#I don't know if I will be able to relax sitting next to a stranger

[manda-kat]

Vacation Log:

We leave in two days and my mom tried booking us seats beside each other on the plane. No seats are left in a row of three. She is stressing out about it but I'm just wondering how much time there was in advance to book seats. I really don't want to sit next to strangers, but I'm going to have to manage. I just don't understand why she'd wait so long to do it if it mattered so much to her. This will not affect my mood. I will not let it. And hopefully somebody will be willing to swap seats at least for one or two of our flights.

[littlelovelunette]

punkrock guitarist! Sevika x leadsinger! Reader

Maybe slow burn to smut or no smut and just cutesy fluffy stuff?

Finally In Sync

Mentions of homophobia, toxic parents, smut, fingering

You and your band has been practicing for so long, you needed to perform your best in the concert but somehow, everyone was out of sync due to nerves.

After two hours of nonstop training, it was only you and Sevika who couldn't sync up, but how could you perform then?

You were the lead singer, centre of attention. Sevika was the guitarist, it needed to be perfect. Or you wouldn't ever be able to show your face to school ever again.

"We should really put in more effort, the rest of the band can't fail this because of us," Sevika said, almost towering over you due to her tall height.

"What do you say, we go practice this at my home? I'm sure the other band members are exhausted," you looked up at her, putting your things away.

Sevika grumbled in affirmation.

"I'll text you the address," you got up, waving her goodbye for the time being.

Once you got in your apartment, you were instantly panicking. Your house was a complete mess. You had no idea why you just offered it up like that, but now you were stressing the fuck out.

You managed to tidy up most of the house in record time and just then you heard the doorbell ring. "That must be Sevika." You thought as you opened the door, smiling at the sight of the taller woman.

"Come in," you opened the door wide and stood back to let her enter your house, she did.

It soon got awkward, you both didn't really know each other too well, and like an idiot you invited her to your house.

"You live alone?" Sevika leaned against the wall, guitar case hanging from one shoulder as she crossed her arms.

"Yeah," you closed the door, locking it, "Parents and I had a falling out since they heard I like girls, so... here I am." You said with a small shrug.

"Sorry to hear that," Sevika mumbled, your words seemed to have put her in thought.

"Oh, don't be, it was for the best," you said waving a hand dismissively, "As if I wanted to live the rest of my life feeling controlled like a puppet. It's actually quite nice living here alone, y'know."

"So, you're gay?"

There was a long prolonged moment of silence.

"Y-Yeah," you stuttered before shaking your head, "That's not the point, um—"

"You're getting nervous," a slow smirk appeared on Sevika's lips, she seemed to be taking amusement in your nervousness.

"Well, we have to get to practice," you managed the words finally and you both settled to start practising for the performance.

"Ugh, why is this so hard!?" You plopped down on the couch, "We can never be in sync!"

"Maybe because we're strangers to each other," Sevika shrugged, putting the guitar down and sitting on the couch next to you.

"Pffft—" you scoffed and looked up at the ceiling and back at her, "You really think that's the case?"

"It could be," Sevika's legs were manspread causing you to blush slightly. Her thighs seemed thick, juicy and oh, those muscles.

"Oh, okay, then..." You finally said, "How, pray tell, will we get past that?"

Sevika leaned back against the couch, a lazy smirk tugging at her lips. "Well," she mused, tapping her fingers on her thigh, "We could try bonding exercises. You know, trust falls, staring contests... or something a little more hands-on.

"You swallowed, your throat suddenly dry. "H-Hands-on?"

"Yeah," she said, stretching her arms over the back of the couch, her biceps flexing slightly. "You seem a little tense. Maybe a little... relaxation would help."

Your heart skipped a beat. Was she—?

"You offering me a massage now?" You tried to sound playful, but the nervous tremor in your voice betrayed you.

Sevika chuckled, her voice low and smooth. "I could. Or..." She reached over, her fingers just barely brushing against your knee, "We could find another way to loosen up."

Your breath hitched. The heat of her touch, even through the fabric of your pants, sent a shiver up your spine.

You glanced at her, and her dark eyes were watching you, waiting.

She leaned in slightly, close enough that you could catch the faint scent of leather and something undeniably her.

"What do you say, love?" Her voice dropped to a husky murmur, "Wanna get a little... in sync?"

And that is exactly how you found yourself, hands around Sevika's naked frame, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" You asked timidly.

Your legs were spread and you were naked beneath her muscular frame which caged you down to the bed.

Your cunt was slick with arousal, Sevika's thick fingers were spreading them around and rubbing your pussy lips gently.

"You'd be surprised how much experience I have," Sevika whispered, fingers slowly parting your pussy lips and labia.

"Just... do it!" You hissed out, cheeks covered with embarrassment. Your face felt hot.

"Alright, doll," Sevika's fingers dipped inside making you gasp and scratch her back.

Even though they were only two fingers, they were thick and stretched your pussy out with a delicious pain.

"Want me to start moving?" Sevika asked, her other arm hoisting your frame up against her own protectively.

"Y-Yes," you whispered in her ear.

Sevika started rubbing the interior of your pussy making your hole clench around her digits needily.

"I-i... it feels so good," you moaned in her ear, fingers starting to entangle in her hair, "Sevika, please, more..."

Sevika smirked at the sight of you so needy, but she didn't hold back.

Her fingers dug deeper hitting that sweet spongy spot inside you.

"You're close, aren't you?" Sevika's voice rasped in your ear but you barely could register her words.

You were arching your back, crying out as loud as ever— silently wondering if the neighbours were hearing while you came undone on her fingers.

Atleast, now the both of you were in sync.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

Would I be able to request Navia, Clorinde, Natasha and Himeko bathing with their S/O whilst S/O is just getting increasingly flustered (NSFT or fluff idk) (also maybe Stelle but I feel like the only reason she'd take a bath would be for NSFT reasons unless forced too)

(Genshin Impact/H:SR) Sharing a bath with their S/O

Genshin Impact - Navia, Clorinde, Dehya, Furina, Arlecchino, Chiori Honkai: Star Rail - Natasha, Himeko, Firefly, Stelle

Mild NSF-W Implications below the cut!

Because you don't take a bath with your clothes on. At least, I hope that you don't, dear reader.

As Navia is relaxing into the bath, she notices that her S/O is actively avoiding meeting her gaze.

And truth be told, she wasn't immune entirely herself as her face started to heat up as well, and not from the hot water.

But that being said, Navia didn't mind. She thought it was cute more than anything that S/O was getting flustered.

(Navia) "S/O? You alright?"

(S/O) "J-Just fine, thanks!"

With a soft chuckle, Navia shifted over to them with the water rippling as she did so, sitting directly next to them.

(Navia) "You know I don't mind, right?"

Her heart began to pound as she took S/O's hand into her own and out of the water.

(Navia) "I'm here right now because I want to be, S/O."

That finally got them to stare lovingly into her eyes, with Navia returning the gesture before she couldn't resist the urge to not kiss them any longer.

Clorinde is enjoying the silence, but at the same time it was admittedly a bit awkward.

Both her and S/O were doing their best to remain respectful and not stare too long at each other in the bath.

Yet, she would catch them stealing the occasional glance as they noticed her doing the same.

At the very least, she appreciated that S/O attempting to keep some form of modicum, but at the same time, it was a bit redundant to do so considering they decided to bathe together.

Especially since they were lovers.

(Clorinde) "Would...it be easier for us to simply look where we please?"

(S/O) "...O-Only if you don't mind, Clorinde."

Realizing just how needlessly the two of them were beating around the bush, they let out a small laugh together.

(Clorinde) "I only request that you don't stare too long. You have my word I will do the same."

Dehya is no stranger to sharing baths, so it didn't really bother her too much to do the same with S/O.

Though the idea of doing so with her lover gave enough pause for at least a second upon first consideration.

S/O on the other hand looked like they were on the verge of exploding, which tempted her to tease them for it.

(Dehya) "Jeez, you look like you're going to pop a vein."

(S/O) "D-Do I?"

Letting out a hearty laugh, she gives a pat to their naked back, which makes them yelp out.

(Dehya) "I'm joking! You can loosen up a little, y'know. It's just me to see you like this."

(S/O) "That's exactly why I'm panicking!...Uh, I mean-"

Dehya ruffled their hair, letting droplets of water go onto the floor, not that she particularly cared.

(Dehya) "S/O, it's fine. I promise I don't care. Well, too much anyway."

Part of her wants to do this again solely just to see what kind of reactions S/O would make, but she figured she tortured them enough for one night.

Furina is extremely quiet as both her and S/O shared the bath, the silence and tension hanging in the air to the point it could be cut with a knife.

Her fingers slightly fidgeted with each other under the water, doing her best to not stare at S/O.

Which both Furina and S/O failed to do.

Balling her fists up, she decided to take the first step! Scooting inch by inch over to S/O, who noticed her working up the courage to get closer.

In which they bumped into each other, before staring wide eyed at each other in silence.

Instead of saying anything, Furina embraced S/O in a tight hug, a deep exhale leaving her body and finally relaxing.

(Furina) "Can we...stay like this for a while?"

(S/O) "Hah...anything for you, Furina."

The feeling was completely alien to her, being able to feel someone so intimately, but she didn't hate it. The farthest thing from it, in fact.

Furina loved this.

Arlecchino decided to go along with S/O's request to share a bath, partly just to see what would happen.

She never did anything so intimate with another person before, but it wasn't the worst thing in the world.

Meanwhile, S/O already looked so nervous asking Arlecchino to come along, now they actually had her with them.

And honestly? They didn't think they would get this far.

Arlecchino leaned against the tub with her eyes closed, knowing fully well S/O was peeking glances every now and then, something that amused her.

(Arlecchino) "S/O."

Her calling their name caused S/O to freeze up in mild terror, making Arlecchino let out a breath of amusement.

(Arlecchino) "You needn't be so nervous. Had I wanted to strike you down for looking, I would not have accepted your request."

(S/O) "I know it's...I want to be respectful you know?"

Arlecchino hummed in response, whether that was acknowledgement or indifference, S/O didn't know.

A few moments later, S/O worked up the courage to hold her hand, a gesture she returned by simply squeezing theirs and saying nothing.

(Arlecchino) "...With all that being said, we do not speak of this to the children, understand?"

(S/O) "Y-Yes, ma'am!"

Chiori rolls her eyes at the blush on her S/O's face.

First of all, it's not like this was the first time they've seen her without clothes on.

Secondly, it was their idea to take a bath together and-

Her thought process was interrupted as Chiori felt the muscles in her legs loosen up.

(Chiori) "Ugh, today was killer. Thanks for warming up the bath for us at least, S/O."

(S/O) "Y-Yeah, no problem, Chiori."

(Chiori) "And no need to be so jittery. Yes, we're both naked, it's nothing that should get you that nervous."

(S/O) "I feel like you'd kill me for staring."

(Chiori) "In public, yeah. But if it's just us, then who cares? I stare at you all the time, y'know."

Turning Chiori head to them, she gives S/O a small smirk, playfully tapping their nose with her finger.

(Chiori) "Besides, nothing I haven't seen before. I am the one who takes your measurements."

(S/O) "I guess that's fair..."

Natasha is a little embarrassed herself to be sharing such an intimate space, but it quickly washes (HA) away after a few moments.

She smiles at S/O trying to look away, but feels their entire body stiffen in response as she hugs them.

(Natasha) "Aw, what's the matter? Getting shy?"

(S/O) "N-Nat!"

S/O's voice whined, making her tighten her embrace.

(Natasha) "Don't worry too much, S/O. Otherwise I'll have to do an impromptu physical right now-"

Not being able to hold back her laughter anymore, she caresses their cheek as soon as Natasha sees them pouting.

(Natasha) "Joking aside, you're allowed to look. It's a privilege only you get after all."

Himeko's beautiful laugh fills the bathroom air as her hand grazes their shoulder, feeling them jerk upwards in surprise.

(Himeko) "Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you. You just look so tense."

(S/O) "Hah well...The most beautiful woman is next to me, how could I not?"

(Himeko) "You could at least say that when you've actually looked at me once, S/O. It's not a crime to look."

She moves closer to them, kissing their cheek and watching their face turn into an even brighter shade of red.

Not that she wasn't a little nervous herself, but she figured they could at least see that, instead of having to tell them herself.

(Himkeo) "Please?"

With a sigh, S/O turns to Himeko, staring at her smile for what seemed like a small eternity.

Before Himeko closed the gap again to kiss them on the lips, S/O not saying anything in protest this time as her hands brought them closer.

Firefly's face was burning a bright shade of red, at least at first.

She had never done so with a lover, and things were awkward with S/O not knowing what to say either as they sat in the water.

But Firefly couldn't resist staring, and just affectionately eyed them up and down before speaking up.

(Firefly) "Is...it okay if I can move closer, S/O?"

(S/O) "O-Of course."

Her shoulders slumped downwards, taking their hesitance for rejection before S/O quickly cleared up the misunderstanding.

(S/O) "Ah! Wait, I want to be close with you! I'm...J-Just a little nervous too, is all."

Instead of a smile or even a demure look like S/O was expecting, Firefly instead pouted.

(Firefly) "T-Then why did you invite me to a bath if you were nervous too?"

...And to be fair, that was a good question.

But they both knew the answer to that already.

S/O made the move first against their rapidly beating heart to hug Firefly close, the action making her freeze up.

Before Firefly quickly relaxed and returned the embrace, her admittedly adorable pout melting into an even cuter smile.

Stelle sat in the waters with S/O, expecting to chat away or even get a little more...spicy in their interactions.

Instead, S/O was looking at the walls, everywhere except for her.

To show her disapproval, Stelle playfully splashed water at them, which got S/O to momentarily forget themselves.

(S/O) "H-Hey!"

(Stelle) "Hands slipped."

S/O smirked and splashed water back, making Stelle's stoic expression break with a smile of her own.

(S/O) "Take that, ya little punk!"

The tense atmosphere was quickly replaced by a more lighthearted one, with the two splashing water at each other before Stelle closed the gap between them, almost kabedoning them in the tub.

Which got S/O to quickly become silent again.

(Stelle) "So why'd you invite me in here if you were gonna get so embarrassed?"

(S/O) "I just wanted to spend time with you but I didn't think it'd be so...well, awkward at first."

Stelle smiled and rolled her eyes before sitting down next to them, getting S/O to relax.

...To which she promptly splashed water onto their face again.

(Stelle) "Whoops."

[biwitchenergyz]

That Thing Called Love

Chapter 1 of 3: Blackberries and Pecans (Next)

(Warnings! This work contains references to suicide, period-typical racism and sexism, as well as mentions of the KKK, plus I take elements from other vampire lore (ex; shapeshifting)

(Title from the song That Thing Called Love by Mamie Smith, considered the "First Lady of the Blues". The song is also referenced in this, and she is an incredible woman!)

“Promise me you’ll take your bag!” Annie places the finishing touches on the amulet, blowing out the candles she lit around the house. She was rushing to get it done before nightfall, but she was a mere minute too late. You watched the sunset from her window; the colorful glow made the world appear hopeful.

“Don’t talk to strangers and don't let anybody in.” Annie chided as she tied the mojo bag around your neck. She was always suspicious of the dark, and when you told her you walked to her place from your own, she practically begged you to spend the night. You refused, reminding her your cat was waiting for you and he wouldn't take kindly to missed meals. 

“I ain’t a little girl anymore, Ann! I know all about the creatures of the night.” With gentle hands, you adjusted the delicate bag around your neck. “Few folks have called me one from time to time.” Annie laughed at that, finally relaxing as you headed for the door. 

“I'd better be seeing you tomorrow! We’ve got shopping to do.” Your sister was strange in her affection. She was not used to expressing her love with words of comfort. Often, it came in the form of actions and commands. “Don’t forget. Farmers market at two pm!” 

You waved her off, sensing her follow you outside, where she stood watching as you made your way to the tree line. “Bye, Annie!” You shouted, waltzing into the woods, sticking to the manmade path that you knew by heart. When you looked back, Annie was gone, and the trees were blocking your view of her little house. 

The moon lit your path as she always did. You would never tell anyone, but during these walks, you enjoyed talking to her. She listened with an open heart, and you often found yourself performing for her. 

There were nights when you repeated poetry or lines from your latest reading. On nights like this, when the woods were more comforting than imposing, you liked to sing. Softly at first, then the memory of your mother singing in her kitchen came over you, and you sang louder. Gliding down the path with a rhythmic swing in your hips.

“ Now I want somebody, please.

To cure me of my love disease.”

Music came naturally to you. It was rooted so deeply into your childhood that it seeped out of you at every given chance. You weren’t like Sammy, Annie's cousin through marriage, who could sing in front of a crowd of thousands. That kind of talent was rare, but as you sang aloud, you figured the moon must be pleased, for she glows brighter than before, like a beacon guiding you home.

“That thing called love will make you sit and sigh.

That thing called love that money cannot buy.”

A sudden noise, like leaves crunching beneath someone's feet, startles you into silence. The handgun at your thigh feels tempting as you pat it, waiting for someone to jump from the trees. The sound comes again, but this time it's accompanied by the call of a bird, albeit tinier and weaker than any bird you've ever heard.

Inching onto the path is a black bird, dragging half its body with a lone clawed foot in your direction. Its wing and foot, nearest to you, appear injured, and they limp at its side. You recognized its more diminutive stature and fanned tail, instantly knowing it was a crow instead of the common raven. The creature's eyes flash at you, red like blood, but everything looks strange under the moon's glow.

You knew there were owls in these woods; you’d seen them a few times, and owls had a habit of attacking smaller birds. Speeding up, you were able to get close enough to see the wound in the moonlight. It was a nasty cut; the poor bird wouldn't make it till morning on its own, defenseless and exposed.

“Ya’ poor darling!” You bend to your knees, watching as the crow stops its desperate crawl. Instead, it looked at you with eyes so human yet so sorrowful. Gently, you wrapped the bird into your arms, cradling it against your chest. It didn’t fight, only letting out a slight wounded sound. 

“I can’t leave you out here. My sister, Annie, doesn't care for birds. Especially not birds like you.” Birds of death and mourning were the last thing your sister needed to see right now. If the poor thing were to continue down the path to her house, he might find himself dead at her hands. 

The crow tilts its head, confused by your words. Gently, you rub the back of its head, hoping to provide some form of comfort. You’d bandage its wounds when you got home, but for now, you could only offer tenderness. 

“Leo ain’t gonna be happy about this.” You whisper aloud, thinking of your chunky tabby cat as he waits for you to return home. He didn't do well with sharing attention, not to mention his affinity for leaving dead birds at your doorstep. With the look of the wound, the crow would probably need a week to heal. You figured Leo could share the spotlight during that time. 

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Your cottage was different from Annie’s shack. It was your childhood home, buried deep in the old woods, surrounded on every side. Originally, a gift from your father to your mother: two bedrooms with a small kitchen, a bathroom, and a dining room that also counted as the parlor. Annie didn’t like to visit anymore; she called it haunted, but you called it home.

