#Jason: mmm SODA!

[snoelledarts]

“Hey babe does Jason have to come with us on EVERY date?” “He has separation anxiety if I leave him by himself he’ll chew on the doors.” “…Okay…”

[sodapopper]

as a middle child myself i've been feeling so much about Soda lately...I read the book like 10 yrs ago and Pony was my fav then (and I still love him sm) but I got to see the musical last month and Soda hasn't left my mind since he's just SO special

Ahhh, so cool that you got to see the musical recently! I’m dying to go, but realistically probably won’t get the chance. (until it goes on tour 🤞) Jason’s Soda is SO spot on; he really nails the balance between cocky and compassionate, with such beautiful depth of sensitivity. Throwing in the towel is just. Mmm. Perfection. I eat it up like a starving zealot.

Soda is the epitome of a glass child and it’s so important to me. He needs therapy and space to cry.

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

The Perfect Bad Boy (Pt. 03 of 18)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove X Reader

Word count: 2.9K

Summary: Working as a lifeguard in the Hawkins Community Pool, you try to fit in after moving from New York. Things were going pretty well when you notice you've been under someone's stare. Billy Hargrove, Hawkins' bad boy, has been staring at you since day one. You never intended to have anything to do with him, judging by the reputation he has. But Billy won't leave you alone, determined to show you his feelings are different this time...

As if your heart flooding you with confusing feelings wasn't enough, there are weird, strange animals lurking in the woods... But those have to be just part of the wild live of the woods surrounding Hawkins... Right?

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{Stranger Things Masterlist}

×

Like a Damn Train

You're walking back to where the guys are with your milkshake in hand, side by side with Monica. The day was calm, and this is a good way to end it. You're at this cute snack bar, all painted in pastel blue and pink colors, and some lights to match. It has two different spaces, but the inside is almost empty since it's a bit hot today, so people rather sit on the outside. But despite having enough empty tables for everyone, you're all leaning against the cars, chatting and laughing. You're a party of ten people, double the number of those who came with you, the others just stopped by.

You do feel a little cast aside since you don't really know the people or situations they're talking about. But Monica is kind enough to stand by your side, being sure to explain what's needed for you to engage in the conversation. Her cousin Jason is here too, as is her boyfriend, Christopher, who has always an arm around her shoulder.

“I'm telling you. That girl is trouble. She's a compulsive lier. I can't believe I dated her for almost a year.” Clark complains about his ex, who decided to use her spare time this summer to try and get back with him. “She called me once, in the middle of the night, crying, saying she crashed her car and was bleeding to death. I almost crashed mine trying to get to her as fast as possible and when I did, guess what? She was completely fine.”

“I always warned you about her,” Monica says, and the others nod.

“I should've listened.” Clark nods to himself. “From now on, I will listen to Monica.”

“Always listen to Monica.” She repeats in a meaningful tone, looking at you and raising an eyebrow.

“What?” You shrug your shoulders, sucking on your milkshake.

“Nothing." She dissimulates.

“It's about that Billy guy, isn't it?” Jason asks, gesturing his soda can at you.

“Yeah, you've been talking to him a lot lately.” David, one of those who stopped by and decided to join the party says. He's been giving you glances since he got here, but you're pretending not to notice. He'll get the hint soon enough and let it go.

“We're friends.” You simply say, leaning against Monica's car. David was at the pool today, you remember because you had to tell him not to dunk his friend. And that means he probably saw when you stopped by Billy's chair to ask him if he saw your whistle, which he had found on the floor near the girl's locker.

“Friends? With Hargrove?” David laughs. “Not possible. The guy only thinks about one thing. I doubt he even has a brain.”

“Well, he gave me a ride home when my car wouldn't start, so... He's not that much of a jerk if he bothered to help.” It's not your intention to defend Billy, but it feels wrong to let David say these things when Billy has been so nice to you. You know you have to keep an eye open just in case, but so far, it's being as he said it would be. Just two people who work together trying to get along.

“And why do you think he did that? I assure you it wasn't out of kindness.”

“She's the new girl in town. Maybe he thought she lived too far and offered help.” Christopher says, shrugging his shoulders. “You can't read minds, David, you don't know what inside people's heads.”

It's clear David isn't very welcome here. People don't seem very comfortable around him, and all his comments get some kind of snap. “Are you kidding me? It's Hargrove we're talking about here. He never talks to a girl unless he wants something. And we all know exactly what that is.”

“Since when you're the expert?”

“Since I know how guys think, Monica. Don't act like you got everyone figured out just because you're coursing Physiology.” He says, and his tone makes Christopher shoot him an angry stare.

“Mind your tone when you speak to my girlfriend, David.” He mutters, and David rolls his eyes. It's cute to see how he defends Monica, and it makes you smile. They're a freaking power couple, looking so good together.

“I'm just saying–”

“I know this sound.” Jason cuts him off, making everyone shut up to listen to... God knows what. “The car. There's only one car in Hawkins that makes this sound.”

“Billy's car.” Mon states and everyone looks at the street at the same time, and seconds after his Camaro speeds through, like a lightning bolt. “There he goes.”

“Was he looking over here?” Candace asks.

“At that speed, everything he sees is a blur.” Her sister Alice mutters.

You're not really paying attention, eyes glued to the now empty road, not sure why.

“I can't stand him. His presence alone makes me sick, the bastard.” David continues, crossing his arms over his chest. “You can do better, (Y/N), trust me.”

“You're envious of him.” Candace states and her sister follows with a laugh.

“Why in the hell would I be envious?”

“Because he's way hotter than you are.” The words come out of your mouth before you can think. “Basic psychology, isn't that right, Mon?” You elbow her, who giggles and nods.

“Couldn't agree more.” As she speaks, you hear the car again, as if it's coming back. The same noise they said belongs to Billy's car. But since you're not the expert here, it could belong to any other car, so you don't give much thought about it.

“No shit.” Jason mumbles.

“What a way to ruin the night,” David complains, rolling his eyes. His dirty, greasy hair sticks to his forehead, and he pushes it back.

“Unbelievable,” Monica says, looking at something behind you.

No, no. It can't be him... Right? You don't move, looking at your milkshake, completely ignoring how everyone seems to be staring at you.

“Hargrove.” David hisses, in a low voice.

You turn your head to see if this is really happening, and the moment you spot him, you look away. He was in a hurry to be somewhere, what is he doing here?

“Go talk to him,” Monica tells you.

“What makes you think he came here to talk to me?” You're quick to snap back, sucking what's left of your milkshake and putting the empty plastic cup on the hood of her car.

“Because he's coming this way and you're the only one here who speaks to him.” She speaks fast, wide eyes.

“Fine.” You raise your hands in surrender when she starts pushing you away from her car. “I'll go and say hi.” You give two steps backwards, shrugging your shoulders, and making sure everyone notices how casual it is. Then you turn on your heels, walking towards him, but slower, just in case he'll walk right past you. But he doesn't, he stops when you do, not quite keeping the distance he should. “Hi,” you mumble, suddenly very much aware of the eyes on your back.

“Hi.” Billy flashes his bright smile, the one that makes you think he's happy to see you. As if he hasn't seen you in a very long time. “Hanging out with your party, huh?”

“Yeah.” You gesture at where they're standing, trying to get a grip of yourself. C'mon, to hell with what they say. Or think. “I needed a night out. What about you?” You take a look at him, trying to be quick about it. He's wearing a black jacket and a dark red shirt underneath, which is unbuttoned. “Judging by the clothes and how fast you were going, you must be heading to a date. Or a party.”

“Second one.” He looks at something behind you. “Decided to stop and get some fries. Join me inside?”

“Mmm...” You're not sure if you should leave Mon and the others, so you take a look at them. And you see David's face, shamelessly staring as if it was his business. “Oh, we were just talking about you.” You raise your voice a little, and you both make the way to the small group of people. Monica has a funny look on her face. “Right, David?”

“Only bad things, I hope,” Billy says, eyes quickly scanning through the party. He knows he's not welcome, but he doesn't seem to care. Why would he? He just walked in like he owned the place. “I have a reputation I'd like to keep.”

The expression on David's face is priceless, and some people cover their mouths, hiding a laugh.

“Let's get those fries,” you say, pulling Billy by his jacket. “But only if you're paying.”

“Obviously.” He gives one last look, straight at David, before following you inside. Only half the tables are occupied, so you pick one on the back, next to the window. “I'll make the order.” He says as you take a sit. Through the corner of your eye, you see the crew moving more to their left, just where they can have a better view of your table. Looking at them, you wave, smiling. Monica won't stop talking about it tomorrow.

“So. What kind of wild party are you going to?” You ask when he comes back, seating across from you.

“Tommy's. Wanna come?”

