#I will never tire of fish out of water interactions

[the-pipes]

It growled at him.

[ratcash-wasgud]

・❥・Loser!Mizu Headcanons・❥・

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for how deranged this came out towards the end, so mdni pls pls. Secondly this is a Loser!Mizu x Rebel!Reader typa shit, so it will get specific at times. My requests are open, btw.

Okay, enjoy ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

I stand by the fact that Mizu would be a huge loser. Like girlie grew up not really interacting with anyone but her mother and Eiji and doesn't really like meeting new people (Ringo for example)

She'd get shy, and you can't change my mind. She'd blush a lot, especially on her nose. Blud turns into Rudolf the moment she's embarassed.

She'd be the type to dress like literal Adam Sandler, then try to casually pull her shirt's sleeve up to flex her muscles.

She'd say shit like "Oh, these? I dunno, they just...spawned here." All while knowing damn well she spends half of her life at the gym.

She'd still wear shades all the fucking time, but not to hide her eyecolor, but because she thinks it's cool, and because she mained Johnny Cage in mortal kombat.

She'd listen to corny ass music like Joji, Hozier, maybe Mitski or even The Front Bottoms and bop her head agressively. Then she'd deny the whole thing and say that she was listening to Playboy Carti or Drake.

She'd be in the basketball team, but would be horrible at teamwork. She wouldn't pass, she'd just go for it everytime. She'd miss 20% of the time, and then yell something like "It wasn't my fault, this bitch was breathing down my neck!" or just groan loudly out of annoyance.

She'd be very drawn to water. She'd visit the beach very frequently, but the local aquarium even more often.

Mizu was standing before a smaller aquarium, looking at the spotted, green fishes' quickly pacing around between the glass walls. She came here right after basketball practice, so she was quite sweaty, and tired but being here, for some reason, always charged her energy. Her hair was in it's usual bun, but her shades were now closed, and were hanging from the neck of her shirt. Her eyes were shining in the dim blue lighting as she slowly placed her fingers on the glass. Suddenly, she almost jumbed backwards when she finally realized someone was standing next to her. She turned her head to the side and saw you. It was fucking you. It could've been anyone else, but no. You.

You and Mizu had a couple classes together, and you were one of the most prettiest girls Mizu has ever seen. She saw you on campus a lot, smoking in the parking lot, yelling at one of the fratboys because he parked his dumb car in a way that your motorbike would get stuck next to it, or literally running from one of the professors. She never talked to you though. She never had the opportunity, or at least that's what she told herself. In reality, she was just a coward.

Bit still, she would be lying if she said your face hadn't popped up a couple times when she touched herself. There was just something about you that always caught her attention. You didn't know her, but she felt like she knew you. Everytime she had a basketball game, she looked for you in the crowd. You were rarely there, and even if you were, you'd leave halfway after throwing food at someone. Still, she'd do her best, trying to impress you, knowing damn well you won't give a shit.

"What?" You laugh right in her face. "Scared you? Or did the Discus' mesmerized you so much you forgot you were in public?" You say, turning your gaze to the fishes.

"E...excuse me?" Mizu manages to croak out, her eyes widening. Why are you talking to her like you two have been friends for years? It's not like she minds, but it sends her anxieaty flying. It's her first time actually talking to you, of course she's nervous. She has rehearsed this a couple times in her head, planning to quickly guide the conversation towards how good she'd be at beating people up, (because she knows how much you do that) but now that it's actually happening she's pissing her pants.

"The Discus. Rot Turkish Discus, to be specific. The fish you were drooling at." You press a finger against the glass. "Pretty cool ones, I'll give you that. They can change the pigment in their body if they're stressed or sick." You say, casually dropping a "by the way did you know" kind of fact. One she didn't know.

"Oh." Mizu looks back to the fishes, but actually she's just looking at your reflection in the glass. "You like fishes?" Great. Stupid ass question.

"Yeah, kinda." You shrug. "They're interesting, but I'm here because they have bugs on the second floor." You point up with a small, lazy grin. Mizu remembers that, but never went up there. Bugs were never really interesting to her, but...maybe today she will. She mentaly notes that you like bugs.

"Hm." Mizu hums back. "If you think about it," She starts, glancing at you to check if you're still paying attention. "Fish are kinda like...water bugs." She says, and even shrugs for good measure. She needs to look like she doesn't give a shit.

You let out a laugh. "What a genius." You roll your eyes. "There are actual water bugs though, but I'm willing to overlook that." You say, then walk past her to look at the next aquarium, and Mizu just follows you withouth even thinking about it. "Cichlid." You say, pointing at one of the pinkish fishes. Mizu realizes how little she actually knows about fishes eventhough she comes to this aquarium a lot. She just likes watching them. "A very pretty one at that too. Jewel Cichlid if I'm correct." You say, almost as if thinking out loud.

It's as if Mizu became mesmerized. She walked along you trhough the whole aquarium, then followed you upstairs to the bugs. She listened you naming all of them, then telling her fun facts like 'An ant-eating assassin bug piles its victims onto its body to scare predators' and 'Ticks can grow from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a marble'. You were someone who'd always caused trouble in school, saying it's all bullshit and how fucked the system is, but you were actually very educated. On animals, that is.

She never really cared about people being smart or not, but right now it was the most attractive thing ever.

And with that, you unintentionally ruined her life. She was fine-ish with having this little hallway-crush on you, but now that she actually interacted with you for two full hours, she's fully in love.

And somehow that makes her frustrated.

She'd walk with Ringo on campus, listening to him ramble about this new dish he cooked and how she should totally come over and rate it when you suddenly dash by her, probably escaping from some football player you made mad again. Mizu would freeze, then mutter "why the fuck is she so cool?!" under her breath and lightly punch Ringo on the shoulder.

You're so hot it makes her mad.

You two didn't really talk after that though, just casual greetings in the hallway, and sometimes sitting at the same table in the cafeteria, but that was it. Still, it was more that nothing.

One time you started a fight with one guy outside of the parking lot because "he dick rode a teacher while the teacher was making bitchass bigot jokes".

You left the guy with a broken nose, and would've made it a broken jaw too if someone wouldn't have stopped you.

Akemi recorded the whole thing, and Mizu needed to discreetly beg her to send it to her.

She couldn't help it. Seeing your sweaty form, your face scrunched up in anger, your knuckles blood stained...it wasn't enough to see it just once. She had to watch the video on loop.

She'd wonder if you'd make a similar face in bed too. She'd wonder if you're a top or bottom.

She'd wonder if you're even into girls at all. It seemed too good to be true though.

Still, watching that video over and over again made her mind wander.

"Fuck..." Mizu mumbles out as her fingers finally reach her folds under her boxers. With her phone in hand, the video of you beating the shit out of some guy playing, your huffs and groans on full volume in her headphones. She closes her eyes, and imagines you kneeling between her legs.

She had a long day. She argued with Taigen, listened to Akemi whine about this guy, Takayoshi, then Ringo kept talking about this boring ass anime he watched about a broke God, or whatever...plus, she didn't see you once today. She couldn't catch a whiff of your smell as you walked by, or she didn't hear your sharp and raspy chuckle, or saw your smug grin. Torture at it's finest.

Is she proud of it? Nah. It's embarassing as hell to masturbate to your crush who probably forgot you even existed, but hey, a girl has to blow of steam somehow, right? And you just couldn't leave her head. It gotten to the point where she can't even watch porn, unless one of the actresses look like you, which is...rare. You're too good looking to be compared to sluts like that.

She imagines that it's your hand that is slowly circling around her clit as you whisper in her ear. Things like "You're so warm...I can't wait to taste you" or "You want this as much as me, don't you? Mizu..." and it gets her to buck against her fingers.

She licks her lips as she imagines your pussy hovering over her mouth while you slowly finger her. She imagines your taste, and how'd you drip on her face before you allow her to dive in.

She'd eat. Oh, she'd devour.

She saw your ass in jeans before, and it made her clit throb in public, so she just knows it's perfect when it's bare. She quietly moans your name as her fingers work deeper, placing the phone down to only listen to the audio, her other (now free) hand moving up to tease her hard nipples through her shirt.

She slowly pumps her long fingers inside herself, her back arching on the bed. She whispers your name as she imagines you slowly lowering yourself on the strapon she has inside her drawer.

She doesn't know why she has that toy though. She has only ever been with one person, and that was a guy. It happened years ago, back when she was still in denial about her gayness, and when she was still living with her homophobic mom. But after she first masturbated to the tought of you, she impulsively bought the light teal strap on dildo, just in case you ever somehow ended up in bed. She'd fuck you just the way she imagines it right now (lies, btw, she'd freak out and cum after two seconds). But still, there's no harm in having dreams.

She'd watch your tits bounce as you ride her, her hands firmly grabbing your ass. You'd moan her name, hair falling in your face as you lose yourself in pleasure. "Fuck...so fucking pretty...loving my cock, aren't you?" Mizu coos into the air, her thumb circling her clit as her fingers move faster inside her, agressively curling into her g spot. "Yes...Mizu, it feels good..." You'd moan back as you throw your head back when she starts thrusting her hips upwards, fucking you from under, leaving you no choice but to lean on her for support, pushing your beautiful plump boobs so damn close to her lips.

She'd suck on your nipples until they're red and puffy while she brings you to your climax. You'd love her cock, she's sure. She got the one that was the same teal that was also the color of one of your bracelets. Small, almost stalker-sih detail? Yeah, but she imagines you'd be impressed.

Afterwards, she'd lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, post nut clarity hitting her hard. And the next day, she wouldn't even be able to look at you, withouth getting embarassed...and horny. Oh only if you could hold her for real.

[nectardaddy]

'88 Ford | Kita Shinsuke

chapter two | stormin'

masterlist

ignore timestamps

track two . . . daylight

It rained hard. Droplets beating at the tin roof of the barn overhead, the downpour overflowing the gutters as water escaped in droves; the open rolling doors of the building looking more like a waterfall as it rained. A sigh escaping his lips as his eyes flickered over towards the entrance, there went the rest of his field work.

Wiping oil and grease coated hands on an old shop rag, he then swiped a hand over his forehead; traces of the dark liquids being left in place of the sweat that was once there. It was humid and sticky more than anything, water vapor sticking to the tin walls and staying as it had no where else to go; he couldn't take a deep breath without thinking it was harder to breathe.

"Sorry I couldn't be much help, sir," stating an apology as he looked over to the older man next to him. Shoving the, now dirty, rag into his pocket to not further the mess of the barn.

"Quit apologizing," the older man, his boss, griped. "I d'know' what the hell is wrong with it either, son." Tagging on the latter name with ease; a familiar verbiage Shinsuke, had to quickly, become accustomed to upon getting the job. To the man, workers were either 'son' or 'asshole,' to which he much preferred 'son.'

Brown eyes watched as the other backed away from the piece of machinery that both once tried to fix, deciding it was better left alone for the time being or his temper would get the best of him. However the sharp tone of a phone ringing cut off the older man's woes completely, grunting as he fished the phone from his pocket and looked at the caller id. "Damn, what did she do now?" Muttering to himself before answering.

Shinsuke couldn't help but feel fairly out of place during the interaction, stepping backwards as to not be within ear shot; but not knowing what to do after. It would be rude to walk away completely, and it was pouring outside regardless, but he didn't want to make it seem like he was eavesdropping. So he opted for turning his gaze towards the ground, hell bent on making his presence feel as small as possible.

"It's easing up some now," he heard, suspecting the man spoke about the rain. "Kita'll' come get you while it's slowed, we'll come back and fix it once it stops." The mention of his name garnered his full attention, raising his head and looking over to his boss in confusion. The man saw his puzzled expression and took the phone away from his ear, holding it towards his shoulder. "My daughter had the genius idea of barreling down the gravel road across the way and got a flat tire," he groaned. Earning a, frighteningly, audible I can hear you through the phone.

"The road that goes into town?" Asking a clarifying question as he realized he was being volun-told to do something, to which the other man nodded. While it wasn't out of the ordinary for him to be asked, or matter-of-factly told, to do something, this situation was far from any others. Asked to be around the woman that made him a puddle of a man created a pit in his stomach. "She alright, sir?"

"Fine. But mad as hell, so get going," he groaned, to which the pit in his stomach only grew more. While one concern was dashed, another took precedent within his mind. How he would manage to reel in his emotions was beyond him. Never rude, and never overstepping, frankly terrified of the repercussions of so much as thinking about her too much, but he was wholeheartedly a lovesick idiot.

A lovelorn moron who adored the very woman he was told to pick up, the daughter of the man who gave him his job in the first place. While he thanked a higher power he was dependable and trustworthy, this was awful. "Yes, sir," he replied before tightening his jaw, "I'll go get her."

It was still raining, however, the wash out had turned to a gentle shower; but he knew it would soon turn back to beating down, the clouds still low and dark as he exited the barn. He quickened his pace to a jog to prevent his, already dirty, clothes from becoming soaked as he neared his truck.

Opening the door, he stepped up, dirt and mud falling from boots as they came in contact with the step bar. He closed the door once inside and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in through his nose and out through his mouth.

It'll be fine. She's as pretty as sin, but it'll be fine.

taglist under cut

@wyrcan @chizunata @seroh @chemiru @froyaoya

@h3xi2g0n3 @localgaytrainwreck @mollyrolls @causenessus @diorzs

@rory-cakes @phoenix-eclipses @pattys-got-cakes @girlkissersco

[lambtotheslaughterr]

Rise : Chapter Fourteen

A Rafe Cameron Series

[THIS STORY WILL CONTAIN THEMES OF NON-CON/DUB-CON, MENTAL-EMOTIONAL-PHYSICAL ABUSE, ETC. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. 18+. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT]

WC: 5.7k

Dividers provided by @firefly-graphics

CHAPTER THIRTEEN | MASTERLIST | CHAPTER FIFTEEN

            The door opened with a moan, & you rose to a sitting position, preparing for Adrianna to bring you your breakfast. You were glad you were given a couple days to recoup after the latest move. Everything was a blur. All you remembered was being sick, completely out of it, & never fully aware of your surroundings. But thanks to Adrianna, you managed to get better again. And now you could finally pull your own weight at the mill.

            But when you looked up to greet Adrianna, it wasn’t her dark brown eyes you met.

            Rafe stood in front of the closed door, his arms crossed as he peered at you. You felt like a fish out of water, like you were a strange sight to see. Adrianna insisted on you being separated from the others for some time in case your sickness was caused by the virus, but once you had improved she let you mingle with the others. But you had never seen Rafe in that time. He must’ve been busy running the place as best as he could in the end of world times.

            You brought your knees closer to your chest, resting your chin on them before you finally spoke.

            “Hey.” Your voice was hoarse, not having used it much, but you hoped the timid smile on your face revealed your welcomeness to his presence.

            Rafe frowned, his brows creasing & causing the skin there to crinkle. He stared at you longer, making you shift under his gaze.

            “Are you okay?” You questioned. He did look tired.

            “Are you?” He returned.

            You shrugged, rubbing your arms, “Better, at least.”

            Rafe moved further into the room until he was standing across from you. Your bed was a mattress on a pallet, so he towered over you with his staggering height. But you didn’t mind. You just wanted to stop looking at you with that worrisome look on his face.

            “I’m okay, Rafe.”

            His lips parted, as if he was trying to understand something that couldn’t be deciphered.

