#ITS HERE ITS HEEEERE!!

[iodotsys]

ITS HERE!!! Insane in the Membrane Chapter 1 is now out. Go enjoy it here:

Here is the chapter art~

Credits: Writing, editing, story, art backgrounds, art rendering - @mybrainisbigpoop Story, editing, character art, coloring - @banana-zim

Follow the blog for updates! @insane-in-the-membrane-au

[tsuntsunfangirl]

screaming

crying

gnashing of teeth

[misterradio]

just read the subtitle "warden approaches" and my heart dropped

[hatsukeii]

the curious case of kageyama tobio's love life / kageyama tobio x reader

genre(s): crack + fluff! timeskip au (third year/graduation), investigative report format, secretly dating trope, drunk x sober LMFAO

warnings(s): drunk people and house parties... (underage drinking is not! recommended here!), defs multiple/many uses of y/n because of how the fic is formatted but you need to trust the process PLEASE (sorry!) also reader's ass gets slapped by kags as a dare...

wc: ~4k

tldr; below is a transcript, recounted by partygoers hinata shoyo, tsukishima kei, yachi hitoka, and yamaguchi tadashi, of the happenings at hinata shoyo's graduation house party, set on the night of 29th march. any and all hearings have been sworn to be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. they think. probably.

[Report #1- Initiated by Hinata Shoyo]

Date of occurrence: March 29

Time of occurrence: 7:20pm

Location of occurrence: Living room

Kageyama Tobio is the third guest to arrive at Hinata Shoyo's residence, twenty minutes after Tsukishima Kei and Yamaguchi Tadashi. He carries with him the items that were agreed on the night prior- two twelve-packs of beer, one two litre bottle of coke, one Nintendo switch, and two Nintendo Pro controllers. Upon entry, Hinata Shoyo greets him at the door, and the following conversation ensues between Hinata Shoyo and Kageyama Tobio.

[Transcript #1- provided by Hinata Shoyo]

S. Hinata: You're here, what's good! You got the stuff too?

T. Kageyama: Yeah. Where's everyone else?

S. Hinata: Daichi's on patrol until eight, Suga's picking him up when he's done. Yachi's lining up to pick up the cake with y/n-

T. Kageyama: Cool, I'll put the stuff down there. (He signals to the kitchen counter across the living room)

[End of transcript #1]

Kageyama Tobio proceeds to the television, where he sets up his Nintendo on the dock. He then offers a controller to Tsukishima Kei, who accepts, and joins Kageyama in a game of Super Smash Bros. Upon opening the character menu, half of his characters are unavailable for use, evident by the following conversation that ensues between Tsukishima Kei and Kageyama Tobio.

[Transcript #2- Provided by Tsukishima Kei]

T. Kageyama: What the fuck?

K. Tsukishima: For someone who's had this game since release, you're pretty shit if you can barely move past the starter characters.

T. Kageyama: Shut up. [He proceeds to the home page of his console.]

K. Tsukishima: Sure.

[End of transcript #2]

Kageyama Tobio then leaps to the dock, unplugging it for a total of forty-two (Hinata Shoyo estimates) seconds. During its downtime, he is seen to be wiping his neck with one hand, tapping at the screen with the other. The game of Super Smash Bros ensues when he replugs it onto the dock, to reveal a fully unlocked character selection screen. Kageyama Tobio, who plays Sonic the Hedgehog, loses 1:2 against Tsukishima Kei, who plays Sora. But don't tell him that Hinata Shoyo kept count. Thanks.

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[Report #2- Initiated by Yachi Hitoka]

Date of occurrence: March 29

Time of occurrence: 7:46pm

Location of occurrence: Living room, kitchen

Yachi Hitoka and y/n are the sixth and seventh guests to arrive at Hinata Shoyo's residence. By the time they step foot into the house, Hinata Shoyo is three vodka redbulls in, courtesy of Tanaka Ryunosuke and Nishinoya Yuu's contributions to the party's catalogue of available drinks, and is shooting down a fourth with Yamaguchi Tadashi, who is on his first drink of the night. Tsukishima Kei is one can of beer in, and is wrestling Kageyama Tobio on the couch, who is two cans of beer in. Upon entry, Hinata Shoyo slings an arm around Yamaguchi Tadashi, and drags him along to greet the two guests. The following conversation ensues between Yachi Hitoka, Hinata Shoyo, Yamaguchi Tadashi, and y/n.

[Transcript #3- Provided by Yachi Hitoka]

Y/n: What is going on...?

S. Hinata: You're heeeere! C'mon, take a bit from me! [Hinata Shoyo proceeds to tilt his glass too far into his face, and breathe in roughly 250mL of redbull mixed with vodka. He chokes. Yamaguchi Tadashi attempts to worm out of Hinata Shoyo's grasp. His attempt is unsuccessful.]

H. Yachi: If this is what forty minutes looks like, I don't think I wanna know what happens later.

Y/n: Why are they wrestling like... that?

H. Yachi: Men.

T. Yamaguchi: Men.

S. Hinata: [coughs]

Y/n: Understandable.

[End of transcript #3]

Y/n heads to the kitchen counter, where they set a cake into the fridge. Kageyama Tobio breaks free from Tsukishima Kei's sloppy side pin at this moment. Tsukishima Kei heads for the bathroom, and does not return until twenty minutes later. It is unsure what occurred in the bathroom, but not of importance. Kageyama makes a beeline for the fridge, and stubs his toe on the corner of the kitchen counter. He is...unusually uncoordinated, and barges into the space beside y/n, only to grab a third beer and push his way out again. Y/n shoots him a side eye, one that nobody else notices, except for Yachi Hitoka, who is currently writing this report. It's pretty scary, actually, they're a little scary with the side eye. But that is besides the point.

Y/n does not take a drink, but instead heads to the now empty couch, where they pick up the discarded Nintendo Pro controllers off the ground, and invite Yamaguchi Tadashi and Yachi Hitoka to a game of Super Smash Bros. Upon entering the game, y/n selects Sonic as their character. Kageyama Tobio returns to the couch with a can of beer at this moment, and the following conversation ensues between y/n, and Kageyama Tobio.

[Transcript #4- Provided by Yachi Hitoka]

T. Kageyama: Why aren't you picking Ness?

Y/n: I feel like Sonic today, so why not?

T. Kageyama: Sonic's difficult, even for me. Fun, though.

Y/n: I never get to play Sonic, so now that I can, I'm using him.

T. Kageyama: ...Fair enough.

[End of transcript #4]

Following the conversation, Kageyama Tobio does not leave the area. He leans with his forearms against the edge of the couch, and his hands hanging just above y/n's shoulders. He does, however, watch the game and the game only. Y/n, who plays Sonic the Hedgehog, ties with Yachi Hitoka, who plays Kirby. They both lose to Yamaguchi Tadashi, who plays Joker.

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[Report #3- initiated by Tsukishima Kei]

Date of occurrence: March 29

Time of occurrence: 9:02pm

Location of occurrence: Living room

Disclaimer: Tsukishima Kei would like to preface that from this point onwards, his recounts may be liable to errors in continuity and/or accuracy. This is because by 9pm, he was three cans of beer, and one can of Jack Daniels and coke in. Daichi Sawamura, in his fancy police uniform and all, insisted on staying sober, so he will be fact checking any of Tsukishima Kei's recounts up until the point when he leaves the party prematurely. Daichi Sawamura will be aided by Sugawara Koushi, who also insisted on staying sober. For the children, he said. From Daichi Sawamura and Sugawara Koushi's departures onwards, any and all informtaion provided by Tsukishima Kei is subject to human error and inaccuracies. Apologies for the inconvenience.

[The following is fact checked by Daichi Sawamura and Sugawara Koushi]

Hinata Shoyo, who has managed to hold in four vodka redbulls, one can of beer, and half a vodka cruiser thus far, makes the suggestion to play drunken truth or dare. At this point in time, Kageyama Tobio is three cans of beer, and two cans of Jack Daniels and coke in. He is half-asleep on y/n, who looks visibly distraught, like when a guy you're not really into thinks he's allowed to sleep on your shoulder. At Hinata's proposal of truth or dare, y/n speaks into the air, however, it is inaudible to Tsukishima Kei, who has just returned from another twenty minute break in the bathroom. What can be said? The guy needs his downtime away from the rest of these drunk idiots. (This is a Daichi Sawamura approved comment)

In y/n's hand is a red cup, however, it is unconfirmed whether its contents are alcoholic or not. Everybody sits in a circle on the ground of Hinata Shoyo's living room, and in the fourth round of truth or dare, the following conversation ensues between Hinata Shoyo, y/n, Kageyama Tobio, Tsukishima Kei, and Yachi Hitoka.

[Transcript #5- Provided by Tsukishima Kei (aided by Daichi Sawamura and Sugawara Koushi)]

S. Hinata: Who's to SAYYYY...it isn't somebody...RIGHT HEEEEERE! [Hinata Shoyo swirls a bottled vodka cruiser in circles, and spills rougly 15mL of its contents onto his carpet. Nobody notices this. The carpet is not cleaned until the next morning. This will be of importance.]

T. Kageyama: Yeahhhhh...YEAAAAAAH! It HAAAAS to be somebody here, riiiiiiight?...RIIIIIIIGHT? [Kageyama Tobio nudges y/n's shoulders as he prods on. His inquisition is futile, as y/n does not respond directly to his advances. However, they shoot him a look. You know, the look of panic when a guy that you're a little bit into starts totally hitting on you in front of everyone.]

Y/n: Yachi's question was are you into anybody. Yes, I am. Who's next?

K. Tsukishima: Well...it's no FUN if you're not telling us whooooo! C'monnn, a guy hits on you every other day...it's BOOOOORING if you don't tell usssssss...specifics! Yeah, specifics!

T. Kageyama: You're...stiiiiiill getting hit on by OTHERRRR GUYSSSSS? [Kageyama Tobio proceeds to grab y/n by the shoulders, and turn them to face himself. Y/n is visibly taken aback. They shoot another look. the kind of look where your mouth is open and you suddenly stop blinking because you aren't sure how to anymore.]

Y/n: Can we...can we please move on to the next person? Thanks! [Y/n taps Kageyama Tobio's wrists two times. Kageyama Tobio releases y/n from his grasp, and folds his arms.]

H. Yachi: Goooooootcha! [Yachi Hitoka takes a swig from a red cup. Its contents are known to be cream soda and vodka in a 7:1 ratio, courtesy of Hinata Shoyo's contributions to the party's catalogue of available drinks. At this moment, Yachi Hitoka is two drinks in, and that is already two drinks too many.] So, Yamaguchi! Truuuuuuuth...or dare?

[End of transcript #5]

This round of truth or dare continues for another thirteen minutes. No further interactions are recorded between Kageyama Tobio and y/n within this timeframe. Daichi Sawamura and Sugawara Koushi leave the party prematurely at 9:20pm.

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[Report #4- Initiated by Tsukishima Kei]

Date of occurrence: March 29

Time of occurrence: 9:52pm

Location of occurrence: Living room, kitchen

[The following is not fact checked by Daichi Sawamura or Sugawara Koushi, and may contain inaccuracies. Ensure to cross check with multiple reliable sources. As reliable as you can get with a group of hammered, freshly graduated young adults, and their enabling seniors, at least. For the record, Tsukishima Kei has ceased his consumption of alcohol by this point in time. Tsukishima Kei's brother, Tsukishima Akiteru, gives him the talk when he returns home the following day, but that is not of importance. So don't worry about it. Just know that Tsukishima Kei was the second most responsible drinker of the night. Thanks.]

At approximately...9:52pm? Yes, 9:52pm, sure. At 9:52pm, y/n separates from the truth or dare circle, and proceeds towards the kitchen. They are seen filling up a red cup with coke, and nothing else. While y/n is away from the larger group, the following conversation ensues between Nishinoya Yuu, Kageyama Tobio, Tsukishima Kei, and Hinata Shoyo.

[Transcript #6- Provided by Tsukishima Kei]

Y. Nishinoya: No...I'VE GOT a GOOOOOOOOD ONE FOR HIM! ...KAGEYAMA! I...daaaaaare YOU!

K. Tsukishima: He asked for a truuuuuuuuuuth, not a...DAAAARE!

S. Hinata: GODDAMN LET HIIIIIIM FINISHHHHHH....

Y. Nishinoya: Yeaaaaaah, asshooooooole. Leeeeeet me FINISHHHHHH! [Nishinoya Yuu sniffs, and stares into the ceiling for four seconds. Not a single thought is coherent in Nishinoya Yuu's mind.]

T. Kageyama: Whaaaat am I dooooing! I'm gaaaaame enough...for ANYTHING! ANYTHIIIIIING! [Kageyama Tobio possesses a look that is a little insane, and proceeds to...beat at his chest? What the fuck? Did he actually beat at his fucking chest? (This is not Daichi Sawamura approved. Please cross check with reliable sources.)]

Y. Nishinoya: I daaaare YOU! To smack y/n's aaaaaaaass...hahah...ha.... [Nishinoya Yuu falls over to the side. He remains in slumber for the next thirty-two minutes.]

S. Hinata: Thaaaaaat...is CRAAAZY! Kaaaageyamaaaaa...are youuuuu! Gaaaaaame enoughhhhh!

[End of transcript #5]

Kageyama Tobio pushes himself off the ground at Hinata Shoyo and Nishinoya Yuu's provocations. He snickers to himself, and walks to the kitchen, where y/n is placing the two litre bottle of coke into the fridge. Kageyama Tobio proceeds to advance towards y/n, and smacks their behind, before…squeezing it? And then jiggling it in his- what the…fuck is going on? (This is not Daichi Sawamura approved, please cross check with reliable sources.) Y/n snaps around at the abrupt impact, and empties the contents of their cup onto Kageyama Tobio. It's a shame Nishinoya Yuu is too knocked out to witness what he has provoked. Sucks. The following commotion ensues between Kageyama Tobio, and y/n. Please note that parts of the conversation were inaudible from the truth or dare circle's location.

[Transcript #6- Provided by Tsukishima Kei, Yachi Hitoka, Hinata Shoyo, and Yamaguchi Tadashi]

Y/n: WHATTTTT the FUCK KAGEYAMA.

T. Kageyama: [inaudible]

Y/n: Oh...my fucking God! You are! Very drunk!

T. Kageyama: [Turns to the truth or dare circle.] TOOOLD YOU! I'M GAAAAAME ENOUGH! FOR AAAAAAAANYTHING!

Y/n: [inaudible]...NISHINOYA! [Y/n shoots a look towards the truth or dare circle. One of disdain. Contempt, even. In hindsight, the dare was much too inappropriate. Here is a reminder for everybody to apologise at the next available chance.]

T. Kageyama: Soooorry, [inaudible].

Y/n: [inaudible]...God, I should have never did it to you the first time. Not the place. Not! the place! [Y/n proceeds to grab Kageyama Tobio by the shoulders, turning him around. Kageyama Tobio is ushered into the bathroom, alongside y/n. Y/n shoots one more look at the truth or dare circle. Tsukishima Kei, as he writes this transcript, is beginning to understand Yachi Hitoka's slight fear of y/n. It's the side eye. They are definitely a little scary with the side eye.]

T. Kageyama: Ouuuuuu, the BAAAATHROOM! Thaaat's a firstttttt. [Kageyama Tobio wiggles his brows, and it's kind of creepy. Like when a guy is trying a little too hard to get laid, and is throwing every existing pickup line at you. Y/n smacks him in the side of his head, and pushes Kageyama Tobio into the bathroom. They slam the bathroom door shut and lock it. The two do not return until fifteen minutes later. It is unsure what occurred during that timeframe.]

[End of transcript #6]

When Kageyama Tobio and y/n return to the living room, it is approximately 10:12pm. Nishinoya Yuu is still asleep on the floor, and shows mild signs of...nevermind. Yachi Hitoka and Yamaguchi Tadashi have moved on to drunken karaoke. Hinata Shoyo and Tanaka Ryunosuke learn to do the Rasputin beside Nishinoya Yuu's unconscious body. Kageyama Tobio and y/n settle beside Yamaguchi Tadashi and Yachi Hitoka respectively, and pretend to be at a concert where the singers can barely remember their own lyrics and aren't sure what notes to hit. Tsukishima Kei wants to go home, but hasn't gathered a satisfactory amount of blackmail yet. Therefore, Tsukishima Kei stays the night. He passes out on the living room carpet at 12:03am.

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[Report #6- Initiated by Yamaguchi Tadashi and Hinata Shoyo]

Date of occurrence: March 30

Time of occurrence: 12:12am

Location of occurrence: Living room

Disclaimer: Any and all recounts made my Hinata Shoyo and Yamaguchi Tadashi from this point onwards may be liable to errors and inaccuracies. Since Tsukishima Kei made the disclaimer, the two believed they too were responsible for making one of their own. They admit that they were not responsible drinkers. They also admit that this will, undoubtedly, happen again.

12:12am is a time of silence. By this time, Tsukishima Kei has fallen asleep on the carpet, just beside Hinata Shoyo’s cruiser spill. He does not wake until 11:13am of March 30. Yachi Hitoka leaves the residence at approximately 11:30pm, alongside Tanaka Ryunosuke and Nishinoya Yuu, who are all picked up by Kiyoko Shimizu. Yamaguchi Tadashi and Hinata Shoyo are positioned at the kitchen counter, where they eat the graduation cake with their bare hands. At this point in time, Yamaguchi Tadashi has ceased all alcohol consumption, tapping out at two vodka redbulls, and two cream soda and vodkas in a 5:1 ratio. Hinata Shoyo, who has thrown up twice between this report and the last, has also ceased all alcohol consumption, tapping out at four vodka redbulls, one can of beer, and one vodka cruiser. Does cake work as a hangover cure? So sinful, so decadent…who gets to eat the happy graduation chocolate sign? Pay that no mind, for it is unimportant. What is of importance, is Kageyama Tobio and y/n’s current form.

Kageyama Tobio, who has tapped out after three cans of beer, two cans of Jack Daniels and coke, and an additional shot of pure vodka, stirs in his half slumber. This is no regular half slumber, but is one of intimacy, and of lovesick vulnerability, evident by his entire body splayed across y/n’s lap. At the time of this report, it is unsure whether y/n has consumed any amount of alcohol, but their sobriety is to be applauded regardless. (Please do not inform Kageyama Tobio of Hinata Shoyo’s comments on his character. Thanks.)

Y/n proceeds to bounce their leg twice, no, three times. Yes, three times is what it takes for Kageyama Tobio to stir awake. Hinata Shoyo and Yamaguchi Tadashi advance towards the couch at this moment, with the intention of smearing cake over Kageyama Tobio and y/n. However, upon entering the vicinity of the living room, the following conversation ensues between Kageyama Tobio, Hinata Shoyo, and y/n. Please be reminded that Hinata Shoyo and Yamaguchi Tadashi are both drunk out of their mind, and that the conversation was one of whispers. For that reason, any and all details of the transcript are liable to errors, redaction, and/or inaccuracies. Apologies for the inconvenience.

