#Hero With A Sword of Heaven

[afnandragon]

[kokonoko84]

As war wages in the heavens, Uriel, warrior of flame, engages the archdemon Belial in a battle of good and evil.

[endlessthoughtsofafangirl]

"I want to first talk with my master one-on-one about this. Hanyang thinks of me only as his younger sister. The person he truly likes is Huang Xiang. Because of this, I think that my master will no longer insist on my engagement to Hanyang."

[steamrocker2001]

Archangel Michael - The Angel of Justice

Champion of Heaven

“Be not afraid, child of humanity, for the lord has seen the injustice thrust upon you, and has sent me to free you. By my blade shall your chains be broken, by my sword your oppressors shall fall, by my sword shall justice be brought, and by my sword the weak and the innocent shall be protected. All were made equal before my Father, though you may look different to your fellow man and woman, you are each a thread within the tapestry that is humanity, each and everyone of you is beautiful in your own way, your differences are what make you unique and you must celebrate this, but do not forget you all share one thing, Your Humanity. you are all part of one great family, and you must never forget this. Prejudice, hatred, intolerance, abuse, tyranny, slavery, and oppression have no place in my fathers kingdom. All must be free, all must be treated equally, all must be loved. The tyrants shall fall, the enslavers shall be punished, the corrupt shall be toppled, and the unjust shall be brought to justice. For It Is Better to be Free in Heavens Light, Than a Slave to Hell’s Darkness.”

[sunderwight]

Bingqiu AU where Luo Binghe's the chosen village sacrifice to the evil deity who lives up the mountain.

Normally the village sends maidens, but they've more or less run out of expendable girls of the right age and, ahem, "virtues". So of course Luo Binghe's early life bad luck kicks in. In the wake of his mother's death there's no one to really care about what happens to him, he's fairly pretty, and the village leaders decide that if they dress him up like a girl the teenaged homeless kid should pass well enough. And hey, y'know, he's probably got a hard life ahead for him anyway -- dying in a brothel of some venereal disease or on the streets of exposure or starvation. At least as a sacrifice, everyone else gets to benefit from his loss! And the kid will get added to a shrine and be remembered as a hero! If anything, he should be happy about this!

Binghe is not happy about this.

But he's also a skinny underfed nobody who is easily overpowered, dressed up like a bride, and tied to a post. So. Not much he can do but wait for the evil deity to come and do whatever horrible thing he's gonna do to him.

Meanwhile, Shen Yuan is pretty sure he's been isekai'd into the over-powered hero of some kind of supernatural adventure story? He's not totally sure because he doesn't recognize the setting, but the signs are there. He's got a shrine-like base of operations (though it seems to have become corrupted/ruined, probably he has to restore it somehow), he has a very resilient and handsome new body with spiritual energy of some kind flowing through him, and a very clearly magical sword. Plus lots of neat starter powers! Though it feels like he has other abilities that have been blocked somehow? Probably he has to level up in order to access them.

When he treks out of his "base" and finds what seems to be a distressed maiden, he takes it for his beginner hero mission. The girl claims that she's been doomed to be sacrificed to an evil god. That sounds a little above Shen Yuan's pay grade for dealing with, so he unties her and decides that they had better just get out of the whole region altogether. He already packed up anything useful from his base, anticipating he might get caught up in an adventure once he left, so they follow the river away from the settlement until they reach another one.

While they travel, Luo Binghe tells Shen Yuan about the cursed deity, Shen Qingqiu, who was cast out of the heavens for slaughtering one of his brethren and has apparently being do-who-knows what to maidens from the local village in exchange for his "protection" ever since. Sounds like a real asshole! And also mid-level boss type bad guy at least. Shen Yuan hopes he doesn't have to fight him, but he probably will.

Thank goodness he found Binghe, though! Clearly the helpful little sister type! He's definitely going to require her assistance if he's going to figure out how to navigate this world and level up his skills enough to take on a god.

[sillylotrpolls]

Although only movie credits are listed, assume the adaptation may be via either movie(s) or a TV series according to your mercurial whims.

[alephzdraws]

Ahaha, sorry for my random and sudden disappearance for just over a month. Got a little busy again.

I'm pretty sure this is the most ambitious thing I've ever drawn thus far. Honestly put my heart and soul into channeling the vibe of Sonic and the Black Knight, and I'm honestly proud of this.

Also I wrote a poem for this for some reason even though I ain't even made one in eons. I mean...I like it but I have no idea how good/bad it is?

(Poem for readability, textless image, and concept thumbnail sketch under the cut)

"From the heavens fell a brave hero from another world, blue and as fast as the wind..." "Summoned by a powerful sorceress to slay an unfit king..." "Brought to the stone with a sword only spoken of in legend, the hero rose to the challenge, his grip on the hilt tightened..." "There was no sweat, with one mighty pull, he held the sacred blade high above his head..." "Now wielding the one named 'Caliburn' who somehow had a quick lip, he ventured on ahead..." "Although greatly inexperienced by the way of the sword, he was The Chosen and bowed to no master. All he ought to do from there was continue running faster. For he was now destined to be Sir Sonic: Knight of the Wind Forever after."

[san-bika]

Is anyone else really worried about Aziraphale?

I know the focus of the last episode is so much on the rift that has formed between Crowley and Aziraphale and how they are not on each other’s sides anymore but Aziraphale is walking back into a place that is morally gray, and practically a place that lead some of the darkest times on the earth.

Heaven and its angels have:

Tried to start an apocalypse

Are trying to start the second coming

Attacked and kidnapped Aziraphale on the street

Attempted to erase Gabriel’s memory

Attempted to murder Aziraphale in a closed trial

Colluded with hell for unknown reasons (you know how Michael brought holy water for Beelzebub? How is that different to how Crowley and Aziraphale collaborate?)

Sent Crowley to hell for asking questions

Believe deleting people from the book of life is reasonable

Don’t care about earth or its humans

It’s clear to me that Aziraphale is metaphorically stepping into a den of vipers. And I also believe that his main motivations are to protect his and Crowley’s relationship and to protect humanity from the second coming.

But he’s entering that elevator with the Metatron, who participated in a lot of the evil hijinks above and who was actively trying to erase Gabriel’s memory just a few days earlier.

This may be Aziraphale’s hero arc, where he saves the day and stops waiting for Crowley to rescue him, where he picks up his sword and fights for what he wants.

But he’s got to survive heaven, first!

[theealbatross]

love is the most twisted curse of all (shadow trio headcannon)

Plot | How the Shadow Trio expresses their love and the price they willingly pay for it.

Tags: |dark-ish, unhealthy friendships/relationships, platonic (or not depends on your interpretation), codependency, manipulation, aged up, implied crimes, implied murder, slytherins can't love normally, implied seb x mc if u squint, traumatized!slytherins can't accept healthy love, seb and mc are dark wizards, auror!sebastian, my opinion only, might be ooc

[A/N: Photos (except two) are not mine! This is something short I wrote because i can't get it out of my head lol]

Ominis Gaunt: The Heir

. Ominis loves by doing what is necessary.

. A perfect Slytherin through and through, Ominis (whether he is aware or not) lives the closest truth to the Slytherin motto. Anything that is 'his' is protected at any and all cost.