On the small porch was a cushioned swing that you and your mother used to sit on for hours. Sometimes the two of you would watch Annie and your father as they tended the garden, other times you would all sit on the porch drinking mint tea. Your sister stayed with you for a few years after her mother died. It was the first time she got to know her father and you. Still, Annie was out of the house as soon as she could be, and sometime around her move out is when your father left.

The house wasn't the same after that. Your mother wallowed in sorrow, lying in her bed from sunup to sundown. Nothing you and your sister did could pull her from her melancholy. It wasn’t much of a shock when Annie and the Moore twins, childhood friends of yours, came knocking on the door to tell you your mother had been found face down in the delta. 

Against your better judgment, you told the crow all about the history of your cottage, and to its credit, the bird seemed to listen. “With mama gone and daddy missin’, the house and half acre were left to me. I use the spare room for my plants and crystals, but there’ll be enough room for you to heal right.” You turn the key as quietly as you can, but it is to no avail, as soon as the door opens, Leo is waiting for you, meowing like a rampaging tyrant. 

“Shit, let me set you down somewhere nice so I can feed him.” The crow must know to stay quiet because he doesn't respond to the cat's persistent complaining. In your plant room, you place a cushion from your bed down atop your wooden dresser. You fluff it just right for the crow, who eagerly rests his weary body. “I’ll be back later with some food and water.” You promise as you shoo Leo from the room and take him to his empty bowl.

A bowl of chopped nuts and a cup of water are soon placed by the crow's bed. You fear he will reject it, but he takes the time to devour as much as he can. While he eats, you wrap his injured wing and leg in a thin cloth covered with yarrow paste. Leo is waiting just outside the door, hoping for a second meal. You sit on the bed that once belonged to you and Annie as you take a small sip of your tea. “He ain’t going to eat you. He’s just acting like he will.” You explain in defense of your cat.

The crow makes a low-pitched rattling sound that you take as his words of understanding. You continue your chatter with ease. “Leo thinks he's the king now, but I found him abandoned on the side of the road. He wasn’t anything but a starving baby back then.” The crow sits on its pillow, watching you as you fill the air with words. You tell him a little bit about the remedy you’ve put on his wing, like you would say to a patient at your clinic. 

You mention Annie and the dinner you just had at her house. It feels nice to have someone to tell things to, someone who seems to listen, unlike Leo, who turns away from you when he’s trying to sleep. 

“I figure it’s your bedtime now with it being night and all. Leo and I will leave you be, Goodnight-” You pause, unsure of what to call this newcomer in your life.

The bird must understand you, for it attempts to make a sound, but it comes out like cooing. You brush its back, humming as you think of the perfect name for this creature. As your hand trails up its body, the bird turns to take a nip at your skin, leaving a pearl of blood that is quickly nipped away. You pull your hand back, clutching your finger and scolding the evil crow. 

Remmy, a voice within you whispered. Despite it sounding like your own, you can’t remember where such a name came from. Still, the name fit the little crow with the injured wing. “Goodnight, Remmy.” You blew out the tableside candle and shut the door to keep Leo from getting in. The feline didn't mind; instead, he made his way to your shared bed and was content to know that you'd be sleeping with him tonight and not that pesky bird.

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A rhythm began between the three of you, with a natural ease. Leo would wake you in the morning, giving you enough time to feed him and Remmy before you had to run out of the house and rush to your nursing job in the city. You spent most days treating injured farm hands and the occasional wound sustained from fighting. When you weren't treating patients, you were reading medical books, learning about herbal remedies, and the known benefits of certain plants.

 Your coworker would drop you off at Annie's house after work, and the two of you would catch a ride down to the market where Annie would sell spells and ointments. When you both had the money, you’d do a little shopping of your own. Your groceries over the past week were always filled with blackberries and pecans, Remmy’s favorite foods.

 You would return home after a long day, cook dinner, and feed your boys all before picking up Leo and settling in the guest bedroom, where you talked to Remmy until sunset, and you grew weary. Tonight was no different.

“You should be able to practice flying now.” You tell the sleepy crow as you remove the bandage from his wing and leg. The crow preened as soon as the bandage was off. His eyes glimmer a shade of scarlet when he looks in your direction. You bent down to pick up Leo as he brushed against you, then both of you settled on the bed, with Leo snuggled into your crossed legs. Remmy gave his wings a little flap, seemingly testing out his movements.

“I’ll leave the window open tonight so ya’ can get some fresh air.” You trace patterns into Leo’s brindle fur. “Don’t gotta fly off if you aren't comfortable. You’re always welcome back here, just come on in.” Secretly, you hope Remmy won't fly away. He was good company, not that Leo wasn't, but there was something more attentive about the crow. So when you went to sleep, you left the window cracked just enough to give Remmy access if he chose it.

Come morning, you woke to find a shiny pebble placed outside your bedroom window. You opened it, quickly grabbing the rock before it fell. It glistened in the morning sunlight with a white hue similar to a pearl; if it wasn't for its rough edges, you might confuse it for one. Remmy wasn't in bed when you went to question him; the light from the open window glistened down onto an empty pillow. Your heart nearly dropped before you heard that familiar rattling sound that came from deep within Remmy’s throat.

He hid under the dresser, poking his little head out enough for you to know he was there. His body blended into the dark. Something in you knew to close the windows and shutters. As soon as they were closed, Remmy poked his head back out and flew to his pillow, a little wobbly but otherwise fine. 

“Did ya’ bring me a gift, Remmy?” You teased the silly bird as you held up the white rock. His head moved up and down, similar to a nod. “Thank you very much, pretty bird.” You placed a peck on his beak, trying to show your sincere appreciation. Once again, the crow preened under your gaze.

As it was a Saturday, you and Leo relaxed in Remmy’s room while you took notes in your spellbook as you read through the book of herbal remedies. You lit candles as you recited old prayers and chants, hoping for prosperity. Annie had Hoodoo, and you had your craft, both different yet beautiful in their way. Remmy liked your prayers, flying to perch on your shoulder as you recited old words that flowed naturally from your lips. Leo lay with his belly in the air, comforted by the protective energy in the room.

By nightfall, you were too tired to make the journey to your room. You cracked the window open again before curling up with Leo and falling asleep in your childhood bed. Unbeknownst to you, the shadow of a man rose from your bedside. Beady red eyes traced your gentle figure before placing a blanket around you. Leo opened one weary eye, but he relaxed at the sight of the raven-haired man.

In the morning, Remmy was hidden under the dresser again, and resting on your pillow was a sprig of basil, the very herb you were writing about when sleep called to you.

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Annie didn't know about your feathered companion. You doubted she'd approve of you keeping a crow around your home. Bad luck, she would say, he’ll bring bad luck. Remmy brought you many things. From shining rocks to useful herbs, he spent the next four days bringing gifts into your home when the sun set and you were none the wiser. 

After a long day at work, sewing one too many cuts for a group of teens that had gotten into a drunken argument, you were ready to crawl into bed and bid the world goodbye. Like clockwork, you fed your two special boys before attempting to prepare for a cleansing ritual you would perform in the morning. As you wrote down the items you needed and the intention you had for the spell, your eyes fell shut.

There was a weight behind you, gentle and loving. It wrapped you in its arms and nuzzled into your neck. You wondered why such a warm dream was coming to you tonight; it was rare for you to dream of being loved. Not since you called off your engagement with your ex, Benny. 

Leo made an appearance in your dream, curling into a ball at the top of the bed, purring when a pale hand brushed his ears. You heard the low, contented sigh as the weight pulled you closer. In your dreary state, one name fell from your lips, “Remmy.”

Nearly three hours into your peaceful sleep, your eyes begrudgingly opened. The warm breeze coming from your window blew strands of hair that tickled your neck. Sighing, you rolled over, lying on your right side and facing towards the window. A man lay beside you, the man you dreamt of; you figured you were still dreaming. Gently, you brushed the hair from his forehead as you prepared to fall back into sleep. Your eyes closed, and in a beat, a sudden realization hit you. There was a half-naked man in your bed.

You yelped, loud and aggressive, as you fell from the bed, slamming your back into a wall. Leo raised his head, startled and unhappy with the rude awakening. The stranger stretched his body, eyes still closed, as he mumbled, “Come back to bed, sugar.” He must have heard you reaching for the gun in the drawer of your nightstand because his eyes shot open, just as shocked as you had been. 

“Shit, didnt mean to fall asleep.” He shook the black curls from his eyes. Standing quickly, while raising his hands up to show you he meant no harm. With nothing but a pair of cotton boxer shorts on, you could see the outline of him, and it stirred something within you.

“Who the hell are you?” You didn’t expect your voice to sound so stern; you figured it was from the years of being with Annie. Your right hand found the handgun and you pulled it on him, faster than a viper. That's when you noticed the flicker in his eyes, specks of rubies shining back at you. “Remmy?” The crow's name fell from your parted lips.

“Kinda? The names Remmick.” In the moonlight, his skin reminded you of the first rock you had received, pearlescent and glowing. He moves cautiously, circling the bed as if you were a wild animal waiting to jump. In a sense, you are. The light catches onto his shoulder, and you see the scar tissue of a cut that stretches past his naked torso and down to his thigh. It’s the same cut that Remmy had from his wing to his leg.

“What are you?” It was hardly a secret, but you wanted to hear it from him.

“Don’t know what ya’ll call it down here, but I figure Vampire is the right word.” You refused to look down as he stood on your side of the bed, hardly clothed, and sheepishly rubbing at his neck. “I wasn’t trying to hurt ya’. I was wounded pretty bad ya’ see,” He takes a step backwards when you grip the handgun between both your shaking hands. 

“Then you found me, I’m mighty thankful for you. I woulda’ve died out there.” His strong hand traces the flesh wound; it appears to heal right before your eyes.

The rapid pounding of your heart was uncomfortable, to say the least. There was a connection between the two of you that hung in the air like a noose. You told Remmy a million things about yourself and your life; this vampire knew all of you. The thought of him having been given such precious information makes your face grow hot and your throat tighten. 

“My sister always taught me not to mess with creatures like you,” You begin slowly, waiting to see if he will switch up and attack, but he just stands there. “You need to leave now. I ain't gonna hurt you, but you can’t stay here. I don’t trust no vampires and I certainly don't trust no white men.” Remmick's face contorts as if you struck him.

“I-I enjoy it here. Don’t wanna leave you.” He lamented, searching for a speck of doubt in your eyes that would prove you wanted him there. You refused to meet his gaze; you knew he would find what he was looking for. 

“Should have thought of that before you tricked me.” God, you sounded like a heartbroken maiden, but you couldn’t hide the betrayal you felt. “You didn’t need to hide from me. You had days to knock on my door and tell me the truth. I don’t like liars, and I especially don't like men who creep into my bed.” Pushing forward, the gun stands between the two of you as Remmick walks backwards. 

“Imma’ go! I didn’t mean to sneak in bed with ya’ and it wasn't like that.” He shuffled his bare feet towards the door as you followed. Before he could exit, something tender and unspoken came over you.

“Wait,” you called as you slowly made your way back into the room, stumbling a little because you refused to turn your back on the man. You opened the nightstand, fiddling around till you found Benny’s old robe. Remmick still stood at the door, his naked flesh lit by moonlight.  Setting the gun down, you wrapped the robe around his shivering form and tightened it. 

“Thank you, sugar.” Then he was gone, and you locked the door with shaking hands. Annie always told you something would come hunting for good women like you. She whispered warnings as she braided your hair, reminding you never to trust a stranger. Against all reason, you had let one in. 

[woso-dreamzzz]

End of the World V

Katie McCabe x Child!Reader

Caitlin Foord x Child!Reader

Summary: The last day in Australia

On the last day of your trip to Australia, you go to the zoo.

It's a whole day activity because it's a night flight.

It had been Caitlin's idea actually and she's why you sit in your pram. You don't usually get put into the pram now that you're not a baby but there's meant to be lots of walking today so Mammy had rented one out for you.

You're glad though because Australia is hot and you don't like hot because it makes you sweat a lot and then your clothes cling to you.

You don't like that at all.

So, you are glad for the pram because it's perfect to be pushed around in and still being able to see all the animals.

Mammy pushes you but Caitlin's the one who points out everything to you, crouching next to your pram and explaining things from the placards that are just out of sight from you.

"Elephant," Caitlin says to you, pointing out the animal.

"Lelephant."

"Elephant," She says again.

"Lelephant."

She smiles. "Close enough. Elephants have big trunks. They use it to pick up branches to eat. See?"

She points and you follow her finger to where the elephant is chewing on some leaves.

"It's big."

"It is."

You think for a moment.

The elephant is very big, massive even. It's got a big trunk and big feet and big tusks. It's very scary and you whine a little when it wanders closer to where you and the others are watching it.

You squeeze your eyes shut quickly. "I don't like the lelephants, Caitlin!"

"Okay, okay. Let's move on." She flips through the brochure and shows it to you. "Where do you want to go?"

"Erm...er..." Your eyes glance over the pictures before focusing on the little animal with red and white fur. "That one."

"You want to see the red pandas?" Caitlin asks and you nod.

"Yes, please, Caitlin."

Mammy laughs and starts wheeling you away.

You think the red pandas aren't as big as the elephants and giraffes and aren't as scary as the lions and rhinos. The red pandas look soft and sweet like Coopurr back home.

You're right. They do look soft and sweet and you tug a little bit at the straps keeping you in your pram.

Caitlin notices and she smiles. "Do you want to get out, kiddo?"

You freeze slightly at being addressed before you cautiously nod your head. You're unclipped and up in Caitlin's arms within seconds.

At first, you feel stiff and awkward in them but it's just Caitlin. It's not like she's a stranger so you relax into her, hands on her shoulder so you can push yourself a bit further away to see the red pandas clumsily wander around their enclosure.

"Do you like them, kiddo?" Mammy asks and you nod.

"They're cute and little."

"That's right. They are."

You don't know how long you stay waiting at the red pandas but it must be a while. You don't know why you like them but it must be because they look so huggable.

At home, Coopurr only tolerates hug for a little while before he's wiggling away to go do Coopurr things that you don't understand.

Red pandas seem a little clumsy though and one of them stays snoozing in the sun the entire time you're there. They must give good cuddles.

You don't really want to leave them but you still have to get to the airport so you have to leave.

Mammy goes off to the toilet before you leave while you sit in Caitlin's arms as she wanders around the giftshop.

"Hey, kiddo," She says," Do you want this?"

She's holding a doll.

You like dolls.

It's a doll with a little red panda on its arms and red panda themed clothes. It's very cute and you bite at your lip.

"We have to go," You whisper," If we're not ready when Mammy comes back, she might get annoyed."

"Katie won't get annoyed," Caitlin assures you," Do you want it?"

You bob your heads up and down. "Yes, please, Caitlin."

When Mammy comes out of the toilet, you've got your new doll and she easily takes you from Caitlin so she can fawn over it.

She coos over it and asks questions all the way back to the airport and all the way through boarding.

She's planning on fawning over it until you settle but your ears pop without warning and you shriek.

Pulling your hands away from your ears, you find that they haven't gone back to normal. They're all blocked and weird and they hurt.

So you start sobbing, tears spilling over your cheeks.

"Shh, shh," Katie says," It's okay. It's okay. Come here."

She unclips you and you crawl over to her, burying your face into her chest.

"Here," Caitlin says, passing over the blanket she was going to use for the flight," Use this."

[heavensgaze]

YOU DON'T KNOW THE HALF OF IT

A GardenClan Story - This story is a supplemental but fully canon addition to the story of Our Garden Under Heaven. It takes place directly after the events of Moon 8, from the perspective of Darkest Night as she ponders her past and GardenClan's future.

<- PREVIOUS // NEXT ->

“Run.” Darkest Night lifted her paw from the younger cat’s chest, leaving behind the gash she’d gifted him. “And make sure you tell your friends I’ll be watching.” 

The little golden cat staggered to their paws, swaying slightly. She resisted the urge to lash out a massive paw one more time for emphasis. Her claws were capable of much worse damage than she’d dealt this time. Her victim should consider himself lucky–she needed to be sure that the defeated scrap before her made it back to their camp in one piece. 

The smaller cat began to scramble backward, desperate to put distance between them. Darkest Night closed the gap with one step, putting her muzzle close to their trembling snout. Their blue eyes were wide, so huge and clear that she could see her own face reflected within them. Her teeth gleamed in the brutal midday sun.

“I know what you are. Where you’re from. And until Heaven takes pity upon you and takes you back, I will never stop hunting you.”

With her voice echoing, carried across the desert by the wind, Darkest Night stood still and watched the white tail tip bob across the sand until it disappeared over the horizon. A deep sense of satisfaction swept over her. Assured that her warning would stick in the young cat's mind, she turned back the way she had come.

The sun had not yet set by the time she arrived back at her den. The massive cave in the stoney ravine had been her home for many seasons now. The surrounding cats knew to keep their distance. She was not a friendly cat. The sound of voices felt like the buzzing of mosquitoes in her ears. 

 She cleared the slope in one leap, massive paws landing without so much as a sound on the rocks. The surface was cool on her pads, but she did not bother to relish the comfort. Physical pleasures were short lived, a blink of an eye when compared to a lifetime of torture at the paws of indifference. A prison would still be a prison, even as the sun shined and flowers bloomed. There was nothing the earth could do to soothe her. 

 Instead she lumbered deeper into the cave until the darkness swallowed her completely. It was here, beneath the world, that she let her muscles relax. The Eyes of Heaven could not find her here. The glimmering stars could not sit coldly above, taunting her with their silence. 

Not so much as a shadow was able to be cast when she sat, lowering her frame down against the stone, and bringing her bloody forepaw to her lips to clean it. The iron tang sent memories flashing through her head so fast it made her feel almost dizzy. She closed her eyes, relishing the taste the same way one might savor the final scraps of a mouse. She was no stranger to the taste of blood, but the little cat tasted so much of him it threatened to turn her stomach nauseous. The memories danced in her gut, churning her insides until they were so deeply unsettled she could stave off her nostalgia no longer. 

Her fur had been kit-soft once, and her paws hadn't felt so heavy. She'd played in the sand and the water and the leaves and the snow. He'd been beside her through all of it. Together they'd discovered the sound of birdsong, the taste of prey, and the way the stars seemed to watch over them like a thousand tiny eyes when the darkness came. They'd lived among cats, as cats were made to do.

But we were not cats.

The thought made her stomach settle, replacing the unsteady churning with a frozen lake of resentment. She opened her eyes. Her claws had left deep scars beneath her on the cave ground. Darkest Night sneered, showing her teeth to the blackness surrounding her. It was childish to dwell on what she had once been. But her divinity had been stolen from her. She had every right to her bitterness. 

It was all she had left.

With a dismissive flick of her ears, she continued grooming until she could no longer taste the young cat's blood. When she was satisfied her paws had been washed clean of her deed, Darkest Night got to her paws with a luxurious stretch. Her muscles rippled beneath her pelt, strong but still sore from her walk. She snorted–Thousands of moons and this is how I age, eh? 