[Transcript #7- Provided by Hinata Shoyo and Yamaguchi Tadashi]

T. Kageyama: [inaudible]…leave?

Y/n: Do you? [inaudible]…car [inaudible]

T. Kageyama: I don’t [inaudible]…ow. [Kageyama Tobio rubs at his temples. Hinata Shoyo believes he is crying, but also don’t tell Kageyama Tobio he thinks that. (This is not Daichi Sawamura approved. Please cross check with reliable sources.)]

Y/n: Alright. Upsies now, I’ll drop you off. [Y/n pushes Kageyama Tobio’s body off of their lap. Kageyama Tobio whines. Hinata Shoyo is recording this entire ordeal, but there is frosting on the camera from fumbling for his phone with cake-covered hands. It is unclear who is speaking in the video, or what is happening, really.]

T. Kageyama: Drop me…offffffff? BUT I THOOOOOUGHT- [Y/n proceeds to punch Kageyama Tobio in the side, to which he doubles over. Kageyama Tobio begins to giggle uncontrollably on the ground.]

Y/n: Yes. I'm dropping you off, Tobio. Hinata? [Y/n turns to Hinata Shoyo, who throws his phone onto the ground upon being spotted. They leave the couch, and attempt to pull Kageyama Tobio to his feet. Kageyama Tobio is still giggling, and is unable to find his grounding.]

S. Hinata: Y-yeeeeeees...? [Why are they looking at Hinata Shoyo like that? No, seriously, he's getting scared thinking about it again as he writes this transcript.]

Y/n: I think I'll head out, Kageyama needs a drop off and I'm getting tired. This was fun! Thanks for holding the party, happy grad! I'll catch you around, yeah?

S. Hinata: Of COUUUUUUUUURSE...! Youuuu're NEVER! Getting rid of USSSSS!

Y/n: Yeah, of course. See you soon, Hinata. Good luck with the cleanup. [Y/n has finally managed to pull Kageyama Tobio to his feet. They yank Kageyama Tobio by the arm, and push him out the front door.]

[End of transcript #7]

At 12:15am, Kageyama Tobio and Y/n leave Hinata Shoyo's residence. Yamaguchi Tadashi, and Tsukishima Kei do not leave until the day of March 30.

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[Report #7- Initiated by Tsukishima Kei, Hinata Shoyo, Yamaguchi Tadashi]

Date of occurrence: March 30

Time of occurrence: 11:13am

Location of occurrence: Living room

Tsukishima Kei is the first to wake from the stench of the cruiser spill by his nose. God, fuck, everything hurts. Is this what death feels like? A hangover? Also, that spill? Foul, fucking rank. It comes as no surprise that vodka, steeped into the fuzz of an unwashed carpet, would undoubtedly stink. That is beside the point. Tsukishima Kei leaves the ground at the stench, and searches for his phone. He is afraid. He promised to be home by midnight. His brother is going to kill him. Following two minutes of mindless smacking at the ground, Tsukishima Kei finally finds his device. Upon closer inspection, however, the following conversation is shown on the phone.

[Transcript #8- Provided by Y/n]

Y/n: r u dead???? -1:02am

Y/n: hurry up i wanna sleep:( -1:02am

Y/n: im not hearing water istg if ur not showering im gonna fucking drown u babe i dunked SODA all over u -1:03am

Y/n: r u hearing me -1:05am

Y/n: kageyama tobio r u hearing me because i still am not hearing water from my bathroom -1:05am

Y/n: if you don't shower ur sleeping on the ground tn -1:07am

Y/n: tobio r u done omg hurry up i wanna sleep sb -1:27am

[4 missed calls from: Y/n]

[End of transcript #8]

Upon this discovery, Tsukishima Kei wakes Hinata Shoyo and Yamaguchi Tadashi, who sleep on the couch for the night. The three ruminate on their next course of action, before the phone rings. The following conversation ensues between Tsukishima Kei, and y/n. Hinata Shoyo and Yamaguchi Tadashi choose to act as bystanders.

[Transcript #9- Provided by Tsukishima Kei]

Y/n: ...Fuck.

K. Tsukishima: So.

Y/n: He dropped it while wrestling you, didn't he.

K. Tsukishima: ...We wrestled?

[End of transcript #9]

[Case Closed]

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bonus:

When you realise that Tobio's phone is MIA, he finally returns from your bathroom. Barely clothed, he shakes his head, and droplets of water come flying from his hair. His feet are heavy against the floor, and he isn't sure if he'll even make it to your bed at this rate, until you come darting out of your room, phone in hand.

"Tobio, where is your phone?"

"My phone?" His phone, it's in the bathroom, like it always is when he showers, right? Tobio grunts, annoyed at the extra return journey to the bathroom. He swipes at his T-shirt on the bathroom counter-right, that's where his shirt has gone. What meets his fingers is cold porcelain, and he frowns, pulling his shirt over his head.

"Not...here? Good question...where is it?"

You drag Tobio to your room, shutting the door behind you. When he spares no time to roll into your bed, blissfully unaware, you glare at him, and remind yourself that you do, in fact, love the guy. Even if he drunkenly slapped your ass in front of everybody four hours prior, forgot about your warnings and drank much too far past his limit, and has by now, probably outed your relationship to everyone at the party, despite keeping it perfectly hidden for over a year. Unfortunately, you remind yourself once again that you indeed, do love Kageyama Tobio, so this can wait. What is important now, is catching up on lost slumber, and forcing Tobio to join you.

Crawling into bed beside him, you finally melt into his arms for the first time tonight, away from the eyes of the Karasuno volleyball team. Tobio smiles, satisfied with the way that you're relaxing against him, instead of pushing him off and smacking his head. He inhales the scent of your shampoo, slips his hands beneath your shirt to hold your bare waist. This is comfortable. You are comfortable. Better than whatever he was on at that party.

"Oh well, who cares? You probably dropped it while wrestling with Tsukishima."

"...I wrestled Tsukishima?"

author's note:

I hope this is as fun to read as it was to write and i also hope it's actually good because it's so crack that there's not really any fluff until the bonus bit at the end BUT i'll come back with some proper butterfly inducing fluff and or angst soon!! love u all!!

tags!!

@chuuya-brainrot @staraxiaa @catsoupki @hiraethwa @laughingfcx @akaakeis @kuroppiii @tulip-room @wyrcan @wishi-selfships @fiannee @bailey-reeds @zzwon

ok thank u for waiting n reading love u all see u soon bye bye

[ask-the-koopa-family]

Yaaaaay Cleo is heeeere !

Art/ocs/story are mine dont copy/repost

#bowser

#bowserjr

#koopalings

#supermariobros

#supermario

#bowserxoc

#canonxoc

A few months passed , and Cherry could go into labor at any minutes and then one day.. In the living room of Bowser’s Castle. Bowser and Cherry are seated on their couch, chatting peacefully. Suddenly, Cherry places a hand on her stomach and winces, feeling a sudden pain.

Cherry: breathing heavily 

"Bowser… I think… it’s time!"

Bowser: sits up, alert but calm 

"You mean… now?"

Cherry: with a nervous smile and a small sigh

 "Yes… our baby is coming!"

Bowser’s face lights up, but he remains composed. Around them, however, it’s a different story. The castle stirs with general excitement and panic. Servants murmur anxiously, a Goomba drops a stack of blankets, and a Koopa Troopa nearly trips while making a quick turn. Other servants scurry around, uncertain about what to do.

Bowser: in an authoritative tone, raising his hand 

"Calm down, everyone! This isn’t our first baby, so let’s show some nerve!"

The servants freeze, listening attentively, impressed by Bowser’s confidence.

Bowser: pointing at the Goombas 

"Goombas! Get some blankets and warm water for Cherry. turning to the Koopa Troopas And you, get a fire going to warm the delivery room. "noticing Kamek "Kamek!"

Kamek, watching from a corner with a kind smile, immediately steps forward, nodding.

Kamek: "Yes, Lord Bowser? How can I assist you?"

Bowser: gesturing to the Koopalings and Bowser Jr., who have arrived, wide-eyed 

"Kamek, keep the kids occupied. Keep them calm and away until everything’s done. Got it?"

Kamek: bowing" Of course, Sire. You can count on me."

Bowser Jr.: tugging at Kamek’s sleeve, concerned "But… I want to see the baby! is it coming soon?"

Kamek: with a reassuring smile 

"Don’t worry, Junior. You’ll see the baby very soon. But for now, let your dad be with Cherry, alright?"

Bowser leans toward Cherry, gently taking her hand to help her up from the throne.

Bowser: in a soft voice

" Come on, Cherry. I’m here; everything’s going to be fine."

Cherry: faintly smiling but reassured 

"Thank you, Bowser."

Kamek watches the couple disappear toward the delivery room, then turns back to the children, who look at him eagerly.

Wendy: with bright eyes

" Do you think the baby will look more like Dad, or like Cherry?"

Ludwig: arms crossed, serious 

"Doesn’t matter, as long as it has the Koopa spirit."

Larry: enthusiastic 

"Maybe the baby will have horns like Dad!"

In the delivery room, a few hours later, Bowser is by Cherry’s side as she holds their newborn daughter in her arms. She’s exhausted but glowing with happiness. Their baby is a little girl with flaming red hair like Bowser, small horns on her head, and a Koopa tail at the base of her back.

Cherry: smiling, weary Look,

"Bowser… its a girl! Our little daughter... She’s beautiful…"

Bowser: tenderly, his big smile softening 

"She’s perfect, Cherry. A true Koopa princess."

Cherry gently strokes the baby’s cheek, pride and tenderness filling her gaze.

Cherry: whispering 

"What shall we name her?"

Bowser remains silent for a moment, thinking as he watches their daughter with affection.

Bowser: softly 

"She deserves a special name… one that symbolizes her strength, beauty, and uniqueness. Something unique… just like her."

Cherry: with a dreamy smile 

"How about… Cleo?

Bowser: repeating softly 

"Cleo… Yes, it suits her. It’s both strong and gentle. Sounds like a noble name."

Cherry: smiling 

"And in an ancient dialect, it means “glory.” Cleo… it’s perfect for a princess who will shine without needing to fight."

Bowser: proudly 

"Cleo, the one who’ll bring glory to the kingdom… without lifting her claws, like her old dad. Haha!"

Cherry laughs softly, squeezing Bowser’s hand in an emotional moment. They share a knowing smile, thrilled with the name for their daughter.

Kamek enters discreetly, followed by the Koopalings and Bowser Jr., all eager to meet the baby. They enter cautiously, as if entering a sanctuary.

Bowser Jr.: staring wide-eyed 

"She’s so tiny… and she has horns like Dad!"

Wendy: in awe 

"And red hair, like Dad, too! whispering She’s so pretty!

Morton: enthusiastic 

"Welcome, little sis! We’ll protect you, promise!"

Ludwig: serious but moved 

"Yes, welcome, Cleo. We’ll be here for you."

Iggy: examining Cleo curiously 

"Ohhh! A hybrid Koopa princess! She’s unique, incredible!"

Lemmy: amazed 

"She’s going to be our best friend, I just know it!"

Cherry watches them all with a serene, tender smile as each child gazes at Cleo, fascinated and already protective.

Cherry: whispering to Bowser 

"Look at how much they already love her… we have a wonderful family, don’t we?"

Bowser: holding her close 

"Yes… the best family."

The children, still mesmerized by little Cleo, continue murmuring amongst themselves. Meanwhile, Bowser and Cherry enjoy their moment in silence until Cherry leans toward Bowser with a playful smile.

Cherry: whispering with a mischievous grin 

"Don’t forget our deal, my King… you remember, don’t you?"

Bowser lets out a light groan, rolling his eyes.

Bowser: feigning resignation 

"Yes, yes… feeding Cleo during the night for two weeks… "sighs but smiles 

"I should have known you’d be right."

Cherry: laughing softly 

"And I should have bet for a whole month!"

Bowser: amused, glancing at Cleo 

"Enjoy it, Cleo. Your dad lost the bet, so he’ll be watching over you every night…"

Cherry bursts out laughing, and Bowser eventually smiles, a bit resigned but tender.

Bowser: whispering 

"Alright, Cherry… a deal is a deal. But remember, this is the only time you’ll win."

They share a knowing smile as Cherry rests her head against him, clearly pleased. Bowser gently holds little Cleo in his arms and gazes at her lovingly.

The children, gathered around their parents and Cleo, admire their new little sister with awe and affection. The castle, filled with warmth in this family gathering, seems more peaceful and united than ever.

The End!

[mr-yuugo]

Fallen Soul

-Record Of Ragnarok × Fem!Reader-

Summary: You are a god who is recruited to fight for Mankind. A god whose soul had fallen to earth, a human version of themselves was born. Will you be able to help save humanity?

You can read this on Wattpad and AO3! There is currently 17 chapters!

[CHAPTER 1] Contender

Faint footsteps could be heard as you lifted your head. "Lady Y/N, there is someone here who wishes to speak with you," Virgo said as they bowed down. Their short pink hair covered their face as their right hand was placed on their chest.

You hummed in acknowledgment. "Let them in," You spoke as you rested your chin in the palm of your hand. Virgo was quick to stand up straight. Going to the doors of your throne room to open them. Opening them, Virgo moved to the side to let the person walk in. You smiled as you recognized that it was the Valkyrie from earlier.

....

"Well, then. Everyone, it's been 1000 years since the last time we gathered. Let us start the conference shall we?" Zeus said.

"Now, let me ask. In regard to the survival of mankind for the next 1,000 years. Should we forgive them? Or should we just put an end to them?" Zeus asked and two signs appeared beside him. One is a circle and another being an X symbol.

Besides where you sat, you heard someone speak. "Yep! Heeeere!" Shiva, who was sitting next to you was smiling. He was holding up two of the X signs.

"Let's just give them the doomsday already, Alright? From what I've seen these past 1,000 years, mankind doesn't seem to have any intent to repent at all. Trying to guide them is such a pain in the ass." Having said that, he looked over at you and smirked. "Once we erase them all, let's try evolving some other animal!"

Just a few feet away you saw Aphrodite nod her head. "True..." Aphrodite muttered. "It's just as Shiva-sama said, in the last 1000 years the earth has become too ugly." You were certain you could hear the inner disgust in her voice.

"Seas are filled with waste and oil, forests are disappearing and living beings have become extinct one after another. So to speak...Humans are the most dangerous living cancer on earth. A disaster that will bring the earth to its end. Isn't that right?"

At her words, multiple of the other gods present had begun to agree with her. "Aphrodite is right!"

"Mankind is awful and will bring only despair." As even more gods began to speak their minds, Shiva turned to you and spoke. "Tell me, Y/N, you also think we should end them right?" He lazily smiled.

Looking at him, you smiled. Putting a finger up to your lips as if you were shushing him, you chuckled dryly. "Just wait Shiva, I'm sure the humans will not be ones to give up without a fight."

Zeus cleared his throat, gaining the attention of those around him. "I guess we have come to an agreement!" Zeus said, raising his gavel. "Then, the end of mankind is decided-!" Just before he slammed his gavel down, someone interrupted him.

"Please wait for a second!" Near the higher seats, you spotted a Valkyrie standing boldly and another who seemed scared.

"Huh?" Zeus mumbled. "A Valkyrie...? That's a Valkyrie right?" Someone asked. "What's up with her?" Another questioned as murmurs began to rise. "Parden my intrusion Gods, there is one thing I must say." The Valkyrie spoke loudly.

"Sister! Y-you can't s-speak to the Gods like that!" The smaller girl beside her said while trembling as she hurried to shush her sister.

"Mind your business, Brunhilde!" The crows that sit on Odin's shoulders yelled at her. "You imbecile half God! How dare you open your filthy mouth in the conference of the Gods!"

Brunhilde didn't seem fazed by their words. "It is true that mankind is unbelievably vulgar and violent. But to destroy them like that...Isn't that a bit...boring?" She shrugged. "Whether the survival of mankind has any value or not. With the mighty mercy of the Gods, why don't we test them?"

"Test them?! How, do you wish to flood them?!" Huginn asked Brunhilde as he continued to yell. "Or do you think we should send them into an ice age?"

Brundilde turned her head left to right in disagreement. "No, but I have the most effective way to test them.""Oh?" Zeus hummed. "What is it!? Say it now you imbecile!" Huggin yelled as he grew impatient. "Say it now!"

"Gods vs. Mankind's final struggle, Ragnarok!" Brunhilde spoke loudly as she held a book in her hands. "Valhalla constitution, article 62." She said while flipping through a book. "It is explained in paragraph 15 of the super special clause. 1 vs. 1 showdown, between both Gods and Mankind."

"It seems you Valkyrie really don't understand! Mankind vs. Gods? They simply don't stand a chance against us!" Huginn said. "They simply stand no chance!" Both crows yelled out in unison.

At the crow's words, the other gods present began to agree with them. "That's right!" They all yelled out. "It would be child's play!"The gods roared. "I don't even remember such a law."

Brundilde looked displeased, "So the will of the Gods is to destroy mankind and also....to avoid complete conflict?" Brunhilde said, mockery laced in her words. "Heh?!" Huginn glared.

"We want to destroy mankind without fighting them. We don't want to be put in the same ring as them. That's I'll I'm hearing, hmm don't tell me....." She stopped for a second. "You're chickening out?" Her voice echoed. "If so, I'm terribly sorry for interrupting you. Please forgive me. Well anyway go ahead don't listen to me. Let's just forget all about the Ragnarok stuff."

Soon laughter could be heard from all directions, but after that laughter, anger was clearly present. "How dare you!" The Gods yelled out in anger, throwing poisonous words at her. "Do you know what you just did you damn half-breed!"

"Are you making fun of us you bastard!!?"You simply stared at the girl with amazement in your eyes. "How bold!" You gushed as you smiled in her direction.

"Hohoho..." Zeus chuckled. "Ragnarok, quite an interesting proposal. Well said! Though, your proposal it's such a fucking unit! Besides don't you think it's been a long time since we have seen the might of the Gods!!"

"Everyone! What do you think? Should we hold a showdown between God and Mankind!?" He laughed. "Here!" Saying that he slammed his gavel down.

....

"Lady Y/N, thank you for allowing me to speak with you." Brunhilde bowed down in front of you. Motioning over to her to stand up, she soon stood confidently. "It's my pleasure dear, so why are you here?" You chuckled.

Placing a hand near her heart she looked up at you with determination. "I'm here to ask you, will you fight in Ragnarok?" You tilted your head in confusion, a quiet humm leaving your lips. "Hm? But I'm a God, why would you want me to fight against your cause?"

Brunhilde smirked. "You would fight....in your human form. Your soul, fell to earth correct? You were once a human, so according to the rules, you'll be able to participate for mankind. I've seen your skills as a human, I have no doubt you'll win!" Her smirked widened.

"Yes, I suppose that's true..." You mumbled, sighing you continued. "You are a very smart woman Brunhilde! Of course, such a bold request as yours can't be turned down. I accept! I'll be more than happy to battle in Ragnarok."

[CHAPTER 2] Ragnarok Begins!

The first round of Ragnarok had begun. You had decided to stay in your estate and watch the round on your TV. Footsteps could be heard from outside the doors of your room and knocking was heard soon after.

"Come in!" You said loudly. Opening the door you saw Virgo. They quickly rushed up to you and stood beside you. "My lady! The official roster for the candidates who will participate in Ragnarok is out!" They said, handing you an electronic device showing various names.

"It seems that you and young master Ruiru will be participating!" They spoke with enthusiasm. Handing the device back to them you kept watching the TV in front of you.

