#I always just think of them in separate spaces

[colibrie]

It is criminal that this show was cut short because there is so much to explore in the relationship between Splinter and his sons. Particularly, it's one thing for a neglectful parent to recognize their faults and verbally commit to doing better, but an entirely separate thing to put doing better into practice.

In the situation with Leo and Raph, Splinter had an awakening both in regards to how much pressure leadership placed on his eldest, and how capable and clever Leo truly is under that devil-may-care jester persona. He sees what they could become, the net positive in both their development that would come as a payoff from switching the leadership role. Maturity for Leo, breathing space/self discovery for Raphael.

The problem is that Splinter is lacking in the guidance department. He was never given guidance beyond a list of dictations and duties that he rebelled against, and the life he lived after rebelling was either incredibly shallow and self-centered or deeply traumatic. And we see the results of that lack play out in the movie.

He throws leadership onto Leo, but we never see Splinter step up to teach him how to be an effective leader. How to communicate with his team, and how to think through consequences. We never see him working to lift Leo's confidence, build Leo's problem-solving skills, or even just ask Leo what he thinks/feels/wants. He's chucked his baby blue into the deep end before teaching him to swim and then gets frustrated that he's flailing and failing to succeed.

On Raphs end, all of the above-mentioned lack of support ends up once again falling on him. And lord help him, Raph tries to step up as he always does. But in trying to step up into the mentor role, Raph unknowingly has to step out of his role as a brother. There's no space for support when he's constantly nagging Leo to communicate, no time for vulnerability or trust to form when every conversation becomes a long lecture of everything Leo is doing wrong. There's no time for Raph to step back and reflect on his own emotions or thoughts, to consider what he needs, because he is constantly terrified for his little brother's safety.

And Splinter doesn't know how to step in and proactively help. In this scene, he tells them "You are a team... you are brothers" as though that alone should be sufficient to solve all their problems. He's frustrated by them and disapproves that their bickering has devolved to the point that they are coming to blows with each other.

But when the moment comes for him to step up and lead by example, he backs out. Perhaps because he feels inadequate to provide, he falls back on an old coping mechanism (the TV) and leaves two of his sons hurting and his other two sons to clean up the messy aftermath. And you can see the effect it has on all four of them. The defeated slump of Leo's shoulders, Raph's guilty expression, Donnie's quiet resignation, and Mikey's palpable disappointment.

Splinters role gets shuffled to the background once Casey Jr arrives and the threat of the Krang becomes the focus, but if they ever do bring the show back, I hope they focus on the repercussions of it and show him not only recognizing his failure but also him putting in the work to learn and actively be better for his sons.

thinking about this scene

"You are a team."

splinter seeing leo as the leader, and he should be solving problems on the team. He needs to be more mature.

" You are brothers."

Raph is the older brother and needs to deal with his siblings. He's the oldest and should be able to deal with arguments.

....him telling them both to be more responsible while ignoring them arguing, and going back to watch TV....

Their reactions make me explodeee

[wosospacegirl]

Lucky charm - Kika Nazareth

Summary: Kika’s injury means she needs a lot of help--and Y/n, ever the grumpy but soft teammate, ends up being the one to take care of her. Y/n complains, Kika teases, but somehow they make the best team… even if Y/n pretends not to enjoy it. wink wink

Word count: 2.1k

a/n: this is part of my 1k comemoration blurb! <3

Masterlis

..

"You can’t be mad," Kika said, a teasing smile tugging at her lips as she watched Y/n struggle with two suitcases–one hers, one Kika’s.

"Yes, I can," Y/n said flatly, a deep frown etched across her face.

They were at the airport, getting ready to board the team’s private flight for the semifinal against Chelsea. The mood should’ve been light, full of excitement, but Y/n was clearly unimpressed.

"It’s work, you can’t ask me to skip work," Kika said innocently, adjusting the crutches under her arms.

"You’re literally on crutches," Y/n pointed out sharply. "You had the option to stay back, rest, and do physio. And you still chose to come."

Her tone was harsh, but her actions weren’t–one of Y/n’s arms was securely around Kika’s waist, steadying her as she helped her up the stairs to the plane, making sure she didn’t stumble.

"Oh, come on," Kika whined, nudging her with her shoulder. "I was going to be all alone for three whole days."

"You wouldn’t be alone. You’d be at physio, surrounded by professionals," Y/n muttered as they carefully climbed the last step. "Exactly where you’re supposed to be."

"It’s not the same!" Kika insisted dramatically, making Y/n roll her eyes.

Once inside, they made their way through the narrow aisle until they reached their seats. Well, Kika’s row, technically. Because of her injury, Kika needed space to stretch her leg out, so she was given an entire row of three seats to herself.

Y/n helped Kika settle in, lifting her crutches carefully to the side, adjusting her small pillow, and making sure her foot was comfortably elevated. 

She shoved their luggage into the overhead bin, then dropped heavily into the seat across the aisle, just the narrow walkway separating them.

"You’re really gonna sit over there?" Kika asked, blinking at her from across the aisle.

Y/n glanced around. "There are no other seats available."

Kika pouted. "Sit here with me. I’ll put my leg on your lap."

Y/n gave her a look. "No. That’s not good for your blood flow."

"You’re no fun," Kika muttered, settling back against her seat with a dramatic sigh.

"I’m just the only one around here actually thinking about your recovery," Y/n shot back, but there was a warmth in her voice now, the edge from earlier fading.

Kika turned her head to look at her, a small, sheepish smile appearing on her face. "You’re worried about me."

"I always worry about you," Y/n admitted under her breath, picking at the hem of her sweatshirt. "Somebody has to when you won’t do it yourself."

For a second, Kika didn’t say anything, just stared at her with that look– that look that made Y/n’s heart race without even trying.

"Well," Kika finally said, her voice lighter but her eyes soft, "lucky me."

Y/n shook her head with a small huff, looking out the window to hide the smile she couldn’t fight anymore.

"Yeah," she said. "Lucky you."

The plane engines were rumbling softly as everyone settled into their seats, some girls already pulling out headphones or half-asleep against the windows. Y/n glanced over at Kika, making sure the girl was comfortable.

Just as she was about to put her seatbelt on across the aisle, Kika called out quietly, "Y/n?"

Y/n turned her head, raising an eyebrow. "Huh?"

Kika hesitated, twiddling her thumbs together. "Um... I'm scared."

Y/n frowned immediately, sitting up straighter. "Scared? Of what?"

"The flight," Kika said in a small voice, eyes wide, as if she truly believed it herself. "You know... turbulence and stuff."

Y/n blinked at her, completely deadpan. "You literally love flying. You once told me the turbulence feels like a ‘free roller coaster.’"

Kika shrugged, looking unconvincingly worried. "Maybe I changed my mind."

Y/n stared at her for a long moment, seeing right through her act–the barely hidden smile threatening to break through Kika’s serious face.

"You’re unbelievable," Y/n muttered, unbuckling her seatbelt with a sigh. She grabbed her things and crossed the aisle, dropping into the seat beside Kika.

Kika immediately beamed like a kid who got exactly what she wanted.

"You're spoiled," Y/n said under her breath, but she still carefully adjusted Kika’s blanket so it wouldn’t bother her leg.

"You spoil me," Kika said smugly, leaning her head dramatically against Y/n’s shoulder. So now Y/n was on the window seat, Kika was sitting on her side, her leg was on top of the same pillow, but her foot was slightly out of the row, but hey, no one was complaining.

Y/n didn’t answer at first, just exhaled heavily like she regretted all her life choices– but her hand came up naturally to rest on Kika’s arm, thumb stroking small, slow circles without thinking.

"...Yeah," she said finally, her voice soft, "I kinda do."

Kika smiled to herself, closing her eyes happily.

If Y/n spent the whole flight pretending to be grumpy while secretly making sure Kika was comfortable the entire time? Yes, but no one had to know.

About halfway through the flight, after some light turbulence that Kika dramatically clutched Y/n’s arm through–earning another eye roll–things finally calmed down.

Kika shifted a little, mumbling something under her breath, and without warning, she dropped her head fully onto Y/n’s shoulder.

Y/n stiffened for a second–not because she minded, but because Kika wasn't subtle at all–and she felt Kika's soft breathing start to even out almost immediately. 