. There is no heaven high enough he won't reach or a hell low enough that he won't crawl in if it meant saving the people dearest to him.

. Like the perfect slytherin heir Ominis is akin to a snake, his morality slithering and bending to fit his narrative. His bones creak, skin stretching as he wraps himself around his loved ones until they are untouchable.

. He is aware of his flaws but he is not so honorable to fix it. He knows the real world -- the darker side of the wizarding world's high society, one that his companions aren't too familiar with -- and he will move hell and high water to protect them from it in the shadows.

. Dark Spells being used a bit too closely in where Sebastian is stationed? It must be those damned dark wizards, Minister. Isn't Auror Sallow so gallant in facing those pests?

. Poacher corpses leading a trail to you? Surely, such stains of the wizarding world wouldn't be missed. The Hero of Hogwarts did us all a favor, it would be a shame to condemn such heroics.

. Suspicious rumors following his friends? Not while he was at the top of high society, manipulating reputations and snuffing out nonbelievers. Any tongue that rises against them will be cut.

. He is a Gaunt, and as much as he loathes the dark history behind his name -- he knows how to wield its power. He is the only one who can properly wield it and it is a sword he is willing to use -- if necessary.

Sebastian Sallow: The Prodigy

. Sebastian loves by monopolizing.

. As a boy who lost too much at such a young age, his entire world surrounds the few people he considers his own. And if you are one of his people know his whole world will surround you.

. He has to have access and knowledge of his loved ones at all times. In-depth, illegal, background checks on all people his pretty witch associates herself with? Fair game, it's for your safety, darling. Charmed pieces of jewelry that lets him know of your location at all times? Christmas and birthday gifts from him to you, wear it at all times or he'll charm it so it never gets removed. A ring that will transport Ominis to his side at the first sign of danger? Ominis you are far too important a person to put your life on mere Aurors hands, I'll handle it.

. Normal people would be put off but after all the things the three of you have been through, putting your lives and safety in Sebastian's hands is the best course of action. It is for your own good, after all.

. Sebastian is fully aware he has unfortunately been cursed with having brilliant friends with bounties in their heads in the underworld. Therefore, the best course of action would be the one to rule it.

. Living a double life as the honorable Head Auror and a dark wizard was not for the weak but Sebastian has always been used to compartmentalizing different faces for different facets of his life. A brilliant student, a delinquent, a doting brother, a traitor, a partner in crime, a merciless murderer. He'll wear any and all masks and become the monster he is required to be if it meant he got to keep you.

. Sebastian doesn't have a lot of people he loves so he will not ask for forgiveness in how he protects those that is willing to be loved by him. They're his -- his to love, his to protect, his to consume.

. And he'll let all the curses and corpses pile up into a mountain of sins before he'll lose anyone ever again.

MC: The Hero

. She loves through devotion.

. Once you consider them as a friend they can do no wrong in your eyes and if they do commit mistakes you will dig the deepest pit to bury it in with your own bare hands.

. Being told you were special, you were different, you were powerful at a very early age fractured your reality. The world is your oyster, it will be whatever you deem it to become.

. For what is power if you can't even help those you love the most?

. Do you want me to take care of 'it', Omi? You know I hate it when you strain yourself with politics. Someone tried to take Sebastian to court for excessive violence? Who is it? Are you going to handle it or should I? Why can't they just let him be?

. You will follow them blindly at whatever corner of the earth they are calling from. Anything that has to do with them is a priority of the highest order as far as you are concerned-- so much so that people have to go to Ominis and Sebastian first to convince them to convince you to help.

.There is no such thing as a good or bad anymore -- you will stand on whatever side they are on, and the rest of the world can decide if they want to stand with you or against you.

. There will be no such thing as a consequence if you had anything to say about it. And you had the final say about everything.

. All will always be well for you and everyone you love. You will make sure of it.

.You are special, after all.

[witches-dream]

Imagine you have a son, and he's growing very disciplined, which is good, but he's very introverted, not really in a shut-in kinda way, he just seems very unapproachable to people, and he is, because he's just so serious all the time. Like you look at him and, yeah, he's gonna be great warrior, but you also wish that he could. Socialize a little?

So your son grows up and leaves to fulfill some kinda grand goal and you're like "ok, son", still kinda worried about him, but he's not your baby anymore, he can do what he wants. So he leaves and after a few days you hear this earth-shattering lightning strike, no storm before or after or anything, everybody is wondering what happened and if you'll all die soon. Nothing happens past that, actually, it feels strangely peaceful. So after a few days your son comes back and he doesn't look any different, but he has definitely changed in like a week or two that he was gone. So he says "father, I have defeated the black and white dragons". You're kinda shocked, but that explains the lightning strike and how everything went quiet after it, and your son is not one to lie, so you you say "oh, for real? neat". "They are not going to bother anyone anymore." Your son says in a solemn tone. Later, everyone celebrates but he doesn't come. You knock into his room, and, even through a closed door, you can feel some sort of power, warmth radiating from it. He opens the door and his sword looks... Different. First of all, it's much bigger. It has a completely different shape. And there's this... Purple gem on its handle and it's glowing brightly. Nobody in this village could've forged such an otherworldly masterpiece. So you ask "got a new sword, son?" He says "Yeah. It's a Soul Jam, actually." "A Soul Jam? Never heard of it." "I will tell you later."

He reluctantly agrees to join the celebration, but after a few weeks he leaves the village. He starts building a citadel, and walling off the coast of the Licorice Sea. People are already calling him Your Majesty, though he's slow on accepting that title. Many decades pass and you're so old you can't get out of the house on your own anymore. Your son visits and he looks the exact same as when he left. He takes care of you, with the same cold face he's always had, though his hands are warm and him just being there warms your heart. You strain your old and tired vocal cords to utter "I'm proud of you, son." He's silent, but he nods, and his long hair obscures his face, but you can imagine he's happy to hear that.

It's after you die that he accepts the throne, and the title of King that was decided by the people whose respect for him towered the mountains. And, as it turns out, your son is immortal now. And, through the years, through the decades and centuries and even millennia, he takes the utmost care of all his subordinates, he remembers every face of his every warrior and he etches out their names and immortalizes them and prays to them each day.

Your son does many great things, many heroic deeds. He defends the kingdom he founded with a resolution of a true warrior. Your son made friends. There's only four of them, they are heroes of their own lands just like him, so they're busy most of the time, but they go on adventures and they have fun once a couple of centuries. Your son also makes many mistakes, says things he deeply regrets. He has a son, and, even being thousands of years old, he still thinks of you and wishes he could be even half as great a father as you were.

Maybe sometimes your son wishes you were around to lend a word of advice, or to say "I'm proud of you" one more time. Other times, he's ashamed of a thought that you might be out there somewhere, watching him from the heavens and shaking your head in disapproval. You have no way of telling him you love him either way, with all his virtues and all his vices alike. What matters is that, in the end, your son overcomes all adversities and becomes a better person. He was given a unique chance in life: to have infinite time to learn, and he uses all that time to become a better person.

You have no regrets. You can rest peacefully, knowing you have raised a hero.