"It's alright Virgo. I have no need to see it. I would rather be surprised when the contenders come up to fight. I want to see it myself."

Their mouth formed an "o" shape and they looked down in shame. "Ah I see, I apologize then. I'm sorry I spoiled part of it for you..."

Glancing at Virgo you smiled as your eyes met. "No need to apologize, you were only excited to show the news that your very own master was going to show off her skills. I'm very much grateful for that!"

Noticing how their eyes teared up you quickly stood up from your seat. "Uh! D-don't cry! Did I say something weird!?" Freaking out you began to apologize. Virgo sniffled as they stood up straight, their hands behind their back.

"My lady, I'm so happy I'm able to work for you. I promise to do my very best!" Virgo said as they grabbed your hands. You were surprised for a second before smiling at them. "I'm glad," You told them as you gave their hand a firm squeeze.

At that moment you swore some arrow shot through Virgo's heart as their face began to flush. Excusing themselves, Virgo quickly left the room. "Huh-" Looking at the door they left through you just laughed. Sitting back down you continued to watch how Thor had a wonderful smirk on his face as he fought with Lu Bu.

A few minutes passed until you began to process the information Virgo had told you. "Ryubu's name was also on the list. I really do hope we don't end up fighting each other." You sighed. "I wonder how he is, I haven't seen him or Raijin in a very long time. I wish the best for them."

You frowned as you thought about them. "I wonder if they have changed at all..."

......

Focusing on the TV it seemed that the battle had come to an end. "The first battle of Ragnarok, between the God Thor and Lu Bu...has come to a close, with Thor as its victor...! Humanity has taken its first steps into extinction!!" Heimdall announcedStanding up you decided to make your way to the Arena to go see Thor.

"Heaven's door," You called out. A small portal opened up in front of you, passing by it you were immediately at the doors of the arena. Watching a nurse run by you quickly stopped her. "Excuse me but do you know where Thor currently is?"

The nurse looked at you, her eyes quick to widen as she recognized you. "Ah, Lady Y/N! Yes, I do know please follow me I'll lead you to it!" She smiled, her cheeks blushing a faint pink. She quickly walked in the direction of Thor's room. Passing a few halls she stopped at one of the doors.

"Here we are, Lady Y/N! I am very happy to have had the chance to be around you today!" She said as she bowed down to show her respect.

"Oh please you're going to make me blush!" You said as you also bowed down slightly. Standing up straight she told you goodbye as she quickly left in the direction you both came from in a hurry.

Opening the door to his room you saw him sitting on a chair, his eyes focused on the screen in front of him awaiting for the second round to start. Hearing the door open, Thor snapped his eyes over in your direction. "Y/N, have you never learned to knock?" He asked.

"Wow! Ironic you're saying I should knock!" You laughed. You heard him mumble something under his breath. "Excuse me? I don't think I heard you." You asked almost mockingly.

Sighing Thor spoke. "Sorry..." He said looking anywhere but your eyes. It seemed he was still beating himself up about your first meeting.

"That's better! Anyways I'm just here to ask if you're alright."

He hummed as he motioned over to you to get closer with his hands. "Did you really come all this way just to ask me that?"

"Yep!" You said clapping your hands together. "Can't you just use that ability of yours? You could have just seen into the future. You probably already knew the outcome of my match." He said.

You laughed and let out a sigh. "I suppose I could but, I made a promise to myself not to. Knowing what is bound to happen is...no fun!" You admitted as you shrugged. "I haven't seen anything future-related since Brunhilde came to speak with me."

Saying that Thor looked puzzled. "That Valkyrie came to speak with you? Why?" He asked to which you nodded.

"I will be fighting in Ragnarok, for the future of mankind." His eyes widened slightly but quickly regained their cold look.

"Can't say I'm surprised....." Thor muttered. "Y/N, wouldn't that mean you are a traitor to the Gods? What will happen to you if others find out?"

"Well, I guess....I'll just have to kill them before they kill me!" You smirked. "Are you going to try to kill me?" You asked, your eyes lighting up as your smirk widened. He stared at you for a moment before chuckling.

"Why would I kill the only God I have...that is worthy of fighting me." He said as he let out a quiet chuckle. "Though I am confused. If you fighting in Ragnarok, why wasn't your name on the list of contenders?"

"Well...as rules say, it will be a showdown between mankind and god. I simply can't break the rules! I'll be fighting as a human."

"A human?"

"Yes! Once upon a time, Dear old Y/N lost her soul! Her soul fell to earth and found itself within a human child. That child was given a chance to follow their own path, one without assistance from any god." You said as if telling a children's book.

Thor froze as you told him the small story. "When did that happen?" He thought but didn't say anything about it.

"My name given by the love of mankind is Hoshiko Hanae."

"Ah...I see. Hoshiko Hanae, I remember seeing that name on the list of fighters. Though, are you really sure you will win? I fear that you will be far weaker as a human as you are a God." He spoke with genuine concern.

"Just because I will be "weaker" than I am now, does not mean I'll be weaker than my opponent. I trained my ass off from what I remember. I hold no fear of losing, I will win." You smiled. "Oh, and you won't tell anyone about what we just talked about right? I'm kinda hoping everyone finds out when the moment happens."

"Of course, though why did you tell me? You didn't gain anything from it."

"Huh? Well, I don't need to gain anything. I just trust you, talking to you makes me happy. Do I really need a reason?" You said as your smile didn't falter. His mouth opened slightly and having found no words to say he looked down.

A smirk appeared on his face. "Do you maybe want to stay here and watch the next battle?" He asked still staring down. Feeling a presence next to him he looked up and was met by your smile.

"Sure!"

[amazingmsme]

Restless ‘Til We Reach Home

A Lamb in Wolf’s Clothing (ch. 2)

AN: The long awaited second chapter & thunder saga is heeeere! I was getting ready to post it but stopped in my tracks when the thunder saga trailer dropped & realized how close it was & I knew what I had to do. Gotta say, Odysseus is real mean in this one. But hey, at least Hermes is there to balance it out!

Ch. 1 Ch. 3 Ch. 3.5 Ch. 4

Polites felt as though he really needed to clear the air with Odysseus, but where to even start?

The captain was nowhere in sight, so he floated around the deck in search of him. He was still trying to get used to his new way of travel, but he liked to think he was getting the hang of it pretty well.

In the underworld, he couldn't fly. Then again, that was a place made for people like him. It was meant as a bastardized recreation of home, to provide the comfort of solid ground and company.

Polites thought back to Hades, and how despite how horrible he thought he looked, there was always someone around the corner who was worse. He had gotten used to the gruesome sights after a while. And as awful as it was to say, seeing them kept him humble. Because yes, things were bad, but at least he didn't have his entrails dragging behind him. Eurydice was one of the few who looked just as beautiful in death as she did in life.

Eurydice...

He wondered how she was holding up. It'd been hours for him since he'd left, but for her, who knows? Had only seconds passed, leaving her on the bank as she wondered what awaited him? Or had it already been a day, the loneliness beginning to set in? Even with the perspective of the real world, Polites found it difficult to gauge the passage of time down there. So wherever she was, however long it had been, he hoped she was doing well.

The sun was getting lower in the sky, inching towards the horizon. It would be dark soon. For now, the light shifted, reflecting off the clouds in vibrant golds and orangey pinks. It was the first sunset of his new life, signaling an end of an era and a new dawn on its way.

Night fell quickly, enveloping them in a blanket of stars and darkness. Polites looked for the moon in the sky, but it was nowhere to be found. Ah, a new moon.

If you were to ask him, he would say that the moonless sky was just as beautiful as a full moon night. He'd started various debates about it with other soldiers, encouraging them to just hear him out. Of course the full moon is beautiful, he never said it wasn't! The new moon may lack her silvery glow, but doesn't her absence make it all the more beautiful when she comes back? The darkness on nights like these provide the most clarity, offering to you all the stars you could ever wish to see.

Most people thought the night sky was only black, but oh how wrong they were. These are the impatient ones: those who never allow their eyes the time to adjust before they give up, going on about their night. But when you lay back and just allow yourself to study the canvas before you, the work of art will reveal itself with bold blues, greens, purples, and yes, even pinks.

Polites floated on his back, hovering mere inches above the deck as he stared up at the sky. By the Gods, how he'd missed it.

He didn't know he'd been crying until he heard heavy steps coming up the stairs, and he frantically wiped them away. He sat up just in time to see who was approaching.

Odysseus let out a startled yelp when he saw his friend's crumpled form lying on the deck, just as he looked before he died.

"Dear Zeus, you scared the shit out of me. What the hell are you still doing here?" he snapped, keeping his distance.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you, Captain," he said earnestly. "I-I was just watching the stars. It's such a beautiful night..." he mused, gaze turning upwards once more.

"I didn't mean why are you out here. I mean why didn't you go back to where you belong?" Odysseus asked in a harsh growl.

The warm, soft smile that had found his face was gone in an instant, "W-What?"

"If you're really Polites, you should be in the underworld. Isn't that right?" he cocked his head to the side, taking a threatening step forward.

Polites stared at him in complete and utter shock. "Odysseus... Why would you say such a thing?"

"Answer the question."

"I WAS IN THE UNDERWORLD! You were in the underworld! But- we made it out, together-"

"No, you stowed away," he clarified harshly. "There's a difference." He had backed Polites against the rail, continuing to advance until he was so close, their noses were almost touching.

"I-I thought you'd be happy to see me again!" he cried defensively. There was a flash of sadness, of forlorn longing across Odysseus's face, but it was gone in an instant. Polites continued, "I know I sure was... until you opened your mouth."

Odysseus scowled, "If you really are Polites... and I seriously fucking doubt it, then you have no idea what we've all been through since you left. So I don't much care for your holier than thou judgment."

Holier than thou-

"Is that what you think of me?" he asked, genuine hurt laced in his voice. "That I thought I was better than you?" His voice began to tremble, but he fought against it, although his words still came out in a wavering rasp through his weakened vocal cords. "Because I would never think that." He couldn't believe he actually had to tell him this...

Odysseus didn't speak for a long moment. Despite their close proximity, Polites had never felt farther away from his friend.

"I don't know what to think anymore."

Polites shook his head, eyes flying wide open. "No! Odysseus, you know me! You know better than to think that!" Said man rolled his head to the side, glaring at him from the corner of his eyes.

"Do I now?"

"You should..."

Another long stretch of silence. The only sound was the gentle breeze catching in the closed sails, swaying them about and flapping the fabric. Small waves lapped at the hull of the ship, creating a soothing sloshing sound.

"Yeah well, like I said. Things have changed." He inhaled deeply, letting out a long, suffering sigh. "I really wish I could believe you," he said, eyes closed as he addressed him. He shook his head, the movement barely noticeable. "But I just can't."

"But you can!" Polites reached out instinctively to hold his hand, but Odysseus jerked his arm away before he could. And then he noticed the way he was staring at him, as if he was some kind of threat- some kind of monster.

The captain quickly schooled his emotions, taking a moment to himself before addressing Polites.

"So... what made you follow us?" he finally asked. A hopeful smile broke out on the spirit's face. Maybe he could convince him to see the truth through the haze of paranoia.

"Honestly, it wasn't my idea, but my friend down there, she told me I needed to go. A-and I thought... just maybe... you were looking for me," he admitted shyly, staring at the ground. He didn't like the way he could see through his own feet to the deck below.

Odysseus let out a shaky breath. "I knew it..." This was it!

"You really aren't the Polites I knew."

And just like that, the world came crashing down on him. His eyes were welling with tears fast.

"H-ho-how can you even say that?" he asked as he slowly sank to the floor.

"Because Polites wouldn't be so stupid as to think I'd risk the lives of my crew to rescue a dead man!" he screamed, spit flying from his lips with the passion of his outburst.

Polites took a step back: through the railing. He held his hands out in front of him, as if to protect him. But there's nothing to be protected from anymore. Nothing except the newfound cruelty of his old friend.

Tears threatened to spill over, but he blinked them away, shaking his head frantically. "Nonono, you don't really mean that. Y-you're just upset! Odysseus, please tell me you didn't mean it like that," he all but pleaded.

Odysseus opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself short. He tried once more, but all he could muster was a simple, "I'm sorry." He hesitated before turning his back on him, marching off to patrol the ship.

Polites was left floating there, completely heartbroken by his reaction. Never in a million years would he have expected the venom shooting from Odysseus's mouth to be aimed at him of all people.

Polites let himself fade from reality, disappearing completely as he drifted up towards the crows nest. It had always been the most peaceful place on the ship, and tonight was no exception.

He floated on until he reached the top, sitting down in the tightest ball he could manage. He buried his face in his knees as sobs completely wracked his body.

Why would he say such horrible things? He knew he couldn't even begin to fathom how their journey's gone up until now, but it was hard to believe it would prompt such a dramatic change.

But the alternative; the idea that he had never truly know Odysseus, was a far worse thought.

He looked up at the dozens and dozens of stars stretching before him from every which way. He felt as if he were flying, falling up, spiraling out of control towards them. Would he be falling for an eternity? Or would the stars catch him in their net, allowing the darkness to swallow him whole and consume his soul?

How wonderful it must be, turning to stardust.

"Oh Eurydice... you were wrong. I never should've left." His voice was weak and strangled as he spoke, just as it had been in his final moments. He gasped through his sobs, swallowing the snot that rolled down his throat, making him shudder. His whole body shook with convulsions as he cried.

"They don't w-want me a-around anymore. I'm nothing b-but a f-freak to them," he spoke barely above a whisper, frantically wiping away tears and blood. He hung his head low in defeat and shame, "I should've just stayed in Hades with you."

"And she's what? Girlfriend, friend, come on fill me in," an unexpected voice rudely interrupted. Polites screeched in surprise, turning visible once more as he whipped around to meet the intruder. How the hell did someone climb up without a sound?

"If you'd like, I'll even give her a little message from you," the strange man smirked wider, twirling his long curly hair around a finger. Polites gasped and looked down to the man's feet just to be sure, and just as he thought: wings.

"Hermes? I-I'm sorry, but uh, what are you doing here, exactly?" he asked, his previous breakdown quickly replaced with confusion. Something he did not appreciate. He wanted, no needed to cry after all that. But even the Gods wanted him to suffer, it would seem.

"Well excuse you! Taking a page from the captain's book, I take?" he taunted before bursting into a fit of giggles. Polites stiffened and glared at the God.

"No. I'm just trying to mind my own business, can't you do the same?" he huffed, crossing his arms across his chest. Hermes squinted in the dark and gasped when he recognized the man before him.

"You're his little dead friend, aren't you? The one that used to be cute," he clarified in a teasing manner.

Used to be cute... That was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Hermes froze, mostly out of fear, when he first saw tears. "Um, what are you doing? Stop that," Hermes ordered, sitting on the edge of the crows nest. Polites looked at him in utter disbelief.

"I'm crying Hermes, what's it look like?" he snapped, and true enough, tears were once again rolling down his cheeks.

"Well, it's not a good look. Nope, doesn't suit you at all, really," he mused, looking the mortal up and down. Polites chewed the inside of his cheek, trying to be patient as he continued to glare.

"Oh really? And what, pray tell, would suit a face like this?" Polites asked bitterly, pointing at himself as he blinked back more tears.

"A smile, for one!" Hermes cheered, plopping down next to Polites and throwing an arm around his shoulders, pulling him in close. Polites squirmed and shoved him away angrily.

"Leave me alone! I don't want to smile, okay? There's nothing to smile about! And you know what? Yeah, I'll say it! I was happier in the underworld!" Polites screamed, not caring how loud he was. In fact, he hoped a certain captain with his head up his ass heard him. He hoped the guilt ate him alive.

Polites hated the fact that he didn't really feel that way, that he was self aware enough to know it was just his anger talking. Because once it blows over, he'll be the one wracked with guilt.

Hermes reeled back from his words, a hand flying up to cover his mouth as he gasped in shock.

"Oh Polites, you shouldn't say such a thing! I mean, what if the Gods themselves heard you? Ahahaha!" he threw his head back, cackling at his own joke.

"I don't care anymore! Clearly I don't belong here! I-I should've just stayed..."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know it was such a touché subject," Hermes apologized, seemingly meaning it. Polites remained skeptical. "But I'm truly shocked by your little outburst. You were always the happy one, were you not? So what's changed?"

"Everything!" Polites cried. "Are you blind? How can you not see that everything's gone to shit?"

"Careful now, don't forget who you're talking to," he warned through pursed lips, trying to hide his growing amusement.

Polites sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry Hermes, sir, but I don't really care right now."

Hermes shook his head, a small frown etching its way onto his face. "Oh my, this really is worse than I thought," he muttered to himself, resting a hand on his cheek. Polites couldn't help but roll his eyes and turn away.

"Tell me something I don't know..."

Hermes sighed, staring at the back of his head with pity. "Odysseus can be... stubborn at the best of times. He'll come back around. You just have to show him that same, chipper, adorable Polites he knows and loves," he tried to encourage him.

"But that didn't work..." he said, voice shy and meek.

"Oh! Um, well then... keep at it!" he chirped, slapping a hand on his back.

Polites was more than ready to tell him to get lost, but the touch on his back stole away all of his attention. He turned to meet Hermes face to face, eyes wide in a mix of shock and excitement.

"How did you do that?"

"Do what?"

Polites gestured at him wildly. "You just touched me! I mean like, actually touched me! I thought that was impossible!" Hermes opened his mouth to speak, but he rambled on, "Is that a God thing? Or can-"

"Shh, if you'll let me answer, I'll tell you!" he said before breaking off into giggles. Polites quickly shut up, hanging on his every word.

"It all comes down to intent. And, it works both ways. Here, shake my hand," he explained, offering holding it out for him to take. Polites looked at him skeptically before reaching out.

He tried to grasp his hand in his own, but phased completely through. "This is hopeless!" he whined in defeat. Hermes whistled and smacked him upside the head.

"Ow!" Polites yelped and flinched away, rubbing his head, more for show than anything. Hermes rolled his eyes at the dramatics.

"Oh please, I know that didn't hurt. Quit whining and try again." Polites grumbled under his breath, growing frustrated when he phased through once more.

"Try harder."

"I am!" he growled before taking a grounding breath. He tried again, and this time his hand firmly clasped around Hermes's wrist. A bright smile lit up his face as he met his gaze, "I-I did it!"

"Yeees, congratulations... You can let go now..." he prompted with a smirk.

"Sorry!" he immediately let go, yanking his arm back as if he'd been burned. Hermes chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"You're lucky it's me," he teased, breaking off into even more laughter. Polites couldn't help but giggle along with the infectious sound.

"I guess I am... So uh, t-thanks, for all that. I needed it."

"Desperately so," Hermes agreed. "But I single handedly saved the day, so you're welcome."

Polites snorted, "I wouldn't go that far, but you did make me feel a little better." Hermes cocked his head with an exaggerated pout.

"Aww, just a little? Are you sure about that?" he asked, and before he could answer, Hermes reached up to flutter a few fingers under his chin. Polites scrunched his neck with a barely choked back giggle, and the look he gave the messenger God was priceless. Hermes burst into hysterical giggles, flashing a sly grin his way, "Like I said Polites, it all comes down to intent."

