#I might so something with this at some point but I feel like I won't be able to do what I have in my head justice

[butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway]

I am not EVERY autistic person so this probably won't be a total coverage approach, but here's what I have learned:

People like to feel that you pay attention to and remember little but important things about them. And when someone is "small-talking" with you, it is often because they either want to offer you some of that info about themselves, or they want to pearn it about you so they can "return the effort". I think of it a bit like call and response with my cats! They don't understand me, and I don't understand them, but when I walk into the kitchen each morning, Lup runs towards me excitedly making her tiny little squeaks and trills. That's kitty small-talk! Many words of all varieties just say "I love you! I missed you! I'm happy to be here with you today!"

So I answer her! Sometimes I mimic her little sounds, and other times I pretend we're gossiping like church ladies (*gasp* NO, you're KIDDING, he said THAT?? What a scandal!") But whichever I do Lup gets excited and continues her little "conversation" with me.

People are harder. I had to really take time and practice different ways of responding before I found appropriate "call and response" for small talk, but I found that there are genuinely more options than you'd think. And the same thing happened! As I learned how to "call and respond" to small talk, I found that people would excitedly approach me to have it, and gradually we got to know each other enough that the "calls" coming from both sides got less general, more tailored to our personal preferences and interests, and I didn't have to small talk as much (but when I did it wasn't as scary either)

This isn't just my personal theory either! A fair amount of research in interpersonal/social in-group dynamics suggests that "bids for attention" like small talk function in this way of call-and-response intimacy/connection building. I have found that a LOT of social etiquette gets less scary to navigate when I at least understand the function of it. It also gave me some understsnding of why people might be hurt when I visibly don't WANT to "respond" to a "call" they've made: I'm the same way about my "calls" I just use different ones! The way I feel when I ask someone "would you want to hang out with me in the kitchen while I make lunch?" (Sad, a little anxious or vulnerable, maybe hurt if they've said no to a LOT of recent calls, etc) is the same way others feel when I decline theirs! That doesn't change if it was MISSED rather than DECLINED, but it can be repaired! Ao another thing I've taken to doing is naming for people the calls I have learned I'm most likely to miss. I know I have a hard time understanding/recognizing small talk as a call to attention, so I let people know that! And generally the people I connect best with are the ones who notice I missed a call and offer me an explicit/direct opportunity to reject it before internalizing what I've done as a rejection. This isn't really an option for everyone! And while I'm always delighted when someone is compatible with me in that way, I don't get upset if they're not, and work to not take it personally as something I'm doing wrong either.

Anyway, this got rambly at the end there, but the point is, most social interactions have a FUNCTION and while being autistic frequently means that we struggle to learn and interact in these systems as they currently exist, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we don't also depend on those functions. I think it can be easy to forget that part of the "disabling" effects of social/communication symptoms in autism is how it cuts us off from systems of support, care, and human interconectedness (things we still NEED) and it can matter to our quality of life to be able to find compatible alternatives to fulfilling those functions even if the original mechanism (small talk in this case) doesn't suit us.

Being bad at small talk doesn't mean you don't need friends, but it will probably make it very hard to MAKE friends. And we each and all deserve to decide for ourselves what to do about that.

I'm trying to figure out a good way to say "you really should actually learn the basics of small talk" with sounding like I'm biased against autistic people.

[the-raindeer-king]

The bracelet blurb (here) but this time with KorTac!!

Horangi is the first to receive a bracelet. Mainly because I think he's the most outgoing between the four men that you spend time with, therefore you know he's going to be incredibly obnoxious if you don't give him one first. But also because you know he won't reject the gift.

It's a single strand bracelet with a repeating pattern of black and orange. You add a little orange cat charm, knowing it'll make him laugh. It does make him laugh. It also earns you a hug and a kiss to the temple, Horangi muttering how he's going to brag to König that he got one first.

So, naturally, you make König one next. A yellow, single strand bracelet. Nothing too flashy because you don't want it to drawn any unwanted attention to the Austrian, but he's grateful nonetheless. His gratitude is a tad less theatrical than Horangi's, just a simple side hug, but you know he's genuinely grateful based on the way he holds the bracelet, like it's some fragile, priceless thing.

The other two wanting bracelets come as a surprise to you. Up until now, you'd assumed that Krueger and Nikto only tolerated your presence because you're friends with Horangi and König. so imagine the shock when Krueger comes storming into your office, slamming his hand down on your desk.

"Do you see what's wrong here?" he demands.

You stare at his wrist, eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. Slowly, you drag your gaze back to his face, but that doesn't help much, since he's wearing a mask. (These KorTac men and their masks smh) "No?"

"Where is my..." He trails off, muttering softly to himself for a moment. "Bracelet!"

It's been nearly two weeks since you'd given König's his, and the whole thing was out of your head at this point, so it takes a moment before the lightbulb clicks and you gasp softly. But, before you can reply, Krueger huffs in annoyance, before turning and storming out of your office, the door slamming behind him.

You find him later with Nikto, both outside after dinner having a smoke break. The smell of cigarette smoke makes you wrinkle your nose, but you don't comment on it, focused on the task at hand.

"I didn't think you'd want one," you tell Krueger, handing him a ladder cuff bracelet with multiple shades of green on it. His response is so quiet that you almost miss the way he growls out, "Danke."

There are no words exchanged as you hand Nikto a single strand bracelet. All black, of course. He grunts in what you think might be appreciation, slipping the bracelet over his hand and tucking it beneath his glove. You catch a peek of his skin as he does, the smallest sliver of pale, white skin. It makes you feel like you've seen something you shouldn't have.

"Good night," you hurry out, turning to scurry away.

"Good night, little mouse!" Krueger shouts after you, something taunting in his voice. The scent of cigarettes haunts you for the rest of your night.

[westhly]

chapter 02.

hwang jun-ho x female! reader — squid game

₊✧ content mentions of kill and kidnapping. reader and jun-ho's cooperation. tension. entering the game. plot. part 1.

the cold surrounded you, a sharp reminder of the world outside the warmth of the nightclub you had just left. you should have been busy thinking about the business card that came back to you. but instead of that thought, there was the tension caused by the man you had just worked with to find the game.

the night feels incredibly heavy, the silence inside the car is almost deafening, the quiet isolation of the car continues, the windows fogged up and the engine humming softly, you're not sure if you should stay or not. you were unstable.

you played with the hem of your skirt with one hand. the other hand held a business card. you had memorized her number.

you cleared your throat to get the attention of the man next to you. his gaze found you. his attention was on you. he indicated that he was listening to you. you talked about it before the game, during the game, and after the game until they gave you the card again. you were a little uncomfortable because you were repeating the same things.

you handed him the card. "they gave it to us again for those who want to rejoin the game."

he took the card and examined it. he again made sure that it was the same card he had found in his brother's room. jun-ho asked, "so are you going to join the game?"

you were dumbfounded for a moment. you moved in place. "i, well, I mean, i'm not, there's no guarantee i'll get out of there." Your gaze shifted to the road for a moment. "one day. that's how long they gave us last time. to join."

he nodded. "so we only have one day." he turned on the heater in his car at the same time. even when he was outside, he noticed you were cold. your hair was damp. he thought that being outside for a long time with wet hair would give you a headache.