It was her constant trekking back and forth from the Eden Tree that had left her body aching. She’d only come to observe, to see the changes to their camp and routine now that they’d added to their ranks. If she’d seen the round tortie, she might have even risked asking who he was. That one was more reasonable. He already feared her, and had answered her readily when she had questioned him upon their first meeting. If she had met them out on the sands and grassy plains, Darkest Night was sure they'd have told her about the fat tom with the strange eyes. The yellow one had crossed her path first this time. She was always in the lead when they walked together, tail held high with the arrogance and ignorance of her youth. Somewhere beneath her hatred of the bright little cat, she felt a twinge of pity. 

Foolish kits, doomed to be the playthings of Heaven.

Just like me, she thought, gritting her teeth. 

She wondered if she might have spoken to her first, before drawing blood. No. He wore his stubbornness like a halo around him, all the while trembling like a leaf in the breeze. That one would be mule-headed until the day he died.

Just like him. 

Scaring her had been a fine alternative. Pain was an efficient teacher. There would be other opportunities to speak to the little one, and their new prophet as well. It was important that the two stars were introduced to the reality of the world they’d been sent to. There were no soft paws waiting for them here. 

Darkest Night ran her long claws across the stone wall of the cave, stretching once more to rid herself of the creaking in her bones. Then she shook her pelt and laid down, not bothering herself with a meal. The ache of hunger had not troubled her for many seasons. It would not kill her to wait another night. It would not kill her to wait forever. That was always the problem. 

Her green eyes closed, and she rested her chin against her paws to rest. 

“Nightpaw, get up!” 

She was roused by a tug on her ear, and the feeling of a body on top of her. Nightpaw? There was only one who had ever known her by that name. Tiny paws pummeled her mountainous shoulders before her attacker slid off of her. He hopped away the moment she stood, wisely out of reach of her claws.

The little golden tomcat ducked a half hearted swipe from her paw, and pranced around her in a circle. 

“What do you want?” She spat. She sat down, but kept her claws unsheathed. “And why have you chosen to appear like this?” She peeled her lips back into a toothy sneer. “The soft kit fur of youth doesn't quite suit you anymore, Dawn. Not as you exist to me.”

He stopped prancing, coming to stand in front of her. “Is this better?” 

Before she could blink, he'd aged. He was smaller than she was, but with a nobility to everything from the way he held his head to the arch in his spine that made him feel as large as a lion. Golden eyes stared directly into her, burning with the intensity of the sun, and the massive mane of fur around his neck hung like a cloak of brilliant snow before turning blood red across his throat. A few tiny splatters of blood struck the cave floor, echoing around the two of them. 

This was how she remembered him. Radiant and bleeding. 

“Still doesn't explain why I've dreamed you up,” she growled. “I thought my reward for extinguishing you was getting to live free of your preaching, and yet here you are. Alive and…” She glanced at the wound on his throat. “Not well, I suppose.” 

“You cannot kill your memories, Night.” 

“I remember you more broken than this in your final moments.” Heat rushed through her pelt and she leaned towards him, giving him a full view of her fangs. “Torn to shreds and begging.” 

“That’s not my problem.” His deep voice was casual, almost breezy. A grin spread across his features. “Like we've said, I'm your dream, Night.”

She spit in frustration, wishing she hadn't remembered his stubbornness quite so clearly. He raised one white paw, licking it before drawing it over his ear. 

“The Eden Tree blooms once more,” He mused. “It ought to bear fruit any day now.”

She didn't respond. How dare he treat this as nothing more than catching up between friends? After all he had done to her, after all that had been done to both of them! The sick, nostalgic feeling returned to her stomach.

“You must care. You tracked that young cat for ages just to startle him. Why didn't you just tell him what you know?”

“Would it have done any good?” She growled. “She's like you. Too bright to see the shadows she casts.” 

“And the other? Is she like you?” His eyes narrowed with accusation, two shining suns seeing through her and making her pelt burn.

“Reasonable, you mean?” She couldn't hold back her frustration. “Of course, you'd watch them suffer for thousands of moons at the whims of Heaven before you'd step in. They'd be better off joining you. It'd spare them the trouble!” 

He blinked slowly, his grin fading into a look of concern. “So you intend to snuff them out? Is that still the only mercy you know?” 

“It's the only mercy Heaven allows us.” She flashed back. Her body blazed from the pads of her paws to the tip of her tail. She flashed out a paw, making sure this time to not miss. 

 It caught him on the side of his face, and her claws tore through his cheek easily. The blow was followed by an explosion of blood, splattering across her eyes and muzzle while he staggered backwards several pawsteps, reeling. 

“Do you feel better?” He asked, glaring at her. Rage boiled in her belly. He had no right to look so betrayed. The blood from his cheek ran down his face and neck, joining the wound on his throat like two rivers converging into the ever-growing sea of red at his feet.

“Yes.” She spat back.

“Those paws built a clan once,” he said mournfully. “Was Heaven's sin against you really worth all of this?”

Her claws reached deep into the earth, and she allowed herself the memory. Back when the two of them snuggled together beneath the Eden tree, his head on her not-yet muscular shoulder while she nuzzled into the growing tufts of his mane. They'd played together then, tumbling over one another as their laughter and squeals rang out over the pool before the wind carried their joy across the dunes and into the desert. Their little slice of paradise, under the sun and stars, that would soon fill with the bodies of other cats. If she tried she could remember their smells, even their faces. For some, she could even recall their names. They'd been her friends, her companions, her family, and she and Dawn had brought them all together, just as Heaven had ordained them to.

For what? She'd asked the same question then, over and over again. Each prophet had given her a different answer, and not one had satisfied her. And, always at her side, Dawn would nod wisely in agreement, his confidence in their mission unshakable. She was the weaker of the two. She always had been. But here she stood now, in front of the spectre of the cat she'd loved as a brother, a friend, and more–for better or worse, only one of them was alive.

“Dawn.” She growled, rising to her paws. She loomed over him, swallowing him in her shadow. “You don't know half of what was done to me. I've spent a thousand moons in this wasteland. We watched generations of cats together, guided them in the name of that heartless spirit. Where are they now, Dawn? Your beloved prophets are nothing but food for the worms and maggots. They live below the earth, just as I do, but only they know any peace. It's the only real gift Heaven has ever given them, and you and I were granted no such pity! May you never know the abyss this existence has brought me. You died a martyr, Brightest Dawn. We are not all so lucky.” 

By the time she finished her tirade, she was snarling through her teeth. Her breath was hot, and bubbles of saliva formed at her gums. He stared up at her blankly. She stared back, waiting for some indicator of fear to cloud his features, even though she knew it would never come. In all of their time together, she could remember no time he trembled. 

Stubborn fool.

“I will not be tormented by my better half.” She spat. The heat in her body was cooling, freezing to jagged ice.

“Night,” his voice was low and hoarse. Perhaps the wound in his throat would finally shut him up. He continued on, and she forced her frustration down, lest she whirl on him once more to deliver another blow that would ultimately mean nothing. “You are angry because you know I'm right. Those two are not a threat to you. You could be their ally, if you wanted. You’ve stood in their pawsteps–you could help them. Your core cannot be so frozen that you do not see that.”

 “Damn you, Brightest Dawn, and damn the eyes who sent us to this cursed world together. I will never work in the service of Heaven again.”

“Darkest Night–”

“No!” The cave shook with her screech. Her fur bristled wildly as more spit flew from her jaws. “You will speak no more!” 

She jerked away from him before he could say more, and turned. With her back to him, facing the darkness of the cave, she forced her madness down. “Leave me, Dawn. I will not dream of you again.”

Darkest Night did not look over her shoulder to see his face. There was only so long she could wallow in their failure. Whatever she had become, she was no longer a star. She and Dawn had each burned out in their own way too long ago for it to matter. If she looked at him again, she knew she’d succumb to her madness and fury, and attack him, only to find no satisfaction in fighting her memory and to wake up on the cave floor, alone again.

She’d killed him once. There was nothing to be gained in reliving it.

She was not Heaven. She had no need to endlessly repeat the same cycle, to watch the same story play out over and over again. 

Fine, she thought. Send your stars. Send the whole damn sky if you must. The image of the two of them, each terrified beneath her paws, brought a great comfort as she stalked deeper into the blackness of the cave, leaving her memory behind. She would find a way to ruin them.

Tomorrow when she awoke, she would go back to the SmokeClan camp. Evening Fire had been eager to listen to her knowledge of their territory the first time they’d met. The smoky black tom was perhaps the stupidest cat she’d ever met. His greed and pride were as valuable a weapon as his claws, and as great a weakness as his soft underbelly. He’d wanted their land of plenty to himself the moment she brought it up, and the dribbling sycophants he surrounded himself with would only stoke the flames of his hunger. There was a chance that cats’ own nature would do the job for her, and she could destroy the new Clan without having to lift so much as a single claw. 

Then again, if she did need to bloody her own paws, she would. The two stars and their new prophet had plenty of weaknesses. The yellow one’s stubbornness, the tortie’s fear, and the black and white tom’s own doubts–for he surely must have some–could all be turned against them. A growl rumbled in her throat. She would not let them succeed. 

If she could not have her revenge on Heaven itself, this would have to do. How lucky for her then, that she had plenty of time.

END.

[blueberri-blu]

Ch.2 Mea Vita ∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡

[rise]Future!Donnie x Future!Reader & Donnie x Reader (Post Krang Invasion)

Warnings: Angst, Character Death, gore, injuries, may add more

Please heed the warnings

←Previous Next→

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Previously...

A couple hours later you heard a loud bang from the kitchen. Your heart was racing, you looked over at Donnie only to see him in a deep sleep still. He must've been awake for many days for him to still be asleep you thought. Grabbing his tech bo, you made your way to the kitchen, only to see an orange portal, and a much older Leo walk through...

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You paused, you both stared at each other as if caught red handed. Older Leo put his hands up slowly and said "Woah woah woah.. hold on just a second, I'm not looking for trouble" you eyed him suspiciously, but lowered the tech bo slightly and quirked an eyebrow, almost asking who, what, when, where, and why.

You guided him to the living area, Leo looked around almost nostalgically. You guessed he was a part of the alternate universe where you all didn't defeat the Krang. "Where is everyone else?" "Well, since it's almost 2pm, they're all asleep." He could see the bags under your eyes, and he registered just what had happened. He, a supposed stranger, broke into the layer while everyone was asleep, leaving Donnie's poor s/o fearing for their life. "Oh, i- I'm really sorry, I just, I really needed you." "What? You need me? What the hell for?"

In Donnie's room, he felt your absence soon after you had left, he got up, and started trying to look for you, hoping you had only gone to the bathroom. But realizing his tech bo was missing, he immediately knew something was wrong. He got up as quickly as possible, rushing for his battle shell. Practically sprinting to the living area, he saw a much older Leo sitting with you. You didn't seem hurt, just very confused, and clearly tired.

You saw Donnie panicking, so you got up and went over to him. "Hey, don! It's all ok, he's Leo, from the alternate universe, it's all ok." He calmed a bit at your words, and up close, he saw much better that you weren't hurt, so he allowed himself to relax more.

"and what exactly do you need from us" you could tell Donnie was irritated from the whole ordeal, not only interrupting his and your sleep, but also showing up unannounced, and talking to you.

"Not exactly from all of you. Just them." He pointed at you. Donnie saw red. There was absolutely nothing he could need from you that would bring good to them.

All of Donnie's yelling woke his brothers, all of them coming to where you were to see what was going on.

Upon walking into the living area, all they saw was an older Leo being yelled at by their Donnie, who was being held back by you.

Raph ran and put himself between Donnie and Older Leo. "What's going on Donnie?!" "He wants y/n! He wants to take them with him!" Older Leo looked embarrassed, and raph was so worried. You grabbed Donnie, and turned him around "Don, you don't know that, and even if that was his plan, we need to hear him out. We can't jump to conclusions. If we can help them, isn't it best we do?"

Donnie hated how you were always ready to help others, no matter how it affected you. He sighed and glared at Older Leo "You have 3 minutes"

Older Leo explained that he needed you to help Older Donnie with something, heavily implying that you... were no longer around.

Donnie softened at this implication, almost imagining it happening in this universe. "But what exactly do you need them for." "Our Donnie isn't.. motivated, at all. He is putting his life at risk carelessly, we just need y/n to be present with him for this next mission, that's all"

Donnie was... Skeptical to say the least. And frankly, his brothers were as well. Leo looked at his future self, unsure of being able to trust him. Meanwhile Mikey looked in horror at the amount of scars on Older Leo's body, and Raph? He was internally destroyed at seeing his usually hyped up brother so... emotionless.

But, you ever the helper, agreed. Older Leo laid out the specifics of the plan, trying his best to convince Donnie you would be safe. And although Donnie wasn't a hundred percent sure, he knew it was your decision, and that he would just have to trust you and his alternate universe brother.

You packed up what Donnie decided was necessary, and what Older Leo had told you to bring, along with a lot of food, just in case. Then, Older Leo made some kind of... Calling signal, and an orange portal opened up.

You kissed Donnie good bye a soft "I love you" slipped your lips, and he stared at you, holding you tight, you just barely heard an "I love you too" from him.

Then... You walked through the portal with Older Leo, not quite knowing what to expect, and your heart pounding out of your chest.

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You ended up in what seemed like an underground bunker. Ahead of you, you saw... Yoda? Wait, no.. is that, Mikey?

Older Leo greeted Yoda with a hug. "Hello Micheal, I was somehow able to convince them" he chuckled, and Older Mikey seemed to share these feelings. Older Mikey then stared at you, and smiled, then squealed, and came up and hugged you so tight, you felt your ribs cry.

"ohhhhh I'm so happy to see you! We've all missed you so much!" You tried to hug him back, but soon you were pulled out of his grasp by Older Leo. "Come on, we need to get you to Donnie soon"

You walked to the lab door, and Older Leo looked at you expectantly, You put in the password your Donnie had given you, and surprisingly, it was the same.

You were greeted with a Donnie's lab, only much darker and dirtier, littered with what seemed like failed gadgets and machines. Then you heard a chair squeak.

∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡༶∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡༶∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡༶∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡༶∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡༶∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡༶∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°♡༶∘⁠˚⁠˳

[luna-writes-stuff]

I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing, Steve Harrington

Song link

Fanfic, fem! reader

Mutual pining, fluff

Word count: 3494

Tw: As a fellow introvert it pains me to tell you you are now going to prom. Sorry. There’s an f-bomb in here. Light cursing?? Idk have you even watched Stranger Things?

Summary: Steve was convinced he was only able to fall in love once, and that one love was Nancy Wheeler. And when all of that fell apart, he met you. He couldn’t explain how or why, but you were simply it for him. Never before had he been anxious to ask a girl out, so why were you so different? And how come Dustin knows more about flirting than he does?

Buy me a coffee/force me to write more

“I could stay awake just to hear you breathing. Watch you smile while you are sleeping. While you're far away and dreaming.”

Steve has only been in love once - Nancy Wheeler. He had told himself this over and over again. He knew what it felt like, he knew what it was like. He knew what the difference was between liking and loving. And the only one he had truly loved was Nancy Wheeler. So, when she started dating Jonathan, his heart crumbled into a million little pieces. For once, he finally understood the girls at his high school who would spend their break wallowing away in bathrooms.

After that, he wouldn’t dare even look at others in a specific way. He was convinced he could only love one person his entire life. He’d never find something real after that. It was a terrifying melodramatic thought in his head that simply refused to leave.

He was at his lowest when he met you.

“I could spend my life in this sweet surrender. I could stay lost in this moment forever. Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure.”

How you had never caught his eyes, he couldn’t quite believe. For years, you had been in the same English class. Hell, you used to sit directly next to him for a handful of months. He was so blindly and foolishly in love with Nancy, he refused to see anything else for him out there. And where he had once blamed it on loyalty and fidelity, he could now only consider himself as stupid.

You were forced to work on a project together in your senior year, Steve’s final year of torment. He was too late to pair with familiar faces, and was left with the person behind him - you. A lucky coincidence.

It wasn’t anything special at first. You were simply a classmate. But when he failed to show up on agreed study times, or refused to form a normal conversation with you, you showed up at his doorstep. You barely even know him, yet you took the effort to seek him out - initially in pure anger, as this was supposed to be your grade as well, and he was screwing it up, but you afterwards considered this action to have been out of genuine caring. It wouldn’t take an expert to recognize that he had not been true to his prior years persona.

Reluctantly, he had allowed you in, trying to procrastinate as much as he could. You spent the evening properly introducing yourself. You talked about family, work, school, interests, and friends that would later appear to be somewhat mutual (Steve didn’t necessarily consider Jonathan his friend, but he at least knew him on certain terms.) Where you first appeared to be the stuck-up good grades student, he found that you were actually quite interesting to talk with. Even if your interests weren’t always related, he found himself relaxing around you.

“Don't wanna close my eyes. I don't wanna to fall asleep, 'Cause I'd miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

It took two weeks for him to shift slightly around you. He’d grown more comfortable, and had actually tried to put in some effort in your project. After the study dates, he’d treat you to a drink at a nearby snackbar on his way to your home. During classes - if they were shared -, he started seeking you out more. Sometimes, though rare, he’d sit at your table at lunch, ranting about a teacher or a test he just had.

It took two more weeks before he started changing again. To him, it came out of nothing. You had been at his place, discussing what you would be doing the final three weeks of your project, your voice passionate as you explained your plan, your hands following along with your speech enthusiastically. Then, it all clicked for him. There was no special thing you did that made it happen: no faces too nearby, no flirty laugh, no hesitant hug, no brief kiss on his cheek - it was simply you speaking about something you were excited about. And his heart skipped a beat at it. The feeling you’d get just before you go down a rollercoaster, or when your chair almost falls backwards - but then in a good way.

The last time he felt that was when Nancy winked at him from across the room. And that was last year. He knew the feeling, and it did not take him longer than a second to figure out what it was. He didn’t dare to say it, though. He might say the wrong thing, or do the wrong thing and something about that made him so scared. He’d never felt anxious to walk up to someone and simply confess how he felt. It came easy to him.

Not after that one stupid rant you did.

“'Cause even when I dream of you The sweetest dream would never do, I'd still miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

He wouldn’t speak of it to anyone. He hadn’t even told himself out loud yet. He told himself that if he’d speak it, it might disappear, or bring him bad luck. He cursed himself afterwards and scolded his mind for suddenly picking up superstition.

He’d try so badly to behave somewhat normal around you, and not as if his heart was beating way too quickly whenever you spoke his name or nudged his shoulder with your pen. In his eyes, he was doing a great job at it. He didn’t stutter once, nor did he forget his words. He didn’t sweat, didn’t act on emotion. He was completely nailing this.

He never noticed his staring. You had.

“Lying close to you, feeling your heart beating. And I'm wondering what you're dreaming. Wondering if it's me you're seeing.”