He fished around in his bag, pulling out a gold drachma. "Catch," he said, tossing the coin his way. Polites reached out, snatching it in the air. Hermes gave an impressed grin, nodding in approval. "I expect you to practice. 'Til we meet again, ta-ta!" he waved farewell, hopping up on the edge of the crows nest and stepped off backwards. He swooped up in a backflip, definitely showing off as he flew away.

Polites stared at the coin in his hand, smiling softly. Maybe things would turn out okay.

~~~

Things always seemed better in the morning, Polites told himself. In the light of day, he would have a fresh start, a unique perspective. He just needed everyone else to come to terms with their new normal. So he went about the day like any other, floating down to the deck when the crew was called for breakfast.

He saw the few men spread out across two long mess tables, and he quickly spotted Eurylochus. He smirked and turned invisible, making his way over to him. He waited until he reached for his glass, and Polites placed his hand atop the cup, preventing it from being lifted.

Eurylochus stared at the cup with furrowed brows, giving it another tug. It barely budged under his hold. He looked around the table at the men around him, wondering if they had something to do with this. A few began to take notice and were just as confused as he was.

"Having a bit of trouble this morning?" Elpenor teased from across the table.

"Haha very funny," he said sarcastically, tugging on his glass one more time. Polites didn't fight back, and water splashed right in his friend's face. Anyone seated around Eurylochus had ended up in the splash zone as well.

The men who got drenched cried out angrily while everyone else erupted in wild laughter, and Polites joined them. But his laugh was loud and distinct, and a sound Eurylochus knew all too well.

He froze looked around the room, glaring at thin air. "Polites? Was that you?" he dared to ask. The unruly crowd suddenly grew silent, unsure if they wanted an answer. Then, a fork launched off of a plate, spinning in the air before it clattered to the table. Excited screams and cries broke out as some gathered around the fork, while the rest scattered as far away as possible.

"You think it really is him?"

"He answered us, didn't he?"

"Yeah, but what if it's a trick?"

"You're all playing with fire!

Not everyone was swayed, but it certainly planted the idea in their minds.

Polites liked pulling off these small, ghostly pranks. Mostly because, to him, it felt like magic. Just focus, and you can turn invisible. Focus even harder, and you can make things move. He had his favorite tricks of course: a self rowing oar, a lone mop swabbing the deck, but the funniest thing was when he'd hold something behind someone, only to hide it as soon as they turned around. And his audience seemed more than amused by all of this.

Up until the moment he decides to show his face again. Then it's all hushed whispers and adverted gazes, even from his best friends.

Elpenor frantically looked around his room for his other sandal. It had just been there a second ago, but now only one remained.

"O-okay, very funny. Now give it back," he demanded. He gasped and went stiff when he felt the mattress sink next to him, as if someone sat next to him. The temperature shifted.

"Looking for this?"

Elpenor chanced a glance in his direction. His missing sandal dangled from a mostly transparent hand. He gulped.

"Yes."

He reached for his shoe, but it was yanked out of reach at the last second, and again when he made another grab for it.

"Give it!"

"Then look at me!"

The request took Elpenor off guard. Polites sounded... desperate and sad. He had to look, no matter what the captain said. He wasn't here anyways.

He hesitated, but ultimately caved and looked at Polites. He didn't know what he was expecting, but it wasn't this.

Polites was smirking at him, a warm look in his glazed eyes. Yeah, he didn't look the same, but he still looked like himself. A sob caught in Elpenor's throat.

He snatched his sandal without warning, quickly lacing them up before rushing out of the room.

~~~

"I don't get it Eurylochus. Are they really that afraid of me?" Polites asked after five days of strategic avoidance from everyone on board. He took a deep breath, thinking about how he'd answer the question.

"Maybe so." Polites scoffed and looked him up and down.

"Are you afraid of me?" he asked, deciding to put him on the spot. He stiffened, keeping his gaze trained on the floor, and he didn't speak. Polites deflated, "I knew it."

"Polites, trust me, it isn't like that," he tried in vein to reassure him.

"Oh please. None of you can even look at me," he hissed through clenched teeth.

"Have you even seen yourself?" Eurylochus barked back, going on the defensive immediately. Polites floated a little lower to the ground, bottom lip trembling.

"Polites, wait-"

"No, no, I get it. I wouldn't want me around either."

Eurylochus had to force himself not to roll his eyes at the theatrics on display. This was typical for Odysseus, but Polites?

"I didn't mean it like that."

He looked up at him, and for the first time outside of battle, Eurylochus saw him look truly upset.

"There's not many other ways to take it, Eurylochus..."

Neither dared to speak for a long time. Polites took a shaky breath and finally broke the silence. "I guess I'll be seeing you around. But... you don't have to worry about seeing me," his voice sounded weak and strangled.

"Wait I'm-" Eurylochus spun around to stop his friend, but he was left alone on the deck. "Sorry..." he finished lamely, dropping his arm by his side.

He flinched when a hand squeezed his shoulder, but immediately relaxed after the initial surprise.

"It's okay, really. I-I think it's for the best if no one sees me for a while," he said, and despite being invisible, Eurylochus could hear the emotion in his voice.

"Are you sure?"

"M-mhm. I think if I stay, it'll just make things worse."

Eurylochus stared at the empty space the voice was coming from. "If you say so..." he reluctantly caved.

Barely anyone had seen Polites since. Sure, he made his presence known in other ways, and most of the crew seemed better off for it. But that's what hurt the most: he'd been right. Eurylochus was wracked with guilt, knowing it was their own reactions that drove him away. Even worse still, their captain didn't seem to care at all. In fact, it only seemed to upset him more with every interaction Polites attempted.

He stood behind Odysseus as he steered the ship. The men were gathered below deck for meal time, leaving the two of them alone for a rare moment.

"I know you're there."

"You should go down there. You need to eat too, y'know."

Odysseus couldn't help but roll his eyes. "What, and let you take the wheel?" Polites furrowed his brows.

"Would that really be so bad? I handled her plenty of times!"

"No, the real Polites did!" he snapped. For once, Polites snapped back, refusing to back down.

"I AM THE REAL POLITES!" he screamed, on the verge of tears. Odysseus merely gave him a cold, empty stare.

"Maybe if you were the first one we ran into down there, I could believe you," he admitted in defeat. There was something a softness behind his eyes that hadn't been there before, his shoulders heavy with grief.

"What will it take?"

"Huh?"

"Tell me what it'll take to prove myself," he pleaded.

They stared at each other for a long moment, seconds passing by in silence. "I don't think you can."

Polites refused to let it end like this.

"Your favorite color is red," he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Odysseus froze and turned to face him, a puzzled expression in place. He locked eyes with him and continued, "And your favorite food is Penelope's stew with fresh baked bread."

By now, Odysseus knew what he was trying to do, so he quickly closed his eyes in hopes of drowning him out. "Don't."

"You have a mole on your shoulder that looks like a comet, a-and you like sunsets more than sunrises, and you used to go pick flowers for Penelo-"

"Please, for the love of the Gods, just shut up!" he cut him off harshly. Polites snapped his mouth shut, obeying the command. Odysseus slowly opened his eyes and stared at his friend. "Why are you doing this to me?" he asked as tears finally spilled down his cheeks.

"I just want you to believe me," Polites insisted. Odysseus shook his head.

"I told you, I can't-"

"WHAT WILL IT TAKE?" he repeated, voice straining against crushed vocal chords. He was crying, and he didn't care if he was shouting. "You say you can't believe me, but you don't give me a fucking reason! And you won't tell me how I can win your trust back, and I just- I don't know what you want from me."

Odysseus thought long and hard about his answer. "I wish I could tell you."

"Then why don't you?" he pleaded.

Odysseus avoided looking directly at him, choosing instead to stare at a crack in the wall just over his shoulder. It was insulting how he thought Polites wouldn't notice.

"I don't know." Then, as if to add insult to injury, he marched straight ahead, walking right through Polites. It was just another way for Odysseus to assert the fact that he wasn't really "there." To prove to himself that he was right. And that hurt more than it had any right to.

But he was nothing if not persistent. When it became clear that Odysseus wasn't looking for a conversation, he thought maybe a few light hearted pranks were just what he needed to jog his memory, to open his fucking eyes and see that he was right there.

Polites could've sworn he saw him smile when he noticed the way he was making his cape billow behind him. The old Odysseus was still in there somewhere, no matter how hard he may be hiding.

But he was still more than skeptical.

~~~

Odysseus was making his way down to his quarters when he felt someone step on the back of his sandal. He turned around in annoyance, ready to chew out the culprit, but he was alone. He thought nothing of it and continued on his way. Then it happened again.

Odysseus sighed heavily, closing his eyes as he tilted his head back. "That you?" he asked in a disgruntled tone.

"What, can't even say my name?" he sassed in order to hide his true nerves when confronting his friend. He appeared behind him, arms crossed.

"Not sure it's really yours to say," he countered easily, the retort sliding off his tongue with ease. The smile he flashed him was cocky and vindictive; nothing like the way he used to grin at him.

Polites decided to go out on a limb and risk it, "Why are you so adamant it's not me?"

"Because if something's too good to be true, it is. But you know all about that, don't you?" he spat, words laced with poison. No, no, there was no way he was talking about that.

"Captain? What do you mean?"

"Oh I think you know," he said darkly. Polites didn't dare to answer. He only shook his head.

"The sheep, Polites. I'm talking about the sheep."

Polites couldn't believe his ears. He sucked in a sharp, shuttering breath in shock. "A-are you trying to say it's my fault that I was killed?" he asked in complete and utter disbelief.

"... If that's how you wanna take it."

He had no hope of fighting off the tears welling in his eyes.

"H-how can you be so- so cruel? It was a mistake!" he pleaded.

"Yeah? Well that mistake cost you your life! And not just your life! You think you can greet world with open arms, but you just can't. Only the strongest survive. And that's why I'm still here, and you're not."

The tears rolled fat and heavy down his cheeks, drawing clean streaks through the blood and grime smeared on his face.

"I-if that's how you r-really f-feel, then fine! B-be that way!" Polites was a blubbering mess as he tried to speak, and he couldn't stand it. He balled his hands into fists by his sides, squeezing his eyes shut as tight as possible. "Y-you'll never have to see me again, if that's what you really want!" he screamed back, allowing his own hurt and anger to boil out of him.

"Good!" Odysseus snapped, completely exasperated.

Polites was frozen in shock. "I don't even know you anymore..." he whispered, mostly to himself. Odysseus glared harder before he turned his back on him, marching down the hall to his cabin and slammed the door behind him. Polites was left alone in the room, feeling hollow and hurt.

Polites took a shaky breath. Why bother to fight a losing battle?

~~~

If barely anyone had seen Polites in the days prior, then he must have made himself truly scarce after his last confrontation with the captain. The playful, if unexplained, shenanigans were no more, and the crew fell back into their monotonous routine.

But remaining invisible for so long takes its toll, and he needs his moments of peace and quiet. And so, the crew took notice of the man sitting alone in the crows nest, his presence never faltering. At least this way, he can still be of some use to the crew while completely isolating himself.

By now, Polites hadn't moved from the crows nest in over a week. Even his practice with the coin was getting weaker. He sat with his knees pressed to his chest, desperately trying to shove the drachma across the planks. His finger phased through, making no impact on the piece of gold.

"How have you possibly gotten more pathetic than the last time we met?"

Fucking great.

[sp0o0kylights]

actually I should probably go in order so I don't lose track of what I have and haven't asked about yet, huh? so back up at the top: number 2 adopt a jock!

IGHT heeeere is more adopt a jock!

Thankfully I have a lot of this one written its just all scenes lmao

No guarantee this stays in or where it'll end up buuuuuut:

Snippet:

Gareth had left his jacket in the drama room. 

Unwilling to go all the way around to use the door’s they usually did, instead opting for one of the stage’s side doors. 

Which put him at what happened to be the best angle to watch Eddie’s pet mean girl put his face in their fearless leader’s hands. 

Like he really was some kind of tamed pet.

Gareth froze, barely daring to breathe as Eddie stroked his thumbs along Steve’s cheeks. “You’re okay sweetheart.” He murmured. “It’s just me.” 

“I know.” Steve responded, and his voice was so full of pain Gareth’s eyes grew dinner plate wide. “I just--I--” He choked on air, chest rising and falling too fast. 

Panic attack, Gareth identified immediately. He himself got them sometimes, as did Tiff and Eddie. Perks of being a loser in a small town, where people could and would pick you out of a crowd. 

“Breathe.” Eddie commanded, tone so sweet it gave Gareth chills just hearing it. He was stumbling on something private here, something he had never expected. 

If he interrupted, Eddie would murder him. 

“Take your time, I’m not going anywhere.” The metalhead murmured. 

Steve made a wounded noise, and Gareth could practically see the exclamation point appear over Eddie's head. 

“I mean it. I won’t leave you.” 

“How do I know you’re not just saying that?” Steve choked out. 

Eddie stayed silent for a moment and Gareth  but then he was reaching into his shirt and pulling out his necklace. Taking it off his neck and putting it on Steve’s. 

“This was my mother’s guitar pick.” He said it softly, so softly Gareth could barely hear. “She passed away a long time ago and it’s one of the few things of hers I have. So long as you have it, you also have me.” 

“Eddie…”

“You asked me to prove it and I did.” Eddie continued, bulldozing right over whatever protest Steve had. “You mean something to people, Steve Harrington. You mean something to me.”

Another wounded noise, this one wet, as if Steve was crying. 

Slowly, gently, Eddie pressed their foreheads together, the two of them practically sharing the same breath. 

Gareth slowly, carefully, began walking backwards, trying not to make a sound. This was too fragile for him to ruin, and he spent a moment praying he wasn’t discovered as he slowly snuck his way back out the drama room. 

Eddie deserved his happiness, and so too, did Steve. 

[camomilef1eld]

It's heeeere, its finally here.

[swannieluv]

｡ﾟ･The Bold Mendacity – 𝟒. Reflex

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐆.𝐈 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 (𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜) 𝐱 𝐆𝐍!𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 <3

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐖𝐜: 1,7k

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆!!: Drowning, derealization (?)

✦⸼࣪⸳𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨: ♡

✦⸼࣪⸳ A/N: It's heeeere, double update. <3

If someone ever asked you which of your experiences facing death was the worst, you would definitely choose that one.

Drowning would definitely enter your list of "Worst ways to die" in one of the highest positions. The feeling of agony as the water forcefully enters your body and the shortness of breath that felt like someone forcibly removing your lungs.

You felt like you were dead, you knew you were, the same feeling as when you first died. It was as if the commands given by your brain were not respected by the rest of your body, which remained motionless.

Underneath you, you could see a kind of starry purple hole. At its epicenter was an eternal void. Water was being drawn into it, but it was impossible to ascertain whether it was actually flowing out of it or not.

You thought that by crossing it, perhaps your end would finally be decreed. Or you would just be reborn again into a life doomed to failure.

Your arms, which were involuntarily stretched forward, would be the first to make contact with the darkness. But contrary to expectations, as soon as they touched the blackness, they passed through it, out of your field of vision.

'What?' Your face contorted in confusion. 'Wait, wait, wait-'

Before you could say anything else, your body passed straight through that obscure screen. Suddenly, everything began to take shape, and that immense sea gradually disappeared.

With every blink you gave, something different appeared in the landscape. One blink and a tree appeared. Another, and buildings formed out of nothing.

The only apparent color was a monochromatic, lifeless gray. Even if things shaped themselves, they remained static, lifeless. There was no sound or movement. Not even the birds that flew overhead moved, they were completely paralyzed in the air.

"It's like I'm inside a newspaper photo." - Crossing your arms, you gradually turned around, trying to take in your surroundings.

Your feet touched the grass below you. It didn't seem to be real, but synthetic.

"Is this some kind of post-mortem that I didn't know about...?"

Running back and forth through the city streets, trying to find some answer to where you were and what had happened to you, that same light reappeared. Its glow flew from side to side as if it wanted you to follow it.

"Right, right... you basically made me stop here and you really want me to trust you again?" - You complained. It wasn't as if you were going to believe the same thing that got you killed. "Don't think I'm going to fall for your dirty tricks again, rascal."

On the face of it, the flash wasn't even that flashy. You must probably have been lured in because you're in a childish frame of mind.

'That's so ridiculous-'

With a face slightly red with embarrassment, you continued to resist the insistence of the glare, which began to swirl around you.

"I'm not going, there's no point in insisting-"

Suddenly, a force pulled you, causing your feet to take several steps forward. It was that damn spark that had somehow managed to accomplish such a feat against you.

"I don't..." you were already turning to go wherever your feet took you, but the illustrious little thing blocked your path. After what seemed like an eternity of painful stares at the light, you gave up.

You ran a hand over your head before replying, "Well, I'm already dead anyway. It's not like it could get any worse... I hope."

"Come on! I've been walking for over an hour, man!" Bothered by the situation, you stopped in the middle of the lawn.

"I'm stuck here because of you! Can't you at least give me some peace?" Your feet kicked a small stone along the path. "It's simply pointless following you at this point."

Sighing, you turned around and decided to go the other way. However, the little light had no plans to let you go so soon and pushed you back in the original direction. It was becoming quite an annoying game, where you could only do what it wanted.

Seconds, minutes, even hours had passed since you started your walk towards nothingness.

Nothing seemed real, as in a painting painstakingly painted to resemble the reality exhibited in the finest museums possible. But for some reason, the ground beneath you seemed more real as you walked. Before, it was as if you were a ghostly apparition wandering through an immense void imitating the city of Fontaine. Now everything seemed more real, but still monochrome.

You didn't even make a point of looking ahead, focusing only on your feet and how you wanted answers from that mysterious person. What is this place? Why is everything frozen in time? It seemed like every second a new question came up to confuse you even more. From your list, there were already more than 25 to ask.

'What a thing... I think I'm going to have to accept this damn place one way or another.’

Your walk took you to a terribly familiar place: the infamous Lucine Fountain, right in front of the Opera Epiclese.

"Oh..." You averted your gaze only to the fountain, and with a pale face and a heart in the throat, tried to completely ignore the building in front of you. That building brought back bad memories, very bad memories.

'Why does this kind of thing keep haunting me? I've already died... there's no reason to keep torturing me like this.’

You sat on the edge of the fountain, completely ignoring the idiotic spark that flickered around you. You just needed a moment to get your thoughts in order.

"Ah... I've died again and this world is my divine punishment...?" You let a nervous laugh escape your throat. Perhaps joking about the situation was a good way of pretending to be normal when you're stuck in what seems to be an alternative Fontaine reality.

No answer.

Of course, they would never come at you that easily. That person said you'd need to look for a "gift", but didn't give a hint. It was as if they really were playing a game of chess with you, trying to complicate your moves at any cost.

Placing a hand in the grayish still water, a reaction happened unexpectedly. Like an explosion, the colors suddenly returned to the scene. But it wasn't just the colors, everything came back.

The streets began to move again. Melusines patrolled with happy expressions on their faces. They seemed happy with what they were doing. Children played around, running from place to place as if their lives depended on it.

You called out to them with a smile, getting ready to interact with someone new in such a long time. Even more so with someone who must have been around your age. One of them seemed to have heard you and came towards you.

"Excuse me, could you tell me..." the boy walked past you as if he hadn't heard your voice.

