#Jinx is so tired and he puts up with so much but what he's mostly grumpy about is that he can't be laughing with them

[itryhardtomakethishouseahome]

Arcane Characters saying I love you Pt2

~ Silco, Sevika, and Vander

A/n sorry this one's a little longer than pt 1, also reblogs are much appreciated✨🫶🏼

word count 1.8k pt 1 here

First time saying i love you pt 2

silco, sevika, vander

Silco~

‘It’s too quiet’ you thought, lounging in Silco's office on the sofa Sevika basically claimed as hers. The silence almost made you nervous mostly because it never was. The atmosphere was always filled with the sound of sevika working on her arm, faint explosions echoing from Jinx's lab, silco’s meetings, jinx yapping about her new inventions or arguing with Sevika, or even fin’s disgusting attempts to flirt with you while you catch Silco and Sevika rolling their eyes over his shoulder. Like clockwork, the tedious silence was broken by Silco barging through the door followed by Sevika. 

“She’s a problem and we all know it!” Sevika seethed. You figured that they were either too angry to notice you or too angry to care. 

Silco brushed his hair back and turned his head to look over his shoulder. “We?” You wanted to intervene but know that given the fact that 1. they’re both stubborn and 2. Sevika’s stature and gaze alone intimidate the hell out of you, it’d be useless but nonetheless you definitely piece together that it’s about jinx. 

“Look,” Sevika took a deep breath,  “I know you have a thing for strays and she means a lot to you but she is not your daughter. There is an entire city that relies on you and you’re doing nothing but making excuses for some unhinged kid. Even if you were her father you should know when to keep her in check instead of letting her be a loose cannon and put everything we’ve worked for in jeopardy. If you aren't going to choose between parenting her or acting like her boss, send her to the enforcers.” With that Sevika walked out slamming the door behind her. You definitely understood her anger and everything she was saying but Silco was trying. Granted he could be trying harder but for the life he’s lived he was doing all he could without being cold towards jinx. He COULD turn her in but everything she’s done she was told to do by him, he COULD abandon her and perfect everything he’s built but he knows what it’s like and he’s grown too attached. He was at a loss and you could see it in the ways his shoulders dropped yet looked so tense. 

Sighing, Silco finally decides to acknowledge your presence. “Tell me my dear,” he said, hunched over his desk, “what do I do?” You stood up and walked over to him, gently ushering him to face you. It hurt you to see him like this, unraveled by his daughter and right hand. You take his face in your hands and he immediately sinks into your touch with glossy eyes. “Tell me how to parent her. Tell me how to be better.” he begs. 

“My heart, you don’t need to be better. You’ve told her countless times to take things more seriously. Her not doing so is entirely on her, not you.” You tried your best to reassure him. “I’d suggest telling her that unless she shapes up she won't be allowed on more serious jobs but knowing her she’d throw a fit and go against you anyways.” Finally Silco cracks a smile and scoffs. 

“That does sound like her, suppose my stubbornness has rubbed off on her.” he says, taking your hands in his and staring deeply and lovingly into your eyes. 

“So be more stern with her, is what you’re implying?” he stated more so than asked, taking you in his arms. “Mhm.” you hummed. 

“I'll give it a try, thank you my dear.” 

“Of course, eventually she’ll listen. She just needs to learn that there are reasons why you tell her not to go all out. You’re a great father, you know.” He swears his heart skipped a beat.

“...I love you…” Silco whispers, holding you tighter. “I love you more.”

Sevika~ 

You and Sevika both work for Silco, you have since the start of his reign, and you both quickly learned how tiring and physically demanding it was. However, some days were worse than others today being a prime example for Sevika at least. You had to take care of some petty thieves in one of Silco’s stash houses that Fin had secretly hired but regardless you got to go home early and are now relaxing in your shared bed. Eventually you dozed off but got woken up by the sound of Sevika opening the bedroom door. 

“Oh hey, sorry doll,” she gently kisses your temple. “Didn’t know you went home early.” she mumbles, taking her shoes off and throwing them across the room. 

“Yeah because I’m lucky” you say with a smirk. Sevika lazily smacks your thigh earning a giggle as she plops next to you sinking her face into the pillow. “Lucky brat is what you are. Why’d you leave early anyway?” 

“I finished my task quickly and was gonna wait for you but Silco said that jinx was with you,” Sevika groans at the name of her tiny nemesis earning a giggle from you. She then turns her head ushering you to go on while she starts caressing your jaw. “And that you’d most likely take a while so he sent me home.” she hummed in response. She didn’t say anything else, continuing to only lay on her stomach with her head turned to you, running her fingers down your jaw then suddenly shutting her eyes and jerking her hand.

“What's wrong? Did you get hurt?” You ask, sitting up immediately inspecting her for injuries noticing how she didn't move at all to calm you down. 

“Nothin my backs just sore…” Sevika groaned. You could tell it was more than just her back, it was her shoulder blades and arm. Sighing, you got up and gently started removing her shirt. 

“Angel I'm too tir-” 

“Get your mind out of the gutter Vika I'm not gonna ravage you I just wanna give you a massage.” She utters a quick ‘oh’ before sliding out of her shirt then resuming her previous position.

“As if you could ever ravage me.” she scoffs. Ignoring her, you grab some lotion from the nightstand and take a seat on her butt. You apply the lotion to your hands before putting some pressure on her lower back deciding you’ll save the problem spots for last. Judging by how tense she is and how she groans you get the idea that she was long overdue for a good massage. 

Once you clear all the knots and tension from her lower and mid back you focus your attention on the spot in between her shoulder blades, gently pushing down then dragging your hands around her shoulders hearing various pops, cracks, groans, and moans coming from her. There really isn’t anything you can do about the pain from the arm she no longer has other than press ginger kisses around the area. As she feels your weight shift from her backside to the bed she turns to face you once more, taking you in her arms and engulfing you in a passionate kiss.

“Y’know I'm gonna marry you one day right angel?” she playfully questions. 

“Only seems fair,” you start, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “You already got acting like one.” she smiles, remembering everything you’ve done for her, especially when she lost her arm. You were always right there when she needed you but was too stubborn to ask for help, you were always at her beck and call. 

“Oh please, it's ‘cause you love me… and I love you…so much.”

Vander~

You knew that when you started dating Vander that the kids would have to be in your life too and honestly you loved it. You would always bring them gifts like boxing gloves for Vi, trinkets and tools for Mylo and Powder, and snacks for Claggor. Anytime Vander would tell them not to do something they’d immediately run to you begging you to change his mind and sometimes it worked sometimes it didn’t. Today being one of the days it didn’t.

You were relaxing at the empty bar when Vi barged yelling about how something wasn’t fair while Vander trailed her. Vi spotted you and ran to your side.

“Y/n please tell him that we’re ready.” She begged without any context as to what she was talking about. 

“What's happening?” you ask, lost as ever. 

“Apparently the enforcers are turning the lanes upside down looking for us but this is our chance to fight! We need to stand up to them and now’s as good a time as any.” Vi explained. You assumed vander wasn’t having any of it given the fact that 1. the kids’ safety was everything to him and 2. he had an arrangement with the enforcers. 

“There’s too much at risk if we do Violet! You need to stop thinking with these,” Vander says, grabbing her fists. “And start thinking with this!” he then points to her head. “The lanes isn't what it used to be. Yes we all still have the same drive as we did back then, but we’re not in the same shape as we used to be! We lost a lot of good people then and we’d lose even more now.” Violet thinks of her parents which Vander can see in her eyes. “You’ll lose powder, claggor, and Mylo too. We will rise Violet I promise you we will but now is not our time, there's too much at stake.” Vander looks to you for help and so does Vi. You love the kids but this is one thing that Vander would not change his mind about and to be frank you agree with him.

“I'm sorry Vi but he’s right honey” you take her face in your hands trying to get her to see how sincere you are. “A shadow of the lanes would be all that’s left. And I don’t wanna lose you guys.” 

“...fine.” Violet mumbles before running off, leaving you and Vander alone. Vander walks over to you pulling you in for a hug.

“You really care about those kids huh?” He questions. 

“Of course I do, I get that they want to fight but I wish she would see how badly this would end for us. It would end in a fiery blaze with everyone we love slaughtered.” You notice some blue hair peeking out from behind the wall and instantly know who it is. 

“You can come out Powpow, is everything okay?” Vander turns around to face her as she takes a few steps towards you. She looked really sad, her eyes were puffy and she was holding what looked like a stuffed bunny. Vander stares at it thinking it looked familiar then it hit him.

“Look at me Powder,” he kneels in front of her, gently holding her shoulders. “Where did she go?”

“She said she was going to make things right and that she’d be away for a while.” the little girl sniffles. Vander stands up immediately and walks to you.

“I need you to stay here with the kids. I need to go get Violet.” he leans down and kisses you deeply before pulling away to head towards the door.

 “I love you.” 

[oreo-oro-orero]

I feel like we have a lot of Modern AU Fics of VI and Jinx at their lowest points and how they build themselves and their relationships back up so I've been thinking maybe we can have that with Ekko in a modern AU.

I feel like Ekko's low would be him essentially giving up on his community in a sense. He stops trying to help up and becomes distant and isolated eventually losing contact with everyone even Jinx. He doesn't put his intelligence into use and spends most of his days by himself in his apartment essentially lounging around and doing nothing, he doesn't let himself go too much but his hair does grow out and his wardrobe is mostly tee shirts and jogging pants with slippers. The Fire and passion in his eyes is gone, replaced with a bored and neutral expression and tired eyes. He only leaves the house to go to work which is just a stocker job at a store and only leaves on his off days to get food and go to the gym.

He eventually gets back in contact with everyone and slowly but surely he starts to rebuild his hope and passion in his community while also rekindling his love for Jinx. This time it would be Jinx saving Ekko in a sense. Honestly I just wanna see more Fics of Jinx trying to help Ekko and rebuild what they once had instead of Ekko doing it most of the time.

[hana-no-seiiki]

YANDERE! BATFAM W/ MILES MORALES (BUT GENDER NEUTRAL) ! READER

[ PART ONE ] [ PART THREE ]

GENERAL CW/TW: Spoilers for Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse. Typical Yandere themes of stalking, violence and whatnot.

PART CW/TW: Reader gets called a beauty (beauty/beautiful is gender neutral fite me).

EXTRA: also uh mind you most of my knowledge on the boys come from reading fics so if i get any of my info wrong feel free to correct me

current status: unedited

summary: reader gets into multiverse related hi-jinx and almost gets their ass broken if it weren’t for a tired, definitely sleep deprived senior catching them. (it’s tim you guys)

Reply if you’d like to be added to the taglist!

WHAT’S UP DANGER

(PART TWO)

“I like tall buildings so I can leap off of ‘em,

I go hard wit’ it no matter how dark it is.”

Turns out being a hero is hard skill to learn. Especially if you were working on a time limit.

You had recently gained the ability to uh- well you didn’t know what exactly. All you knew is that somehow you were at least 5x as strong as you were before and a lot more sticky.

Not to mention your senses were all over the place.

It’s like you could see, hear, smell and feel everything.

You didn’t really want to avoid Damian, but whenever you came across him — or just went within his immediate vicinity. Your “tingles” and enhanced “senses” would flare up and make you dizzy.