You had noticed it only a day after Steve’s realisation. Sure, he had shown interest in you, but they never included prolonged eye contact, nor the feeling of being watched over during classes. It was uncomfortable when it first started, but when he failed to do anything about the staring in a negative sense, you figured his mind had just been too preoccupied with other things and let it slide.

But every time you’d walk the halls, you swear Steve kept his eyes on you even after you had greeted him at the lockers. During breaks, he would constantly be throwing you looks, and you had to pretend to look at something else to not be creepy as well. He started walking you to your car, helping you carry school books, and saving you lunch.

You might not have been the smartest, but you weren’t oblivious. He didn’t do this for his other friends - which he had known way longer than he had known you. He wouldn’t even walk his ‘children’ friends outside school. And you might have understood him if he had done so. But he didn’t. Not with anyone except you.

But maybe you were thinking too much of it.

“Then I kiss your eyes And thank God we're together. And I just wanna stay with you in this moment forever. Forever and ever.”

“Steve,” Dustin urged. “Earth to Steve.” The boy in question only grunted in annoyance, reluctantly tearing his eyes from you and your friend group. “Dude, this is almost becoming creepy.” Dustin continued. “Just talk to her. You’re friends, right?” “Yes, Dustin,” Steve groaned. “We’re friends.” An aloud confirmation. To himself and to Dustin. You were just friends, sure.

“Friends don’t really stare at each other the entire time.” Rolling his eyes, Steve shook his head at the boy, giving him a pointed look. “I’m not looking at her the entire time.” “Maybe not, but when you’re not looking, she is.” That made his head spin around too fast, his eyes briefly meeting yours before they cast back to your friends.

“That’s totally normal,” Dustin emphasised. “Me and Mike make love-sick eyes at each other the entire time.” “Will you shut it?” Steve hissed, his face warm as he tried to look at the wall behind you. “I would, but all of this staring is making me sick.” “No one asked you to look.” “It’s impossible not to.”

“I don't wanna close my eyes. I don't wanna to fall asleep, 'Cause I'd miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

“She’s totally into you, you know that right?” Dustin prodded. “Shut up.” “No, I’m serious, man. She’s my babysitter and she talks about you all the time.” He exaggerated, a notion Steve was quick to catch onto, giving the younger boy an accusing look. “Okay, so, maybe I am the one who brings you up, but she is the one who starts laughing and talking all about how funny you are.” He defended, holding his hands up as he shrugged. And with those words, Steve was left speechless for just a short second.

“If you ask her out to prom, I can guarantee you, she’ll say yes.” Dustin hinted. “You’ll have the perfect ambiance - lights, music, clothes, and amazing company.” “Dude, you’re twelve.” Steve deadpanned, yet curiously thinking Dustin’s offer over. “I’m thirteen.” “Big difference.”

“If this is what growing up is like, I don’t want any part of it.” “No,” Steve finally agreed. “Trust me; you don’t.”

“Dude, you’re the king of Hawkins High,” Dustin tried to convince. “If you can’t ask a girl out, what are my chances?” Steve formed his lips in a thin line upon the words, shrugging aimlessly. Dustin’s hands found Steve’s biceps, clutching them tightly, taking him by surprise. “Give me hope, Steve.”

“Geez, man,” Steve muttered confused. “It’s not the end of the world.” “You’re right: it isn’t.” Dustin agreed, a sudden smile on his face. “So, talk to her.” Then, he turned the older boy around, forcing his eyes to suddenly fall on yours. Again, his face heated up at the contact, his eyes back on the wall behind you before yours could fall to the floor in a flustered mess.

“'Cause even when I dream of you The sweetest dream will never do, I'd still miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

He wanted to back away, let the weird thirteen-year-old he met last year down and swallow his pride to the depth of his stomach, but one of your friends had already noticed him, sparing him a wave before taking off with the rest of the group, leaving only you there. If he couldn’t even ask you when you were alone, what dignity did he have left?

And thus, with courage he did not know he had to muster up, he walked towards you, his heart wildly beating, screaming at him to turn around and hide while he still could. Stupid. That never happened before. It was scary - he hated it. Weak for a talk.

“You didn’t mention a little brother,” You began, trying to start a conversation as your eyes fell on Dustin, who had - not so casually - started paying a lot of attention to his shoes. Chuckling awkwardly, Steve shook his head. “No, he’s not my brother.” “Cousin?” “Weird kid that started following me around last year.” A quiet ‘ah’ of understanding escaped you as you nodded hesitantly. “Must have been quite the conversation you were having.” “You really don't want to know.” You laughed at this.

Stupid. Stupid heart skipping that stupid beat at your stupid smile.

“I don't wanna miss one smile. And I don't wanna miss one kiss. And I just wanna be with you Right here with you, just like this.”

Then, the silence came. You hadn’t shared those yet. You always had a lot to say, and if not, he would. But this was an uncomfortable silence. Granted, he had known you for five weeks, but he did not like this one bit. He felt as if he had gotten to know you better in five weeks than he had his other friends in four years. He didn’t even know if Tommy had a brother or a sister - or maybe it was both. He knew your entire family, though.

Dustin was right. That wasn’t normal for friends. Or at least - not for his versions of friends. He was interested in them, but not as much as he was in you. And that wasn’t just because you were generally pleasing to look at. It was important to him, though.

“Um, pretty,” Steve mumbled, not even realising what he had said. An unconscious notion of himself as he tried to fill the silence. It even startled him, his heart sinking slightly as he tried to cover it up. “Prom.”

Yes, there was no going back now.

“And I just wanna hold you close. I feel your heart so close to mine. And just stay here in this moment For all the rest of time.”

“Prom.” You nodded at him as he repeated his words. “Next month.” You reminded him, thinking he didn’t know the date. “Right, yes,” Steve agreed, grateful you hadn’t taken up his slip. “Do you plan on going?” You thought of it for a while. In truth, you had meant to be going with a friend, but she cancelled last week, claiming she’d rather take another friend who would be in town that week. You understood her - you might have done the same. But you weren’t going to show up to prom alone. Besides, staying home wouldn’t be the worst idea. Cinemas would likely be very empty that night. You might spend your evening there.

“I don’t think so.” You finally settled on. “Not?” “I was gonna go with a friend, but she cancelled.” “That’s lame, I’m sorry.” Steve tried to offer in sympathy, but you shook him off. “No, I don’t blame her. One of her long-distance friends will be in town, and she’d rather take her.” “Still,” Steve continued. “That must have sucked.” You lightly shook your head at him, a tiny grin on your face. “Yes, but it’s okay. I don’t hate her for it.”

Another silence. This time due to both of you thinking over your words. Stupid. He never had to do that before.

“Why?” You prodded playfully. “Planning to ask me yourself, Harrington?”

Yet again, his heart skipped a beat. Stupid.

“Don't wanna close my eyes. Don't wanna fall asleep, 'Cause I'd miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

“Only out of pity.” He covered up quickly, his eyes not deviating from yours once. “I’m the worst pity party.” You joked, to which he faintly found himself sparing a laugh. “I’d be happy to join it.” “Yeah, you would.” You replied sarcastically, nodding your head in humour.

A third beat of silence. Now, the pounding in his heart was begging for some action. One more silence and he might spontaneously combust. “What if I was?” He mustered out, his eyes falling back on the wall behind you. Looking behind you to see what he was looking at, you frowned lightly, forcing your eyes back to his face. “What if you were what?” “Planning to ask you to prom?” A deep falling of his heart. Stupid.

“I’d ask why you didn’t ask future prom queen Heather.” You replied after a handful of seconds, not sure how to respond to him. You’d be lying if you said your heart wasn’t copying his exact movements. “Because she’s fake.” He stated easily, causing you to gasp lightly, looking around to check if others were around. “Steve,” You scolded. “I’m serious,” He disclosed honestly. “She always pretends to feel bad for others, but she’s as much of a bully as she is narcissistic.”

You could join him and rant about this girl, but in truth, you barely even knew her. Part of it made you feel guilty. Thankfully, Steve caught on quickly: “Besides, I already rejected her.”

“'Cause even when I dream of you The sweetest dream would never do. I'd still miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

Mouth slacked open, you looked at him in surprise. Again, you didn’t really know the girl, but you knew her enough to be aware of her reputation. Or, more importantly, her looks. “You rejected Heather?” You asked confused, a feather light feeling entering your stomach. “Yeah, well, I’m not really one for dances, but I could make an exception.” Steve defended, trying to play it off cool. His exterior was doing a great job at it. Inside, whatsoever, it was pure rampage. His brain was scavenging for the right words or actions. He truly didn’t want to screw this up, but he had never felt this anxious around a person. If this would not be the moment, he didn’t know if it would ever come again.

Luckily, you did not notice the turmoil, and responded to his words before he could make a fool out of himself. “You’d make an exception for your study buddy?” You tested, still unsure whether he was joking or not. If he was, it was a cruel one. “You need those grades, don’t you?” “No.” He denied quickly, almost instantly. “I’d make an exception for a good friend. And all I need is just a little bit of your time.” “For what?” You asked, raising your eyebrows slightly.

Holding you, you idiot. Keeping you close, not tearing my eyes from you if I can help it. Maybe a little kiss here and there, light touches on your waist, repressing those stupid beats of my heart.

Instead, what came out was: “Dancing, duh.”

“I don't wanna close my eyes. I don't wanna fall asleep, 'Cause I'd miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

“I don’t have an outfit.” You avoided, slightly taken aback by his cool behaviour. Sure, you had learned his humour, but you would be lying if you said you weren’t expecting him to show just a little emotion and a positive response to your slightly high hopes. Then, he said something that truly took you aback.

“Wear this. You look beautiful in this too.” It was out before he could even stop it. He hadn’t even realised his brain had been forming these words. They just stumbled out. And when you went slack at them, he wanted nothing more than to dig his head into the nearest wall. “I’m-“ He tried to salvage, desperately stumbling over his words.

Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid. This was exactly what he had been avoiding all this time and now his speech was failing him.

“I’m sorry, that was-“ No words managed to follow up that trail of thought, leaving you there, still wide-eyed. “Fuck.” He silently mumbled to himself, before just running with what he had slipped out. “You look perfect just like this.”

“Thank you.” You nearly whispered, your heart surely in your throat now. This was precisely what you wanted to hear, so why did you not know how to respond to it.

“Yeah, no problem.” Steve sighed helplessly.

“'Cause even when I dream of you The sweetest dream would never do, I'd still miss you baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

“So, prom? With me?” He swallowed his dignity, saying his words as he had always meant them. No de-tours now. And at that, your courage began to build up again. “As friends?” You tested. “Maybe,” Steve answered. “Or, maybe, as a date.” A sigh of relief swept through you, the action not going unnoticed by Steve. He did not mention it however.

“It’ll be a hell of a first date.” You muttered, your happiness doing its best containing itself. “It doesn’t have to be.” Steve dismissed. Your hopes fell to the floor at that, afraid you had gotten ahead of yourself. Hadn’t he said it aloud? Hadn’t he proposed it had been a date?

“I heard the cinema is playing Gremlins tonight.” He interrupted your train of thought, a slight smile on his face. You copied it nearly immediately, more relief flooding your senses. And then, a sudden burst of confidence: “You know the purpose of the cinema is watching movies, right? Not me.” Hissing and nodding at your hint, his shoulders fell slightly. “Am I that creepy?” “At first, yes,” You admit honestly. “But it’s cute.”

Cute. Stupid.

“What time?” Having remembered the exact time for this perfect scenario, Steve perked up slightly. “Eight.” “Pick me up at seven-thirty,” You proposed. “You know where I live.” Then, you turned around, ready to head to your next classes. You spared him a light wave, before moving towards the halls. His eyes followed you until you were out of sight.

That stupid smile. Those stupid eyes. Your stupid voice. Your stupid humour.

You were going to be the death of him.

“Don't wanna close my eyes. I don't wanna fall asleep, And I don't wanna miss a thing.”

[ghostofhyuck]

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀. ✧₊⁺

Ghost! Mark Lee x Tourist! Reader

Summary: The North city is eerie, believed to be haunted, and yet, it’s flocked with tourists. You found yourself alone in the midst of the busy city — or perhaps not. Especially when you met Mark Lee who gave you more than what you need. 

Word count: 3.7k

TW: contains suicide and death. Read at your own risk.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

“Now, up next is the Northwest Plaza Hotel. It was built during the 1920s, a prestigious hotel that hosted parties and was patronized by our presidents. It was destroyed during the war and while there were attempts to restore the hotel, some guests didn’t have a pleasant stay due to the paranormal experiences they felt.” 

You watched as the flock of tourists entered the abandoned hotel. You can hear the blaring echo coming from the guide’s megaphone, still giving information about the hotel. You entered the lobby area and you couldn’t help but feel goosebumps around your neck. As if someone’s watching you. 

“There are only a few areas where we are allowed, so please do not stray further. There’s an entrance on the left side where the garden is located, you may go there to take pictures too.” she added. 

That was your cue, you separated from the group and entered the garden. You found yourself surprised by how well-maintained the garden is. The grass is green as if it’s being watered daily, pinecone trees stood tall, covering you from the heat of the sun even though the weather’s always cold in the North, and small stray flowers field some areas. There were a few benches around, so you decided to sit on the nearest that you can find and just let the ambiance relax you for a moment. 

It was an impulsive decision of yours to run away from your home and take a one week vacation in the North. You couldn’t help it. Everything is overwhelming you and somehow, you don’t know where you feel safe anymore. You went to the bus terminal and chose the nearest bus to arrive — which is the bus going north. 

You knew about the North city. Not only is it famous for its cold weather and peaceful ambiance, it is also believed to be one of the most haunted cities in your country. You don't believe in the supernatural, that’s why there’s nothing for you to be scared about the North city. You’ve been here for a day and so far, there’s nothing eerie that happened to you. 

“You seem to be thinking deeply —” you let out a startled scream when a voice disturbed your thoughts.

You turned around and saw a guy, who’s about your age. He’s wearing long white sleeves and a checkered cotton vest. You found his outfit a bit out of date but there’s a small smile on his lips. 

“Are you the type of person who just approaches people and talks to them?” you asked with a rude tone. 

He shrugs, “I’m just curious about what's bugging your mind.”

You know guys and their attempts at flirting. His may be old-fashioned but it’s not going to work on you. 

“Why would you care —-”

“You know what they say to the people who go to the North alone? They’re either depressed, heartbroken, or in need of healing. I wonder which one you are.”

You were surprised by what he said. You found yourself staring at him who only gives you a small smile. 

“What do you think?” you asked instead, not even wondering why the question slipped out of your mouth. 

He tilts his head as if he was scanning you. You found yourself locked onto his bright eyes, his soft smile still painted there. You can feel your ears heating up. For a stranger, he surely is good-looking. 

“You want to run away don’t you?” 

You felt your heart skip a beat. How is that, he was able to read you? 

“So I guess I’m right?” 

You were about to say something when someone tapped your shoulder. You turned around and saw that it was the guide, she only looked at you with a worried smile on her face.

“Don’t stray too far, remember?” she told you, and before you could say anything, she’s pulling you back inside. You glanced once again at the stranger but you found nothing but the empty garden. 

“We don’t want our tourists to be haunted by wandering spirits,” she gives you a wink and with that, she goes back in front where the other tourists are. You were surprised with her action but at the same time, it piqued your curiosity. What did she mean by that? 

As you tour around more to the upper floors of the hotel, you couldn’t help but to be more curious about your encounter at the garden. As you attempt to take a peak from the windows, there’s nothing but the pinecone leaves covering your view. 

You left the hotel without your questions being answered. The tour bus dropped you at the city’s center where your hotel is located. It was six pm. The night is slowly creeping and the streets are becoming more busy. You could only let out a sigh. You couldn’t help but to be curious about the stranger earlier. You found his presence mysterious and intriguing. You wanted to know how he was able to read you, and who he is after all. 

So with your mind fogged with all the thoughts, you hailed a taxi, convincing the driver to take you back to the Northwest Plaza Hotel. 

Upon arriving, you felt the ghostly presence of the hotel. It stood broadly against the gleaming moon of the night. But you braved yourself to enter the area with your phone’s flashlight to serve as a light. There were no guards around the area, which you found odd. As soon as you entered the lobby, it was merely pitch black, much colder than it was before. 

You gulped, braving yourself into the entrance of the garden. And as soon as you reached the same bench, you stopped when you saw him again. Near the trees, holding a guitar as he tries to pick on a few chords. 

“Hello?” you called out. He lifted up his head and his eyes went wide when he saw you. You watched him lay down his guitar, stand up, and walk to you. You couldn’t help but to take a step back, wondering why the place became more cold than before. 

“You came back,” he said. 

“I was curious,” you answered honestly. “How did you know?” 

“You look lonely. The moment you stepped into the hotel, you didn't want to be with the tourists, isn’t that why you went here?” 

“You were staring at me the moment I entered the hotel?” you raised an eyebrow. 

But he only crosses his arms, “well, you did catch my attention.”

A faint blush formed on your cheeks, you looked away from him, flustered with his words. 

“Is that why you returned here?” he asked. “Only crazy people would go here alone.”

“Then you must be crazy,” you said. “And yes that is the reason, and now that I know the answer. It was nice meeting you stranger.”

“You can call me Mark,” he proposed, offering a hand. 

You couldn’t help but to shake his hand, a goosebump forming on your nape as you felt his iced-like hands. “Nice meeting you Mark, this might be the last time we see each other, but my name’s y/n.” 

“I hope this won’t be,” Mark teases, eyes locked on you as he gently shakes your hand. 

True to his words, it wasn’t the last time you saw Mark. The next day, you encountered him once again. You found out that there’s a much secluded park outskirts of the city center. That’s why instead of opting for the tourist-filled park, you venture out to check if it was really secluded. 

You understood why, the place has an eerie atmosphere around it. There’s nothing but narrow walkways and hills where pinecone trees are planted. It looks empty and lifeless. No wonder no one goes there. But it fits you and your want for isolation, so you decided to walk further in the area until you noticed a figure from afar.

“I didn’t know that you’re here!” he said with a tone so bright, it was as if he was happy to see you. You were a bit taken back but you only gave him a small smile. 

“How did you even know this park?” you asked, deciding to just befriend him. You sat beside him who only lightly chuckled. 

“This is my favorite place in the city,” Mark said, looking at the view. “It’s quiet and peaceful, plus it’s clean. You’re surrounded by mother nature unlike the parks in the city, it’s always filled with people.” 

You only nod, “I get you.”

“Is that why you’re here? Because you want to feel lonely? Do you want me to leave?”

“No! I did say I want to feel lonely, but,” you only glanced at him. He was looking at you with curiosity. “I don’t mind having someone too.” 

You saw how Mark’s smile formed into a small smile. “Well, I’ll be happy to accompany you while you’re here.” 

It felt easy having Mark around. He’s not that weird guy that you first met. There you thought, maybe befriending a stranger wouldn’t be that bad at all. 