The girl was out like a light.

Y/n sighed quietly, adjusting her position so Kika's head rested more comfortably against her. She even pulled the blanket up higher so Kika wouldn't get cold.

Anyone who looked would have thought Y/n was completely relaxed... except for the blush creeping up her ears.

She closed her eyes, pretending to sleep too, hoping no one would make a big deal about it.

Of course, luck was not on her side.

From across the aisle, Salma elbowed Jana, nodding toward them with a huge grin.

Jana nearly choked trying to hold in her laugh, and even Pina, who was a few rows back, peeked over the seat and mouthed.

“Awnnnn!!” They all said in unison.

"Take a picture," Vicky whispered behind her phone, already snapping a very obvious–and very not subtle– photo of Y/n and Kika cuddling up together.

Y/n cracked one eye open, catching them in the act.

"Delete that," she mouthed silently, glaring, but Vicky just giggled and turned back to show the others. “Now, Victória.”

Later, when they landed and started getting their bags, the teasing began immediately.

"Look at our little in-flight cuddle buddies," Jana teased, ruffling Y/n’s hair playfully as they walked through the airport.

"I wasn’t cuddling," Y/n grumbled, adjusting the strap of Kika’s bag on her shoulder. "She fell asleep on me like a weighted blanket–And don’t touch my hair.”

"Sure, sure," Salma said, grinning. "And you just happened to let her stay there for two hours?"

"It’s called being a good teammate," Y/n said, deadpan.

"Right," Esmee said, biting back a smirk. "Very professional. Holding her hand while she slept, too, were you?"

Y/n opened her mouth to deny it–but then realised she had been holding Kika’s hand at one point, half-asleep and automatic.

She shut her mouth again, ears burning, and picked up her pace toward the team bus.

Behind her, the girls laughed, exchanging knowing looks.

Kika, meanwhile, limped after Y/n on her crutches, completely innocent, until she caught up and bumped her shoulder gently against Y/n’s.

"Thanks for staying with me," she said quietly, smiling ever so softly.

"Welcome", Y/n muttered, but she smiled too small and secretly, just for Kika.

Maybe on the next flight, she wouldn’t even pretend to sit across the aisle.

When they finally arrived at the hotel, everyone was gathered in the lobby with their suitcases, looking around with tired but excited energy.

Alexia, clipboard in hand like the most intimidating Captain in history, clapped her hands to get their attention.

"Okay, listen up," she said, her voice commanding but calm. "The hotel mixed up the room arrangements. I talked to them, but–" she held up her hand as people started to complain, "--because of ID and security reasons, we have to stick with their list."

A collective groan echoed, but no one dared argue further.

"So," Alexia continued, reading from the sheet. "Pina, you're no longer with Patri. You're now with Vicky, who was rooming with Jana... but Jana's with me now."

Jana blinked. "Huh?"

Alexia didn't even blink. "Welcome to hell," she said dryly, moving on.

"And," she added, glancing down at the clipboard again, "Kika and Y/n, you two are together."

Instantly, Y/n felt her face heat up like someone had turned a heater directly on her.

Across the lobby, Kika looked smug as hell, trying and failing to hide her grin by pretending to fix her crutches.

Vicky elbowed Pina in the ribs, both of them snickering.

Y/n stood frozen for a second, awkwardly adjusting her backpack, before walking over to Alexia.

"Um. Ale," she half-whispered, tugging on her sleeve. "Can I... can I room with someone else?"

Alexia raised an eyebrow, very publicly, not subtle at all. "Qué pasa, Y/n? Why do you wanna change? Something’s wrong with Kikinha? [What’s wrong]"

Y/n fidgeted, cheeks burning. "Nothing wrong! I mean, nothing's wrong with Kika!" she said way too fast, hands flailing a little.

Alexia looked over at Kika, who was currently trying to shoot Esmee with her crutches like a fake gun, laughing loudly.

Alexia turned back, unimpressed. "So... what's the problem, then?"

Y/n opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again, words refusing to cooperate.

The team was now definitely eavesdropping.

Finally, Alexia sighed like she had ten million better things to do–because she did–and said, "Please, Y/n. Think of Kika as your lucky charm, sí? Maybe she'll bring you good luck for the match."

Y/n spluttered. " I-I don't—"

"Go get your keys," Alexia said firmly, already moving on to announce the next pairings.

Y/n dragged her suitcase toward the elevators, face still burning, as Kika rolled up beside her, smirking.

"You heard Capi," Kika said sweetly, bumping her crutch against Y/n’s shin. "I'm your lucky charm now."

The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and Y/n pushed Kika’s suitcase out first before carefully helping her crutch her way down the hall.

Neither of them spoke for a minute.

Y/n found their room number and slid the card into the lock. The door clicked open.

"Home sweet home," Y/n muttered, pushing the door wide for Kika.

Kika hobbled inside with her usual flair, collapsing back onto one of the beds with a loud groan as she let her crutches hit the mattress.

"Finally," she said, throwing her arms out like a starfish. "I’m tired from the flight, it was so long"

Y/n snorted and shook her head, dragging both their suitcases to the side.

“It was only two hours," she said, heading to the window to open the curtains and let some light in. “And you slept the whole flight, you’re being dramatic.”

Kika grinned at her lazily from the bed. "Not dramatic. Injured–The meds they give me make me sleepy.

Y/n turned around, eyebrow raised. "You chased Esmee through the lobby two minutes ago–you were hopping"

"Yeah, but I am sleepy now," Kika said with a straight face. "I wasn't two minutes ago.”

Y/n rolled her eyes and kicked off her sneakers, sitting down heavily on the other bed, not too close, but close enough that Kika could nudge her ankle with the toe of her sock.

For a moment, there was just quiet between them, the soft buzz of the air conditioner filling the space.

Then, in a voice that was almost too casual, Kika said.

"You know, you could’ve just said you were happy to room with me."

Y/n looked at her, deadpan. "Yeah. That’s exactly what I was thinking while begging Alexia to swap rooms."

Kika smirked, not even pretending to be offended. "Hmm, Sure."

Y/n rolled her eyes again, but this time there was a tiny smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Kika leaned back into the pillows, arms behind her head. "Anyway, you’re stuck with me now. Better get used to it."

Y/n tossed a pillow at her face without warning. Kika caught it clumsily against her chest, laughing.

"You’re like the worst roommates ever,” Y/n said, grabbing her phone to check the team group chat that was already blowing up with memes about the room changes.

"And yet," Kika said smugly, "you’re still here."

Y/n didn’t answer–she just shook her head, biting back a smile she didn’t want Kika to see.

..

Please tell me if you guys liked it <3

[raevpng]

in between (pt. 1)

paige bueckers x azzi fudd

requested by this anon <3

masterlist

summary: paige and azzi spending their quarantine together, and maybe realising their true, hidden feelings along the way.

a/n: hey everyone! as usual, it’s late at night i know but i just couldn’t get this out my head! i plan on making this fic pretty long so i decided to make this a two part fic! i hope you guys like this and as usual, let me know what you think <3

—

it feels like a fever dream, really.

the way azzi’s eyes widened at the news of paige visiting all the way from minnesota, the way azzi ran to her outstretched arms with no hesitation, the floral scent of her shampoo lingering in her sweater even when they pull away, the way azzi’s parents’ eyes shone with a knowing glint.

the sheer fact that paige was really here, standing beside her after long months of distance.

it was 2020. the world was just shuttering into stillness, the streets suddenly quieter, the air heavier with uncertainty – covid had flipped everything upside down, and when the commencement of lockdowns were first announced, paige didn’t hesitate — she knew exactly where she wanted to be.

she remembers pleading with her parents, voice earnest and slightly desperate over dinner. she argued that she hadn’t seen azzi in so long, that being apart felt wrong in a way she couldn’t explain. paige remembers whining and her solemn promises to to use her own allowance and paycheck for the tickets as well as to always wear a mask and sanitize everything in sight. it took a while and definitely lots of begging, but amy had finally caved after several facetime calls with tim and katie, who promised to keep her safe and fed. paige still remembers the way azzi had let out the loudest cheer when she heard the news, so loud that even her parents laughed through the phone.

it was familiar.

now, standing in the doorway of azzi’s house with a duffel slung over her shoulder, paige felt that warm, grounding comfort settle into her chest.

azzi walked beside her, fingers threaded with hers like it was second nature. she carried one of paige’s bags with her free hand while her parents followed behind them, chatting quietly.