[wutheringskies]

Wei Wuxian: The Untamed Hero

Wei Wuxian had to be killed even if:

1. He carried his sword

2. He didn't use gui dao

3. He didn't create Yin HuFu

4. The Wen remnants were not in the plot

Then, why? The reason is here, voiced by Jin Zixun of all people:

Wei WuXian, you are too bold! Did the LanlingJin Sect invite you today? And you dare run wild here. Do you really think that you’re invincible, that nobody has the courage to confront you? Do you want to overturn the Heavens?”

Wei WuXian smiled, “You’re comparing yourself to the Heavens? Excuse my language, but your face is a little too thick, isn’t it?”

So, you see, this untamed heart can only meet with tragedy as the world is unrighteous, as those who are in power think their actions cannot be contested (and they often aren't!), and that their words are like the law. How many times have we seen, a convicted powerful person escape the justice system? Far too many. And how many times innocents or victims were framed for crimes? Also too many. People like Wei Wuxian aren't condemned by fate, but rather, being born into a world where the "heavens" are those who are powerful and corrupted, he very well might be destined to live tragically, along with others of his type.

Returning to the matter of this particular scene: on one hand, the Jins throw private banquets, gilded with gold. The major scandals are: Jin Zixun is forcing the Lans to drink alcohol! You see, Lan Xichen can't outrightly refuse, so he is trying to be polite about his rejection. Jin Guangyao is trying to reason and excuse, and distract. The crowd spurs Jin Zixun on, wanting to see the Lans drink for once and fall to their level.

Everyone is in their own fine little world, doing their niceities in their golden halls drinking expensive wine, admiring pretty women, gasping at scandalous behavior, asking for favour, gossiping etc.

And then Wei Wuxian walks in. Uninvited. He simply drinks the wine himself, before demanding these people to spare him their time for real wordly issues, such as deaths, debts, cruelty, the parts that society wishes to hide. A few scenes later, we are shown with much description, just how terrible Qiongqi Path is. That's the Jin's backyard. You see their achievements that are drawn on those big walls? We see the reality of the people making them.

Now, let us come to another incident. Think of the soup incident. I fully expect before Wei Wuxian came into the scene, people were simply gossiping, uninterested in finding out what was going on, why Lady Jiang is crying. Then, Wei Wuxian comes and realizes Jiang Yanli who never really cries... was crying, and firstly decides to beat the shit out of Jin Zixuan. Secondly, he understands the whole truth, beats Jin Zixuan up for humiliating his Shijie, and also makes the other girl face responsibility.

Although his shijie had an easy temper, except for how they cuddled and cried together the day the three of them reunited after Lotus Pier was destroyed, she hadn’t really shed many tears in front of others, much less cry so loudly, so pitifully in front of so many people. Wei WuXian was filled with panic. As he tried to ask her, Jiang YanLi was crying so badly that she couldn’t even speak properly. Then, when he saw Jin ZiXuan standing on the side, astonished, he fumed with anger, wondering to himself why it was the dog of a person again. With a kick, he pounced on Jin ZiXuan. The fight between the two would have alerted the Heavens. All of the cultivators around the base came to break up their fight. Amid the ruckus, he finally understood what was the cause of all this, and became even more angered. He spread his tough talk, saying that one day he’d definitely make Jin ZiXuan die in his hands, he told people to drag out the cultivator woman.

A round of questions later, the truth emerged, and Jin ZiXuan’s entire body was frozen. No matter how much Wei WuXian continued to curse at him, he returned neither words nor fists, his face dark. If not that Jiang YanLi held up her hand a while later, while Jiang Cheng and Jin GuangShan came to pull Wei WuXian away, it was likely that even now Jin ZiXuan wouldn’t be able to attend the hunt of Phoenix Mountain.

See.

The point is, perhaps, people feel Wei Wuxian's actions are unnecessary. But imagine if he wasn't there! The consequences as I predict them will have been:

1. Jiang Cheng who doesn't want to upset a prominent clan would've grumbled and cursed underneath his breath, but eventually just moved away from the ruckus and taken his sister away.

2. Perhaps the truth would never have been found out, unless Jin Zixuan later searched by himself.

3. Thus, Jiang Yanli's reputation would be stained for the years to come.

It's because Wei Wuxian dared that the truth was revealed. I took this small incidents simply to highlight this, without the addition of more factors. In the book, often, it might seem like people are trying to stop him from creating trouble. You might often wish, ugh, this is going to be so bad... The point is Wei Wuxian knows! He's not stupid, he knows of the consequences of his actions.

But he isn't the one creating trouble. It was already created by the likes of those very people who try to stop him from investigating deeper. The trouble in question is that immoral and unrighteous words and actions and decisions have already been made. Society tries to hide them. If you can't see it, it's not there. Yet, even if it is not visible, a crime has its traces and it will bleed into their world sooner or later.

Wei Wuxian forces people to snap out of their comfort zones. He doesn't care for the barriers they set around themselves. Here are some examples to explain what I mean by these barriers:

Who dares hit Jin Zixuan, who's the only heir of LanlingJin, even when he deserves it? Protected by his status, his birth, his clan who dares? Wei Wuxian does.

Who dares to annoy Lan Wangji, the second jade of Lan, who from birth is considered otherwordly, strict, immovable, rigid, untouchable and protected by his extreme cold aura? Wei Wuxian dares.

Who dares to enter cultivation society without even wielding sword, without even cultivating a core? Wei Wuxian!

Since time unknown, treasures have belonged to the powerful sects: The Lan Clan and their library, their many secret techniques. The Jin clan and their treasures, their gold. The Nie Sabres. The Zidian. Yet, a son of a servant somehow ends up possessing the most powerful treasure all by his own! Everyone goes to this popular refinery, some famed blacksmith, or that popular sect to get specially created spiritual weapons, yet Chenqing, one of the most powerful weapons, was forged alone by Wei Wuxian during his 3 months in the Burial Mound!

Since years, the cultivation world has taken to heart rules of Lans, words of the powerful sects, and their leaders! Then, once again, this orphan child comes and bends the world and changes the cultivation society forever! Yiling Laozu said that... Yiling Laozu created... Yiling Laozu's manuscripts...

His words literally become the law.

Think of how 13 years after Wei Wuxian's death when "all was peaceful" despite us knowing very well, just how much shit happened after his death - slaughter of minor clans, deaths of two prominent sect leaders, xue yang etc (because, you know, most of it was purely accidental, kept hush-hush, or the victims were people who weren't important), he comes back to life and in a matter of a couple of months, upends the cultivation society again.

The "problem" is that this guy simply doesn't conform. The problem is that he is better. The problem is that he is not unnecessarily humble about it, despite his origins. He doesn't seem to treat himself as an outlier, but an equal. (That's why I hate insecure Wei Wuxian, like this guy is righteous enough he won't even treat himself badly.) The problem is that all those barriers - social classes, power, the locked doors - they won't keep him away.

Even if he was only the Jiang Da-shixiong with a bright golden core, he will still not be a conformist. To those who aren't used to having their decisions questioned, he is their worst enemy. To whose who are used to talking in circles, spreading rumors, he is asking them. What source do you have? What is the factual evidence behind what you are saying? Why are you saying this now?

Think of how he cross questioned a petty seller selling Yiling Laozu portraits in Qinghe, and how he questioned the gathered cultivation sects in Lotus Pier during Sisi and Bicao's intervention with the same sort of attitude. Surely, there was a major class difference, power difference between the two. Yet, they don't matter to him. What matters is the truth.