At first it was merely companionship. He was a gentleman. His tone was soft and he looked out for you. You notice it by the way he pulls you to the safer side of the walkway or whenever you two are in a crowded place, he holds your hand so you wouldn’t separate from him. It’s also how he makes you smile and laugh without you knowing about it. Being with him made you forget all the worries that you left in your town. 

Your heart was heavy when you went to the North. You shared it with Mark one night at the abandoned hotel. You two went further upstairs where the rooftop of the hotel overlooks the whole city. The stars scattered at the sky with the moon accompanying you two. There, Mark quietly listened to your story, even wiping off the tears from your face. 

Your family was a disaster. After your father died, your mother remarried and had a son. Your step-father was nice to you, albeit strict since you’re still young. But it still leaves a bitter taste on you that your mother quickly moved-on from your father’s death. You rebelled and found yourself in the wrong group of friends. Worse, you found out that your boyfriend was cheating on you with your best friend. 

Feeling like everyone is against you, you decided to leave your hometown. Feeling suffocated and alone in the world, you took the first bus that’s departing and that’s how you got yourself in your situation right now. 

You swore to yourself that it’ll be just a few days, but days turned into weeks and no one seems to care that you’re gone. No one, not even your family even bothered looking for you. 

“Sorry for sulking down the mood,” you chuckled. Trying to hold on to the tears that’s still flowing. 

“What? I don’t care about that!” Mark said. “I care about you! You’re strong yn, and if I could, I wanted to show you that you’re not alone.”

You laughed at his sudden declaration. “Stop saying stupid things Mark.” 

“Really, I swear to you,” Mark swore. “I wanted to show you that you deserve everything in this world, and that there are people who can care for you.” 

“Really?” you mocked. “Who then?” Silence. That was Mark’s answer. You don’t know what to feel about it. You two stared at each other, when slowly, realization hit you. 

“You’re not joking aren’t you?” you asked, appalled. 

“Why would I joke about that?” he asked. “I like you yn.”

“But we just met for like a few days ago,” you pointed out. 

“Just trusting my gut feeling,” he shrugs. “When I first saw you, I just wanted to give you a hug, I’m not kidding. You just feel like you’re going through a lot and I want to be that person that will give you strength.”

You became quiet because of his confession. Your heart starts beating fast and you can feel your cheeks flushed. Is this what it feels like to be loved by a person? You didn’t notice how another tear streamed down your eyes. You were speechless, dumbfounded at how Mark is staring at you with a gaze that’s so soft that you barely recalled when was the last time someone looked at you like that. 

Mark followed his guts right? Maybe you should too.

You slowly leaned onto him until you felt his lips. Cold as always but you were hoping that you would give him warmth and love, just like what he told you. You were willing to reciprocate his feelings even if it means being with him in a short amount of time — or not, your mind went hazy. Thinking that you can just settle here in the North and be with Mark forever. The only person who could give you the love that you’ve been longing for. 

Mark responds to your kiss. Soft and gentle just like how he has always been. His hands trailing to your jaw and although you felt goosebumps on your nape due to his cold hands, you ignored it nevertheless. You never felt more alive with Mark by your side. Slowly, he trails his hands on the hem of your shirt and as you two broke the kiss, he was staring at you, waiting for your signal. 

You gave in. That night was filled with nothing but love and yearning. There was nothing but bliss and love as Mark showed you how much he cared for you. 

-

After that night, you stuck around with Mark. Happy and content with the new found love in the North. You two would go around, have dates and be in love endearingly in the city. You noticed that there are a lot of people looking at you two but you ignored it nevertheless. Maybe you two are a bit affectionate in public, but you couldn’t care about it. 

You found yourself in a garage sale a few days later. You are fond of garage sales, especially antique trinkets and jewelries. The sale can be found in a huge mansion that was once owned by a politician during the 90s. 

You looked at the jewelries, different rings adorned with gemstones that haven’t faded yet. You could only smile as you tried to locate its price when a small notebook caught your attention. 

You opened it and noticed that’s written already. It looks like someone’s diary. You open a few pages, admiring the owner’s penmanship and how they collected trinkets and stickers. And as you scroll through it, a piece of paper falls from it. 

As you picked up the paper from the ground, you were frozen to see that it wasn’t just a paper, it was a picture of a couple. 

There, they stood beside each other. The background being familiar — the secluded park that you once went to. The girl was short, she had her hair tied to a high ponytail as she rocks a windbreaker jacket and tank top. While the guy has his hands wrapped around him. He was smiling ear to ear and despite the picture’s color faded, you knew that face. You’re very much familiar with that face. 

You couldn’t help but to be nailed in where you are standing. You don’t know what to feel but your hands are shaking. 

“Hey —” you were surprised when it was snatched away from you. By a lady who’s in her forties, she also stared at the notebook that you were holding, making you return it to her. 

“I’m sorry but these are not for sale,” she said with an apologetic tone, you only nod but something struck you. 

“I know but can I ask,” you said. “Are you the girl in the picture? Who’s the guy?” 

“He’s my ex-boyfriend,” she said casually. You watched as she placed the picture in between the pages. 

“Is his name Mark Lee perhaps?” you asked. 

Her eyes widened. That’s when you started to feel more nervous. 

“How did you know him?” she asked. 

That’s when you decided to grab your phone and open your gallery to show her. Pictures of you and Mark together. 

“These are all blurred dear,” she said as she looked at the photos. “It won’t make sense too, Mark’s been dead for almost twenty years now.” 

It was as if cold water fell on you when you heard her words. You stood there frozen. Her stare at you was built with confusion, but as she noticed the shocked expression on your face, her eyes widened. 

“When did this start?” she asked. 

You grew confused with the tone of her voice, it was as if she’s nervous about your answer. 

“A few weeks ago,” you answered. 

“Oh no dear, you need to stay away from him,” she warned. “Mark…he’s not who you think he is. For a moment you thought he was sweet and kind, but the more his love got deeper, it’ll turn into an obsession. He will not let anything hinder his love for you.” 

“What do you mean?”

“He's been dead for years! His ghost will not be in peace until he finds someone who can love forever.” she said. “Don’t meet up with him anymore. But he will keep on showing up wherever you are, that’s how obsessed he is. So avoid him as much as possible, even if it means leaving this city.” 

Her words stuck to you even when you returned to your hotel room. You felt stupid. Falling in love with a ghost? It sounds so absurd. 

There were signs, but you were completely oblivious about it. Like how Mark has always been cold or there’s an aura around him that you couldn’t explain. You wouldn’t really suspect him as a ghost either. He looks like a normal human being. 

Or so you thought. Maybe that’s why people are staring at you too. Because they knew that the guy you’re with isn't human at all. 

You let out a frustrated groan as you decided to take the matter in your own hands. You left your hotel room and stormed out of the night.

It was a rainy night, past midnight and the North seems to be empty at this hour. You ignored the way the night became colder than usual. The eerie silence of the road didn’t budge you as you found yourself returning to the abandoned hotel. 

As you step inside, you notice how empty it is. It felt weird, Mark’s not here. 

“Mark?” you shouted, echoing through the void. You called him once again but only the empty hallways responded to you. 

You went to the garden, calling his name once again but Mark wasn’t there. So you went up to the rooftop, hoping that Mark’s there.

The rain becomes a heavy downpour as you reach the rooftop. You didn’t mind that you’re sopping wet because you’ve come face to face with the guy that you’ve looking for. 

“Mark,” you mumbled. 

“So you found out,” he said instead, letting out a bitter chuckle. 

You ignored his words. I guess his ex-lover’s words were true, he does follow you everywhere. 

“Just be honest with me Mark,” you said, taking a step closer to him. “Is it true?”

“Why does it matter if it's true or not?” Mark asked instead, his tone rising a bit higher. “So what if I am a ghost? Does it matter?”

“It matters because you’re dead!” you shouted. “You’re dead Mark! You’re nothing but a spirit lurking around this city.” 

“What’s with the sudden change of heart? Everything doesn't matter anymore just because I’m dead? Have you forgotten that I’m the only one who cared for you?” 

You didn’t answer. Mark’s eyes were filled with anger, he turns around and just lets you be there. 

“Just so you know, it didn’t matter to me if you’re alive or not. I love you regardless, that’s why it hurts that everything shifted just because of something so simple,” he lets out a sigh. 

“It’s not that simple, Mark. You’re dead, while I’m not. We can’t be together.”

“And what? Return to your place? Back to your miserable life when you were here with me, you’ve always at your happiest. Are you willing to throw everything away again?” 

Small warm tears are falling from your eyes. You couldn’t rebut him anymore knowing that he’s right. 

“I’m the only one who loves you yn, why can’t you see it? I tried my best to make you smile and happy. That’s why I hid the fact that I’m dead. I just want you to be happy and not cry anymore,” there, he gently weeps off the tears from your face. His cold hands make contact with your face and yet, you can feel the warm gesture of it. 

“Mark, I don't know what to do,” you said, breaking out in tears. You felt his arms wrapping around your shoulder, hushing you slowly as you leaned on his chest. 

“It’s okay yn, I’m here. I will never let you be sad anymore,” he promised. You lift up your face and as you face Mark, he only gives you a smile as he brushes your hair. 

“Mark —”

“Just promise me that you’ll trust me in this one okay?” he asked, sealing you with a kiss. 

“Mark, what are you going to do?” you asked, heart beating fast. 

“I just want your answer yn, do you trust me?” he asked once again. 

“I —” you found your words stuck in your throat. 

There you two. On top of the hotel rooftop. The rain slowly deafens everything. 

But Mark’s arms never left yours. He’s just there, staring at you. Waiting for your answer. 

“I trust you Mark,” you breathed. “Just take my pain away.” 

“Of course,” he assures you. Leaning on to give you another kiss. “I will make you happy and will love you for eternity.” 

Slowly, Mark takes a step back. One by one you two slowly walked. All you can see is Mark who’s gazing at you lovingly until you take another step but your eyes widen at your feet and feel nothing but the air. 

“See you on the other side yn,” Mark bids before pulling you towards him. And with that, you felt yourself heavy as you fell to your own death.

[baldbaby69]

I don’t understand

Jack Gibson

summery

It was like having a best friend but a total stranger at the same time. Sometimes when you looked at him, you didn't recognise him which was weird because everyone said you two were inseparable but if only they knew. In the station it was always you and Jack this or you and Jack that but as soon as your shift ends you don't speak to him till the next time you put the uniform on.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

You always thought he must not have time for you. To send a text to see if you got home okay or if you ate. You always reached out first but are met with two letter replies most of the time. Maybe it was because he was a busy guy. You couldn't lie it did make you upset, you were such a dynamic duo when putting out fires and rescuing cats from trees. Why couldn't he be your dynamic duo outside of the station too?

Your best friend Vic knew somewhat of your situation and by situation she was making it a lot worse than it sounds.

'Why can't you admit you like the guy?' She sat on your bed one early morning. 'Because I don't? If Travis didn't text you every now and then after work wouldn't you be going a little crazy too?' You explain

'Yeah, a little crazy because I don't like him. You on the other hand.' Vic smirked. She picked up a chocolate you had displayed on the bed for the two of you to have. 'You're in love babe. By the way, these taste expensive. Where did you get them?'

'Oh someone we met on call sent them over, a thank you gesture.' 'And may I ask how does he know where you live.' You hesitated telling her. 'We met again at the bar.' You whispered.

She gasped being selfish with the air. 'You bad girl. Tell me hes cute.' 'Relax would you. It was a coincidence. He just happened to be at the same bar as me at the time. Then I was too drunk to drive home so.' 'Okay cowgirl, I don't want to hear the detail. So your not giving your little puppy a chance.'

You have given him a thought. Plenty of thoughts but you just don't feel like your going to be able to commit to him and he's probably chasing you because you saved his life and the adrenaline hasn't warned off yet. Either way the answer was a no.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

The start of a 48 hour shift or 48 hours of acting as you preferred to call it. You came in one hour ago, had a nice long shower, took a long time blow drying your hair and put your clothes on in slow motion. Until the bell started to ring.

You rushed down where you greeted everyone with a quick hello and hopped into the engine. Usually you and Jack would sit in the ladder 19 up front, taking turns driving but you wanted to be given a little space. Vic messed with your head making you question your own thoughts but you wanted to prove her wrong. 'This is new.' Miller pointed out.

'Yeah whats your business here.' Maya Bishop threw a punch your way. 'Did Gibson send you here as a spy, to hear us backbite about you two?' Their questions put you in an awkward position. You didn't think they needed to know problems that only existed in your mind.

'I accidentally hung my coat on the engine. I didn't realise.' Brushing it off you tried to make small talk with Maya.

'You're coming right?' 'Sorry?'

'Did Gibson not tell you yet?' 'Tell me what?' You turned to Miller confused. 'Montgomery and Gibson are forcing me to through a little get together. He told me he was gonna let you know.' Was he not going to tell you at all

When you arrived at the location of the call, you hopped off and went to get the appropriate tools needed when you felt someone's hand on your lower back. Your turned to the culprit, to find Jack Gibson trying to reach over you to grab something. 'Kind of left me feeling lonely back there.' He nudged his head towards the trucks.

'Yeah well. That would've been me this Saturday.' You bicker to yourself. 'Saturday? They told you about that. I wanted to.' You could see Jack sulk. 'Yeah? When Sunday?'

During the whole call you kept your distance from the man everyone thought you knew so well. Took a little longer to put the fire out seeing as you needed a messenger to communicate through. Did he really not want to see you after work that he would leave you out of a work party. Your performance was off but there could've been numerous reasons. No one would suspect anything.

'What the hell. Are you trying to put this fire out by yourself. There are 4 more firefighters beside you. Work with them.' Captain Herrera yelled from a distance when he saw you trying to pull the hose into the house all by yourself. Sighing you call out to Warren to help when a pair of hands took the hose off you. Your saviour, Jack Gibson.

Following him into the house, you yell out to turn the power on. 'I'm sorry for not telling you about Saturday. I didn't see you before we got the call. I was looking for you everywhere at the station.' You managed to hear him say over the noise. 'Its whatever.'

'Something tells me thats not all your mad about.' He tried to make conversation after you two walked out of the burned down house. He took off his helmet and jogged up to match your pace. 'No Jack honestly, I'm fine, just a bit tired thats all.' He walked with you to the truck. 'Why? You alright.' He watched you pack things back into the engine. His eyes searching the side of your face for a reason of this sudden distancing. 'Just leave it.'

You turn away from him without giving him a second glance. Jack grabbed the back of your coat and dragged you backwards to ladder 19. 'Jack, what on earth.' 'Sit.'

The ride back was silence for the most of it. He was driving but you could almost count the amount of times he snuck a glance at you hoping you would speak. 'What's bothering you.'

'I bet its a special someone occupying her mind.' Hughes says from the back. 'Special someone? What since when did you start talking to someone.' Jack sounded thrown off.

'No its just this guy from that office building we took a call at a few days ago. He probably heard the girls and I talk about going to the bar after shift ended.' 'So what he followed you? Thats called stalking. Why haven't you reported?' She rolled her eyes at his concerned tone.

'Maybe because he litters her apartment with the most expensive chocolates and flowers ever. He's really something. You know she was actually planning to meet up with him for lunch.' Vic kept adding.

'I am?' 'You are?'

You lock eyes with your friend and giver her a questioned look. She just mouths the words 'trust me.'

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡︶

'Your one wicked witch.' Andy laughs. The girls were in the kitchen making a snack and talking about what happened. 'Wait so you aren't meeting him for lunch? It was a lie to make Jack jealous?' She gets the story straight.

'Not as much as making him jealous but showing him that I have a busy life.' You thought that was a better excuse. 'In other words making him jealous.'

'So if this is just a lie to make him jealous who's Jack arguing downstairs?' Bishop busts through the doors.

'Vic did you call him over here.' You ask before getting up to go towards the commotion. 'No, but who has lunch at 10am?'

'First the bar and now her place of work? Stalking is a crime you know.' Jack stood in front of a man at the front desk who was holding a bouquet of flowers. 'It's not stalking if we know each other and I don't really see how this concerns you.'

'Oh it does concern me but you don't need to worry about that. Just leave the flowers and go. Shes having food upstairs, doesn't want to be disturbed.' Jack tries to make him go away.

'Jack, Mark whats going on?' You jog down the stairs. 'Mark, you should've texted if you were going to swing by. Oh those are lovely.' He handed the flowers to you eyeing Jack in the process with a smirk. 'Yeah only the best, for you.' You give him a little side hug.

'Thank you. So sweet. You should get going now. The bell might go off anytime and I can not operate without food.' Mark gave you a smile before turning on his feet to leave.

'What's wrong with you?' You turn to Jack watching his jaw tense before answering you. 'No what's wrong with you? He's not good for you.' His eyebrows remain furrowed. 'Yeah Jack. You would know.' You head back up the stairs to put the flowers in some water.

The station had a good few hours of peace and quiet so they played a quick game of cards betting the looser to stay back on desk duty for the next three calls. The tension between the two best friends was ever so thick it hit off everyone in the room. They thought a friendly game would ease the tension, boy where they wrong. Ever since Mark left the station you have been checking ur phones notifications non-stop, occasionally texting someone back.

‘Come on, it’s your turn.’ Travis elbows ur side. ‘Yeah sorry.’ You put your phone away and lay a card down. While your attention was on your phone someone’s attention was on you. Staring you down like a hawk. His brows still sewed together.

Jack hadn’t been able to put the thought aside of you having a relationship with this guy. He wants you to be happy and he wants to make sure you get the best but some part of him doesn’t want to allow you to be happy. with someone else. Ever since he did the mistake of falling in love with Andy and proposing to her he knew he should never make the same mistake again. Date a college. So when he found himself growing attached to you the second week you joined he knew he needed to back off. Jack didn’t need another rejection.

‘Oh my god. Jack pay attention.’ Victoria called him out. Everyone had a little laugh except you because you were too busy typing away on your phone.

‘Well Jack. Poor game for you. Have fun answering phone calls.’ Bishop pats his back as the bell goes off.

‘Oh, My, God. That little baby was so cute. We have to tell Jack how you and Warren just delivered a baby in the middle of a car collision.’ Herrera hyped the two up. ‘Really it was nothing. Fun fact i actually wanted to be a paramedic before firefighter.’ You brush it off. That was before you heard a glass breaking coming from the other room. Everyone share a look before rushing to the room.

‘Jack what are you doing? Get off him.’ You run to the two men. Mark was laid on the table while Jack was about to throw what looked like another punch. Both of them had a few cuts and bruises here and there. ‘Guys help! Jack get off him.’ You try and pull the man off him.

Travis and Dean rush to your aid pulling the angered firefighter off the civilian. ‘Mark, what happened? Are you okay?’ You helped him up. Scanning his bruised cheek and busted lip. ‘He’s nuts.’