But he was still looking at you with the other children. It was strange, as if you were there but at the same time you weren't.

Looking back at the water of the fountain, where the child was standing in front of it, you could see a reflection. But the person mirrored was not you, not in this life, not in the next. It was a completely different person, someone you had never seen before in your life.

Long gray hair that flew in the wind and blue eyes with a touch of gray adorning them. That face didn't resemble her appearance at all. It seemed to be around nine or ten years old and angelic in appearance.

The reflection stretched its hands forward, manipulating the water in the fountain to create living water from what looked like hydro. You hadn't commanded it, but the body did.

"Hey! ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀! How can you do that without one of those shiny stones that make people strong?"

A younger girl hugged you, but you didn't feel any kind of physical sensation at her touch. As if the body had ceased to be yours. In fact, it wasn't even your body to begin with.

"It's no big deal." An unfamiliar voice left your lips automatically, a youthful voice, but not so childish. You were sure you weren't answering the child.

"It's called a vision, my parents told me." The boy from before crossed his arms proudly, in a way that looked as if he had just solved the greatest reason in the world.

The other children looked at him in bewilderment, amazed at how much he knew. But the "you" of this body just laughed and stopped doing what he was doing before, letting all those elemental illusions burst like bubbles.

"That's because they're ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀, of course."

They looked shocked at what another person had just said. But what reached your ears was something incoherent again.

When you touched the reflection of the water, the light disappeared. Everything started to become picturesque and confusing. Houses became abstract and distorted and even the natural noises from before sounded like agonizing noises.

"¿ʇǝʎ ʇı punoɟ ʇ,uǝʌɐɥ no⅄"

The voice sounded heavy, entangled with noises coming from all corners. The atmosphere was extremely confusing, as if you were at a loud party.

"˙ʎǝʞ ǝɥʇ puıℲ"

A purple blur covered his senses. It seemed to contain thousands of stars inside, the starry sky in front of you. But the admiration didn't last long.

At the same time as it was fascinating, it was deadly. There was no way to breathe. Just emptiness no matter how many times you tried to inhale the air.

"Wa..."

"Wake..."

"Wake up!"

A second voice joined the previous one. The two intertwined in unison. Just like two songs being placed on top of each other in perfectly aligned verses.

And in the snap of a finger, something like a thud went through your body. There was no more dark, mythical or monochrome scenery. Just the familiar blue sky you were used to.

However, the sun's rays were blocked by something, by someone: a blond child with blue eyes, he looked older than you and he was soaking wet. Drops of water from his hair fell gently on your skin.

"Uhm... Are you okay?" he looked embarrassed, a worried expression adorning his face.

There he was, the boy you were looking for.

[llamagoddessofficial]

@valiant-heart has excellent tastes and commissioned a little wild moth Red <3

---

It was so dark. So unbelievably dark, and so cold. The sounds of the midnight forest were terrifying and quiet, your ears had to strain to pick up any and all noise. The frosted ground stung underneath your hands, the chill air bit your face... even though you knew moving would warm you up, you remained completely still, curled up in the closest thing you could find to shelter- a divot in the gnarled roots of an old tree, just big enough for you to crawl inside. As low to the ground and out of sight as you could get.

... It was a bad idea to be out in the dark, in a place like this. A very bad idea. But getting lost wasn't a great idea either, was it? You'd lost the path, that was that. Now, all you could do was hide. Walking around aimlessly in the night would get you killed; your best chance now was to just remain in shelter, and pray nothing found you before the sun came up again. 

There were monsters, in these woods- monsters that specialised in eating hapless, lost creatures like you. If you did get eaten out here, you wouldn’t be the first... or the last.

...

A crack, in the near distance, a branch snapping, too loud to just be the normal rustling of the forest. Even worse, other sounds started to disappear- birds and small mammals and insects all suddenly went as quiet as possible, they knew what was coming.

... A horrible dread started creeping up your spine. You tucked deeper into your makeshift hideout, closer to the icy ground, eyes wide and ears pinned back against your head. The uncontrollable shivers of cold were the only thing that distinguished you as a living creature.

...

Clawed, skeletal feet came into view outside your hideout. Large, large ones... clearly belonging to a predator. You silently bristled, like a cat, instincts screaming in equal intensity to both freeze and flee. They moved almost soundlessly against the earth, despite the carpet of dead leaves and twigs... something trailed behind them, like the person walking was wearing an enveloping cloak.

... Except it wasn’t a cloak. It was a folded pair of massive wings. Mottled brown and black, with patches of red that faintly glowed, like warm coals on a fire. 

... A moth monster.

You stopped breathing entirely. Don’t look. Don’t see me. Your only hope was that he didn’t know you were there, and moved on. The whole forest was holding its breath.

... 

... He came to a stop, right outside your hiding place. Those talons could gut you. You felt sick, heart pounding in your ears, what was he doing? Taking a break, surveying the area? Move on, leave, leave, just leave...

...

The feet slightly shifted. He’s going...

...

He crouched. Four massive clawed arms came into view, and two piercing red eyelights stared straight into yours, a wicked grin of sharp teeth spreading across his face. His voice thrummed in your chest-

“heeeere, kitty kitty kitty.”

You didn’t even have time to scream. The only sound that escaped you was a wispy, terrified sort of squeal, he reached into the hiding place with his gigantic claws and easily dragged you out into the night, despite your kicking and thrashing. The musky smell of bonfire enveloped you. Two hands sealed tight around your upper arms, and a third came up, claws outstretched to your face- the next scream caught in your throat, and you could do nothing but draw back and squeeze your eyes shut.

...

Claws trailed over your hair. Affectionately.

You flinched, wildly, but he didn’t let you go. In fact, you felt that same hand softly trace your ears, before returning to your hair again. He let out a little sound, a purring hum in the back of his throat.

“jeez.” He said, in a warm, soft voice. “you’re freezin’.”

... He was speaking. Instead of eating you.

You peeked one eye open. His grin stretched wider- his crimson eyelights were pin sharp, but somehow, they didn't feel predatory.

“easy, tiger.” He purred. “i’m not gonna hurt you. if i wanted to eatcha, i already would’ve. you don’t exactly move quietly through the undergrowth, do ya, cutie?”

... You tried to say something. Respond to him, tell him to let you go, beg him not to hurt you. But the words just caught in your throat... his huge hands were so warm, on your arms. Everything about him was like sitting next to a campfire.

Suddenly, he lifted you like you weighed little more than a child, putting you over his shoulder. You kicked, ineffectually- but his gentle grip was completely immovable.

“L-let go!”

“no way. you’re freezin.” He started walking, taking massive strides with ease. “you wouldn’t have made it outta these woods alive in yer best state. you won’t last the night like this, will ya?”

You wanted to protest. You wanted to fight- but he was right, the cold had sapped everything out of you, leaving just a horrible dull ache behind. It’s not like escape was really any option... without him, you wouldn’t make it very far. 

He patted the back of your leg, a victorious edge leaking into his tone.

“don’t worry, sweetheart. trust me- my den is real warm.”

[itsyourstarboy]

Streamer!Honey Headcanons Pt.5

First Part

AT LONG LAST.... THE STREAMER!HONEY HEADCANONS FINALE

Note: This may be the last part, but it is not the end of Streamer!Honey!!! Just the long-winded headcanon posts. I have more planned for the future ^^ mini-fics, shitposts, all sorts of shenanigans <3

—

The punch became a meme. Honey hates it, and Guy hates that Honey hates it.

But god if it isn’t hilarious.

It took a good few months for Honey to stop beating themself up over it, and now they are able to look back on it and laugh. They even have a GIF of the moment as an alert for gifted subs.

—

Charity streams!!! Honey loves doing them. It’s fun, and for a good cause.

And, though it’s fun, sometimes it can get out of hand.

It was meant to be a joke! But, before they knew it, they hit the donation goal...

♡♡♡♡♡♡

HFDJSFEJGGFJSK

IM FREAKING OUT

CANTWAITCANTWAITCANTWAIT

I can’t believe they’re actually doing this 🤭🤭🤭

I DONT KNOW IF MY GAY LITTLE HEART WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT

The sound of the door opening made chat go mostly still.

Honey, very reluctantly with an embarrassed scowl on their face, stepped into camera view.

They stood stiffly, pondering how they ended up here. Here, on stream, in front of thousands of perfect strangers...

Wearing a maid outfit.

Not even a comfortable one! It was frilly, and itchy, and the skirt was way too fucking short.

OMFGNO I FCKING CANT-

🤣🤣🤣🤣

I CANT BREATHE

OH MY GOOOOOOOD

You look so cute!!!

THIS WAS SO WORTH THE MONEY

IM WHEEZING AND I CANT FIND MY INHALERR

HSGJJFHZJAHHAHAHAH

Oh 😳😳

WHY IT LOOK KINDA GOOD THO??

[HONEY’S] TOO HOT THEY KILLED SOMEBODY

“I hate everything,” Honey muttered, as they tried to tug the dress down. It was bad enough that it was so revealing, but it also wouldn’t zip up all the way.

♡♡♡♡♡♡

It would only get worse, however, as the next goal would add thigh highs.

And the one after that would add...

SAY NYA RIGHT FUCKING NOW

AaaaawwwWWWW WHAT A CUTE KITTY

You mean “right fucking meow?”

THEY LOOK SO PISSED LMAO

SAY NYA RIGHT FUCKING MEOW

They’re gonna kill us 😭😭😭😭

IM QUEER

With what? Their wittle paws?? 😽😽

This is my phone lockscreen now

Simp

“Yeah, you all better enjoy this, ‘cause I’m never doing it again.”

Doubt it, this is the fastest we’ve ever raised money

NOOOOOOOOO

Still waiting for you to say nya

NYAAAAAANTS INGONYAMA BAGITHI BABA

ITS THE CIIIIIIIIRRRRCLE OF LIIIIIIIIIFEEE

“I’m not saying that.”

tf you’re not-

★someone donated $50★

SAY NYA BITCH

Honey heaved out a sigh that bordered a growl, and very blandly, “nya.”

As Chat cheered and went practically feral, Honey could only be glad that this couldn’t possibly get any wors-

They froze as they heard the Jaws theme start playing.

“Oh f-”

HE’S HEEEERE

YEEEEEEEESS

HoneysHeaven: wowah 😳

THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER

HOLY CRAP SOMEONE TAGGED HIM ON TWITTER 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

HoneyHeaven: hey there Honey ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

SOMEONE SNITCHED????

Honey braced their elbows on their desk and hid their face in their hands. “Go back to working.”

HoneysHeaven: I will if you promise to still be wearing that when I get home 👀👀

“I’m burning it as soon as this stream ends.”

NOO YOU CANT BURN IT YOU LOOK SO SEXYY 😩😩

The boy just wants to see you all dolled up Boo, let him have his treat

“The next 15 minutes are going to be hell.”

HoneysHeaven: oooh the next goal you put on a collar, hm? 😏😏

Guy ur killing even me rn

OH WAIT I JUST GOT GUYS USERNAME

HoneysHeaven: Honey can you send me like $70

“I am not sending you money.”

HoneysHeaven: awww cmon 🥺🥺 my break ends in 2 minutes I just want to see you in a collar

ITS FOR CHARITY

DONATE TO THE CAUSE

“I’ll put you in a collar,” Honey grumbled with their arms crossed tightly.

HoneysHeaven: wouldn’t be the first time 😉

HOW DO WE RAISE ANOTHER 500 IN 10 MINUTES

AYO WHAT????

—

Guy likes interrupting Honey’s streams unprompted. He loves seeing the smile on their face. The gentle one that they wear while doing what they love. It makes him want to smother them in kisses.

Sometimes when he does this, he forgets about the mask and glasses. There have been plenty of times where he’s nearly accidentally exposed his face to the world, and it gives his honey a mini heart attack each time.

Honey made the executive decision to rearrange their setup so that the door was no longer in view. That way, Guy could spontaneously enter as much as he pleased.

—

Honey was still streaming when Guy returned home from work. They had told him in advance that this stream would be dragging on a bit longer than normal.

♡♡♡♡♡♡

Honey looked up as they heard the door click open. Guy entered, waving a paper bag around.

“Honeeeey,” he sang, “I’ve brought you somethiiiiing.”

is that the boy i hear 👀👀👀

EVERYONE SHUT UP I NEED TO WITNESS THIS

DETROIT CAN WAIT THIS IS IMPORTANT

Honey eyed the bag skeptically as Guy drew closer, “should I be worried?”

“No,” Guy laughed, stopping right outside of the camera’s view. “I brought you donuts!”

“Ooh, really? What’s your motive?”

“Wha-? Motive!? Why do you think I would have a motive?”

Honey raised an eyebrow at their boyfriend and smirked.

Immensely offended, Guy scoffed, “what, am I not allowed to bring the most important person in my life a treat? Purely out of my own volition and the kindness of my heart?”

“I was joking before, but now I’m actually suspicious...”

“Just take the donuts, Honey,” Guy softly spoke with a warm smile, holding out the bag and leaning forward.

When Honey’s hand brushed against his own, Guy leaned closer, his other hand cupping the back of their neck. He held the bag up to hide his face from viewers as he placed a gentle kiss on his partners cheek.

Honey, growing ever more flustered, let out a nervous chuckle as they pushed Guy away and accepted the gifts.

AWWWWHDWSAIHDGDKDSBIDS

ITS HAPPENING

OMG

NO

DID HE KISS THEM??

WHERE IS THE CLIP I NEED TO SEE THAT AGAIN

When you’re so lonely you’re living vicariously through someone in your screen

UH YEAH THATS THE POINT

OF COURSE

I GOT THE CLIP I GOT IT

Chat wouldn’t stop talking about it for the entire rest of the stream.

And for the next 4 streams after that...

—

Chat knows that Guy is important to Honey. No other roommate of theirs has ever become such a big part of their life, everyone knows that they have to be something more.

They stopped bugging Honey about it after a year. It's just kind of common knowledge that these two have a lot of chemistry, but asking straight up about their relationship won't work.

Not that having an answer would change anything, Chat loves seeing how happy Honey is with Guy.

—

It took a little over a year for Honey to agree, but finally they are streaming a game with Guy!!

They're playing Raft. Honey in their streaming room, and Guy in the living room. They're communicating through discord, and Chat is having a blast.

♡♡♡♡♡♡

"Did you finish building that engine yet?" Honey asked, filling a chest with some items.

"No, I thought you were going to do it," Guy answered.

"I literally told you to go ahead and make one two minutes ago!"

"I was busy distracting the shark while you were scavenging all that shit underwater!"

We should get them couples counciling

Guy can't keep being shark bait ooh ah ah 😭😭

I still don't understand the point of this game

It's his destiny

Raft

raft

The point is raft

RAFT

"Honey, I think I'm dying. My hunger bar is low."

"Then eat something, we have plenty of food."

"I don't think I can make it back in time," Guy whined.

"Wh- where are you??"

You could practically hear Guy's pout, "I went back on the island because you were mad at me."

"I am not mad at you," Honey responded, exasperated, "where are you at on the island?"

"Uhmm... I'm in a place with lots of trees."

"Okay, I'm bringing you some shark meat."

"The shark is dead?"

"Yeah I killed it."

[HONEY] MOVE FASTER WE CANT LET HIM DIE

They are playing the game so wrong I am ripping my hair out

Tip: multiple sails will make you go faster

They can play however they want to 😡

The only right way to do anything is the [Honey] and Guy way

"Oh shi-" Guy started, "I'm dead."

"You're fiiine."

"No, my character just collapsed from hunger."

"Don't be dramatic, I'm almost there."

"I'm not being dramatic!! I died!!!"

"A little death never killed anybody."

Honey found Guy's character, limp on the ground, and picked him up.

"Alright, you big baby, I'll take you to the bed."

"Oooooh," Guy sang impishly, "you're carrying me to bed?"

"Yep."

"What are you gonna do with me once we get there?"

"When we get there, you are gonna build that goddamn engine!"

Upon arrival to the raft, Honey discovered something...

"Where the fuck is the bed??"

Guy coughed out a laugh, "oh, uhm- I might've taken it with me when I left."

"Why would you do that!?!?"

"Because you were mad at me!!!"

"I swear to god-" Honey dropped Guy's carcass on the raft and went to collect materials to make another bed.

"Honeeeeey," Guy whined, "this wooden floor is hard."

Honey sighed, "I'm making you a bed, hold on."

"Come lay underneath meeee."

AGDKSGAKBFK

Boi he wants them under him 👀👀

Can't believe they let Guy die, I'll never forgive them for this 😢🤧😖 /lh /j

Our boy really stepped up his flirting game 😳😳😳

Too bad [Honey] is too oblivious

They're not oblivious, they're an asshole

A distinct sound of sharp teeth chomping into their hard work caught Honey's attention.

"Fuckin' hell," they murmured, "the stupid shark is back."

"Hurry up making the bed and I can kill it," Guy offered.

"I thought you were making the bed," Honey retorted.

Guy scoffed, "Honey!!!!"

"I gotta stab the shark, hold on."

Cold blooded

Yeah

They don't deserve Guy I'm gonna kidnap him

That shark is an endangered species!!!

DoNT YOU DARE GUYNAP OUR BELOVED BOY

Finally, finally, Honey returned and placed Guy's character on the bed. He sprang up immediately.

Guy's cheerful voice started up, "yayyy, thank you Hone-" and was cut off with a yelp.

The shark had glitched through the bottom of the raft and attack Guy. It scared him half to death, but Honey?

Honey was laughing hysterically.

And it was music to Guy's ears.

Gasping for breath, they kept trying to say something, but continuously fell into a fit of giggles.

Guy was barely able to form his own words without laughing, trying to feign offense at his honey's joy in seeing him hurt. But hearing them laugh so heartily? He couldn't help but melt.

And he didn't want to just hear it, he wanted to see it.

"I'm coming to get you, Honey!" He announced, just before darting towards their room.

"No, no no!" They tried to object, but it was too late as Guy came bursting in.

They were in his arms and on the floor in an instant, tears streaming down their face as they tried to breathe.

Their face hurt from smiling, and they tried to calm down, but as soon as their breathing slowed Guy started to tickle them.

"Guy-! No!! Stop it!" They squealed and squirmed, but to no avail. Their previous laughing fit left them exhausted.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I feel like we shouldn't be watching this

HES SO CUTE????

GUY FACE REVEAL!!!!!

EVERYONE SHIELD YOUR EYES

TURN OFF YOUR DEVICES THIS IS ILLEGAL

Wait I think I've seen him before!

When all settled down, Guy and Honey were nothing but a mess of tangled limbs on the floor, just barely out of frame.

"I love you, Honey," he said softly.

Honey smiled, "I love you too."

—

When the couple realized that Guy was no longer anonymous, Honey made him start carrying pepper spray while he worked.

Gotta keep the boy safe.

The End.

A/N: Thank you for reading the Streamer!Honey series ♡ I've loved writing it, and it makes me so happy that you all loved it as well!

[heavyeditsnz]

Wipe(d)out (part 1)

its here its heeeere!!! a full story about Asahi and Ren! this one was SUPPOSED to be a short and sweet little oneshot... but it eventually turned into smthn a lot longer than i planned. so much that i split the fic into two parts to ease up my workload a little bit. i genuinely love writing about these two and i hope yall love them too 🥺

CWs: M/M, male snz, illness, stifles/holdbacks, on/off mess descriptions, game terminology and extensive brainrot /j word count: 6.97k

"hI'gKSCHoo!! he’h… h'TSSHuh!!"