So, no matter what, when the people who are in power, start having too much dirty laundry and corpses in their backyards, he will definitely know. For this guy, knowing isn't enough - he will get to the crux of the issue. The problem is, he even has the skill for it. He has the ability. One also can't distract him with offers, promises, gifts, riches, status, women. He doesn't care for any of that. He perhaps might even hate one's victims. Yet he will stand up for them.

Of course, those who are in power, all smile at each other. They understand things sometimes have to be done. People sometimes have to be silenced. "We know better."

Then, Wei Wuxian comes in and says, actually you don't. He comes in with factual accounts, evidences, forces you to face your misdeeds. Says you're all a bunch of hypocritical people. No, perhaps what is worse is that he will make you realize that's what you are! Because he's got to be good at talking, too! He's not going to act on anger or be stunned in fear.

So, now you have someone who's not only digging into your evil deeds, someone who's capable, who's not easy to persuade, but also someone with high emotional intelligence who can play the same role as you do, of being a noble, accepted gentlemen with immaculate manners, of very high literacy and outdo you. Because this guy knows very well how society works, he can comprehend social cues perhaps better than you can. He can use your own polite words and nature against you.

It's precisely because of this he must be killed. Perhaps, in every world, Wei Wuxian will end up being the victim. It's only that in MDZS, these were the particular circumstances, and those were the particular excuses.

My personal take is: sometimes it is good to be a centrist, and hold everyone's better intentions in mind. most of the times it might not be, as there are many conflicting systems in place that allow for true victims who are stuck. most often, the victims are always the ones who DON'T have a voice, who are brushed over as numbers of corpses, rather than people with stories. most often, kindness is shown in little action that are trampled upon by those who hold true power. most often the people who are good, who are heroes die young, or are hated and ridiculed, for speaking up for the victims. it's not right, and never will be.

if someone like wei wuxian or his presence in the book makes you uncomfortable it might be because you hold the "niceities" and the pleasantries to be of more importance than the issues at hand. just because something is too troublesome doesn't mean it is wrong. if everytime he enters the scene you're scared of what he's going to do next, you should know it's not him who is the problem but the prople who aren't doing anything who are. don't be scared of "trouble-makers." he's not erratic or spontaneous. he has considered society's standards and deemed it useless. why is that that the koi tower scene, where he is in his "yiling laozu, loss of control, threatening" moment is followed immediately by him being extremely kind to Wen qing ? it's not that he's losing control. it's that Jin Zixun wouldn't have acted and told him where the people were without him using intimidation tactics. Wei Wuxian is the one forced into bad corners by the powerful people, where he has to show his edges. Don't end up twisted the narratives. if you bite someone for a while, expect to be hit.

[ariseur]

This is a stupid request so iUEOE IF U DONT LIKE IT ITS FINE but . A cloud x reader where Cloud, even after months from the start of their relationship, keeps getting a bit flustered, all blushy, whenever he gets kissed? ITS STUPID ITS LILE. IT COULD BE A DRABBLE TBH CAUSE ITS YEAH. BUT YEAH . Sow wy.

red kisses 𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪

cloud strife x fem!reader

┊ ˚➶ notes ｡˚ 🎼

ughhh this request was so cute!! i made it into a fic instead because i just had some ideas :) hope you guys enjoy 💕!!

┊ ˚➶ warnings ｡˚ 🎼

mentions of kissing, cloud gets flustered, intended lowercase, tifa teasing cloud for having a big fat crush on you, reader is referred to as clouds girlfriend, lmk if i missed anything!!

┊ ˚➶ word count ｡˚ 🎼

1186 words, 6519 characters

. ˚◞♡ ⃗ *ೃ༄ . ˚◞♡ ⃗ *ೃ༄ . ˚◞♡ ⃗ *ೃ༄ . ˚◞♡ ⃗ *ೃ༄

“shit!” you yelled, ducking under the rapid gunfire on the shinra infantryman. your hand reached for your sword before a gloved hand came to stop you. eyebrows furrowed, you looked back at cloud who just shook his head before pulling out his buster sword and stepping out into the gunfire, using his weapon as a shield from the bullets as they ricocheted off the metal.

you watched in awe as he cleared out the group. you knew he was always good at his job but seeing him in action never failed to make your jaw drop.

“hey, you comin’ or not?” he called out for you, his extended leather clad hand beckoned you after the coast was clear while numerous infantrymen laid on the ground unconscious below him. snapping out of your thoughts, you peeked your head out from behind the storage container and jogged your way towards him, beaming.

“my hero.” you extolled, leaning closer to lay a quick chaste kiss on cloud’s cheek before skipping over towards a metal door, eager to continue your mission. he made a noise of surprise, hand ghosting over where your lips had touched his face as a shade of pink tinted his freckled skin. his eyes followed your footsteps as he turned around and caught up with you, quickly following behind just in case you were caught off guard. you couldn’t help but smile as you heard him pitter-patter after you.

you definitely noticed the faint blush on his cheeks when he returned, and thus began your journey to flush cloud whenever given the chance to.

more time had passed, and cloud had actually gotten to know you. even if you never let him forget that one instance on the mission to the mako reactor.

and here cloud sat— in a bar stool at seventh heaven drinking the strongest of whatever tifa’s got while she talked about the newest mission avalanche was planning. she cut herself off mid-sentence, noticing how cloud continued to swirl his drink around while his eyes stayed glued to the ripples created in the glass, mind clearly elsewhere.

she put her arms behind her back as she leaned forward and tried to get his attention. “cloud?” she called, causing his eyes to peer back up at her. he made a small ‘hm’ sound in response.

“what’cha thinkin’ about?” she asked, inquisitive smile still painted on her face as usual. resting her arms on the wooden bar countertop, she watched as cloud contemplated to say what was really on his mind right now. he exhaled through his nostrils as he took another sip of the red liquid in his glass, “nothing.”

tifa’s brows raised as she finally understood. “so,” she began, “thinkin’ about your girlfriend, huh?”

“what makes you say that?”

“every time she’s around you, i never hear any of that ‘hard-ass’ complaining you’re always doing, as wedge would call it.” she grins, now knowing she hit the head right on the nail. “it’s like she placates you.”

“‘m just tired, that’s all.” he huffed, throwing his head back and downing the liquid as a weak attempt to try and hide the growing blush that grew across his face.

tifa simply laughed, standing up straight and greeting marlene as she walked in through the double doors with her dad, squealing about whatever new things she found today. always so excited to explore even in the slums of midgar. he placed a few coins on the bar counter as a payment for the drink, walking out of the bar and praying that tifa didn’t notice the money on the counter in hopes that she wouldn’t try and sneak it in his room like last time.

as for your new “mission” of trying to fluster cloud, it grew harder for him to ignore as everyday you’d press a kiss to his jaw or his hand or even the tip on his nose. he started to take his behavior into consideration after what tifa said. did he really act all that different around you?

your goal started making more progress as time went on and your relationship got more serious. often, your invites to your place ended up just being a torture chamber for him as you had managed to root yourself deep within his brain. he couldn’t get you out, and although he acted like he didn’t care, it haunted him. you were everywhere around him. but maybe, he thought, just maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to get close to someone.

he’d look at marlene and his mind would think back to you. the way you’d sit with her and talk to her about her weird dreams where she’d become a dolphin or something like that. barret would throw a glare at him and all cloud could think about was how you mentioned how barret scares the absolute shit out of you. you were everywhere, your presence, your perfume, your—

“hellooo—?” earth to cloud?” your hand came into view, once again snapping cloud out of his thoughts. he hummed.