            “Are you?” You asked again, concerned about his unchanging gaze.

            “Yeah.” He cleared his throat, repeating himself to sound more stabilized.

            You nodded, but said nothing more. Was he here to bring you to the mess hall? You knew your way around enough, you didn’t need someone to hold your hand anymore. However, you couldn’t deny being somewhat relieved to see him, to have him here.

            “You didn’t bring food. Are we going there?” You asked, changing topic. Your stomach was growling with hunger.

            Rafe inhaled sharply, finally snapping out whatever funk he was in upon seeing you.

            “In a bit, yeah. I wanted to talk to you first.”

            Rafe moved closer then. You scooted over to make room on your full size mattress so he could sit with you. As he did, his eyes never left yours, & yours never left his. This was someone you were comfortable with. Rafe always looked out for you.

            “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked again, & you felt mildly irritated at that, like he was coddling you. You rolled your eyes, shaking your head, “Will you quit asking me that, please? I’m okay.”

            Silence filled the small room for a moment as Rafe seemed to think quietly to himself. You hoped he would hurry up with what he wanted to talk about so you could go eat before everyone else got the majority of it.

            “Do you remember anything?” Now it was your turn to be confused. Remember anything?

            Frowning, you stared at him, “Like what?”

            Rafe swallowed, his Adam’s apple moving swiftly under the skin of his throat, “Before coming here.”

            You paused to think. You remembered the lakehouse. Millie. The group separating. And then your head started to hurt. You winced, like you felt a headache coming on. Why was Rafe asking you this?

            “Adrianna said I’ve been sick for a while. It’s hard to remember.”

            Rafe looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself from doing so.

            “Why, Rafe?”

            He sniffled, pressing his lips together as he fell into deep thought. When he finally looked at you again, you were concerned about the look in his eyes.

            “Sayyed?”

            You felt your heart stop for a moment at the sound of your boyfriend’s name. Adrianna had told you what happened. That the virus came for him & Nuha too fast, that there was nothing to be done. You had a vague memory of Sayyed telling you he loved you, but you couldn’t be sure. It felt more like a dream than anything.

            “Adrianna reminded me.” Your voice softened, almost to a whisper. You wished you could cry over his death, over not being able to say goodbye, or at least remember it.

            “She…reminded you?”

            You looked away to stare at your feet, “The virus. I don’t remember a lot, Rafe. My memory is kind of foggy. She said that would be normal for a while.”

            He inhaled sharply again, drawing your eyes back to him. He looked conflicted.

            “What is it?” You asked.

            Rafe forced a smile then, shaking his head,, “Nothing. I’m just glad you’re better,”

            You returned the smile, though it was small, “Me too.”

            “Let’s, uh, let’s get some food, alright?” Rafe stood up, offering you his hand, & you took it, letting him help you raise yourself to your feet.

            In that moment, Rafe took a moment to look you over from head to toe. You felt like he was still studying you. But when his eyes fell to your legs, an amused smirk appeared on his face, “I can’t believe you packed these.”

            You looked down, addressing the clothes you wore. You gave a small laugh yourself, “I’d never get rid of these.”

            Rafe nodded, “I think that’s good. A reminder of happier times, huh?”

            You met his eyes, nodding, “Something like that.”

            Rafe left you at a table with Kai, Vic, & Maddy as he sought Anna out. He didn’t get far before she entered the mess hall herself at the farther end. Anna took in Rafe’s subtle look of rage as he grabbed her elbow & moved her to the hallway.

            “What the fuck is wrong with her?” He hissed, making sure his voice was low & voices carried far & quickly in the spacious room.

            Anna pulled her arm from his grip, rubbing the spot that he grabbed so harshly before answering him, “What? She’s fine.”

            “You know what the fuck I’m talking about. She doesn’t remember anything!”

            “So?” Anna bit back, glaring up at him, “Isn’t that a good thing?”

            Rafe was angry, but he stopped in his verbal assault to reflect.

            “Or would you rather she remember that you made her kill Sayyed?”

            His nostrils flared still as his anger began to simmer down.

            “I thought you’d be jumping with joy.” Anna added in a sarcastic tone, “But if you want her to know the truth then be my guest.”

            “No.” Rafe shook his head, “She said that you told her she would remember in time about everything.”

            Anna sighed, shrugging, “I don’t know. Like I said before, I’m not a psychologist. I took a class or two, so I know what she’s experiencing right now, kind of, but as far as if she’ll her memory of everything will return, I don’t know.”

            “What she’s experiencing?”

            Anna nodded, “Amnesia, obviously. Dissociative or selective, doesn’t really matter which, they both do the same thing.”

            “Which is?”

            She sighed heavily, clearly bothered that she had to explain the basics to Rafe, “After a traumatic event the brain will shut down, protect its host from the memories that caused the trauma. She doesn’t remember anything because her brain won’t let her. And I think that’s for the best, at least for you, isn’t it?”

            Rafe stared at Anna, “But only for some time?”

            “I. Don’t. Know.” She enunciated, “Could return tomorrow, next week, or never again. There’s no saying.”

            “If she remembers…” Rafe didn’t want to think about it.

            “Then you’re a dead man.” Anna said jokingly, but Rafe didn’t view it as a joke.

            If you remembered what he’s done, he would lose you all over again, & he was positive there would be no containing you then.

            It felt nice to be part of the group again. You had blurred memories of the time when the group was split, but you had an inkling that it wasn’t an enjoyable time. When you had seen Bear for the first time two days prior, you gave him a hug that would rival his nickname. He returned it with fervor, claiming he was glad you were okay.

            Now, he was nowhere to be seen.

            “Where’s Bear?” You asked Kai, who jumped slightly at the sound of your voice as he cleared his plate of food.

            “Um, I think out scavenging.” One thing that bothered you though since rejoining the group was that Kai never looked you in the eye. He kept his head down often & avoided a lot of talk with the others.

            “Hmm.” You hummed. At the far end of the mess hall, Rafe appeared, Adrianna right behind him. You left your food behind on the table & approached him.

            “Everything okay?” He asked, his tone full of worry. You were grateful for his older brother like attitude, but you hoped he knew you could take care of yourself again.

            “I want to be a part of the scavenging group.” Your eyes flashed between his & Adrianna’s.

            Rafe inhaled sharply at that. He gestured for Adrianna to leave the two of you & she did. You frowned, looking back at him, “What’s wrong?”

            “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He admitted.

            “What? Why? I was the best back at the lake house. We both were.” You reminded him.

            “I know, but ya know, things change. Micah is in charge of scavenging now.”

            “So, I’ll join him.” Little did you know how much Rafe pitied you. So innocently unaware of Micah’s hatred towards you. If Rafe allowed you to go out with Micah, there was no guarantee you’d come back.

            “No, _____. We need you here. You’re good in the garden with Maddy.”

            You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms over your chest, “Bullshit. I was never good at that. That was Millie’s thing.” At the mention of your deceased best friend’s name, you felt your defiance lower.

            “I want to scavenge.”

            “No.” Rafe replied with finality. “If you don’t want to garden, fine. We’ll find something else for you.”

            “I’ll be fine, Rafe. I know you’re always looking out for me, but I can take care of myself.”

            He looked troubled, almost…sad.

            Stepping closer, he kept his voice low. He brought the palms of his hands to your upper arms, not quite touching you, but grazing the skin there, “I can’t lose you again.”

            You peered up at him, your heart beating faster. Why was he looking at you like that?

            “You won’t.” Your voice was barely audible. But Rafe shook his head anyway, “I won’t risk it, I’m sorry.”

            With that, Rafe stepped back, his voice at normal level again, “Work with Maddy today, we’ll find something new for you tomorrow.”

            Then he left you standing there. Begrudgingly, you returned to the table. Maddy, one of the new people, grinned up at you.

            “I’m with you today.” Your tone wasn’t a happy one but that didn’t deter her bashful attitude.

            “At least you’ll get more sun.”

            Yeah, you thought to yourself, at least.

            It was nighttime, & you were helping one of the other new people, Barry, clean up the mess hall from dinner. You were about finished & ready to head back to your room when Rafe appeared.

            “You got the rest covered, Barry?” He asked & Barry nodded.

            “Great.” Rafe looked to you then, offering his hand, “Let’s get you to bed.”

            There it was again, the coddling. Sighing annoyingly, uncaring if it was obvious, you bypassed his hand & stalked towards the hallway. Once in the hallway, Rafe caught up to you, “What’s wrong?”

            “You’re babying me. I hate it. I wish you would stop.”

            “I’m not babying you.” He argued, his voice defensive.

            “No?” You stopped in your tracks to glare at him, “Keeping me from what I do best? Putting me to bed, Rafe? I mean, god, come on.”

            “I just don’t want you to push yourself.”

            Though you understood the sentiment, you wished he would let it go. You were stronger & better than that.

            “I’ll be fine. You’d know that if you’d let me do my own thing.”

            “Doing your own thing is what got you sick in the first place.” Rafe finally seethed, “I won’t apologize for looking out for you. And I won’t stop either, so get used to it.”

            Then he walked ahead of you. You stood there for a second longer, watching as he grew further away from you. You felt conflicted. You knew he only meant well, but you couldn’t help your need for independence. But you had to admit to yourself if roles were reversed, you would look out for him in the same way.

            “Rafe, wait.” You jogged up to him, gently touching his elbow with the tips of your fingers, “I’m sorry, okay? You’re right. I wouldn’t have survived if not for you. I guess I just want to do more for the group than just have my hands buried in dirt all day.”

            Rafe’s gaze softened at that, but he nodded, “I know. Like I said, we’ll find something else for you. I promise.”

            The two of you traded a smile before you started walking again. You were following blindly alongside him, not really paying attention to where he was leading you until the two of you stopped just outside a door you didn’t recognize.

            “I thought you were taking me to my room.”

            Rafe looked between you & the door, “I am.”

            Then he opened the door wide enough for you to enter. You peered inside first, taking in the larger size than your own bedroom. There was a bed against the left wall—a real one with a frame & everything—& a window straight ahead. It was dusty & musty but clean for the most part. But you couldn’t help the frown on your face, “I don’t understand.”

            “It’s our room.” He revealed.

            Your eyes rounded, staring at him appallingly, “Our room?”

            Rafe let out a shaky breath as he looked you over, “You don’t remember a lot…”

            You felt your brows cinch together, concerned about the tone in his voice.

            “You weren’t with Sayyed at the end. Not, ya know, with him, like before.”

            You felt your mouth fall open to ask but closed it. What was Rafe getting at?

            “You were with me.”

            What?

            An awkward, forced breath of air, that somewhat sounded like a startled laugh, left your mouth.

            “We’re together, _____. We have been for a while.”

            “No, what? That’s not…” Your head was beginning to hurt again as you struggled to comprehend what he was saying. Out of instinct, you backed away, but Rafe was quick to catch your hand, holding it desperately as if he was scared of you slipping away.

            “Anna’s not here to confirm for you, to help you ease into it. But I am.”

            You stared at him, distrustful. No. There was no way. You would never leave Sayyed, let alone for Rafe. Rafe was like a brother to you, you couldn’t…wouldn’t…

            “It’s why the group split.” Rafe told you, “Because Sayyed found out about us.”

            A shocked gasp left you, “No, no. I didn’t—”

            “You did, _____.” Rafe’s voice was soft but his grip on your hand firm, “In the woods. After Millie.”

            Tears kissed your eyes as you vaguely recalled something happening in the woods after Millie’s death. But the images were still blurred.

            “I’m sorry.” Rafe’s thumb rubbed the skin on your hand, “But it’s true. We’re together.”

            You stared past him, your eyes falling to the bed. You had slept with Rafe? Been sleeping with Rafe? It didn’t sound like you, it couldn’t be.

            A sob finally erupted from your throat as you felt deep down that what Rafe was telling you was true. You had cheated on Sayyed. With one of his best friends no less, with one of your own.

            “Oh, my god.” You covered your mouth with both your hands. You couldn’t fully remember the events happening, but you could remember the heartache of hurting the person you loved most.

            Rafe swallowed, stepping closer to you. As you cried into your hands, he wrapped you into a hug, his chin resting near the top of your head. He ran his hands in circles along your back, hoping to soothe you.

            “I swore I would protect you & I meant it. You may not remember but you know it’s true.” And you did. But still. This was the reality you were coming back to?

            Rafe pulled away just enough to grab your hands, to look you in the eye, “You’re my girl, _____. Mine. And I’ll be damned if I ever let another thing happen to you again.”

            It’d been a little over a week since you re-assimilated to the group. Bear, Micah, & the others were still gone in that time. But when they returned, you would be the first to find out. Rafe secured you a new position in the group. Sayyed’s old one.

            In an office on the ground floor that overlooked the gravel parking lot was a comm set-up. The computers were useless of course but there was a working satellite radio, & a few walkie talkies. It would be how you communicated with the scavenging group once they were within range & announcing their arrival. But while you waited for that call, you were constantly calling out to other survivors on the shortwave radio. In the week you had been doing that, there was nothing but white noise that responded. One time you heard a dead announcement about the end of times nearing, but it was on repeat. No one ever responded.

            It was about midday, & you were preparing to head upstairs to get lunch, when the sound of the walkie talkie crackled with a muffled voice.

            “Base, this is scavenger. We’re five miles out.”

            A grin ripped across your face at the sound of Micah’s voice. They would be here soon. You hadn’t seen Micah since rejoining the group, but with Rafe busy doing his other duties, this would be an opportune moment to talk to Micah about joining the scavengers. It wasn’t that you were ungrateful for Rafe getting you out of the garden, but you wanted more. Micah could give it to you. He was Rafe’s right hand after all.

            You responded over the walkie, “We hear you scavenger. Look forward to seeing you.”

            “Who is this?” Micah’s voice sounded, & it sounded displeased. He had always been so moody.

            “_____, Micah. It’s me.”

            There was no response. But you didn’t care. You were just happy to see two of your friends again.

            But the moment was ruined when the door behind you opened. You spun in your chair, finding Rafe standing in the doorway. There was a malicious look in his eyes.

            “What’s up?” You asked, suddenly feeling like you had been caught doing something you knew you weren’t supposed to be doing.

            “They’re almost here.”

            “Uh, yeah.” You glanced down at the walkie in your hand, “How’d you know?’

            Rafe reached into the backside of his jeans, revealing his own walkie.

            Of course, you thought to yourself.

            “But I can take care of it from here. I’ll help them unload & whatnot.”

            “No.” Rafe was quick to respond, shutting the offer down, “You’ll stay in here. I’ll help them.”

            “What? Why?” You felt yourself growing frustrated. Ever since he told you that you two were together, something you still struggled to get used to, he hadn’t let off of his protective side. In fact, it felt more heightened at points.

            “You get lunch, I’ll cover for you.”

            “No, Rafe.” You had had enough. It was one thing to get used to him against you at night, his body molding to yours as you fought to sleep at night, but it was an entirely other thing to boss you around like he owned you. “I can help. I will help.”

            “_____.” Rafe sighed, equally as frustrated as you.

            “Stop babying me, Rafe! Goddamnit!” You raised your voice, “Why don’t you trust me?”

            “It’s not that.” He groveled, his voice hard & low as he narrowed his eyes, “I just want you to eat.”

            “Bullshit.” You argued, standing up, “You promised me that you would help me. This isn’t helping & I’m not buying what you’re saying.”

