air. He would readily admit the second reason, the first one only June and Javy knew about. Everyone else could figure it out if they thought about it, but Jake would never admit to going soft. He really did love teaching.

June would eventually call him; it was only fair. He was her partner after all. She just didn’t like worrying him, especially when she knew it would affect his performance and ability to be at work. She knew her job was important, but his was, too. She would never forgive herself if he made a mistake in the air because he was distracted thinking about her. Jake thinks about her all the time, whether she’s in the hospital or not. She’s always on his mind the same was he’s always on hers.

“Oh, no, you don’t have to. I’ll call him once we’re actually in a room.”

“That could take hours.” Sophia glances at June with a deadpan expression.

“It’ll be sooner since I’ll most likely be bleeding all over their waiting room.” June looks to the bandage on her arm. She can’t see the blood yet, but she can feel that it hasn’t stopped flowing. Slowed, maybe, but definitely not stopped.

“Well, we’re almost there so hopefully you’re right.”

Sophia pulls the car into the parking lot of the hospital, and they make their way inside.

-

Fifteen minutes later, June and Sophia are led to a bed in the ER. A nurse came over for intake procedures and to assess the damage up close. A brief flash of panic crosses the nurse’s face as she looks down at June’s arm. She must be new, June thinks. June thinks back to when she first started as a tech, working in emergency. She remembers learning how to field her emotions and control her facial expressions. That kind of skill only comes with practice and unfortunately, that practice usually involves seeing and experiencing incredibly fucked up shit.

“On a scale from one to ten, where would you say your level of pain is?” The nurse doesn’t look panicked anymore, but still seems uneasy.

“Probably about a five.”

“A five?”

“Yep.” The nurse types up some notes on her computer.

“Alright, I’ll see about getting you something for the pain.” As she steps out of the room, Sophia turns to June.

“You are being remarkably calm about this whole thing. I don’t think I’d be nearly as lucid, and I’d definitely be crying.”

June shrugs.

“I’ve been through worse. And I’m also really good at compartmentalizing. Plus, I’m still kind of riding on the adrenaline, so I’m sure everything will catch up with me.”

“I don’t know how you do it.” Sophia shakes her head and checks her phone. June sighs.

“Practice.” She falls back against the hard mattress and crisp sheets of the hospital bed.

-

It was another twenty minutes before her nurse came back with some ibuprofen and then ten before June saw a doctor. Safe to say, she was feeling the pain now and was really looking forward to going home. She needed stitches for the longer lacerations, to no one’s surprise.

“How’d this happen?” The doctor seemed nice enough, gently taking June’s arm into her gloved hands.

“Bit by a dog at work, was up to date on rabies vaccinations and so am I.”

“You work in a vet’s office?”

“Sure do,” The doctor nods in response.

“Not the worst I’ve seen, but still pretty bad. Definitely gonna need stiches for these long ones here. Other than that, we’ll get you cleaned up and on an antibiotic.” The doctor gets up and starts getting her supplies ready, stepping away.

“Hey, Soph?”

Sophia looks up from her phone.

“Yeah?”

“Would you mind calling Jake for me?” June pulls up his contact on her phone.

“Sure thing,” Sophia takes the device and steps out of the room as the doctor reenters.

“Alright, since we’re doing sutures, I’m gonna apply some lidocaine gel so you don’t feel anything, but first we’re gonna clean these up.”

“Sounds good.” It really did sound good. The ibuprofen was not cutting it anymore and feeling the cut and pull of sutures being placed didn’t sound too appealing. June winces slightly at the first feeling of the saline being flushed into her wounds. It’s a bit cold and uncomfortable, but ultimately bearable. She grits her teeth and muscles through it. After all her wounds have been thoroughly irrigated, the doctor applies the gel and lets it set for a few minutes while she readies her sterile gloves and suture. Sophia enters the room and sets June’s phone by her scrub jacket.

“He’s on his way.”

“Thanks, Soph.”

“Don’t mention it.” Sophia sits back down in the chair next to the bed.

“You can go, if you want.” June looks to Sophia as the doctor asks if she’s ready. June nods, Sophia shakes her head.

“I’ll stay until he gets here, don’t want to leave you alone.”

“Okay then.”

-

The doctor is halfway through closing the second laceration when they all hear heavy footsteps approaching the room. Throwing back the curtain, Jake stands, still in his flight suit, armed with a very concerned expression. He looks at June’s face, then to her arm. His eyes widen, brow furrowing as he brings a hand to rub over his mouth. June can’t help but smile a little.

“Hey,” Her voice is small. Jake walks over to her, squatting down in front of her, so as not to get in the way of the doctor, who is diligently working on suturing the wound closed. He places a hand on her knee. Sophia uses this opportunity to take her leave, giving them both a small wave before heading out.

“Junebug, what happened?” His eyes search her face.

“I trusted a coworker to be good at their job?”

“Junebug,” Jake sighs and closes his eyes.

“Sorry, bad joke,” June looks away for a brief moment, placing her hand over Jake’s.

“Got shredded at work.”

“I can see that. How you feelin’?”

“Been better, but I’ve also been worse.”

It was true, June had been in much worse situations, but that didn’t necessarily take the edge off. What happened today shouldn’t have happened, but it did, and now she has to suffer the consequences. Which hurt like a bitch.

June reaches down with her good arm to cup Jake’s cheek, softly rubbing her thumb over the soft skin. He leans into her touch, grabbing onto her wrist to keep her there. The doctor pipes up, finally finished.