“okay honey,” katie smiled, stopping at the base of the stairs, “i’ll let you two settle in while i finish dinner. call us if you need anything, or if azzi refuses to let go like the clingy little koala she is.”

azzi pouted, clinging tighter to paige as katie ruffled her curls. paige just laughed and nodded in response, heart warm and chest tight in the best kind of way.

azzi’s grip on paige doesn’t waver as they wobble to azzi’s small but cozy space, paige trying to suppress the soft, fluttery feeling she always seems to get when azzi was close to her.

��azzi,” she laughed, nudging her lightly, “you gotta let me go so we can unpack y’know?” paige laughs softly, her heart warming at the soft sound azzi makes as she separates from her, as if it’s physically hurting her to put even an inch of distance between them.

she mourns the loss of warmth of soft skin immediately, but decides to laugh instead at the younger who was giving her a tour of her bedroom as if she hasn’t been here several times before.

“i cleared this drawer for you,” she said casually, zipping open one of paige’s bags, “so you don’t have to go digging through your old suitcase the whole time.”

“hey!” paige feigns offence, snatching the bag from azzi’s hands to do it herself, “first of all, rude. second…thanks az, you really didn’t need to. i’m already crashing here for a while, i wouldn’t wanna bother you more.” she finishes, her sincerity making azzi’s eyes soften.

azzi froze for a moment, lips parting like she was debating something. her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve.

“you’re never a bother, paige.”

the words were soft. honest. and when she looked up again, her eyes were steady yet vulnerable in a way paige didn’t see often.

“besides…” azzi bit her bottom lip, like she was still considering if she should say it at all.

fuck it.

“i’ve really missed you. i always do, and i really need you here — with me.”

the quiet sincerity in her voice left paige momentarily stunned.

they’ve always been close – endless of facetimes till the dead of night, friendship full of inside jokes and subtle jabs that held an affectionate undertone. but even then, their friendship always lived in that in-between space, filled with banter and shoulder bumps, with rare, almost accidental tenderness. they didn’t really say things like this. they didn’t need to.

but recently, they’ve just been… more. more affectionate in their words, more affectionate through actions, and feeling that soft, fluttering feeling pools in their stomach… more.

and paige didn’t know what to do with the soft fluttering in her chest, or the way azzi’s words echoed in her head louder than they should. they always just chalked it up to the distance and the closeness of their friendship, but it’s easy to pretend that the blush in their cheeks when they get too honest is because of the lighting in their facetimes.

but standing here, in azzi’s bedroom, with azzi looking at her like that? yeah. paige didn’t think jokes were gonna cut it this time.

and the worst part?

she didn’t want to.

–

they settled into azzi’s room slowly, almost like slipping into a favourite, worn out hoodie – comfortable, familiar, something that felt like home. paige’s shared playlist with azzi sounded softly through her speakers, just loud enough to make the girls hum along yet still soft to let a comfortable silence breathe between them. the late afternoon sky was darker now, streaks of pink and gold painting the sky just above azzi’s dresser where paige was folding her clothes in.

azzi was laying on her stomach, her eyes crinkled in silent laughter as paige folded her clothes messily. “you fold your shirts so weird.” azzi teased, head tilted.

paige gasped, feigning offense as she clutched her chest dramatically, “i do not!”

azzi let out a snort, burying her face in her covers to muffle her laughter. when she looks up though, the atmosphere shifts noticeably as she meets paige’s eyes – so soft, tender, with an unnamed yet loving feeling swimming in her deep blue eyes.

the moment lingered, quiet, yet so full at the same time.

“hey,” azzi broke the silence suddenly, her voice softer now, “do you remember the first time we talked? like really talked, in facetime and everything?’

paige raised an eyebrow, amusement filling her features, “you mean the time you accidentally you called me cause you were trying to add me on snap?”

“okay first of all,” azzi groaned, hiding her face in embarrassment, “that was a very understandable mistake. second, you’re welcome, cause if i didn’t you wouldn't be here in my room hogging up my space.”

“uh-huh.” paige grinned, setting down the last of her clothes in the dresser, turning fully to face azzi, “i remember you getting so flustered you hung up after like, two seconds. didn’t even say hi or bye or nothing.”

“yeah because you looked too pretty and i panicked.” the words left azzi’s lips before she could catch them.

it was quiet for a beat, the soft hum of the fan and whatever song was still playing filling the air.

paige blinked as her heart stuttered. “what?”

azzi’s eyes widened, realization hitting her like a wave. she sat up slowly, avoiding paige’s gaze but not looking away entirely. her cheeks flushed the softest shade of pink that god – paige thinks it’s just unfair how pretty she looks. “i just mean… well yeah, you did. you looked really pretty, and i wasn’t expecting to actually see you face-to-face yet, so i kinda just freaked out.”

paige’s heart was hammering now, not from surprise, but from the way azzi looked at her with brown eyes so earnest – like she wanted paige to know the truth for once instead of hiding it in a joke. paige wanted to say something, knowing the silence on her end was stretching too long for it to be comfortable. so she blurted out the raw truth in her head, “i thought you were pretty too. still do.”

azzi looked up then, brown eyes meeting blue.

for a moment, everything else faded – the soft music, the buzz of the fan, the faint sounds of katie calling for dinner downstairs, it was still. it was just them, breathing in the same air, looking at each other like they had more to say but didn’t know how to say it yet.

paige let out a shaky laugh, chest tight, needing to defuse the tension before her heart gave out. “god, we sound like we’re in a movie right now.”

azzi grinned, that shy dimple that paige adored with everything in her making an appearance. “a really slow one.”

“the slowest,” paige agreed, nudging azzi’s leg with her foot, earning a soft smile from the other.

azzi paused, hesitation clear in her body language, but with rare boldness within her seizing her, she reached out and brushed a loose strand of hair behind paige’s ear, fingers lingering a moment too long on her cheek.

“but maybe worth it,” she said softly.

paige swallowed hard, the space between them suddenly feeling a little too charged, too electric.

“maybe,” she whispered back.

from downstairs, katie’s voice rang out again, jolting them from the moment.

“girls! dinner’s ready!”

azzi stood first, offering her hand to paige. she took it without hesitation, her fingers curling into azzi’s like they belonged there.

and maybe they did.

maybe they always had.

–

the dining room glowed with a warm light, scattered conversations around the table while paige and azzi settled to their seats which are, of course, right beside each other. the spread on the table was mouthwatering, paige’s stomach grumbling at the heavenly sight of baked salmon with roasted vegetables on the side, fresh garden salad in the middle, and a plate of steaming dinner rolls fresh from the oven. it smelled like home, like comfort, like everything paige had yearned for all this time, even if she didn’t know what it was yet.

tim sat at the head of the table, already two bites into his dinner with a satisfied groan, while katie flitted between making sure everyone had enough water and playfully scolding her husband for not waiting.

paige laughed softly, watching the scene unfold with a fond smile. she’d always loved being in the fudd’s home, similar yet so different from hers. louder in some ways, and softer in others, yet the unmistakable familial feeling settled in her chest, fondness overwhelming her as she watched the banter between azzi’s siblings and the teasing looks between tim and katie.

and sitting here now, thigh brushing azzi’s under the table, she felt it even more.

as they start eating, katie starts handing out food, “paige, want some veggies?”

before paige could even open her mouth to protest politely, azzi beats her to it. “yes, she definitely does.”

paige raised an eyebrow quizzically, nudging her best friend softly with her elbow, “damn, speaking for me now huh?” she teases, making the other stick her tongue out before plopping a few greens and baby corns on her plate.

“i just know you, that’s all. you need to be forced or else you won’t have anything healthy in you.” azzi teased, a little smirk tugging at her lips.

tim raised an eyebrow at the girls’ interaction, eyes twinkling with mischief, “you two have been awfully close lately.”

katie joins him with a soft hum, a small smirk forming in her lips as a light blush makes its way to the girls’ cheeks.

“we’ve always been close,” azzi replies, trying her best to seem cool and collected, choosing to ignore the heat in her face and instead reaches for a roll, passing one to paige without even looking.