He snapped forwards, finally giving in to an itch that had been brewing in the back of his nose. One hand gripped onto his locker door in an attempt to steady himself mid-sneeze, the other hand clamped around his nose to pinch his nostrils shut and limit the amount of damage done to the cloth mask strung across his mouth and nose. The overwhelming urge had been appeased, at least for now, allowing him a moment of reprieve. He sniffled and ever so slightly thumbed at his flaring nostrils through the fabric as he tried to concentrate on the day ahead.

Doing his best to ignore the dull aching in his head the young man returned to his task; precariously squatting down, gingerly resting himself against the closed locker underneath his own for support as he hefted his trusty Range Blaster from its case. He performed best with this weapon; its weight in his hands was a welcome familiar feeling, despite how warm and heavy and sick he felt that morning. The wheeze in his breath didn’t go unnoticed as he straightened himself upright. 

Weapon in hand, Asahi gave a deep, thick sniffle as he shut the locker door and trudged into the lobby past the odd pack of squids or two. 

Getting out of bed today seemed more and more like a mistake, he thought, if waking up heavy and warm with his throat uncomfortably tight and sore was any indication. But it was his partner’s idea to blow off some steam with a few rounds, and there was just no way he could say no to Ren of all people! (Even if Ren himself said otherwise.) 

So despite his aching sinuses and better judgment, Asahi dragged himself out of bed and down to the lobby to meet up, putting on his favorite thick, oversized Zekko hoodie despite the searing temps. The lengthy train ride from his tiny student flat to Splatsville was the least agonizing, at least he could catch a few extra minutes of sleep… Nevermind the fact that by the time he’d stepped off at the one station in between destinations he started feeling dizzy and itchy, or the fact that he’d been nudged awake by someone on the train.

Each step into the spacious lobby range eroded Asahi's will, and the urge to pull down his face mask and furiously wipe and scrub at his chapped and irritated nose grew more and more tempting by the minute— it itched and buzzed and burned and everything in between, and a certain Octoling was at its mercy today, sniffling and wiggling, trying everything he could to dislodge that unbearable itching. He needed a distraction, and his eyes wandered down to the Range Blaster in his hands- its weight in his grasp familiar and reassuring…

So again, despite his symptoms and rational judgment, Asahi hauled himself up and began to sprint, despite the immediate burning sensation in his chest, and aimed for the closest squid bumper, enticingly moving side to side on its track.

He shot a singular blast of light blue ink towards the target, a thin enough line for him to dive, swim close enough and advance, only to start coughing as soon as he was upright and out of swim form. His vision began to waver and he doubled over as his overworked lungs tried and tried to rid themselves of the perceived irritant. 

The coughing subsided after what felt like forever, and with a shaky tentative breath he righted himself again, softly wheezing as he readjusted his grip on the weapon. Recovering from that took a lot longer than Asahi would like; if he were in battle he would have been an easy target. 

Still, he tried to shake off the heavy haze of what he was pretty sure was an oncoming cold and focus on the target. He’d try for a different route this time, inking a second path around two of the bumpers in front of him, swimming through and resurfacing a good distance away from it. There was no need to close the gap between himself and the bumper, his fever-addled mind realized a second too late, and instead he could make use of the Range Blaster’s extended… well, range. Asahi aimed for the bumper once again— struggling to see around the wavering in his blurred vision; trembling, clammy fingers tightly gripping the barrel of his weapon. He shakily inhaled in an attempt to catch his breath, although that turned into another fit of coughs as he squeezed down on the trigger, the recoil throwing off his shaky aim even more as the shot exploded just next to the bumper- chipping off a small bit of the bumper’s health, not even enough for a two-hit indirect knockout. He groaned and sniffled and tried again, this time shakily aiming for the damaged bumper’s center before shooting again. The bumper exploded with a satisfying pop and Asahi finally allowed himself to relax, letting his shoulders slump and giving a heavy exhale (that inevitably turned into a chesty cough). He slumped against the pillar close by the moving squid bumpers; underneath the metal grates above him, grateful for the lessened amount of light coming through. His breathing came uneven and heavy, and Asahi’s wobbly legs began to give out, just barely upright in a feeble attempt to avoid sliding to his knees. 

He shivered underneath the cool, air-conditioned lobby atmosphere, drawing his arms closer to himself to try and retain some body heat. His thick hoodie held heat well, but even that didn’t seem to help.

If only there was a way to bottle up that famous Splatlands heat, maybe a swig of it would warm him to his core and kick that chill he had all morning…

Asahi gingerly pulled his mask down, giving into the urge to rub his twitching damp-rimmed nostrils on his hoodie sleeve, a discreet attempt at wiping away some of the ink-tinted snot threatening to leak out of his nose. This brief act only ignited another itch in the back of his sinuses, his glassy eyes watering as the stinging sensation pricked and needled its way up his chest, heaving with each tickly gasp. Asahi's eyes flickered shut, his head snapped back— 

His mask was still down, he couldn't reach it in time…

"hh'HIh—... hHI'IKSHH—!!" 

At the last second he pinched his nostrils shut as the itch finally exploded out of him, barely contained and setting off that dull, droning itch in the back of Asahi's nose once again. He'd forced most of the sneeze through his teeth to try and minimize the mess his leaky nose would have no doubt made, though this also resulted in a visible spray that he did his best to aim downwards and out of the open air. And all the while his mask dangled precariously from one ear, threatening to fall from his face altogether. 

“Hehh—” he suddenly gasped, and pressed his fingers together as tightly as he could. “-iIKSHhh—’KSShh!! hN’Gt—sshuh!!” He kept his nostrils pinched shut as he pitched forwards again and again, each barely suppressed sneeze sending bursts of pain that spread behind his eyes, rebounding and intensifying the droning, buzzing itch deep in his sinuses… but above all else the sneezing finally stopped for now, and Asahi gingerly un-pinched his nostrils, unceremoniously wiping the small leftover string of snot on his hoodie. He groaned, not bothering to conceal how crappy he felt, before roughly swiping his hoodie sleeve underneath his chapped, dripping nose. No one was nearby to see, anyway.

And then his chest heaved again.

"hI'hhH—... hhehH'—!"

Asahi was scarcely upright when the hitching returned, the dull, buzzing itch in the back of his nose quickly blossoming into an overwhelmingly strong stinging behind his eyes; one that sent a shudder through the sick octopus as his breathing snagged again. His nostrils flared, and Asahi pitched forwards into the crook of his elbow this time.

"’—h’HESSHEWW!! hHI'ITSHIEW!!! h’hehh-... eh’hhKSSHIEW!!"

The sneezing came painfully slow and relentless; that pent-up itch finally exploding out of his raw throat, scraping his voice and doubling Asahi over at the waist. Glassy eyes eventually blinked open, his vision fuzzy with fever and the oncoming haze of another sneeze; his damp-rimmed nostrils flaring with each desperate hitch. Each gasp came more strangled than the last, ending in Asahi finally doubling over into his sleeve. “H’ehh—... hE'hDSSHUUH!! Heh’hKSSHIEW!!”

His sinuses burned as the overwhelming itch finally exploded out of him, nearly knocking him over as the tips of his tentacles curled tightly in on themselves. Another flash of pain behind his eyes came and went with each forceful sneeze, his head throbbing each time he jerked forward, but the buzzing itch in his nose ebbed away again, thank God, and Asahi sighed heavily in relief and slowly stood up straight. The damp spot on his hoodie sleeve was the first thing he could feel, warm and pressed against his clammy skin. He gave a thick, exhausted sniffle as he pulled his arm away from his mouth, revealing a thin string of snot that broke almost as soon as he’d noticed it. 

His head felt hot and heavy, his nose still twitching and threatening to leak all over himself, and his hoodie sleeve was marred with blasts of stringy, ink-tinted snot. Asahi buried his twitching nose in the used sleeve and staggered towards the nearest restroom as quickly as he could, before anyone caught sight of how snotty he was. 

Thank God the restroom's empty, Asahi thought as he ducked into the nearest empty stall and sat down, grateful to finally be off of his feet for a moment as his vision started to waver and dip. He sniffled; thick, heavy, unproductive sniffles that echoed through the tiny stall space, and groaned in exhaustion as he slumped against the toilet and pulled his still-dangling mask from his right ear. 

Glassy eyes gazed up at the fluorescent ceiling lights while his vision continued to waver and spin. His chest crackled with every shaky inhale; his drippy, chapped nose irritated and flaring, generally not much better. 

Another coughing fit took hold of the sick Octoling, and he doubled over his knees as each cough ripped through his lungs and throat and left him even more sore than before once the coughs finally let up. The wheezing in his breaths didn’t go unnoticed and Asahi dug through his hoodie pocket for his rescue inhaler- he moved much more slowly than usual, clumsily popping off the mouthpiece cover and comfortably positioning the tiny little thing in his hand and firmly pressing down on its canister and inhaling deeply. Two puffs of medicine usually did the trick; as he sat still the wheezing settled down after a short while, and Asahi could breathe somewhat easily.

For a moment he weighed his options. Asahi thought about giving in; admitting defeat and sending Ren that fateful text; "I don't feel well." He thought of being back home, in his tiny student flat. In bed, cocooned in blankets and propped up with pillows, deep in a slumber aided by a cocktail of cold and asthma medicines, lulled by the rumbling monorail tracks above his flat and the drone of his TV. Maybe Ren was there with him, fretting over him, gently rubbing his back while he dozed in the taller Inkling’s lap…

Asahi was barely aware of the sound of the bathroom door opening, slowly sinking into a feverish daze that began to tune out everything around him.

Another chill ran through him, and Asahi drew his knees up to his chest, precariously resting the heels of his boots on the lip of the toilet bowl, still pitifully sniffling as he struggled to retain some body heat. Of course he chose the stall right underneath the air vent… and that air-conditioned chill was now blowing directly on him. His nose still itched and buzzed, a useless congested block in the middle of his face despite the near stream of inky snot spilling out of him. 

“hH’hDSHUUH—Hhh… hhE’zZSHOO!!!”

Asahi pitched forwards twice into his knees, barely covered and with enough force to dislodge the heel of his boots from the foothold on the toilet seat. A small burst of pain flashed behind his eyes each time he jerked forwards, and Asahi groaned in heavy discomfort when he finally resurfaced.

A careless attempt at inhaling through his near-useless nostrils triggered one last prickle in his sinuses, and between itchy, jagged breaths he quickly tore off a sizeable length of toilet paper and cupped it into his hands—

“hIIH’dzZSHHIEW!!! Ugh…”

“You ‘aight in there?” 

He flinched, and didn’t dare make a sound- when did someone else come in? And how long had they been there? He sniffled thickly and dropped his used tissue into the toilet bowl underneath; he had to reply… 

“Yeah-” 

His voice was unsteady and weak, straining from his efforts at raising his voice and scratching his raw throat, and gave way halfway through his response. Asahi cringed at how pathetic he sounded, but got no immediate reply. Had they left? He wouldn't blame them. With a thick sniffle he tore off a fresh length of toilet tissue and buried his nose into the wad to blow, producing an equally thick, unattractive sputtering noise as he emptied his sinuses into the cheap paper. 

The wad grew warm and heavy in his cupped hands, and once it was useless Asahi dropped it into the toilet as well before reaching for a third wad of toilet paper to blow into and thoroughly soil again. At least now he could breathe through his nose somewhat. “You sure you’re fine?” The stranger would ask again, their voice noticeably accented. “No offense, but ya sound nastier than a jammed Nautilus.”

He winced. Well, they were right about something. He felt gross.

“I-I’ll be fine,” Asahi rasped. His breathing snagged mid-sentence but he managed to keep the itch down. It was a boldfaced lie, of course, but he hoped they'd get the hint and leave him alone. He sat still, listening for a response… or for the stranger to finish their business and leave, which they would eventually do, and Asahi gave a shaky sigh of relief as the footsteps eventually hurried out and the heavy bathroom door clicked shut. Were they in a rush to get away from him, as audibly contagious as he was? The thought was funny to his feverish mind.

Now for the other hurdle, he just had to get out of here… With a shaky sigh Asahi pushed himself off of the toilet and to his feet, wobbling as he stood upright and leaning onto the nearest wall for support while his vision continued to dip and sway, clumsy hands fumbling to loop his mask around his ears and adjust the cloth around his mouth and nose; the fabric rubbing against his twitching nose triggering a weak itch that dissipated after a tired sniffle from him. The shivering still didn’t stop, only growing more intense as he tried to move. His head spun with each movement, and in a spur of the moment decision he grabbed the stall door’s handle, that way if he got too dizzy and went down he’d have some purchase on the way back up.

Asahi slowly shuffled out of the stall and over to the sink to wash his hands, clammy and cold and unsteady from his shuddering movements. He could barely smell the hand soap, but figured it was for the best…

As Asahi stalked out of the bathroom and into the range area once more, wincing as the sunlight from the windowed ceiling hit his eyes, he fumbled through his jacket’s pockets for his phone to see a missed text from Ren. He wanted to meet in the lobby’s upper floor cafe, so Asahi trudged up the lobby steps, ignoring the bright lobby screens searing his bleary eyes and the thumping bass from the speakers throbbing in his head… well, at least trying to, and over to the tiny corner cafe, where he nearly collapsed onto a barstool to wait for Ren to get here. The Jelly barista eyed him suspiciously but Asahi wasn’t paying much attention towards them.

He groaned softly to himself and reached up to massage his temples, hoping that would soothe the dull aching throbbing through his head.

There had to be something else to do other than sit here and feel miserable, so Asahi pulled out his phone, idly sniffling as he scrolled through his messages so he'd have something to do other than sit here feeling miserable. When that didn't work he switched to a game, sniffling thickly every so often as his nose continued to leak. Sniffling grew less and less effective. He wasn't sure how long he could keep this up.

Asahi sniffled again— a little too hard this time, the inky gunk clogging his nose rippling against its tortured inner walls and triggering that painfully familiar buzzing itch in the back of his sinuses. That itch quickly grew into a needling, prickling urge quickly rising up his throat, threatening to blast out of his nose and likely all over his gear if he didn’t react in time. 

"H-H'eh-..." Asahi's eyes watered and his damp-rimmed nostrils flared, and his hands wandered up to try and contain the inevitable. He'd found a grip, and he quickly pinched his nostrils shut through the fabric of his mask as that prickling itch finally exploded out of him. "hE'pTCH-ew!!! hehh'h-... He'TCHH—!!!"

Each sneeze sent a dull ache through the sick inkfish; barely able to escape through his pinched nostrils and instead exploding through his body and sending him crumpling at the waist. His head throbbed with each jerk of his body, but relief overshadowed all as the incessant dull buzzing finally settled down for now. Asahi sighed softly in relief, sniffling (lightly this time) and gingerly rubbing his nose. 

Squish. He cringed. 

With a soft groan of discomfort he reached for the napkin dispenser closest to him and carefully pulled out a few sheets. Cheap paper napkins, undoubtedly rough on chapped and runny noses, but it was all that was available, and Asahi was in no position to complain.

He gingerly pulled down his mask and dabbed at his leaking nose with the wad of napkins, rubbing and massaging the damp rims of his nostrils with the rough paper to appease the lingering itch that made his nostrils flare with each breath. No doubt this would only chap and irritate his nose even more, but right now that was the last of the sick Octoling’s worries— his nose had finally stopped itching for longer than a minute, and he savored this fleeting moment of relief from his uncooperative airways.

Out of the corner of his eye Asahi noticed that the barista was still eyeing him suspiciously; did they want him to leave? 

"...I-I ca'd go sobewhere else if I'b botheri'g you…" Asahi rasped, his attempt at being courteous punctuated with a soupy, pathetic sniffle. He kept his voice low, just enough to keep from straining his throat while also masking how ill he truly was. 

In his mind, the barista kicking him out was totally understandable given how he was practically a walking germ beacon…

Surprisingly enough, the jellyfish shook their head, stretching one of its long arms to motion for the Octoling to stay put. Asahi didn’t question twice, and carefully wiped the dampened rims of his nostrils before blowing his nose into the wad of napkins (and even then, as quietly as he could). Somehow, even with less nose-blowing force the napkin was a soggy ink-tinted mess.

Thankfully he was seated relatively close to a trash can, so Asahi quickly tossed the soiled napkin wad away before reaching for the dispenser again; this time yanking out a fair amount of napkins to blow his nose into— still as quietly as possible, but with more effort put into clearing out his airways. Like before, this napkin wad was thoroughly soiled even with half of his effort.

Asahi felt gross. He probably sounded gross, too. 

He threw away the ruined napkin wad and pulled his mask up over his mouth and nose again before resting his head on the adjacent wall, its cool material feeling heavenly pressed against his warm, achy temples. The congestion didn’t budge much, Asahi still felt like his head had been filled with liquid concrete… but at least his nose wasn’t leaking all over anymore, that would have been disastrous if he needed to-

“Ha’h-…”

His nostrils flared. God damnit.

—

On his way up the stairs and to the lobby entrance, Ren’s attention was mostly on his phone. He felt good despite having to hurry to the station closest to the lobby in search of a good parking spot in the garage underneath. He’d been browsing previous tournament results on his walk from the station, scrolling through score listings from other X-rank players in the area— right now he’d found himself thumbing through recent matches from the Tentatek division, mostly just to keep up with statistics. This wasn’t his division, obviously, nor was it Asahi’s. But being informed was already a good thing, right? Besides, he’d taken a liking to watching some of the replays posted by the others in other divisions. Not even for any practical reason, like studying their moves or anything, just for fun.

He’d noticed a lack of available videos today, though, the same as yesterday…

I wish these guys posted replays more often, Ren mused to himself as he stuffed his phone into his jean pockets and stepped through the lobby doors. 

As he stepped into the cool, air-conditioned building and headed over to the locker rooms, Ren fished through his jacket pockets for his phone to check for any texts. The last message open was one he sent to Asahi, about thirty minutes ago on his way to the lobby: "On the way up", left on read. A bit strange, since Ren had known him to respond relatively quickly, but he chalked it up to him not being near his phone.

They'd meet soon in person, anyway.

He pulled out his earbuds as he messed with the padlock, occasionally looking up to watch as the locker room slowly began to fill up with new arrivals— a few solo or pair queuers in varying states of wakefulness, idly chatting or milling about as the music played overhead. The early morning energy here was actually quite nice, Ren thought to himself. Maybe he should visit the lobby in the mornings more often.

Ren stowed his water bottle and car keys, not reaching for his weapon case just yet. He’d rather wait until Asahi was here before he did any serious practicing. As he re-locked his locker and left the area as it filled up, he glanced up towards the second floor, just barely able to make out the top of the cafe from where he was. There was a spring in Ren’s step as he made his way towards the stairs, a grin on his face as he glanced towards the lobby screens to see what was up (Mincemeat Metalworks was in rotation, ew) on his way to meet with Asahi. There was a good chance that he was here early, or that Asahi had briefly left to go get a snack or drink, so he’d probably have to wait for a little bit. No sweat though, he’d developed a taste for the drinks from the 2nd floor cafe-

His ear twitched, and Ren glanced towards the cafe at the top of the steps. He’d heard something.