"you mentioned sneaking into the game," you murmured. you pointed to the card. "we call the number and give our details. then the masked men give us an address and pick us up."

"there are some people in the car too. like I said, they knock us out with gas. yhen," you crossed your legs. you could feel the nervousness go away. "you're in the game."

"go on," he said.

"i know the name of someone involved in the game."

he turned his head toward you, curious. he had a perfect profile. you thought you might have approached him differently if you had met him in a different situation. but now you were partners. even if only for a short time.

you didn't expect him to suddenly start the car. but you didn't say anything. with one hand on the wheel, you wanted to ask him where he was going, but you swallowed your words. you thought he must know something.

you wet your parched lip. you paused for a moment to remember the name. "seong gi-hun." because he was looked desperate. "i'm sure he'll come back to the game." because he looked desperate. you thought. "if not, keep it in mind. know someone in the game."

your eyes lit up at the memory. but you remained calm. with a detective in front of you, you more or less knew how to behave. maybe he had already made more than one plan in his head before you.

"that's the only other information I have." you couldn't help but ask. "i've told you everything. what do you think?

"all right." he turned at the left turn. he looked at the map. "you're sure they'll pick you up again here, right?"

"of course." his gaze shifted to you for a moment. you smiled. "what's your plan? tell me."

"first, I won't put you in danger.” he gripped the steering wheel tighter and accelerated the car. "call the number."

you leaned your head back and crossed your arms. occasionally, your eyes drifted to jun-ho. "should I trust you when you say you won't put me in danger? it's not that I'm afraid, it's that I doubt the police's word."

he felt your eyes on his and smirked for a moment. but his expression remained serious. "do you always talk like that?" your eyebrows furrowed. you turned to him abruptly. "i'm helping you, language. just a reminder."

you heard a grunt. “just do what I tell you. you've helped me enough. and it's safe.” you exhaled deeply at his seriousness. after all, you had to trust him. you thought whatever he did would be right. you had to put up with it yourself.

“let's say we failed. you couldn't find your brother.” you were afraid to ask, but you did. “would you get me out of here?”

his words softened like the way he looked at you. he pointed with his head to his bandaged knees. you felt the need to put your hands on them to hide them. “i will do whatever it takes.” after all, you were going to help each other.

you weren't going to tell him yet. about your place.

you hesitated for a moment, but you didn't feel satisfied, you nodded anyway. you didn't know why you felt that way. for a moment you wished you had agreed to go with him without making a deal. this night was so strange. both for what had happened. and for how you felt. you'd think about it later.

"well, let's say we fail now." you insisted on talking. you couldn't keep your mouth shut when I was next to you. you narrowed your eyes. "what would you do then?" the question made him think for a moment. he looked at you. "i'd come after you."

he insisted on entering the island and finding his brother. and.. for you?

in the end, you didn't push him any further. you untied your arms and zipped your jacket. it was up to your nose. that way you could stay sober while they gassed you in the car. you had your pocket knife with you, just in case. you had both thought of that. otherwise you might as well have held your breath, but never mind. you'd have think about everything. later.

the headlights of the oncoming car reflected on your face as the wind blew your hair slightly. you opened the back door and got in as the pink bodyguard driver looked at you through the window.

and all you had to do now was to zip your jacket up to your nose and not inhale the gas. the gases rose from all sides. you gently let your body fall on the seat.

after the pink guards had checked you, you unobtrusively pulled the zipper up your nose. all you had to do was wait for jun-ho's move. you weren't as nervous as before, but you still let yourself be enveloped by both excitement and fear.

there were two other people in the car besides you. as the car moved forward, it slowed down, slowed down, and finally stopped. you involuntarily held your breath. you guessed that someone had just gotten into the car when you suddenly felt movement. when you opened your eyes, you were stunned by the sight in front of you.

as the door opened with the pink guard in the driver's seat, an arm went around his neck and he was lifted out of his seat. you closed your eyes tightly. a few sounds of a struggle, then minutes passed. finally the sound of the pink guard, obviously in agony, stopped.

you opened your eyes again. you saw jun-ho gasping for breath in the driver's seat. you sat up and looked at the pink bodyguard lying on the ground outside. blinking, you looked over right. no one was there. actualy there is no one who will join the game.

“are you okay?” jun-ho touched your arm, as if he wanted you to pay attention to him. he followed him the car and attacked him

as he stopped.

you nodded and a surprised sound escaped your lips. “I guess I should be the one to ask you that." you pointed at him with your head. you were worried about him. his eyes stayed on you for a moment.

he came down, opened your door and rushed you out. “what are you going to do now.” somehow, the fact that he killed that pink guard didn't make you feel bad.

“listen.” he said. his hands were around your shoulders. he was in a hurry. he took his own car keys out of his pocket and handed them to you. he knew youu could drive, he asked during the conversation.

his hands were around your shoulders. “just go. i'll get back to you when it's over. as we talk.”

what could you do? you couldn't argue. all you did was nod and took the car keys. your hand went to your chest. “you,” you said. you both didn't break eye contact. "you're really going to get into the game.”

for the rest of the night he carried out his plan to get rid of the pink guard's corpse, and infiltrate the game. you didn't know how to get into the game, but he would figure it out.

even when you went back to that place you called 'home', even when you lay in bed with your clothes on, even when you walked by randomly the next day, even when you worked at the bar, even when you pretended nothing had happened, jun-ho was never far from your mind.

what would have happened if he hadn't stayed in the game. What would have happened to people and to him. you felt like you were being watched. you were paranoid. when you got back in that car, you felt those feelings again.

for the rest of the night he carried out his plan to get rid of the pink bodyguard's corpse, and infiltrate the game. you didn't know how to get into the game, but he would figure it out.

what would have happened if he hadn't stayed in the game. what would have happened to people and to him. you were paranoid. when you got back in that car, you felt those feelings again.

the night you went to the police station, you may have gone there for yourself. but at the same time, you'd experienced what you'd been through so far. that you couldn't let people down anymore. you couldn't do it on your own conscience.

you didn't want what happened to the people you let down to happen to you. but after that hour you didn't have those thoughts in your mind.

even when you went back to that place you called 'home', even when you lay in bed with your clothes on, even when you walked by randomly the next day, even when you worked at the bar, even when you pretended nothing had happened, jun-ho was never far from your mind.

all you wanted was for jun-ho to come back and at the same time find out what the game was about. all you wanted was for the confusion in your head to stop.

just one day. just one day with a him. how could he make you like this?

“so that's it.” your eyes shifted to the body lying on the hospital bed. “he's out of danger” you nodded and looked at the doctor and the captain next to him.