Paige, on the other hand, seemed to have given up on trying, mumbling a silent thanks before stuffing it in her mouth trying to diffuse the stubborn blush that won’t go away.

tim just hummed in agreement, skeptical but clearly not wanting to push, “it has been a while though paige, we missed you around here! one of us more than the others.”

azzi just groaned at the implication, but paige smiled warmly at the confession. “well, the feeling’s mutual.” paige whispered, feeling a little bold.

and if azzi’s parents gave each other a knowing smile, paige didn’t notice.

not with azzi letting out a ragged breath while she reaches under the table to link her fingers with hers.

–

“your parents are crazy observant, huh?”

azzi looks behind her shoulder as she settles the dirty dishes in the sink, looking over at paige who was collecting the glass cups. “what do you mean?”

paige licks her lips, trying to decide how to phrase the mess of thoughts she had in her head, “i mean, they were just totally watching us the entire time.” azzi just shrugged.

“maybe they like seeing me dote on you,” she said with a teasing tilt on her head.

paige hums, “very true, you have been extra doting tonight. you want something don’t you” she narrowed her eyes suspiciously, making azzi laugh loudly at paige’s accusation.

“i have no idea what you mean, p.” azzi grinned, stepping closer to the blonde, “i’m just tryna be a good friend.”

“mhm.” paige hums, a bold idea popping in her head. feeling braver, she slips her hands around azzi’s waist, whispering in her ear, “you sure you’re not trying to make me fall for you?”

azzi’s breath catches in her throat, her heart beating so damn loud she’s almost sure paige can hear it. her hands slide to the other’s chest in such an instinctive way azzi didn’t know what to think of it. she learned in slightly, “maybe, and what if i am?”

it was paige who froze now, every ounce of boldness in her body dissipating at the reciprocation of azzi’s actions.

were they…flirting?

before paige could process the younger’s words, she stepped away suddenly, a satisfied smirk replacing the shy one that was there literally just a few seconds ago, knocking paige’s breath away.

“better get these dishes done.” she said, walking to the sink like she didn’t just completely flip paige’s world upside down.

paige stood frozen for a second, stunned.

what is happening right now? what is this feeling right now?

then came the oh moment.

“oh fuck, i’m so screwed.”

[that-weird-thing-in-the-woods]

~{Heyyy, so I’ve been dealing with my extended family and am very tired from that so still probably won’t hear from me unless replies,reblogs,and my mutuals comment section (you fuckers are suck with me <3) but has anyone thought of this concept}~

Danny and Phantom as ENA

Ok so hear me out, I’ve been reminded of that one episode where Danny and phantom became their own people and I was thinking “What can I do with this knowledge” and was reminded of the existence of ENA by some very will done OCs and I had this thought, so here’s what I came up with!

So The GIW (Or Vlad or the Fentons) pick your poison of the three and they somehow capture Danny and do what we in the phandom love doing to this boy… traumatizing the shit out of him :). So while their digging around inside of Danny (vivisection au coming in clutch) and end up finding his core and start messing around with it and it ends up cracking like really bad which causes Danny and phantom personality’s to separate and it starts to change their outside appearance too.

And that’s when clockwork finally steps in and drags their ass into the Ghost Zone and start to assess the damage and now Danny and just kinda act like ENA (rapid mood swings, saying the most random shit)but they actually acknowledge each other as different people just in the same body, and with his assessment done Clockwork yeets them into their lair, which looks really fucked out due to them first being half-dead than their core and mind getting messed with.

For their personalities I think

Danny- Space Obsessed (Always sneaks in a pun or fact about space and has stars on his side of the body)

Phantom- Protection (Will beat the shit out of someone on sight if in danger, if reminded of what happened Phantom will immediately get aggressive and Danny will start to freak the fuck out)

Now for the DC stuff I’m thinking.

A group of hero’s from the DCU (again pick your poison here, I don’t really know or care all to much about the specifics of this all too much) and they somehow end up in Danny’s and Phantoms lair and end up wandering around a bit being like “wtf where are we????” Before coming across Danny and phantom.

~{ And that’s all I have for today, now I’m gonna go sleep as it is currently sometime at 3 in the morning and I still haven’t slept so byeeeeee }~

[polymc]

Poly!MC with the Ghouls Headcannons [pt. 1]

Author's Note: MC is dating all the ghouls, but everything is in sections. Also, what do you guys think of the new layout? :>

Pairings: Frostheim, Vagastrom, Jabberwock, Sinostra, Hotarubi, Obscuary, Mortkranken

TW: Characters might be a little ooc so I apologize for that, I also started writing this after I finished episode 7 so sorry if some things are wrong.

MC uses They/Them pronouns and is kept blank

✗ Minors/Ageless blogs DNI, Go away please. ✗

- Frostheim -

Going on dates with the frostheim guys is going to be a lot fun for everyone... except Kaito. The 3 rich boys always pick something that is very nice and fancy for their MC while Kaito is just stressing out over why a steak is $200. Luckily this isn't always the case thanks to you and Lucas. You always make sure to do something where everyone is enjoying the date.

Kaito and Luca are the ones around you the most during school hours. They are always so protective of you and don't take shit from anyone. Someone insulted you? Lucas will defend your honor. You feel lonely? Kaito is currently running towards your location.

Jin and Tohma though, they are both on another level. They act and treat you mostly the same as they always did but if you look closer, you'll see small things that they'll do for you. For example, You just returned from giving papers to the chancellor and there they are, sitting at a table with your favorite snacks and tea/drink you like.

- Vagastrom -

Date planning is mostly picked out by either Leo or Sho. Alan has attempted but poor sweet himbo has no idea what he's doing. Leo usually takes the lead on what to do but Sho picks out food spots. Alan just likes to tag along and enjoys seeing the three of you happy. If you all somehow get separated, please hope Alan isn't alone otherwise you all have to decipher his texts on where he's at.

Leo and Sho are menaces to society. They love teasing you separately but together? Different story. Leo of course loves flaunting online about you two dating(he already was but now it's true). Sho is a secret sweetheart. He loves when you stop by his food truck and even makes sure to save you your favorite drink when you order.

Poor Alan. I imagine that even in a relationship, he still berates himself and holds back because he's scared to hurt you in any way. It takes you, Leo, and Sho to get him to see that it's okay. Other than that, Alan looks scary but he cares a lot about you. Please hold his hand, he will turn into mush if you do-

- Jabberwock -

Dates are always different. Sometimes you're enjoying having a picnic and sometimes you're watch movies. Once it was too late to go out and do anything so you all(Mainly you and Haru)built a blanket fort. Ren picked out a few movies you all could watch

Towa koala clings to you or makes you wrap your arms and legs around him. Personal space? What's that?? Sometimes he'll drag Haru into the mix too. You can't even step foot into Jabberwock without getting tackled by him. Ren on the other hand likes his one on one time with you and shows his affection privately. He'll make small gestures like saving you a spot at the restaurant or showing you the best ways to level up a character.

Haru is a big sweetheart. He'll still ask for your help but on occasion, he'll zoom past you and give a quick smooch on the cheek. He secretly loves watching you be around Towa and Ren, It makes him feel very happy seeing you all interact. Be prepared to raise a round rabbit creature with him! Peekaboo is now your son and you must raise the round boi with Haru.

- Sinostra -

You're either getting the sugar baby experience at full effect or you're spoiling your 3 crazy men. These 3 are gonna spoil you rotten but sorry it's not for free, They always want something in return. I got you this necklace! Now you can't leave me for the next 24 hours. It may seem crazy but they're crazy about you so win win.

Ritsu will still record things during your dates. Sometimes to hold it against you(affectionately) but I can see him rewinding it a few times just to remember your favorite color. He is a gentleman through and through, even if he has strange ways of showing it. Romeo? Oh the amount of times you hate kissed that man is unbelievable. Romeo still acts the same as before but he still shows he cares in little signs. BB Isn't basic bitch anymore... It's beautiful bitch(I'm joking... Maybe).

Taiga... Is Taiga. Just like Romeo, He is still the same, nothing has really changed but he is a lot more forward and touchy. You're sitting and eating your lunch? Not anymore! Taiga literally grabs you and drags you away because he wants you on his lap while he gambles. He has no idea what personal space is and could careless. He'll sometimes drag Romeo as well into his plans.