You turn to look at Jack. Two of the guys holding him back, his breathing heavy causing his muscular chest raising up and down in a hurry. ‘Are you insane?’ You yell at him. Maya rushes to your side with a first aid kit.

‘Who does he think he is walking into my station and threatening me.’ Jack gets aggressive. ‘Jack, come on. Let’s check your hand out.’

You pulled a chair for Mark to sit. ‘I got the things you asked for. I was going to wait for you like you asked but he came on to me. Accusing me of being attracted to you only because of your uniform or something. Then he kept telling me to leave-‘ You try to attend to his wounds but he kept going on and on about Jack. ‘You don’t have to say anything. I know it’s not your fault. Now where does it hurt.’

Jack sat at the back of the ambulance after Ben was finished patching up his wounds. He sat with his head in his hands. Yeah he messed up. He let his emotions get the best of him and now he’s holding an ice pack to his jaw. He heard two pair of footsteps come towards the van and instantly knew one was yours.

‘Gosh never thought Jack would go that far. I almost feel bad for riling him up.’ he hears Vic say. ‘Don’t it’s not your fault. Jack has some issues he needs to sort out.’ It pained him to think you thought of him like that. When you reached the back your eyes widened. Jack just sighed before getting up and walking away.

it was dark outside. The moonlight lit the kitchen of the station making it glisten when the lights were off. Tonight you sat there watching the sky and counting the stars. The doors opened behind you with quite footsteps walking in. You didn’t need to turn back to know who that was. You always knew he had trouble sleeping and a lot of the times you were there for him but you thought it would be different this time.

Jack looked at your back. You didn’t even turn around to see who was there. He opened the fridge and grabbed something cold. Without knowing why, he found himself walking towards you, pulling out a chair he quietly sat behind you following your eyes to find the moon staring back at him. ‘I’m sorry.’

You hesitated but looked back at him. He was only a few inches away from you. He was in his black tank top. His fists clenched around the glass of juice on the table making his muscles flex in the light. ‘What happened Jack? Your not one to throw fists for no reason.’

‘I had a great reason too.’ You watched his eyes trail away and fix on something else. Both of you stayed in silent, not knowing what to say or do.

‘Why have you been avoiding me?’ He lets his mind speak the words that lingered in the air. ‘I’ve been busy. You know how things are around here.’ You look at him and scratch the back of your neck

‘It wouldn’t be so busy if you would just talk to me and let me help you. Remember it’s always you and me around here but apparently it’s just you now. What’s really going on?’ His tone softens towards the end.

‘I’m sorry Jack. I didn’t mean to…I guess I just needed some space.’ You turn to him.

His expression hardens. ‘Space? Space from what?From me? Because that was it feels like.’

You keep your eyes focused on him. How the moonlight presses against the harshness of his expression making it look almost soft to touch. ‘It’s not fair to shut me out without giving me a reason.’

‘That’s ironic.’ You look back at the sky. ‘What is?’ ‘How you think me shutting you out for one day is unfair but the second you step outside this station you forget that I even exist.’ the words were said in a soft tone but it felt like someone ripped them out of you chest and to be fairly honest, it felt good.

You felt his eyes watching the side of your face and suddenly to him everything made sense. The last shift he didn’t even say goodbye before he left. He always ignored your texts to hang out.

he called let your name fall out of his lips ever so gently to grab your attention and when he couldn’t he grabbed your chair pulling it closer to him. ‘There’s no words that would make up for my previous action and I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I’m just trying to figure somethings out. Trust me if I knew how it made you feel I would’ve never done it.’

His words felt real and sincere. It made you smile. You brought your hands to his cheeks brushing your thumb against the bruise on his face. ‘Apology accepted.’

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡︶

‘Where is that girl. Vic I thought you were getting ready together.’ Maya asks Victoria. ‘No she cancelled on me last minute.’

‘Guys hold up, a car just pulled up outside.’ 'Thats not her car- oh.' 'What she knows better why would she bring him here?' The crew whisper among themselves.

'What's happening guys?' They turn around to Jack behind them. The door opens the next second and you walk in with the one person he couldn't stand to see you with. 'Sorry I'm late guys. Hope you didn't mind that I brought a plus 1.' You enter the room all cheerful.

What were you trying to do. Make Millers place into a boxing ring? This was not going to end well and everyone knew it. Jack had only one thing in mind. To get rid of him. Somehow but he planned to have Mark gone within the next hour.

A few minutes later you two were out on the patio playing beer pong. Jack watched that snake Mark slither his arm around your waist while you laughed and made conversation with everyone. It was like a knife to the chest everytime he heard another man making you laugh.

'Here Montgomery. Its my turn.' He came out to where you were and Jack didn't intend to play nice. A few rounds after chugging down a few and making you do the same he threw the ping pong ball at the bottom of a filled cup, knocking it over. It fell on Marks trousers.

'What the hell. You did that on purpose.' Mark pointed his fingers at Jack. You rushed to him with paper towels. 'Hey man, It was a friendly game. Accidents happen.' He put his two hands up in defence. 'Not when its with you.'

'Whats that suppose to mean?' Jack raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. 'Jack don't. Please.' You pleaded stepping in front of Mark.

'No if he has something to say tell him to say it to my face.' He steps closer. 'Hey back off her will you?' Mark pulls you behind a bit too harsh. You lost your balance and fell into the large body of water.

Jack yells out your name 'She can't swim you bastard.' He took off his shoes before jumping in.

Dean gave you a towel and Victoria had packed an extra pair of clothes that she was kind enough to give. Mark walked into the room where you sat on the bed with a blanket over you. 'I'm sorry. I thought he was going to hit you or something.' he sat beside you.

'You thought Jack was going to hit me? Are you insane? He would never even touch me let alone throw me in deep ocean water to protect me.' You were starting to raise your voice. 'Well he did hit me so-' 'Thats cause you probably said something to provoke him.' You cut him off.

He sighed. 'You know what? I don't even know what I'm doing here.' 'Yeah me neither.' You throw a snarky comment. 'We could've been something if you weren't so in love with Mr anger issues.' You were thrown off by what he said. 'I'm not in love with him.'

'Yeah don't worry. He's very much in love with you too.' Mark left after slamming the door and saying goodbye to everyone.

You sat back down on the bed wondering if what he said was true but you never saw any signs or gestures that would hint about the feeling. All you could see was yourself being selfish. A knock on the door put you out of your thoughts. Jack slowly opened the door to reveal himself. His hair still wet from what happened. 'Can I come in?'

You nod and watch as he walks in with tiny steps and close the door. He stood there unsure how to start the conversation. 'Thank you.'

'It was nothing.' You smile as you pat the spot next to you gesturing him to sit down. He walks over and sits down. 'Jack your hair is soaked with water.' You mention to him as water drops on Dean's bed. You get up and grab the towel you used to dry yourself. You stand in front of Jack and put the towel on his head rubbing it dry.

'I think, I'm the one who should be apologising. I shouldn't have done that.' Jack looks up to you. 'I'm actually kind of glad you did that. He was getting a bit annoying. Plus I only brought him so I could avoid you.' You step back.

Jack stands up. 'I'm sorry. It's my fault and I deserve it.' 'No Jack. All you do is lie. Why? You told me you you try and make a better effort in our friendship. You lied. If you don't want to be friends just tell me straight to my face. Don't act like it because you got my hopes up and I waited a whole day for a simple text from you. It almost makes me feel great grateful that we aren't dating.' You look away from him grabbing a hold of yourself.

'You didn't mean that. Tell me you didn't mean that.' His voice seemed off. Almost broken. 'Why, what difference would it make?' With courage you look up and make eye contact. She watched his jaw tense and she wanted nothing more than to hold him but after this who knows what they wouldn't be doing anymore.

'Because the only reason I don't contact you after shift is because I don't what to get attached to you.' 'What.'

That was unexpected.

'Yeah because I do this thing where I rush into relationships and I didn't want to do that with you because... because you feel special. Like a piece of glass I don't want to break and wanted to take things slow but at the same time I didn't even know if you liked me back and I wasn't going to risk what we have for some stupid feelings.' You watch him mumble pieces of words that at this point you didn't even know made sense because you felt like you your floating.

You pulled him down to your level and pressed your lips against his with a passionate kiss. 'Are my feelings stupid too?' you whispered against his lips.

'Not on my bed guys.'

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Authors note I love him so much ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ requested by @awkward-txrtle

[onskepa]

What is next?

Hello everyone! Consider this as a base for all the reaction fics!

----------------------

“Dad, let's watch this one!” 

“No this one!” 

“Noooooooo!! That one looks boring!!” 

“Oh my eywa….” 

Jake massages his head as his kids argue what to watch first. He regrets introducing the world of TV to his kids. It is already bad enough for Neytiri, who loves dragons, demands to see all the dragon based shows and movies. The humans are no help either, they would happily show his kids, with the addition of the entire clan, their personal favorite cinemas. 

And to think it couldn't have gotten any worse, Tonowari and his family would come for occasional visits, and now they too, are addicted to watching cinemas. 

“Alright! Alright! You guys can watch whatever you want, but once a week! Seriously it scrambles your brains "Jake says to literally everyone. 

His wife, his children, Tonowari, his wife and family, and the literal clan. Along with his well known human friends. All began to complain, some saying they don't agree, some do, so say it won't be fair. 

“Seriously! I wanna know what happens next in stranger things!” spider complains along with ao’nung. Rotxo grins as he shakes his head, “too bad”. 

“But I wanna watch bluey!” Tuk whines, and Jake turns to her confused. “Bluey? You never watched it before” he says. His little girl shrugs, “no but uncle norm says its a fun show for kids like me and people with family issues”. 

Ow. 

Norm looks away, chuckling nervously. 

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jake can feel a growing headache. 

“Alright, since I have said we can only watch one thing a week, it will take everyone to vote what will be the next media to consume to vote wisely!” he announces. 

“Aaaawwww…..” more complaints. 

Oh may Eywa help with his patience. 

“Even if we do watch something, not everyone will be able to see it at the same time. Some might fall behind or miss it entirely” lo’ak points out. Rotxo blinks, suddenly remembering something. 

“It would be sad if your other human friends would miss it” he says. Lo’ak and spider shrug a bit, 

“It is fine, for them, they have other things to do” lo’ak answers. Spider turns, not entirely agreeing, “well not all of them. I know some will still join us, sure they can move their duties around”. 

As they talk tsireya, neteyam and kiri join. 

“Well, whatever movie we will watch, I am sure it will be wonderful” tsireya says with hopeful joy in her tone. 

“I don't mind watching some sad time to time” kiri comments. Neteyam only nods, he doesn't have anything particular in mind to see. The movies and shows they have watched so far were amazing. 

After a week, the votes have reached a winner. And now everyone had settled into their “theater” which is one of the largest caves in the Hallelujah mountains. Big enough for the clan to set in and watch. 

“Alright, I see no complaints for this one so let's do our best to just relax” Jake says as the film begins to play. Everyone was sharing popcorn or other snacks, some together, some as a couple, and some sitting on others. Everyone was silent as the screen began to fill with color and motion. 

So as I said, this is a starting point for all the reaction fics. There will be no specific order, expect for the days that I post them!

[crusty-chronicles]

Hi hi!

Can I request a kurapika x reader (headcanons, or you can do a oneshot if it's too difficult.)?

Where the reader also had an immense hatred for the phantom troupe for something they did to reader?

Kurapika also finds them enjoyable to be around because reader is just such a chill person?

(Also this is random but can the personality for the reader be super shy to everyone they meet and they just draws whenever they can? Because that's just my personality.)

Kurapika with a Phantom Troupe Hating S/O

----------------------------

He first noticed you during the first phase of the hunter exam

You were just another contestant to him at the time

Just another stranger.

And it would have stayed like that had you not stopped during Leorio's crisis

Staying put as he contemplated quitting. Only to say something that Kurapika couldn't quite hear.

But whatever it was, it had Leorio jumping up with new vigor and running once again.

Words he would later learn were, "You're friends are waiting for you, ya know? So don't give up just yet."

The next time Kurapika notices you is during the third phase. Where a group of five was needed to advance.

And by chance, you just so happened to be the fifth member.

He immediately noticed your skittish behavior upon seeing them.

Back to the wall with eyes the size of dinner plates.

A quiet 'Hi' escaping you as the cogs turned in your head.

But you didn't have to think for long as the instructions for the third phase were explained.

With the assurance that you wouldn't have to fight anyone, you relaxed.

You didn't talk much, at least not to him

Usually giving one worded responses if you had to.

Despite this, your actions didn't come off as malicious. But rather nervous.

Like you were unsure of yourself.

However, with constant prodding from Gon and Killua, you opened up a bit.

Adding some insight whenever a choice had to be made

For some reason he couldn't place, Kurapika wanted to hear a little more of your voice.

To have you talk without you feeling strained

He would get his wish during the next challenge of this phase.

The prisoner with a spider tattoo.

Seeing him had caused enough rage within Kurapika to activate his scarlet eyes.

So much anger.

So much hatred that he couldn't focus on anything else.

Unaware of you fuming from the sidelines.

Your first clenched so tightly, there were imprints of your nails.

Leorio was the one to bring it up after you were forced to give up 50 hours.

"I thought Kurapika hated the Phantom Troupe, but you were absolutely pissed at that inmate! You wouldn't happen to be a Kurta would you?"

You looked up from the sketchbook you were doodling in with a frown.

"No. I just can't stand that gang of brutes."

Your voice came out harsh, your pencil strokes getting faster.

But that answer wasn't satisfactory for the blonde sitting next to you.

If you knew something about the Spiders, he wanted to know. He needed to know.

"What business do you have with the phantom troupe?" His tone dangerously dark.

But instead of answering him, you slid over the piece you were working on.

To his and Leorio's shock, bloodied scenes filled the pages.

"The leader stole my brother's nen ability and practiced it on him. Over and over again." Until there was nothing left.

But you didn't want to get into specifics right now. If you did, you most likely wouldn't be able to finish the exam.

"Drawing helps. A way for me to remember so that I never forget what they did to him. I need to become a hunter so I'll have a better shot of finding them."

It was the most you've ever spoken, and when you looked up, you were met with sympathetic and understanding gazes.

You were a lot less quiet after that.

A lot more friendlier too.

And while Kurapika had someone to relate to, he just couldn't stand the thought of you being the one to cause the spiders' demise.

He understood your rage, but his own would never be satisfied unless he took down the Phantom with his own hands.

So as a friendly warning, he told you so himself.

"As you're aware, the Troupe murdered my entire clan. And I can never forgive them for that, just as you can never forgive them for taking your brother from you. But it's me who's going to bring them to justice. I will not allow someone else to be their downfall. No matter if we're friends."

And instead of you arguing with him, instead of you fighting, instead of either of you lashing out....

You spoke in that soft tone of yours.

"I want to kill him. All of them, but I can be content just knowing they'll suffer. If you want to go after them, I won't interfere. But I'd like to help."

Relief immediately flowed through him.

You weren't upset.

You weren't going to push back.

You were still friends.

"Then let's stick together after the exam. Your presence is enjoyable."

The beginning of a partnership built on loss

Of relying on each other because no one else understood.

Trying to complete the ultimate goal of finishing the Spiders while justifying the closeness between each other

But neither of you pushing for more.

Destroying the Phantom Troupe came first after all.

[auncyen]

I think the applicable warning here would be disordered/restrictive eating?

-

You haven't tried to weave yourself into a group in a long time. You forgot how tiring it is, more tiring than fighting the Sadness was actually. Mirabelle (sweet, like the plum), Isabeau (beau, nice--his smile is nice, and so is his laughter) and Odile (the dark swan? Hm... why does she have a Vaugardian name, anyway) have been very nice, grateful for your help in the earlier fight, and Odile didn't give you too hard a time over your vague travel plans. You think you'll be able to travel with them for a little while, while they're looking for these mystery orbs. You're happy...and at the same time, you are so, so, so tired. It's easier talking to new people in a big town or city: you keep things casual, you drift from talking with one stranger to another as you pick up cultural nuances. It's mortifying if you make a mistake, but it's okay, because you can scurry away and try again with someone else later. You can't do that with a small group. If you mess up with Mirabelle, Odile and Isabeau will know and hate you too. You have to show your best self always while they're watching. And you can't forget names, dummy.

It's. Exhausting. But worth it! They're so kind. And they actually want you around. You think? (Isabeau is definitely exaggerating when he goes on about how strong you were against the Sadness--any traveler needs to know how to deal with those?--but you're pleased he even wants to flatter you.)

But it is tiring, and by the time evening falls and they decide to eat dinner, you've started to believe they might like you, so you relax, and so of course you mess up, and you don't even realize until the "you're already eating more?"

The tone is surprised. Or is it offended? The Ka Buan is looking at you and the plate you're refilling with raised eyebrows. You. Stop. Nice and Plum are still working on their first plates, even if they're close to done. The Ka Buan--the dark swan, you idiot, you're already messing up without forgetting names!--is barely even halfway through hers.

You...finish bringing the piece of bread in your hand to your plate, because you already touched it and you can't remember any culture where it'd be more polite to put food back in a shared setting after you took it to eat. Then you sit back with your plate only partially refilled and try to smile, but not too much (some cultures don't smile as much as others and right now you can't remember if smiling's appropriate, everything you've ever learned about any culture is falling out of your torn net of a brain) to cover up your nerves. "Fighting that Sadness made me hungry!"

Nice laughs on the log where he's sitting. "It's a good way to work up an appetite!" he says, and the dark swan gives her soft scoff of a laugh and Plum looks up with the ghost of a smile and then everyone goes back to eating, so everything's fine. It's fine. It's fine. You...pick at the bread on your plate. Your nerves have ruined your appetite, but that's good. You don't want to be greedy.

You thought Ka Buans usually liked when people took seconds? Showing appreciation for the meal and all. But maybe you're remembering wrong, and even if you're not everyone has their own preferences that can be different from the majority and a woman from Ka Bue with a Vaugardian name (that you have forgotten. stupid) seems like she'd be unique. You look down at your plate and glance at hers occasionally as she and Nice start talking about their traveling plans for the next day. Plum occasionally chips in. You don't, because you don't really care and you don't want to let on that you can't even hold on to three names. You just chew on each bite of bread for as long as you can to keep something in your mouth.

The dark swan eats her food agonizingly slow. She doesn't take a second plate at all. Plum and Nice do, but that's probably okay since they helped get the food. You didn't. You're new, you're not part of this group yet and you probably never will be, but you want to try and that means you need to be on your Best Behavior Always. Don't be greedy, don't be selfish, don't take what you haven't earned, just shut up and listen so you can get their names again.

You do. Mirabelle and Isabeau and Odile. Plum and Nice and Dark Swan. Mirabelle is sweet but nervous, Isabeau smiles easily, and Odile doesn't like how greedy you are.

You go to sleep hungry. It's not hard. When you first started traveling, you'd have sleep for dinner more often than not. And you did have dinner. And you're going to see pleasant people in the morning. What more could you want?

(Your stomach tells you very loudly what it wants. You tell it to blinding shut up.)