"yes. the wound on your shoulder could leave a permanent scar." doctor said.

you took a deep breath. “i'll wait until he wakes up.” you said to the doctor. at the same time the captain was listening to the conversation. “i'll make sure he is okay. with his mom."

and when he wake up, to find out everything.

and to start this whole thing all over again with him in two years.

the story of the two of you was just beginning.

for the confused ones: the reader helped jun-ho infiltrate the game and eventually the two of them achieved their goal. but jun-ho is in a coma instead of returning alive.

yayy finally wrote and published this chapter in a hurry. now I can write and continue with the relationship parts and progress 🥳🥳🥳 but for a moment I couldn't make anything up in my head omg.

taglist: @savemyheart101 @fqshionkilla @kanekisheart

[yandere-paramour]

something something Ata finding a platonic darling after getting her hands on her spouse and basically forcefully adopting said platonic darling

bonus points if the platonic darling is some timid wetcat trying to escape an abusive family

This is cute scenario, very similar to Darling!Daughter.

Atalanta already has a Darling spouse she's very happy with, but she somehow comes across you one day. You're sobbing like a baby, the worst cries of your life. Your family is abusive, but they won't let you into the domestic violence shelter because you're still underage. You don't have any food, money, or work experience, and it's cold enough that you might actually freeze to death tonight.

But your luck is greater than you realize.

"What's wrong, little one?"

Your first thought is Mafia. A gorgeous woman, surrounded by thick, beefy bodyguards, is speaking to you. Her face is endowed with parental concern, looking at you like you're a poor little wet kitten in the rain.

You look around, afraid to speak, but it's clear she's not leaving, not without an explanation. So you spill your story, hating the way her face screws up with anguish. She shakes her head and stands to her full height, making up her mind.

"Come with me," She holds out one perfectly manicured hand, "I can get you someplace warm for the night, and we can work from there."

Your choices are go with her or stay here, so you go. Her car is warm, and you feel bad sitting on the seat in your dirty clothes. She is clearly a very wealthy woman, tapping out a text on the latest iPhone, while you try to stay quiet and hope she won't have a change of heart and shove you out onto the highway.

She brings you to some apartment building in the next town over, and when one of the bodyguards bids her a goodnight, you finally realize who this woman is. This is Atalanta Montclair, heiress to the Montclair dynasty, the richest person within 500 miles, a woman of looks, brains, and wealth. Your face is clearly terrified, and you want to escape, but you and her are in an elevator, her clearly noticing but ignoring your fears.

She brings you to a room on an unmarked floor. The room is pristine, white bedclothes, clothing in your size already in the closet, large TV with all channels. You've never seen such luxury. Montclair does not touch you, only advises you to stay the night and she will be back to speak to you in the morning. She sends some food up for you, and leaves you to rest in peace, only warning you to be good and stay in the room until she comes to get you.

You decide to take your good fortune as it comes. You take a much-needed shower, eat the warm soup and crusty bread, and sleep on the softest mattress you've ever felt. You feel like a whole new person and it's only been one night. Atalanta Montclair must be an angel sent by God themself, so you might as well obey her.

Atalanta is back down with you late the next morning. She looks pleased at your clean, well-fed state, and praises you for taking care of yourself, making you blush. You thank her profusely for the food and warm bed, telling her than you'll get out of her hair soon, but she won't have it. Before you know, she's convinced you to stay another night.

And then a week passes. Then two weeks. Then two months.

The building is massive. You've been to the Montclair's apartment and had dinner with Atalanta's wife many times, even spending some time with the lady during the day. You've accompanied her on shopping trips, trying to refuse all the soft pastel clothes she insisted on buying you, but she won't have it. You've had tea with her on the garden terrace, even fallen asleep watching a movie in the screening room, and woken up to a soft blanket draped over your shoulders.

You've become almost like a child again, a companion trailing after your saviors as the spoil you with gifts and luxury. Atalanta is even talking about moving your room closer to the main apartment. Every time you try to leave, there is always another slice of cake, another movie to watch, another cup of hot chocolate for you to drink. You're doted on like a beloved child, even having your own staff assigned to look after you and protect you. You're never in the elevator alone, and you have no idea where your important documents are now; Atalanta said she was keeping them safe in her office but you're not allowed in there without her.

Honestly, the whole situation was a dream. Outside this glorious building is endless capitalistic work, abusive parents, freezing cold wind that makes your weak joints ache. There's nothing for you out there, nothing you want to be bothered with.

You should just stay. Atalanta and her wife clearly want you here, they're talking about taking a trip to Greece soon and you heard them mention 3 tickets. No one's ever wanted you before, and no one's ever treated you this well either. You're doted on here, loved and adored and hugged, getting to really experience the love of parents who don't abuse you in 15 different ways. You even get pocket money.

You're still waiting for the other shoe to drop, but for now, you're... here. And you really don't want to go back.

[rose-gold-bullet]

[𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐤] Star-Lord x Reader

Summary: You're sent on a mission to another planet and catch the attention of your ally. This takes place in the Marvel Rivals Universe; this Star-Lord might vary from the MCU!

warnings: brief 'love interest protects you from a creep' trope, canon-typical violence in the beginning, chronic use of (Y/N) in this bad boy

Your vision is clouded by thick smoke as buildings come crashing down around you. In this war-torn city, there's nothing to count on but your instincts, your weapons-

"Woo-hoo! Two points for the Star-Lord!"

Oh, and your idiot ally who's somersaulting through the air. The two of you and four others were called here on a mission to transport something to somewhere; frankly, neither of you read the brief, but it doesn't seem like you needed to.

Your new friend, Star-Lord you think you heard him say, lands right in front you. With the area quiet and the haze finally dissipating, you both lower your weapons and check your surroundings. Though it's out of sight and being watched over by the rest of your team, you're sure the objective has just about reached its destination. You watch as he removes his mask to say something, and he's so pretty you almost miss the enemy movement coming from behind him.

"Hah! did you see tha-"

"Duck."

"Goose?" you groan and shove him to the floor for his protection as you raise your gun, knocking out the Psylocke who was racing to get you when your defenses were low.

"Ohh, Nice one! She's so quiet!" He cheers you on from the ground as you extend your hand to help him up. Just as you let go of him, you hear Captain America shouting your names from a few streets over.

Once you're all grouped up, you're notified there's been no known casualties on either side and that the mission was a success. With that, you're all free to go, and you want nothing more than a peaceful, quiet walk on the way to the hotel you've booked for the night. With all this multiverse bullshit going on, it's been over a month since you were given approval to head back to Earth where you belonged. Travelling the universe has been exciting and all, but you can't help but miss home; the closest you've been able to find to it is a room for one built in a style you could maybe find somewhere on your planet.

"Hey! You!" you hear the sputtering of fuel behind you followed by a thump as your friendly pursuer lands as gracefully as he can beside you, "I never got your hero name!" Maybe this walk won't be as peaceful as you hoped.

You've seen him around before during missions, and he's even tried speaking to you a couple times, but you've just been so inside your head lately you've shut out just about everyone. As annoying as he might be, part of you is glad he's not the type to give up.