“space out there?” you smiled at him, and ugh, that smile. it made him feel obnoxiously warm. he never got used to those butterflies that would travel along his stomach, even if you guys had been together for a while.

he huffed as he looked away, lolling his against the soft pillows you had on your bed. “yeah, uh.. yeah.” he finally said, eyes trailing off as he narrowed his eyes at shinra’s public service announcement that broadcasted on tv. cloud let out quiet groan at the man’s face and turned it off, the remote dropping from his hand and onto the blanket as he turned back to you.

“you always seem to glow, cloud. did you know that?” you blurt out, finger tracing the taut muscles of his arm.

“well.. maybe it’s just because of the mako—? SOLDIER, remember?”

“no, not like that,” you giggle behind your hand, “i’m just saying i think you’re handsome, cloud.” that makes him let out a small noise of surprise, stiffening as he’s unsure what to say next.

“oh.” he said, ears heating up as he looked away from your intense gaze. he crossed his arms, trying to avoid the way your head craned to try and see his face.

“and you’re so fit,” you lifted a finger up with each compliment you listed, just trying to get a rise out of cloud, “and intelligent, and sweet, and—“

“okay, i think that’s enough.” he must’ve been flushed right now, he though.

“and you’re just so breathtaking.”

“you are such a liar.”

you dramatically feigned offense, putting a hand on your chest as your jaw dropped. “how dare you assume such things about me? i am simply loving my boyfriend, is that such a crime?”

he scoffed as a weak smile made its way to his face, “you’re loving torturing your boyfriend, there’s a difference.” however, his eyes widened as he felt your lips press against his jaw. he gave you a pointed glare, “see what i mean?”

“oh hush, you love it.”

[kokonoko84]

When the race of man was revealed to the hosts of Heaven, there was one who was filled with disgust and hatred at their inferiority, believing them to be unworthy of God’s love. This anger filled his heart and now Wrath roams Hell, punishing the wicked and unjust sinners who come his way.

[endlessthoughtsofafangirl]

"Ting-ge, what should I do? What should we do?"

[blackenedsnow]

IT'S ME AGAIN DON'T ASK WHY AM I HERE AGAIN?!?! I LOVED THE WAY YOU WRITE LIKE OMG?!?? I HAVE 3 IDEAS TODAY YOU CAN CHOOSE ONE OF THEM, OR YOU CAN CHOOSE ONE AND THEN WRITE IT DOWN, YOU CAN DO THE OTHER. IT'S ALL UP TO YOU!!

1-Do you remember the song Guess by Charli XCX and Billie Eillish in Collab? Yes, I have a request for it sooo reader we're so popular singer and shadow was her bodyguard he was her protection yk what I mean who hung out together all the time when they're alone anyway one day at a concert of hers when a group of guys tried to attack the people at the concert and tried to attack her and what was she going to do when shadow wasn't there, she couldn't run away because there were already a lot of people wounded, and suddenly a sword stabbed in behind her, and at that very moment shadow come to the shooting concert..but he was too late. (The man who stabbed reader was sonic and his team btw)

2-yk the comic the hungry hero which is sonic? Okay, I have an excellent second opinion because you can't convince me, that sonic was constantly eating human flesh, especially after Tails died, but after meeting the reader, his desire to eat human flesh increased his desire to eat meat for some reason..was he falling in love with her? but it couldn't have been possible! he couldn't have fallen in love with anyone! He changed his mind until the reader found herself eating human flesh in his house when he intived her and he fell even more in love.

3- Reader and shadow were created for Maria, but Professor Gerald had never paid attention to the reader,maria couldn't convince her grandfather to make reader spend time with her, but the reader was kept in the big glass all the time, and shadow cast doubt on that, After Maria's death, the reader had finally been freed by GUN, she had attack the city which is sonics team and shadow. She had begun to attack the city where the rain and thunder did not stop in the sky...But the color of the sky was mixed with purple and black. Finally, the reader showed herself on top of a large building.. pale skin, purple eyes with light blue pupils, and long, dark violet hair that becomes lighter at the ends,she also has a beauty mark below her right eye.. (The reader a game character named raiden shogun by genshin impact) she said "Inactivity serves no purpose whatsoever." sonics team tried to talk to her but not q moment later they found themselves a dark domain and she was the owner of that domain, she Said "we meet again,shadow." Would he be able to convince her?

project Raiden Ei,her purpose was make people feel safe and loved, after marias death..project failed to save the people and her beloved sister.

forgotten project

WARNING: Violence, emotional conflict, hurt/comfort

PAIRING: Shadow the Hedgehog x Raiden Shogun!Reader

NOTE: You again!! I absolutely love your ideas—thank you so much for trusting me with them again! As for your requests, I’m not super familiar with the first two (though they sound amazing!), but since I’m somewhat familiar with Genshin, I’ll go with the third idea. I know this isn't what you asked for, but instead of "Raiden" I made the reader Y/N. That way if anyone wants to self insert they can. But all of reader describes Raiden!!

SUMMARY: After Maria’s death, you, a forgotten project created alongside Shadow, are freed and seek revenge on the world that failed you. As you lay waste to the city, Shadow steps in, hoping to remind you of your true purpose before it’s too late.

The sky above the city churned violently, dark clouds swirling as rain lashed against the streets below. Thunder boomed in the distance, shaking the windows of the few standing buildings, while purple lightning split the heavens with terrifying force. Chaos reigned in every corner of the city, and in the center of it all stood a figure—cold, unmoved by the destruction that unfolded around her.

You stood on top of the tallest building, the storm your perfect companion as you watched the streets below. Your hair billowed in the wind, the tips glowing faintly as they lightened in color. Your eyes scanned the city as if searching for something—or someone.

“Inactivity serves no purpose whatsoever,” you muttered to yourself, your voice calm despite the chaos. You weren’t here to cause destruction for its own sake, after all. Your purpose was clear: make the people feel safe and loved. But after Maria’s death, that purpose had become twisted, lost in the storm of grief and confusion that overtook you. Your project—your existence—had failed.

And now, you were ready to make them all pay.

Far below, Sonic’s team had gathered, the weight of your presence pressing down on them like a physical force. They’d been trying to contain the damage for hours, but it was clear that this wasn’t just an ordinary disaster.

“What do we do?” Knuckles muttered, scanning the sky as another bolt of lightning flashed overhead. “Who is she?”

Tails shook his head, his eyes wide with worry. “I don’t know, but she’s powerful. We’ve got to find a way to stop her before the entire city gets leveled.”

Shadow stood a little apart from the others, his expression unreadable as he stared up at the building where you stood. Unlike the others, he recognized you immediately, even after all these years. His heart clenched in his chest as memories flooded his mind—memories of you trapped in that glass, forgotten and left behind while he was free to roam the ARK with Maria.