Usually it’d only be that bad when there were projectiles or insects around you. You surmised it was probably your powers warning you of the dangers he may potentially bring. Whether it’d be from himself (the heir must have some sort of self defense skills) or his name (you didn’t want to think of the target you’ve put on your back both in school and life in general by being his acquaintance. Jesus [Y/N]. Being distracted by your future and planned failure in academics doesn’t excuse letting that happen. Stupid.).

You were mostly stumbling around with your strange set of abilities until you met this girl named Gwen.

First of all, she was just — incredibly pretty. You couldn’t but just stare at her sometimes and—

Getting back on track — !

After getting some spidey sense feedback loop and ripping off a massive chunk of her hair. You find out that you’re this universe’s “Spiderman.”

And that she, was from another universe entirely.

Even a big sci-fi junkie like you had to doubt her words, but as she showcased her abilities you pretty much went on your knees and begged her to teach you.

The both of you get to work quickly. Investigating how she got to your universe and practicing the use of your powers.

The first part went really well. You even met a few other dimension traveling spider-people (and animal) along the way. After sneaking into a lab, you found out that it was a rich man’s, King Pin, “bring his family back project” that brought you all together. But that his actions were probably going to destroy the fabric of reality if he kept going.

The second part, not so much. Your stickiness was something you just couldn’t control.

Luckily it was winter break and that prevented you from ripping another schoolmate’s hair off.

Your “universe specific” abilities, as the other spider-people called it, like invisibility and bio-electricity only came out at random. Sometimes at the most inconvenient times.

Your webbing abilities were subpar to say the least. Many attempts led to you breaking several bones.

Praise super-regeneration and all

But f u c k did it still hurt.

and it was during one of those web-swinging practice sessions when you fall into the arms of Tim Drake.

Tim was just trying to get some fresh air.

After passing out on duty last night and having to deal with Damian suddenly abandoning his missions for some reason. He decided that maybe it was time for a break.

He didn’t exactly expect to have a young adult falling into his arms during said break.

He was just talking a casual stroll really. In a relatively quiet part of Gotham, he didn’t expect much to be happening much less a pretty/handsome giving him a small wave as they sheepishly laugh at their . . . strange encounter.

“ Hey. ” You smiled at him. Praying to all that is holy that he doesn’t notice the bits of undissolved webs you have littered across your hoodie. Thank goodness you didn’t wear your makeshift mask today. He was going to think you were even more of a weirdo than you already are!

“ Hey. ” Tim replied. Praying to all that is holy that you don’t notice his heart rate picking up and his ears turning red. It was the cold he swears! The cold!

“What’s a beauty like you doing around in a place like this?”

They both ask in sync with completely awkward delivery to boot.

Taglist: @vanessa-boo @w31rdg1rl

[ PART THREE ]

[niragisimp]

The Pain Before (Niragi x Reader) Part Nine

(TW: Drunk sexual attempts, Non-con, Sexual Assault)

Part Eight, Series Masterlist, Part Ten

You didn't see Niragi for a while after that night. Maybe it was because you did what you were told, in a way. You thought of the looks people would've given you if you just walked around all day wearing Niragi's shirt, so you opted to wear it around your waist instead. It didn't help much, the looks were still just as persistent as you thought they would be. You did notice that whenever you got nervous or anxious, you found yourself holding onto the fabric, rubbing it between your fingertips. 'Maybe it's the softness,' you thought. It wouldn't take long before you realized you were wrong.

Kuina had been coming to your room more often to check up on you, bringing food along with her cheery self. You always accepted graciously, and today was no exception.

You grabbed the plate from her hands with both of yours, "Thanks, I was starving! Crazy to think how often you forget to eat here." You shot her a smile before digging into your fruit first. It was always canned food mostly, it stayed fresher for longer, but you didn't mind. Food was food, especially since game night was surely ahead of you. 

"When I first got here, it was so crazy! Like, there was food, but it had already started molding! So gross," Kuina popped a pear slice in her mouth before continuing, "Honestly, I'm kinda thankful for Chishiya for bringing me here. Food is everywhere!" She made you chuckle.

You looked down at your plate, fiddling with your food as a natural smile crept up to your face, "You know, you bringing me food like this reminds me of when I first got here. I never got to really thank you for that, though." Kuina tilted her head questioningly, "What do you mean? I never brought you food."

You paused for a moment, your hand lingering in place, "Huh... Well, when I sprained my ankle, someone left plates of food outside my door. They were always gone before I could get to thank them, so I guess I always just assumed it was you, or Chishiya..."

Kuina laughed at the thought, "Chishiya isn't that kind of guy, trust me. Although I have to say that's kinda weird, maybe you have a friendly stalker?" Niragi immediately flashed through into your mind, shaking your head to rid the thought. "Y-yeah... Maybe." You changed the subject, bringing up Borderland life instead. 

"Have you seen Hatter lately? He's not looking so good." Kuina did have her fair share of gossip, even in a death land. "I guess he's sending out people more frequently, Aguni's been on edge too. Maybe something's happening?" She thought out loud. You listened intently to her words, thinking them over.

"Isn't there one card nobody has seen yet? Maybe he's getting antsy about finding it." Kuina hummed in response, "Maybe. Either way, I heard from Chishiya there's gonna be another outing tonight. Even for those that have days left." You felt your heart drop. "Another one? It's barely been a day since I had my last game..."

Kuina gave you a sympathetic look, "Me too. Everyone but Executives have to go. I'm hoping Chishiya will get me into a good group." You sighed, bringing your plate up closer to your lips, "Ugh, I hope it's not another Spades game. I'm tired of them." Little did you realize, you might as well have just jinxed yourself. That night, put into a group of random Beachgoers, you had your worst game to date.  

Niragi pushed through the door, his heart nearly beating out of his chest. His eyes landed on you immediately, the blood of others covering half your body from the waist up. He could see your eyes still not being able to quite focus in on him just yet. He approached silently, or as silently as he could, given his heavy breathing. He had drowned out all possible sense of clarity once he heard what state you returned in.

  He pulled you into him, wrapping both his arms around you. Resting his chin on the top of your head, you stood there in silence together; him, relishing your scent, and you, taking in the softness of his shirt, the lingering smell of his cologne. He wanted, no, needed, words to come out. Words of comfort, perhaps. Words of scolding for going off without him, but his heart nagged at him. If you belonged to anyone, it certainly wasn't him. 'Not yet.'

Against his need to hold you, he pushed himself back, lifting your face to meet his, "Are you alright?" His voice reminded you of that day. Soft, almost gentle, in his own way. You looked into his onyx eyes, feeling the numbness in your body melt into them. The tears came unwillingly, spilling out before you could open your mouth to speak. Niragi just stared at you for a moment, seemingly lost in confusion. His hand dropped from your shoulder to grab your own, pulling you into the bathroom.

You wanted to resist, to crawl into a ball and drop off the face of whatever world this was. But you let him take you, sitting you on the floor as the water turned on. He contemplated for a moment before sighing heavily to himself. You couldn't tell if it was out of frustration or pity, but you couldn't gather yourself to figure it out. You sat silently as he dropped down to his knees, lifting up each limb carefully, and began to undress you. He was almost delicate in how he handled you, like a cracked doll about to break if he wasn't careful.

Maybe that's all you were to him. The way he dressed you, gave you food, made sure you stayed around so he could look at you. Almost like some sort of prize. It almost riled you up, until you recalled the foggy night in the back of your mind.

It was the first game you played together. Niragi kept you on his shoulders to reach the flag while others were pushed and shoved; literally fed to the wolves. But he held onto your thighs like you would float away if he didn't. He carried you to Ann, leaving without so much as a cocky remark. He left food when he knew you would have trouble with the stairs, even taking your plate while you talked with Chishiya and Kuina.

There was one night you still couldn't quite recall. You were a bit high on painkillers, whereas the day after you remember Chishiya telling you not to take too many. But you woke up after a horrid dream, your brain and body still a mess. There was a person sitting in your room that night, watching you. You remember how they towered over you on the bed, almost as if about to take advantage of you. But they didn't. Instead, they planted a soft kiss on your forehead, leaving without so much as a word. 

Your focus came back to the present as the hot water enveloped you. You looked over, seeing Niragi's sleeves dripping wet as he scooped water onto your bruised body. He poured the water over your shoulders, his eyes focused on the blood covering your skin. Never would you have thought Niragi would even be this worried about someone, let alone yourself.

He stopped for a moment before taking a cloth from the towel rack, dipping it in the water and gently rubbing the blood from your arms. He was careful as he brushed against the cuts, constantly checking your face for any sign of discomfort. Soon your tears were all dried up, staining your face. Niragi stopped once he noticed, taking his free hand to wipe under your eyes. His hand lingered on your cheek, the warmth of his body spreading throughout your face.

Your eyes locked for a moment before he took his warmth away, holding himself on the bathtub. You could see his tongue pressed against his cheek, a quirk you've noticed that meant he was concentrating. The piercing stood out most of all as he licked his lips slowly. It wasn't in an aggressive or threatening way, almost like he was thinking deeply about something.

"(Y/N)," your head turned to face him, your eyes speaking for you. He watched you for a moment before continuing, "Do you... Remember me?" You forced a small smile as you croaked through a dry throat, "I didn't hit my head, Niragi." Noticing he didn't seem pleased with that answer, you scrunched your brow questioningly. "What do you mean?"

"Do you remember me? From... Before."

You sat up slowly in the tub, the realization that you were fully naked now just hitting you. "From... Before? I don't think we knew each--" You stopped for a moment, a particularly bad memory taking hold of you.

(TW: Drunk sexual attempts, Non-con, Sexual Assault ahead)

Haru was drunk. Very, very drunk. It was a Wednesday, no, a Thursday. You just transferred to your new school after moving out of your aunt's home. Your parents sent you away to an all-girls boarding school. Haru had convinced them you were a bad influence. Stealing, doing drugs, leaving alcohol and paraphilia scattered about your room. None of it was true of course, but that didn't stop them from taking his side completely. You thought they had accepted it was him all along. Spreading rumors and bullying others, getting older kids to buy him alcohol, and getting high behind convenience stores. 

Almost everything he said you did, he was the true culprit. Your parents never once believed you, even after you came back. The only time they ever believed you was when you said the fire was an accident.

It was raining hard that day. It felt odd, to start at a new school at the end of the week. You imagined everyone had already been fed countless lies about you, with Haru being the way that he was. The day went by without incident, and you even managed to exchange numbers with a few other girls before you left. Haru must've seen, because they never spoke to you again after that day.

He held your body to the wall, his free hand still clutching his bottle of liquor. "You," he hiccuped, "Think you're so damn special." His body swayed, almost forcing you into the brick behind you. "H-Haru, please, I just wanna go home..." His face scrunched in anger, spitting out his words. "Home? Home?! You don't have a home you stupid whore!" His face was so close to yours that you could smell the alcohol on him.

"Please, let's just go--" You muffled a scream as the bottle struck your jaw, your once restrained arm now being free as he held the bottle to his lips once more. "You don't EVER tell me what the fuck to do, understand?!" He screamed at you. Maybe the rain truly was coming down too hard that nobody noticed, but even if they did, they didn't bother to help.