"I don't have one. (Y/N) is fine." You look up at him and catch the most upset look he could muster.

"(Y/N)? Fine normal name, I guess. But that can't be your hero name! I saw you out there, you were awesome!" You can't help but giggle at his enthusiasm, and his smile widens even more, "Tell you what, I'll come up with one for you."

Your giggle grows into a laugh, "Absolutely not, Star-Lord."

"What's wrong with Star-Lord? It's badass!" You want to say what you really think, that his name is both bad and ass, but it'd feel like kicking a friendly dog, so you swallow your jab.

"I guess it's a hero-name of some kind, which might be better than nothing." You humour him.

"So you'll let me pick?"

"I'll let you come up with ideas."

He proceeds to spitball the worst names you have ever heard in your entire life, which eventually spiral into any noun he can think of followed by 'lord'. You can tell that at a certain point he stopped trying and is just trying to make you laugh, but that doesn't mean it's not working.

"Gun-Lord?"

"Be- Because you saw me with a gun?" You can barely contain your giggles enough to answer.

"Too on the nose, huh?" He grins down at you, but you don't catch the adoration in his eyes.

Eventually you calm yourself down, "These suggestions have been so helpful, don't get me wrong, but I don't think we've found the winner quite yet."

"Give me a bit, maybe I'll come back tomorrow with some more heavy-hitters. We'll get you that name eventually. Where are we headed, by the way?" He looks around and notices you've reached the untouched part of the city, though the citizens are still, understandably, in a bit of a panic.

"I'm headed to my hotel. Where are you staying?"

"Pff, lame. I stay in a ship with my crew, you can stay there if you want!"

"Your... crew?"

"You haven't heard of us? The Guardians of the Galaxy?"

"Uhh, I might've heard that cute armed raccoon mention something like that? You know him?"

He laughs, "Don't call him that in front of him, he's a bit feral. But yeah, He works with me. So does Mantis and Groot."

"Weird crew you've got going on."

"You'd fit right in!" You can tell he definitely didn't mean it as an insult, "I'd have to get to know you a little better, but I think we could use someone like you, you know." You laugh again, but this time it's in disbelief. He can't be serious.

"I... I kind of have a life on Earth, I think. As tempting as it is to fuck off into space and do... space things together. I don't even know your name."

"I prefer Star-Lord, but Peter works too. And I think you're underestimating how cool the space things are. Come on, you're curious aren't you? Let me show you my ship."

You pause for a moment and think it over. You'd never join his crew, but there's just something about him that makes the thought of seeing him again so exciting. You wonder if other people find him so charming or just paint him as egotistical.

"Sure. Yeah. Meet me sometime tomorrow, maybe?"

"Your hotel, 10:00 AM?"

"Done."

You spend the rest of the walk talking mostly about Peter. You love asking the questions and he loves answering even more. You learn about his life in space, that he's not totally human like you thought, and you even get into discussing music by the time you've reached the lobby.

"I guess that's it for today." You try to hide your disappointment as both stand a few feet form the front desk—you already know him well enough to sense he doesn't need more of an ego boost.

"Yeah. It was great running into you, you kicked ass on the field."

"You too," you look up at him but suddenly have the urge to avoid eye contact, "Thanks for walking me back."

"Anytime."

***

Your night at the hotel felt longer than usual and you couldn't quite make out why. Maybe the room just wasn't as comforting as it looked in the pictures. Maybe you didn't get as much sleep as you wanted because you were too excited to see this spaceship you've heard so much about. Whatever the case, 10:00AM couldn't come fast enough, and by 9:30, you were already sitting in the hotel lobby, your leg bouncing with excitement. You feverishly check your watch and sneak glances out the tall, sunlit windows hoping you'd see your talkative new friend. 'Relax. You're never this antsy over a man,' You try to tell yourself. You sigh and close your eyes to ground yourself a little more.

"Stood up?" A gravelly, unfamiliar voice asks you.

"Huh?" Your eyes shoot open and dart towards the stranger in front of you. He's older, lean, and a bit too close for comfort. You stand up and take a step back. He takes a step forward.

"I asked if you got stood up. A pretty lady like you shouldn't be all alone." You can smell the alcohol; he's probably from the hotel bar. 'This early? Gross.'

"No, I'm just a bit early. Thanks for your concern, but you can head back to the bar."

"You should join me. You'd have more fun with my buddies and I." You're not sure if you should knock his lights out now or try to get someone's attention; you absolutely hate making a scene, and you can't tell what would cause less of a disturbance to the otherwise empty lobby.

"This guy bothering you?" You feel a hand on your waist, and you hate to admit it, but it provides a sense of comfort. You fight your instinct to roll your eyes—of course he of all people would love to save the damsel in distress; he's probably practiced that line in the mirror.

Nevertheless, you lean into him to sell your relationship a bit more, "I think we're fine. He was just leaving."

The creep goes pale; Peter is large. Even when drunk, he knows there's no way in hell he was going to beat him in a fight.

"Uhh. That's right. Have a great day, you two." He stumbles back towards wherever he came from, and you quickly turn to face your saviour.

"My hero." Sarcasm drips from your voice, "Thank you for saving me, Star-Lord." You roll your eyes and everything, but after saying hero, nothing else could penetrate his skull.

He smiles widely and his face tints red at the use of his name, clearly oblivious to your mockery, "No problem! It's expected of a Guardian like me." You can't help but laugh; He's just so dumb.

On the way out of the lobby, you quickly check your watch—‘9:43; he’s early, too.’ You smile to yourself, trying to keep it subtle.

You sharply inhale the strange, almost Earth-like air as he leads you in the direction of the aircraft dock near the edge of the city.

"It's still strange to me that ship docks even exist," You try to break the silence, "We've never had a need on Earth."

"Yeah, it's mostly a No-Fly zone for the other planets. Doesn't help that there's not much there anyway."

"Earth has a lot of problems, but it's not bad, I think. Maybe you should visit sometime. I've only just left and I'm already pretty homesick." It's only a half-truth; You've felt this way since you've left your family for S.H.I.E.L.D—it's a lonely life, being a hero.

"... Maybe. I don't know. My home's on that ship now. I'm not even sure what family I've got left there on Terra." You can tell he's got mixed feelings about his life back on Earth. You know better than to pry.

You only notice now that his hand is still on your waist from the lobby once he sighs and tightens his grip around you a little. You're farther from Earth than you've ever been, but you notice that the closer you are to Peter, the less you feel that pit in your stomach telling you to come home.

***

"Who the flark is this?" You separate from Peter only to use him as a shield from the talking raccoon,

"Uh, we've been on missions together before? I'm the gun girl?" you squeak out from behind him. You wanted to make a good impression, but it's a little hard to do when you're the only one on the ship with manners.

He squints, "... Widow?"

"No, the other one."

"Oh." He completely loses interest in you and goes back to working on whatever death machine he's tinkering with. You're not sure whether to be relieved or take offence.