            He stared at you silently, his lips rubbing against one another.

            “Do you trust me?” You asked.

            “Of course.” He replied without pause.

            “So, let me do this. Okay?”

            He looked past you, staring out into the gravel lot, contemplating your plea.

            “Fine.” He shook his head, “But we’re doing it together.”

            It wasn’t ideal, but you had learned quickly that Rafe wouldn’t compromise often. You had to get what you could.

            “Fine.”

            The two of you stared at one another momentarily before he stepped forward, his hand reaching for your face. You flinched just a little, but enough for him to notice. He frowned at that.

            “You still won’t let me touch you.”

            It was true. It was strange sharing a room, let alone a bed, with him. You loathed that you couldn’t recall your own memories, that losing Millie, Sayyed, & Nuha had fucked you up beyond repair. But the reality of you being with Rafe? It was still surreal to you. It didn’t sound right, feel right. But Rafe always looked at you with longing, like he missed you. You couldn’t feel the same. You still saw him as Rafe Cameron, coke fiend & BFF. It was hard to grasp that he was your boyfriend.

            “I just need time.” You told him, looking away to sit down. Rafe followed suit, dragging out a nearby chair by its legs before sitting beside you.

            “I know, I just…” His words fell short as he eyed you warily.

            “I know.” You reassured him that he didn’t need to voice it. You saw it clear as day in his eyes.

            “Any luck with the comms?” He questioned, nodding towards the radio.

            You shrugged, “No. Nothing. We might be the last of us.”

            “I wouldn’t mind that.” He said, but he was smiling in a joking manner. You didn’t share the sentiment.

            “As long as we’re together, right?” He asked, gripping your jean clad knee. Your muscles tensed beneath his touch, but you forced a smile anyway.

            “All of us, yeah.”

            Rafe was about to say something, his mouth opening, but the sound of gravel crunching caught both your ears. You turned in your chair to see Rafe’s truck pull into the lot.

            “They’re back!” You leaped from your seat, ready to race outside to greet Bear & Micah.

            Rafe beat you to the door though, & you noticed that he was purposefully walking slowly & using the width of his body to block you from surpassing him. You were forced to walk behind him. Like his dog. The thought made you cringe.

            Outside, you watched as Micah hopped out of the driver’s side. Matt & Robbie, you guessed, were in the bed of the truck & leaping over the sides. The passenger side opened then & Bear stepped out. You didn’t care about what Rafe wanted then. Pushing past him, you launched yourself towards Bear, enveloping his larger frame into a hug.

            “I’m so glad you’re back.” You spoke into his chest. He pulled you back then, looking you in the eye. You frowned when you saw his face. He had a black eye & split lip.

            “What happened?” Your voice rose with worry.

            Bear’s eyes flashed briefly to Micah who was rounding the front side of the truck. You followed his line of sight.

            “Micah, hey.” You offered a small smile.

            But Micah didn’t return it. He paused, staring at you bewildered. Then his expression changed to one of deep anger. It made your skin go cold. What was his problem?

            Without a greeting or smile back at you, Micah stomped towards Rafe. Rafe tossed you a concerned glance before he & Micah stepped inside.

            Turning back to Bear, you inspected his face, “What happened?”

            But Bear was looking at you that same way Micah had. He looked confused.

            “Are you okay?”

            You stepped back, surprised by his question. Why would he be asking you that?

            “I’m fine…” Your voice faded, “Why?”

            His eyes flashed over your head to the mill behind, likely looking for Rafe & Micah.

            “Why are you talking to him?”

            “Who? Micah?”

            Bear frowned.

            “Why wouldn’t I?” You questioned, but you felt hurt by the inclination. Had something happened between you & Micah?

            Before Bear could respond, you heard the sound of your name being called.

            “Go get lunch.” Rafe ordered, his voice hard as he walked towards you & Bear.

            “But—”

            “Just go. I got it from here.” Rafe wasn’t looking at you though, his eyes solely placed on Bear.

            You felt like you were caught in the middle of an unspoken battle between the two of them. What the hell happened?

            “It’s okay.” Bear voiced, making you look back at him. He nodded, faking a smile, but you saw right through it.

            “Make sure you see Adrianna.” You told him, to which he nodded in agreement.

            Backing away from the two, you glanced over your shoulder in curiosity as Rafe blocked Bear from your view to speak with him.

            Inside, Micah was nowhere to be found. You began making your way to the second floor to get yourself some food. But as you did, you felt your stomach swimming & your head growing dizzy.

            Something was wrong. You had felt it when you first came to a week or so ago, but as the days passed, you felt the inkling growing stronger. Rafe was lying to you, or at least keeping some truth from you. There was too much negative tension, too many bad feelings in the air for you to be fully in the loop. That would come to an end. You’d make sure of it. If Rafe wouldn’t tell you the truth, you’d find someone who would.

            It was shortly after dusk when you found yourself crawling into bed. Rafe had yet to return to the room, & you saw little of him since lunch. Same with Micah. Bear.

            You felt like they were being kept from you, or you them. Either way, you’d confront Rafe about it.

            For the next twenty minutes, you read a book: a collection of Irish literature that someone had found & stored away on a bookshelf in the mess hall. But as you read, the words weren’t registering. Your mind was too busy trying to fill in the holes of your memory. But the more you tried the more your head hurt.

            You were mindlessly reading the final paragraph of a short story when the door to the bedroom opened. Rafe stepped inside, spying you on the bed before smiling. You didn’t return it. Dog-earing the page you were on, you placed the book on the floor, pulling your knees to your chest as you watched Rafe get undressed. His back was to you as he slipped out of his flannel, t-shirt, & jeans before he finally made his way towards you.

            “Watcha’ reading?” He asked, peering over you to see if he could spot the book. You shook your head, “Nothing.”

            He hummed in response, groaning quietly to himself as he slid under the covers shirtless & in his boxers. Once he was comfortable, his read resting against a pillow against the wall, he smirked up at you.

            “You alright?”

            You narrowed your eyes, “You tell me.”

            Rafe crinkled his brows at that, “What’s wrong?”

            “Something.” You blatantly pointed out, “I don’t know what, but something.”

            He was silent, staring at you unblinkingly.

            “But you do.” You added, “And don’t deny it.”

            Rafe sighed, sitting forward, “Okay, what’s this about?”

            You glared at him, frustrated that he was playing dumb, “Don’t. Don’t fucking do that. Don’t respond like you don’t know what I’m talking about, you know exactly what I’m talking about, Rafe!”

            Rafe returned your glare then as he studied your face, “And what exactly is it do you think I know?”

            “Everything!” You exclaimed, your voice cracking. No, you pleaded with yourself, don’t start crying now.

            “Everything, Rafe. Do you think I’m blind? Stupid?” You asked incredulously. “Micah looked at me like he hated me. Bear has his walls up. You’re keeping me from them. What the fuck is going on? And don’t feed me some bullshit about it all being in my head. It’s not!”

            “Okay, okay, calm down, will ya?” Rafe sighed, looking away in contemplation. You stared at him, willing him to look you in the eye & tell you the truth.

            “You & Micah aren’t friends.” Rafe finally looked at you, but revelation shocked you.

            “What? Why?” Your voice shook.

            “Because he…” Rafe fluttered his eyes closed in frustration, “blames you for Millie’s death.”

            What? You blinked away tears as the words repeated in your head.

            “Why would he…?”

            “I don’t know. I mean, I do, but it still doesn’t make sense. He’s angry, wants someone to blame. He picked you.” Rafe licked his lips, shaking his head, “And as far as Bear goes, he uh, he doesn’t agree with my method of doing things.”

            Though you were still stuck on Micah’s hatred toward you, especially the reasoning, you were concerned about what Rafe had just revealed about Bear.

            “Your method?”

            Rafe inhaled sharply, “I’ve done some shitty things, _____. But they were necessary. For our survival.”

            “What’d you do?” You were beginning to regret learning the truth.

            “I’ve hurt people.” Rafe responded flatly, as if he was removing himself emotionally from the conversation, “Killed them.”

            “The men in the woods?” You asked, suddenly recalling a vague memory.

            “Yes.” Rafe nodded, “And others.”

            “Others?” Your voice was barely above a whisper.

            “It doesn’t matter.” Rafe shook his head, “I did what was needed for us to get this far. I did what no one else could or would do.”

            You frowned, your mind running wild with the possibilities.

            “And the only reason I’m keeping a close eye on you is because not everyone here can be trusted.” The final piece of information unsettled you.

            “They know what you mean to me, & they know your condition. If anyone here wants to get rid of me, they know to go through you to get that done.”

            “That doesn’t make sense.” Your head was throbbing, “If you don’t trust some of them, why are they here?”

            Rafe met your eyes, his gaze unwavering. “Because we need them.”

            Your head was still spinning but your heart softened. Your distrust faded.

            “I told you I wouldn’t risk losing you again. I need the others to keep that from happening.” It surprised you to see his eyes begin to wet, redden, like he was holding back his own tears.

            “This is the new world now, _____.” Rafe began, “Our enemies become our resources to survive, whether we like it or not.”

            “I understand.” You commented. But you didn’t. Something was still off. But you couldn’t pinpoint it.

            Rafe smiled but it wasn’t happy or real. You scooted closer to him on the bed. Hesitantly, you placed your hand on his shoulder. You felt him shudder beneath your touch. Feeling braver, you maneuvered him so he was in a position where he lied with his head on your chest. Rafe was quick to wrap his arms around your middle, tugging himself closer to you.

            “Thank you.” You whispered, your fingers running through his hair.

            He turned onto his back then, looking up at you. There he was, your best friend staring up at you with that look of longing. Before you could say anything or stop it, he placed his hand on the back of your neck & pushed himself up.

            Rafe kissed you, his lips soft yet firm. You resisted at first, but found you had nowhere to go with his hand keeping you in place. And then before you knew it, you were kissing him back. It wasn’t because you necessarily wanted to, or because you had a sudden epiphany about being attracted to him, but because it was the first honest thing you had gotten in the last week. So you welcomed it. If only for a moment.

            Rafe rolled onto his front, never letting his lips separate from yours. He easily found himself between your legs, but the second you felt his prominent arousal pressed against your center, you gasped, shoving him back.

            “I’m sorry.” You covered your mouth, your hands shaking, “I can’t. I’m not, I don’t know. I just, I’m not ready.” You admitted.

            Rafe sighed, & you could tell he was mildly irritated, but he nodded once, “Okay.”

            He rolled over to his side of the bed then, looking at the wall. A pang of guilt shot you in the chest. Ignoring your nerves, you eased toward him, situating his arm over your shoulders as you rested your head on his chest. You felt relieved when you felt Rafe relax into it.

            “I’ll get there, okay? But I have to go slow.” You craned your neck to look up at him. Rafe’s face was expressionless but he nodded, leaning forward to kiss you on the forehead. Your skin burned where his lips touched.

            “I know you will.” He replied, “I’m just impatient to have you back.”

            The two of you settled into bed in that position, & soon enough Rafe was breathing evenly as he slept. But you lied there wide awake, reflecting on everything he had just revealed to you; more so on your relationship with him. You were genuinely worried that he would never get you back, & if that was the case, you worried about your status among the group. You felt that if you didn’t fall back in love with Rafe Cameron then you would cease to exist. And as much as you hated to admit it, you needed him to survive. It’s like what he said: our enemies are our resources to survive. Rafe Cameron was yours.

quite a bigger chapter for you all! i apologize in advance for the last half of this as i wrote while being drunk (teehee). anyway! just a filler chapter to ground reader's suspicions & her struggles with amnesia.

as always, please share your thoughts w me via commenting, reblogging w reviews, or dropping an ask.

thank you for reading!

beau<3

Requests are currently CLOSED.

Read this post on why doing more than liking a tumblr writers work is essential to our content creation.

[my love language is words of affirmation, it would make my day if you could comment your thoughts, reblog with tags, or drop an ask that shows your support. thank you for reading tumblr writers, we appreciate you]

taglist: @jsrafesgirl @namelesslosers @bunnycvnts @ditzyzombiesblog

if you want to be added to a tag list: follow my blog, interact with the work you want to be tagged for regularly, & follow the requirements to be added which you can find on my pinned post.

[archetypal-archivist]

Azul-Yutu Thoughts 0.3

As inspired by @yuri-is-online and their Future Yutu AU. Go read it, it's good.

The first time Yutu ever gets a chance to talk to Jade for real is after a full day of wandering campus looking for stories about overblot phantoms, monsters, and mages. As such, Yutu's understandably tired, especially since it's edging into proper night now, the clock above the bar ticking softly away as Jade wipes down the counter.

After summarily kicking Crewel out of Octavinelle with a snide reassurance that he'll 'behave,' Yutu was a little startled by how normal and unpersonalized their next few minutes of interaction were.

Do you have any allergies? No. Any strong dislikes? Uh, why? This is an establishment for food and drink, it'd be remiss if me not to feed you. Do I have to pay? Hm, no, not today. Alright... I- guess I don't like spicy things? Oh, also no carrots or celery. And nothing too chunky in my drink, I don't like smoothies! I suppose I can accommodate.

Yutu takes a moment to sit at the bar, spinning around once on the stool before stopping to look Jade up and down. He'd never heard of this person from Yuu, who'd struggled to recall his dad even on their best days. Who was this person to him? An uncle? An ally? Did Jade blame him or his parent for abandoning Azul, however unwillingly? Yutu scrutinizes Jade's appearance, looking for hints as to what his whole deal is.

The first thing that comes to mind is that Jade looks... Tired. No dark bags under his eyes, so he's sleeping, but there's a deliberateness to his movements that tells of trying not to shake, or perhaps of distraction. Jade also doesn't move from his spot much and is slow to rise when ducking below the counter to fish out ingredients, which is another point in the tired category, or perhaps the start of one that screams low blood sugar.

Hey, whatever you're making for me, make some for yourself too. Mm. I mean it. If you're stealing ingredients or whatever to do this, you may as well get something out of it too. Truly benevolent, aren't you? Very well then.

It doesn't take long for Jade and Yutu to have matching salads and glasses of water, which Yutu raises an eyebrow at. It's a struggle not to comment on how, for all that Jade is insisting on feeding him, this is kind of a cheapskate meal. Jade seems to read right through him though and explains that they're still waiting on the next round of supplies to come through; the gardens can supply vegetables and there's apples, canned goods, and nonperishables aplenty, but things like milk or eggs are much harder to come by.

And, Jade comments with a sharp-toothed grin that Yutu immediately clocks as a mer thing, alcohol is more profitable than ever. Not that you're of age, of course. Yutu debates the merits of commenting, figures discretion is the better part of valor (Jade seems too eager to hear his remarks and that screams fishy) and shuts up to eat his salad.

Jade takes his win with good grace and explains how he, Azul, and his- he hesitates for a moment- twin all went to school together. Octavinelle flourished under Azul's care as house warden and he and his brother helped him hang onto control, acting to smooth things out when things got... Rough. Yutu snorts and tries to hide it, snidely commenting that the trio sound like the mafia. Jade laughs a little too, slightly forced, and says that Yuu said the exact same thing when Azul explained their duties to them.

Yutu is surprised at this and asks if Yuu went to school with his father too, which Jade confirms, proceeding to explain their rather dramatic entrance into NRC and how Yuu came to agree to date Azul; something about an overly complicated meal, a broken microwave, and a promise about never going hungry again. All very romantic, Jade assures Yutu dryly, although a bit insufferable for him and his brother, who had to ensure Azul survived the pinning phase first.