“No. It's not my kind of party.” Monica told you about Tommy, that in some ways he's far worse than Billy. Guess you shouldn't judge this Tommy only by what you hear, but since you have nothing else to compare it too, you'll stick with what you've heard.

“It figured.” He shrugs his shoulders, penetrating eyes burning thought your skin.

“Let's eat quickly then. So you can go to your party.” You don't understand why he came all the way back here. Just to eat fries? He was going to a party and stopped for some fries? You'll have to ask Monica about it. Maybe there's a psychological explanation.

“I'm not going anymore.”

Okay. That's even weirder. “Why?”

Billy only smiles, and you're starting to notice it makes you feel funny. You don't like staring for too long, so you have to find something else to focus your attention on... But there's nothing so you just look down at your hands. “You know that David guy is into you, right?”

“What? Of course not.” You take a look through the window, catching some of them staring. Monica is one of them, obviously. “I mean, he was staring, but... I don't know. I'm the new girl after all, and in a small town like Hawkins I get that people are a little curious about the outsider.”

“That wasn't a curious look, believe me.”

“You can't really talk about it, right? You're the heartbreaker of Hawkins.”

Billy leans forward, and when the waitress comes with your fries, he doesn't even seem to notice. You don't get why he's staring for so long, like memorizing a map. “I will be straight forward with you, (Y/N).” He starts, his voice suddenly darker, as if the game was over and whatever he's about to say is a matter of life and death. “I like you.”

That makes you giggle, completely ruining the atmosphere. “Okay. You like a lot of girls, Billy. I thought you said just friends.” You're a little disappointed. Guess you were just a little bit excited about maybe, just maybe, befriending Billy, not sure why though.

“No. I don't have to like them to–”

“Let me stop you right there.” You burst out. “I don't need the details.”

“I never liked any of them. Why do you think I never met any girl more than twice?” What can you say to that? Shrugging your shoulders, you keep your eyes on the fries as you eat. You have no idea where this is going. “But you, you hit me like... bang.”

“Like bang?” Raising an eyebrow, you repeat and giggle again.

“Like a damn train.” He's not joking, he's dead serious. “Since the day you walked into the pool, I couldn't help but stare.”

“Billy, I–”

“I always hated when girls started talking about their lives, their friends, their families, but you... I want to know you. Your favorite color, your favorite hairstyle, your favorite ice cream flavor.” Drumming your fingers on the table, you give a quick glance at your friends, looking for Monica as if you could send her a message through your mind, asking for help. “And it's so freaking bizarre because I never thought it could happen to me. I thought about approaching you as I usually do, try to seduce you. It would be so much easier if that was everything I wanted, but it isn't.”

“Uhm...” Okay, you're completely lost here. More than you were on the first day at the pool. “Pink. I like to let my hair down. And chocolate.” You try to remember the order he spoke, despite feeling like this is the stupidest thing to say right now. But you don't know how to react. Nobody was straight to the point like this, all of them always had some kind of game. Pretending they don't care, acting like they're superior, acting like they're stupid... Everyone who ever tried something with you had a strategy. But this guy, town's bad boy, who leaves a long trail of broken hearts wherever he goes, he's just putting all the cards on the table. And you were caught off guard.

“I noticed the first two.” He gestures at you. You're wearing a pink shirt and your hair is down, flowing down your shoulders.

“You don't know me enough to like me, Billy.” You sigh, not sure what do say next.

“Only time will tell.” Billy smiles again, biting on a frie. “Just give me a chance.”

“What about the 'just friends' agreement? I was totally down for that.” Friendship is easier. So much less complicated... And it would give you a one hundred percent security that Billy wouldn't hurt you. Not that you'd ever allowed him to get close enough to do that... Right? Right. “Friendship always comes before any... Romantic relationship. It's just the natural flow of things.”

“If that's what you think, we'll start off as friends then.”

Damn it. The smile again. What the hell is wrong with you today? Monica is getting to your head with all her 'mission' thing. “Friends,” you repeat because it would be so mean if you just backed off now. He did help you when your car wouldn't start. And he's paying for the fries.

“(Y/N)!” Someone yells and you immediately look through the window. It's Jason. “Let's go, we're leaving!”

Already?

You mean... Great. You need to get home to think. “I have to go,” you say, standing up after grabbing a few more fries.

“I can take you home.” He offers.

“I'm not sure. Wouldn't it be a little mean to them?” Part of you wants to go home, leave Billy and this whole talking behind, get back into reality. Get a grip on yourself and think this through. But there's something else, a tiny piece that lit up when he offered you a ride.

“You already came with them. I don't see why you can't leave with someone else. I will let you ride shotgun.”

“You really think I'll go with you just because I'll ride shotgun? I can call shotgun with them, you know?” You giggle, eyes suddenly locked on his.

“With them, it's just a possibility. With me, it's a fact.” The guy is cocky, no doubt about that. “Would it change your mind if I say please?”

“Begging doesn't suit you, Hargrove.” You snap, smiling. “I'll let them know.”

He winks at you before you turn to leave. You change your mind a couple of times before you reach Monica and the others. But now you're sure. You want to go with Billy. You haven't finished the fries yet, anyway.

“Guys, you can go. Billy will give me a ride home.” You say as some of them get into Candace's car.

“Ok,” Mon smirks, giving you a look that means she'll want all the details later.

“What?” David speaks up, a humorless laugh leaving his lips. “Monica, I thought you said your friend was smart.”

“Are you calling me dumb?” You gasp, unable to believe your ears. Who the hell does he think he is? The guy doesn't even know you.

“If you're really considering letting him–” He gestures at the snack bar, straight at your table. “–take you home, yes, sweety, you're pretty dumb.”

“David shut the hell up.” Monica has a finger on his face.

“Who do you think you are to put of your nose in my business?” You raise your voice, stepping forward. You're not the one to be insulted and keep quiet. “This is my damn life and I do whatever I want. You're not even a friend of mine so back the hell off.”

“I'm trying to put some sense into your empty brain and you're turning it on me?” He looks around as if searching for support. But half the group is by Candace's car, and those who are closer don't seem to back him up.

“The hell is going on?” Billy yells startle you a little and you turn your head to see him coming from the snack bar.

“Isn't it obvious that nobody here wants you around?” David barks at him, making an abrupt gesture towards Billy.

He stops by your side, towering over you.

“David here just called (Y/N) dumb,” Christopher says in a provoking tone. “Right, David? Do you have anything else to say or did the last sentences drained out your intelligence? The tiny little bit you have of it.”

“You called her what?” Billy steps forward, slightly hiding you with his shoulder. He's angry suddenly, raising his voice.

“Drop the gentleman act, Billy. Everyone knows what you want.” David comes forward too, throwing his empty can on the floor. “But if she wants to go from the new girl in town to another of Hargrove's sluts, that's all her choice.”

You're about to speak up when Billy moves, closing the distance between him and David, pulling him by the collar of his shirt and punching his jaw hard. You heart skips a beat and your stomach burns. David falls to the ground, a hand coming to his chin. Everyone gasps, hands covering their mouths. You see when Billy is about to move again, so you grab his arm.

“I told you. If you didn't quit being an asshole someone would put you in your place.” Jason says as he speeds away in his car, giving Billy a thumbs up.

But you barely notice the commotion, trying to understand what just happened.

“Call her that again and I'll make sure to break your nose the next time.” Billy barks, looking down at David, who awkwardly crawls backwards before standing up and walking away.

“C'mon.” You start pulling Billy, noticing how the muscles on his arm are tense, even through the jacket. “Let's go.” You move to stand before him, seeing the anger in his eyes as he watches David stumble to his car. Why is he so pissed? “Bye, guys. See you tomorrow.” You say, pushing Billy's chest, sighing in relief when he finally gives up and starts walking back into the snack bar.

Your heart is beating so fast you can feel it pounding against your chest. Billy gestures for you to walk in front of him as he gives one last glance at David's car as he speeds away. Running a hand through your hair, you notice how people are staring as you sit back on the table.

“That was unnecessary.” You burst out, still feeling hot from all the sudden commotion. You have your eyes set on Billy as he sits across from you, anger still clear on his expression.

Nobody ever did that for you. And you have dated before. Only two guys and for a short period of time, but still... You're surprised he'd go through all that trouble because of you, a girl he barely knows. “But thank you.” He's still so mad, like he's caged inside his rage. He keeps staring through the window as if waiting for David to return. “Billy?” You call him, standing up and moving to seat beside him, touching his shoulder. It seems to drag him out of his thoughts, and he looks at you, the anger vanishing, turning into something else. Something you can't name. “Thank you.”

“David is an asshole.” He simply says.

“He is.” Your eyes fall on your arm, still on his shoulder, so you move it away. “Nobody ever stood up for me like that. It's not that I can't deal with an idiot like him, but... It was nice.”

“Whenever you need, princess.”