You shook your head in understanding, pursing your lips. You could taste the blood, internally hoping it wasn't visible. "There's nothing fucking special about you... I mean, look at you!" He hiccuped again, his feet steadying him. He looked you up and down, his eyes glazed over. His hand reached out at your top, ripping the first three buttons, exposing part of your chest. "Haru! Stop!" You cried out, pushing him away.

His face turned sour and he took another step towards you, leaning his body into you, "You don't fucking listen!" He grabbed your face violently, forcing you to look up at him, "You're nothing fucking special..." His eyes traveled up and down your body, your mind screaming at you to get away. But you couldn't, not under his weight. Not even when his hand began to slide itself up your thigh, under your skirt.

You don't like remembering what happened after that, but nobody believed you about that either, so it didn't really matter. You remember crying, the screams, and him telling you to shut up, followed by a quick knee to his groin. You pushed him as hard as you could and began sprinting. You didn't know the area as well as you did once, but it didn't matter. The faster you got away, the safer you'd be.

You could feel his eyes glaring into your back, your feet pounding on the cement sidewalk. You turned the corner, slamming into a young man. You knocked the both of you over, your lungs screaming for air as you hit the ground. It didn't take long for your vision to focus, looking at the young man, probably similar to your age, holding out his hand to you.

You remember his glasses, the concern on his face, thinking he actually looked kind of... Cute. Any other day, you would've gladly taken his hand. Perhaps it would've been the start of a friendship or even, a romance. But not today. Any day, but today.

Niragi's thumb gently wiped the side of your face, bringing your mind back. The water had gone cold, the ripples in the tub from your tears echoing in the silence like a leaking faucet. You could feel your heart in your chest beating loudly as you realized suddenly it was getting incredibly harder to breathe. You faced the cold red water covering your body as your body began to tremble.

His eyes widened as he watched you start to panic, Niragi pulling you from the tub forcefully. You let out a yelp, the cold air seemingly slamming against your bare body. You were left alone for a moment as Niragi dashed out of the bathroom, only coming back after with a familiar gold and black shirt. He draped it around your arms, coaxing you out of the bathroom and into your bed.

This Niragi was foreign to you. 'If I had gotten the chance to know him before the Borderlands, was this what he was like?' He pulled the blanket over you, seemingly sighing as he turned his back, beginning to leave. 'Was this a frustrated sigh, or one of pity?' You thought, not for the first time today. The words came out of you before you could think of how they would sound.

"Stay."

Niragi stopped where he stood, his back still towards you. His hand moved in the darkness, fidgeting with itself it seemed. He turned his head ever so slightly so he could look at you, your face stained and your body shivering. You could see his adam's apple move up and then down again before he walked over to the edge of the bed where he sat.

You stared at his back for what felt like forever before he knelt, untying his shoes and pulling himself up onto the bed fully. You felt relief when the warmth from his body spread throughout yours. Pulling his shirt around you more so than it was, you inched your way over to him.

Niragi licked his lips, his metal piercing gleaming in the moonlight from your window, "Don't expect me to be here in the morning."

You took his words with a grain of salt, even though it oddly made your heart hurt hearing it. "... I know," you meant to say more proudly, but it came out as more of a whisper than anything. You paused on your next words for a moment, pushing through your unease around the subject.

"I... I do remember... Thank you."

Those were the last words before your body was able to relax, the exhaustion catching up with you at only a moment's notice. As your eyes began to close, you could hear Niragi's breath hitch for just a moment as you lost consciousness against Niragi's arm.

Niragi looked at you for a moment, taking in your peacefulness. He moved to his side just a bit to try and get comfortable but was met with your tightening grip on his arm. You pulled his arm into you, readjusting your head to rest on his chest. He was taken in by the smell of your hair, though it still had blood crusted in it, it still smelled like you. He placed a gentle kiss on your forehead, just like he did that first night. Niragi rested his cheek against your head, wrapping his other arm around your body.

He ignored everything he had fought to make a reality. His urge to kill, to toy with others, and to take whatever he wants when he wants it. 

'I can be that again tomorrow,' Niragi thought, 'but for tonight... Maybe...'

"Sleep tight, (Y/N). I'll protect you." He whispered into your ear and he found a reason to rest for the day.

[doodling-doodle]

Through The Eras

It had been three weeks since the… incident at Swan Tower in Eternyx. Wanderlust had somehow managed to keep the whole thing away from his parents, and was planning on keeping it that way. 

But at least he had new friends! Brezziana and Mihlay were really cool and fun to be with. Sara was still in her world…

But… he hadn’t seen the one other person that he met that day, and it worried him.

Until he finally found him in the last place he expected

…

Wanderlust sighed as he woke up, Discoball nudging him to sit up.

“Yeah, yeah… I know…” He said, sitting up and rubbing his face, “Right… meeting is today.” He stood, yawning as he went to his vanity and brushed out his hair.

“I still need to call Brezziana… And I need to go to Dancecity tonight… The day is packed.” He said to himself.

Discoball beeped softly, setting themselves on his vanity and looking up at him.

He smiled softly at them, “Yeah… Could be worse! But I really can’t be left to my own devices anymore after that, can I?” He said, going to get his clothes.

They were going to Sun Horizon today. He really didn’t know what it was about, but his father was always going to one Danceverse or another. It was kind of why he preferred staying with his mom, she was able to relax more and didn’t have to go around as much.

He really didn’t know why his parents didn’t live together. His working theory was that their magic combined could destroy a universe if used. But they were able to see each other once in a while, mostly around holidays and whenever there was some type of event… Speaking of, The Showdown was soon and he still didn’t know what he was going to open it with.

Well, either way, no more stalling. He needed to get to the lobby, his father was probably waiting for him.

He quickly braided his hair after he got dressed, weaving his crown into it and running down to the lobby with Discoball.

“Wanderlust! Come on, we need to go!” His father called out.

“Coming!” He yelled back, running down the stairs with Discoball.

“There you are. Come on, we have a meeting in ten minutes.”

“Yes, father.” 

That was another reason he preferred his mom’s palace… His father was great, just… emotionally distant from him a lot of his life. He didn't think his father was really capable of strong emotions anyway, but it was a little difficult, especially growing up…

He didn't think his father necessarily understood being burnt out. Or understood being mentally tired, which he was a lot lately from… what happened.

Now wasn't the time to think about it, just go through the meeting, meet up with Brezziana and then Dancecity. Easy!

Hopefully… maybe he just jinxed it.

��

So maybe he ended up jinxing it just a little. Estrella got into a heated discussion with another dancer, from another Danceverse, and he had tried to calm them down… tried. After that, he really just let them talk it out. But Showdown rehearsals were starting soon so he needed to pick up the pace. He opened up with his own performance every year, and every time he tried to make it more interesting than the last… even if it wasn't his own songs a lot of the time. 

He didn't put out a lot of music, only recently, and that was Can't Stop The Feeling. Just something he wrote when he was bored, but in a good mood.

The songs He didn't put out were the ones with true meaning. Granted, a lot of them were written when he wasn't feeling great. When he would go through breakups, or family struggles, or so on. He did a few times, but his father warned him that he shouldn't change his public image too much. So he didn't. He stuck with his “feel good” music or love songs. Which he enjoyed writing, but wished he could do more… and that he'd have enough music that it wasn't a shock when he actually sang something original at award events.

Anyway, mixed feelings and slight panic to think of songs aside, he had to go to Brezziana's place.

“When will you be back?” His father asked when they got back to the SpaceTime Hotel.

“Uh… maybe nine? Nine-thirty at the latest.” He said.

“Alright, I'll have dinner for you. Stay safe, okay?” 

“I will!” He said, smiling as he opened up a portal, “love you, father!”

“Love you too. Have fun, Wander.”

He quickly went through the portal, sighing. He was already tired. 

Discoball beeped as they flew around his head, looking a little worried.

He smiled softly, “It’s fine. I’ll be fine, buddy.” He said, “It’s just whatever she needs and then the city…” 

He walked to the beach, where Brezziana told him to meet her at, and he found her almost immediately.

“Hey!” She called out, running up to him. She was still in her Lifeguard uniform, just got off duty.

“Hey, Brezz!” He chuckled, hugging her as she ran up to him, “What’s up?”

“I honestly just… wanted to check up on you.” She said, “I doubt being turned into some type of bird-monster felt good… at all.”

He sighed. He never wanted to talk about it. It messed him up more than he wanted to admit.

“I’m… fine, Brezz, don’t worry-”

“Lies.” She said, “I know it.”

He looked down, “Yeah. Yeah, it wasn’t great. I still think about it… It honestly hurt.” He said, sighing, “But I can’t really think about it. If I do, then it’ll be obvious and I’ll have to tell my parents what really happened, and how I ended up getting someone from a different world here, that we had to jump around Danceverse’s to save coaches, and that I met with Jack Rose… Father won’t be… the most thrilled about that.”

She nodded, “But… it’s nice to be able to talk about it, right? Just… be able to get it out of your system?”

“Well… Yeah, a little, I honestly just don’t often… talk about things that are bothering me.” He said, shrugging, “I'll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“I promise!” He smiled, “I'm fine. Don't worry about me.”

She nodded, smiling softly, “if you say so.”

Well… at least he could lie.

“Anyway, what about you?” He asked, ��how are you holding up after that?”

…

He spent a little longer with Brezziana than he was expecting, but it was fine. At least he was finally in the city, after this he could curl up and sleep, and hopefully relax tomorrow.

He decided to go up on the paths that people had made on the rooftops. Stay a little more out of sight. He hardly wanted to deal with much more today.

The city was always filled with life, and music, and people always dancing. It was a beautiful place… Just loud. And he didn’t have any more energy for it.

But this was it. He just needed to check on something and he could go and relax. Maybe he’d spend tomorrow writing things.

Until Discoball started beeping like crazy.

“You okay, buddy?” He asked, and watched as they looked over to a roof across from them.

“What is-”

And that’s when he saw Jack Rose for the first time in three weeks.

“What…?”

He was just sitting on a rooftop, a notebook in his hands and looked like he was singing to himself. He looked… peaceful. He actually looked comfortable. 

“He’s here…” He said to himself, shaking his head, “What time is it?” He asked, turning to Discoball.

It was 8:30.

This might be his only chance… He needed to take it.

He decided to go to him.

Jack didn’t notice him at first, he was being really quiet, listening to him…

“... I’ve spent forever, wondering if you knew, I was enchanted to meet you~”

It was quiet. Hell, it was barely audible, but… it was really pretty.

“Please don’t be in love with someone else, please don’t have somebody waiting on you…”

It… really didn’t sound like something Jack would write. 

So he wondered how much of his own career was Night Swan.

Discoball nudged him slightly, looking at him in annoyance, trying to tell him to hurry up.

He sighed, stepping around the corner…

“Jack?”

He quickly turned around, face softening at realizing who it was.

“Prince Wanderlust…?”

“When did you… get here?” He asked, walking up to him and smiling

“I… managed to leave through one of the portals that you opened.” Jack said, relaxing slightly, “Went with Mihaly. They got me here. So I got my own apartment, and I’ve been staying here since.”