Yutu immediately opens up about what little he knows of Azul and what Yuu had told him, hoping for confirmation, a solidification of what he knows. What Jade does instead is smirk and proceed to rip apart the honey-golden nostalgia and replace it with goofy tales of how his father was actually a bit of a dork.

Yutu had deliberately told Jade some of the sappier things he knew about Azul because he pinned Jade as being a tease and the man would likely contradict whatever spin he put on his dad. This, though? Yutu isn't sure what to do with this; he'd expected flaws or ways his father got angry or unreasonable, not 'flaws' and hidden affection. Azul... His dad was really loved, huh.

Yutu tries to stretch out his last few bites of salad, uncertain and trying not to show it. If Yuu loved his dad so much, if Jade teased but couldn't hide how much he missed him, if Crewel spoke of Azul's talents and intelligence so highly, then how should Yutu feel? All he has to go on is what other people tell him and he doesn't yet know if he wants to love Azul too, let alone if he will come to love the real Azul or the Azul people loved. Stories and real people are so rarely similar, after all.

Seeing Yutu get quieter and quieter, Jade figures that he's tired and politely starts urging Yutu to head to bed. Yutu agrees, hesitates, then asks if he can come talk to Jade again. Jade is a little surprised because he thought it was a given, then a little surprised at himself for so easily falling back into old habits. Just an hour or so in the presence of a boy who looks so much like his old friend, and he's ready to accommodate him. Ha, how foolish...

Jade keeps his thoughts behind his teeth and agrees with a smile, urging Yutu to drop by at least once a week as Jade works most evenings and on Sunday afternoons from 10 to 6. Yutu furrows his brow, pointing out that 10 is hardly in the afternoon, Jade croons about how Yutu must wake up so late in the day if he thinks 10 is in the morning, Yutu grumbles, Jade teases and urges Yutu to get to bed sooner or else noon may start looking like morning too.

Yutu decides to let Jade get the last laugh for now and heads out, leaving Jade to the silence of Octavinelle. He doesn't look back but if he were to do so, he'd see how Jade would look oddly diminished now that he's alone, hovering over the bar top like a specter as if he doesn't know what else to do with himself.

Jade stares after Yutu, gaze distant, before turning back to the dirty dishes on the counter. The salad plates are swept up easily enough but the water glasses- Jade pushes them so they're next to each other, identical in their emptiness. He stares for another moment, then places an empty purple coffee mug in front of the two glasses, making a neat trio. He returns to the sink to wash the dishes, the camera remains focused on the cups as Jade fades into the background, and the screen fades to black.

[emotionally-damaged-carrot]

"Just another character in your book"

Part 2 of this

Here is the part 2, haven't had motivation for writing a part 2 lately and I've been super busy. Hope this was worth the wait? I tried to proof read it but I am too tired it's 2am here. I will get to the request rotting in my inbox when I can. I have just been super busy lately and most likely until december. Hope you understand but I try to do the requests asap.

Warning: none, surprisingly

Hope you enjoy ✌️

Walking back into the apartment it filled me with sadness and betrayal. A place I once felt safe and loved, now it felt more cold and fake.

"I-i'll make dinner after I freshen up."

I told Charles as I pulled away from him and rushed to the bathroom in our bed. 'Smells like cheap perfume mixed with sweat.' I said to myself as I noticed 2 used condoms in the trash as I entered the bathroom. 'Guess she wasn't all that if he they only did 2, or did I interrupt?' I asked myself, trying to ignore the thoughts from plaguing my mind.

As I undressed and entered the shower the tears began to flow again, the sobs coming out louder. I opened the shower to try and hide the sounds, hoping he won't hear. But then again, if he didn't hear me enter earlier, he probably can't hear me right n-

"Y/n, you okay?"

My thoughts were cut off by his voice.

"Y-yea, why'd you ask?" I asked trying to sound normal but my voice faltered.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" I asked cheerily, hoping it's enough to get rid of him.

"If you say so, I'll skip dinner, I already ate earlier. Sorry." He said apologetically.

"No worries, you don't have to apologize for eating." I said with a chuckle. 'You only need to apologize for doing her on the bed we sleep in.'

"Okay, I'm gonna go shower and chill on the couch."

"Okay."

After our little interaction, I finished showering and dressing myself up. Walking out of the bathroom I see that he changed the bed sheets and the pillow cases. 'So I won't smell the intense session you two had.' I thought to myself with a smile.

I got out of the bedroom to go make dinner for myself. I see him on the couch with the t.v on but he's focused on his phone, laughing and blushing. I caught a glimpse of what was on screen, seeing a name with a heart beside it, and some not so safe for work texts and a video. 'They even recorded it? Wonder how long before it gets leaked, I wonder how everyone will react when they find out everything?'

As I got the ingredients ready, and cooked, I accidentally burned myself on the pan. Not fully concentrated as my mind wondered about the events that occured just some time ago.

"Fucking bitch." I whisper shouted as pain shot up from my fingers. I immidiately ran my hand under cold water.

"Amour? What happened?" Charles asked as he entered the kitchen and walked towards me.

"I-i-i'm fine, j-just made an oopsie, I'm gonna go back to cooking again with more care this time hopefully." I said with a dry chuckle as I avoided him, trying to distance myself from him. I can't stop imagining the things they did.

"Are you sure?" He asked as he tried getting closer. But I end up just hurrying with the cooking, turning the fire on high to cook faster. Luckily I only need to finish up the egg which takes little time to cook.

"Yep." I said as I put the egg on my plate. Along with some fish, beef, and rice.

"You want some?" I asked as I offered him my plate to stop him from advancing to me.

"Okay, What's wrong y/n?" He said as he stopped in his tracks completely looking confused, hurt and annoyed. 'He doesn't really have a right to be hurt, does he?' I asked myself as I began to overthink everything, maybe I wasn't what he needed? Maybe I didn't do it for him anymore? Maybe, just maybe, I did something for him to seek comfort in someone else?

"D-did I d-do somth-thing?" I asked with trembling voice as I looked at him with teary eyes.

"W-what? Of course not, mi amour. You could never do anything wrong." He said in a loving tone as he closed the gap between us and hugging me tight. I hugged him back just as tight as tears began to flow down my cheeks I burried my face on his chest wetting his shirt.

"What makes you say that?" He asked worriedly as he kisses my hair and ruffles it while rocking me side to side.

"Y-you looked a-annoyed." I said but my voice is muffled by his shirt.

"I wasn't annoyed, I was just confused why you were acting like that. Did something happen at work?" 'Not at work.'

"Did I do something?" 'Of course you did.'

I tried to shake my thoughts away as his questions continued. My mind being overrun by guilt and confusion. My emotions being overwhelmed by sadness and anger. Feeling guilty that I am like this, that I made him worry. Confusion as I can't explain why I am feeling like this, why do I feel bad for him, when he hurt me. Waves of sadness hit me as I felt helpless in his clutch, feeling like without him I would be nothing. My mind and everything are all jumbled up, not knowing which is which or what is what. But one thing I know for certain is that, I shouldn't feel this way.

As I gathered myself I pulled back and away from him, removing his arms from around me.

"I-i'll just go eat." I said, trying to hide the hurt from my voice. I removed my apron, put the dishes in the sink and grabbed my plate from the counter and speed walked upstairs towards the guest bedroom.

As I ate in silence, pondering on what to do. I heard Charles on the phone with someone, he seemed to be having a great conversation if you take into account the loud laughters.

"Of course not, mate... Yea, I'll be very careful. Oui, oui okay, I'll see you tomorro, ciao."

As I finished eating I hear foodsteps getting close, and a door opening and his voice.

"Y/n? Where are you? Amour?"

I heard he say as he closed the door and his voice became a bit muffled, after a bit I heard a door open again and close.

"Y/n? Are you okay?"

He said as he tried to open the locked door to the guest room.

"Y-yea, I just wanted to eat in silence is all. Don't worry."

I said in a cheerful tone.

"I feel like you're not okay, y/n." 'Of course I'm not, after what you've done.'

"Can I come in?" 'No, I don't want to fall for you again.'

"I'll be out in a bit, just gotta tidy up." 'Wipe the tears and clean your face don't let him see.'

"Okay, I'll be downstairs, talk to me.. please."

He said with a brief pause before saying the last word in a sad tone.

"I will."

—

After fixing myself I decide to come downstairs to watch the dishes and clean up. Stepping down the final step I see the t.v is off, and a sleeping Charles on the couch with his phone on his hand and unlocked. 'I shouldn't.'

After I clean up everything in the kitchen, I check back on him to see if he's still asleep. He looked so peaceful, with his eyes closed and mouth open a bit. He looked so relaxed, without a worry in the world. I look back at his phone, curiousity winning. I step walk closer to him to take his phone, surprisingly with no resistance. The first thing I saw was his messages with someone, a woman, I saw the messages sent earlier today. Full of pictures of a woman, in lacy undergament thst barely cover her breasts and other parts.

"Are you sure you want this one?

Those look perfect on you.

They would look better in your hands. ;)

I will make you scream my name"

As I read a few of the messages I started to tear up, looking up at the name of the woman, I saw a heart beside it. Scrolling down I began to see pictures and videos, all sent recently. I saw the pictures he sent to her of him in nothing but underwear with a prominent bulge. The tears began to fall, down my cheeks and onto the phone.

"Amour?"

I looked towards the source of the voice, seeing a sleepy Charles rubbing his eyes. His began to show concern after seeing tears falling down my face.

"W-what happ-"

He didn't finish his sentence as he saw what I was holding. I silently gave him back his phone and made my way upstairs to pack all my belongings, which was not much considering he owned the apartment. I packed my shoes, clothes and nessesities that I bought with my own money, not wanting to take anything from him.

"I can expl-"

"It's okay, I knew you could never love true, that you can't be loyal. I mean, you are Charles Leclerc for crying out loud, ladies and men flock to you, they crave even an drop of your attention. They go crazy from a single glance from you, you could get anyone you want. And it appears you chose a new one, I won't make a scene and get angry, I knew what I signed up for the moment I accepted your proposal to be in a relationship with you. I should've expected this, with a body and face like yours I don't blame you. I want to, but my mind won't let me. I will be out as soon as possible, just get to bed and sleep. I hope she is worth it, I hope it won't happen to her. I loathe her, I envy her, but I don't want her to get hurt. Take care of her, maybe she will give you what you want and you won't have to look for anyone else, I hope she will be the last."

I said as my lips quiver and tears fall down freely from my eyes. I began to close my suitcase and bag, all my belongings now with me. I couldn't bare to look at him as my eyes looked at everywhere but him.

"I-i'm sorry, I love you, it was a m-mistake, please please please don't do this. Don't leave."

He said, his voice breaking. And for the first time ever since I said what I said, I looked at him, tears falling down his cheeks as he walked closer to me.

"I don't want to leave, I want to stay b-"

"Then stay, I will cut her off completely, I will the best boyfriend from now on I will try my hardest to earn your love, I will do everything you want. just please..please.. don't leave me. I need you, I lo-"

"I want to believe you and I want to be with you, but, I can't. Holding on will hurt me more than letting go."

I said as I walked closer to him my hands going o his cheeks, the pads of my thumbs wiping away the tears as his hands hold mine.

"D-don't please, I-i-i-i need you, I love you."

"Please, don't say that, because if you really meant it, you wouldn't have to say it to prove it, instead you'd show it you make me believe it."

"I-i-i can prove it, I can show it, please, just stay with me, don't leave. I-i-i need you, please I'm begging you, give me another chance to show you how much I lo-"

"I want to, I really want to give you another chance, but I don't think I can. I've been hurt far too many times by second chances. I really wanna believe you, I want to love you. I want to be with you, but I'm not going to stay with you if it causes me pain, I can't say I wasn't happy with you, because I was, I really did enjoy being with you. But, it's time for me to let go, the song has stopped and the dance has ended."

I said as I hugged him tight and burry my face on his neck, his arms wrapping around my waist tightly, hoping that if he held me tight enough I won't go.

"Please, I can show you happiness, I ca-"

"I know you can, and you have, but. It's time for you to show it to another."

I said as I pulled back, looking at his face that is now red and tear stained, his eyes red and hair a mess.

"It's time I go, it's very late, you should sleep."

I said as I pulled away and went to collect my suitcase and bag.

"One more night, please?"

He asked me pleadingly, hoping I will cave in if he asked me with the way he looks, like a broken man who lost everything.

"I c-can't."

I said as I put on my bag and grabbed my suitcase, and making my way towards the door. I tried to avoid him, to avoid his hands that were reaching out for me. I walked out of the bedroom and onto the living room, looking around one last time to see if I missed anything. With one last inhale and exhale, I made my way towards the main door and went out, I looked back to close the door to see a broken Charles looking at me with sad pleading eyes.

"I'm sorry Charles, I guess I was only another character in your book."

[kunicute]

symptoms.

kuni x mermaid!fem!reader.

pic creds: @/Sakural0ver on pinterest

cw: fem reader (being called ‘fair lady’ like once), wanderer not scaramouche

notes: basically silly little kuni thinking his ‘symptoms’ of love was a sickness, maybe multiple parts??

————————————————————————

kunikuzushi was never one too indulge in fairytale-like rumors but this one caught he eye (or caught his ear). the rumor that a mystical mermaid kept watasumi island such a gorgeous place, he had heard of this from a few fatui recruits as he wandered around the streets of his homeland, inazuma, and now he wants to find out for himself if the rumor was true.

he didn’t know what made him desire to see the mermaid for himself. for the next couple of days the wanderer was having mind battles, on wether to see this magical creature. he finally decided on giving this a shot he had nothing better to do anyway.

after a few days of venturing towards the pink and blue coloured island he finally stepped foot on actual ground, as he’s a puppet he didnt feel tired at all.

and there he saw you, well not entirely, he saw a large purple fin swimming in the water, it was way too big to belong to any if the local fish, and he knew just what it was.

you felt his eyes on you, so you swam up to the surface and perched your arms on a nearby rock. your eyes landed on an almost doll-like person, his violet hair in a shaggy cut, and his mostly teal outfit, blended together just right to make the man you see stand out from the rest of the landscape. his glossy eyes scanned over the mermaid like creature in awe, his mouth hung open a tiny bit in shock.

“and who are you?” your honey-like voice rang in his ears, four words he’ll never forget.

“just a wanderer. and what about you fair lady?” he says in reply, a teasing tone underlying his harmless question.

“just a mermaid, i guess.” the glint of mischief in your eyes did not go unnoticed by the man.

the way your wet hair glistened in the sunlight that shone down on both of you, your dark chest covering, definitely did not match the rumors. you were rumored to be sweet, caring, a nuturing, not teasing, dismissive and mocking.

“you’re pretty hostile.” he says, sitting criss-cross on the floor.

“getting yourself comfy, i see?”

“mhm, whats it to you?”

“nothing dont worry about it.” you say as you splash back into the water.

“wait!”

the scream from above kept you, yet again from going on with your day. swimming back up to the surface, you rest in the same position as before.

“just what are you getting at?” you questioned.

“hey, hey. no need to be so agressive towards your guest, aren’t you supposed to be kind?”

“for your information, i am kind just not to you.” you say lifting your tail to splash him with water.