"Yeah, that's Rocket. He's a real sweetheart." Peter takes to holding your hand as he guides you through the ship, meeting the rest of his crew one by one. It's an interesting group on a near dysfunctional aircraft, but you'd be lying if you said you didn't see the appeal.

Eventually, Peter leads you to the cockpit. Your eyes widen as you step towards the control panel.

"You can actually fly this thing?" You ask in awe, with one hand still holding his and the other tracing over the dashboard. You don't need to look at him to hear the smugness in his voice,

"Yup. Pretty cool, right? We'd have to get a seat added for you if you stay with us long enough, but it shouldn't take long to install."

"And where would I sleep if I were to ditch my hotel like you mentioned?" Again, you're definitely not considering joining his crew. You just want out of that hotel and you have a healthy curiosity.

"Uh... There's always my room?" Your head jolts to Peter who's shooting you his best flirtatious grin. It's goofy.

You giggle, "Only if you're fine with sleeping on the floor." Truth be told, staying with him does sound a lot better than a dingy hotel with a lobby that serves alcohol at 9:00AM. But you're not the type to sleep with someone you've only just met, even if you really want to, and even if it's only in the literal sense. Besides, you like Peter, but it’s hard to know just how many cute girls received the same treatment before you.

"Fair enough," He sighs, "There's a spare bedroom that's all yours if you want it."

"I might just take you up on it. Did you know S.H.I.E.L.D isn't even covering my room costs? total bullshit." You tactically leave out that you can more than afford it and you just want to spend more time with him (and maybe Mantis, who seemed absolutely lovely).

"Sounds good, we'll both be here for a couple weeks anyway until we're given the go-ahead to... what was it? 'Fuck off and do space things?'"

"That's right."

"Right. So yeah, My ship is your ship or whatever. But not really." You giggle and note the possessiveness he has over the Milano, "Welcome aboard... Earth-Woman?"

"Absolutely not."

This time it's his turn to laugh, "The next one is gonna be killer though, Trust me."

You smile at him before gently squeezing his hand then letting go to fully face the cockpits windows. You can only imagine the stars and planets this ship has seen, captained by someone who, in your eyes, might be even prettier than the galaxy itself. Not that you'd ever say that to his face, of course.

***

As you tuck yourself into the spare bedroom you had to spend the day cleaning out (it was unknowingly used as a storage room for Rocket's stolen garbage), you notice that your typical sense of loneliness and dread is nowhere to be found. That homesickness you've been carrying for much longer than you'd left Earth has vanished completely, and you can't help but think it might have something to do with that handsome, snoring idiot who's in the room across from yours.

Notes: -2303 words -i'd love to make a sequel but its heavily dependent on how this first part performs! (that means you should like or reblog if u liked this ;)), without a part two this ones cute but on the underwhelming side imho -could be heavily out of character, I'm going almost exclusively off his voice lines in the game! feel free to shoot an ask recommending changes to the shot :) -nothing else to say, i love him so much <3

[ni-idea-07]

Pierced Little Bird.

Part 1. Part 2

TW: torture of minors, death of children, drowning, mild yandere But not as much as in the next installment, the Joker is a monster But Two Face tries to compete. In this chapter, the yandere theme will not be given as much relevance. English is not my first language.

-------

The Wayne mansion was quieter than usual. Bruce felt worse than ever and more alone than an abandoned dog in the middle of Christmas.

Dick was in Blüdhaven, Jason was still estranged from him –But at least on good terms–, Tim had taken a "break" since his father now knew that he was Robin. Stephanie had tried to take his place temporarily But that ended badly, so the place was left vacant for you

She promised not to have more Robins and wait for Tim to come back, but she couldn't. You offered so kindly after you defeated some robbers who robbed a woman leaving a nightclub, you were such an adorable young lady that you lit up the alley in which you practically cornered Batman –ironic–.

You were originally from Star City and had been Green Arrow's apprentice –yes, you had been Speedy–, something that helped Bruce accept you.

–"Please, Mr. Bat... I can be a good Wonder Girl" – you said with shining eyes, handing him a "curriculum vitae" detailing your skills as Green Arrow's former apprentice.

Bruce hesitated. He didn't want to drag another young girl into the dangerous life of vigilante, but your enthusiasm and determination broke through his defenses. And, although he wouldn't admit it, Alfred also played an important role.

–"Maybe just a few training sessions, but you won't use Bow and arrows." –Bruce yielded, while you jumped for joy.

Bruce trained you on a temporary basis, knowing that Tim would be back in a few months. However, he couldn't help but feel that something in his life was changing, especially seeing how you adapted to the role of Robin with such ease.

You were happy, too happy, and you loved being Robin. You were a good teammate, you knew how to defend yourself, and you followed every order to the letter, which gave you extra points.

Damn, Bruce adored you and would do anything to have a daughter like you and be able to be proud to say that you were his daughter. –You already had parents and that's why he couldn't adopt you–.

You were a very adorable and lively young woman, Dick adored you. You were an only child so you enjoyed being with Dick a lot, both of you were the "clown duo" according to Jason's nicknames. Even so, you also got along well with Jason, he was like the rebellious brother who talked back to Bruce. Jason also corrected your homework and you asked him what you didn't understand so you could finish it –if you didn't do your homework you wouldn't go out on patrol, it was an agreement you made with Bruce from day one–.

Although your parents loved you, their jobs left them little time for you. This, added to your need for attention and affection, made you more susceptible to the way Bruce was beginning to treat you, as if you were a daughter to him."

–"Look, Mr. Bat! With just one hand" you smiled as you hung from one of the bars in the Batcave gym.

–"I'll tell Dick not to teach you that anymore"– Bruce whispered more to him than to you.

While you were fully capable of taking care of yourself, that didn't stop him from overprotecting and pampering you.

Had you gotten hurt on patrol? Well, Dad Bruce would put a band-aid on you while telling you how well you had done. Yes, Bruce might not be a good father figure, but he loved being a father and couldn't help but break his walls with you.

During a mission, Scarecrow's toxin affected you severely. Bruce, worried, stayed by your side all night, holding you and whispering words to you. reassuringly as Alfred administered the cure. You fell asleep in his arms a little while later. But he woke you up two hours later to tell you to go back home so your parents wouldn't suspect anything.

Alfred, who had always been so reserved, found comfort in your presence at the mansion. He saw you as a spark of light in a home full of shadows, and every evening, when you came to greet him before leaving for the Batcave, he couldn't help but smile tenderly.

You had a big appetite so Alfred cooked a big meal for you after you got back from patrol.

When you missed patrol and the dinner Alfred had so lovingly prepared, Bruce felt hurt, like you had left him behind. He couldn't understand why you had decided to leave, even though he knew your parents needed you. The silent treatment he gave you that night was his way of dealing with the pain of seeing you leave, even though inside, he wished you were there, with him.

Your parents wanted to return to Star City, their previous home. However, upon arriving in Gotham, they couldn't help but feel trapped in the life they had chosen. You, on the other hand, didn't know if you wanted to leave anymore. Gotham had started to become your home, a place full of chaos but also of people who understood you in a way Star City never did.