He nodded, “I… I’m sorry I couldn’t find you sooner.” He said, sitting with him.

“I assume you had things to do. You are a Prince, after all.”

“But… I could have at least tried… I kinda thought you were still in Eternyx.”

“At least you did find me, right?”

Wanderlust looked over to him, seeing a soft smile on Jack’s face.

“Yeah… I did.” He said, sighing, “What are you up to, then?”

“Writing some thoughts out.” Jack said, “Might not ever be published, depending on… well… Mother, but it’s nice to just think about these.”

“You don’t want to put them out because of her?”

“I put them out, she finds out, finds where I live. Then what?”

He nodded softly, “I’m sorry that she’s stopping you from it…”

“One day, she won’t be able to… hopefully.” He sighed, “And you? What have you been doing?”

“Uh… Father has been in a lot of meetings, so I’ve been in those…”

“And your mother?”

“I haven’t gotten to stay with her in a while… I think she was also dealing with another part of Night Swan’s mess.”

“Makes sense. Her bullshit probably spreads into every little corner of every Danceverse…” He groaned, “What are the meetings about?”

He shrugged, “Showdown, mostly. Which I still don’t know what I’m going to open with…”

Jack chuckled, “Doubt you could do any of mine and get away with it.”

Wait… that’s not a bad idea!

“I don’t know, what were you humming to yourself when I walked up?” He asked

Jack smiled softly, “It was called ‘Enchanted’. Wrote it when I was about seventeen, one of my favorites from that album…”

“What was it?”

“Speak Now. I got to write it almost entirely on my own…” 

He was getting somewhere. He could work with that.

“You have music, don’t you?” Jack asked, “I feel like you do.”

He sighed, “Not as much as I want to… Things I write that can’t be put out.”

“By choice?”

“... Half my choice, half my parents.”

Jack nodded, “I know the feeling.” He sighed, “What do you have, then?”

He lit up slightly. He could… talk about his songs. 

He had his notebook on him too! He was able to show him!

The last time he really put out music that was about his life, he was fifteen, when-... he shouldn’t talk about it, or think about it.

He didn’t need to. Jack kept reading through all the words that were in his book, and he would briefly add to each of them…

Until it was finally 9:30.

“Oh- Oh, no, I have to go.” He said, “I can come back tomorrow.”

Jack smiled, “I’d love that. Why not?”

He lit up, standing, “Then I’ll be back.” He said, opening a portal.

“Goodnight, Wanderlust.” Jack said as he turned back to look at the city.

“Night, Jack!” He ran through his portal, going to the lobby of the hotel.

He sighed, and tried to go up to his room…

But once he got upstairs, Discoball beeped disapprovingly, shaking themselves in a way of saying “No” as they redirected him to the kitchen.  

“Alright, fine…” He said as he walked to the kitchen, “I honestly forgot, okay?”

Discoball rolled their eyes, and he chuckled, “I’m going to eat, okay?”

He saw a plate sitting on the counter, still semi-warm. He just took it and sat down, thinking.

“Jack liked what I wrote…” He said, half talking to Discoball, half himself, “Maybe he could use it. I doubt most of them will ever be made by me…”

Discoball sat themselves on the table, looking up at him confused.

“It was only once. And I had to lie about it. Both of them thought it was another cover… You don’t know how much I was threatened with being grounded after that show…”

Discoball looked even more confused.

“Talking about how I felt, fifteen years old, about my parents having fights and being sick of it? In public and then getting an award for it? Yeah, they weren’t happy… did feel really good though.” He sighed, “So I probably can’t do what I want to. I’ll let him have it and I’m sure he can do it better than I would…”

“There you are.” His father said, making him jump slightly as he saw him walk into the kitchen, “How was your day? You must’ve been in the city for a while.”

“It was fine. I’m just tired, Brezz decided that I was a good text subject for a class she’s working on.” He said, chuckling, “City was fine… ran into someone I didn’t expect, talked with him for a while.”

“Who was it?”

“Believe it or not, Jack Rose! He’s finally out of Eternyx.”

His father looked stunned, “Seriously?”

“Yeah. I went there a few weeks ago, I got to meet him. He’s honestly really kind, just wanted to write his own music.”

“You… went to Eternyx?”

“Yeah, I heard about something and I wanted to see if it was true. It was just outside of Cygnus. Ran into him. Found him tonight in the city, and he was just happy to be there.”

That was something that only really he knew… He was a good liar. 

And his father had no clue that he just told one.

“Wow… Okay then…” He said, “Do you have any idea of what you're going to do for Showdown? That wasn’t touched on today.”

“I have an idea. I’ll go to the rehearsals once they start up.”

Alright. Anyone you want to invite?”

“Mihaly and Brezz, mainly…” 

He would have said Jack, but he knew it wouldn’t have ended well.

“Alright. I’ll see what I can do. Your mother will be here in about two weeks.”

He nodded, “Anything going on tomorrow?”

“Not that you have to be involved in. I’ll probably be out before you wake up, if you need anything, the guards and staff will be here.”

Perfect.

“Alright… I’m just going to finish eating and go to sleep.” He said, sighing.

“Sounds good. Goodnight, son.” His father said, turning to go up to his own room.

He sighed, looking back down at Discoball.

“Wouldn’t you be scared of that, too?” He said, chuckling slightly as he finished his food, going to wash his dishes and finally go back to his bed.

He unbraided his hair, sighing in relief as he took out his crown, setting it on his vanity as he went to change clothes.

So… Jack’s songs were an option- a very nice option at that. A peaceful rebellion! 

He decided that he’d listen to Enchanted in the morning, while he was making breakfast maybe… Maybe he’d listen to more while he was at it.

So he went to bed, just glad that he had a full day of nothing. 

He’d meet with Jack in the afternoon. Give both of them some time.

The next morning…

He found himself still in the kitchen, on his laptop, looking into Jack’s things. 

First off, the album covers were really pretty. It seemed all of his tours were in Eternyx until his latest, “1996”. But that was nearly three years ago. 

There was one that was different from the others. Lose Yourself, was the title. The imagery was different, the titles were different. It looked like something he fully wrote and made himself, with no input from Night Swan.

Was he listening to Speak Now all morning, though?... Yeah, he was. And after he finished listening to it, did he listen to Enchanted over and over?... yeah. 

So it was settled what he was doing for Showdown.

But now, he was going to actually look decent and go to that rooftop to find Jack…

[shaampoo]

OH, AND ALMOST FORGOT (explanations for some of my OC's, and more OC's)

So like, it might be obvious lol, but these characters are kinda self inserts, just some, mostly ones with Casey and jinx,

Like Jinx one of what I want to be, just having fun and being carefree

Casey is what im feeling, in a more milder tone I guess, tired and overworked lol, also, I dont talk much to people I don't know that well, but if I like you enough, I will drown you with stuff about my Fics and Oc's

Dr. Wilde, well, I just wanna go apeshit like him, he's pretty much my impulsive thoughts come to life, also, I have a tendency to stare

Darian, He's just all my frustration, anger, and sadness and other problems I'm mad about, compressed into one person, where I can make it so that a person is mad for me and vent and stuff, and Solar Flare is someone I want in life lol

Viz, well, he's my anxiety, my insecurities, but I'm making it so that he can still lbe brave, like, the hero gig scares the guy, and yet he perseveres, no matter how hard he wants to give up, so like, it's kinda me telling myself that even when I'm scared I can still keep going?? And even when I want to give up I should still keep going for the greater good?? And that being scared to do something and still doing it is still as brave as just doing the thing without fear, if not maybe more brave??

Starlight, he's just what I want to be, in a more milder way, like, he fuckin slays, serves, whatever you call it, I want that confidence

Also, Starlight has a room, and all the walls have mirrors, like wall mirrors, ceiling mirrors, yeah, just so that Starlight can admire himself at every angle, also, it's impossible for a villain to sneak up on him in his room this way,

R.J. / Jester. Well, I'm Filipino, so, and I have a big family, so, and I want to be goofy so, and I want a child (kinda idk), so, and I want to show off Filipino stuff, so.

Also, I think it would be a pretty funny duo if Viz and Starlight got together, where like Starlight helps Viz with their anxiety, and uhh, like, insecurities(?? Shyness? Where like, they're ashamed of themselves-ness?), and I think it would be cool to see Viz get more confident by being a hero and facing his fears.

I'm kinda trying to put the sad characters, lime Darian and Viz in a positive light not as in romanticizing their struggles and stuff, like as in, even if you want to give up and stuff you should still keep going / still going even if you don't want to is very brave?? Idk, it's hard to explain, bleh, I hope I dont come off as like, rude or anything here 🥲. But I swear, I'm trying to make a positive message

It's unfortunate that most likely these characters will be static, cause the fics I'm making of them are just oneshots with a timeline, though, may e they'll get character development!

Also, I forgot a few OC's!

Jamie: warning, Jamie's story is pretty dark (idk actually, but, it is to me with manipulation [I think] and neglect,if you want to skip, the next oc is colored pink,)

A minion to a villain, and this villain, well, they're not meant to be liked. Jamie is one of the minions, and the villain, let's call them Nightmare, doesn't take care of his minions, think of a neglectful parent and that's Nightmare, and I hate him, I hate nightmare with every inch of my being, I want him obliterated, he has singlehandedly stopped my story from being a full on comedy, bit for Jamie to exist, he must as well, and I hate it, uh, anyways, Jamie is pretty skinny, and isn't even used to flavor, and doesn't have much (except for a teddy bear Nightmare got him from a shopping spree [don't be fooled, it's only to ensure Jamie's loyalty cause he's starved for affection), and was raised in Nightmares lair. Thankfully, the heroes got Jamie, they lock him in a cell (though, it's more like a small house ["Wow, it's bigger than my room!" Jamie says, pointing to the bed, he's referring to the bed, the bed is bigger than his room {at this point we should all team up to beat up nightmare}]), and keep an eye on him and try to explain that the situation he was in was not good, and they try to get him to gain some weight cause he's pretty skinny, and I'm trying to make a "get better and heal and realize the person you thought of as a dad was actually a piece of shit" arc for Jamie, and the heroes freeing the other minions. The other villains don't know about Nightmares minion thing, since he's seperate from the other villains (if they knew though, they would be disgusted, some would even try to get the minions out, Lumi would sneak food for them, Dr. Wilde would give them bombs to blow up the wall, all in all, we should hate Nightmare as much as we can, and use it to power a laser and obliterate the guy)

Uncle Kris / Tito Kris and Taz:

He's Filipino as well, and he's the uncle of Taz! Or Tazer as his vigilante name since he can control electricity. He takes care of Taz and Taz lives with him cause his sister (Cyndette), died in a experiment (she was a partner of Dr. Wilde before he went mad!), and her husband had died of cancer when Taz was 4, Tito Kris was the closest family member, having taken care of Taz before

Tito Kris is related to Jester, being his cousin (Taz sometimes visits [or when Tito Kris drops him off if there's an emergency] and hangs out with Micheal!). Tito Kris isnt aware of Taz being a hero, or the fact that he's being trained by vigilantes (heroes who aren't like, registered heroes in my world), he would get really concerned, the mad that 1. Taz didn't tell him 2. Taz is endangering himself.