“what the fuck dude.”

you let out a small giggle at his response.

“what are you doing here anyway, there are much better places in watatsumi for wanderers.”

“i just wanted to meet the ‘protecter’ of watatsumi before i go back to sumeru. you know your pretty famous.” he says winking at you.

“i’d hope so after all i did for this island.”

after your first interaction, kuni would come back every few days just to chat with you, with every teasing remark and every touch from your soft fingertips left him wanting to know you more, on a more deep level. he felt things hes never felt before, sensations of weird feelings in his artificial stomach, his false heart beating rapidly at just the thought of you.the days where he didnt see you, you did not leave his mind, its like you cursed him, just what do you want from him?

hes heard of these symptoms before, something nahida calls ‘adoration’, and ‘love’, but that definitely wasnt it he definitely did not like you right?

no way he did.

��————————˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚—————————

[yakuzacanons]

Hi I was wondering if you would do ichigang and kiryu going on an aquarium date with their s/o! I think it'd be really wholesome 🥺

YES omg that's so cute, I want to do an aquarium date myself some day. HCs below da cut sweetie anon. Taking a break for the night as these were two long ones but back tomorrow!

Ichiban Kasuga

Totally a kid in a candy store. Wants to see everything. Holds your hand the whole time, or as much as you'll let him. Just in awe of all the exhibits.

Tianyou Zhao

Loves the really colorful fish the most and could spend hours just staring at them. Will take nice pictures of the fish or of you. Definitely making jokes about how he's totally eaten that kind of fish before.

Joon-Gi Han

Fond of moon jellyfish. Actually takes the time to read the plaques and learn stuff. He likes to say that his outfit is perfect for an aquarium because if he gets splashed, the water will roll right off his jacket.

Eric Tomizawa

Likes to do interactive exhibits, if they have them. Things like touch pools are pretty fun for him. He gets kind of nostalgic in exhibits with wildlife that reminds him of Hawaii. Do not let him loose in the gift shop, he will buy shirts he doesn't need.

Yu Nanba

He can't remember the last time he's been to an aquarium so he's just impressed by everything. Nanba's a pretty simply guy and just enjoys strolling through the grounds, letting you lead the way.

Koichi Adachi

This big goofball is all "Get a look at THAT fish", sometimes in a voice that's a little too loud. Never gets tired of seeing the sharks or eels. In crowded exhibits, he uses his big size to help make a hole in crowds so you can get closer to the front.

Saeko Mukoda

Her thing is taking pictures. She likes to take pictures of the fish, the exhibits, of you, and the two of you together. Of course, her sweettooth never rests, even at the aquarium. If they have a trendy cafe, you two are definitely stopping for some adorably ocean themed treats.

Seonhee

Honestly, she's probably never been to an aquarium at all. Seonhee is so all-work-no-play that this is a new experience for her, so you'll have to lead the way. She constantly says out loud "Interesting..." everytime she sees something new, which is a LOT. Won't admit it, but she wants a plushie...

BONUS ROUND

Kiryu Kazuma

He hasn't been to an aquarium since he ran the orphanage, so it's really nostalgic and bittersweet. Pretty quiet throughtout, just happy to see you enjoying yourself. Some of the fancier and newer exhibits confuse him. Interactive exhibits? Since WHEN?!

[jackalreed]

GANG ORCA HEADCANNONS

I absolutely LOVE the design for Gang Orca, and because it's a bit of a fixation, let's do some (18+) headcanons!

_________________________________________

- In his info panel, it mentions how much Kugo (Gang Orca) likes to swim, so I would think with all the support gear he has like a waterproof suit for his hero costume. There's no way he swims in a full suit that isn't adapted to Water.

- another note, he's also probably REALLY fast at swimming given the no body hair and bigger build. Plus, he's an Orca, they go zoom.

- I feel like out of all the pro heroes, he would be one of if not the best at being a parent. He gladly dropped from being the #10 hero to #12 because he wanted to take a teaching position to spend time with kids, and gets very upset that children are scared of him.

- is friends with the pro hero Selkie, and they probably went to school together.

- That being said, I feel like they also go out drinking together, and gang orca likes to do karaoke when he's drunk.

- I like that he is the director of an aquarium later in the series, and he seems to have settled on Okuto island.

- Canonically loves baseball, and I can imagine him watching it with or after dinner.

- eats a LOT of fish-based dishes. Probably pretty good at cooking fish and decent at making sushi, but not as good at baking or non fish related foods.

- do you think he has a baseball jersey? I do.

- also goes drinking with shishido, where they make bets with each other. This is how they ended up playing baseball against one another.

- is much more chatty when drinking.

- he actually probably smells really good. I could see him investing in cologne and nice smells, given how self conscious he is about his appearance. His outfits are always well put together and pretty dapper, so I think that transfers to his need to not smell 'fishy'

- romantically, Kugo is probably a subtly obsessive partner. He has 'predator' instincts and constantly challenges other strong pros, which means he probably fixates on an ideal partner. Not outwardly so, but memorizing your daily schedule, showing up randomly and seemingly 'coincidental' interactions would be something he would be good at.

- he doesn't get a lot of attention, and would probably be startled at outward expressions of attraction towards him at first.

- in his information panel, he also likes strong people, so he is more likely to be interested in someone who is physically or emotionally strong, or with a strength-based quirk.

- granted, he clearly gives family man energy and doesn't have one, so he's probably appreciative of any attention.

SPICY ZONE AHEAD MINORS DNI

- sexually, he's definitely inexperienced. Given how Horikoshi writes his characters, I would lean more towards virgin (Ig Alll Might is Canonically a virgin, then there's no help for our orca boy)

- now, I don't think that means he is bad in bed. I see him as a very generous dominant personality who likes to provide.

- He is enthusiastic if nothing else, and has more animalistic tendencies sexually.

- breeding kink. Come on now, it is known this man craves a family.

- Definitely love bites, but he is very self conscious about being careful when handling you. He is very aware of the claws on his fingers, and tries very hard to not harm you with them.

- That being said, he does tend to bite when he cums, and also prefers to finish inside of you rather than outside- breeding thing. The only time he would finish on you is if it was multiple rounds.

- like most pro heroes, he has stamina for DAYS. MAN prolly never gets tired, and is very eager to please.

- Given his self conscious nature about his mutant quirk, he is VERY eager to please you and isn't the type to do too much teasing, but likes to see you finish instead. Multiple times.

- Definitely has a mouth kink, likes to grab your face.

- also will really enjoy having sex in the shower, bath, swimming, wherever there is water. His skin is the most comfortable when moist or wet, so these are all happy areas for him to be in.

- easily flustered, but also easily encouraged.

- looks at you a lot, like most predatory animals Kugo is very visual. He likes to gage your reaction to things to make sure you are happy.

- not familiar with giving oral, but he has a natural talent for it. His tongue is a very long, writhing appendage.

- very much a spoiling and doting partner, he really likes to keep you happy and content.

- will give you your own credit card, and anything else you want.

- children are a huge part of his future, so he would expect to have children or adopt in the future with you.

- well endowed, and an extremely muscled body. He values strength, and his body is a reflection of that.

- he trains a lot, and eats a lot of protein.

- is more likely to initate sex in the water or during shower time, but will have sex in other areas but it's more likely you will have to initiate.

- is very affectionate with you when he drinks, very eager to brag about you to other pro heroes.

- when he does finish, he cums a LOT. intense amount.

- into body worshipping you, but is a bit sheepish about his own. He knows he has a good and strong physique, but his mutant appearance makes him a little shy.

- makes happy orca noises when very happy, but is embarrassed of this and tries to hide it.

- he also likes to groom you, like rubbing your feet or brushing your hair. Likes domestic activities as well.

- after care GOD. Not really sure what to the first couple times but quickly develops a routine that suits you- running a bath, cuddling, getting you water, putting soiled clothes and sheets into the washer. He still has a lot of energy usually after sex.

- likes commitment, and will try to lock you in quickly once you start a relationship.

- REALLY likes cuddling, but let's you initiate and get comfortable first.

- his skin is cooler to the touch than regular skin, it's also thicker.

- his entire body is hairless.

- likes to win in front of you, and is very proud of showing his strength while you are watching.

- likes companionship.

- a heavier sleeper than you would expect, but is sensitive to sounds.

- likes pet names in private.

- gets anxious if someone watches him eat for too long, he's a bit insecure about his sharp teeth and mouth in social settings.

- skin has a slightly salty taste.

- would probably be into experimenting and definitely would be into bondage, but might need encouragement to get there.

- not a fan of heights.

- likes when you kiss all over his face.

- I feel like he's secretly a little ticklish.

- likes to physically push you into a surface when having sex, using his body weight to press you into the bed, wall etc.

- is responsive to your reproduction cycle and hormones, given his more animalistic instincts.

- I feel like he doesn't mind and probably likes spicy food, but also dislikes sour food.

- he spreads out a lot when he sleeps.

- very passionate about environmental causes.

[gr1an]

i think i got possessed by mumscarian for a sec so here’s the fic that my brain spat out:

“Are You Sure?” - 1.5k words

Mumbo and Grian have always been close; they've known each other for years, even before he joined the Hermitcraft server. Grian talks to Mumbo about anything, and Mumbo replies and laughs at Grian’s antics, never failing to be amused be Grian’s most recent plot. He can almost predict the next thing Grian will set his mind on and obsess over for however long it lasts. Which is why Mumbo knows Grian has a crush the second it happens. He hears the way Grian talks about Scar, sees how his eyes light up and how he can't stop laughing and fondly mocking him, the way he’s literally dedicated lives to him, and he fights down the jealous, possessive feeling in his chest and tells himself to let Grian be happy. This isn’t like other obsessions. Honestly, seeing Grian the way Grian acts around Scar makes Mumbo happier than anything else he could think of. And Grian is still here with him, so he knows that when Grian finally gets over the stupid reasons he makes up to stop himself from telling Scar, Mumbo won’t be pushed aside. he’ll still have Grian, and that makes the possessive bundle in his chest loosen.

Scar and Grian haven't known each other for as long, but Scar knows that he can read Grian very well. He can read most people well, but he’s got more practice with Grian than most others. He wouldn’t have survived the desert for as long as he did if he didn’t know exactly what Grian was thinking at any given time. One of them had to hold the reigns on Grian’s bloodlust. He knows the way his wings flap when he’s thinking about a problem he doesn’t immediately have an answer to, not frustrated but not content either. The way his voice changes when he’s tired but unwilling to stop building or planning. The difference between his shouts of fear, amusement, and anger. So when he sees the way that Grian acts when Mumbo hangs around for their build sessions, asserting himself and trying to get Mumbo’s attention, hyper and saying stupid stuff on purpose to try and rile Mumbo up; he realizes that Grian is being annoying in the exact way that he knows will make Mumbo laugh the hardest, and Scar catches on immediately. They do this song and dance in every conversation, they both know the other is flirting. His eyes widen minutely at this realization, and he subtly takes a step back, focusing more on gathering materials for his build than what they are saying, letting them have more privacy. It wasn't fair for him to ask them to tell him about their relationship, he'd let them tell him when they were ready, no matter his own feelings. 

Grian is stuck. He’s pretty sure that both of the people he has a crush on think that he only likes the other person. And he doesn't know how to get it though their thick skulls that he likes them both. He doesn’t even know if they'd be comfortable with him dating both of them, but he really doesn't want to choose, knowing that a relationship with only one of them would just lead to hurt feelings all around. So he plots.

Scar and Mumbo have rarely interacted one on one with each other before, there was usually Grian or another Hermit or other friend there with them. So when one day it's just the three of them hanging out and Grian gets a message from Joel to go help trap someone’s base, they’re left a bit like fish out of water. Mumbo and Scar are told to stay behind by Grian rolling his eyes and fondly declaring them, “Both absolute pants at traps, and would be more of a hindrance than a help.”

After Grian leaves, Mumbo tries breaking the ice by saying, "Grian’s traps also have a history of being terrible. I think he’s overestimating how well this is going to go for them."

Scar’s laugh in response makes him smile, especially when he replies, "Man, I think the only redstone he knows is explosives."

But his eyes widen and his smile drops when Scar adds, "It’s a bit strange, you’d think that with you two being in a relationship, Grian might have gotten something from all your abilities!"

Mumbo clears his throat and lets out a small exhale, almost a laugh, "What? Relationship? What are you on about?"

"Oh shoot, I forgot that you guys haven't told me yet, I’m sorry for talking about it but I sort of figured out that you two were dating like a month ago, sorry, but don't worry about me! I’m happy for you guys! You two are really cute, it’s actually kind of gross how adorable you are,” Scar responds quickly.

"But... we aren't?" Mumbo says, trying not to revel in the warm feeling he gets at the thought of Grian and him dating, especially because Scar is the one that thinks they are, instead replying, "I’m pretty sure he has a thing for you!"

"He what?!"

"Oh my god, don't tell me you don't know! He talks about you like you are the most annoying person in the world, which in Grian speak is his favorite person, the person who makes him laugh the most. He’s completely gone for you!"

"But what about you two? You’ve known each other since forever, and he always wants your attention when you two are together, no matter who else is there! And he acts specifically dumb around you to make you do things for him! Like the redstone thing from earlier!"

"He does the same to you too, you know! Do you think the man who literally refuses to build the back of his own houses would keep joining you again and again on adventures that result in him shouting at you if he didn’t think being with you was the best?"

Their argument continues like this for some time, both completely sure that the other is the object of Grian’s affections, before being interrupted by the sight of Grian coming back from Joel’s place, clothes mildly singed and looking freshly respawned.

As soon as Grian is within hearing distance, he shouts and says, "Hey guys! That went absolutely terribly!"

"Grian!" Mumbo and Scar say at the same time.

"What is your game here? I’m convinced you’re completely infatuated with everything Scar does but he seems completely oblivious!" Mumbo shouts, far beyond the point of having any sense of volume control.

"Aren’t you and Mumbo a thing?” Scar folds his arms in front of himself, “Because I think he's lying to me.”

Grian blinks at them once, and starts cackling uncontrollably.

"Grian! This is serious!" Mumbo says, but he starts laughing too.

“I can’t believe he’s laughing at us when we are asking him such an important question!” Scar smiles as he talks, faux offended.

Grian just keeps laughing, falling to the ground with how much his giggles are consuming him, "I can’t believe,” he gasps in a breath, “That all it took was for me to leave you two alone for an hour to solve this problem!”

“Grian, we’re still completely lost here! I don’t even actually know why I’m laughing!” Mumbo laughs, starting to shed tears from how infectious Grian’s laughter is.

Scar rolls his eyes at Mumbo and shares a look with Grian, ready to be proven right about them at the very least having a mutual crush on each other, but as soon as he reads Grian’s face, his own face drops, floored by what he sees. “No, really?”

“Oh thank god one of you caught on. Mumbo. You absolute spoon. I love both of you. I just wasn’t sure how to tell you. I still don’t know if you guys are cool with me, y’know, liking both of you.”

“You. Um. Me too?” Mumbo takes a second, freezing in place as he visibly processes what Grian has just said. “…Are you sure?”

Both Grian and Scar burst out in laughter, and Mumbo’s face gets redder than his tie as he realizes what he just said.

“Nonono not like that! I meant are you sure you like me too? I mean, with Scar it’s more obvious than the bloody sun rising, of course you like him. He’s funny and incredibly hot and amazingly charismatic and I’m just. Not those things?”