“Alright, looking good. We’ll have your meds ready in a few minutes and then you’ll be good to go.” She stands up, removes her gloves, and leaves the room.

After collecting her antibiotics and filling out some discharge paperwork, June and Jake are on their way home. It’s still quiet between the two. Jake knows she’s exhausted and frustrated, so he doesn’t press with questions. He knows she’ll come to him when she’s ready and he’s learned to be patient. The drive back to the house is uneventful. After getting the door for June and positively too much fretting on the short, short walk from the car to the front door, Jake declares that he’ll take the dogs out so June can shower.

June is incredibly grateful for Jake every day, but particularly on days like today where she just needs help. He would take over dog care duty while she got herself cleaned up and rested. He’d probably order takeout from her favorite place for dinner, knowing it would help her feel better and just be less work. She was looking forward to her shower and stripping off her scrubs. Washing the workday away had become a ritual, especially for days like today. She managed to get undressed fine, only wincing once when the sleeve from her scrub top rubbed a bit too hard down her arm. She steps into the steaming spray and just stands there, staring at the tiled wall ahead of her. She’s not sure how long she stays like that, only that it must’ve been long enough for Jake to have come back from his walk since he was knocking on the door.

“Junebug? You doin’ alright in there?”

June comes back to her senses, rubbing her hands over her face. She groans slightly as she realizes she hasn’t even cleaned up yet.

“Yeah, I’m okay, honey. It’ll be a few minutes.” She hopes this answer will placate him for now, trying to reel herself in when the adrenaline dump takes full hold, and her brain finally catches up to what her body was put through.

“Alright, sweetheart. I’ll get started on dinner.” He goes back downstairs to the kitchen to rummage through the stack of takeout menus they’ve accumulated over the years.

“Shit,” June mutters to herself, feeling the tears start to build behind her eyes. She makes quick work of the rest of the shower. The thick, steamy air quickly becomes suffocating. She tries to regulate her breathing as she dries off. It doesn’t work. She grabs onto the edge of the counter to try and steady herself, taking deep breaths in and out. The event from today replays in her head on repeat, each time seeming more real than the last. She thinks about how she could’ve broken or even lost her arm had the dog not decided to let go when it did. She presses her towel to her face and takes a gasping breath. Holy shit she could’ve lost an arm today.

“Jesus Christ,” June exits the bathroom and throws on whatever comfy clothes she can find. If she’s gonna give into the panic, might as well make it soft and snuggly. She goes downstairs in a daze, seeking out the only one that could ground her in times like these. He’s sitting on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.

“Did the boys have their dinner?” Jake startles where he sits, turning to look at his girlfriend. He’s on his feet immediately once he hears her strangled tone and sees her tight expression.

“Baby?” He gently places his hands on either side of her face.

“Did you feed the boys?”

“Yep, walked, fed, and ready for bed.” June nods, eyes wild.

“Good, that’s— that’s good.” She reaches her hands up to grasp Jake’s wrists, desperately trying to bring herself back down to earth. Jake gently swipes at the tears that begin to fall down her cheeks. June is looking forward, right at Jake, but it’s like she doesn’t even see him. He feels like she’s looking through him.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” He tries to catch her eyes with his.

“I almost—” Deep breath. “I almost lost an arm today… I mean, I know I didn’t, but I could’ve. If that dog hadn’t let go when it did, Jake, I would’ve lost my arm.”

June looks at him then, actually at him, not like she’s a thousand miles away. Her breathing is ragged, chest heaving at capacity, yet feels so tight. Her eyes are wide and glistening with tears, hands around Jake’s wrists, knuckles turning white. It stuns Jake for a second, not used to seeing his girl in such a blind panic. For a split second, he wants to panic, too. Seeing someone you love in so much pain isn’t easy, but he has to keep it together. He needs to keep her grounded.

“But you didn’t lose an arm, baby. It’s right here.” Jake gently pries her hands from his wrists so he can use his hands to touch her arms, gently rubbing up and down.

“See? They’re both here, both intact.” He’s looking into her eyes, pleading for her to register the feeling of his touch.

“They’re here. I didn’t—I didn’t lose an arm.”

“You didn’t lose an arm, baby. No use wasting your energy on what-ifs. You’re here, all of you.” Jake moves his hands up her arms, to her shoulders, and gently pulls her into him. She doesn’t immediately reciprocate.

“Junebug, you’re okay. You’re home, you’re safe.”

“I’m home, I’m safe.” Jake presses a kiss to the crown of her head and she slowly starts to wrap her arms around him. He rubs her back as she comes back to herself, a new wave of tears soaking into his shirt. His heart breaks a little more with every sad whimper and cry. Trying to keep himself together is exceedingly difficult.

“Let’s go sit down, hm?” Jake waits for a response. June sniffles and nods. He scoops her up off the floor to go sit down on the sofa, where she curls further into him. He continues to rub her back as her cries finally settle to the occasional sniffle and her breathing matches his.

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“Not really.”

“Alright…Do you wanna order pizza?”

“From Linetti’s?” Jake smiles through a small chuckle.

“Yeah, from Linetti’s.”

June wipes at her nose and nods. Jake reaches for his phone on the coffee table.

“Jake?” June looks up at his face.

“Hm?”

“I love you.” Jake looks at June, pressing his forehead to hers.

“I love you too, Junebug.”