You were a project, just like him. Created for Maria, meant to serve the same purpose: protecting her, keeping those on the ARK safe, loved. But Professor Gerald had never given you the same attention, never let you experience the world outside of that containment. Maria had begged her grandfather to let you out, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.

After her death, everything had fallen apart. Shadow had been freed by GUN, but you—had remained trapped, your potential left to fester in the dark.

Until now.

Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles were still trying to reason with you. Sonic stepped forward, holding up a hand, his usual cocky grin tempered with caution. “Hey, look, we get it. You’re upset, but wrecking the city isn’t going to bring anyone back. We can help—”

He didn’t get to finish. The moment Sonic spoke, the entire world around them shifted. The bright city streets, the wreckage, even the rain—all of it was swallowed in darkness. The sky above became a swirling void of black and purple, and the ground beneath their feet felt unreal, like they were standing on the edge of an abyss.

They were in your domain now.

You stood before them, your form as solid as the storm, yet otherworldly in the way you seemed to command the very space around her. You raised a hand, and the air itself trembled with power. “We meet again, Shadow.”

Your voice was colder now, distant, as though you were speaking not just to him, but to the shadow of a past you had long left behind. Shadow stepped forward from the group, his crimson eyes locked on hers. Memories of the ARK flashed through his mind—of Maria, of the years spent protecting her. But you had been kept from all of that, trapped in isolation, your purpose unfulfilled.

And now, here you stood, the embodiment of a failed dream.

“Y/N…” Shadow’s voice was steady, though tension rippled through him. He could feel the power you held, and it was vast—far more than anything he had imagined. “What are you doing? You weren't created to destroy.”

Your gaze narrowed slightly, the storm above rumbling in response. “You speak of purpose as though you understand it, Shadow. But you—just like me—were created to serve. To be a tool. And like me, you were cast aside when you no longer served a purpose.”

Shadow clenched his fists. “That’s not true. Maria—”

“Maria is dead!” Yourr voice cut through the air like a blade, and the entire domain around them shuddered. “I was meant to keep the ARK safe, just as you were. But Professor Gerald never allowed it. I was left to watch from behind glass as you, the favored creation, failed everybody.”

The weight of your words hung in the air, heavy with grief and fury. For so long, you had been nothing but a failed experiment, a project abandoned after the one you were meant to protect was taken from you. And now, in your eyes, the world had to pay for that failure.

Shadow stepped forward, undeterred by the crackling energy that surrounded her. “I didn't fail her. I understand your anger. I understand the loss. But this… this isn’t what Maria would have wanted.”

Your eyes flashed, your hand raising as a bolt of lightning struck the ground between them. The force sent the others reeling, but Shadow stood firm. “I didn't even know Maria as well as you did.,” you hissed, your voice low and dangerous. “You were given the chance to be with her. I was left to rot in that glass prison.”

“I’m not the one you’re angry at,” Shadow said, his voice softening. “It’s not me. It’s not this world. It’s the people who kept us apart. You’re lashing out because you’ve been hurt, but you don’t have to keep doing this.”

Your expression faltered, just for a moment, before the steel returned to your eyes. “It’s too late for that. There’s nothing left for me now. Nothing except this… this power, and the destruction it brings.”

But as you spoke, there was a flicker of doubt in your gaze. Shadow knew that beneath the fury, the pain still lingered. He took a step closer, his voice low. “You don’t have to be alone anymore. I couldn’t save Maria. But maybe I can save you.”

For a long moment, you stood still, your eyes locked on his. The storm above raged on, the dark domain around them swirling with tension, but there was a shift in the air. The anger that had fueled your destruction began to waver, and for the first time, Shadow saw something other than fury in your eyes.

He saw fear. Fear of being alone. Fear of failing again.

And in that moment, something broke.

You lowered you hand, the power that had been crackling around you slowly dissipating. The storm above began to calm, and the purple and black sky started to fade into a dull gray. The domain, you domain, began to unravel, and the familiar cityscape of rain-soaked streets around them.

But you didn’t move. You stood there, your eyes staring at Shadow, as if searching for something—something you hadn’t found in years. “What am I supposed to do now?” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of the rain.

Shadow stepped forward, closing the distance between you. “We can figure that out together. You don’t have to carry this alone anymore.”

The others—Sonic, Tails, Knuckles—watched in silence as the tension in the air finally broke. You, the weapon once created to protect, stood before Shadow, your power still immense but no longer driven by rage. And as the storm slowly died, there was a sense of quiet between you, as though the two of you had finally found some measure of understanding.

For the first time since the fall of the ARK, You weren't alone.

[bower-quinn]

My sweet summerchild

"You and Eddie have been best friends for years, and nothing and no one can tear you apart. But somehow, something has changed. [cw: vomiting] [fluffy, feelings, friends to lovers]"

Chapter 1: The Secret

It’s a Friday like any other in rainy Hawkins. The day drags on like chewing gum, but Eddie Munson knows that the wait will be worth it. Every Friday afternoon, when the bell rings for the last period, Eddie, Steve, Dustin, Robin, and you gather in the old, dusty clubroom of the school, which serves as the headquarters for the Hellfire Club. Here, amid the smell of old books and the flickering light of candles, you dive into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, where heroes and monsters collide and imagination knows no bounds. The latest campaign isn’t going as smoothly as Eddie would like, since Steve, the newcomer to the group, has absolutely no idea what he’s supposed to do.

„So, can I decapitate the ogre with my sword now?” he asks, and almost everyone groans in annoyance. Except for you, you just laugh softly and respond with angelic patience, „I have the sword, Steve; you have a broad axe.”

„So I decapitate him with my broad axe!”

More groans.

„Harrington,” Eddie leans forward and stares intensely at his best friend, „if you say ‘decapitate’ one more time, I’ll kick you out of the campaign.”

Steve looks him straight in the eye.

„Decapitate.”

„This kid is driving me crazy,” Eddie sighs and sinks back into his chair.

„Just roll for how much damage your initial attack does!” you suggest, pointing to Steve’s dice.

„My sweet summerchild has much more patience with you than is warranted,” Eddie grumbles. The way he says your nickname makes everything inside you melt.

Steve picks up a die, rolls it, and stares at it for a long time.

„And? Did you roll a one?” Dustin asks, clenching his teeth.

„A twenty!” Steve looks around the table, „is that good?”

„That can’t be true!” Eddie jumps up, stands behind Steve, and stares at the dice.

„The bastard actually rolled a dirty twenty!”

„Who’s the bastard here?” Steve mumbles, but Eddie just chuckles and winks at you.

Those stupid butterflies that have been fluttering around lately are flapping around in a panic. You don’t know exactly when it happened, but recently you’ve felt your feelings for Eddie change. You’ve been friends for what feels like centuries. Best friends, even. Just for that reason, you would never dare to bring up these feelings. Sure, you and Eddie talk about everything—except the fact that you suddenly find his lips attractive. That would ruin everything.

„Well,” Eddie says loudly, pulling you out of your thoughts, „Sir Harrington raises his broad axe with a shout, hurls it at the ogre, AND,” he makes a dramatic pause, „hits it right between the eyes.”

You all cheer, and Steve looks prouder than he wants to admit.

„Robin,” Eddie points to her, „what are you doing?”