“Thank you for the compliments Mumbo, I’m flattered! But you’re joking, right? You’re the man who has a whole world full of his experiments, physical proof of your amayzin’ brain, and you’re smart enough to be able to explain it all to people! And don’t pretend like you wear that suit for any other reason than it makes you look four times hotter than normal. You work hard and you slowly start to shed the layers, it’s hard to look away! Even I know what I’m doing when I put on my Hotguy outfit. Of course Grian likes you.”

“If you two don’t stop complimenting each other, I might start to get the wrong idea about who’s crushing on who, boys,” Grian smiles and leans back on his hands as they both flush with embarrassment. “Oh my god this is going to be so much fun. You two are completely useless. Kiss me or I’m gonna start laughing again.”

[theladyofbloodshed]

A Court of Tangled Flames - Chapter 33

(The penultimate chapter, all fluff. If you know me, that means hold on tight for the last chapter)

Away from the muted chatter and bright lights in the great hall, Nesta was able to finally let out a breath. Her guilt hadn’t clawed its way out of her chest and announced her as Beron’s murderer. Each gaze that landed on her seemed to penetrate her soul, probing how such a powerful male had died so suddenly.

Grateful that nobody else was permitted, she lined up alongside the other Vanserras to begin the procession to the crypts. Her mother-in-law had warned her that they were cold and miserable, but Nesta was so tired that the cold might be welcomed to keep her awake. The confrontation with Cassian had left her dizzy. Everything that Eris had said had rang true. Cassian should have realised that she was vulnerable and not in a place to embark on a relationship. Mother above, she’d been shut in that damn house for sleeping with males, but when the male had been selected by the inner circle, it was permitted? Despite the awfulness of the whole interaction, it had cemented one thing in Nesta’s mind: nobody had ever loved her like Eris did. Nobody was ever so quick, so ready to defend her. He was her sword and shield.  I would rather see my court fall to ruin and ash than ever see Nesta forced to be your mate. A tremendous declaration from a husband who meant it.

She spotted Orla amongst the crowd, a hand resting on Lucien’s shoulder while Niamh regaled them both with an animated tale. There was no sign of the Night Court now. Indeed, all the other courts had dispersed back to their homes which was a relief. Not only had the Night Court’s attention been insufferable, but even Helion had stared constantly, not solely to Nesta but Eliška too. The only stragglers still remaining were courtiers or friends who lived closest to the Forest House. Lucien peeled away from the sisters to join his family. That was a strange moment that Nesta never thought she’d see; neither did she expect to be part of that family. It couldn’t be easy for him to be there. Had the last time been when Jesminda’s life had ended?

The sons filtered either side of Beron’s body, lifting it with ease, under the sombre eyes of the court then they leading the way to the crypts.

Nesta sought out Eliška’s hand again, offering what little support she could. Her emotions had been like waves last night, undulating between despair, euphoria, relief, and emptiness. She’d wept for a husband who had tried to be kind at the beginning, but his own father’s cruelty had seeped in, changing him into the high lord that Prythian knew, so he hurt her, hurt their children because he didn't know how to be anything else. She had told Nesta stories that she doubted even Eris knew – ones she wouldn’t share with her husband – about Beron. About the volatile temper. The bullying. Trying to bond in her garden, but failing. The wars of their sons. She would heal. They would all heal.

The path to the crypts that existed deep beneath the Forest House was made of grey, twisting stone. Only family were permitted within for the procession; Beron’s tomb had already been prepared that morning by servants and priestesses. Nesta had to wonder if the whole court had been glad to be rid of him like a flea irritating the skin. A canal split the crypt down the middle. The faint trickle of water could be heard, flowing elsewhere. Sconces had been lit along the wall, casting flickering yellow light along their path.

‘Shall we just toss him in here? Nobody else would know.’

‘Eris,’ chided Eliška – though Xander and Lucien were fighting back grins.

Phelan let out a snort. ‘That’s not fair on the fish. You’ll poison them.’

There was no love for Beron. That became apparent very quickly. None of them held onto the male with much care, particularly when they bumped him against the worn stone wall.

Lucien asked, ‘How did happen?’

Everyone present said a different answer at the same time.

‘An enemy.’

‘Poison.’

‘His reflection.’

‘Fire.’

‘A witch.’

‘Bored him to death.’

Lucien raised his brows then said, ‘I see.’

And the matter was closed. Nesta did not know why the brothers were loyal to her and Eris. Eris had cut Phelan’s damn hand off. It was another item to quiz Eris about whenever she finally had her husband to herself.

The males positioned Beron over the mouth of the tomb, lowering him down. Uther knocked Beron’s head against the stone again, making Lucien snort, then Phelan dropped his legs unceremoniously with a shrug. Then, all four males, broke into nervous, uncertain laughter. The lady of the court touched a pale hand to her forehead, shaking her head slightly.

‘Thank the Mother that’s over with,’ said Eris brightly, rubbing his hands together. ‘Rest in peace Beron Vanserra, you vile piece of shit.’

He squeezed Nesta on the shoulder but put his arm around his mother, guiding her along the pathway towards the entrance, keen to remove her from the crypts. Nesta hung back a step to walk beside Lucien. He extended his arm for her to hold onto. She murmured, ‘Are you all right?’

Lucien gave a tight nod, so Nesta stroked against his hand with her free one. ‘I’m sorry, Lucien.’

Enjoying the role of high lord, Eris demanded a spread of food be brought to their rooms along with a spare bed for his mother to sleep in. It was only late afternoon, but all of them had been up throughout the previous night; Nesta and Eris had a lack of sleep the night before that too at Orla’s.

‘You don’t need to keep me in here, Eris,’ his mother said, after the servants had managed to wedge a bed into the lounge. ‘I’m quite well alone.’

‘Maybe I want my mother near me until I know exactly who to trust in this place. Maybe I need support in poaching my little brother back to our court – and who can do that better than mama.’

The other brothers had skulked away to their quarters with the exception of Lucien who squatted awkwardly in the corner, getting bothered by smokehounds. ‘You only call her that when you want something.’

‘I want my brother to move home,’ Eris replied simply. ‘You don’t suit black.’

Nesta held Cotton-tail aloft, out of the dogs’ jaws. He munched on a leaf of lettuce plucked from the spread of food, tucked into the crook of her elbow. The cake that she’d had her eye on in the hall had been delivered to their rooms. Without needing to ask, Eris had caught where her gaze landed then cut a massive slice for her.

‘I should probably have something savoury first.’

‘As your high lord, I command you to eat the cake.’

Oh, he was going to enjoy holding that over her head at every opportunity.

‘He’s going to be insufferable now,’ said Lucien.

‘He already was,’ she replied, making her mother-in-law laugh.

It was nice to eat together without the shadow of Beron looming over them. It had not yet been a day since the male had died but already the court felt lighter, like a great weight had been lifted from its chest. If Eris was burdened by his new title, he did not show it. The male lounged in a chair, feet reaching across the gap into Nesta’s lap, precariously close to Cotton-tail’s teeth. When the room was flooded with the golden evening light, Nesta left the family to enjoy each other’s company. There was so much that they needed to talk about, much they needed to catch up on. Something tentative and hesitant was blooming between the three so Nesta did not want to be a burden.

Eris caught her in the doorway, holding her wrist close to his chest. ‘You don’t have to go.’

‘You should speak altogether as a family.’

A smile had rarely left his lips since they had passed through the doors to their rooms. Nesta could not recall ever seeing Eris so light, so happy.

‘You are part of this family – I’m sorry to tell you that, if you didn’t already know. Don’t feel as if you need to leave.’

A family. The word choked her with joy. Nesta had killed his father last night. Hadn’t even stopped to think about what she was doing before her fire devoured Beron. But it had changed nothing. If anything, they seemed to love her more. A family was what she had wanted for so long. She tipped forwards towards her husband. His soft lips pressed to her temple, holding her to him for a while. 

‘I am only slightly jealous that you can sleep.’

Nesta held his drooping head up. ‘I’ll warm the bed for you.’

‘I knew I married you for a reason.’ He kissed her again. ‘See you soon, Queen of Queens.’

‘If Eris chokes on the food,’ she called over his shoulder, ‘let him suffer. Lucien, how would you like to be high lord?’

Their laughter rang out behind her as she entered the bedroom. Safera was not far behind her; the gentle hound waited for her outside of the bathroom then slunk up onto the bed in Eris’ spot.

It felt as if her head had only just grazed the pillow when Eris woke her with a heavy shuffle of footsteps across the carpet. She hadn’t bothered drawing the curtains closed so darkness still seeped through the window.

‘Sorry, my love,’ he whispered as she grumbled and turned over.

‘Did Lucien go?’

‘No. He’s on the couch. Still talking with my mother.’

With a bone-tiredness, Eris removed his clothing and let it drop into a heap on the floor rather than picking it up like he usually would.

‘I have been waiting for this moment all day.’

With no sophistication or grace whatsoever, Eris flopped face first onto the mattress. The springs groaned under his weight.

‘I am more tired than anybody in history has ever been before.’

‘That’s an exaggeration.’

A long groan rattled from his throat as he continued to lay across the mattress like a plank of wood. At first, Nesta tried to be tender as she attempted to pluck the blanket from beneath his body, but he was too damn heavy to manage it. She ended up grunting as she strained to free the quilt. ‘Mother, help me, how much cake did you eat this evening?’

‘I’m so tired.’ They were the only words he could manage.

By the time that Nesta had managed to pull the blanket from beneath Eris, he was already sleeping. He’d earned it, she supposed. In three days, he’d gone into the Prison, been wounded, saved her from her magic, been whipped, watched his father die, become high lord, and chuck his father’s body into the crypts. She now understood why people prayed for uninteresting lives.

***

The light breeching their sanctuary was an ill-omen. It meant they had to get out of bed and Eris was loathe to do it. At Nesta’s first movements where she tried to sling her legs onto the floor, he shot out his arms and hauled her back towards him. For a while, Nesta allowed it. Their legs and arms tangled around each other, eyes heavy in the hazy morning, then her bladder could take no more.

‘I’ll check on our guests,’ she said, kissing his forehead on her return to the bedroom.

Although his body might have been present, his mind was not. Eris could have slept for a week, maybe longer. The duty that he had waited his entire life for beckoned, but Eris wished it could be postponed for another day. He’d be high lord tomorrow. All he wanted today was to be Nesta’s husband and not get out of bed.

At one point, he had thought that Nesta had joined him in the bed again. Her weight could be felt on the mattress as she moved closer to him. Then a tongue swept up his neck and tried to lick his ear.

‘Safera! Off the bed.’

She leapt onto the floor with a thump.

‘You spoilt madam. Sharing a bed with a high lord.’

Begrudgingly, Eris dragged his carcass from the bed and into the next room, but only his wife remained there. He had no recollection of her dressing at all.

‘Good afternoon, high lord.’

‘It’s surely not.’

‘It is well past noon. Your first act as high lord has been to sleep the day away.’

Eris rubbed at his eyes. ‘Lucien?’

‘With mother having a ride through the forest. Yes, with guards. Yes, one of those is Ashur. She will be safe.’

He folded his arms across his bare chest. ‘Where was my invitation?’

‘One, surely a high lord has more important duties than playing with horses. Two, they waited for you to wake up to accompany them. I tried to wake you up. Even Lucien tried to wake you up. I was very close to summoning Orla because I thought you were in an enchanted sleep.’

Eris strode forwards. His hands slid around Nesta’s waist, drawing her to him. ‘In your stories a handsome prince has to kiss the princess to wake her up.’

She laughed openly in his face then, grey eyes shining. ‘Did you just refer to yourself as a princess? And me your handsome prince?’

He stepped away, massaging his temples. ‘I am so tired still.’

All of those years plotting and scheming had finally taken their toll on Eris, so now he was paying for the long nights loping through the woods where he traded places with Ashur. He’d been nearly untouchable then. He could function well enough on shards of sleep day after day.

It had not quite sunk in yet that he was the high lord of his court and that his father was dead. It was a conversation he needed to have with Nesta though not yet. All he wanted now was to cuddle beside his wife and sleep longer.

‘What now?’

Nesta’s words had been hesitant. She wrung her hands together. Her shoulders had curled inwards as if she was bracing herself to weather a storm.

He tilted his head slightly to examine his wife from her head to her toes. ‘What’s the matter, Nesta?’

‘I killed your father, Eris. Where is my punishment?’

The words burst out of her like the lightning of a sudden storm, unable to be stopped. She pressed her hand over her mouth, eyes wide with terror because she had said it aloud.

‘My father succumbed to a sudden illness. We all saw it.’

His hands settled on the tops of her arms, steadying her. Eris reassured her that she was safe and not in any sort of peril. Nobody would be sorry to see Beron gone. None of them.

‘But your brothers. They’ll use it against us.’

Eris shook his head then touched his forehead against hers. ‘They know I am now the most powerful male in this court – with the most powerful female at my side. Saving their own skins is their priority first and foremost. If they did not swear fealty, I’d have executed them. They’ve sworn a vow and cannot harm us.’

‘You chopped off Phelan’s hand,’ she whispered, eyes still alert with terror.

‘And he learnt a lesson never to touch what isn’t his, didn’t he? Nesta, I am the eldest. Believe it or not, my father favoured me. What he did to me was only a drop of what he has inflicted upon my brothers over the centuries.’ He kissed her gently. ‘You are safe. I will always keep you safe.’

Despite having no inclination whatsoever to engage with the masses, Eris knew he must. Nesta was already in pristine condition, so he dressed to match, immobilising his fatigue for a couple of hours.

‘How do you feel about riding through a few towns and waving?’

Nesta nodded. ‘I’m probably capable of that.’

‘More than capable.’

To make her smile, Eris demonstrated different waves, each one becoming more and more ludicrous. It worked. His lovely wife rolled her eyes and shoved him towards the door, but Eris had spied that smile trying to spread across her face no matter how much she tried to hide it.

It was tedious work to wade through the mewling servants and sentries who swarmed them on their exit. Worse were the confounded courtiers whom even Beron had loathed. He only kept them around to punish them when his mood was foul enough. They were sycophants with sugar-sweet compliments and sickly smiles, but Eris was just as bad as he slipped on his own mask of charming, cunning court-trained-bastard. Without prompting, Nesta followed suit. She moved elegantly, sweeping past the bows and curtseys with the ghost of a smirk on her regal face. Mother above, she was a natural. Perhaps it was a little cruel to command the servants to ready their horses then give them the time it took to cross the house to be ready, but, like the polished and proper servants they were, two geldings were waiting in the courtyard. Nesta brushed off assistance and mounted without support as Eris did the same in unison. They were twin flames that flowed together. No male was as lucky as he.

They rode out through the forests with guards following behind at a steady distance in case any of the general public became too close for comfort. What they didn’t know was that Eris had a wife who could strike anybody down dead so the need for sentries was inconsequential.

Their horses galloped through the towering, golden forests, ushered by the crisp wind that signalled change. They made appearances in towns and even some of the larger villages that surrounded the Forest House. Many folk came out to watch and wave. They bowed low to their high lord though some eyed him warily, trying to understand what sort of male he was. History was forgotten; Beron wasn’t even the worst Vanserra to hold the seat. His grandfather had spiked the head of every male in the family onto the gates outside of the forest house except for his own son in his paranoia. Distant cousins and children did not escape his tyranny; only one male did – Beron himself, his only child. Beron did kill his own father at twenty years old though, so Eris did think his grandfather had been unlucky in that regard that his son had turned out to be just as rotten as he was. Eris’ great-grandfather had also married five times and each wife had been killed if she produced a daughter rather than a son. Nesta had really come off quite lucky, all things considered.