Anyways, Tito Kris works as a fish breeder and shipper at home and manager at a restaurant, which makes him really tired at the end of the day, especially topped with taking care of Taz (who is 14, Tito Kris is 34). Taz is understanding though, and even takes care of his uncle whenever it's too much for his uncle, like sometimes whenever Tito Kris would pass out on the couch after getting home Taz would make dinner for him and leave it in the fridge and a note for Tito Kris about the dinner, and feed the fish if they hadn't been fed yet, a small sort of thank you to Tito Kris .

Also, Tito Kris has telekinesis, which is handy at the restaurant (if someone trips or a plate falls) and at fish breeding (fish jumping out, the mess of splashing water, beig able to install stuff without getting wet)

And then there's Hypnos / Mitchell Elliot

They're powers are making people calm or sleepy, he's a hero, and he doesn't really do battle much, he's more for the medical ward of the heroes base (or nearby hospitals to calm people down, or put them to sleep for surgery), to calm patients down etc.

A downside to Hypnos's power, is that he's always tired and sleepy, even when he isn't using his powers

Whenever Hypnos is put in battle, it's usually when the heroes want it to end peacefully, like maybe a hypnotized person, a villain who's this 🤏 close to a redemption arc, etc. Though, usually, Hypnos ends up dozing off leaning on his staff,

Also, Hypnos's room is incredibly comfortable, like plushies, pillows, soft carpet floor, amazing bed ,you name it,

Wait a minute...you sly dog, you got me monologuing! /Ref

I probs still have more OC's, but this is the some I remember

*Bams the door down*

Hello!

Tell me about your ocs please! All the random facts! Well not technically all, just some of them, you get what I mean. XD

I Want To Know More!

And also how's you been? And what do you think about everything that exists? =>

Random facts time!!!

Ill try to list them in order of like, my first OC to my most recent OC's

Jinx first!!!

Jinx was once turned into a cat by the villains, and Jinx was pretty chill about it really, they loved knocking stuff over at the villain base, and since the villains thought they was just turned into a cat, no JInx inside, they just assumed it was normal cat behavior

Jinx is a magpie, like they LOVE shiny stuff, like, once, the heroes and villains were fighting over an ancient artifact, who gets it, the heroes want it so that they know the villains cant abuse it, and the villains want it for power, and then Jinx just ups and steals it just cause its shiny

Jinx has a twin brother Aegis, hes the opposite of Jinx, a hero, no-nonsense, his powers is to create shields, i made him after i made Jinx, but using the base i made for Jinx

Aegis is Bisexual and up for poly btw (i even thought about making him date the leader of the heroes and the leader of the villains just for the shits and giggles,)

Jinx lives with their brother (Aegis is older by 2 minutes ["best 2 minutes of my life" lol], cause their parents kicked Jinx out at 18, and Aegis was disgusted by that, so he lived with Jinx

Jinx didnt get much attention as a child, so that's why they're what they're like today, he has flair, a loud voice, just so that they get attention,

also, Jinx had to mostly fend for themself as a child, and they were given almost no supervision, since their parents gave Aegis more attention and training, believing that AEgis was more fit to be a superhero, so Jinx could do whatever, really, so they ate a lot of candy, thus giving themselves a sweet tooth. This is also why Jinx is childish, they wasn't allowed to be a child back then so their allowing themselves to be a child

Also, im starting to wonder if Jinx does have a label on what side they're on, like, anti-heroes, to my research, do bad things for good. Anti-villains do good things for bad stuff, so I don't know if Jinx does have a side, cause they just do their own thing, sometimes joining the villains, sometimes joining the heroes, sometimes being an annoyance to both, so like, they're undecided i guess?? (Kinda like they're gender, it switches lol) Lemme look something up real quick...i guess JInx is like a rogue?

Also, Jinx, having no side, maybe has a lair of their own, a small one though, I've been thinking maybe a candy shop? Like, there's a basement of operations down there, and there's a candy shop up top?

Also, Jinx is Chaotic Lawful (or lawful chaotic), where they have a moral code, no one knows what it is though, but thank goodness its there

At first, i wanted to make Jinx have a double life as Casey, but then the more i thought about casey and their stories, it kinda spiraled into casey becoming their own character,

Now, onto Casey!!! Doing this cause he inspired a TON of characters

Caseys a trans man (aka ftm,), and has transitioned now.

He's a tired photographer and journalist (online), goes to college, engineering, he lives with his brother, Ryan Thompson (or Velocity as his hero name), also lives with his brother

Casey is Ryans adopted little brother, Caseys parents are Lady Luck and Mr. Misfortune (idk if i should give him siblings he was separated from)

So pretty much Casey has terrible and Amazing luck, they don't cancel each other out

This is pretty much where chaos happens around casey, but casey somehow gets out unharmed, which is great for his Photography and Journalism blog cause he usually stumbles into super fights!

Also, Caseys like, the go-to kidnapping victim for the villains, where they kidnap him a lot (they don't hurt him, cause i think I'm leaning more into comedy in my world ), and the heroes save him a lot, this led to him knowing a lot about both sides, also, once, Casey got out of his binds when the villains kidnapped him and left him, and instead of escaping, he takes pictures of the lair first, and gets out, and then proceeded to post the pictures and compliment the villain's style.

Also, Casey usually doesnt talk, mostly to people he doesn't know that much, if he's with Ryan or anyone he's really comfortable with, he will not shut up, showing them pictures, stuff he made using engineering, etc.

Also, every character inspired by Casey (like, they first started out as, haha, what if Casey was ___) has a white streak on their hair, so if you see an OC of mine with a white streak, you know what that means!

Now, Dr. Wilde!!

As you know, Dr. Wilde is a crazy scientist!

Dr. Wilde allows Lumi to call him Ezra (at first Lumi called him Dr. Ezra, but as they got more close Lumi started to call him Ezra, like a friend)

Casey has interviewed Dr. Wilde at some point, and even took pictures of his lab, and Casey has taken care of Tar once (picturing Tar and uploading to the internet how weird the rat is, and that once, the rat got in the oven while Casey was baking and it somehow survived)

Dr. Wilde has dyed Tar's fur a bit (haven't decided what color yet), just so that he can differentiate between the lab rats and Tar

Dr. Wilde's lab is right next to his room (which is like a house, having a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc.),

Dr. Wilde rarely leaves his lab / room, as he isn't really interested in the outside world, and when he does leave, he brings Tar with him, and Tar is just perched over Dr. Wilde's shoulder

Dr. Wilde is pretty short, compared to other villains (i should make a height chart actually), where the villains tower over him

Dr. Wilde has green eyes, also, if you look at him, he WILL stare into your soul, no one has ever seen him blink,

Now, Onto Darian Knight / Eclipse!!

As you can see, Darian is inspired by casey,

Darian, at first, joined the heroes to spite his dad, who was a villain back then, but after a while, he did come to like being a hero

Darian joined when he was 18, and he's surprised people still think he's a villain

Solar Flare and Casey are the few people who believe he's a genuine hero, Solar Flare cause he's worked with Darian long enough to know he's being genuine, and Casey cause he interviewed anough people to know whats a lie and whats not, Lumi also knows Casey isn't a villain

Sunny Knight / Lumi!!

He joined the villains at 19, about the same time as Darian,

At home with their parents, Sunny and Darian are more civil, more sibling-like,

In the battlefield, Sunny and Darian try to incapacitate each other than hurt, since, yknow, they're siblings. But they don't fight in the battlefield much, since sometimes Sunny and Darian converse, and the hereos and villains think that Sunny and Darian are teaming up and switching sides (Darian to villains and Sunny to heroes),

Also, Lumi joined the villains just because he could, and it looked fun

i dont have much on newer OC's lol, since i havent fleshed them out much lol

I also have a few more OC's i haven't talked about / fleshed out that much, like they're just an idea, but not a person yet.

Like uhh

Viz:

Theyre a hero with high anxiety, but despite having anxiety, and knowing he would get attention, interviews, etc. He still decides to be a hero, since to him, its the right thing to do. I still haven't showed them yet cause 1. i haven't drawn them yet, 2. with anxiety like them, i want to make sure i represent them well and make them realistic and that i don't make them like a stereotype

Starlight / Adrian Celeste:

Hes a self absorbed egocentric hero, and he's vain, he's kinda a joke hero i thought about, where like, he's self absorbed to the point its funny, hes still nice though, he doesn't show it much though, since he doesn't want to seem vulnerable and stuff. a simple backstory I thought about is that he was put down back then when he was young, so to make himself more confident, he started to compliment himself, and other stuff, but then it quickly spiraled put of control, and now hes like this. He also carries a mirror with himself at all times, just to admire himself, and his mirror in his room has sticky note surrounding where his face would be, and it says "perfect" "amazing" etc. also, he can glow, heal, teleport, and kinda has the ability to see the future (in like a vague way, like, he sees the stars and can sense something in the future, but its just really vague)

Jester / R.J. Santos: (Civilian name im not sure on yet)

Theyre a villain, a non serious villain, think like a cartoon villain, a goofy villain, they dont do any harm, just there to have fun. they also wanted to name themselves Jester Jinx, but since Jinx already had the name, they were okay with going with just Jester. Also, he's filipino. Also, he cares for young heroes (being an impromptu dad himself [long story where a kid of a hero wanted to be a villain, but the parent wanted them to be a hero, so the kid ran away, and got to casey, and casey took care of them and helped them be a villain {the kids, actually a teen, like 16, the teen is names Shadowstrike and their civilian name is Micheal, they hate the name by the way},]), and once, casey saw that the heroes were sending young heroes to his base to defeat him, and Casey doesn't spot a singular a singular adult there, so he makes the young heroes (teens and even kids) sit down and stuff, and then he calls the heroes (he has their number cause they're usually on good terms), and yells at them over the phone for sending kids to a villain, and that they could've gotten hurt, and he gets so angry he starts shouting in filipino. Also! R.J. has a big family (based off my family), where his great grandma had 12 kids, and those kids (his grandparents and grand aunties and uncles) had kids (about 3 each), his aunties and uncles, and they have kids as well (about 3-5), his cousins and such, and his cousins had children as well, R.J. tries to remember them all by name, but its pretty hard, cause like, he has about

...

three- three thousand, three thousand family members?! Uhm, hold on i gotta ask my mom something about my family, or my dad since that family is on his side

Oh thank god, i only have 106 family members,

uh, so like, new and revised family tree!

my famly is gonna be R.j's family (cause holy fuck no way am i writing 3 thousand family members , J.C.) that's whats R.J's family is gonna be, 106 family members,

Anyways, ive been doing okay-ish! Could be better, but could be worse XP (lets just say the AO3 author curse is real). And i think of things that exist are poggers.

[katrinawritesthings]

onjongtae; he's tired; pg

@taemsjjong asked: Please i require onjongtae crumbs im running out 🙏 maybe like jinki works at a generic fast food place and the other two bozos pull up to make his life better cuz work is boring- recently i just like to imagine jinki trying to be a functioning adult and jongtae go "no <3" but jinki rlly doesnt care cuz hes soft for his boys uwu

my dude. You are so right about everything

Jonghyun has the card because Taemin once again forgot his wallet before they left for the movies. Still grinning, grabs his wallet from his pocket and hands Jinki the card. He holds onto it for just long enough for Jinki to bring his hand all the way to his mouth and smile against knuckles.