- Hotarubi -

SWEET. DATES. I can not stress enough how relaxing and mundane their dates would be. If you ever need to destress, they are right there for you. If you're ever feeling stressed, head over to Hotarubi and they will pamper you. Going on walks around the dorm or just sitting eating snacks seems, they love it and spending time with you on top of that? Perfect.

Haku is as flirtatious as ever, that won't ever change except now he's more touchy. You'll be focused on writing and he'll just stare at you before playing with your hair or running a finger over your cheek. He'll just smile at you while you sit there confused. Zenji, the sweet romantic, has so many things planned for his dear. He will stop by your dorm once in awhile to make sure his dear partner is doing okay, of course he'll give you space when you ask too! Be prepared to be romanced by song

Subaru, oh sweet Subaru. He is so scared of you. He adores and loves you of course! But he is terrified to mess things up so please be ready to remind him at times you love him too. The first time he accidentally read your thoughts, he felt so bad that he kept his distance for a while. But when you told him it was okay and to listen again, he heard that you cared for him and all he could do was hug you tightly.

- Obscuary -

One word. Chaos. 2 of them know how dates are supposed to go and one doesn't even know what a date is. Besides that, it's quite the adventure when it comes to going out with the three of them. Rui is the expert here so most of the dates are planned by him. Most of the time it's Rui and Edward watching you and Lyca run around but they don't mind.

Rui is a simp for you. Period. Having someone who cares about him, curse and all, is all he could ever ask for. He's still flirty of course but only for you, he's your number 1 fan(He would say that). Lyca has no fucking clue on relationships but he doesn't care. He is so protective of you that he'll growl if anyone even looks at you funny. He tries to carry you places and he says it's because you're slow but really he likes holding you and having your smell close

Edward. Is. 100%. A threat. You are in trouble if you're left alone with him. He'll spew romantic words at you until you're red in the face and then ask to watch YouTube. Most of the time you ever go out, it's at night and never really far from the dorm. One time, he turned into a bat just to get some attention from you.

- Mortkranken -

These 2 have no idea what they're doing so you're going to have to be the one to suggest any sort of date and even when you do, you get a flustered Yuri and a confused Jiro. Yuri has even dragged Jiro to help him pick an outfit while Jiro is already ready to go. Dates remain mostly small and relaxing. A museum or an aquarium is the main spot for these 2, Be ready to get an earful of knowledge though.

At the times you are at mortkranken, you basically follow Yuri and Jiro around the whole time. If you get sidetracked or lost, Yuri panics where you could have gone. While he panics, Jiro has already texted you asking where you went. Jiro still loves scaring you but you'll get a kiss on the forehead afterwards at least, He loves teasing you. He holds your hand every chance he can get.

Yuri demands attention from you all the time. Be ready for the biggest tsundere ever because even when dating, this man will still act like he isn't looking at your stupid adorable face. You once wrapped your arms around him and he lectured you about it but when you tried to pull away, he tightened your arms around him and huffed.

- Everyone / Random -

Sho spends his lunch break with you and Subaru. Sometimes Leo and/or Lyca will join.

You working at Rui's bar causes the usuals to stay a bit longer than usual. They secretly enjoy seeing you run around behind the bar with your cute apron on.

Towa loves taking you around Jabberwock with Zenji. They both smother you with affection and try to make you swoon for them.

Kaito runs to you whenever Romeo is chasing him. He hopes that you can "presway" him into leaving him alone. Half the time it doesn't work, the other half it does but then Kaito is jealous and starts to follow you guys.

Hyde and Moby have a bet on your relationship. For example they once had a bet on Jin vs Alan on who can woo you silently better. That didn't last long because as soon as the ghouls found out they put a stop to it.

The first ever date they went on was chaos but they all had fun. You almost didn't leave because some were arguing about who sat next to you on the train. Leo, Towa, and Rui managed to sneak off with you without anyone noticing first.

Even though you're in a poly relationship, you make sure to give everyone one on one time because let's be honest these boys still get jelly/possessive.

Sleepovers at your place would be insane. It is utter chaos but imagine the potential for the best fort ever.

There was something called "The ghoul chase" where no one could find you and all the ghouls went crazy running around looking for you. You were just petting the cats though-

[absdollievu]

The space between us

tattooartist!abby x baker!reader

Warnings: fingering (r!receiving)

The next day, she’s late.

You try not to notice. You really do.

But you find yourself glancing at the door every few minutes, pretending you’re just checking the weather, or that you’re waiting for a delivery, not for her. You even made her cinnamon roll early—set it aside in a separate little box, scribbled the note before the morning rush even hit.

And then the bell above the door finally chimes, nearly an hour past her usual time.

Abby steps in, soaked again.

“You really have a vendetta against umbrellas, huh?” you say, trying to sound casual, not like your stomach just unclenched.

She breathes out a laugh, pushing rain from her braid. “They break. Or I break them. Not sure which anymore.”

You slide the box toward her. “Was starting to think I’d have to eat your cinnamon roll myself.”

Abby opens it, eyes flicking to the note stuck inside:

“Glad you didn’t skip out on me.”

Her fingers pause on the edge of the box. She doesn’t look up right away. “I almost did.”

You tilt your head. “Why?”

She leans on the counter, arms folded, gaze flicking out the window like she’s suddenly looking anywhere but at you. “I didn’t mean to—yesterday, I mean. I wasn’t trying to cross a line.”

“It was an accident,” you say softly, trying to ease whatever weight you hear under her words.

“Yeah,” she says, but her voice doesn’t match the word. It’s quiet. Tired. “Still… didn’t want to mess this up. Whatever this is.”

You watch her for a second, heart tugging.

“Abby,” you say, and she looks at you. Really looks. “You didn’t mess anything up.”

A small silence grows between you, stretched taut.

You reach for a rag, pretending to wipe the counter just to give your hands something to do. “And, for the record… you weren’t the only one thinking about it afterward.”

That earns a flicker of something—relief, maybe. Maybe something more dangerous. Her fingers brush the edge of the counter, and her voice drops.

“You always write those notes like you’re teasing,” she says, “but sometimes I think you mean them.”

You glance up. “Sometimes I do.”

She shifts forward, close enough that the air between you tightens again. Close enough to smell the rain still clinging to her jacket and the warmth of cinnamon drifting up from the box between you.

“Okay,” she murmurs, almost like she’s testing the word. “Good.”

As she takes her coffee and turns to go, you call after her.

“Hey, Abby.”

She looks back, one hand on the door.

“I always mean the notes.”

Her smirk returns, slow and sure. “Then I’ll keep showing up.”

And she leaves with the softest kind of promise in the air behind her.

⸻

It’s late morning when Abby walks in.

She looks dry for once—no rain, no damp hoodie clinging to her frame. Just her usual calm, a little tension around the eyes like she hasn’t slept enough. Her braid’s loose today, a few strands falling near her temple. She glances at you as she steps inside, and the look she gives you makes your stomach flutter in a very specific, very dangerous way.

“Hey,” she says, walking up to the counter. “Got a cinnamon roll left for me?”

You nod, already sliding one toward her, but she doesn’t take it. Not yet.

Instead, she leans on the counter, one hand loosely curled around her coffee mug, her eyes on you in that focused, quiet way of hers.

“I’ve got a break,” she says, voice casual but something behind it not casual at all. “Wanna come next door? I could give you a tattoo.”

You blink, caught off guard. “A tattoo?”

She shrugs, the corner of her mouth tugging up. “You’re always looking at mine. Thought maybe you’d want one of your own.”

You open your mouth to respond, close it again, then laugh softly. “I don’t know… I’ve never even thought about what I’d get.”

Abby leans in a little closer, resting her elbows on the counter now. “Come on. Just something small. I’ll go easy on you.”

You hesitate again—but her gaze is warm and steady, and something about the idea, impulsive as it is, sends a thrill down your spine.

You slowly untie your apron and toss it under the counter. “Fine. But only if I get to pick something stupid.”

Abby’s grin is all teeth and mischief. “Deal.”

You turn the “OPEN” sign to “CLOSED,” lock the door behind you, and follow her out into the warm midday air.