The name and the smile make your stomach burn again, and you look down just in case you're blushing. As much you appreciate what he just did, you can't let any kind of feelings build up. “So...” You pull the plate with the fries closer, taking one and biting it. “You gonna be my bodyguard now? Beating up whoever calls me bad names?”

“I will if you want me to.”

You know he's smiling even though you're not looking. Biting your lip, you clear your throat. “I think that's ok. But I doubt David will cross my way again.”

“He better not.”

The rest of the night goes by calmy. When you're done with the fries, he gets you another milkshake even though you tell him you already had one. You stand by his car until the milkshake is over, and that's when you finally head home.

His car is do damn fast. Way too fast. You're looking at the road ahead, wondering how the hell he can drive at such a speed. “Billy, would you slow down a bit?” You ask, happy when he complies.

It's a little past eleven when he stops by your place, and you take a deep breath before opening the door. “Bye. See you tomorrow.” Smiling you step out of the car, walking around it. But you stop when you see he's getting out too.

“What? I'm gonna walk you to the door.” He shrugs his shoulders, and you look down as you both slowly walk to the front door. Once you get there, you awkwardly turn around, looking at him, noticing how the dim light from the porch lights up his face... He's cute. More than cute. He's... Very handsome.

Alright, stop staring now.

“Thanks again for the ride home... And for defending my honor, Billy Hargrove.” You mutter, your voice is strangely low.

“Anytime you need.”

“Yeah...” Clearing your throat, you gesture at the door behind you. “Gotta go.”

“Sure.” Billy looks down at you, and he suddenly moves closer. But before you can push him away, or even process what he's doing, you feel his lips on the apple of your cheek. It's almost unreal how his lips are soft. Billy doesn't come out as soft... He's rough, the bad guy. But this... This is confusing. You're sure you're blushing this time, frozen, as he pulls away. “Good night, (Y/N).”

“Good night,” you mumble, turning the door handle. But it doesn't open, so you try again. “Shit... Oh, it's locked.” You search on your pockets for the key, excited to get in and get the hell away from Billy. This is unfair. He knows the effect he has on girls. You struggle with the key, sighing in relief when the door finally opens.

“Did I just make you nervous?” He asks as you step inside.

“Good night, Billy,” you repeat, giving him a half-smile before closing the door.

Today's events are getting to your head. What Billy did was... Badass. Hot even. You're a girl, how are you supposed to feel after a guy punches someone to defend you? It's only natural, right? Right. Shit, you really need to talk to Monica.

Running a hand through your hair, you turn around, ready to take a shower and get some sleep. But your aunt's image by the stairs scare you, and you hit the door with your back.

She has a smile on her face, bright and wide. “Hello, honey. Who was that guy?”

[neerasrealm]

Kagekao’s Day

A fic that follows the average day in the life of our favorite demonic trickster as he gets up to...whatever it is he gets up to. Please note I am not Japanese so the japanese used in this fic is google translated and may be inaccurate or wonky. Apologies in advance for that. Word count: 3489

Shinjuku’s Golden Gai. Arguably one of his favorite places to spend long nights drinking in. The Golden Gai, or Golden Street as tourists would call it, was a quaint little labyrinth of bars, shops and clubs. He’d squeezed himself into a random bar, he wasn’t sure if he’d been there before but the place did serve some damn good umeshu. He’d already drank maybe two bottles worth. It was surprising they would still serve him after so much. Maybe it was because he didn’t get drunk very easily. He was tipsy at most.

He snapped his fingers as a waiter walked past his booth. He propped his clawed feet up on the table as he turned to look at him. He held up his empty glass, shaking it a bit. The ice clinked quietly as he did so. ‘’Motto kudasai.’’ he chirped. The waiter nodded and walked off to grab him another drink. He settled down again, ready to get himself comfy for bottle number three, but then his phone rang. He scowled and reached into his pocket, hitting answer without even looking at the caller ID. ‘’Osu.’’ he grunted, playing with his scarf. He heard a deep chuckle on the other side of the phone.

‘’Well hello there,’’ the voice was deep, and oozed charisma. He smiled and sat up. ‘’Is this a bad time, Kagekao?’’ 

He giggled. ‘’No, no, kami-sensei. Not at alllll.’’ he purred. ‘’To what do I owe the pleasure, hmmmmm?’’

The man on the other end of the phone chuckled again. ‘’I have a job for you. Think you could drop by? We’d love to see you again.’’

He swung his feet off the table and grinned, giggling. ‘’Of course, of course!’’ he chirped. ‘’Sounds fun! Very very fun, kekekeke!’’ he reached into his dress, pulling his wallet from one of the ever-so-delightful pockets. He pulled out the yen and tossed it onto the table. ‘’I’ll be there soon!’’ 

‘’Good, good. I’ll see you soon then.’’ the voice on the phone purred before hanging up. Kagekao skittered out of the bar and off to see Zalgo.

Getting to Zalgo’s realm was easy enough. Find a wall, draw a giant ‘Z’ on it and simply wait for the gates of hell to open up! Kagekao gleefully waltzed through the tunnel to the barren wasteland Zalgo resided in. It was a very dreary place...and Kagekao loved that! He took his time getting to the house. He liked messing with the lost souls that roamed the wasteland. They weren’t really able to fight back, and couldn’t think enough to be anything but innocently confused and curious. Kagekao playfully cackled to himself as he skittered off to Zalgo’s nice, cozy house.

Now he could have taken the door that was always left unlocked, but that was boring! Instead, he scaled the house and made his way up to the chimney. He squeezed himself into it and rapidly skittered down, being as loud as possible in the process. He giggled at the confused shouts and noises he could hear through the wall. He stopped near the entrance of the chimney. The fireplace was unlit. 

‘’Kekekekekeke…’’ 

He heard shuffling in the room. The rustle of a newspaper, or magazine. Then someone, male, sighing. He giggled. ‘’Jason! Can you come here a second?’’ he called out, mimicking the young, feminine voice of Jane. The male grunted and got off the couch, crossing the room.

‘’Yes?’’ 

While he was occupied, Kagekao crawled out of the fireplace and onto the ceiling. He tilted his head, turning to look at the redheaded man standing in the doorway, his back turned to Kagekao. The demon pulled his scarf up onto the ceiling, out of sight, before replying. ‘’Nevermind, I got it!’’

Jason grunted and turned, walking back over to the armchair he’d been sitting in. Kagekao silently crept along the ceiling until he was directly over where the toymaker sat. Biting back a giggle, he braced himself, then let go of the ceiling. The screech Jason let out had him cackling.

‘’KEKEKEKEKE! Mitsuketa!!’’ he giggled as he rolled over in Jason’s lap and sat up, pressing his mask to the toymaker’s shocked face. Jason blinked a couple times before his lips curled into a snarl. He shoved Kagekao off of him roughly, sending the giggling demon to the floor. Kagekao rolled over onto his hands and knees and snapped his neck to the side a few times, making loud snapping noises as he did so. ‘’Ya-ho!’’ he chirped in greeting. Jason growled and kicked at him. The demon quickly backflipped out of the way with a giggle. 

‘’What are you doing here?’’ Jason snapped. Kagekao giggled again and leapt to his feet.

‘’Zalgo called me!’’ he chirped. Jason huffed and shook his head, muttering to himself. Kagekao snapped his neck around at the sound of footsteps approaching the room. He grinned beneath his mask at the sight of Zalgo standing in the doorway, smirking as he always did. ‘’Ya, kami-sensei!’’ he greeted excitedly. Zalgo chuckled.

‘’Hello Kagekao.’’ he greeted calmly before tilting his head, golden eyes flicking to the angry toymaker. ‘’Jason, shouldn’t you be bringing guests up to my lounge? The living room is hardly a place for me to have formal discussions.’’

Jason glared at Zalgo like he wanted nothing more than to tear the smug god to shreds. ‘’He came down the chimney.’’ he replied bluntly. Kagekao nodded.

‘’It’s true! Then I dropped into Jason’s lap.’’ he purred. Literally. Like a cat. ‘’He’s very warm and snuggly, kekeke.’’

‘’Well that’s good to know.’’ Zalgo murmured back. Jason buried his face in his magazine and did the breathing exercises Alice had been teaching him. Zalgo looked back over at Kagekao and smiled warmly. ‘’Come, I’d like to speak with you in private.’’ he glanced at Jason for a second before turning on his heel and gesturing for Kagekao to follow. He followed obediently, though he didn’t stop himself from looking around and touching anything that caught his interest. Zalgo didn’t seem to mind very much. 

He led Kagekao into his lounge. Though it also worked as an office. It was a big room, with high walls covered with bookshelves and drawers, along with a few trinkets. A mannequin with a pair of goggles on it, a glass case with giant butterfly wings in it, and a perfectly preserved human heart! That last one was Kagekao’s favorite, though Zalgo didn’t like him touching it. Zalgo strode over to the large desk and sat himself down on it, watching Kagekao intently as he skittered around the room a few times before deciding to flop himself into an oversized armchair. He curled his knees up, kneading his claws into the fabric as he got comfy before relaxing. He purred to himself before looking at Zalgo, who’s expression had turned more serious now.