Jinki looks like he craves death behind the cash register.

Better than usual. Normally he already looks like a zombie in his little burger joint uniform. He even perks up a little when Jonghyun and Taemin walk up, arm-in-arm, smiling at their babe. 

"Hi Jinki honey,” Jonghyun chirps, and, "hey Jinx," Taemin says. They stop in front of his register, leaning on the counter together. They don't worry about holding up the line; it's after the lunch rush and the place is practically empty. Jinki smiles sleepily between the pair of them.

"Hey you two," he yawns. "How was the movie?"

“Uhhhhh,” Taemin says, and then he grins, covering it with the back of his hand. "Well," he says.

"We didn't really watch a lot of it,” Jonghyun says, trying to go for guilty but landing, he thinks, more on mischievous. To be fair, though, what he saw between sloppy makeouts was pretty boring. Jinki doesn't seem to mind the lack of review. He just shakes his head fondly, rolling his eyes. Jonghyun leans closer, enamored just by Jinki existing, and plays with his bangs, pushing them out of his eyes. "What's the most bullshit thing that's happened to you today?" He asks. 

“Fucking--” Jinki slams his hands on the countertop, his eyes and wide with more intensity and fire than Jonghyun has ever seen within the walls of this establishment. Quickly, his shoulders hunch and he glances around, making sure no one else on the skeleton crew in the kitchen heard him cursing or having a negative emotion in front of customers. 

Then, quieter, but still full of barely contained rage, he says, "this group of five jackasses comes in, right. And they order and everything, whatever. And I see all five of them each get three little cup things of ketchup. But I'm just like, whatever, they like ketchup, who cares. But then." His little hands clench into fists, his chest rises and falls in a steadying breath that doesn't seem to steady him at all. "I'm cleaning the counters before all of the high school kids come in for lunch. And my manager comes up to me and he's like, ‘hey, go clean up table twelve real quick,’ so I'm like, fuck, I guess someone spilled a drink or something. But then I get there. And every single fucking one of those little ketchup cups. All fifteen of them. Are upside down? They just put them upside down? Still full of ketchup? And left them there? So I had to pick them up and let the ketchup splort everywhere before I could even start cleaning. And it's like? What is the fucking point? What is the reason? What is the motivation? It's not fucking funny, Taem.” 

Belatedly, Jonghyun realizes that Taemin is shaking, hand clamped over his mouth, eyes little crescents, doing his very very best to not laugh out loud. “It's not,” he says, voice trembling. "It's not, it's not funny. I know it's not. I'm not – I'm not laughing because. It sucks, Jinx, I know, it's – hey, can we get some nuggies?"

And now it's Jonghyun's turn to burst into laughter. Taemin forced so much casualness into that and the way he’s smiling so plainly like he didn't just completely change the subject is too much. Jonghyun turns into his shoulder, laughing into his hoodie even though it barely does anything to muffle him. He only extracts himself and tries to calm his breathing when he hears Jinki ask, weary and resigned with just a touch of softness reserved only for the pair of them, "which one of you has the card?"

It's him. He has the card because Taemin once again forgot his wallet before they left for the movies. Still grinning, grabs his wallet from his pocket and hands Jinki the card. He holds onto it for just long enough for Jinki to bring his hand all the way to his mouth and smile against knuckles.

Glancing at the register screen while Jinki scans the card, Jonghyun wiggles happily. He's gotten their regular order perfect, as well as an extra big oatmeal cookie for Jonghyun and choccy milk for Taemin. 

“Oh, you have – Onew,” in a heartbeat, Taemin switches to Japanese. He leans forward, grinning eagerly, and says, "can you sneak me a dinosaur toy? The purple one? Onew? Please?” 

"My new weekend manager knows Japanese," Jinki replies, also switching languages without missing a beat. "So careful if you come over here on Sundays." He gives Jonghyun back the card and the receipt while Taemin mumbles, "homophobic." 

Another customer is walking up to the register, so Jonghyun and Taemin retreat to one of the tables where they can still see Jinki. Suddenly he's smiling bright and cheery, but it's not a smile that Jonghyun has ever seen outside of this burger joint. Actually, that's not true. Jinki puts that smile on whenever he has to make a phone call for insurance or bills or anything else that he hates that he has to be doing but he still has to be pleasant during it. 

Jinki catches Jonghyun looking over the customer’s shoulder; Jonghyun waves eagerly, excited to have his attention even if it's just for a glance. For a split-second, Jinki's smile twitches before he focuses back on this job.

"It's sooooooo fucked up how we live in a society and he has to work,” Taemin sighs. 

“It really is," Jonghyun agrees, pouting. Taemin is folded dramatically over their little table, cheek smushed against the tacky surface and arms stretched out so his hands dangle off of the edge. Jonghyun rests his head on his shoulderblade and plays with his blond hair. He thinks about how fucked up it is all the time.

Technically Taemin has a well-paying job, but as a backup dancer he’s relegated to the concert tour schedules of the celebrities that he works for and is always at the mercy of auditions so it's not exactly consistent. And Jonghyun flat-out can't work for a living without it severely damaging his mental health. Not being able to work also does that to him, but in a different way for different reasons that are much more manageable. So it's Jinki that's gotten stuck with holding down a regular hourly job to keep their income stable. And that is so fucked up. If anyone was put on this earth to just be straight fucking chilling, it would be Jinki. 

Jonghyun stops playing with Taemin's soft hair for a moment in favor of pushing his head closer so he can sniff it. It's his favorite smell in the world, cozy and comfortable and familiar and inviting, and he gets his whole face in there, and nuzzling in happily. "Were you hanging out with Choi earlier?” He asks, curious. Something about his scent is the tiniest bit off.

“Wuh?” Taemin asks. He's playing a game on his phone, but he glances back over his shoulder. "Yeah," he says. "Viddy game," he adds. Jonghyun snorts. Like the two of them ever do anything else together. But he’s glad Taemin had fun. "Hey, I'm about to get a new puppy," Taemin says. He shimmies his shoulders to make sure Jonghyun is paying attention. 

Jonghyun is of course paying attention to Taemin's game and he tenses all up in his excitement, crawling even further on top of Taemin so he can hook his chin over his shoulder. It's just one of those idle clicker games that he has no patience for but Taemin is obsessed with, but this one has something that the others don't: puppies. Every however many bajillion clicks Taemin unlocks a new one and his most current one is – 

“That is the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever seen in my entire fucking life,” Jonghyun announces loudly. Involuntarily, almost, because as soon as Taemin tapped to reveal the soft brown dachshund Jonghyun could physically feel his serotonin shoot through the roof. He grabs for Taemin's phone as Taemin bursts into laughter underneath him. Gosh this dog is so fucking cute. She has little dark and white spots. 

Quickly, Taemin starts grabbing for his phone back. He starts making half-baked shushing noises in between his laughter, too, and when Jonghyun glances around, he finds out why. What few people are in this restaurant are staring at them. 

Jonghyun tries to be quiet, he really does, but he catches the quickest look at Jinki rubbing his fingers into his eyes behind the counter and he starts laughing as well. 

He does, though, at least manage to get off of Taemin and sit in his own seat and put his face into his hands to muffle it a little bit. Which is good enough. Probably. And a few minutes later, he’s put himself back together enough to cuddle up against Taemin and watch the video he's trying to show him on his phone. 

It's a music video for a band that Jonghyun doesn't know but immediately likes. They enjoy it together and when it's over they pick another music video from the recommendations, and then another. They're jamming at such a politely quiet level that Jonghyun is honestly proud of himself. It's hard for him to be quiet when he's listening to music that he likes but he is doing such a good job. He bets Jinki is so proud of – 

“Jonghyun.” Jinki's voice cuts through Jonghyun's hearing, stern and sharp. He jumps, looking up with wide eyes. Jinki is at the counter, looking directly at him, full tray of food in his hands.

“Oh, fuck, were we number 19?” Taemin drops his phone and scrambles for their receipt.

"Was he calling our number? Fuck." Jonghyun didn't even notice. Quickly he gets up and walks to the counter, trying his very hardest to look guilty but landing again, he thinks, on just amused. "Sorry, Jinki honey," he says, flashing Jinki his prettiest smile. He grabs their food tray, heartened by the way he can tell that Jinki isn't really mad. He's just fed up with everything else and low on his usual endless supply of patience. 

And actually maybe not even that, because now that Jonghyun has had a minute to process it, something about his expression was very familiar to him. "You know," he says, smirking and leaning closer. "The way you were looking at me, kind of looked like, you know,” he wiggles his eyebrows, “when you're getting ready to punish m–"

He's cut off by the sudden sound of a bunch of little objects falling and scattering all over the floor; looking around, he finds Taemin at the ketchup station fumbling the last of the tiny cups out of his grip. He stands there for a moment, frozen, and then starts scrambling around to pick them all up. "I got it!" He calls out. "Don't worry about it, I'll fix it!" 

"He's so cute," Jonghyun says, shaking his head fondly. He's their little gremlin and he's doing his best. Jonghyun turns back to Jinki to look for a reply.

Jinki has his face in his hands. 

[wendy130]

A young wannabe warriors Tommy hunts down picks a fight against a giant techno but techno is unsurprisingly unbothered that’s there’s an angry child stabbing his toes. Mostly just confused. so he just goes tries on with his day wile being followed around by the angry boy. hi-jinx ensues

Feel free to add noms if u want (sorry if this prompt is F tier)

Hey y'all, I've been... busy, wheeze. I haven't had much time to write anything, so that's why I've been gone.

But, I absolutely loved this prompt, and I couldn't just leave it to rot in my inbox.

Instead of writing everything out like originally planned, here's the outline of the story that I wrote under the cut.

There are nomfs in this story, however, if you do not like vore, you do not need to read that part. There will be a warning when it comes to the vore part of this story.

// Warnings: mentions of a bad past, mentions of injury, vore, safe vore, soft vore.

// (If I missed anything, please tell me.)

----

- Set early in the morning. A retired warrior g!Techno is just getting ready to leave his home and tend to his farms... only to find a child human has.. broken into his home... and is yelling at him to fight him.

- Techno just noped out of there, moving on as if he didn't just see that and going on with his day.

- Going to a stream to get water, the kid follows him out of his home. He's annoyed but still tries to ignore them. Ends with "You're not going to leave me alone, are you?" "Nope :D"

- Techno continues to just go on with his day and tries to tire them out.

- He goes to his ranch, feeding all the animals as the kid tries to stop him. He just.. picks them up and drops them in a bucket before going back to work.

- Techno goes back inside, and Tommy somehow gets out of the bucket that he was put in and follows the giant piglin back in. Techno ignores them in favor of cooking food (the kid... oddly stays away from him when he does that) before going to his living room to read a book.

- While he's reading, the kid still is farther away than before, yelling obscenities. They stop after a while, looking upset. Techno sighs, giving a short answer as to why he won't fight (while doing so, he leans over and gives the kid a piece of food; Tommy ends up flinching violently but Techno doesn't comment on it). Techno doesn't really know why he did that. He could've just ignored the kid, and they might've left.