⸻

The tattoo shop smells like antiseptic and faint ink, with low music playing somewhere in the back. It’s cooler inside, dimly lit, with flashes of artwork on every wall. Some bold. Some soft. All of them uniquely from Abby.

She gestures toward the chair and starts prepping her equipment, her hands steady and practiced. You settle into the seat, nerves buzzing.

“What do you want,” she asks, glancing up at you with a teasing spark in her eye, “and where do you want it?”

You bite your lip. “Uhm… a muffin. Small. On my shoulder.”

Abby snorts. “Seriously?”

“Yup.”

She just shakes her head, already smiling as she turns to grab a stencil. “You’re unbelievable.”

“You said I could pick,” you remind her, eyes following her every move.

“I did. No regrets. But you’re not paying for this one. It’s on me.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”

“Call it… a thank-you. For feeding me.”

Your heart skips.

She sanitizes the area on your shoulder, and her hands are so careful, her touch so deliberate, it makes your breath catch.

The hum of the tattoo gun starts up, sharp and buzzing in your ears. You brace yourself, and then—

It hurts, but it’s not unbearable. Her hand is steady against your skin, her touch grounding. She checks in with you more than once, her voice soft, words close to your ear.

When it’s done, she wipes it clean, pressing a bandage over the tiny muffin inked on your shoulder.

“There,” she says, voice husky. “Now you’re officially part of the club.”

You turn to look at her, and she’s close—closer than she’s ever been.

“Thank you,” you say, and your voice comes out quieter than you mean it to.

Abby doesn’t back away. “You’re welcome.”

The silence stretches again, like something holding its breath.

Your gaze drops to her mouth, then back to her eyes—and before you can talk yourself out of it, you lean in. Just a little.

Abby closes the space.

The kiss is slow at first, exploratory—like she’s giving you time to change your mind. But you don’t. You lean into her, and then her hands are in your hair, at your waist, pulling you closer. The kiss deepens, heat blooming like wildfire between you.

Her mouth moves down to your neck, your collarbone, tracing the edge of your skin like she’s memorizing it.

“Here?” she murmurs against your shoulder, just below the fresh bandage.

“Yes,” you breathe.

She lifts you, gently, easily, setting you on the edge of her work table like you weigh nothing. Your legs part instinctively, letting her step between them. Her hands roam carefully—nothing rushed. Just tension, desire, and reverence.

“Tell me if you want me to stop,” she whispers, forehead pressed against yours.

“I don’t,” you whisper back, fingers curling into her shirt.

And when her lips return to yours, everything else fades—the bakery, the rain, the world outside. Just you and Abby, tangled in heat and want, in a moment that feels inevitable.

⸻

The kiss deepens until it’s no longer careful—until it’s need, pressed into every inch of space between you.

Abby’s hands are firm at your waist, sliding beneath your shirt with the kind of patience that still feels hungry. She touches you like she wants to remember you by feel alone, and every place her fingers graze leaves heat blooming in your skin.

You’re already breathless by the time she draws back, eyes searching yours. “You sure?”

You nod, heart pounding. “Yes. I want this.”

That’s all she needs.

She lifts your shirt slowly, her fingertips skimming the curve of your spine as it comes off. Her eyes roam you with quiet reverence, pausing at the bandaged tattoo on your shoulder, and something soft flickers behind her gaze.

“You’re beautiful,” she murmurs, brushing her lips there—just beside the ink, as if sealing the moment into your skin.

You reach for her shirt next, tugging it over her head, revealing the strong lines of her body, inked and striking. Your hands trace the tattoos on her arms, the curve of her biceps, the warmth of her sides. She’s solid. Real. She breathes deeper under your touch.

When her mouth returns to yours, it’s deeper now—needy. Her hands cup your thighs, urging your hips closer until you’re flush against her. Every slow roll of her hips into yours makes your breath catch, your body answering with a pulse of desire that’s almost dizzying.

She pulls your bra down gently, kissing across the newly exposed skin with slow, deliberate reverence. Her mouth finds one nipple, then the other, her tongue flicking, her teeth grazing just enough to make you gasp. Her hand supports your back as she takes her time—like she’s savoring every reaction you give her.

You thread your fingers through her hair, head tipped back, breath shuddering.

“Abby…” you whisper, and her name on your lips sounds like something sacred.

She lowers you gently onto the padded table, lips trailing fire across your stomach, her fingers working open the button of your pants with practiced ease. She pulls them down, along with your panties, and kisses the inside of your thigh—slow, teasing.

“Still good?” she asks, voice thick.

You nod, legs already trembling slightly. “Please.”

Abby lowers herself between your legs like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Her mouth finds you, warm and soft and thorough, and your breath stutters into a moan before you can hold it back.

She learns you fast. Pays attention. Adjusts when you shift, when your fingers tighten in her hair, when your hips roll forward. She stays steady through it all—lips, tongue, fingers—all of her focused on drawing you out slow and complete.

When you come, it’s with a soft cry, your body arching into her, legs tightening around her shoulders as you fall apart in her hands. She stays with you through it, gentle, grounding, easing you back down with kisses to your inner thighs, then your hips, then finally your lips.

You’re still panting, blinking slowly as she leans over you, her braid draped across your chest.

“You okay?” she asks, brushing your hair from your face.

You smile, dazed. “More than okay.”

She grins, slow and crooked, and kisses you again—this time soft, sweet, like a promise.

⸻

[yasuumiu]

𝑶𝑵𝑪𝑬, his heart whole; ᘓ ݂ ໋ . 🍎

SYNOPSIS. his entire life, he’s never looked away from you. how do you not see this; how can you not know? what must he do to make you see?

WORD COUNT. 3.2k | WARNINGS. cunnilingus, use of pet names, angst.

𓏲  .⋆ﾟ. ͘ ࣭⠀⸰ absolutely devastated by this pixelated man, and cannot form any coherent thoughts except this. enjoy 🤍

This is what it will be like from now on, he thinks. Me here, and her over there, far away from me, a place I can never reach. Two lines parallel to each other, where before was one.

Fine by him. If he gets to look over you, after you, the separation is bearable. Distinguishable, like an arm losing feeling over time when all its life it’s known otherwise, like his arm—the hand relaxes the unconscious fist, its fingers flexing once, his jaw clenching at the numbness of the movement; he clearly remembers, not too long ago—he wants to remember, he wants—but bearable.

Your necklace scrapes against his chest, the constant reminder, the gift that haunts, the promise he can never break. And still, you—you, you, you—beyond the glass, laughing away with these so-called friends you haven’t seen in a while, not a care in the world about what time it is, about the unanswered calls on your phone, about Caleb—

(He does not let this thought fester like all the others, he will keep this to himself, he will do this for you.) (One of them is a man, don’t move, stay, she’ll get mad, she’ll demand fucking space again—how do you know him, where did you meet, who is he, what does he want—well, what every man wants, what everyone will want if he’s not there to keep you safe—how can you be so naive, so blind—and you dare order him away?)

You’re all grown up now, and so sure of everything, aren’t you, pip-squeak?

He’s sick to his stomach. Even after all these years, the countless sleepless nights tossing and turning, insomnia beating on his skull like a well versed drum, the relentless self-training; teaching himself how to physically turn away from you, all the appropriate responses, but forbidden to cross the Invisible Line, the line that was kept in place for your sake, your selfish convenience; how to keep himself stock-still, to pretend to be normal for you, to not reply instinctually to what he feels for you, how he feels—it all threatens to obliterate him as soon as he loses even an ounce of control.

Shove it down. Shove.It.Down. You’re used to it. You cannot fail now. You cannot fail.

Caleb straightens, his resolve absolute, his purpose unshaken. It’s pitiful, he’s well aware, but it’s all he has left. You’re all he has left. The body holding together knows.

He scorched the earth to find all your missing pieces, slowly reassembling how he knew you before, without thinking you might’ve changed in the time between then and after. And it doesn’t matter. He never once looks away from you. He does it all very, very diligently. And if something is wrong, if he did do something wrong—will you please consider forgiving him? You see, he’s tired. He’s been doing this for a really long time. Over and over with no end in sight.

I’m Caleb. I’ll always be by your side.

Never faltering.