Plum (Mirabelle, Mirabelle, Mirabelle) scrambles up a bunch of eggs to eat along with some leftovers for breakfast. She serves you a plate. It's enough. More than enough, it's generous. No one takes seconds, so obviously, one plate is enough. Your stomach is only whining for more because you're a glutton.

Isabeau takes a second sandwich at lunch. Mirabelle doesn't. Odile doesn't. You're too unsure if it'd be okay for you to ask for another or not (Isabeau is a big man, so it's almost expected for him to have a big appetite, but you're neither of those things), so you play it safe and don't.

You're tired by the time evening rolls around again. You always do forget how exhausting it is to try to fit in with a group (but it's worth it, worth it, worth it, it's so nice not to be alone). You look up at the stars for a bit to think of other things, but then your stomach starts grumbling. You sleep for a second dinner instead, and as soon as there's light you're awake and foraging for berries, peering closely at the fruits and the bushes they're on because you don't want to poison yourself even if you're starving. Isabeau gives you a curious look when you get back to the campsite, making you wonder if the slightly sticky juice you can feel around your lips is a noticeable shade, but he grins at you and gestures you to sit down for breakfast. You pace yourself, glad you're already partially filled on berries. Make each bite last.

...You feel like someone is watching you, but when you look up, Odile is reading, and Mirabelle and Isabeau are facing each other as they talk. You try not to look at their plates. You don't need to make yourself hungrier.

At lunch, Isabeau cuts his second sandwich in half--apparently he just finds the smaller halves nicer to hold? You don't really get it, but it's no skin off your back. In fact, it's a bit more food in your stomach, because Isabeau only finishes one half before deciding he's full, actually, and offering it to you. You're nodding before the question is even fully out of his mouth, which embarrasses you once you catch yourself, but Isabeau just smiles. His name really does suit him.

The sandwich tastes delicious. Good bread, a smooth and creamy cheese, satisfying meat and tasty herbs.

At dinner, Isabeau gestures for your plate as soon as it's empty, and you hand it over, surprised when he starts filling it. A small noise of surprise escapes you, and he chuckles nervously, pausing. "You looked like you were still hungry! You are hungry, right?"

You hesitate. You don't know if it's okay to say yes. You look at Odile, who raises an eyebrow back at you.

"What are you looking at me for? If you're hungry, then eat."

But, she doesn't like you being greedy.

...Does she think you're being greedy? You don't remember what she first said about you being greedy, now. Maybe it's not that you're taking too much? Maybe you were taking a specific food she likes--oh, no, Isabeau looks worried now. You're not answering him quickly enough! Even Mirabelle's watching now! You're failing mealtime.

It's usually polite in Vaugarde to accept an offer and thank them, so-- "Y, yeah! Thank you, Isabeau."

He resumes filling up your plate. Hooray. "No problem, Siffrin! Eat up, you can have as much as you want."

You laugh. You don't think he realizes how much you want. But he looks happier you accepted the offer, and you're certainly happy for the full plate heading back to you. Even Odile sounds pleased when she says, "you kids have such big appetites." It makes you pause a second, because you're definitely not a kid--did you give them your age (or the best guess you have for it)? you can't remember--but her tone is amused, warm. She doesn't mind. She doesn't mind!!!

You go to bed that night, still tired, but full and happier. Being part of a group is exhausting, but it's so worth it.

(Months later, you'll try to commiserate with Odile about how exhausting it is to become friends with people, because you love Nille, she's just as amazing as you'd expect of Bonnie's big sis, but you're so tired from making sure you don't mess up and make a mistake that you might be giving yourself a migraine, how do people do this, and Odile will look over at you and remind you that most people do not have social anxiety to the degree you do. You'll go and commiserate with Mirabelle instead.)

[lukaherehelp]

Okey, Detectiva Luka on the case!

I'll be cracking this plot open in order on how things will go so, sit down and relax, grab a coffee and something to munch.

This post will briefly attached things from this post by @syrena-del-mar alongside my post here on the movies,as well as the ones about Tan and Phee being the killers and Tan using poison on the guys, as well as my theory of why I think each mask is different and I think I know whom is behind each one (thanks again to @blmpff for the screenshots). All these theories have being a collective effort between the multiple minds in the bl/gl server so also a big thanks to them for being as unhinged about these as me djslkajdlkjass with that being said...

Let's jump right in, shall we?

So yesterday we discovered that the movie posters in Non's room are fake mock-ups of real life horror movies, right? and there's a fourth poster that can be found in Jin's room in the trailer that we haven't seeing yet in the series, but I'm going to talk about it as well. They go in these order:

Rivarium, Whisper and La Madre

and Jin's:

Devil

Imagine Jin's is where the bookshelf is in Non's and we get this order:

Rivarium -> Whisper -> Devil -> La Madre

or may I say:

Vivarium, 2019 -> The Whisper, 2007 -> Devil, 2012 -> Mamá, 2012

the order they are in is really important because it actually shows us how the plot is moving. The movie posters give away the plot. Let's go in order:

What is important to us from Vivarium (2019) are two things: the looping element of its plot (not a timeloop) and the brood parasitism example they show at the beginning of the film and feeds into with the plot later on with the loop element.

Vivarium shows as at the beginning the brood parasitism of cuckoos, birds that don't nest their eggs and instead, sneak them into other birds' nest for them to raise them. The gang, quote "Non's Friends" are the cuckoo, leaching out of a bird to raise their babies. Or, in their case, draining Non (the bird) out of his ideas and kindness (the nest) for their own good. The loop element comes into these with two new cuckoos, Tan and Phee, infiltrating the group (the birds), but instead of using it to rip the benefits (getting their eggs in the nest), their true intention here is being full parasites. They are a virus contaminating the body that is the friend group. They are "The Boy", ready to kill.

And how do they do this? Here is where The Whisper (2007) comes into play. David as a concept, to be more specific, comes into play.

David is an eight-year-old boy that is not really what it seems. He's the son of a wealthy woman, so kidnapping him should be easy, but this provokes many deaths in the movie amongs his captors. Why? 'cause David, in reality, is a demon. A demon that can "suggest" and "influence" the people around him to do whatever he wants. Only Max survives and is able to kill David, but not after the later has taken with him the lifes of everyone else without moving a finger. Phee and Tan haven't moved a single finger against the group (yet), but "the killer" has being doing it ever so slightly. And even like this, the only death among the boys that has happend wasn't even by the hands of "the killer". No, Por dies because Top kills him. "The Killer" (Phee and Tan) are pitting the boys against one another without them even knowing. The only thing they have done truly is poison them (going again with the loop thing as the gang drugged Non in the past) so they allucinate. And one specific allucination brings me to the next movie:

@syrena-del-mar gave a really good synopsis:

Devil (2010) revolves around five strangers that become trapped in an elevator. As they struggle to escape, it becomes apparent that one among them is the Devil incarnated, manipulating events and tormenting the others with a series of disturbing manifestations. Meanwhile, outside the elevator, a detective investigates the strange occurrences, gradually piecing together the connection between the trapped individuals and the sinister presence haunting the building. As the situation inside the elevator becomes increasingly dire, the characters are forced to confront their darkest secrets and sins, each suspecting the others of being the Devil in disguise. Once they deny their sins, the devil is able to claim their soul. The Devil is unable to claim the last survivor's soul, because these one confesses and repents for having killed a family in a car accident and fleeing the scene. "

Y'all can see why Jin is the one to own this poster, right? But I think there's two reasons for this:

the first one is the obvious, which is that Jin, amongs all the boys, is the one that probably regrets the treatment towards Non the most. He really cared about him, and he harmed him as badly as the other did. But he is repenting, and he might have already done half of the work no so long after the release of the video...

Because the second reason Jin has these poster is the fact that he shares the same sin as Tony, the survivor, in Devil: a hit and run. In Jin's case, Keng's hit and run.

Jin's only allucination speaks for itself, so I don't think I need to add anything else to this point.

but Devil also begins with a bible verse:

"Be sober, be vigilant: Because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

The devil, the lion here, are Tan and Phee... or in Jin's case, Phee specifically. Both boys are playing the long game dragging these revenge for three long years, but Phee has make it upon himself to get the closest to Jin. And I think is because he knows, he knows Jin was involved with what happen to Non, he knows about the video, and he wants Jin to pay as well. But avenging Non by killing Keng might be what could keep Jin alive at the end... or at least to not be killed by the hands of Phee and Tan.

Talking about killing! A little side track to point out that I definetly believe that White will survive yes or yes and as I said this morning, I need him to be like the main character in the book Final Girls by Riley Sager and kill Tee himself. Period.

getting back on track, LET'S BEGIN WITH @blmpff BLORBO, THIS SILLY GUY, or well, these three silly guys:

But there's four! - it looks like we have four masks but upon closer inspection I think is just three. Not only the eyes are different but also the face structure of each changes a litte bit and the last two here look identical, so I just think is a matter of actual production of the series and them having that same mask duplicated but because it has more "dripping blood" on the eyes, it doesn't look the same in both. In any way, I'm about to tell you whom is whom.

Our first Killer, "Clear Sight", is Tan.

Tan, in this theory, is New, Non's older brother.

So yes, I know, this whole plan is a revenge for what happend to his little brother, so you'll think that he would be a little bit more "passion" driven when it comes to revenge, but taking in account the other two killers... well, makes sense that the older one is the one being more focus and calculating about what they do. A "Clear Sight" amongs them. He's also the one that has poisoned the friend group, as I explain here. So yeah, cold blooded and with a plan in mind.

Which he has really well tight up with the second Killer, "Bloody Tears", since they flawlessly were able to fool us all when CS stole the motorbike from Tee but then BT pulled up with it.

So, whom is "Bloody Tears"? Say it with me class: is Phee. Yes.

His eyes are bloodshot and he's crying blood because hiswhole purpose with all of this is to avenge Non. He feels guilty over his last words to Non:

"You want me to forgive you? Just get lost and die."

He's the one being more driven by passion, by rage, by wrath. These absolute fuckers destroyed the Non he loved so dearly and he will destroy them.

So if "Clear Sight" is Tan, and "Bloody Tears" is Phee... Then whom is "Fresh Blood", our third Killer?

For the sake of this these "timeline" theory, we will go with the idea that "Fresh Blood", the masked killer with the fresh blood on its eyes and the cruch, is Non.

The obvious reason: the crutch. FB is the only one holding it, both when he appears in front of Top and when he's in the woods.

And we saw what Non was capable of three years ago when he finally snapped in front of the others, so I don't need to explain why the blood of his eyes is till fresh. He's a goner, he's fully commited to the bit, he will take all this fuckers to hell with him... including Jin.

Because Phee could spare Jin, but Non will not. And so we are down to four people by the end of these tale: White, Tan, Phee and Non.

Here is where the last movie comes into play: Mamá (2012)

Mamá is about two sisters, Victoria (f8) and Lily (f6), whom were living as feral children for five years in a remote cabin in the woods after their parents' death. They are put under the care of their uncle Lucas and his girlfriend Annabel, but when the two girls start to build a bond with Annabel, what kept them alive in the woods, Mamá, wants to take them back with her. And by the end, she almost does. On a cliff, both sisters make a choice: Victoria chooses Lucas and Annabel, and starts a new life with them; but Lily, whom loves Mamá dearly, decides to stay with her. Mamá after this, jumps off the cliff with Lily on her arms, activily killing her and turning them both into moths.

Tan is Victoria, Phee is Lily and Non is Mamá.

Phee, like Lily with Mamá, will choose Non. After all the blood they have spilled, is better to get lost in the woods than to comfront the police, honestly. They can just get lost and enjoy nature like they did when they used to visit the lake. They will just count Phee as one of the many victims these cabin has taken.

And so is Tan because he, like Victoria, will choose to live his life. But he was never Tan. He's New, and he can just let Tan die at these cabin and go back overseas as himself, leaving all of these behind...

And leaving only White as our final boy.

so yeah, those are my theories and how I think the series is going to play out, this post has taken me 3h and a half to right down, I can't feel my brain any longer dljsaldjalkjsd

[annaphoenix1994]

Aftermath

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

»»-------¤-------««

The smoke began to fade into the cold Chicago air. The sirens from the police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances faded into the distance as well as chatter between paramedics. Gaz was burned on his bare skin but was able to walk and talk. His team of Marines were distraught, with one getting severe burns as well as losing his thumb, Price's vision was blurred, but he fought the urge to continue laying down. With the limited amount of time he had before the blast, he was unable to protect Kiera as putting her under him was his first thought before it happened. 

He was unable to get his bearings, wondering if the paramedics had removed her body from the debris. With a frown, he began to wonder how he was going to tell Simon. It's a bloody shame, he grumbled to himself, letting the paramedic approach him to check his dilated pupils. "What the hell happened?" He asked the stranger. 

"We don't know for sure, sir," The paramedic replied. "We've got you. Just relax."

Price groaned as he was hoisted onto a stretcher, looking around as he was revealed into the clear night, light flakes of snow raining from the sky, wondering how normal everything else seemed to civilians, yet he was in a warzone on the same stretch of land.

He looked to see Ghost standing aside, his eyes bloodshot. He was unsure if he was worried or if he had been crying. 

Ghost didn't respond. He was too stunned. 

Soap didn't think much of it as he rushed around the side of the building, seeing on of the glass doors busted out from the impact of the blast. There, he saw two individuals - one sitting and one standing, his hands shaking. Poor bastard, Soap thought, seeing that the man who was standing was visually disturbed as it looked as if he were a poor civilian. 

He smelled the faint stench of tobacco, seeing that the man and the other individual had been smoking. "Sir? Are you okay?" He asked the man standing. 

He looked at Soap, recognizing him as one of Hassan's hostages who had fortunately survived. "The medics are around the corner. Do you need help?" 

The man nodded, hobbling towards the direction Soap had pointed to, leaving him with the other individual who was sitting. He recognized tactical pants and laced boots, looking up the person's legs before his eyes fell onto the cigarette nestled between the victim's burnt lips. When he realized that it had been Kiera who bummed a smoke, he slowly approached her, looking over her to see how bad the damage was. The areas of her shirt were ripped, revealing burnt skin underneath. Her blonde hair was matted with soot and blood. Her exposed hands were burned, and Soap could see that one of her fingernails were gone. 

He kneeled next to her, "Kiera? Can you hear me?" 

She continued to look ahead, her left eye bloodshot with both tears and irritation from debris as her right eye was still swollen shut. She heard Soap's voice, but it sounded like she was hearing him from under a level of water, a faint white noise blocking her hearing. "Kiera?" He repeated, reaching out to take the cigarette from between her lips. 

She exhaled a weak cloud of smoke, locking her gaze on him, "Am I dead?" 

Soap shook his head, "No," before easily hoisting her up from the curb, carrying her bridal style to the paramedics. "I've got you. It's over." He encouraged her, cursing under his breath as he couldn't believe everyone had survived the blast. 

"Funny." She grumbled. 

"What's funny?" 

"Just a month ago, you and I were tumbling on the tarmac, and now, you're carrying me willingly to safety." 

"Eh, just like Ghost, you grew on me, punk." 

"Unfortunately for me, you're like a virus. Can't get rid of you when you're around." 

"Either I'm just contagious, or once I'm in your system, it's hard to get me out." 

"I don't want you in my system." 

"Feeling's mutual." Actually, no it's not.

Her head was heavy as it rested on Soap's shoulder, closing her eyes as he rounded the corner, paramedics rushing to her with haste as he desperately tried to lay her down on the stretcher. He looked around for Ghost, knowing that he'd be pushing him out of the way to get to her, but he was nowhere to be seen. 

He pressed the button to reply, desperately trying to harden his heart in preparation for bad news,

Soap watched as Ghost tended to a Marine that needed an extra hand before seeing him look to his right to see her on the stretcher as the paramedics stripped her from her tactical vest, handing it aside to Soap before Ghost caught up to them, removing his balaclava and holding it to his side, stunned at the sight before him. He was terrified at the conclusion, not knowing what to do or if he were to be pushed away by the paramedics. 

He stood as he watched her be loaded onto the ambulance, watching them put an oxygen mask on her as two men tended to her. "Where are you taking her?" 

"Northwestern Memorial." The medic replied before jumping into the patient area and shutting the doors, leaving both Simon and Soap to stand and watch. 

"Price and Gaz will be there, too," Soap said to him. "I might as well get looked at while I'm there. I'm hit in the leg." 

Soap watched as Simon slipped the balaclava back over his head, "This is going to be a long night. How are Price and Gaz?" 

"Both have some burns and injuries, but I can't confirm." 

»»-------¤-------««

Laswell led both Ghost and Soap into the lobby of the hospital, a nurse taking notice of the blood coming from Soap's leg as she asked him if he needed a wheelchair to be seen immediately. He accepted as he eased himself down into the wheelchair. 

"Can I get a status on three soldiers that were brought here?" Laswell asked the receptionist. 

"Yes, ma'am, give me just a moment," The woman replied, typing into her computer, Ghost watching as her brows furrowed as she got up from her chair, her mint green scrubs disappearing from the station for a couple of minutes before returning with a clipboard. "One is in the burn unit undergoing surgery. We'll be getting information from her when she's awake. The other is in a bay receiving stitches. He should be discharged within a few hours." 

"Thank you," Laswell nodded. "Which way is your waiting room?" 

"Down the hall and to the left," She pointed. "The surgeon will come out after he's done." 

Laswell nodded, astonished that Ghost had removed his mask as he followed her to the waiting room. 

»»-------¤-------««

Five hours - five long hours before any sign of reassurance notified Simon of Kiera's status. Soap had been taken back for stitches and a thorough exam after a brutal wound clean and Price was stable in his room to recover from his burns. Gaz got off lucky as he only suffered minor injuries. 

Simon tapped his leg impatiently as he sat on the chair, his body beginning to fall sore as well as being bored and irritated from no news. He listened as Laswell typed away on her laptop, reaching into her bag to retrieve her phone. "Still working?" He grumbled, wondering how she was still awake at that hour. 

"I'm booking hotel rooms, sir," She replied. "You all could use a decent night's rest." 

"I'm staying here." He grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Laswell knew why, but she chose not to say anything about it. 

"They'll release the Soap and Gaz within the next hour. I'll take them to the hotel. I can bring your bags here if you want me to?" 

"Don't rush, Laswell. You've done enough." 

She sighed, closing the lid on her laptop and patting Simon's shoulder, "I have a couple of calls to make. While I'm out I'll get your stuff from the airport-"

"It's with hers." He said, looking down at his lap. 

"Okay. Let me know if you want me to book you a room." 

"I'll be fine, thank you." 

He waited another hour, the program playing on the television irritating his train of thought as the coffee in the hot pot was tempting him. He sighed, pulling out the picture of her and her horse from his uniform's breast pocket, still not planning to tell her that he took it from her fridge when she wasn't looking instead of just asking her. He could take a million pictures of her, but the one of her and her horse was his favorite - being the first picture he saw of her, but he liked how he saw that gleam of true happiness in her eyes and a true smile. 