Eris glanced across to her. Though she said she was fine, he noticed the slight wince on her features each time the horse sped up along the path. Her legs hung like dead weights either side of the beast’s flank.

He called to the closest sentry. ‘Find the nearest tavern with decent food and scout it.’

‘High lord, it is unsafe to dine in public. No testers have come.’

‘Then you can test the food for poison for daring to question an order from your high lord,’ replied Nesta. One stern look from her had the guard digging his heels into his mare to bring her to a canter.

‘Remind me never to get on your bad side.’

Nesta rolled her eyes once more. ‘It is so rare for you to be on my good side.’

A lonely tavern stood at a crossroads. It offered rooms for the night for wearied travellers as well as the promise of a warm meal and a hot bath. A thatched roof sagged over the cream walls and tired flowers hung in baskets beneath the many windows.

‘Is it safe?’

‘Yes, my lord. Your mother and brother are present.’

Sentries took their horses and Eris forbade them from entering. There, as the guard had said, sat Lucien with a full glass of beer in his hands. An arm was slung around his mother’s shoulders. The lady herself sipped at a glass of red wine with colour blossoming in the apples of her cheeks. They were not alone. A pair of sisters had joined them at the table; Niamh drank beer while Orla opted for tea. On Niamh’s other side sat a female with beautiful, leathery wings.

‘I cannot believe you would not invite your damn high lord. I’ll have you all executed for conspiring against me.’

Eris stood at the end of the table with his hands on his hips in mock outrage.

‘I thought you were comatose in bed still.’

He grunted. ‘Just about.’

Without waiting for an invitation to join them, Eris pulled up a chair and gestured for Nesta to sit then wedged himself impossibly close to Lucien on the bench, just to see how his brother might react. Lucien, of course, took it all his stride. He poured half of his drink into an empty glass on the table then pushed it towards Eris.

‘Good. You’re here. You can foot the bill,’ said Niamh, a bright smile lighting up her face.

At Nesta’s arrival, Emerie increased the space between her and the other female, a slight blush crawling across her cheeks. Eris wasn’t bothered at all by whatever it was that was unravelling between the pair; indeed Niamh had calmed down since she had been travelling to Windhaven.  

‘I didn’t expect to see you,’ said Nesta, a true smile on her face. ‘You’re safe?’

Niamh leaned over. ‘Don’t you dare doubt me. I could take on every Illyrian and Briallyn without breaking a sweat.’

‘I remember when you ripped up all of my freshly planted bulbs when you decided that you were a witch,’ scolded his mother. How beautiful it was to see a smile trying to break its way onto her lips too, after so long being subdued.

Niamh’s mouth dropped open in outrage. A slender finger was pointed squarely at Lucien’s chest. ‘It was him too. Lucien was the naughty one. I was the silly one who followed his schemes.’

‘You two used to cause such mischief. Your mother and I had to take it in turns to tell you off because it happened so frequently, rest her soul.’

If he could, Eris would have stopped time to make the night last forever. The evening was perfect. Their bellies were filled with good food and better ale. The merriment flowed with no signs of stopping. Eris was surrounded by the people he cared most about in a little tavern in the middle of nowhere. At one point, he dragged his poor wife onto his lap despite her nervous laughter because it had been too long since he’d had his arms around her. There were teasing words from Lucien, asking whether Nesta needed assistance with removing a pest which made all of the females in attendance laugh, even his own mother.

To speed up the return journey, they winnowed, leaving the sentries to return the horses to the Forest House. There were relentless jokes at Eris’ expense over his age and whether he desperately needed to get back to bed.

‘Mother is older than me,’ he replied to Lucien as he pressed clean clothing into his hands for the night.

She pressed a hand over her chest, ‘Only by twenty years.’

Twenty years was nothing. A wife too quickly, a mother too soon. Now, at least, she might find some happiness again. Indeed, the light was returning to her russet eyes. Eris did not know how much of it was due to her husband’s passing or how much was due to her beloved son returning to her.

‘Where is my wife? She might defend me.’

From the bedroom, Nesta called, ‘I won’t.’

What wicked creatures. All of them.

Lucien would stay another night at his mother’s behest – and at Eris’, she would stay in their rooms once more. Eris was glad to have both of them back, even if he wouldn’t admit it amidst the teasing. Lucien’s absence had made their mother wilt more. She had lived in a perpetual mourning ever since that day. Eris knew their bastard of a father held it over her head constantly, promising to let him come back if she did things for him, never fulfilling his end. Nesta had solved their issues with a short, sharp blast of her power, the wonderful thing she was.

The female in question was waiting for him in bed, sprawled out across the mattress. He crawled into the sheets, inhaling the jasmine scent of her hair as he settled beside her.

‘Without lying, how badly do your legs hurt from riding?’

‘Enough.’

‘They’ll be worse tomorrow.’ Eris rose onto his knees and began massaging her calf. She tried to pull her foot away, face growing red as she hissed something about his mother being in the next room, but Eris waved it away. ‘I’m not about to ravish you. Merely trying to save you a day of stiffness.’

His thumb dug into the flesh of her calf, hard enough for her to grit her teeth. It was needed to remove all of the knots and aches from the muscle. Her riding today had been impeccable. It was the most she had ever managed – not that she would have complained or asked to stop. She was the Autumn Court; beautiful but cutthroat, never bending, never breaking.

‘Thank you for yesterday with Cassian.’

A soft breath passed his lips. He raised her leg slightly higher to work on her thigh. Although it was an act to help his wife, running his hands along her legs also had the blood pumping quicker around his body.

‘You don’t need to thank me for defending you, my love. You are my wife. I’d stand in front of death itself and let it take me into its cold embrace rather than you.’

Nesta’s lips pressed together as she smiled. Through heavy lashes, she gazed up at him, almost bashfully. ‘You say such romantic things.’

He kissed the soft skin of her thigh.

In the fireplace of their bedroom, his magic twisted in ribbons of red and gold until Nesta flexed her hand and her own went to join it. Her grey eyes watched the flames as they turned together, becoming one. In each moment, the happiness slipped further from her expression. It warped her features until she bit down on her bottom lip to keep from crying.

‘Nesta, tell me what’s wrong.’

‘I don’t understand mating bonds. How can he be my mate? We have nothing in common. He treats me poorly. Why would the Cauldron put us together? I don’t understand it. The bond is always gnawing away at me and I can’t bear it anymore. I want rid of it.’

He pulled her onto his lap, holding her tightly to him.

‘Why aren’t we mates?’ She swallowed down her tears, gripping onto him fiercely. ‘We are a perfect match. It doesn’t make sense.’

‘Mating bonds don’t always lead to happiness. I have many theories and opinions on the Cauldron’s ability to select equals which I’d be glad to share with you one day.’

‘Of course, you would,’ she said, laughing slightly through her tears.

‘Books and books of notes of my observations,’ he murmured, kissing her softly. ‘A mating bond is no guarantee of love. There are countless examples where it is wrong. You are not wrong for having a mating bond that doesn’t bring you joy.’

‘But why aren’t we mates?’

Eris wondered if anybody had truly explained what a mate was to Nesta. If anybody had explained half of the things in her life that were new, or had they expected her to figure it all out alone.

‘Do not think that our love is less because we are not mated.’ He smoothed her hair down, the silken strands soft beneath his fingers. ‘There was no force pushing us together. Fate did not shackle us. We chose each other, Nesta. Do you not think that is special? More special than a bond you cannot run from? I’d choose you in every lifetime.’

A cool hand stroked along his cheek. ‘You say such beautiful things and I can never match your words.’

‘I’ve had centuries to prepare them.’

Nesta tilted her head up to meet his lips as he cradled her still on his lap. Their flames danced together, oblivious to the heartache occurring on the bed. One day, Eris would tell his wife that he detested the idea of a mating bond forcing two together. The very idea revulsed him. He had met people who had waited their whole life for a mate who never arrived. Others who loved the bond more than their partner. The evidence for bonds being tragically wrong were littered throughout history.

‘I waited five hundred years to meet you.’

Her nose wrinkled. ‘Mother above, you’re ancient.’

‘In five hundred years, you will still be absolutely devastating and I will be old and shrivelled and sagging – and you will have to kiss me.’

Her thumb traced the seam of his lips. ‘I can’t wait to grow old with you.’  

@owllover123 @rarephloxes @fanboy7794 @sugardoll22 @this-is-rochelle @kitkat-writes-stuff @sv0430 @embersofwildfire

[reds-ultrakill-brainrot]

First off, thank you for existing right around the time I developed ultrakill brainrot.

Secondly, may I request some headcannons of us and V1 hanging around in 5-S? Whether it be the two of us just chilling or speed fishing or trying to hunt for the elusive Size 2, it's just that we're having a good time.

I Only Say Morning, Unless You're With Me

5-S with V1 headcanons

x reader content (read platonic or romantic)

━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━

- while V1 often takes tasks as a challenge to see the speed at which they can complete it, i think that they would appreciate the lack of urgency with this particular task, taking their time to enjoy themself and to spend more time with you - if you had never fished before i imagine they would be more than happy to teach you, and if you already have some experience they would love to turn it into a challenge - i imagine that they would be very knowledgeable about the different types of fish and would enjoy showing you how to catch each one, celebrating with each successful catch (you may require some assistance to catch the shark, but they understand you're muscles aren't comparable to their own) - the elusive size two fish quickly becomes an inside joke, the both of you quickly coming to the understanding that no you most likely will not be catching one - once night begins to fall V1 would usher you back to the firepit to cook some dinner, their attempts would be well meaning but if you wanted something... edible, you would need to prepare it yourself. they haven't particularly figured out that burnt food isn't the most appetising - skipping stones or bomb fish would also become a competition, V1 would almost definately win but any particularly impressive skips would gain an appreciative beep - hear me out: water skiing by holding V1's grapple while they slide across the water. be prepared to eat shit and faceplant into the water once they realise stopping the momentum isn't as easy as starting it thought (they didn't intend to do that, they just occasionally forget you aren't as tough as them) - if you begin to get tired V1 is more than happy to become a robot sized pillow for you (don't imagine the neck pain when you wake up). if you prefer to sleep in the bed under the well they are happy to bring you down there. don't worry about keeping them entertained, there is a literal pool of blood, you have never seen them happier - you helped V1 film the shitty "good job" video at the end of the level, it was partially to remember such a good time and partially because once you found the poorly functioning camera you just had to use it

━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━

many thanks for the request, sorry for how small the post is. my dumbass posted the minos headcanons privately and i wondered why it had no interaction, so thats why this wasn't out sooner, sorry! many thanks for reading, more content on the way soon :)

[beansterpie]

20 Questions For Fic Writers

Thanks for tagging me @marley-manson! <3

I would tag people but it's late and my brain is tired so literally, PLEASE just adopt this tag meme if you see it and read the whole thing. You have my full permission to say I tagged you, even if we've never spoken lol. Go for it, be audacious.

1. How many works do you have on Ao3?

2. What's your total Ao3 word count?

43,487!

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Well the posted fic is a Berserk fic, but I have various other wips that I pick away at when I'm bored. Among them include Eyeshield 21, MDZS, RotE, Harry Potter (technically?). Those are the most recent ones anyway.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Chain of Dissent, she's my favorite fic <3 (she's my only fic)

5. Do you respond to comments?

Yeah I try to! Though I'll admit uhhhh I haven't updated it in... fucking? two years? god, and so I've been bad about responding to the more recent comments because I feel guilty for not updating in so long :') Really gotta get back to it.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

None, because I haven't finished a fic yet lol

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not so far! I've gotten a couple of comments that come across as unintentionally mildly rude, but definitely nothing that constitutes as hate.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Well not so far in CoD, but, ahem, I have written smut in one of my wips lol. Deeply self indulgent but I guess character driven? It's mildly nasty and desperate <3

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

I haven't actually written a crossover (yet. well, recently) but they are a bit of a passion of mine lmao. I love ridiculous crossovers, and I'm talking about "a magical portal opens up and throws characters from fandom A into the world (& characters) of fandom B" type shit. I don't need the ways in which the characters interact to make sense, I just want them to be thrown together and see where it goes from there. Fish out of water shenanigans! Characters questioning their own motivations and idea of life by seeing a world entirely different from theirs!! Just like, fun shit! I also absolutely don't need for the two fandoms to be similar lol. I have a somewhat detailed Berserk/Eyeshield 21 crossover living rent free in my head so clearly anything goes.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I'm aware of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Lol no.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope!

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

I'll probably have to say GriffGuts, because it's a ship that's gripped me by the neck for the past 7 years or something, where my interest in it hasn't really waned.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Uhhhh, idk? I mean I am DETERMINED to finish CoD, so that's out. And the wips I write in my spare time are just like, things I do for fun where I don't put any pressure on myself over it. I'm not planning on posting them anywhere, and I'm not generally planning on 'finishing' them either. I mean if I do finish one, I might post it, but again, they're low key things that I'm not taking too seriously.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Hm. I honestly don't consider myself a very strong writer, at least in terms of things like prose and sentence structure, grammar, that sort of thing. I think I'm pretty decent at figuring out the direction that I want the story to go, and all the individual steps that need to happen to get to that point in a way that feels organic (at least, imo.) And I like to think I'm pretty good at characterization-- having the characters behaving and reacting in ways that feel like could concievably happen in canon is generally what I'm going for.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Yeah prose, lol. I mean, I don't actually dislike my more.... utilitarian writing style, mainly because I generally prefer reading more direct writing (unless the lyrical writing is really really good), but I do think I could inject some more illustrative details and metaphors into my writing overall. @marley-manson is SO good at coming up with perfect metaphors to describe a situation or feeling, all while perfectly recreating the character's voice, and I really admire that about her writing!

I also want to get better with having characters like, doing things while they're talking. I find a lot of the conversations I write happen between characters just kind of standing around, which obviously is fine but I'd like to construct scenes with a bit more specificity in the future.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

Wait so like, say in a fic that is otherwise written in English, having a line of dialogue written in Spanish when a character is speaking it? I... don't have strong feelings about it one way or the other I guess lol. I mean ideally the line(s) written in the other language are correct lol, and not just badly google translated or something.

Though you know, now that I think about it, I feel like it would work best between languages that use the same alphabet (which does end up narrowing the possible languages down quite a lot) because that way the reader can still sound out the dialogue even if the don't understand the language, which could emulate what the pov character is experiencing. Whereas if it was a fic written in English, and then had a line written in, say, Japanese, the reader wouldn't even be able to sound it out so it's kind of a brick wall. (Unless there's footnotes, but that tends to be a little more clunky in fic than in a published book with pages).

If the readers are supposed to understand the dialogue written in another language, like two characters suddenly start speaking in said other language and we're meant to keep up with the conversation, then I feel like it's just easier to translate their words in whatever language the fic is written in otherwise.