One particular night you were on patrol with Batman, Two Face had recently escaped from Arkham and lately he had been imitating some of the Joker's "best" crimes.

This was ridiculous according to what Bruce had said, but somehow they had to stop him before he destroyed Gotham City. Still that night they couldn't see any trace of him.

It was a boring night, you were young and full of energy, you needed action. But it was already 4:00 AM and Batman sent you home. You needed to rest if you wanted to pass the exam tomorrow. Normally Bruce would take you in the Batmobile and leave you 5 blocks from the apartment where you lived with your parents, but tonight it wouldn't be necessary, the streets were quiet and although it was strange it was nothing to worry about, they both made sure of that.

But how wrong they were.

–"Help! Please someone help me!"– a woman screamed in an alley.

You ran until you reached the alley where you expected to find anything but what you found. The screaming woman was fine but as soon as you approached her, men twice your size grabbed you, one by each arm.

–"What's going on?"– you asked as you tried to free yourself.

–"I promise you that none of this is personal"– a man spoke who came out of the darkest part of the alley, it was Harvey Dent or rather Two Face.

You could only open your mouth before he put a taser to your neck. Everything was reduced to pain and you soon fell unconscious.

====================================

You woke up who knows how long later, you were on the ground with your wrists tied behind your back, your ankles were also tied.

You hurt all over, the disgusting bathroom only made you want to vomit and cry from helplessness. You were scared. You had fallen into a trap and you didn't even have time to fight.

A kick landed on your stomach leaving you breathless.

–"Are you awake?"– asked Two Face. –"Well, it's time to start, heads: I'll kill you after hitting you a little, tails: I'll let you go after a little torture."

The coin turned and landed on heads.

–"Alright, heads. Let's get on with it, Wonder Girl."

Another kick landed on your torso, you could only bend in place but still couldn't stop the torture that was coming.

–"You, turn on the camera, I want the bat to have a souvenir at the end of the day"– Harvey spoke to one of his henchmen while he was still kicking you.

You lost count of how many kicks he gave you, but you could barely breathe. Still, everything came to your mind, if Two Face discovered your identity he would go after your parents, your beloved parents. Then he would go after Bruce and soon the whole city would know Batman's identity and soon Nightwing's, Red Hood's, Oracle's and absolutely all the other vigilantes of Gotham, and even, if he investigated a little more he would discover the identities of all the heroes of the Justice League.

All that was what you thought in seconds, even imagining how Bruce would hate you after his identity was revealed.

But that was a stupid thought of yours. You didn't know it yet but Harvey would do everything to you except let you live.

You were scared, he tortured you a lot, he started by taking off your combat boots and ripping out your toenails.

–"I swear this is nothing personal, I even like you, but I can't let that stupid fifth-rate clown keep the achievement of having killed a Robin. It wouldn't be fair, right?"

You could barely think of your beloved parents and Bruce, even Oliver. All you could do was scream......

He got tired of hearing your screams and pleas, he grabbed a coin –"let's do this, heads: I'll cut your tongue out. Tails: I'll sew your mouth shut."

The coin was flipped and for your luck or bad luck it landed heads. The pain on your face was the first thing you felt, Harvey hit you in the face and then opened your tongue and grabbed it with his fingers and then cut it off with a knife.

The pain was too much that you couldn't even scream anymore, your body completely tensed up.

–"Oh, are you dead already?"– he laughed when he saw that you didn't even scream. –"I never thought that capturing a Robin would be so easy, I guess it's because you're just a child, a young and pathetic child. In fact, I have an idea....".

He smiled and took off your domino mask. You closed your eyes, the idea that he would know your name came to your mind, that he would do something to your parents and your friends.

–"Wow, I don't have the slightest idea who you are."

You practically let out a sigh of relief which didn't last long, Harvey began to fill the tub with water.

–"It was nice meeting you, wonder girl."– he mocked before grabbing your hair tightly and dragging you so that you were kneeling next to the tub.

His double face smiled before submerging your head in the water.

===================

Bruce had been worried, you hadn't shown up in days, nor did you show any signs of being sick. Your parents were also worried and they put up posters all over the city.

But you didn't show up.

One night Nightwing and Batman were able to catch Two Face but he just laughed when he saw that they still didn't know what had happened to you.

It wasn't until Bruce saw the tape that Harvey gave him.

Two full hours where he tortured you, hurting you, drowning you... until your small body stopped moving.

Bruce tried to figure out where it was and it wasn't hard to connect the dots and know that your missing body was still there.

The bathroom where they found you belonged to a horrible abandoned building. Rats had already eaten some parts of your body, your face had dried blood coming out of your mouth. Still, that didn't stop him from kneeling down and hugging your cold body.

The Wayne family was never the same. You were buried in Wayne Cemetery, Bruce, Dick, Oliver and Roy carried your coffin.

Your parents never found out about that, they never knew you had been found and buried.

Bruce couldn't allow your parents to bury you in Star City or somewhere else where he couldn't visit you daily.

Soon Tim took up the mantle of Robin again before Damian arrived a year later and became the new Robin.

Still, the family was worse than ever.

Dick came over from time to time and still waited for the silly and innocent jokes you made, he got depressed when he saw you weren't coming back.

Jason was almost off the radar, after all, he only came to the mansion because you always found a way to bring him back and after Jason killed Two Face by dismembering him, Bruce didn't want to talk to him anymore.

Tim was also depressed, he had lost Stephanie, his father, and you. But Stephanie reappeared as Spoiler.

Those were the worst years for Bruce, another loss. He couldn't protect you and tortured himself daily watching the video of your torture.

Many times Alfred found Bruce sleeping in front of your tombstone.

–"Sir, Master Damian is waiting for you for dinner. You don't want your pasta to get cold" Alfred said as he found Bruce watching the video again.

–"I'm not hungry" he answered, repeating the video again.

–"Miss Y/N didn't like you skipping dinner, especially if there was company."

Bruce sighed and stood up, ready to face his new son. He was still trying to get used to having a biological son.

Dinner was silent, Bruce didn't want to talk, much less eat.

–"Whose room is next to mine?"– Damian asked.

Bruce didn't know how to answer, it was the room he made for you after you died, one where he had recreated each of the things you liked. He was still waiting for you to come back, he wasn't ready to let you go.

–"it's for Y/N....."

There was a small silence, Damian already knew who you were since he had found some photos that you had taken with Dick, both of you making silly and expensive poses. He knew the pain you had caused by dying.

–"mm...."

Suddenly there was a series of knocks on the large door of the mansion. That made Bruce go on alert, he wasn't expecting visitors and to get to the mansion you had to go through the large main gate first. In any case the intruder alarm should have gone off.

Bruce approached the door as did Alfred. And the latter was the one who opened the door with caution.

Alfred was in shock as soon as he saw who it was and then turned his head to where Bruce was.