He traced the pad of his thumb over her pictured face, counting down the minutes until he could see her again. Sighing, he put the picture back into his pocket before standing to his aching feet, being the only person in the waiting room as he made his way to the coffee pot, the temptation being uncontrollable at this point. He was exhausted, to say the least. 

He heard footsteps coming from down the hall but assumed it was just another nurse or doctor on their way to their next task. Walking back towards his chair that faced the entrance of the waiting room, he turned to see a doctor standing to look at him, dressed in a smock and carrying a clipboard under his arm. "Are you Kiera's husband?" He assumed, though he should've addressed Simon as her partner considering they had both come in with tactical gear on.

Husband? One day, yes, Simon thought, unable to comprehend the question as quickly as he would've liked. "Yes, sir." 

The doctor nodded, "This way." 

Thank God. 

"How is she?" He asked, walking alongside the doctor. 

"She's stable. We had to do skin grafts on major parts of her body. The burns being the worst of it, I'm afraid," The surgeon sighed. "But, we were able to verify that no debris got into her lungs, thankfully. She'll be alright eventually, but she'll be very sore for a while. Perhaps a few months." 

"...But she'll be alright, though, right?" Simon questioned, concerned. 

"Eventually, yes," He nodded, opening the door that led to her, standing in front of Simon to pull back the curtain that revealed her. "Don't panic about the tube. She can't eat right now, but we're hoping to have it out in the next couple of days." He explained, referring to the nasal feeding tube.

Simon exhaled heavily through his nose, slowly walking around the side of the bed and pulling up a chair. "There's a remote next to the bed there if you want to watch TV. I'll leave you be. A nurse will be in here every hour." 

"Okay." 

The soft click of the door indicated that it was shut, leaving Simon alone with her. He looked down at the IV in her hand, seeing her bruised knuckles and cracked skin from Graves' assault and likely the explosion as well. I wish it was me instead of you, he thought as he looked at her, seeing that her eyes were closed. He carefully traced the pad of his thumb over the top of her hand, seeing it was badly bruised. 

He moved his chair closer to the bed, curling his fingers under her hand as he lay his head on the mattress, the gentle beeping of the heart monitor lulling him to sleep.

»»-------¤-------««

He awoke throughout the early morning every hour, hearing a nurse fumbling around as she checked on Kiera's vitals. His eyes would open every time a nurse came in, but his exhaustion continued to conquer him, and he eventually acknowledged a nurse's presence by just opening his eyes enough to recognize scrubs after the seventh time. 

The morning sunlight pierced through the window, soon to be shielded by the blinds as Laswell had been checking in on the team's status. As much as Simon was a light sleeper, he couldn't recall Laswell ever entering the room in the first place. 

He felt a presence close by, assuming it was a nurse, but his adrenaline spiked when he realized it was Chief Laswell. Oh, fuck, he thought, nearly panicking. I'm caught.

She could see the strain in his eyes, holding her hand up to keep him from trying to explain himself, "Don't worry, I'm just bringing you some breakfast." 

He sat up in the chair, softly removing his hand from Kiera's. "Thanks." He said, watching Laswell set the tray of breakfast on the side table. 

"Don't mention it," Laswell flashed a grin. "Anything new?" 

Simon shook his head, "No." 

"I spoke to the doctor - Price should be released in a couple of days." 

"Good. I may go and check on him and stretch my legs." 

"It'll be good for you, Lieutenant-"

"Simon." He corrected. 

Laswell was shocked, but she understood. 

"Simon," She nodded. "I can take you to his room if you want?" 

"I will after I eat," He shook his head. "I'll stick around and see if she wakes up." 

"Okay. I'll leave you to it. I'm going to finish my breakfast myself. I'll sit in for you when you go to see John." 

»»-------¤-------««

Simon made quick work of the breakfast she had brought him, the Pop-Tart being his favorite if he had to admit as it had been so long since he craved something sweet. With his gaze on the television close by, he was unaware that Kiera's eyes had fluttered open. Well, her left eye did as her right was still swollen. A slight whine left her dry lips, catching Simon's attention as he quickly put the food aside to stop her from making a weak attempt at sitting up, her adrenaline spiking as she briefly didn't know where she was. 

"Not so fast." He said, easing her back down onto the bed and searching for the button on the remote attached to the bed to call a nurse. 

She flashed a weak smile, moving her lower arm up to reach toward his face, but he didn't let her. "Don't move too much. You'll hurt yourself, love." He assured her, gently grasping her hand and knowing that she hadn't realized how tender she really was. Those pain meds must be good, he thought, dreading the moment they wore off for her sake.  

Within a couple of minutes, a nurse and doctor entered the room, the same nurse that had been checking on her throughout the night. She looked young, perhaps a new RN that was eager to get the job at hand done. She was African American - her tone comforting and uplifting as her badge reel was decorated with cartoon-like medical instruments. "Look at you, honey. How are you feeling?" She asked in her deep Southern accent.

Kiera grumbled in response. 

"I know, honey, we'll take that tube out of your nose so you can try and eat something. I'll steal some snacks from the cafe for you - you just gotta tell me what your favorite is." She smiled at her, taking a pair of latex gloves from the compartment and dressing her hands. 

Kiera grumbled again, causing Simon to chuckle. She knew where she was, but it was like she had forgotten how to speak. That, and she was drowsy. Simon knew that tone all too well as he took a mental note of how difficult it was to wake her up in the morning. "She's grumpy this morning, ain't she?" The nurse giggled. 

"It's nothing new." Simon commented. 

"It's perfectly normal," The nurse assured him. Although he had only known her by how she took care of Kiera throughout the night, he trusted her, which was a hard wall to climb when it came to gaining his trust. Hell, just by her persona, he knew he would be in good hands if it were him in that bed. "Alright," She continued, walking around to the other side of the bed where Simon was to reach the remote that would elevate the bed to a working level. "I'm just gonna raise this bed up and we'll get you moved forward so we can get that tube out of your nose. We're gonna have to clean up your wounds too before we get you to eat something, okay?" 

Kiera forced a nod, grumbling again and huffing. Her pupils were dilated, and the whites of her eyes were a light shade of pink. 

The bed elevated to an appropriate level, the nurse getting a grip on her right arm where it wasn't damaged and another nurse grabbing her left with one hand securing under her bicep and the other cradling her elbow. "We're just going to ease you forward, okay?" She cooed to Kiera, a frown curling on her face as she groaned in pain. Simon didn't like it either, but he stood back and let them take care of her, knowing they had better knowledge of it than he did. 

The doctor easily removed the bandages that covered the area on her back and shoulders, preparing his utensils to remove more dead skin and check on the way the graft was holding up. "You're going to heal up nice, sweetie," The doctor said as he cleaned the area, pleased with his work. "I'm thinking these may be completely healed within a few weeks," he said to his nurses before nodding toward Simon. "We had to take skin from her inner thighs. It's thinner and not as hard to deal with for such an area we're working with." 

"How bad are the burns?" Simon asked. 

"Luckily, with the uniform she had on, it took more of the damage than her skin did. I'd say she's probably at least ten percent burned just on her back. They were third-degree." 

Jesus.

She groaned as she accepted the numbing pain of how she was being taken care of. Her entire body was aching, but she was thankful that she survived to tell the tale. 

"Good job, sweetheart," The nurse encouraged after they had eased her back down to the bed after the degree had been changed so that she was in a more upright position. "Now, let's get that tube out of your nose so you can eat something." 

She forced a nod, closing her eyes as she knew she was going to gag. 

She hated when things were in her nose. 

"Alright, look up at the ceiling and take deep breaths for me, okay?" 

She did as she was told, forcing her eyes open, except for her swollen one, to look up at the light, testing her vision and ensuring the blast didn't cause her partial blindness. The nurse eased the tube from the pit of her stomach, using long and even strokes, assuring her patient that the worst part was on the horizon once the balloon at the bottom of the tube would irritate her throat. 

And just like that, she gagged once the balloon passed her uvula. Out of reaction, her hands came up to clamp at the nurse's wrist as she encouraged that there was only one brutal second left. 

"Good job, sweetheart," The nurse smiled. "Now let's get some food in that belly, huh?" 

Food, Kiera thought. Thank God. 

"I'll be right back, okay?" The nurse smiled, cleaning up her area after the doctor had dismissed himself after completing his patient report before the end of his shift. 

Kiera groaned as Simon walked closer to her, joining her at the bedside as he picked up the small cup of water that he had been drinking from throughout his rough night's rest. She slowly smacked her lips together as if she were testing to see if they were still there, Simon chuckling at her drowsy behavior. "Here, love, take a sip of water." He said, bending the straw to where it would be easier for her to access, letting her grip his wrist to stabilize the cup as he brought it to her lips, even though it wasn't going anywhere. 

She smacked her lips again lazily, using her tongue to moisten them as they were painfully dry. She looked as if she savored it and Simon chuckled again, "Must be good tap water, huh?" 

"So good." She hummed, fluttering her eyes shut to avoid the bright light, her voice hoarse and scratched.

"What I really need is my va-"

"Don't even say it," Simon shook his head, knowing she'd mention that stupid vape eventually. "You're cut off for a while." 

She pouted. 

And Simon found pleasure in that as well as admiration. She had just gone through a brutal gunfight and survived an explosion, nearly fighting for her life and she still had room to poke at him with her attitude. 

It was then that he knew if she didn't crack a joke here and there, something would be terribly wrong.

"You have a tough habit to break, sweetheart," He continued to poke. "You know it's a bad habit when the first thing you did was bum a cigarette after you found your way out." 

She cracked a smile, "Why am I not surprised?" 

"Oh, I wasn't either when Soap told me. He at least knew to take it away from you, though." 

"That bastard," She giggled. "What happened? I don't remember anything. How I got down there - nothing." 

"Nobody really knows what happened, love. It all happened so fast." 

"Is... Is everyone okay?" 

"You and Price got the worst of it, I'm afraid, but you two are still alive and that's what matters."

"Well, I just hope we can make it home for Christmas."

"Let's just take it one day at a time for right now, okay?" He said, bringing her knuckles up to his lips and placing a delicate kiss there. 

"One day at a time," She repeated, her eyes glancing over to the table where Simon's leftover breakfast was that he was yet to finish. "Whatcha got over there, huh?" 

"You don't want those cold eggs," He chuckled. "That was from an hour ago."

"I wasn't looking at the eggs, I was looking at that nice-looking Pop-Tart that you didn't eat." 

He chuckled, "It's not a good idea. Not yet." 

She sighed, laying her head back on the pillow, groaning as she was denied the sweet treat. 

He smirked, curling his fingers under hers and bringing her knuckles to his lips, "One day at a time, sweetheart."

[startinglinereads]

A guide for writers: How to create characters with antisocial personality disorder

I had people on insta ask me how to write characters that have mental health illnesses! So inspired by the essay I wrote about Eli Ever, here's a guide on how to write characters with antisocial personality disorder. There is a character template at the end of this post that will help guide you!

My source: DSM-5

1.) Backstory detail matters.

Of course, you don't need to include every single detail of your character's past, but you want to add things from their childhood and/or teenage life. That's a key to an antisocial personality diagnosis. There are symptoms that start at fairly young ages.

What are the symptoms??

Criteria A:

(For this, I'm going to be using a character by the name of Keith! Here's some really basic information about Keith: he's a pretty charming guy. He's in his late twenties, six foot, tan, curly brown hair, and all girls are pinning for him. He likes sports cars and watching anime. Keith prefers to be alone most times, but to get what he wants, he'll be extroverted.)

Three or more instances of disregarding others' rights since age 15 (otherwise known as conduct disorder) as shown in the following:

-Repeatedly breaking the law. Going against the norms.

Keith has stolen before. It wasn't foreign to him—it was like a first language that came so naturally. He had been stealing since he was thirteen and hadn't been able to stop. It was a constant itch he needed to scratch. If someone had what he wanted, he took it. Walking up to an old Chevrolet Corvette, Keith whistled. "Hot damn, isn't she a beauty?" It had been easy to hot wire the car, almost too easy.

-Deceit and dishonesty just to get what they want. They could use aliases and other tactics of manipulation to get what they want.

"Ash? What are you doing here?"

Keith froze. He hadn't been expecting the very person he was playing to show up at the bar he frequented. He was Ash to most, but Keith to the world he ruled—his family business. Feeling exposed, he crossed his arms, but put on his playboy act.

"Oh! Harper! Nice to see you again. I needed a drink to ease my mind off of things. Here, come sit." Keith waved the other man over. "Let me buy you a drink."

Harper reluctantly sat down on the stool next to Keith. After he took Harper's order, Keith sighed. "I know I've been avoiding your calls, but things have been stressful. I haven't had time to reach out." He flashed a guilty look that made Harper's shoulders seem to relax.

"I've been worried sick about you! Pick up the damn phone every once in a while. I know you're busy but for fucks sake Ash."

-Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead. They act on impulse rather than getting things done in an orderly manner.

Keith curled his fist into a tight ball. He flexed his wrist and swung it into the man's jaw. He knew he wasn't thinking things through and should have, but anger twisted his stomach into tight knots. Order was never his friend. Fuck that.

The man stumbled back and looked up wide eyed. He shoved his hands out in front of him to block another blow, but that never came.

"Before you insult me again, I thought I would leave you with a warning. If you say something reckless again, I'll make sure you're in the hospital, or better yet, six feet under."

-Physical fights and assaults suggest irritability and aggression.

Keith hammered his fists repeatedly into a stranger that had dared to betray him and his family. Legs wrapped around his waist, he kept the man in place. He saw red. His father had been stupid to have sent him rather than his younger brother after the traitors. It wasn't anything new though—he craved violence like ice cream on a hot summer day. "What did I tell you? You fucked with the wrong family."

-Reckless disregard for safety of self or others. People with antisocial personality disorder act out and ignore their surroundings. This puts not only the person in danger, but people around them.

"What the hell, Keith! You're going to get us killed!" His younger brother, Reggie, yelled.

Keith wasn't listening. He drove over a hundred miles per hour. He loved the adrenaline it brought him. His younger brother was only drowning out the fun. Slamming his foot against the accelerator, Keith grinned from ear to ear. He turned up the volume of the music until it was on full blast. Distracted, Keith swerved off the road. Reggie braced himself and screamed.

-Inconsistent work behavior and financial irresponsibility.

Keith never bothered to show up to work on time as Ash. Ash was supposed to be the carefree manager of a bar that his family ran. A friendly business owner that swooned the customers with his charming looks and attitude. Keith was just too busy the night before, partying like an animal or too caught up in his father's orders. This time, he was shopping for a brand new car. The one he stole hadn't done it for him. It gave him a weird sense of nostalgia that he wanted to scrape off his skin.

-Showing no regret for hurting, mistreating, or stealing from someone else, rationalizing their actions.

Looking behind him, he glared at Harper. "I had to do it, Harper."

Harper brought up his hand and slapped Keith. "What the fuck is wrong with you? I trusted you! You lied to me about who you are! You used me for intel!"

Keith's eyes narrowed as balled his fists. The slap hadn't affected him. He had been through worse. In his mind, this was only a step forward to where he needed to be. That thought was always there, even when he was a child. He had to do what was necessary to stay at the top and to be respected by his father. Even when he had seen the insides of the animals he had killed as a preteen. "Slap me again and you'll see what I can really do, Harper."

Criteria B, C, and D:

The person is at least age 18 years. That's pretty self explanatory.

Evidence shows conduct disorder started before age 15. This is the most important criteria that needs to be met. At the beginning of this guide, I explained you must include minor details from your character's childhood/teenage backstory of some kind. This is the reason why I emphasized this. As you saw in my examples, Keith had shown signs of conduct disorder when he was a teenager by stealing items, killing animals, and feelings of no remorse. This is like a prediagnosis for antisocial personality disorder. Keep in mind, affordable early diagnosis isn't available to everyone, and some parents lack mental health knowledge, therefore, the DSM-5 requires evidence.

Antisocial behavior isn't limited to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The person acts the way they do because of this disorder and not because of others. I think that's pretty self explanatory.

2.) Why does my character have antisocial personality disorder?

Why do people develop this disorder? We don't really know, but many believe it to be environmental and genetic. It's really important to provide a potential cause as to why your character may have developed this disorder to begin with. Did they develop it because their parents neglected them or abused them? Was it because a grandparent or parent had the disorder? Did the mother drink during pregnancy and the child grew up in a toxic house hold?

Additionally, substance abuse issues would fall under the DSM-5's substance abuse criteria, alongside this diagnosis.

3.) How old should I make my character?

Age is very important in this. If your character is under 18, they cannot be diagnosed with this disorder. If they are over the age of forty, they might be in remission. According to the DSM-5, as people get older, the disorder may become less evident or even go into remission! It depends on what you want to do with your character! If you want to write a healing story for someone with this disorder, you might want to write about someone in their early thirties. To portray a teen, you could depict them exhibiting these symptoms, then receiving an official diagnosis at 18. You can also give these children/teenagers conduct disorder which is similar to antisocial personality disorder, but for people under the age of 18. It is all up to the type of story you want to write!

4.) What treatments are there?:

Typically, it's psychotherapy and/or a combination of medications. The medications that psychiatrists might prescribe are mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.

I know this is a lot of information to process, so I wanted to create a brief character outline/template! You can use this to create a character with antisocial personality disorder:

Name:

Age:

Remember, your character cannot be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder until they are 18. But they can be diagnosed with conduct disorder!

Is your character a teenager, young adult, or middle age adult?:

Pronouns:

Sexuality:

Ethnicity:

Interests:

What are they like? Do they joke around? Do they get good grades? Some fun background information!:

Choose three or more symptoms your character displayed as children, young teenagers (15 years of age or younger), and adults. Remember, they must show signs onset at 15. Explain what they did in the past and present to meet these symptoms:

Repeatedly breaking the law. Explain how:

Deceit and dishonesty just to get what they want. (They could use aliases and other tactics of manipulation to get what they want.) Explain how:

Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead. Explain how:

They act on impulse rather than getting things done in an orderly manner. Explain how:

Physical fights and assaults suggest irritability and aggression. Explain how:

Reckless disregard for safety of self or others. Explain how:

Inconsistent work behavior and financial irresponsibility. Explain how:

Showing no regret for hurting, mistreating, or stealing from someone else, rationalizing their actions. Explain how:

They have evidence of conduct disorder (Diagnosis for children and teens under 18. Refer to some of the childhood symptoms you listed above)

Did they get treatment at a young age? Were they diagnosed with conduct disorder? (They don't need a diagnosis, but there must. be evidence that they had it.) If not, why?:

Are they getting treatment now? (On any medications or are they going to therapy?):

Backstory (Did their parents neglect them? Did they have a rough childhood? Remember, keep in mind of the possibilities that may have correlated with the personality disorder. These possibilities don't mean it is a direct cause though.):

Thank you for reading! Please credit me if you use the template! Happy writing!