‘’Do you have any wine?’’ he asked. Zalgo looked at him for a moment before snapping his fingers. Flames burst into the air, then disappeared. Leaving a bottle of wine in their place. The bottle fell down into Kagekao’s lap. He giggled happily and quickly uncorked it. 

‘’I have an assignment for you,’’ Zalgo murmured, his voice serious now that they were in private. ‘’It’s important. This is something only you can do for me, Kagekao. I trust you can get it done.’’

‘’Mmm…’’ Kagekao pulled his mask up and chugged some wine straight from the bottle. He’d have preferred a glass, to let the wine air out and settle more, but he was thirsty from all the time he’d spent drinking earlier. ‘’Of course. I can do anything.’’

‘’Good.’’ Zalgo leaned back where he sat. ‘’I want you to check on the proxies. Ask them if they’ve seen anyone...out of the ordinary recently. Wearing a mask.’’

Kagekao looked up. ‘’Out of the ordinary?’’ he cocked his head. ‘’You’re never specific, are you kami-sensei?’’ he added with a laugh. ‘’I can do it though! No problem. I’ll get to see the goggle brothers again!!’’

Zalgo arched a brow. ‘’The goggle brothers?’’

‘’Doby and Toby!’’ Kagekao threw his arms up, then squeaked when he almost spilled wine on himself. 

Zalgo smiled a small bit. ‘’Call them what you like,’’ he murmured as he stood up. ‘’Just make sure you don’t mention me-’’

‘’I know I know.’’ Kagekao cut in as he slurped down more wine. ‘’They can’t know you’re the person behind the Operator, lies and deception, I get it.’’ Zalgo looked surprised. He wasn’t used to being interrupted. Kagekao hopped to his feet and rocked on his heels. ‘’Can I run some errands before I report back?’’ he asked. 

Zalgo nodded. ‘’Whatever you want.’’ he replied simply. ‘’Just get it done.’’

Kagekao gleefully hopped, skipped and jumped out of Zalgo’s realm. He found himself back in the human world. Specifically somewhere in the US. He wandered through the town he’d been popped out at before finding himself in the local park. Bordering the park was a thick forest. He strolled through the trees, deeper and deeper into the forest until he came upon a cabin. Though it was closer to being a shack. Dilapidated and broken down. The wood it was made from was rotting, and nature seemed to be reclaiming it. Kagekao walked over and climbed onto the roof of the shack. He skittered across it and looked down into the backyard.

‘’Yeah it was fuckin’ weird! I don’t know- third base!- who would keep their soda in the cabinet like??’’ a young voice spoke below him.

‘’Guess they like room temperature soda.’’ a second, deeper voice replied. Two boys sat out on the back porch. Or rather, one of them was sitting on the porch. The second boy, who wore mismatched knee socks, an old purple hoodie and had fluffy chestnut hair, was sitting on the other’s lap. Kagekao climbed down the wall, staring down at the two of them intently. 

‘’Who the fuck drinks room temperature soda?’’ Doby asked as he tapped his fingers against his bare thigh. Toby shrugged and wrapped his arms around his friend, his shoulder jerking for a moment. He sighed and rested his head on Doby’s shoulder. 

Kagekao slowly reached down and ran his fingers through Toby’s curly hair. The boy jumped in surprise, his fist punching outward on instinct. ‘’Fuck off!’’ he yelped. Both of their heads snapped up suddenly, looking at the demon casually perched on the wall above them. He tilted his head to the side, grinning beneath his mask. 

Doby’s lips curled up into a grin. ‘’Hey bitch.’’ he chirped. 

Kagekao giggled again. ‘’Hisashiburi desu ne.’’ he greeted. ‘’Genki datta?’’

Doby smirked and rolled his eyes. ‘’I can’t understand you.’’ 

Kagekao climbed down off the wall and hummed. Toby watched him crawl around the porch like a cat, or some kind of lizard. ‘’It’s been a while,’’ the demon murmured. ‘’How have you two been, hm?’’ 

‘’We’re good,’’ Toby murmured. ‘’What’re you doing here?’’ 

Kagekao snapped his neck to the sides a few times, as if mimicking the boy’s tics. He sat himself in front of them, crossing his legs. ‘’Just checking on you two.’’ he hummed. ‘’Anything interesting been happening lately? Anyone wandering into the woods?’’ he asked with a grin.

Doby smiled. ‘’A couple. You know how it is…’’ He mimicked swinging a baseball bat, a clear indicator that he was remembering times when the two had had to keep intruders from finding their little base of operations..

‘’And nobody else?’’ Kagekao tilted his head. ‘’Nobody with...a mask or anything such?’’

Toby frowned. ‘’Mask?’’ he asked softly. Doby nudged him.

‘’Sorry, tic.’’ he grunted before looking back at Kagekao. ‘’What do you mean by ‘mask’?’’ he asked slowly, his eyes narrowing at the demon. 

Kagekao grinned slyly under his own mask. ‘’Someone covering their face. Hiding.’’ he replied. ‘’There’s been someone going around lately...causing issues in the community.’’ he shrugged. ‘’Don’t know their name. Just that they wear a mask and they might be causing issues.’’

Doby hummed. ‘’Nah don’t know ‘em.’’ he said. ‘’Right Toby?’’

Toby nodded, almost too enthusiastically. ‘’Right, right.’’ he parroted. Kagekao hummed and stood up. On his hands. He stretched out one of his arms, balancing his full weight on one palm. 

‘’Well then,’’ he suddenly flipped himself up into the air, landing on the ground with ease. ‘’If that’s the case...then I’ll leave you boys be.’’ he looked at the two proxies. Neither of them spoke. They just stared up at him cautiously. Kagekao laughed and stepped away from the shack, moving toward the forest again. ‘’I’ll see you two soon, hopefully.’’ he added with a sly grin.

With his work done, Kagekao could do whatever he wanted. And he knew exactly what his next visit would be. He had to take a shortcut through Zalgo’s realm, but soon enough he found himself in Louisiana. Specifically a small town in Louisiana that had a forest bordering the side of it. He perched himself up in a tree and waited and waited. Eventually, a silver minivan drove out of the forest and Kagekao grinned. He leapt out of the tree and skittered through the woods and into the fairy circle buried deep inside it. He stopped in the mansion’s front garden and giggled. The mansion was typically impenetrable, accessible only to people who had Slender’s specific marking. Which Kagekao had, though Slender didn’t need to know that.

He crawled along the side of the house, finding his way into the back garden. He poked his head out and looked into the yard. Sitting by a flower patch, humming innocently was a small girl. Her hair was fiery, turning from blonde to red as it fell around her shoulders. She wore gray dungarees and a striped shirt, rolled up to her elbows, along with a red bowtie. Her skin was a reddish-brown, dotted with bronze freckles. Kagekao slinked out from behind the house and skittered across the grass, hiding in a bush. The girl looked up in surprise. She glanced around for a few moments, her golden eyes locking on the bush he was hiding in. Slowly, she stood up and crept over to him, head tilted curiously. She crouched by the bush, reaching out carefully. 

And then he pounced. She shrieked as the two of them rolled over the grass. They came to a stop, Kagekao leaning over her. She blinked in surprise, looking at him, before grinning. ‘’Gecko!!’’ 

‘’Ya-ho Slendra-cha!.’’ he greeted with a smile. 

The girl giggled and pushed him up off of her, sitting up. ‘’Hisashiburi desu ne,’’ she replied. ‘’Genki datta?’’ 

Kagekao smiled. Ah, one of his few friends who spoke japanese. ‘’Genkidesu.’’ he replied. She smiled and tilted her head, hair falling over her shoulder.

‘’What’re you doing here?’’ she narrowed her eyes at him. A sly smile crept up her face. ‘’You’re not causing mischief are you?’’ 

Kagekao folded his legs. ‘’Nooo…’’ he shook his head. ‘’I’d never do that!’’ 

She leaned closer to him. ‘’Uh-huh?’’ she asked. ‘’My dad’s gonna be mad if he finds out you’re here…’’

Kagekao grinned at Slendra. Oh, her father certainly would be unhappy to find out he was on the property of his enemy. But Zalgo needn’t know that. ‘’Slender just went grocery shopping.’’ he replied. ‘’I saw the car leave.’’

The girl pursed her lips, a smile curling up her face. ‘’You’re planning something aren’t you?’’

‘’Your father wouldn’t notice if a wine bottle or two went missing…’’ Kagekao replied. She giggled. 

‘’You’re gonna get in troubleeeee.’’ she chided. Kagekao leaned into her.