Ren slowly put his phone away. Was that…?

The weird sound was almost faint, but still airy and sharp. There it was again. It sounded like… someone was sneezing?

Now fully alert, Ren slowed his pace as he made his way up to the lobby’s second floor, craning his neck to try and peer above the stairs. All he could see was the edge of the tiny little cafe.

"hE'DTchh—!! hdtt'SHw—!! Hd'PTshh!!"

A familiar figure; hunched over the tiny cafe's bar. He'd recognize that pathetic sniffling anywhere.

Ren gently inched closer to the bar, about to greet the obviously sick octopus.

As he approached the cafe bar he lowered his voice, reaching out of Asahi’s line of sight to pluck up a few napkins himself, and quickly pulled away once the miserable Octoling resurfaced. He gave a long, deep sniff that didn’t seem to do much, and rested his head in his arms on the small cafe bar, not moving much after that save for a sniffle or two.

Ren inched closer, noting pale skin and lethargic tentacle hair that was a noticeably less vibrant hue than normal. 

He still had yet to notice his presence behind him. Concern needled at the Inkling’s conscience, and he reached out to try and get Asahi’s attention- just before he suddenly lurched forwards in his seat. “Eh’hKSSHEWW!!”

He cringed. 

Ren couldn’t see the damage from his current position, but the groaning and wet, soupy sniffling afterwards told him all he needed to know. 

He moved over to Asahi’s side, who still hadn’t noticed Ren’s arrival yet, and picked up the napkins again to offer to the sick octopus. 

“T-Tha’g you,” he could just barely hear him rasp, gratefully taking the napkins from Ren’s hand without a second thought, gingerly removing his ruined face mask before burying his leaky nose into the wad of napkins and looking up at whoever this kind stranger was…

His eyes went wide.

“R-Re’d?!” Asahi gasped, and right away the first thing Ren could hear was how horribly stuffed up he was.

He sniffled thickly, despite his panic, and quickly got up to try and make himself presentable, still pressing the wad of napkins up to his flaring nostrils. Ren was quick to notice that he wobbled and stumbled as he stood. “I-I’b ss-sorry, I ca’d go c-clea’d ub and be ready t-to—“

And before Ren could even try to respond, Asahi would barely finish his sentence before he pitched forwards mid-sentence into the wad of napkins in his hand. “hE’dtSSHUUH!! He’dPSSHEWW!!” 

A twinge of pity compelled him to go over and place a firm hand on his shoulder to try and steady his miserable boyfriend, even gently knuckling up and down his back to help him recover. He was trembling, Ren noted, and he heard a faint whine from him as he slowly righted himself, keeping the wad of napkins pressed to his nose while he sniffled more and more. 

For a moment Asahi’s eyes met his; glassy and reddened and barely focused on Ren despite his attempts to appear even somewhat well. He tried to speak, but his voice was weak and unsteady, and his words died on his lips.

Someone should have stayed home, Ren thought to himself.

"You look wiped.” He reached down to press the back of his hand against Asahi’s cheek to try and gauge his temperature, and was admittedly unsurprised to feel heat. Asahi was warm, very warm; nearly hot, not unlike pressing his hand against the shell of a running Explosher. “And you're runnin' hot.”

He watched as Asahi straightened himself up somewhat; still quivering in his movements, struggling to look him in the eye even as he used his frame for support. “I-I *sdf* w-woke up feelin' off…'' he began as he gingerly removed the napkin wad from his face, just long enough for Ren to catch sight of what he’d been hiding. Asahi's cheeks were flushed, the delicate skin around his nose visibly irritated and tinged an inky light blue. Combined with the tiredness in his glassy eyes and the heat radiating off of him...

The concern needling at Ren began to grow. Asahi was clearly sick, anyone could tell, and yet here he was, having hauled himself to the lobby anyway— just to meet up with him. "Well, if you woke up feeling bad then why did you still show up? You… kinda look like a hot mess."

He watched as Asahi’s expression changed; a sincere, apologetic look in his glassy, fever-ridden eyes. "I-I'b… *sdf* a mb'ess, I know…." he mumbled out, his voice weak and barely audible. "B-But I saw your text, a-a’d *snrk* I-I didn'dt wad't to just *sdf* lea'be you had'ging…" 

Ren noticed the ill Octoling slowly leaning into his hand even as he still tried to placate him, heavy eyes flickering like he was about to fall asleep just before he caught himself, suddenly straightening up and quickly pulling himself away from Ren’s hand. "W-We ca'd… *sdf!* S-Still do Turf War o-or…"

Ren eyed him closely as his voice trailed off, then he blew his nose into the napkin wad and hobbled over to the trash can to toss it, leaning against the wall for a moment to recuperate… slowly sinking down against the wall where he stood as his eyelids began to flicker, that being the only thing keeping him upright.

He'd admire the determination, but Asahi was in no condition to be battling today. 

"Alright… change of plans." Ren declared, as he pulled Asahi from the cafe wall. "We're going to my place. It's closer to the lobby than your flat, yeah?" 

"U-Uhh….*snf-*...W-Wha'd for…?"

"For bedrest, obviously."

Asahi opened his mouth to protest, only barely managing a pitiful squeaking wheeze before he instead doubled over into a coughing fit. 

"See? You sound like you can barely breathe." the taller Inkling tutted as he helped him stand upright, even tapping his boyfriend’s back as he coughed and sputtered. “Do you really think you can do Turf War like this?” 

While he didn’t intend on scolding his partner, that’s what it felt like either way— like chiding a schoolkid who’d been caught in some misdemeanor. Asahi’s rounded ears drooped ever so slightly, and he slunk away, weakly mumbling out another apology. “M-m’msorry….”

There he goes again, apologizing for things that aren't his fault…

Ren softened somewhat upon seeing him falter and avoid his gaze, then sighed softly and pulled the sick Octoling into a hug— his shivering lessened just a little bit in Ren’s arms, and he gave a pitiful sniffle as he returned the gesture, trembling arms slowly wrapping themselves around his partner’s waist. 

“Oi, don’t say that… We can always come back when you’re in better shape, y’know?” He knew he started to make some progress when Asahi relaxed in his arms, if only just a little. 

“B-But still…” Asahi started, his voice hoarse and weak and barely above a whisper. “Y-You made plans for me a-and everything…” He shuddered in his arms and coughed into his hoodie sleeve, and Ren decided to get him in bed sooner rather than later.

“And shit happens, yeah? Now let’s go home."

Ren grabbed another handful of napkins, plus an empty takeout bag to hold Asahi’s soiled face mask. He then dug through the pockets of his jeans to fish for something, eventually producing a crumpled paper bill to hand to the barista. “Sorry for the germs and all that,” he spoke quickly and in a hushed voice as the bemused Jelly took the cash tip, then hurried back to Asahi to make sure he was still upright.

As the two made their way down the lobby stairs, Asahi leaned over to rest his head on Ren’s shoulder as he walked with plodding, uneven footsteps barely in time with his own. With his head so close Ren could see his eyelids flicker and nearly flutter closed as the two made their way back into the range area, eyes glassy and barely focused on his surroundings. He seemed… dangerously close to falling asleep, Ren thought.

“Jeez, you really are wiped,” he spoke softly. “We’ll be home soon so you can lay down, ‘kay?” 

When they made it to the locker room, now considerably more populated than earlier, he guided him to sit down on one of the various couches placed in the lobby, though it was less of a sit-down and more of his legs just giving out. That was concerning.

“I’ll grab your stuff, you just rest here.” Ren took a moment to stay and reassure his ill partner, swaying this way and that as he stared up at him with hazy red eyes… hazy eyes that suddenly began to flicker shut.

The hitching came on right away, something Ren registered in the nick of time as he dug through his pockets for the cafe napkins he’d stored away earlier, hurriedly pressing the napkins around Asahi’s twitching nose just as he reeled back with one last gasp. “Oh, no you don't-”

Silence.

Ren wasn't sure what to make of the dead air between the two.

…Eventually, though, his efforts won out— Asahi slumped forwards into his hand and relaxed; a whistling sigh escaping his throat. And Ren gave a sigh of relief, having avoided a messy situation. “That was close… I’ll grab your stuff first so we can get out of here.”

He wasn’t surprised that Asahi didn’t respond— clammy hands fumbling to take the napkin from him, glassy feverish eyes lulling upwards to face the taller squid, and little else. Ren raised an eyebrow, staying put for a moment and eyeing his movements and waiting to see what he’d do next— watching as he drew his knees up to his chest, probably trying to keep himself warm, and eventually resting his head on his arms before going still. It wasn’t long before his eyelids fluttered closed.

Was there really any shame in letting him rest his eyes right here for a second? Besides, this was about as peaceful Ren had seen his sick partner today. He chuckled to himself as he headed over to the lockers. 

He’d grab Asahi’s things first, putting his Range Blaster back in its case before grabbing his backpack, loosely carrying the straps over to where his ill partner was catnapping and depositing the case and backpack on the couch space next to him. He shut the locker door and went to grab his own things as well before rejoining Asahi, still curled into himself on the lobby’s couch and shivering helplessly. 

Another twinge of pity came and went, now really seeing how disheveled his partner looked, and Ren felt compelled to rub behind one of Asahi’s ears. His hands were warm and steady, even as Asahi flinched and gasped. "Easy, easy," he lowered his voice, helping him stand up from the couch (holding him steady as he stumbled) and guiding him into resting his feverish head on his chest. "Don't you wanna sleep somewhere more comfortable?"

The noncommittal "mmhm" he got as an answer only strengthened Ren's suspicion. Asahi's hands were clammy and cold as they fumbled to grab onto his. His eyelids were heavy; that dangerous flickering having returned once more as his boyfriend veered closer and closer into falling asleep where he stood.

Was he imagining things? Or was Asahi getting warmer? 

He'd know for sure once they were home, and Ren comforted himself with that thought as he guided his ill partner out of the lobby doors. Both winced as the sunlight hit their eyes, and Ren quickly dipped with his sick partner into the shade of the nearby train station entrance.

Ren slowed his pace, moving in time with his partner’s uneasy steps as the two moved through the crowded station, steering Asahi away from crowds and nosy onlookers and into an elevator. The tiny space was quiet with just the two of them, with only an intermittent sniffle or cough from Asahi as the two descended. 

Thankfully his sister let him borrow her car for the morning.

Ren kept his sick boyfriend upright as the two shuffled into the parking garage and into the car. Asahi seemed to be declining by the minute, and the concern needling at the back of Ren's mind began to overtake his thoughts, a concern which only became more apparent as he watched Asahi stumble into the passenger's seat, clumsily buckle himself in, and curl in on himself before going completely quiet, save for the odd sniffle or sneeze or two being the only sign that he was still awake. He shivered, even underneath his thick oversized hoodie, and Ren thought to himself that it didn’t take much of a genius to deduce that Asahi felt much worse than he was letting on. So he’d try his best to make him comfortable. 

[nightttdreamers]

Night Shift | Craig x Kenny

AAA chapter two is heeeere its mostly silly fun before we actually start the fake dating part hehe pls enjoy (and check it out on ao3 for better formatting pls)

AO3 Link | 4k words | Chapter 2/?

Craig and Kenny strike a deal.

Craig has never been a morning person, but recently, it feels like every force in the world is trying to keep him in bed.

There’s the brief, near blissful moment when he’s just woken up. He can barely hear his alarm, the sleep not quite shaken off yet, unaware of what the day brings. Then, inevitably, his first thought washes over him; Tweek dumped you.

Just knowing that this is going to weigh on him all day is exhausting to think about. He doesn’t waste time wondering what he did wrong or how to best avoid the other anymore. The exhaustion comes from knowing that Tweek’s absence is just something he has to deal with now, every damn day.

Before, the habit of trying to beat his boyfriend to the first ‘good morning’ text motivated him to get up. But lately, he always spends a few minutes letting his alarm ring out, trying to delay his day for as long as possible. But, then his phone begins to buzz to life, and he knows he can’t ignore the real world any more.

On this particular morning, the urge to pull the covers over his head is particularly strong. Not only did he work late last night, but the fact that he looked like an idiot in front of Kenny is also hanging over his head. Craig groans, recalling their bizarre interaction.

“You wanna be my boyfriend?” He had asked.

Kenny looked bewildered, a mixture of surprise and concern on his face. But, before Craig could even go back on his question, Kenny replied, “Like, for money?”

Unable to bear the look on the other’s face, Craig turned away, pulling out a pack of Kenny’s usual cigarettes. “No, that would be stupid,” he stammered out. “I’m being stupid, fuck. Here, I can-” He took the magazine that Kenny had been holding and scanned it along with the Camels. Finally, he looked back up at the blonde. “Anything else?”

Kenny’s brows knit together as he looked at Craig. His lips were pursed together, shifting around his face like he was trying to talk without opening his mouth. “No,” he said after some pause, drawing out the word. “That’s it.” Kenny slid a few bills across the counter, not looking away from Craig as he took his items.

Craig thought that if tried to speak again, he would say something even worse than what he already had, so he simply nodded.

Kenny headed towards the door, shooting Craig an awkward glance back just before he left. “Take care of yourself, man.”

Craig rolled over onto his stomach, pressing his face deep into the pillow in an effort to stop his brain from playing the memory over and over again. When that didn’t work, he turned his head to the side, grabbing his phone from the nightstand and finally turning off his alarm.

He squints as the screen lights up, serving as the only light source in his room. There are two notifications from Clyde, one sent around 2AM linking a YouTube video called “BAD DAY Better Watch This 😂 1 Hour Best Funny & Fails” and another sent 20 minutes ago, asking “Tolkien had to make up a test please pLEASE can u drive me today PLEASE?????”

Craig gives the message a thumbs down and ignores the typing bubble that immediately appears (he’ll end up driving Clyde, of course, he just wants to fuck with him first). His next notification is a Snapchat message from “kmck69,” a username he doesn’t recognize until he opens the message.

kmck69: were u being serious b4

kmck69: it is a rlly stupid idea 

kmck69: but also im down if ur down

Craig reads the messages, then reads them again just to make sure he’s not hallucinating. As an added measure, he checks the user’s last story and, sure enough, it’s a selfie of Kenny holding a beer, Cartman lurking in the background, with the caption “5 screenshots and i piss in cartmans drink.”

Once Kenny had left last night, Craig had spent the last hour of his shift overthinking every detail of their interaction. He didn’t even know where his bizarre idea had come from, it had just slipped from his mouth before it was fully-formed. Hearing that Tweek was out hanging around with some goth kid infuriated him beyond words or logic. The only coherent thought Craig could form about it was that something had to change. He didn’t want to keep rotting in his bed, head swimming with thoughts about his ex. He just wanted to do something.

Asking Kenny to pretend to be his boyfriend was just the first idea that came to mind.

He hadn’t expected the other to even justify him with a response beyond their uncomfortable conversation. But, apparently, Kenny was mulling it over until nearly 4 in the morning when he texted, which is far more thought than Craig put into it.

It’s a stupid idea. He knows it is, they both know it is. But, it’s something.

spacemancraig: Yeah I’m down

He stares at his screen for a moment, quickly feeling the prickle of anxiety in his chest. It’s useless to sit and wait for a response, so he puts his phone down and pulls himself out of bed. The second he actually rises from his mattress, his phone buzzes to life, and Craig almost drops the device in how quickly he grabs it.

(Clyde) Literally I’m already ready I won’t hold you up I’ll even buy you starbucks or whatever gay shit you like

(Clyde) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

(Clyde) I’m sorry for calling you gay and starbucks gay bro PLEASE don’t make me walk

He sighs, typing out a quick response before he puts the phone down for real.

(Craig) Fine

—-----

Kenny stumbles into Chemistry three minutes after the bell, handing their teacher a crumbled-up excuse note before shuffling to his seat. It’s not uncommon for him to be late, and normally Craig would pay it no mind. However, normally he’s not anxiously waiting for a Snapchat from the other. 

Craig can’t take his eyes off him, his notes trailing off as he drowns out the voice of their teacher. He’s not sure whether Kenny’s changed his mind and is brushing him off, or genuinely just oblivious of the holes Craig is staring into the back of his head. The blonde just rummages through his bag and pulls out a few sheets of paper, not even sparing Craig a glance back. 

Somehow, in every class he finds himself staring at the back of a blonde’s head. He wonders if he might be the problem.

At first, Kenny just chews on his eraser and passes notes to Kyle sitting beside him. But, after a few minutes of this, he turns and locks eyes with Craig. Before Craig can even try to communicate something quietly across the row separating them, Kenny turns away again, and Craig wants to throw his textbook at the other’s head. Before he can, though, he feels his phone buzz to life in his pocket.

kmck69: we have 2 talk abt it obv

kmck69: do u have work 2nite

Craig rolls his eyes as he reads the messages, unsure as to why Kenny needs to use the least amount of characters possible when he texts.

spacemancraig: No

kmck69: cool well i do

kmck69: im at the bijou from 4 to 12

kmck69: if u want free popcorn tho u can come after 10

kmck69: thats when concession closes so its kinda old but tbh still good

spacemancraig: Yeah I think I’ll pass on the stale popcorn

spacemancraig: But I’ll come by

kmck69: ur loss

kmck69: word tho

kmck69: also cute username lmao

Craig’s face scrunches up as he reads the text, glancing up to look at Kenny. The blonde looks back at him, flashing a smile, and Craig just flips him off in response.

kmck69: ooh rawr ur so scary and mean

kmck69: can u leave me alone im trying 2 learn >:(

He wants to retort that Kenny was the one who started it, but typing that feels incredibly childish. Instead, Craig rolls his eyes and tucks his phone away, looking back up at the lesson.

—------

There are a lot of points today when Craig’s wondered when his life took a wrong turn. Losing sleep over a conversation with someone he has never really given a shit about, feeling like shit the entire morning waiting on a message from the aforementioned someone, and now, he’s at South Park’s lamest and only movie theater at 10PM on a Thursday. 

Maybe it wasn’t just a wrong turn, maybe it’s an eighteen-year downward spiral and he’s just getting closer to rock bottom.

The Bijou is, of course, dead. Craig only goes when they randomly decide to screen something from the Criterion Collection. He and his friends used to hang around the place more often, but then Tolkien got a home theater and every movie started being available to stream, and they didn’t have to secretly spike their slushies in the Black household. Now, the only people that frequent The Bijou are the elderly and his 15 year old sister, for some reason.

He decided to wait until 10PM to go. Not because Kenny made the stale popcorn sound appetizing, but he figured the later he went, the less likely he was to run into someone he knew. He parks his car a few blocks down the street and walks to the theater, hands tucked in the pocket of his hoodie. The marquee has been defaced, as per usual, and just reads “PENIS” followed by the scrambled extra letters from whatever movie title it once said. How original.

The ticket booth is empty, and when he steps inside, the theater is just as deserted as he expected it to be. Craig isn’t exactly sure of his next move as he lingers by the entrance, looking around. Just walking into the theater without a ticket to look for Kenny feels wrong, but so does just standing around awkwardly. Before he can choose, though, someone speaks behind him.