–"sir.....you won't believe it"

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

Ugh, I've been thinking about this for a long time and I hope I've expressed myself correctly.

If you have any questions or want more information, don't hesitate to ask.

I am still working on open orders, please leave me your request and I will be happy to fulfill it.

Regards 🫠

[ofcrowsanddragons]

Okay so I have this head canon that Remi knits. And it didn’t quite make the cut for my long fic but I feel like he has an emotional reaction the first time he sees Lucanis knitting. So if you’re down a fic where Lucanis and Davrin are still at odds but maybe that happens and Lucanis notices and tries to make an overture.

So first off: I can't read. I wrote this whole thing and then I went back and read your prompt.

This different version has background Davrin x fem!Rook, with Rook being the one who (currently) knits. General shenanigans/character study/fluff, takes place post-Weisshaupt, with Today Could Be The Last in mind.

Out of Spite (Davrin & Lucanis)

“So, uh, Rook appreciated the yarn you got her,” says Davrin as he enters the kitchen.

Lucanis is sitting in a chair in the corner, and the assassin hums in response. “It was no trouble,” he says, his own hands engaged in the process of knitting what looks like a sock. A completed sock already sits on the side table in front of him. “I was in the area for supplies anyway, and she had mentioned what she was short on.”

Davrin narrows his eyes at the assassin. The overflowing basket of fine wool that Rook had found in her quarters didn't sound like an afterthought to him.

“Careful,” he says, nodding at the sock. “If you need two hands for that, you aren't constantly imbibing coffee like you usually do.”

“If I fall asleep,” says Lucanis calmly, “Then Spite can test my reflexes by throwing the knitting needles at you. I'm sure you'll be fine.”

The casual reference to the demon gets Davrin’s hackles up, and he tamps down on his automatic response when he sees the assassin smirking. Like he’s going to let the infuriating fucker win that easily.

Davrin strides across the kitchen to put together a plate of cheese and a glass of water for himself, feeling Lucanis's wary eyes on him.

“It's something to do,” says Lucanis, filling the quiet, “And it's decent dexterity training. If I'm going to be awake, I might as well be useful.”

It's a contrast how the hunter is more deliberate in his own training, and Davrin knows exactly how much food and sleep are required to fuel staying on that knife’s edge that keeps him sharpest. Rook often needs them to head through the Eluvian at a moment's notice, so he’s careful not to run himself ragged with training. Meanwhile, the assassin is either training, doing busywork, or brooding angrily into the middle distance at all hours of the day.

By that logic, he's a liability in the field.

“Sure,” says Davrin, raising a cheese knife to point at the socks, “But do those really match your outfit?”

Lucanis allows a secretive little smile to cross his face. “We trek through the wetlands on a regular basis, getting water in our boots. This blend of wool repels water and dries almost instantly. If the socks are well-made, they'll prevent blisters as well. I don't trust anything I buy quite so well.”

By the time Davrin sits down at the kitchen table, Lucanis is finishing up the second sock and tidying up his workspace. By the time Davrin is halfway through the meal, Lucanis is dropping the pair of socks in front of Davrin’s plate.

“You're in the Hossberg Wetlands even more often than Rook is,” Lucanis explains, and Davrin can almost see a hint of purple in his eyes. “It's important for the team to be well-equipped.”

Davrin presses his lips into a thin line, thinking better of his first, reflexive response. Before he can come up with a second one, the assassin is out the door and heading to the library.

The Warden studies the socks. Lucanis had been handling them with his bare hands, so it was unlikely this was a prank involving some kind of super-assassin itching powder. The Warden-blue base colour is interspersed with swirls of the orange Davrin favours, so he really should have seen this coming.

He leans back, wondering how one guy can be this much of an asshole by being nice. Lucanis may have won this round, but the assassin won't be laughing when Davrin has his revenge.

[witheredgardenparty]

Every now and then I see the discourse circulate on this hellsite, and I wonder if people know that the term 'yandere' used to have an extremely specific definition that no longer holds up to how people use it today

[bcneheaded]

I was just thinking and... Artemis is not kind. yes, for all his friendliness, and all the fancy and amicable language and behaviors he displays outwardly to just about everyone who enters his shop... he's not genuinely nice. Artemis is a demon. in any verse of his, he used to be something akin to a spirit/god of LOVE, but was twisted into Wrath, or Hatred - which is the opposite. After leaving the pits of hell, having his little demonic tantrum and breakdown and finally growing weary and finding some semblance of clarity, he's grown out of what he was once again, and became something new. He's still wrathful, hateful, angry, and morose, but now he's so much more without even realizing. He's evolved and will continue to do so over time even if he stagnates for decades, centuries even. The friendships and relationships with other muses that he develops will influence his personality and the way he views things in time, as we've seen it happen already countless times ofc! And for those who did earn his respect and care, he does truly care for them and would gladly go out of his way for them (to what degree depends entirely on the level of closeness). But again.... Artemis is not kind, by nature and he hasn't been for a very, very long time. He was genuinely just plain and simple EVIL He was a villain - a monster, unrecognizable to how he acts now- doing horrible, unspeakable deeds for the pleasure of it. It's how he got the bones he wears in and on his body. So while he might be polite, charming even, and friendly - if he does not know you... he doesn't care about you nor what happens to you. If say for example, he sees you wandering that ruined cityside he lives in - rampant with entities that prey on the Living - and he saves you from being taken by evil spirits or demons? Chances are good that he did it for himself, or to be spiteful - to deny the other entities their prize (you / your soul). If he doesn't know you, the likelihood that he'll go out of his way for you is very low. But if there's something in it for him, some kind of reason as to why it might be worth his time and energy to actually step in... he might! But like all demons, it's good to be wary and to assume he doesn't care about you or your well-being, at least at first!! Artemis is not nice, but that doesn't mean he's malicious or cruel (anymore. not intentionally - he's quite literally under the mindset that he's just 'too old and tired for that nonsense'.) Artemis is manipulative, charming, cunning - he's everything you expect from a demon (though without a host, so he's certainly not attractive in any semblance of a conventional manner lmao - but he dresses well! and I think it's also telling just how-- *gestures at all that* --that he actually is, considering he's NOT attractive... but still puts people at ease, mostly, and can charm them to hell and back if he wanted to. He uses that not to manipulate people per say ?? like, he does not have an evil agenda by any means. He's just existing at this point, distanced from the gods and devils and just living his... life(?) if you can call it that. He's TRYING to do better. But he's still just... a demonic entity. A greater demon, for sure, if he had to be equated to some kind of level or whatever, but a demon nonetheless. But even for demons, there can be growth! and he is growing, very very slowly.

[kashilascorner]

Is it normal to feel some kind of boundary has been violated when someone over shares with you

[pollen]

i've been diving a lot deeper into adhd symptoms and comorbidities and misdiagnoses and whenever i tell my boyfriend something i learned that sounds like me he responds with something like

[skwivr]

-

[reddevilmcnt]

[ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] I guess I sense them cuz they're usually being standoffish with me. When they start off that way or turn into a cold asshole after they realize I don't have a single submissive bone in my body, that's when I know it's another Dom. Have you seen those nature videos of two apex predators just staring tensely at each other until one finally leaves? It's just like that. 💀 [ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] Don't worry, I've played wingman before. They won't run from you just cuz I'm there.