‘’I knoooooow.’’ he replied. ‘’Now let me into your house.’’

Slendra rolled her eyes and laughed. ‘’Fine! But only if you promise to bring me those japanese potato chips I like next time you come over!’’ she pointed at him accusingly. Kagekao nodded, just eager to get his claws on some high quality wine. The girl smirked and stood up, leading the demon over to the back door. She slid it open and stepped into the neat, empty kitchen. ‘’You’re lucky Tim took Cody and EJ out you know.’’ she chided.

Kagekao padded toward the kitchen door, peering through the keyhole. ‘’Who’s home?’’ he asked.

‘’Mmm...Jeffery and Ben went with dad. Helen is in their room, and pops took the girls out.’’ she replied. ‘’So...you just gotta look out for Rachel.’’ Kagekao smirked. Rachel? She was only a human! Sure she was a psychic too but...nothing he couldn’t handle.

‘’Thank you Slendra.’’ he chirped before opening the kitchen door and skittering his way down to the basement. He flattened himself against the wall and peeked into the basement. It was sizable and comfy, with a few rooms. Including the miniature wine cellar, only across from him. His gaze moved over to the small couch on the right of the room. It was a cozy little area, with a coffee table, TV and several old gaming consoles, along with a cabinet full of games. Sitting on the couch, holding a game controller, was a woman with medium black hair, wearing an outfit of the same colour. She was playing some old shooter with monsters in it. Kagekao couldn’t be bothered to remember the name. He didn’t care for virtual games. 

Silently as possible, he climbed up the wall and reached the ceiling. He froze, snapping his neck to check on the woman. Rachel Downs...a powerful psychic, but an average human. He’d be wary of her, at the very least. He crept along the ceiling, keeping his head locked on her the whole time. He had almost, almost reached Slenderman’s stash of delicious wine when Rachel suddenly yelled out in irritation. He jolted in fear, watching her throw down the controller in her lap. ‘’God damnit!’’ she snarled. ‘’Janky ass controls…’’ she shook her head, then stood up. Kagekao cursed under his breath and threw himself over to a shadowed corner, thankful that the basement lights weren’t on. Rachel frowned and looked over at him, and though she couldn’t spot his eyes, Kagekao stared right back. A few tense moments passed before she sighed and shook her head. ‘’Fuckin’ cats…’’ she muttered to herself as she turned and walked up the stairs. Kagekao stayed frozen still for a few moments before skittering out of the corner and over to the door to the wine cellar. He unlocked it with ease, using a copy of the key he’d stolen a few months ago.

You couldn’t exactly call it a wine cellar, more of a wine...room. Shelves that were lined with bottles upon bottles of the delicious red stuff. Kagekao giggled. He had at least an hour before Slender came home. Which was plenty of time. He wasted no time getting into a bottle of his favorite brand. Slender had exquisite taste in wine. And a concerning amount of it. You’d almost think the man was an alcoholic, if it weren’t for the fact that he was an ancient ethereal being who didn’t get drunk easily. Kagekao would have claimed to have that same excuse, but he was nowhere near ancient or ethereal, and his alcohol tolerance was still nothing compared to Slender’s. Not to mention he would drink for breakfast, lunch and dinner, when Slender would at least have a glass of juice in the morning.

He told himself he’d keep track of the time. But by the time he heard thumping upstairs and three sets of footsteps he was nowhere near ready to leave. His eyes widened, listening to muffled voices upstairs.

‘’Boys, you start putting all of this away. I’ll be up in a moment to help.’

’‘’Kay dad.’’

The footsteps moved some more, and then he heard the stairs to the basement creaking. Kagekao chugged down the last of the bottle he had clutched between his feet and skittered over to another shelf. He grabbed a bottle in each hand, still listening as Slender approached the room. He staggered over to the wall at the back of the room and drew on the sigil for Zalgo’s realm. As soon as the gateway was open enough for him to slip through, he darted in and closed it behind him. Not wanting to stick around for fear that he’d been caught, he skittered down the dark, damp tunnel until he emerged into the light.

He stumbled and fell against the wall of a building. He shivered. Wow- it was cold here. He crept out from behind the building and looked around until his eyes laid upon a bathhouse in the distance. Glancing around more, he realised he was in between a couple of restaurants. The smell of freshly cooked meat and good old fashioned sake filled his nose. Kagekao grinned.

He had a few hours to kill before he had to go back to Zalgo.

[ohpedromypedros-main]

Could you do 10 for your writing prompts but for Dacre???

“Maybe you two should just kiss to break the tension.”

Word Count: 1,503

Warnings: None

You never really expected yourself to ever land a movie role, let alone it being the role of a Power Ranger, one of your favorite film franchises as a child. You always dreamed about being the pink ranger, but since that role belonged to Naomi Scott, you were given the role of the purple ranger. Either way, you were excited and honored to be part of such an amazing cast of actors and actresses. You were in the third installment of Saban’s Power Rangers and you were extremely grateful you scored the role.

Your co-stars were all so welcoming and friendly the day you met them and you were especially fond of the red ranger himself, Dacre Montgomery. To you, he was the sweetest of them all and it’s why you were beginning to fall so hard so fast for him, but what worried you the most was the fact that you just knew he would never feel the same way about you. Why would he? He was a walking god from Australia who was Jason Lee Scott and Billy Hargrove themselves and you were just a middle class girl from America who had a dream and got lucky. You doubted you’d land another role after this one.

“Hey, Y/N! We’re ready to shoot the next few scenes!” Naomi smiled, leaving a few light knocks on your trailer door.

You grinned before sending the text you were sending to your best friend and setting your phone on the table, opening the trailer door and greeting Naomi with a smile.

“I’m ready! Was just texting the best friend.” You laughed softly, closing the door to your trailer before following Naomi to the set. The rest of the rangers were there chatting and laughing and when you and Kimberly walked up, Dacre’s eyes met immediately met yours, giving you a smile. You smiled back, cheeks going pink with blush. “Hey.”

“Hey, Y/N. Ready for the next scenes?” He asked, hugging you around the waist with one arm. Your heart leaped in your chest at the small action and you gave him a nod in return.

“More than ready. I’d say I was born ready, but that’s too cliche.” You laughed, side hugging him in return. He only chuckled, giving your side a final squeeze before releasing you and getting into position.

Oh God, am I really ready for this? For this scene? You thought to yourself, taking a deep breath as you got into your position. The first scene was set at the home of Kendall Morgan, your character in the movie, and her and the rest of the rangers were having a small get together at her house after defeating a low-level enemy. That wasn’t what was worrying you, though. It was the kiss you had to share with your co-star Dacre that had you on edge.

Was the kiss going to be good? This was your first ever on screen kiss and you did not want it to fail. Becky G noticed your small nervousness and gave your arm a light squeeze before whispering to you.

“Hey. You’re gonna do good, Y/N/N. Get those perfect lips, girl.” She winked and you had to cover your mouth to muffle your laugh. You gave her an appreciative smile and a nod of your head.

“Thanks, Becky.” You whispered in return, straightening back up when you heard the director call for scene.

You took a slow deep breath, going right into character. You were all sat around a small campfire, the light of the flame illuminating all of your faces. Dacre looked breathtaking and you had to try your hardest not to stare for too long.

“You all did great today,” Dacre spoke, looking around at all the rangers sat at the fire. His eyes landed on you sitting across from him and he smiled. “Especially you, Kendall. You’ve been learning a lot as a ranger very quickly. You’re handling the change well.”

“Yeah, definitely better than how we handled it when we first became rangers,” RJ, who plays Billy, said looking at you.

“Really? You guys think so? I just… I don’t know...feel that it all comes naturally, you know?” You smiled at the both of them, your smile for Dacre lasting a little longer, as it was written in the script.

“Maybe it does. Maybe you were truly born to be the purple ranger.” Dacre said and you looked to your lap with a smile, not even having to act to make the blush on your cheeks form. That came naturally.

“Maybe I was. I’m grateful for all of you, though. I’m happy to have such amazing friends like you on the team.”

Becky G leaned in to give you a hug and you gave her one in return. Trini was Kendall’s best friend in the film, so you had gotten pretty close to Becky along the way as well.

“We love you, Kendall.”

“I love you all too,” you grinned, giving Becky a kiss on her right cheek as scripted. “I’m gonna go grab some drinks from the kitchen, any preferences?” You stood up from your chair and looked at everyone.

“Do you have any soda?” Ludi, the black ranger, asked and you nodded.

“Soda, juice, water, milk, mmm and a secret bottle of vodka.”

“Yeeahh! Break that out girl!” Ludi laughed, earning a laugh from you in return.

“Any objections?” You asked, getting no response from anyone. “Then vodka it is.”