- Tommy huffs and tells him that he's stupid (in a soft voice, unlike the harsh tone they always seemed to use). Techno rolls his eyes, going back to reading.

- After a bit, Techno goes back outside since the sun isn't gonna make him boil while he tends to his other farms that he's yet to visit.

- the kid is still following him like a lost duck. They're still insistent that he fights them, albeit less so. They seem to be more curious about what he's doing now. Raising an eyebrow, Techno decides to indulge them on a whim.

- time skip.

- Techno's done with farming and goes to sit under a tree while the sun sets. He ends up asking the kid why they were trying to fight him.

- The kid is rather... reluctant to speak. He ends up dropping the subject, and he places a hand next to the kid. "Come on, you don't seem keen on leaving any time soon, and I'd rather not have some kid die on me." Tommy reluctantly climbs onto the hand, and they go back to his home.

- Also, at this point, neither of them actually know the other's name, so to fix that, Tommy is like "I'm not a kid. I'm Tommy." Techno snorts in amusement and shares his own name.

- long time skip.

- Tommy ends up staying with Techno.

- Uhhh, write some little fluff moments with breaks in the middle to signify a time skip. (Throughout the timeskips, there are hints at Tommy coming from a bad background (restless fidgeting, and clear flinching whenever Techno does something too fast or something). )

- Tommy bonding with Carl while helping Techno with the ranch.

- a break in the writing.

- Tommy is hella fidgety as mentioned before, so Techno ends up gifting the kid a few fidget stuff: a knife and wood for whittling, a human knitting set, and an ocarina. Tommy asks him where he got the stuff, and Techno shrugs, saying an old friend helped him get the stuff.

- another break.

- It takes a while for Tommy to fall asleep, and he ends up asking for Techno to tell him a bedtime story. Techno has been waiting for a while for the kid to gather their wits and ask him. The topic of bedtime stories can shift to a deeper conversation where Techno asks about Tommy's past.

- Tommy's past is.... not good. He was a street kid and was taken in by a group of monster hunters when he was young. He was trained day and night, barely taken care of. That's why he was sent to fight Techno.

- Techno has a realization that, if the group of monster hunters was informed enough to know about him, they were consciously knowing that they were sending the kid to a possibly horrible end. (Techno used to be ruthless when he was an active warrior.)

- He... wisely keeps that information to himself, glad that he's changed while in retirement, and tucks Tommy to bed, vowing to himself to keep the kid safe.

// If you don't like vore, this is a good stopping point. The story can end here.

- a break. Instead of a fluffy moment, shift to angst. Nomfs start here.

- Techno should have known better than to forget good things don't last.

- Tommy ends up hella injured by something. (Maybe falling? Mobs? Tommy's past comes up to meet him?) Anyways, the kid is passed out and hurt, and Techno doesn't exactly have the medical supplies to help the kid. Well... he has one way, but neither the kid nor him will exactly... enjoy it.

- Healing nomfs occur.

- time skip.

- Techno is in the middle of reading when the kid wakes up. It is... not a gentle awakening, the kid immediately pounds at their surroundings. Holding back a few purrs, he has to try and calm them down. Clearly... that doesn't really work so he has to wait painfully for the kid to stop struggling.

- He feels guilty as fuck when the kid stops and sobs, and he gently drapes a hand over his brooding pouch, feeling the kid tense. Softly, he explains to the kid that they're safe and that he was sorry about the entire thing. Tommy doesn't respond, only pipping up in a shaky voice to ask to be let out.

- Techno does just that, quickly placing the kid down next to a towel before backing off. Tommy quietly asks him to leave the room, and Techno does that too after a second of reluctance.

- time skip.

- The next few weeks, the two just... skirt around each other until nighttime, where they reluctantly sleep in the same room. Techno knows how much Tommy fears him still because the kid won't stop shaking around him and they rarely get sleep. So he ends up just... leaving out small gifts to the kid (nice food, some new supplies for the kid's hobbies, flowers, hell- he even starts reading out loud during his reading time for the kid, hoping that they might hear it).

- Finally, finally, Tommy confronts Techno when they're heading to bed, asking if Techno was serious... about doing it only for his safety. Techno wholeheartedly says yes (and apologizes again. "I- I'm sorry. I truly am. You were just... bleeding out, and I panicked.") Hesitantly, Tommy nods before bidding Techno goodnight, and, well, he supposes that's better than nothing. Both of them sleep a little better that night.

[misfits-of-zaun]

“Stay with you where?"

Yeah, that was the question, wasn't it? Up until less than a couple of months ago, he'd had an answer at the ready:

Come home with me. Come see what I've built.

But it wasn't so simple any more. So Ekko stayed silent for a moment, grimly ruminating over what his remaining options were for this huge curveball.

Jinx had chosen to start working for the enemy, and in doing so had pitted herself directly against the Firelights. She could no longer be argued to be an innocent bystander in the ongoing fight; she'd done things, in Silco's name, and she was carving out a reputation for herself that his people would be all too aware of.

No. Ekko knew instinctively that he couldn’t bring her home - not, at the very least, without enough solid evidence that Jinx was serious about switching sides. (And deep down, he wasn't sure that she was.) He had other people to think about, not just himself - his Firelights, who would be put at huge risk if this didn't work out, and Jinx went straight back to Silco with the knowledge that could destroy them. Knowledge of their Sanctuary, and its highly secretive location.

No. As upsetting and ugly a reality as it was, that particular door had closed. The realisation stirred up sadness, and some bitterness.

All these years I wanted to show you. All these years I wanted you there with me. But I can't do that now, because you waited until it was too late.

As if sensing that she had successfully reeled him back in, Jinx pressed forwards, both physically and verbally.

“You got a pretty little prison cell with my name on it? You gonna act like you caught me all by yourself?"

Ekko cast her a tired look, edged with exasperation and faint disgust. The last thing he wanted was to keep her prisoner - hadn't he made that clear enough already, through years of compromise and grudging respect for her (increasingly upsetting and hurtful) life choices?

"Of course not."

Why was she looking amused, now? Was she really that confident that he'd come up with a solution to cater to her abrupt decision, or was this just some sort of game to her?

This should have felt like a relief. Like a hard-won victory. Instead, Ekko just felt tired, and confused, and off balance - scrambling to come up with something because despite everything, he still desperately wanted this to work -

 “I’d letcha. Y’know, if it’s a room with a view.”

His heart did something funny in his chest at that casual offer of consent from her.

...A view.

He knew where she could stay.

"...Come on, then," Ekko cleared his throat and gave a stiff little shrug, trying and downplay the magnitude of what was happening, and the havoc it was playing with his emotions.

Please let this work out. Please let this not be another bad decision. Please.

"I know a place."

Said place was, technically, familiar to her - they'd hung out in the area before. It wasn't much, being a mostly-unfurnished apartment in an abandoned building complex, but it was somewhere relatively safe to stay. And most importantly, it was a place with potential to become a home away from home.

@just--a--jinx

"I'm sorry! I panicked." ((@just--a--jinx Jinx to Ekko))

"You shot at me," Ekko repeated the accusation, incredulity bleeding into outrage. Saying it aloud only made it hurt more.

The shock and bewilderment had been stewing ever since the disastrous close call; now, seeing her face, it all came bubbling up to the surface.

How dare she fire blindly in his direction like he was another target to kill, then mere hours later come to their meeting spot like nothing had happened? Like it was no big deal, just a small mistake to apologise for and move on from?

Why? Why would you do that? You know we weren't there to kill anyone.

You know I wouldn’t have hurt you.

He shouldn't have even come here. Clearly they were enemies now, if she was happy enough to risk killing him in a fight. But in spite of everything, he craved closure.

He needed to hear what she had to say for herself.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? So you're doing jobs for Silco now, and you're also just firing off at anyone in your path?"

@just--a--jinx

[pillage-and-lute]

(For next time you’re looking for prompts) I really like your writing, and when I thought of this I wondered what you’d do with it: Geralt and Jaskier are together, but agree to pretend not to be for their next stop. Maybe one of them wants to win an old bet, or Jaskier’s not 100% sure his betrothal to a local noble has been officially dissolved, whatever, (not homophobia), fluff and high jinx ensue. Anyway I hope something unexpectedly nice happens to you today.

Hi Dahliavandare! Thanks for the blessing in my inbox  🥰

This ran away from me, tons of backstory about Jaskier’s family. Just, way too much.

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

“Geralt, darling,” Jaskier said hesitantly. “I have an errand we need to run, and I’m not sure you’ll like it.”

Geralt hummed noncommittally. They were resting at their camp outside of Hagge and the warm summer air and the feeling of Jaskier curled against him had lulled him into a warm, fuzzy stupor.

“You see,” Jaskier continued, fiddling with the buttons at his cuffs. “I’m a noble, and you know that of course.” He laughed awkwardly. “And I’ve been lucky enough to pawn most of those responsibilities off onto my much savvier sister, but there are certain niceties that landed families observe that--”

“Spit it out,” Geralt grumbled, although not bad naturedly. 

“I’m betrothed,” Jaskier said. “And we need to go to Gwendeith to break it off.”

Geralt turned to look at his beloved. “You’re engaged?”

“Betrothed!” Jaskier yelped, then saw Geralt’s expression. “Oh, dear heart, there’s a slight difference in meaning, especially to nobles. Engaged implies an intent to marry--”

“And betrothed doesn’t?”

“Well, sort of, but I’ve been betrothed practically since I was born, engaged would imply I’m sort of planning the wedding. It’s a contract, a social contract. My family and my betrothed’s are pretty minor nobles, so really it’s just a way of saying ‘maybe someday our kids could marry’. It isn’t the hard and fast marriage it might be if I were, say, a prince.”

“Then why do it?” Geralt asked. Most of the time he was happy to understand as little of the lives of the gentry as possible, but Jaskier was important.

“Honestly,” Jaskier sighed. “I think Papa arranged it because he cared for me, Mama too.”

“It takes away your choice,” Geralt began.

“It doesn’t. A betrothal like mine and... Iliana, that’s her name, only met her twice, it’s sort of social insurance. Especially for her, but for me as well. Nobles are supposed to marry, so, if at some point neither of us had found love we could marry one another. For Iliana there’s the security of having a husband, although from what I’ve heard she can handle herself fine, and for me its assurance of heirs if that sort of thing concerned me, and companionship for us both.”

It sounded...mostly sort of logical to Geralt.

“But I love you,” Jaskier said. “And I don’t want to be betrothed to anyone because I love you and, someday, whenever you get over you allergy to the concept of commitment, I’m going to put a ring on you.”

Geralt hummed gruffly but said nothing. There was a slim golden band hidden away in his bags and he be damned if Jaskier got to propose first.

“I will. Anyway, I need to tell Iliana. I’m sure she won’t mind. I met her once when I was seven and again when I was nineteen.”

“Nineteen, when?” Geralt asked. Most of Jaskier’s nineteenth year had been spent at Geralt’s side. Most of every year after that too.

“Just before I met you. I had travelled east to meet her originally, and was going back west when we met.”

“Tell me about her?”

“Illiana? Oh, well, she told me that she was fine leaving the betrothal in place because it’s standard, but that she doesn’t care for men in that way so she’d never give me heirs and would have my balls nailed above her door if I ever told her she had to.”