„My sorceress casts Fireball!” she rolls, „a six.”

„Although a lot of flames go astray,” Eddie says, „you still burn the ogre pretty well. He dies before he hits the ground.”

„FINALLY!” Dustin roars.

„Kamala approaches the ogre,” you say softly, and Dustin falls silent, „she pulls out a bottle of holy water and anoints the ogre’s head. She says a small prayer for his soul and then returns Sir Harrington his sword.”

„Heaven,” Dustin says, „it’s an ogre!”

„Every creature deserves an anointing!” you say, and the sparkle in your eyes makes Eddie smile. What you don’t know is that he had to keep himself from staring at you throughout the session. How the candlelight reflects in your hair, how you laugh at his jokes, how you patiently explain everything to Steve. All of it nearly drives him to despair. He yearns so strongly for you. For your physical and emotional closeness. He’s never wanted anything more. But for the sake of your friendship, he does nothing in that direction. Everything remains in his imagination.

„I think,” he says, looking away from you, „that’s enough for today.”

„But it’s only been two hours!” Dustin sighs in disappointment.

„Already two hours!” Robin exclaims in surprise, „Heaven, no wonder it smells like farts in here.”

„That was Dustin,” Steve says, and Eddie chuckles as Dustin makes a horrified face.

You look at your watch and realize Eddie is right.

„Shit, I have to go!,” you say, grabbing your bag, „I promised to be home on time. Otherwise, I’ll get a broad axe to the forehead.”

Eddie stands up, spreads his arms, waiting for a goodbye hug, but you just wave quickly and disappear. Eddie stands there with his arms raised like an idiot.

„She’s gone,” Dustin says, and Eddie’s head snaps toward him.

„Oh, shut up, dumbass.”

„I’m just saying,” he shrugs, „you can put your arms down.”

„Seriously,” Steve says quietly as he gathers the figures, „you’re acting like a little kid.”

„Do you have something to say, Harrington?” Steve asks.

He just shakes his head. Robin looks at him and rolls her eyes.

„I thought you were going to talk to him!”

„Not now,” Steve hisses back.

„About what?”

Eddie crosses his arms in front of his chest and stares at his friends.

„About,” Steve says, „how you’ve been in love with [y/n] for months.”

Eddie bursts out laughing, but his friends can tell it’s a fake laugh.

„Me? In love? Nonsense.”

„Seriously?” Dustin looks at Steve, „do you mean that?”

„Yes?” Steve looks at him confused, „I thought even you, dimwit, would have figured that out by now!”

„No?”

„Hello!” Eddie waves his hands to get their attention again, „She’s my best friend! Nothing more! I don’t know where you guys get the audacity—”

Steve, Robin, and Dustin look at Eddie but say nothing.

„Okay, fine,” his feigned indignation collapses, „I’ll admit it. How long have you known?”

„Six months,” Robin says.

„Five months,” Steve says.

„I told him,” Robin says, and Steve nods.

„Eh, and why didn’t you tell me?” Dustin asks Robin.

„Because,” Steve answers instead, „you’re just an immature kid.”

„Let me remind you,” Dustin glares at both of them, „that unlike you two, I have a girlfriend.”

Robin looks at Steve.

„There’s something to that.”

„I really hate to interrupt your coffee clatch,” Eddie says in a deep voice, „but this isn’t about you.”

„When is it ever,” Steve mutters.

„You have to swear to me,” Eddie points his finger at each of his friends, „that you won’t say a word about this. Swear it, or I’ll haunt you in your dreams!”

„What a terrible thought,” Robin murmurs, „but I and the two fart-heads here swear it!”

Eddie nods curtly and tries to hide his red face behind his curls. Apparently, he isn’t as mysterious as he always thought he was.

Chapter 2: A New Hope

You notice that Eddie is unusually nervous in the following days. Whenever you touch him, he flinches and laughs oddly. Even your hugs seem to be avoided, kept to a minimum. Even these small touches on your arm have been turned off.

Maybe, you think in fear, he’s realized that you have feelings for him. It’s uncomfortable for him, so he’s keeping his distance. That’s the only explanation that makes sense to you. Shit, you think, when did he figure it out?

It’s infinitely embarrassing for you because the tiny hope that he might feel the same has now died. Dead, buried, and decayed.

You try to act normally around him, not showing any signs of your feelings. But every smile, every word, even when he just says your name, makes something inside you wither.

Steve, Robin, and now Dustin watch Eddie as he helplessly tries to flirt with you without actually flirting with you. More than once, Robin has to kick Steve hard in the shin to keep him quiet. But you don’t notice. You’re too absorbed in your own confusing feelings and thoughts.

When Eddie laughs a little too loudly at one of your jokes and then accidentally spills his peas, Dustin whispers to Steve, „Does she really not notice?”

Steve shakes his head almost imperceptibly.

„You didn’t notice either.”

„I just thought Eddie was acting weird.”

„Hey, you idiots,” Robin hisses angrily, „can you talk any louder?”

„Someone has to tell her!”

„Over my dead body!”

Eddie, you, and Robin look at Steve, who is staring at Dustin. Apparently, he hasn’t noticed that he’s speaking loudly.

„Is there a problem?” Eddie asks with a threatening tone, giving the two of them a meaningful look.

„No,” Steve says, still staring at Dustin, „Dustin just realized that his D&D character has the gift of silence.”

„Hm,” Dustin says and looks at his food.

Everything seems strange to you. Your friends constantly whisper and stop immediately when you approach. Your heart grows cold. Do they all know about your crush? Are they all making fun of you behind your back? Sadly, you look down at your food, not noticing how longingly Eddie is looking at you. When Steve sees Eddie’s gaze, he rolls his eyes and opens his mouth, but Robin kicks him painfully in the shin again.

Even days later, Dustin finds it hard to keep Eddie's secret. Although the others don’t believe he’s capable, he has a strong intuition. He senses that something is different about you. That you seem sad, more closed off, and thoughtful. Even though he can’t be sure, he suspects it has something to do with Eddie’s behavior toward you.

The others, especially Eddie, don’t notice it. Eddie is far too busy acting like the biggest idiot on the planet in your presence. The more you pull away, the louder he becomes. What a fool.

It makes Dustin thoughtful, and he wishes he could do something to change the situation but doesn’t know what.

„Ouch,” he says as he bumps into you after school.

„Oh, I’m sorry,” you immediately reply, „I didn’t see you!”

„I was lost in thought,” Dustin apologizes.

„So was I,” you respond.

„What were you thinking about?”

A quiet sigh escapes your lips.

„Oh, just complicated stuff. You know, feelings.”

Dustin takes your hand and leads you to a bench in front of the school building.

„I’m pretty sharp,” he says, his grin disarming, „and I know a thing or two about complicated. Wait, you look different than usual.”

You smile slightly, feeling a gentle blush creep onto your cheeks.Top of FormBottom of Form

„You look nice,” he comments.

„Thanks, I hope he likes it too.”

„He?” Dustin’s eyes widen. „You have a date? With whom?”

„With Jason,” you answer.

„Jason,” he repeats tonelessly.

„Jason,” you roll your eyes, „you know, tall, blonde, basketball player.”

„Basketball player,” Dustin repeats again tonelessly.