You snickered before heading toward the back door of the house, staying on track of where you’re supposed to walk before the director called for a cut. You breathed out a quiet sigh of relief, happy that you didn’t have to get right into the kissing scene yet.

“Good job, guys! That take was perfect. We’ll certainly use that for the movie. Let’s take a short five minute break then we’ll start the next scene.”

Thank God.

You walked off to grab a bottle of water from one of the tables off to the side of the set, removing the cap and taking a few long sips. You felt someone come up beside you and turned your head to see Dacre who was also grabbing a bottle of water.

“Hey, D.”

“Hey. You did great out there.”

“Thank you. I want my first ever role to be a successful one, you know?”

“And it will be.” He smiled, giving the back of his neck a scratch. “Are you, uh, prepared for next scene?”

“Are you?” You teased.

You noticed Dacre go a light shade of red as he silently looked to the ground. You raised an eyebrow, biting your lip. Is he blushing?! You never expected to see Dacre get so flustered over a kissing scene.

“You are? Why? Haven’t you had an on screen kiss before?” You asked softly, making him look over at you.

“Yes, but not nearly with anyone as beautiful as you.”

Your face went beat red at his confession and you felt your heart beginning to pound away at your chest. Did he really mean that? Or was he just being nice?

“Really?” You squeaked softly, which he smiled at.

“Really. I’ve been nervous about it since the moment I met you. I thought “Wow I have to kiss her and not fuck it up somehow?””

You looked toward your feet while you gave your bottom lip a bite, not realizing Dacre felt the same way you did about the kiss. You looked up at him after a few moments and the two of you sort of just stared into each other’s eyes, neither of you knowing what to say to break the silence. Neither of you realized Becky G walked up until you heard her voice cut through the silence around you.

“You guys have been staring intensely into each other’s eyes for the past two minutes. Maybe you two should just kiss to break the tension.”

Both you and Dacre looked right at her after she spoke, sly little smirk on her face as she shrugged, grabbed a bottle of water, then walked back to set. You looked back at Dacre and were about to make a comment until he grabbed your face and pulled you in for a deep kiss. Dacre didn’t know where the sudden boost of confidence came from, but he didn’t regret it when he felt you kissing him in return.

Your arms slipped around Dacre’s neck as your lips moved in sync with his own and it wasn’t until a whistle sounded that the two of you broke the kiss. You looked over to see RJ, Ludi, Naomi, and Becky all looking at you with teasing smirks on their faces and you looked back to Dacre whose gaze was still on your face, soft giggle escaping your lips.

“I think I’m definitely ready for that kissing scene now.” You hummed. Dacre chuckled, brushing his thumb against your cheek.

“Me too, Y/N. Me too.”

[shadowxofxthexday]

Cassie tried to suppress a sheepish grin the moment Jason knew that she was off on her drink count. She wasn't even gonna deny it. She had a bad day and she needed it. "If only it was one of my students. But nope. You're kinda close though." She tells him as she made grabby hands on one of the pizza boxes. "Mmm..." Were the pleasing sounds that she made the moment she took a bite of her slice. Cassie was obviously hungry but never knew how much.

"I'm sorry...almost done...chewing..." She apologizes for taking the time to finish one slice of pizza before opening a can of soda to down the remaining contents. She probably looks less attractive at that moment. The brunette was slightly drunk, eating a pizza like her life depended on it and finishing it off with a beverage she shouldn't be drinking. She'll have to change Cheat Day today instead of tomorrow. "Okay, so what's really got me all stressed out and bothered is that I misplaced my students' graded exams." She began to tell him while she grabbed a few napkins to wipe the grease off her hands. "And then I made the mistake of confiding to one of the teachers, who I thought had my back, but apparently I was wrong. And she went and told the Principle about it and well..." She sighed as she sat facing him. "I couldn't care less if I was in trouble but what she did really bothered me. I thought we teachers had each other's backs but I guess not. I just feel so stupid to not see what type of person she really is." Cassie felt betrayed and angry. She wished she could be vengeful but she wasn't the type.

Jason pulled into the 24 hour gas station and sighed as he got out of his Jeep and walked into the store. Cassie has called and seemed pretty stressed about her day and wanted to know if he could come over later, problem being that he had training all afternoon and he didn’t want it to seem like he was blowing her off yet again, so he told her he’d come late but only if he could sleep on her couch. Grabbing a few bags of chips, with his phone between his shoulder and ear ordering a pizza to be delivered to her house. After all the snacks were brought with a fresh tub of ice cream, he drove the short distance to her house before letting himself in and going straight to the kitchen. “Cass! Has the pizza been delivered yet?” He called out, grabbing out two cans of soft drink as he shut the fridge door.

@shadowxofxthexday

[happyk44]

32.“I think I’m in love with you and I’m terrified.”(sobbing, hiccuping)//50.Writer’s preference. The last blue in anxiety, a bit of constant rambling, the aqua/teal in cool sundays and a tad of subtle melancholy. the colours in sodas and skateboards and conversation hearts are sorta wrong but their tonal relationship is perfectly representing

That anon of the two prompts. Sorry I didn’t mention. To your preference, I had nothing in mind and do write (whe)never you want. Thanks for asking

I went with BillyJason and 32. Hope you like it! (I’m so sorry for taking so long, this week’s just been hectic. ALSO I SAW THE POWER RANGERS TONIGHT AND CRIED FOR SEVEN YEARS BEFORE CHOOSING THEM TO WRITE THIS SO)

Note: If you are autistic and you find the way I wrote Billy as being off, I’m so sorry and please let me know where I went wrong and how I can do better!

“Jason?”

Billy’s voice was tentative and subdued which Jason immediately took into account when he glanced up at him. Billy’s face was drawn in tight, hands fisted as his side and he wasn’t looking at him. Just the ground, his eyes narrowed.

He also wasn’t speaking.

Worried, Jason shifted to a stand from the bench. “What’s up?”

Billy’s eyes scowered Jason for a moment before dropping and his fingers twitched agitatedly. He opened his mouth then clamped it shut and glanced away, frowning.

By now, Jason knew to let him breathe, let him form together the thoughts in his head. Billy could talk for hours if he was allowed but sometimes he went quiet. Sometimes words didn’t make as much sense to him, didn’t flow as well and he needed a few seconds to work them out in his head.

Jason waited.

He’d always wait.

Finally, minutes later, Billy sighed and relaxed his body, swallowing thickly. The gulping sound echoed quietly in the locker room. “I think,” he began, pausing as he frowned. “You can’t make fun of me.”

Jason nodded. “Of course not, Billy.”

Billy nodded with him, flexing his fingers. “I just. Mmm, I’ve been thinking a lot about this and it’s weird but I think I know what it means but ya know, feelings are weird sometimes and I don’t- I don’t really understand what it’s my head or my heart all the time but I know when I do and it’s-” He flapped his hand at his side rapidly and dropped his eyes to the floor again. A couple seconds passed by in awkward silence before he matched his eyes to Jason’s, holding them tight and hard, and said, “I think I’m in love with you.”

Jason’s heart stopped.

Billy continued. His voice shook. “And I’m a little terrified.”

Jason stared at him. “What?” he asked, a little faint. He’d misheard, misunderstood. Billy meant something else.

Friend-love.

Platonic love.

Anything but what Jason was praying for. Begging to God for.

Billy frowned. “I’m in love with you and I’m terrified because of that,” he repeated, point blank and blunt as ever.

“Why?” Jason said quickly. He took a step forward and stopped, despite how deeply he wanted to cross that bridge, take Billy into his arms and kiss the everlasting life out of him. “Why are you scared? How- how do you know, Billy?” He squeezed his shirt in his hands and closed his eyes. “Tell me what you mean.”

Was he shaking? He felt like he was shaking but this… this was so wildly out of what he’d been expecting. Billy…

Billy had never expressed romantic feelings for anyone. He understood why couples kissed in public but still frowned and called it unnecessary. Still shied away from too much contact, too much touch and not enough space.

They’d all talked about crushes before but Billy hadn’t mentioned one, had insisted that he couldn’t think of any one he liked and when he’d said that all of Jason’s hopes had gone flying out the window.

And yet, here he was. Confessing.

“I mean that I think I love you,” Billy said. He frowned. “I don’t think I can be any clearer, Jason. I mean maybe I’m not saying it right but I watched a lot of videos about love before now and I also asked my mom. And she was surprised and told me to be careful because you might not feel the same, which is okay. I can’t control your feelings but if you did feel the same, it would be really cool but not as cool as being Rangers but still as good, I guess. I mean, I can’t really be sure because I don’t have a range of reference but I did ask Kim how it felt when Trini asked her out and she said she felt like she was floating the whole day after and I don’t think you make me float but you make me happy but that’s not really the same thing as floating but I asked my mom and I asked Trini and they both agreed, in different terms, that happiness is like floating but in a different way then actually floating, and I-”

Overwhelmed, Jason held up a hand. “Billy, time out, please.”