But yeah idk, I think with intent and good execution, anything can work, but it could also be done in a way that's more annoying than anything.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

I think. It was neopets LMFAO. I remember writing a fic when I was like 10 about Hannah (the adventurer) and Jacques (from the maraqua plot comic) as a romantic couple because I was annoyed at the time that there were multiple fics about Hannah and Garin (or whatever his name was, also from the maraqua plot) getting together even though I thought Garin was BORING and they were just shipped together because they were both usuls (which are overrated imho), even though Jacque was obviously better.

... I may have had a crush on Jacques.

But the first fic that I think I posted anywhere was for Xiaolin Showdown lmfao, probably also when I was 10 or 11 or something. I wrote like four separate fics for that show.

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

Yeah it's CoD lol. It's the longest thing I've written so far, and I'm overall still very proud of it. I'd probably go back and change some things in the first chapter because it reads a little clunky and like, abrupt to me now, but I'm not doing that until I finish the fic. Allowing myself to go back and edit stuff before I've even finished the story seems like a road to ruin lol.

[erenevune]

omg OMG I Love Celestial Depths so freaking much! It's so cute! When I read I often get tired of it even if I like it very much! And have to take a break from it but with this??? I read all of it in one sitting without a break and rereaded it almost immediately! I also love that reader isn't fully defenceless they tackled the stalker with intelligent strategy! Well they needed help in the end but still the effort counts! What a great way to show the boys that they are sentient! It's heart-warming how Sun after realising they may be close to their sentient level immediately jumped to: me and my bestie chillin amd exchanging gifts lol! I love the image of Moon just chilling eating some fish and then there comes the hurricane named Sun with never ending blabbering about some sky fish lol. I like that Moon is very curious as well and even if more handsy he gets the memo from reader when its getting uncomfortable. I love their point of view which is ye they smart but kinda bad at hunting, didn't even finish the stalker no threat here we can explore they are fascinating after all. Also Moon stealing the knife is ahhh! I wonder what for! Was he just curious? Was it the trophy to show to Sun like: Look I saw the weird fish and took their removable claw!How fascinating! Or was he just being little gremlin? I can't wait for more interactions and dual curiosity and discovering information about each other! I think boys would be fascinated by the hair! They look great in the water and are so soft on the surface! Aaa! I love it! Thank you so so so much for writing it! It brought me much joy!

Aaaa thank you so much!! It makes me so happy that you like my fic so much!!!!

I had a lot of fun writing them. Wanted them to be as competent as they can be reasonably expected to be in their situation, and it was fun to have this as showing fish lad that they are capable of some things, but clearly no one ever taught them the important things so Sun will step in obviously and thus gain a friend! Lol

You can be absolutely assured that Moons ear was talked off at a rapid pace when Sun got home xD

They're both curious lil guys! Moon wanted to have a lookie himself to make sure the weird creature wasn't actually a threat and its intelligence wasn't just Suns wishful thinking. (It's happened before, Sun gets excited and then dissapointed that new friend isn't or can't be new friend). He's very grabby but if Sun likes this thing so much he doesn't want to accidently break it and make Sun sad, so he can be careful and lay off a bit when needed. I kind of wrote that as less he was intentionally recognising discomfort and more just wary he was damaging them if he didn't need to yet lol.

As for the knife yoink, well, he has his reasons :)

I think they would find the hair more weird purely because, from their perspective, it's gonna appear out of nowhere after our sky fish "peels back their skin" xD their hair is short, but there's enough they might find it fun to play with (after being assured they aren't sensitive feelers that might not always take well to being touched)

Im very much looking forward to writing more interactions for them. If all goes to plan next chapter is likely to be another interlude, but from Moons pov this time :3

Thank you so much for reading and sending this! Really made my day when I've been struggling 💙💙

[hetastates]

Western Wednesday except posted on a Thursday

How each (Western) state acts when they get the wrong order at the drive through.

Alaska: Pretty sure this guy sources a lot of the food that is served in the drive through to begin with. Despite this, that doesn’t actually have any effect on how he behaves when he clearly ordered an elk burger and you give him a Fillet o Fish. This isn’t even a McDonald's — how and WHY are they giving him a Fillet o Fish? Now, let’s be real here, being that far up North will mess anybody up, and being that far away from the rest of your country means that a lot of hatred and Karenage is stored up and bottled inside oneself. And that’s exactly what Alaska does — he just grumbles and drive away, possibly while the food is still in the employee's hand. Will he say or do anything about it? No. Will he write a one star review on Yelp? Also no. You’d best believe that he’ll hold that grudge forever — and probably mutter something about this is why he doesn’t go to fast food places.

California: People may think that just because she’s rich means she doesn’t really work hard, but this is not the case. When she’s not actively on set, she works in various state parks. She loves animals. This job is very laborious, and when Cali gets off work, she’s famished. Oftentimes she’s too tired to really correct an employee if they pen down the wrong order. It doesn’t stop there, though — of course it doesn’t. California is vocal. California is loud. She will devour the entire wrong meal, not even once questioning how she was served a Fillet o Fish when it clearly is not McDonald’s, and then, after the very last bite, after she’s licked her fingers clean, she will go up to the register and unleash the wrath of a thousand grizzlies about how this was NOT her order. "But you ate the whole thing" has no gravity in this situation. Do you know who California is?! Yeah, she’s annoying, okay, she’ll give you that, but will you be able to function without California? Don’t mess with California. She’s larger than life. And you? You’re just an incompetent speck of dust who gave her a FILLET O FISH!

Colorado: Dude, does he even notice? Pretty sure that altitude sickness got to him. He didn’t even drive himself here. No, he got an Uber. He doesn’t even question the fact that he went to a drive through vegan bakery and they sold him a Fillet o Fish that was purple. He can hardly taste the difference. Despite the way Colorado behaves, he is completely sober, but living on the mountains for so long, well, he’s, by default, high. This is some good food, though. Would you like a free coupon? He collects coupons for things he'll never use. It’s his love language, and he loves you so much. You’re so awesome, did you know that? You’re, like, a star. You’re, like, Vega.

Hawaii: Hawaii is the epitome of someone who is sensible and a normal human being. She knows how to party — oh, she KNOWS HOW to party — but in day to day interactions she is the person we all should be but no one actually is. She is the one who says, "Oh, excuse me but I think you mixed up my order" and she waits there calmly for the issue to be sorted out. How did Hawaii ever get so normal? No wonder she’s slowly drifting away from the chaos empire, a few inches annually.

Idaho: Like Hawaii, Idaho is chill. Idaho's a farmer. Idaho honestly doesn’t have the energy to complain. All food is good food, after all. She’ll eat whatever is given to her. She came here specifically so that she didn’t have to cook tonight — she doesn’t care WHAT you give her. Yeah, so she ordered Mountain Dew but you COULD give her dirty mop water. She won’t complain. Unless. Unless you give her a potato meal. Do you think this is funny? Like some kind of joke? Ha, ha, Idaho is a potato farmer, VERY funny, HILARIOUS, BRAVO, do you realise how you come across when you do that? You know, wise guy, BACK IN HER DAY when people made a stupid practical joke—

Montana: It depends on the nature of the mix up. If what she ordered was more expensive than what she got, she'll go up to the front, stern but not impolite, and fix the mistake. She'll circle that Toyota Tundra into the parking lot and walk into the store and wait. However, this does not apply if she’s getting a discount. Did she pay for chicken nuggets and receive a whole rack of baby back ribs? Well dang, guess it’s her lucky day or something! Maybe she should try the lottery! In the long run, Montana doesn’t care all too much about her food — as long as it’s filling and not made of pure sugar, she’ll be happy. Montana is in it for the money. And she goes out once in awhile so that people stop making fun of how cheap she is. She’s not cheap, dang it, she’s frugal!

Nevada: Nevada is strange. When it’s just him, he’s a very chill guy. When it’s him and literally anyone else, whether it be him and a girlfriend, him and a coworker, him and the guy across the street, he can get really uptight and confrontational in an attempt to impress and to come across as something of a macho man. His love for music, geekiness for cinema, and green thumb (as well as his ability to survive 290 days in the desert on a vegan diet — he would never back down from a dare) are really what make him macho and manly, but for some odd reason Nevada thinks that people will be completely wowed if he screams in a fast food worker's face about how he got the 6 pack and not the 4 pack and how he wanted HONEY MUSTARD WITH HIS CHICKEN NUGGIES >:(. It’s like he’s a completely different person when others are around.

Oregon: …. …. … If you don’t understand why he’s sitting there glaring at you as if he’s trying to activate some magical eyeball lasers to completely disintegrate you, then eventually he’ll just drive away, still coldly staring at you through the side mirror of his car. Oregon has a weird way of expressing his emotions which, for the most part, involves menacing stares. He looks like a guy who thinks he’s in an emotional music video but in reality he just looks like Hannibal Lecter got caught drunk driving during a downpour and doesn’t know how to operate his windshield wipers.

Utah: She doesn’t even tell employees that they mixed up her order; she just asks to confirm the ingredients in the wrong order are okay for her to eat. If she wants chicken nuggets and she’s given a Fillet o Fish, she’ll double check to make sure it was made in non-alcoholic batter and that it doesn’t contain caffeine. She could just say "Excuse me, I think you gave me the wrong order, I ordered chicken nuggets" and it would probably be faster and less burdensome than what she actually does. She doesn’t want to come across as mean — and she doesn’t. She comes across as paranoid.

Washington: WASHINGTON is the kind of guy that would go full Karen at a fast food restaurant. He would pound on the drive thru window — in fact, he would climb through it, get stuck, and require police and fire services to pull him out. He’s done this on multiple occasions. No one is quite sure what goes on in Washington for a man to behave like this, but this man clearly ordered a six piece chicken nugget meal. The amount of bad reviews this guy has given is astronomical — and these are long and detailed, too. Washington doesn’t speak to the manager. Ironically, even the mention of a manager is enough to send him running. He just wants his nuggets, man. Why’d you do him dirty like this?

Wyoming: Another sensible being (rare to find on this planet earth), like Hawaii, Wyoming doesn’t really ever want to cause a scene. She prioritises her time above all, and returning a mixed up order would just be a pain in the rear that she doesn’t want to deal with. Something about the bureaucracy and the red tape — at KFC. Whatever that means. She'll glance at her order, knowing very well that this is not what she wanted, and begrudgingly mutter, "Okay, whatever" before leaving. Whether or not she'll be back is debatable. Wyoming does not like to make a big deal out of things. In fact, one of the things that angers her most is when others make a big deal out of things. Anything that can be okay whatevered SHOULD be okay whatevered.

[i-choose-the-danger]

EEEEEEEEEEE! I was hoping you'd decide to do a Hogwarts Legacy fic an you did not disappoint! I echo what others have said. I love Ominis being a little shit and Seb getting what's coming to him. And I'm curious about payback for that payback. 🤣

But now you have me curious. Would you be willing to share your headcanons on both of them as a lee and a ler? 😁🙏🏼 Please and thank you much!

I honestly did not realize so many people love the HL cast, but I'm thankful y'all do because the feedback and messages have been so sweet! <3

Lee and Ler headcanons, huh? Of course I'll share. Under the cut.

As a Lee:

Ominis

aside from Anne, Sebastian, and MC, he isn't comfortable with anyone else touching him because he doesn't trust anyone, so those are the only three people who dare try it

his family only ever touched him to inflict pain, so the first time Anne did it he had no idea what was happening or why it was making him laugh and he freaked out at first

his sense of touch is heightened, so he's ridiculously sensitive to light touches

he'll only really tolerate it in private because he uncontrollably giggles like a little kid and he feels embarrassed when he hears himself laugh like that

he won't actively fight them off unless he gets overstimulated, because he's so touch-starved and he knows this kind of interaction is done out of love

not gonna lie, sometimes he lowkey craves it and will instigate to provoke it... he'd never admit it though

his defense is to curl up in a little ball because since he can't see,q he doesn't want to risk clocking somebody in the face... he may have accidentally on purpose punched Sebastian in the ribs once or twice though

if he's tickled long enough his giggling will get broken up by snorts and it's the cutest shit you've ever heard in your entire life

his worst spots are his sides and light touches on his neck; if you barely touch his neck, he will immediately jam his shoulders up into his ears and squeak

Sebastian

this boy is deathly ticklish EVERYWHERE

because of that, he will put up a hell of a fight but will tire out quickly

his hips and above his knees are his worst spots and he will scream and go into maniacal cackles if you get him there

if you get him in public, he will resort to growling to try to cover up his laughter... got that tough guy reputation to maintain you know

he will be unintentionally violent and flail, so if you're brave enough to attack him you'd better know how to dodge and weave or you're gonna get chickenwinged in the nose

he'll try to fight it and repeatedly say he's not ticklish... even in the middle of frantic giggles and high pitched squeals

he's also overdramatic and will tell you that he's dying and can't breathe and sees a bright light etc.

being tortured like that makes him have a potty mouth that would cause a nun to faint

he'd rather die than tap out, so if you don't stop on your own, he will let it get to a point where his laugh goes silent and you just see him shaking and slapping at your hands like a fish flopping out of water

when you finally stop he will lay there for a good five minutes still giggling and twitching because all of his nerves can still feel it

As a Ler:

Ominis

with his heightened senses of touch and hearing he'll be able to figure out your worst spots quickly based on how your body tenses and how your laughs and squeaks sound

he'll jump from spot to spot just to hear how your laugh changes and it's like music to him

he's meticulous but playful, and he has pianist hands so his agile fingers will dance over your spots and make you crazy

he wouldn't tell anyone, but he's kind of obsessed with affectionate touching (handholding, hugs, cuddling, etc.), so it only makes sense that he loves being able to do this to people he cares about

he will be stone-faced and emotionless like a Vulcan aside from an occasional smirk when he finds a weak spot

his verbal teases are more matter-of-fact than making fun (ex: "My goodness, that sounds like a sensitive spot. I'll need to remember that one for the future.")

if he hears you getting hoarse or running out of breath, he'll stop and ask if you're alright or if he went too hard on you

aftercare is important - he'll let you rest against him, he might rub his palm over the spots he attacked so your nerves calm down

he's gentle with Anne and MC... but Sebastian always does something to deserve it and Ominis frequently makes him beg for mercy

it's not uncommon to find Sebastian facedown on the floor in the Undercroft with Ominis straddled on his back torturing him and demanding for him to yield; Sebastian is the only person he will be that ruthless with

Sebastian

I send your loved ones my condolences and I shall miss you, because if you become his victim, you gonna die lol

he's a ruthless ler, especially if it's retaliation

he'll resort to it if he's trying to get you to do something for him or divulge a secret and you're being stubborn

once he finds your worst spot, he'll exploit it every time

he'll sneak up behind you and give your sides a quick squeeze to spook you

he's not above doing it if you're in a sour mood and it'll make you smile, but only as a last effort if nothing else worked

verbal teases... this boy will playfully tease you about your laugh, your sensitivity, how cute he finds it when you try and fail to break out of his hold, how flustered you're getting, anything

if you're dating him, it's a part of flirting and foreplay

he used to tickle Anne when they were younger because the carefree laugh she had could light up the whole room, but after she was cursed he felt like he would break her if he so much as hugged her and he misses that closeness

that's part of why he loves that kind of bond with others he feels comfortable with; he loves being able to make people he cares for laugh like that

I think that's all the headcanons for both of them that I have for now. I might add more after I finish playing through the whole game myself. I honestly did not expect to love two Slytherin boys so much. They're written so much better than JKR ever wrote Slytherin characters.

And dang it all, writing this out has put a fic idea in my head.