It’s okay if you’ve forgotten. I’ll remind you. I’m Caleb. I’ll always be by your side.

You won’t be alone anymore. I’ll always be by your side.

It’s okay if you’ve forgotten . . . It’s okay.

I’m Caleb.

I forget things too. Everything, sometimes.

You’re the only thing that brings him back. The anchor that pulls him in. His very own navigation system. He doesn’t go anywhere without you. He can’t.

He hides, instead. Watches from afar. That way, you never part from him, and he can keep an eye on you, just how it’s always been. He keeps his hands very close to himself, and he doesn’t dare want any more than he’s allowed to. What happened a few minutes ago—it’s erased, discarded somewhere deep within him, somewhere he’d have to die to reach.

The coffee shop’s door opens, and the sun comes out, burning. You don’t notice him, not at first. This way, he gets to see you happy a little while longer. The friendly way you say your goodbyes, the soft wave of your hand, your mouth, how it pulls at the corners, how the clouds have moved, how concepts like redemption and salvation become a little more real, a little more possible for someone like him.

Do you know—the Heavens come down for you? And him, forever the snake, forever the apple given, slithering towards the Garden of Eden, condemned to entice but never taste, the original sin, punished to come close but not close enough, exiled, accursed.

He fills with desire, he prays. He speaks your name very quietly, and he hopes, and he waits.

When your eyes meet his own, it’s the Chronorift Catastrophe all over again. Massive stars die, their cores collapsing, the gravity immense, the density so high not even light can escape it. Black holes are born out of his Evol—the world caves in on itself. You blink and it happens again. Caleb has no control over it. Over himself, over this unspoken thing between you that’s been happening ever since creation.

Reprogram. Reprogram.

The man hugs you, unaware. Caleb can’t fault him, funnily enough, though it takes everything he fucking has not to answer to the nasty tightening of familiar jealousy inside his chest. Lightning courses through his veins, fingers begging to destroy, to bleed, to make an even bigger mess of things.

No.

He refuses adamantly, and moves his head to the side, severing all contact with you and your dangerous gaze, choosing to bite his tongue until he tastes copper, and ground himself to the cement underneath his boots.

He wants to grab you and shake you and demand. He doesn’t suppose you know what that means. He doesn’t know either. He knows so little about you these days, it seems. Much less about himself, and all this distance you’ve put between you. The unfairness isn’t lost on him. What is he doing here, waiting like this, when you’ve so easily moved on? If he had never glimpsed into that little window of your life today, would he have even known?

That there’s no value to his life anymore? That he signed it all away for the safety of a girl that puts her life in danger so easily, so recklessly, at every possible turn? What will it take to make you realize the evil lurking two steps behind at all times, and what if he’s not there when it decides— What does he have to do?

What more? What else?

Anger. Tap into it. It’s safer. It’s what you have. Copious fucking amounts of it.

He doesn’t see the way you don’t react to the man’s advances. How you hesitate after that. How sorry you are.

“How long have you been standing there?”

Caleb deflects. Puts on that see-through smile you hate the most, his amethyst eyes glinting with secrets and artificial sweetness. It’s getting harder to pretend, much harder to play the convincing role and keep the circus going. He attempts it anyway, even with the look you’re giving him. Against it.

“Not long,” he lies, and motions for you to follow. “It’s late. Did your phone die, or something?”

You lie too. “Yeah, sorry, were you calling? Forgot to charge it, I guess.”

“Hmm.”

Then, “How’d you know where I was, anyway?”

He doesn’t reply. You huff and slow down your steps. Caleb shuts his eyes tight for a second, breathing deeply, fighting multiple urges. This is already going terribly. He was only supposed to pick you up and bring you home. Ask if you had fun and deliver you to your room, where you were to stay for the rest of the night. It’s never easy with you. It will never be.

“Caleb.”

“Pip-squeak.”

“Answer me.”

He swallows with difficulty and resumes walking, fists at his sides. He doesn’t hear your footsteps trailing, but he does not stop. You’ve been stubborn all your life, but so has he. There is nothing wrong with having a way to know where you are. It is his job. His top priority. You can’t possibly be mad, especially with the way you’ve been acting. He can’t have you venture too far off by yourself. Not when he’s so close . . .

“Get in the car,” he says firmly, opening the door for you.

There’s fire crackling in your eyes. He’s seen it a million times. He’s wished to light himself on it, hand outstretched, a willing sacrifice for you. What will you say now, if he offered that same hand? Would you recognize the wrongness of it? Would you stomp your foot how you did when you were little, the whole world at your beck and call because he made it be so? Would you carry him back like he did?

“Is that the Colonel’s order?” your voice is full of the same emotion that governs him. It pierces through all defenses and lands straight through his heart. A clean shot.

He finds the damn thing still beating.

Caleb sighs and leans against the door of his vehicle, arms crossing one over the other. You mimic his stance. He smirks at you, feigning amusement, terrified inside.

“You already know the answer, sweetheart.”

“I want to hear you say it,” you retort, and he can’t stand the disappointment in your voice.

He ignores the very prominent tug of pure shame, and puts the fleet’s officer cap of indifference on for a little longer. “What do you want me to say?”

“That this is insane! That it cannot possibly go on.” You move faster than he anticipates, your small hands shoving at him with all your might yet failing to move even an inch of him. You try anyway. Again and again, until your eyes are wet, and your cheeks red with fury. He lets you, does nothing to stop you.

Not even when there’s people passing by, their accusatory glances messing with his already quickening temper. You can do whatever you want to him, but he cannot let you tarnish your reputation as a hunter for something as trivial as this. He won’t accept it.

“I’m taking you home. You can be mad all you want there.”

The silence that ensues makes him wish for a second death. A slow, painful one. One he can never come back from.

Because he’s responsible for this mistrust, this suspicion you won’t seem to shake off. He caused it, it’s his fault, his fault, his fault—

No matter how hard he tries to fix it. It’s beyond repair.

You’re leaving.

First thing in the morning. This was clearly a mistake, you tell him while slamming your suitcase open on his floor. He watches you do so, disgusted with despair. I’m not sure what I was thinking, clothes on his bed, shoes by his front entrance, your brush on his sink, your hand tearing apart whatever semblance of a man he scrambled to come up with to appease you.

My Caleb is gone.

He lunges towards you, your gasp the only indication of fear; he knew, of course he knew. You were afraid of this new version of him. The version that somehow commands an entire fleet, goes on classified missions that go against everything you’ve worked for as a Hunter, and keeps secrets from the same someone he used to sing lullabies to during bad summer storms. The version that would lock her inside a stranger’s room, inside a stranger’s house.

But really, wasn’t he always like this? The signs were there all along. He’d locked you in the attic before. He’d kept you there all day, knowing very well how you’d react, how you’d run to him after the coincidental rescue, declare him the hero. This darkness has been inside him for a long time. You’ve just been very good at looking the other way, very good at taking, not so very good at giving. Are you, pip-squeak?

When I don’t fit your definition of who ‘Caleb’ is, you simply shun me away and wipe your hands clean of me. I’m the one stuck here. Astute. Unable to move. Unable to let you go.

It ends here.

Your wrist is impossibly small as his fingers wrap around it, yanking, pulling you against his feverish body. You fight but only for a moment, his other hand coming to rest right above your mouth, rendering you mute, eyes wide, expecting, calculating.

“Will I do it?” He muses, violet eyes boring into yours, his desire palpable, his want a thousand knives, all double sided, honed for the perfect kill. You breathe deeply, trying to calm down that beating heart he so envies. Caleb leans further, hovering over you like a nightmare. “Will you let me, (Y/N)?”

You shake your head slightly, your brows furrowing with poignant emotion. Sadness. Towards what? Him? He can’t help but chuckle at the clueless girl in front of him. How he fought to stay the kindhearted boy from your childhood, at least in your eyes. He would’ve kept with the facade all his years, if it meant you’d always look at him with that proud expression he remembers from his college days. If it was truly up to him, you would’ve never seen him like this.

Alas, it was never up to him. Not once. Not ever.

“I must be pretty fucking pathetic to you, isn’t that right?”

Your gaze shatters and drops. Caleb presses on, fed up with himself, the self-loathing successfully managing to escape that dark pit at the bottom of his soul.