Billy nodded, patient. “Okay.”

Jason licked his lips. “You like me?”

“Yes,” Billy said firmly.

Jason relaxed. “But you’re scared that you do?”

Billy bit his lip for a second then nodded. “Yes.”

Jason took a couple steps forward. He needed to be closer to him, needed to make the conversation more intimate, quieter and closer and better. Billy didn’t back away. Just stood his ground and waited.

“You’re not gonna hit me, right?” Billy asked.

“No,” Jason breathed, smiling. “I’m not, Billy. I’d never.”

Billy sighed and rocked his hands at his side. “Good because some of those videos ended poorly and I was just worried-”

“Is that what you were scared about?” Jason asked quickly. “That I’d hit you?”

“No,” Billy said a little too loudly. “It’s something else.”

Jason waited for him to explain, to overexplain in that rapid and fired way he always did and frowned when he didn’t. “Then what is it?”

“I don’t know,” Billy admitted. His voice quivered slightly but Jason noticed.

Jason always noticed.

He took another step forward. Billy’s eyes blanched over Jason’s face then he took his own step back. Jason followed, asking, “Then why are you afraid?”

“I-” Billy shook his head, skirting backwards.

Jason chased him, twisting until he had Billy pressed up against a locker, trapped. He felt a little bit wired, a little bit desperate.

Why was Billy afraid of loving him?”

“I love you too,” he said quickly. Maybe that was it. He didn’t respond in the affirmative right away and that tended to snag Billy’s anxiety sometimes. When people didn’t respond quick enough. “I do. I swear.”

Billy kept shaking his head. “That’s not it, Jason. I don’t know why I’m scared, I just am.”

“Okay.” Jason understood this. Emotions were always weird and hard to explain. They were just a little weirder and a little harder to explain for Billy. “Okay. What does that mean for us?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, can I kiss you?” Jason asked, maybe a little bit too needy but he’d been dreaming about this, obsessing over the way Billy’s lips might feel, the way he might taste, how it would be.

Billy made a face, thinking. “I- No.” He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

Jason groaned, taking a step back. “You’re killing me here, Billy.”

There was a brief moment of panic in Billy’s eyes before it died out and he flapped his hands out a couple times. “That was a joke.” Jason nodded. Billy relaxed back. “A joke, okay. I’m sorry?”

Jason sighed. “It’s okay, buddy. I- I get it. You don’t know right now.” Coldness shamed down deep into his chest. “You don’t-”

Jason’d known.

The moment Billy had gone, the moment that green light had eclipsed him, he’d known. Realized it.

Figured out what the shifting feelings in his stomach, the shakiness in his chest, what it all meant, the moment Billy vanished and Jason’s heart had sunk into his chest, into his stomach. He’d been unable to breathe, unable to think, to process anything. He’d rescued Billy and Billy had, in turn, saved him and everyone else and in the end, it wasn’t enough.

He’d been terrified too. Ever since.

What if it happened again? Loving someone from a distance was one thing.

Loving them closely, getting to be with them? That would be so much harder and it could ruin him.

Ruin both of them. 

He never wanted to see Billy die again and he knew Billy would never want to see him or any of them die either.

“Billy?” Jason started quietly and he hated the way his voice shook, the way it trembled, weak and exposed. “Are you afraid of loving me because you’re worried I might die?”

Billy shrugged. “I guess? I don’t know. I don’t like to think about because it hurts but not in like a physical way but in an emotional way. Sorta like when my dad died but different than that because when he died I was sorta numb for a while but when I think about how much I think I might love you, I think it hurts worse.” He gestured outwardly. “Sorta like when Rita killed me but different.”

Jason stared at him. “Loving me hurts as much as when you died?”

Billy stared at him back. “I said something wrong again, didn’t I?”

“Billy-”

“Let me start over!” Billy said quickly, raising his hands, defensive.

Vaguely, Jason relaxed back. Heat was bursting in the back of his head. It burned in the back of his eyes and he shook.

Jason was not the type of person to cry in public or to cry at all. He’d been told he cried ugly and he’d been told he wasn’t supposed to cry, that it was weak and girly and not for men and as much as he’d tried not to, he’d reigned everything in and held in his emotions, those miserable biting feelings, until he could break them out in the field, tackle a man down or rage out on a heavy bag.

But here he was, suddenly exposed and open, and those tears he’d spent years learning to keep back were threatening to break over his face and release a waterfall.

Billy’s jaw worked open, titching itself to the side while he thought. His hands stayed up, eyes to ground and Jason couldn’t help but love him more.

“I think I love you. I don’t know what that’s like. I know what it’s like with my mom and I know that loving her is different from loving Zack and Trini and Kimberly and that loving them is different from how I love you but I do and I love you different from them and I-I need you to know that,” Billy said.

“I know,” Jason said. “I understand, Billy.”

Billy nodded. “I don’t know why I’m scared,” he said. “I just feel weird in my stomach and it’s angry and all kinds of messed up that I don’t know how to deal with and sometimes I think about you not liking me back or you stopping and I think that scares me but I don’t-” Billy stopped. A look of panicked horror encompassed his face. “Are you crying?”

Jason was. The tears were warm and they were dripping slow and infrequent. He shooke his head, pressing his hand to his face, to his eyes, and turning around. “No! I’m just-”

“I made you cry!” Billy said and he sounded miserable and resigned and utterly destroyed by that fact. “I made you cry, Jason, don’t cry, Jason!”

“Billy, I’m just-”

Billy was shaking his head rapidly and his hands were clenched tight to his side and he was stiff and shaking all at the same time. “I can’t-”

“Billy,” Jason whispered, cupping his face. “I’m here, I’m here. Breathe, okay? I need you to breathe for me.”

“I just-” Billy hiccuped. “I’m scared because I don’t know what I feel and I don’t- I don’t like not knowing.”

The admission seemed to tear out of him and Jason shook his head, sniffling. “Billy, you don’t have to know everything.” He let out a little broken laugh. “God, you are so smart and perfect and it’s okay not to know how you feel about me. I’m okay with that.”

“You’ll still like me?” Billy whispered.

“Of course,” Jason breathed. He pressed his forehead to Billy’s and inhaled. “I was- I was terrified when you died because I- I couldn’t.” He swallowed around his tongue and closed his eyes. “I couldn’t imagine life without you anymore. I’d only known you for ten days and I couldn’t imagine not being with you.” Tears dripped out of his eyes again, thicker and heavier. His voice quavered. “I can’t lose you, Billy. Not again. So you have to tell me what you want, okay? Tell me your boundaries.” He opened his eyes and Billy’s were shinily staring back at him. “Is this okay?”

“Yes,” Billy said. “I like this.” He smiled. “Feels… warm almost.” He frowned. “It’s weird. But. A good weird. Like french fries with chocolate milk on them.”

Jason snorted. “What do you want, Billy? From me?”

Billy watched him and then tilted his mouth up and caught Jason’s into a small and brief kiss. He pulled back and said, “That.” He smiled wider. “I liked that.”

“Again?” Jason asked, a little too hopeful.

Billy nodded firmly and placed both hands on Jason’s damp cheeks. “Again.”

[neerasrealm]

Like It Here

A story about Alice adapting to her new home while Zero silently judges her. And also Clockwork tries to fistfight Jason every five seconds. Typical day in the Zalgo household.

Words: 2025

She didn’t like it here.

She was small, timid, quiet. She belonged somewhere else, somewhere normal, or even back in that horrible, horrible house where she was afraid to move or make a sound. Anywhere, anywhere but the realm of the one they called Zalgo.

She replayed it all in her head again. The beating, the voice, the blood on her new black hands. She looked down at them again. Her outfit had changed. When she didn’t know, but the thing that concerned her more was her body. White skin that was black in certain places, such as her hands, knees, elbows and eyes, white hair that had gone from greasy and flat to big and fluffy but most of all- her strength. She was stronger, far stronger than a fifteen year old girl like her should be. She’d almost broken a couple things already.

‘’So are you just gonna sit around and sulk?’’

That was new too.

The voice.

She looked up at the voice’s owner. They looked exactly like her, same outfit and all. They blew white hair out of their grey eyes. Zero. Her childhood imaginary friend who was somehow...real? Alive? She didn’t know how- but she was here, hovering above her like a spirit that wouldn’t leave.

‘’I-I’m not sulking.’’ she replied defensively. 

‘’Uh-huh. Because sitting on your bed alone sniffling and hugging your knees isn’t sulking.’’

‘’I’m scared alright!’’ Alice snapped back. ‘’You were a lot nicer when I was a kid…’’

Zero sighed and floated down to her. ‘’Listen, Alice,’’ the girl looked up at her slowly. ‘’I’m just tryna protect you. The world’s rough, but you’re safest here.’’