„Dustin, are you okay?” you ask, noticing how pale he’s become.

„Not okay,” he says. What you don’t know is that he’s already stopped listening to you. In his mind, he sees Eddie’s sad face.

„Should I walk you home?”

Your concerned tone snaps him out of his thoughts.

„No,” he laughs awkwardly, „it’s fine, just a shock that you have a date.”

When you raise your eyebrows in offense, he adds, „A date with Jason, I mean. I didn’t know you were into guys like that.”

„I’m not,” you sigh softly, „but I have to move on, you know?”

Dustin blinks in surprise. „Move on? What do you mean?”

„Well, you know,” you groan in frustration, „when you’re into someone who isn’t into you. You have to move on.”

„So,” Dustin asks hesitantly, „are you into someone else?”

„That’s right, Sherlock,” you grin, but Dustin immediately sees the sadness in your eyes.

„And who is it?”

His inquiry is so sincere and non-intrusive that it makes you laugh.

„That’s private!”

„Come on!” he wiggles his eyebrows, „if it’s Steve—”

„Oh my God,” you almost scream with laughter, „Harrington? Jesus, he takes longer in the bathroom than I do!”

„Then who is it?”

Your laughter dies down and you look at Dustin. Actually, if you’re moving on anyway.

„Okay,” you clear your throat and lower your voice, „it’s Eddie.”

„Eddie,” the toneless repetition again.

„Yes, Eddie. You know him. Dark curls, dark eyes, makes us suffer in DnD.”

„So,” Dustin summarizes, „you’re going out with this dimwit Jason because you’re actually in love with Eddie.”

Hearing it put that way makes you blush.

„Yes. He clearly isn’t interested, and I can’t keep running after him. But,” you look at him seriously, „you have to swear you won’t tell anyone.”

„But—” he starts, but you interrupt him.

„Swear on Suzie’s life.”

„I swear,” he says curtly. He wrestles with himself about whether to tell you about Eddie’s feelings. But he too has promised not to say anything.

„But—” Dustin starts again, but he doesn’t know how to continue without revealing Eddie’s secret. „Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean—what if—what if Eddie does have feelings for you?”

You laugh softly, but it’s a sad laugh.

„Dustin, Eddie is—well, Eddie. He’s my best friend, and I’m sure that’s all we’ll ever be. And that’s okay. I don’t want to risk our friendship.”

Dustin wants to argue, wants to tell you that you’re wrong, but he knows he promised Eddie to keep his secret. But now the situation is more serious than he ever expected.

„I know you think you’re doing the right thing, but—”

You interrupt him with a gentle smile.

„It’s okay, Dustin. Really. I appreciate your concern, but I need to do this. Maybe it will help me gain a bit of clarity.”

You check your watch.

„Sorry, I have to go. Jason and I are meeting in half an hour in front of the movie theater. See you then.”

You stand up and walk away, not seeing how Dustin watches you go and then starts running.

Chapter 3: Run Boy Run

Dustin isn’t running for his life, but for the happiness of his friends. Eddie’s trailer isn’t far, but far enough to push the not-so-athletic Dustin to his limits. Over and over, his body cries out for a break, but he keeps running.Eddie has to know… he has to know now… Dustin repeats in his head as he races through the streets of Hawkins. When he sees the rundown trailer in the distance, he speeds up even more. He can’t let you end up in someone else’s arms when Eddie loves you.With stitches in his side and a painful chest, he finally arrives at Eddie’s place.

„Eddie!” he pounds frantically on the trailer, „For heaven’s sake, Eddie!”

Eddie opens the door with a cigarette in his mouth.

„Jesus, Henderson,” he says, looking at him, „are you okay?”

„No,” Dustin gasps, clutching his chest, „but… that’s… irrelevant.”

He gasps for breath, leaning on his knees.

„Kid,” Eddie comes outside and stares at Dustin, „do you want a drink?”

„NO!” Dustin shouts, having to cough once.„It’s… about… [y/n],” the coughing turns into gagging.

„Is something wrong?” Eddie grabs Dustin’s shoulders in a panic, „Is she hurt?”

„No… date.”

„She has a date?” Eddie asks wearily, releasing Dustin, then grins maniacally, „Good for her. With whom?”

„Jason,” Dustin gasps.

„JASON!” Eddie yells and bursts into loud laughter. If Dustin weren’t on the verge of passing out, he might feel fear. „That’s wonderful! Jason is gorgeous and everyone loves him!”

He slams his fist against the trailer with full force.

„Jason,“ he repeats. His voice is deep, almost a growl, and his eyes are dark with anger.

„Eddie,” Dustin gasps, turning left once and vomiting loudly.

„Heaven, Henderson!” Eddie’s manic state is shattered by the vomiting. „That’s disgusting.”

„That doesn’t matter right now!” Dustin turns back to Eddie and stares at him.

„Listen to me, Eddie. You have to go there and stop it!”

„Why should I?” a sad expression crosses Eddie’s face. „She obviously knows what she wants. And it’s not me.”

„Eddie,” he grabs his friend by the shoulders, „listen to me carefully. You need to run there now. You have to!”

He tries to burn the information into Eddie’s brain without speaking the entrusted secret. He would never put Suzie’s life at risk.

„Dustin,” Eddie starts again, but Dustin interrupts him through clenched teeth.

„Eddie, I know you’re not the brightest bulb in the lamp, but please, for God’s sake, JESUS, Eddie. I’m trying to tell you something, put two and two together.”

You can clearly read in Eddie’s face how his brain is ticking. And then it seems to click.

Without another word, Eddie wriggles out of Dustin’s grip and takes off running.

„You have to go to the theater!” Dustin shouts after him, and Eddie gives a thumbs-up over his shoulder.

Dustin laughs loudly, cheers, and watches until Eddie’s figure disappears on the horizon. Slowly, with a sore hip, Dustin makes his way home.

Eddie runs. Faster than Dustin, and it feels to him as if he is actually running for his life.

You stand at the movie theater, looking around and waiting for Jason. By now, he’s five minutes late and you wonder if he will even show up. But then you see a figure running towards you in the distance. You raise your hand and smile slightly. Strange, you think, it almost looks like Eddie. The wild, flailing hair and the strange way of running, a bit like a duck. And then you see that it is indeed Eddie.

„Eddie!” you call out in surprise as he reaches you. „What are you doing here?”

„Henderson,” he gasps, „said—”

„WHAT did that little stinker say,” you snap, „Eddie, everything he said—”

He interrupts you by placing his hands on your face and gently kissing you. You feel his rapid breath, but yours is just as fast. And you haven’t even been running.

He moves his lips softly against yours, and your hands find their way to his neck, playing with the curls there. When he pulls away from the kiss, you stare at him dazed.

„If Henderson lied, I’ll kill him,” Eddie murmurs.

„Who’s Henderson?” you ask. Your mind has no room for any more thoughts. It is completely occupied with Eddie’s eyes, his lips, his scent.

„Small, curly hair, very good at keeping secrets,” Eddie smiles lovingly at you, „so he didn’t tell you anything?”

„Telling me what?” you ask.

Eddie grins wider and kisses you again. You don’t even notice that Jason has stood you up. You’ve completely forgotten about the movie theater. The evening will end in Eddie’s trailer.