“What game are we playing now, pip-squeak? How do I win it?” He tilts your chin up, forcing your attention back on him. “Hmm?”

Seeing you cry will never get easier for him. It will always stab at him from the inside out, memories cataclysmic, and him, defenseless, useless, responsible, because—because—

“There was never any game, Caleb,” you breathe out, shakily. “You’re breaking my heart.”

Amethyst eyes lose the eternal fight, fall closed. His hands move, over your neck, hesitating there, tightening on your shoulders, bringing you close, holding you to him. Even like this. At least you’re here. Even like this.

“Say it again.”

“Say what?”

“My name. Say it again.”

He feels your ribs, their inhale, then the defeat—your head against his uniform-clad chest, your ear pressing closer, trying to listen for something that hasn’t worked right in a long time.

“Caleb. Caleb, Caleb, Caleb . . .” In the dead of night, he’s resurrected. “Come back to me,” a whisper of singular light that pierces through him, pierces through him, pierces through him.

It hurts. His love is not a good love, it is a violent one. A miserable existence, created from pain, from insatiable greed, from gut-wrenching need.

He kisses you. Grabs your face and walks you backwards to the nearest wall, his fingers buried deep in your hair, clenching, his mouth over yours, claiming, searching, your breath his own, your voice his own, your body, your body—

“You’re mine,” he rasps, drowning in you, lips trailing a path down, down, to your throat, where he sucks, where he marks. “You’ve always been, you’ll always be.”

“I don’t need you to—”

Caleb chuckles darkly. “You don’t need me? Is that what you think?” His feeling hand crawls over your flaming skin, reaching between you, under your skirt, your thigh, the inside of it, the place he’s been dreaming about, touching there. You cry out, surprised, aroused. “Tell me exactly what you don’t need, honey. Don’t leave nothing out.”

You say nothing, embarrassment flushing your pretty face in pinks. He wipes your tears very patiently, and slowly gets on one knee, then the other, until he’s kneeling in front of you, and isn’t that a sort of christening as well?

A man demolished, over six feet who-the-fuck-cares, commanding officer of nothing, exiled from his land, turned away from his home. He lost you, and then found you, and now again, this impossible story of repetition that shall never end, like the nightmares, like the torment.

He hugs your legs and rests his forehead on your soft mound. You stand very still, he doesn’t even think you’re breathing. This makes no sense to you. But to him—to him—

You’re sacred. You’re the war that’s raging on. The war he’s fighting for. The country he protects, the nation he serves.

“We’re too old for games, pip-squeak,” he ignores the ball forming in his throat, his burning eyes. “I’m tired.”

Caleb feels your digits digging into his scalp, running through his ragged hair, pulling at the ends, alleviating the pain. He swallows as to not cry out his hunger. The ache, though, it persists, and what to do with it?

It gnaws at him, little by little, every single day.

“It’s different now,” you say. “We’re different.”

He sinks his nose into your warm cunt, and inhales. Your knees buckle, but he holds you, he steadies you against the wall, he’s got you. You try to push, but he grabs your hand, interlocks your fingers with his. You try to speak, but he’s already pushing your underwear to the side, tongue daring to taste.

“Caleb.”

Moaning his name, he’s never heard of anything more beautiful. He wishes you never stop, wishes it more than anything. He almost breaks down right there. This is never going to happen again.

Is he dreaming? Is this a dream?

If it is—

“Don’t leave me,” he guides your leg over his shoulder, and doesn’t dare look up to see your face. You’re willing in his hands and you’re muttering his name. It’s more than enough. It’s everything. “My God, I’ll never forget this—”

You’re so compliant, he could do anything he wanted with you. All the fight had left your body. Was it even there to begin with? He knew you felt it too, he knew—then why condemn you both? Then why deny it?

Caleb didn’t stop believing once. There was no doubt in his mind.

“Please, I can’t,” you sigh, your words jumbled, blurring into one another, while his tongue sucks your clit into his mouth. The reaction he elicits out of you has him rock hard and leaking instantly. “Please, please, please, please. Caleb, I—oh my God—”

He works you up until the edge, feels your thighs shaking, feels the urgency of your fingers pulling. When you’re almost there, he moves away—your slick dripping, his chin glistening—and gets up, in all his height, gaze locking into yours.

You haven’t let go of his hand. He can’t feel a fucking thing.

A new wave of anger suddenly washing over him, he leans down and bites your lip. Your yelp gratifies the hankering inside him. He doesn’t mean to hurt you, he only means for you to experience an ounce of what he does every time his body denies him your delicate touch.

“I’ve thought about this for so long,” he whispers into the dark. “I never thought it possible, only a dream,” he brings you closer once again, hugging you to him as if he could somehow absorb you in on himself.

He senses the change in your demeanor immediately. This shy girl standing in front of him is nothing like the tough Hunter he witnessed infiltrating his fleet single-handedly. For you to be different with him, alone—he feels normal again, if just for a second.

“Have you . . . done this before?” You ask.

Caleb can’t help but laugh. “How could I?” He replies, incredulous. “There’s never been anyone else for me.

“You occupy every single fucking part of me, sweetheart.”

[ohno-the-sun]

edit:

CLOSED

Thank you to everyone who applied!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yayaya done with the MAP call art and video

If you would like to participate in this Daycare Attendant themed MAP please fill out this form and read the rules listed there.

I have also made a part breakdown for everyone's reference

Latest I will contact people by will be September 1st, if there's still parts open by then I will extend the deadline

A discord will be made for all the animators so they can talk and collaborate if they like (not mandatory to join)

In general I want to give the artists as much time as possible but timeline will be around 3-4 months.

The parts are pretty long so make sure you have the time/motivation!

And for organization I'm gonna put all the stuff relating to this project under the tag #DCA animators project

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know!

Also shoutout to @chaireem and @garbagechocolate for helping me with the form and logistics

Tagging everyone who expressed interest in the tags or comments on the first post below the cut

Sorry if I missed you!

@benji-draws @the-squishy-scrimblo @quetzal-pretzel-blog @piixelpaint @aquilacalvitium @just-a-drawing-bean @tenaciouslittlething @peanut-007 @modellingispainge @burntchickenlookingass @kibbits @kandidandi

[ryllen]

Look what came through the mail today! The letters & ( •̀ω•́ )σ 3 little gremlins from letterstoear.

Just wanna say i adore the flower stickers on the letters too much, they are that much worth mentioning.

[my-thoughts-and-junk]

thinking about superheroes unfortunately

[icewindandboringhorror]

just a few little bits from the past few days

[cinnabeat]

literally what was the point of hiding brains face in the beginning

[novelconcepts]

not fic related but you and your wife seem so happy! any advice for a couple of newly married queer ladies?

Hey, I love any excuse to talk about being gay and happy! Congrats on being newly married! I dunno, my advice is always really straightforward. Like. Keep prioritizing communication, keep talking to each other about your day, your headspace, the stuff you love, the stuff that freaks you out. Keep that line open no matter how long you're together, because I really do think marriages fall apart when you start just assuming you can read one another's minds. My wife and I are always really careful to be honest with one another; for example, in the event that one of us is having a bad day and the other person's jokes aren't landing, 'cuz we're just sensitive that day, we talk about it. it soothes hurt feelings before they can really take root.

And find ways of making your own fun. Try new foods together, travel if you're into that, remind yourself that intimacy (if that's your bag) is an excuse to just play with one another and learn about the other person. Cherish the comfort of knowing your person is there for you no matter what, make sure you're on equal footing together, make sure you're allowing each other the space to change and grow and learn. And just take as much joy as you can out of being in love. It's not an easy thing, living in the world right now, but love makes it a damn sight more bearable. Queer love is awesome, queer joy is awesome. I wish you all the best, friend.

[lanternlightss]

sighs. oh how the human and inhuman meet together in their understandings of one another, we’re really in it now …

[kleptonancydrew]

Niche observation perhaps but, does Leo give anyone else major Jesuit vibes? He is clearly Catholic coded (at a Catholic cathedral) and wears a clerical collar but does not go by 'Father' or any other ordained title. (He's clearly not a seminarian at this point in his life.) Jesuits tend to be the only ones I know who do this - but that's very much an American thing I think.

[oldestenemy]

oh sometimes. sometimes reading my own notes is a bad plan.