‘’You call this safe?! Did you see some of the things living here?! It’s black and dark and scary!’’

‘’Yes but you’re protected!’’ Zero reached out and held Alice’s face in her hands. Somehow Alice could feel her touch. ‘’Nobody will let you be harmed. Especially not me.’’

‘’Mmm…’’

Alice didn’t get a chance to reply. Not that she was going to. There was a knock at the door behind her. She whirled around staring at it, then looked back at Zero, who frowned. ‘’What?’’

‘’You answer it.’’ 

‘’Me?! Why do I gotta?’’

‘’Because you’re protecting me!’’ Alice hissed. Zero huffed. It went dark for a second and suddenly Alice was watching her own body climb off the bed and walk towards the door. She was floating, just like Zero had been moments ago. It was a surreal experience...and she didn’t like it. At all. The sooner she got control back the better.

Zero opened the door and looked up. A tall, muscular man with long red hair stood in the doorway. He wore a simple white shirt, brown vest, black pants and black boots. He looked down at Zero, looking unamused and irritated. The man's name was Jason, and apparently he lived here. Alice's spirit moved over to the doorway, which surprised her a little. She hadn't tried to move at all. 

"Zalgo asked me to get you." He said. Without waiting for a response, he walked away from the door and down the hall. Zero stepped out of the bedroom, pulled the door closed and quickly walked after him. It took Alice a second to realise she had to follow. She hesitated, then made a swimming motion to move herself forward. It seemed to work- though she'd never seen Zero move like that. 

"Alice!" Her thoughts were interrupted by Zero snapping at her. She could hear her voice perfectly despite the fact that she was at the opposite end of the hall. "What're you doing?"

"F-Floating…?"

Zero rolled her eyes and walked down the stairs. "Just think 'I want to move' and your ghost will do the rest." Zero's mouth didn't move as she spoke- how did she do that? "It's called telepathy. We share a body so we can hear thoughts. Honestly it's like- babysitting a child!"

Alice glared at Zero as she floated after her. "No need to be rude. Not like I'm used to being a ghost!"

"Would you like your body back?'

"N-No I'm- I'm okay."

Zero stepped through a door she'd seen Jason disappear into and froze. 

She was in a...kitchen. Just a regular old kitchen. It even had a 'Live, Laugh, Love' sign hung up on one of the walls. If this wasn't off-putting enough, the kitchen had people in it. There was Jason, of course, sitting at the dining table. There were two others with them. The first was a woman in a white mask who wore a black dress. She had long black hair that swung when she turned to look at Zero, and her skin on her arms looked...leathery, and burnt. The other was a girl with long, messy brown hair. She wore a blue jacket, white shirt and black pants. Alice's gaze went to the girl's face. She had scars running either side of her mouth that looked like stitches, and her right eye- it wasn't an eye at all. It was a clock. 

"Lord Zalgo." Zero said before kneeling down, bowing her head. Alice looked up and over at the man at the stove. He turned to look at them. 

He was...handsome. Almost- too perfect looking. His skin was a shining bronze colour, decorated with tattoos that ran up one arm in spirals and covered the other completely in teal ink. His hair, short at the sides but long at the front, hung partially in his eyes. His hair was a smoky black that turned grey towards the top, like smoke. His face had a small amount of stubble on it, which just served to make him even more handsome. His eyes were gold, and so bright she noticed them almost immediately. They looked straight at Zero with...amusement.

His name was Zalgo. And he was the man who would protect her, so long as Zero worked for him.

"Come now, there's no need to bow." He said. Zero looked up in surprise. Jason and the clock girl both snickered at her, which made Alice cross her arms and look away defensively. Zero stood up and cast a nervous glance at the trio at the table.

"Did you- need something, my lord?" She asked.

"Well yes," Zalgo looked at her. "I need you to eat. I'm sure both you and Alice are starving." He smiled at them and gestured to the table. "Take a seat, you two. Get to know your new housemates."

Zero paused for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by this, but she did as she was told, taking a seat across from Jason. She glanced at the other two girls, waiting for a conversation to start. 

"How old are you, Zero?" The masked woman finally asked. 

"Hm? Well I'm- I mean technically I'm only a few days old, but the concept of me was made eleven years ago- Alice is fifteen."

"That...makes no sense but okay." The clock-eyed girl said. Jason sighed.

"Zero is a demon Zalgo made to control Alice's body and work for him. She looks exactly like Alice's childhood imaginary friend and acts similar to her." He explained.

"Why do you always know this shit?" The clock girl asked, sounding annoyed.

"Because I'm reliable, unlike you."

"Oh I'll show you reliable you fucking anime wannabe-" she growled, standing up quickly.

"Natalie," Zalgo interrupted. "No fighting during family dinner." He shot her a firm look and she sat down again, grumbling to himself. Jason smirked smugly.

"So where is Alice?" The masked woman asked. Zero looked at the spirit hovering just above her. 

"Care to introduce yourself?" She asked telepathically. Alice shook her head. Zero rolled her eyes. "She doesn't want to come out right now. We share the body."

‘’I see.’’ She said. ‘’Well, I’m Jane. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We’re very happy to have a new face here.’’

‘’Speak for yourself.’’ Jason muttered, leaning back in his chair.

‘’Ignore him. He’s angry all the time because a girl rejected him like a century ago.’’ Nat said. Jason glared at her.

‘’We were just friends. Maybe if you listened to me for once-’’

‘’Can’t hear you, I don’t speak weeb.’’

‘’Natalie! Leave him alone. We’re trying to make Zero and Alice feel welcome.’’ Zalgo interrupted before the two could fight. He walked over to the table, carrying a large tray of food. He set it down and passed out plates of food, then slid some large bowls down the table. Zero and Alice looked over the food curiously. Each plate had an entire steak on it, along with some mashed potato, fried mushrooms and a small cup of gravy. Looking at the bigger bowls, the two saw they contained more mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Zalgo smiled to himself and grabbed a large bottle of what looked like it could be wine or champagne off the tray. Effortlessly, he popped the cork off and poured drinks into four of the fancy glasses sitting on the tray. The first two looked to be wine but the third was a darker purple colour, and fizzy. The fourth was wine coloured but- also looked fizzy. Zero frowned. Zalgo looked at her. ‘’What would you two like to drink?’’ He asked.

‘’Uh-’’

‘’Ask him for cranberry juice.’’ Alice whispered. Zero scrunched up her nose.

‘’Ew no.’’ she murmured, giving Alice a judgemental glance. She looked back at Zalgo. ‘’Soda?’’

Zalgo gave a nod and poured from the bottle again. Instead of wine or the orange drink it was...well, soda. As the glasses were passed to each person Zero took an experimental sip.

Yep, regular old soda.

‘’How’d he do that??’’ Alice murmured. Zero shrugged. 

‘’Magic I guess.’’ she thought back. She put down her glass and grabbed a knife and fork, digging into her (perfectly cooked) steak. It was quiet until Zalgo spoke again.

‘’So, Zero,’’ he said. ‘’I’m sure you must have questions about this place.’’ he leaned on the table, resting his face on his hands with a small, kind smile. 

She swallowed. ‘’Not particularly.’’ she said. ‘’As long as Alice is safe I don’t have any objections to what’s asked of me.’’

Zalgo looked disappointed with the answer. ‘’Oh, come now Zero. No need to be so formal.’’ he tilted his head. ‘’I created you to look after Alice and protect her. I brought you here to help you keep her safe. You working for me is just repayment.’’

Zero opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Alice tapping on her shoulder. She looked up. ‘’Can you ask him why he cares about me so much?’’ she murmured. Zero looked back at Zalgo, who arched a brow curiously.

‘’Why do you care about Alice?’’

‘’Well why wouldn’t I?’’ he responded. ‘’She was a person in need. I help people in need.’’ he gestured to Nat. ‘’I found Natalie outside her burning home and gave her somewhere to stay. I found Jane in the burning remains of her home after her family was taken from her,’’ he smiled a bit looking at Jason. ‘’Jason didn’t burn anything down, but I found him at a time when he was weak, and needed someone to support him. I was that support.’’

‘’Worst decision of your life, Zalgo my man.’’ Nat interrupted. Zalgo shot her a look before turning back to Zero, his expression softening. 

‘’I just want the best for you all. The world is...harsh…’’ he looked down, a sad look crossing his face. Zero and Alice both frowned. He looked up at them and brushed hair from his face. ‘’My apologies I- got lost in thought for a moment.’’ he sat up in his chair. ‘’Please, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you need to. I want both of you comfortable here.’’

Zero nodded. ‘’We will.’’ she glanced at Alice for a moment, then back at Zalgo. He grabbed his knife and fork and cut into his steak. He looked up at her, then nodded at her plate. 

‘’Well? Eat up. You’re probably both hungry.’’

‘’Oh uh- yeah. We are.’’