He's surprised to read how sorry Ross is that his date didn't work out, though Maksim doesn't really dwell over it. He isn't so annoyed to just become jaded about romantic outcomes; maybe for him it wasn't that serious because he already did have a family, and thanks to his amazing parents, he knew what type of love could exist out there. He was brought up to have a healthy, high self-esteem in that he already knew he was great, and that the right partner would only highlight that greatness. There would be time for other dates and other Omegas to come along and dazzle him (though, one thing that doesn't really make sense is him rejecting easy sex for a night of naked texting alone in bed. He's grateful Ross won't ever become aware of the full details, won't ever be able to call him out on that uncharacteristic shift in behavior.)

What inevitably trips Maksim up is Ross calling him out on something else, his dark twin brows knitting together in response. He delays texting back then, lips pressing into a firm line as a heavier pulse stirs in his cock, subtly shifting the crimson fabric draped inadequately over his groin. He’s grown accustomed to Ross's bold, sexual remarks, but he’s damned lucky they’re not face-to-face right now. The tiny human has no idea about the twisted hedonism brewing in the darkening swirl of his blue irises. Slowly, the pad of his tongue drags along his bottom lip, clearly hungry for something, and only after wrestling his unruly thoughts into submission does he finally reply, his composure carefully pieced back together.

[ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] Depends. I'd have to see you wearing it first, yeah? So I know exactly what to think about when I'm fucking them. [ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] Yeah fucking right. You wish.

Whew. That was a close one. Nice fucking save.

He’s not completely insane------- yet. But it’s becoming abundantly more transparent that Ross wouldn’t mind taking him there. Maksim’s starting to suspect this human thinks he can play with him, like some sorta game. He seems to want a reaction out of Maksim, probably hoping to get under his skin the way he might have with one of his stupid fucking exes. But Maksim isn’t about to be wrapped around the finger of some arrogant, annoying human. It's not happening. It's not. Hell, he’d tear open the throat of another subby boy right in front of Ross if that’s what it took to make his point. Sure, it’s a massive risk... one that could entirely dismantle his carefully maintained secret. But clearly, Maksim's not thinking straight, not when his cock is throbbing painfully hard because of who's currently texting him.

Then, a photo rolls in. Something to pull his attention away, if only for the moment.

[ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] I think you should wear the smaller one. You want the cock to do most of the stretching, don't you? [ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] We're helping each other out. You said you needed it, and I'm kinda goin stir crazy here without something new to bite into. 😈 [ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] And there's not much to talk about? It was fun cuz we hiked around one of my favorite waterfalls, but nothing exciting. Just one of those dates where you don't really feel anything. He was a sweet boy just not my sweet boy, ya know? [ Little Brat ⟶ ✉︎ ] I could be too picky, though. You ever feel like that? Like maybe settling down and lowering expectations is the better option?

as the night goes on, ross goes more warm and fuzzy, and as that happens, he starts to feel more loose and uncareful. he says more things that he probably shouldn't say, he offers a few more little brushes of his hand or lets his eyes roam, but the night seems to come to an end before he can think to extend it, and though some part of him wants to offer maksim a sleepover, maybe a tour of his toybox, since the night is still so young, the man is already leaving and he feels like he's choking on the words.

like it's not the right time yet.

he watches the other man leave with mild interest, eyes definitely lingering even after the door is closed, the buzz of the alcohol making him too warm to function any longer in the clothes he'd tossed on, and he ends up stripped naked and laying sideways on his bed, asleep before he can truly think too much about it.

and then life seems to circle back to mundane. time spent in the classroom teaching, time spent out of it preping for more teaching, mind occasionally wandering toward maksim, pulling up their text thread to look at it, starting to type and then quickly deleting it. he wants to ask if maksim has been on the date yet, though the thought of it makes something in his stomach turn at the idea. he isn't interested in this absolute fucking jerk of a man, but...

maybe it's that tentative friendship thing that ross has been trying to convince himself might be there. he wants his possible friend to have good things. he wants him to find happiness or whatever. so he's feeling sick about the idea of some blind date that's probably gonna suck, and maybe he's hoping the person that maksim's going on a date with is also a little ugly, so what? normal possible tentative friend behavior, if you ask ross.

midterms finish up, and the couple of week break is a great chance for ross to try and get his place cleaned up, to catch up on some of the relaxing he barely lets himself do, and it startles him when his phone chimes with a new message, blinking at it for a moment, starting to respond and stopping when he notices the little dots appearing.

so the date had to have gone bad. that was the deal, right? he isn't sure why that makes his stomach swoop the way it does, but it certainly does.

[ Big Guy ⟶ ✉︎ ] doms can sniff out other doms, right? i like a big guy, someone who could just hold me up and fuck me without straining too much, you know? that type. [ Big Guy ⟶ ✉︎ ] take it the date didn't go super well, then, since we're planning a night out? i'm sorry to hear it. but i'll keep an eye out. [ Big Guy ⟶ ✉︎ ] you know deep down inside that i have to make that weird, right? are you sure you aren't telling me to wear a pretty little plug so that you know i have it and you can get yourself all revved up to fuck whatever unsuspecting little bottom i find for you?

he's smirking as he sends the messages off, though some part of him is flustered, heart racing, cheeks pink, pants a little tighter. he doesn't want to admit that last part, even to himself, so he ignores it and moves toward his closer to find that stupid see-through top he said he's wear out. he could always say it lost it, but where's the fun in that. then, after a brief moment of what can only be insanity, he's digging through his toybox and pulling out an array of his plugs, laying them out across his mattress and snapping a photo.

[ Big Guy ⟶ ✉︎ ] (image attached) [ Big Guy ⟶ ✉︎ ] which one? if you're gonna offer advice, may as well go all the way. [ Big Guy ⟶ ✉︎ ] i'm partial to the red one, myself, that's the thickest, but how warmed up do you think i should be? are you planning to actually get me laid?

his face is definitely red by the time he's done with that string of messages, and he's moving to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face, breathe in and out, and then look at himself in the mirror, try to calm down a little. he feels almost foolish. this is just banter, why's he getting so worked up over it? blowing out another long, slow breath, he picks up his phone again.

[ Big Guy ⟶ ✉︎ ] do you wanna talk about the date, btw? was it just not fun? boring? lame?

[eggmeralda]

do you ever feel casually suicidal? like you're not depressed or anything you're doing fine but also it feels like a convenient option

[quartzthequat]

I've had an idea bouncing around my brain for a while where the whole "Mina is Draculas reincarnated wife thing" is true but Dracula just sucks and has always sucked so Mina just hates him more upon remembering their marriage

[icewindandboringhorror]

Recent game related things .. hrmm...