“I’m sorry, sir. We’re not selling any more tickets to our last screening- Oh, Craig?” Chirps a voice from the concession stand. Craig turns, coming face-to-face with Butters. The other boy smiles at him, far too brightly considering the two of them are not friends. The most they’ve interacted in all of high school is the rare occasion that Craig visits the Bijou, in which he affords Butters a small head nod as a greeting if they meet eyes. 

“Hey, Butters,” Craig says. “Is Kenny around?”

Almost comically, Butters cocks his head to the side. “Kenny? I didn’t know you two were friends!”

An abrupt silence comes between them, and Craig just waits for Butters to tell him where his coworker is. However, the blue-eyed boy just looks at him with a quizzical expression on his face, and Craig realizes he’s waiting for a confirmation.

“Uh, sure,” Craig mumbles after a moment. “Friends. Friendly, I guess. So, where is he?”

Butters beams at his answer, starting to wipe the countertop he’s standing behind down as he responds. “That’s so nice. He needs friends who won’t get him into trouble, you know? And he was just talking about you the other day.”

“He was?” Craig asks, but before Butters can elaborate, the two are interrupted.

“Craig!” Shouts Kenny from across the theater. Clad in a button-down, black skinny jeans, a red vest and matching bow-tie, he looks starkly different than he did this morning. The almost formal outfit doesn’t look quite right on him, and Craig realizes he’s never seen Kenny in something that wasn’t two sizes too large. When the blonde arrives at the concession stand, he’s grinning, looking at Craig so excitedly that the dark-haired boy has to turn his face away.

“It’s me, don’t cream your jeans,” Craig says, earning a little snicker from Butters. 

“I’ll sure as hell try,” Kenny replies, not sounding nearly as sarcastic as Craig. “I was starting to think you were bailing. It’s late, man.” As he speaks, he lifts himself onto the concession counter and sits, dangling his legs.

Butters frowns, putting his hands on his hips (Craig didn’t know that people did that in real life, but it suits Butters’ cartoonish mannerisms). “Aw, Kenny. I was just wiping that down.”

Kenny rolls his eyes, swinging his legs around to the other side of the counter and hopping off. “Happy?” He asks his coworker, who lets out a little puff of air in response and returns to his cleaning. Kenny shoots Craig a funny look, and Craig feels like he’s missing something. “As you can see, Butters and I take a lot of pride in this establishment.”

“That sounds awfully insincere, Kenny,” Butters grumbles, mostly to himself. “I do take pride in this establishment.”

It’s pretty weird to watch Kenny and Butters interact like this. They’re both oddballs in their social circles, especially Butters, and he can’t help but feel a bit out-of-place talking to them, especially outside of school. Craig absent-mindedly slides his phone from his pocket, checking the screen, just out of habit.

“Got somewhere to be?” Kenny asks, and when Craig looks up, the other is staring right at him, of course. He’s holding one of the soft drink cups, filled to the brim with popcorn.

Craig tucks his phone away. “You were serious about the stale popcorn?”

“It’s just gonna get thrown out,” Kenny says, popping a few kernels in his mouth. “Did you want some?”

Craig narrows his eyes in suspicion, responding with an unsure hum. One time, in the 5th grade, he saw Kenny pick up an earthworm from the sidewalk and swallow it whole. He did it, of course, for five bucks from Clyde, but Craig still doesn’t trust his taste.

Kenny rolls his eyes, opening up the machine to fill another cup. “Don’t be a princess. It’s still good. Right, Butters?” Kenny asks as he slides past his coworker, crossing to Craig’s side of the counter. 

“Oh, I don’t like to eat the popcorn much,” Butters replies, attending to the machine once Kenny’s done with it. “I gotta smell it all day, then clean the machine, scrape all the burnt pieces. I used to think movie theater popcorn was one of the yummiest smells, but now it doesn’t really get my tummy rumbling.”

Talking to Butters is weird, Craig thinks. He’s not sure if he’s ever heard anyone else use the phrase ‘tummy rumbling’ in his life. He glances at Kenny, who seems entirely unphased by the other’s weird expressions. 

“Yeah, okay,” Kenny says with a small shrug. He hands one of the popcorn cups to Craig, who takes it reluctantly. “I don’t know why I asked him.”

“Not that this isn’t thrilling,” Craig says, turning fully to Kenny. Butters is pretty engaged with his cleaning, but Craig doesn’t need him hearing any part of this conversation, so he speaks low. “Can we talk now?”

Kenny lets out an amused puff of air. “Butters, I’m gonna go do theater checks” he says, not taking his eyes away from Craig. “Craig’s coming with me.”

“You better not just be sneakin’ him into the movie for free, Kenny,” Butters grumbles, but his coworker is already walking away, waving a hand dismissively. Craig spares Butters an awkward glance before following behind Kenny.

“You do that often?” Craig asks.

“What? Sneak people in?” Kenny replies. He shoots a look back at Butters, making sure he isn’t listening before he continues. “Not all the time. I’m not really into losing this job.”

Right, Craig thinks, Kenny actually needs this job. The thought makes him a bit uncomfortable, that Kenny has to put in the hours at a shitty movie theater to pay for things he actually needs. Meanwhile, Craig works so he can get out of the house and have some spending money.

Kenny glances behind them, then slides a vape out of his pocket and hits it. He turns his head to the side, courteous enough not to blow smoke right at Craig, though not enough to pick a less obnoxious flavor.

“Sorry,” Kenny says, noticing how Craig wrinkles his nose at the scent. “Butters doesn’t like it either, probably because it’d get us in trouble.”

“So you don’t care enough about this job to not vape?” Craig asks.

This time, Kenny blows the cloud right in his face. “Be nice to me, Tucker. I let your sister sneak in here all the time.”

Craig pauses, taking a second to process what Kenny just said. “You what?”

Kenny stops too, poking his head into the closest screening room as he speaks. “Yeah, she comes by a lot. Here, this one’s empty,” he steps into the theater, holding the door open so Craig can follow. It’s a bit odd-looking inside. It’s not often he sees empty theaters with the lights on, especially not clean ones. Kenny takes a seat in a nearby row, throwing his legs over the chairs as he munches on his popcorn. “Don’t worry, no one’s gonna hear us. I cleaned this one an hour ago, and I’ve only had to kick out people who stayed after a movie like, three times, so we’re good.”

Craig takes a seat a few spots away from Kenny, giving the other room to sprawl out. “Why did they stay?”

“Sometimes they just fall asleep. One time there was a couple fucking, though. That was pretty sweet. In that row over there,” Kenny points behind him, a smirk on his face.

Craig blinks and wonders what ever happened to the Kenny he went to elementary school with, the one who rarely spoke except for the occasional dirty joke. Focus, Craig.

“Uh, so about last night,” Craig begins, straightening up a bit in his seat. Kenny mirrors him, showing that he’s listening. “I was just talking without thinking. It is a really fucking dumb idea.”

“But you showed up to talk about it,” Kenny notes.

Craig sighs. “Yeah, I did. Because I’m really fucking dumb. And I’m sick of the sympathy from my dumb friends. And you said you’d be down.” Kenny just looks at him, and Craig finds himself talking just to avoid the awkward silence. “If you’re not anymore though, that’s fine. There’s no pressure or anything.”

“I’m still down,” Kenny says with a small nod. “As long as I’m paid for my time. God, I sound like a hooker.”

“You’re not a hooker,” Craig adds a bit too quickly. “We don’t need to actually do anything, I don’t think.”

“So what do I have to do?”

Craig doesn’t answer for a moment. Apparently, this tells Kenny all he needs to know.

“Oh, so you really didn’t think this through, huh?” Kenny makes an odd clicking sound with his tongue, shaking his head. Craig thinks he’s trying to be funny, but it’s not helping how embarrassing the conversation feels. “Okay, Craig. If you want Tweak to take you back, what do you think would really get him all pissed off and hot and jealous?”

“Hang on-” Craig sits up a bit, raising a hand as Kenny speaks. “I’m not trying to get him back.”

“You’re not?”

Craig opened his mouth, but words couldn’t quite seem to come out. Was he trying to get Tweek back? There were plenty of couples in South Park that broke up only to come back together. In fact, he’d stop getting hopeful when Bebe and Clyde would split, as it was inevitable they’d be sucking face again within a week. But, he’d never thought about that possibility for him and Tweek. They didn’t break up because of a fight or mistake or something stupid. Honestly, Craig still couldn’t quite pin why they had broken up. All he knew is that Tweek didn’t want to be with him anymore. The thought of trying to get his ex to change his mind and take him back hadn’t even occurred to him, and right now, it just sounded pathetic.

“Jeez, I didn’t know that would be such a tough question,” Kenny muses, bringing Craig out of his thoughts. “It’s fine if you want him back, man. I don’t judge.”

“I don’t” Craig says, maybe a bit too assertively as it makes Kenny lean a bit further away from him. “He doesn’t want to be together, whatever. I’m not gonna try to trick him into getting back with me. I just want people to know I’m cool about it.”

Kenny makes a little high-pitched hum, his face scrunching up. He takes another hit of his vape, looking thoughtful as he does so (as thoughtful as someone hitting a neon green cylinder can). “Okay,” he says, blowing out smoke. “We’ll make everyone think we fucked.”

“What the fuck- Kenny,” Craig stammers out, shaking his head as he speaks. “How would we even, who would fall for that? What’s that even gonna do?”

Kenny leans forward again, resting his arms on the arm of the chair and once again being too close to Craig’s personal space. “No, Craig, listen. This is one of my better ideas. If you immediately start dating some dude, everyone’s gonna think it’s a rebound and people know I’m not really the dating type. It’ll be weird, someone’s gonna see through it because I’m not not gonna hook up with someone else. But- if people think we just fucked, they’ll be like, ‘Wow Craig moved on and he doesn’t give a fuck and he’s so cool,’ which is your goal, right?”

Craig stares at Kenny, wide eyed, and Kenny stares right back. It’s impossible to focus on what the blonde is saying with that eager look in his eyes, like some kind of dog waiting for a treat. However, when Craig actually does start to process the idea, he realizes Kenny’s making some good points. Kenny raises his brows, still waiting for a reply. Craig lets out a sigh, looking up at the theater ceiling. “Fuck. That’s- Yeah, that’s a good plan.”

“I know!” Kenny starts drumming his fingers along the side of the seat, and Craig can tell he’s beaming without even looking at him. “I want sixty-five.”

Now, Craig looks back down at Kenny, who is making a face like that wasn’t a ridiculous thing to say. “Bucks? You want sixty-five dollars?”

“Cash,” Kenny adds. The two just stare at each other for a moment because every time Craig looks at Kenny, apparently Kenny’s already looking at him. 

“I’ll give you forty,” Craig offers, hoping his tone sounds firm enough to stop any further negotiation.”

“Deal,” Kenny finally leans back in his seat and Craig feels like he can actually breathe again. If they’re gonna do this, he needs to talk with Kenny about personal space. And maybe that god awful vape flavor too. Shit, they’re actually doing it. 

Craig nods before his brain fully catches up, like he’s convincing himself this is real life. “Okay, yeah. Deal. Wow.”

Kenny glances over at him. “You good? You can’t back out now. We said deal.”

Craig is still nodding, rubbing his palms on his thighs. “We’re good. I just didn’t really think you’d say yes. I don’t, uh, have much of a plan.”

Kenny puts his hand on Craig’s shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it, dude. ‘Cause I already have a plan.”

“My head’s not-” he starts, then lets out a breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “What’s the plan?”

Kenny stands, looking back down at Craig with a grin. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to get people talking about my sex life. And lucky for you, I have just the party to get this rumor started.” Kenny rubs his hand on a chair, then sticks it out for Craig. “You trust me, dude?”

Looking up at the blonde, the sheer dumb confidence on his face, his stupid uniform bowtie, there’s no way Craig should feel at ease. But, he has forty bucks and his reputation on the line, and Kenny might just be the best shot he has at escaping his current hellhole situation. Craig stands, gripping Kenny’s hand.

“Fuck it,” he says. “I trust you, let’s do this.”

[elenthyaolyenths]

Aaaaaantoqksbakajajf

I hate insomnia I hate tumblr app publishing MY draft that WAS ALREADY A SAVED one DRAFT AND NOT NEW BUT STILL WHATEVER it posted it YOLO MODE without the AO3 link because the fanfiction isnt posted yet and obviously I had to erase the post in a emergency AND OF COURSE NOW IT IS LOST FOREVER and I have to REDO EVERYTHING and the publication post is in a few hours

Its 4h48AM HERE AND I WONT SLEEP ANYMORE RANTING EVERYWHERE

Sorry my dear author 😢 @cassiecasyl

And apologies to @go-minisode-minibang for the wrong post I will post it properly in a few hours as we previously decided with my author 😭

Let me die on the corner right heeeere

[missamyrisa2]

I'm a shy but naughty girl who loves how deviously creative your mind is, and I'd definitely love to know what sorts of machines you'd use to get gigglegasms out of someone's royal girly buttons as well <3

Welllll~ since you asked nicelyyy~

Let's talk about how to milk the girly parts ~ but a good proper milking doesn't start with going right after that sweet pearl, uh uh ~ we have to coax her out first, make her so overloaded with affection and teasing love that she's practically begging for that milking ~

Ohh yes, we're starting with the humble feather. These were just ~made~ for working girly parts, I swear ~ So, open up those thighs. And because you're not opening them for me I'm going to have to tickle them ooh yes. We start with the niiice squeezies above the knees ~ mmmhmm squeeze here and heeeere and riiight up up to get your legs loosey-goosey. Come on now, let's loosen up girl ~ I'm gonna massage until you doooo ~ there's those thighs ooh yes, such sweet luscious thighs ~ We're gonna tickle those nice and sweetly and mhmm my lips are going in tooo ~ you need kissies, let's kissy away all that resistance now. Come on, open up that royal area ~ I'm gonna kiss your thighs until you dooo ~ there's a goood girl ~

Now, about the feather ~ see how it has these soft edges ~ sooo flat and yet loaded with sensation for you. Perfect for tickling that lovely sensitive area between your thighs and girly parts. Also lovely on your hips hmm? Right on the hip dipssss~ feather feather feather? These are sweet spots to tickle but I want the girliest sweetest part of you oooh yes I dooo~ every little thread like a tiny feather of its own. And because it's so nimble, yet gently stiff, I can just drawwwww the feather up your girly lips and introduce you to my tickly friend up and close ~

All the way up your royal lips now, slowwww slow slow and fast fast fast riiiight over to the pearl's regal resting spot. Mmmh. She's not ready yet oooh now, we need that gorgeously ticklish pearl sooo hot and bothered before we can milk. Let's start at the bottom of the lips and we'll go uuuuup and oooh yes, squeeze those thiiighs and your hiiiiip mmmhmmm wriggle it out for your giggle mama ~ riight into my adorably tickly feather. Ahh yes, your royal button is betraying you I do believe ~ you say you aren't ticklish you say you don't want it but loooook ~ look at what's happening down heeeeere~ you naughty thing, you naughty naughty girly girl ~ you wanna be so naughty huh? Want someone to tap love messages on your lil tablet? Awwwe too bad ~ only tickles for my amazing ticklish girl ~

Thereee, there there ~ now now don't fidget ~ your pearl is getting so rosy and bothered. We can use the feather tip now to get it sooo blushy down there. Just the tip ~ and just my feather again~! Amazing things, aren't they? First it got you to open up your clam and present your pearly pearl for me and now it's gonna just take you riiight to the brink ~ And look how it waves. Mmhm. Yes, my waving feather is gonna get you sooo worked up and then we're gonna milk out allll those giggledrops from you ahh yes ~

Oh you can moan and struggle and giggle and gasp all you like ~ it's not stopping. We're on a mission now, this is for the science after all~

With your girly pearl so perfectly poised, it's time to vibe out your drops ~ and we're gonna do that with a pair of machine friends. Of course you probably know my magic wand, my lovely Wanda ~ and we're also going to use Gina, she's quite good at finding that little tickle button you're hiding in there. Look at her luscious curves, tickle girl ~ Gina is soooo thicc and lovely ~ and she's gonna just milk you to bits ~

Sooo ~ I'd say open up for mama butttt you already have ~ ahh yes and look you're already soooo drippy droppy~ are these your giggledrops mmmh? Let's see how many you have in there. Wanda is gonna start on loooow right here on your pearl, and now Gina is gonna part your wet curtain and find that adorable Gee inside. Oh ~ and did I mention? Gina comes with a special power. Let's turn it on, shall we? Yesss she does a lil buzzy thrust ~ bouncing around your girly walls to tackle that button and milk it for all your moaning giggles~

Mmmhmm, was that a fuck fuck fuck? Yeahhh? Naughty thing. Oh yes, fuck fuck fuck ~let's goooo~

Like the feather we're gonna use these machines to coax out your milking ~ we're not just going full speed ahead nuuhuh ~ Wanda stays on low, we'll keep your pearl nice and edged so that Gina can work her magic inside. And then we'll switch ~ Wanda cranked up to make you cackle with gaspy moans while Gina barelyyyyy touches, teasing your girly area and making it wanting that big buzz ~ that's the trick with the girly areas, we have to keep you guessing ~ which is why i'm gonna kiss and zerbert along your hips and thighs and belly throughout your milking ! ooh yes, gotta keep the sweet tickles going~! You aren't gonna know what to feel ~ but I'll draw out every reaction and sip up every sweet noise you make ~

Oooh there we goooo, look at you producing so many gigglecum drops ~ leaky faucet to ocean wave, huh? Just from your ticklesss how sweet ~ and ooh I know, you're not done yet. You have sooo much more sweet ticklemilk to give don't ya? Nooo I didn't forget about your girly chest buttons ~ I wanted to wait until Wanda and Gina take a break and we break out Suzanne ~ Oooh yes, my pink sweet friend, she comes equipped with her own little carriage and she's just gonna ride riiiight into your girly royal area and get every last bit of those cumdrops out ~

But first we need tighter restraints oooh yes ~ when milking a naughty girl to the max we have to keep safety first. Keep those legs spread, keep them secure. And while you're nice and spread on this chair I can set up Suzanne right between them and we'll start with a little test milky ~ She'll go in nice and slooooow and I'll guide her in and ooh yes, you're sooo wet my girly girl~ she barely needs any slipperydrops huh?

And I can hold this remote riiight by you and you can watch me slide Suzanne up and down, making her go fastttt fast fast and sloooow slow. In and out ~ innnn and outtt of your girlihood ~ Don't worry, she buzzzes and twists and bounces and has alll those tickly nubbins to just drive your girlihood wild ~ so I'm free now to play with these chest buttons. I think I'll just ~sit~ on your lap, which is to say I'll hover right her up close and giggle and coo at your blushy milked form and tickle your royal chest buttons soo tauntingly. I knowww you love it ~ you looove being sooo bullied and handled and teased and taunted don't ya?

Don't lieeee I'll tickle milk you allll night if I have to ~ and I think I shall because there's just nooo end to your tickledrops is there? Maybe we need some makeup brushes on these nipples while Suzanne takes a little breather riiight on your Gee. Yes, she can nestle in and vibe away and we'll just see how many giggledrops we can get from ya with my blush brushes on your buttons ~ gotta get all now, all of it ~ all of your giggledrops for your gigglemama or we're starting alllll over with the humble feather and I'll just milk you until there's nothing left ~<33