“Sounds like she’d get along with Yen.”

“I fear they’d take over the world,” Jaskier said. “Anyway, I told her no worries since, honestly, heirs just aren’t important to me. Then we agreed that when either of us found love we’d break the betrothal and that would be that.”

“Hmmm.”

“No, Geralt, tell me what that means. Is that a ‘okay, let’s go to Gwendeith’ hum? A ‘I’m angry that you’re betrothed’ hum?”

Geralt shifted to poke the fire. “It’s a ‘I think there’s more you need to tell me’ hum.”

“Ah,” Jaskier rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s the thing. We have to go in person because a letter would be rude, but also...we have to pretend not to be together, while we’re in Gwedeith.”

“Why?”

“It’s politics, dear heart. It would be shaming to Iliana, socially. Personally, I don’t think she’d care, but it’s a courtesy thing.”

“I don’t do a lot of lovey stuff anyway,” Geralt said. 

“You think you don’t,” Jaskier said. He began to unroll their bedroll.

“What do you mean, Jaskier?”

Jaskier turned to him, smiling indulgently and gilded in the firelight. “Our lives have molded around one another, my love. When I stand beside you your hand goes to my back or my shoulder. You order dinner for me because you know just what food I like. When I’m tired you don’t have to ask what’s wrong, you just lift me onto Roach behind you.”

Geralt hadn’t even realized he did, but he knew it was true. Jaskier leaned over and pressed a kiss to Geralt’s slightly furrowed brow.

“When my boots are wearing thin you buy me new ones before I even notice. When I’m cold you give me your cloak. If I fall asleep with my head on your shoulder you’d rather sit like that all night than disturb me.”

Geralt shrugged awkwardly. “You buy me beeswax,” he said. It seemed a fair retort. Jaskier bought him beeswax to put in his ears when cities or sometimes monsters were too loud for Geralt’s senses. “You only buy light scents, even though I know you like bolder perfumes.”

“Yes,” Jaskier said, taking one of Geralt’s large, scarred hands. “We love eachother very much, and it’s obvious to people who care to look.”

“That could be dangerous,” Geralt began, his head spiralling towards worry for Jaskier’s safety, but Jaskier cut him off.

“No, dear heart. It’s obvious to those who care to look. The sort of people who would hurt me for loving you, well, most of them think you can’t love, so they don’t look for love, and they don’t see.” 

Geralt sat back. People saw what they expected to see, it was true. 

“We’ll travel to Gwendeith,” he said. “And unbetroth you.”

Jaskier kissed him and his lips tasted like the jerky they’d eaten for supper.

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

The trip to Gwendeith was long. It was at the very edge of any map, past Posada to the east, tucked into the Blue mountains.  They traveled along the Dyfne river, taking the occasional contract but making good time. This far from anything, there were few people to be troubled by monsters. 

They stopped in Posada one night, eating dinner in the corner of a familiar tavern. This time, however, Jaskier was much better received and the bread ended up on the table rather than down his trousers.

Past Posada, and almost to the end of the Dyfne river, Geralt asked, “Why did your parents pick Iliana? How did they know of her?” Lettenhove was entirely the other side of the continent, a tiny island off the coast of Poviss with two villages and a couple flocks of sheep. 

Geralt only knew of it from Jaskier’s descriptions, which were mostly stories of the ice cold sea and rocky cliffs. He tended toward calling it ‘idyllic’ and ‘picturesque’ altough occassionally ‘the arse end of the world’ and ‘colder than an ice giant’s ballsack.’ The first time Geralt had taken Jaskier to Kaer Morhen he’d feared for his bard’s safety in the cold of the mountains, but Jaskier hadn’t even blinked an eye, merely bundling up in a hugely wooly cloak and mittens. 

“Ah, well,” Jaskier said. “Long story, but Papa was in Temeria, see, since nothing ever happens in Lettenhove, because we have more people than sheep, he get’s sent on diplomatic missions a lot. He’s good at it, and he can be spared. He loves it too, even though he’s sort of retired he still does them. Takes Ma, calls the trips his little “sunshine vacations”. 

“You get your personality from your father, then?” Geralt asked. Jaskier didn’t talk about his family much, and Geralt got the sense that, rather than this being because they were horrible, Jaskier simply missed them too much. 

“Definitely. Ma’s lovely, and brilliant with just everything to do with her hands, but she’s not good with people. I got her looks, though.”

“I should thank her, then,” Geralt said, smiling. 

Jaskier chuckled. “Yes, she’s the reason for the long lives, too, fantastic story.”

“Finish the one about your father and Gwendeith first.”

“Right, so Papa was in Temeria, and so was Iliana’s father, sort of the mayor of Gwendeith, as I understand, although not back then. He’d gotten robbed, though, and Papa had won a horse and quite a lot of gold in a card game. It might have been Gwent, I can’t remember. If you ever meet Papa you should ask him. Anyway, he gave the extra horse and gold to Iliana’s father.”

“So your betrothal was a debt?”

“Goodness, no. This was years before I was born, Papa hadn’t even met Ma yet. No, they struck up a friendship, because when Iliana’s father got home he had a mage send a message to Papa to thank him and they struck up a friendship.”

“Sending messages by mage? That’s expensive for a penpal.”

“Ah well, that actually ties in to the story about Ma. Ma’s got magic, just a little, she’s a hedge witch of a sort. The issue is, hedge witches mostly use plants, and Ma couldn’t grow grass, so she mostly works with wood. Anyway, she has a friend, her very best friend, is a mage. They grew up together, and my Auntie Szarlotta sent my Papa’s first few messages back to Iliana’s father.”

Geralt smiled atop Roach. Jaskier’s storytelling pace was as familiar as Roach’s saddle, and it was calming in a way. 

“So, Auntie was sending Papa’s message when Ma came in to visit. That’s how she met Papa, because she’d only just moved to Lettenhove. Auntie says it was love at first sight, but Papa insists that Ma turned up her nose and ignored him for months.”

“Which one is it?”

“Knowing Ma, probably both. She’s a little like you, so the second she realized she liked Papa she ignored him so she wouldn’t have to deal with it.”

Geralt huffed good-naturedly.

“Anyway, Auntie Szarlotta agreed to send Papa’s messages for free, and she even included a way for Iliana’s father to send them back, so long as he wrote his response on the back of the same paper. She always timed it though, so that Ma was over when Papa was there. And I guess the rest is history.”

“Except the immortality.”

“Right, well, Ma got really sick when she was pregnant with my sister, I was little so I barely remember but Papa was so worried, and Ma looked really pale. Well, Auntie got really worried, freaked out a little, and she found all these old spells to try to make Ma well again. I remeber the light, she was working in a room of the old lighthouse and I could see the light of her spells from my window. Anyway, eventually she tries some on Ma, but they don’t work, and she just keeps trying.”

Geralt had an image of a frantic sorceress being watched by a young Jaskier through a crack in a door. 

“But I suppose some of those old spells need a little time to work because nothing at all worked and then they all sort of worked at once. There was this big, bright light and then Ma was well, and she and Papa haven’t aged a day since then.”

Geralt glanced at his lover, who looked the same at fifty as he had at twenty. “And you don’t age? What about your sister?”

“Ksenia hasn’t aged either. She looks like Papa, just so you know, grey eyes, blonde hair. She’s got two kids, now, but I haven’t met them.”

“Do the kids age?”

“Right now they’re very young,” Jaskier said. “I didn’t stop aging until nineteen or twenty, so I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.”

“How do you know she has kids?”

“Oh, well, Auntie Szarlotta sends letters to me, but we travel and it’s hard to send them right to me, so I just pick them up at Oxenfurt.”

“Hmmm,” Geralt said. He needed to go to Lettenhove. Jaskier had met his sort-of-family, he should meet Jaskier’s. 

“I’d love to go see them...” Jaskier said, wistfully. 

“Who?”

“My niece and nephew, they’re almost two and three years old now.”

Geralt picked Jaskier up by the collar of his doublet and placed him onto the back of Roach. 

“We’ll spend the winter in Lettenhove this year,” he said as Jaskier wrapped his arms around Geralt’s waist.

“Really?”

“Hmmm.”

Geralt needed to ask Jaskier’s father for his hand in marriage, anyway.

-- -- -- -- -- -- 

They made it to Gwendeith just after mid summer, riding into the little town at noon. Despite the season, the little mountain valley was shaded and cool. Jaskier shivered slightly and Geralt had to resist the urge to pull his cloak from his pack. From that point forth, they weren’t supposed to be in love.

Fuck.

They had to request a meeting with the mayor, which didn’t surprise Geralt. In a town such as this, logging and mining were the main industries. Trading for food to last over the winter began early and was of the utmost importance. That left Geralt and Jaskier, unfortunately, sitting with a man who introduced himself as Sir Boris.

Apparently he was a retired knight who acted as a sort of captain of the guard, except there wasn’t much of a guard. His wife Lady Olenka joined them and the two of them talked about their grandchildren until Geralt could feel his eyes rolling back in his head. 

At any other time, Jaskier would have placed one gentle hand on his wrist, which would have fortified Geralt, but they couldn’t. 

“But you’re here for Iliana,” Sir Boris was saying. “Dreadfully sorry you can’t see her today, I’m afraid there’s been an issue with the lumber trade to sort out. You’ll just have to have my darling Lenka and I as company until that’s done.”

He sent a huge wink to his wife, a slim, elegant woman, who chuckled and playfully hit him on the shoulder, to which Sir Boris pretended to be wounded before throwing back his head and laughing hugely. Everything the old knight did was huge, he was a large man with a round, red face and large belly and a laugh that could shake walls. 

“It’s no trouble,” Jaskier said. “I’m sure preparing for winter is a year round project here.”

“Oh of course,” Lady Olenka said. “But once it’s here we can all relax, and spend time with family.” She leaned forward as if imparting a delightful secret and said in a stage-whisper, “Boris has been our town’s Father Winter for the last four years.”

Jaskier made impressed ‘ooh’ noises and Geralt tried to at least look like he understood that. 

Boris laughed again. “It’s this lot,” he said, slapping his round stomach. “Better than some old geezer with a pillow down his shirt, eh?”

Geralt hummed in agreement. 

“And you must make a lovely Mother Winter, Lady Olenka,” Jaskier said politely.

She smiled, lines crinkling around her eyes as if drawing a road map. “It’s not as important as Father Winter, of course, but I rather pride myself that I plan a very good Midwinter festival.” Geralt got the sense that behind the modesty she was quite proud, and, he suspected, with good reason.

“But, you must tell me,” she said, modestly changing the subject. “Is there to be a missus Pankratz, now that you’ve come to see Lady Iliana?”

“I am a man in love,” Jaskier said. “And I am hopeful that an engagement will come soon, yes.”

“Oh dearie that’s just lovely,” Lady Olenka said, patting Jaskier’s cheek. “And you’re such a nice boy too, little young looking to be betrothed to our Lady Iliana anyway, although she’s a very dear woman.”

“We just love her,” Sir Boris said. “She’s a great mayor, not keen on marriage, but nobody minds, she just seems to have adopted the whole town as family.”

Lady Olenka patted her husband’s broad shoulder. “It was smart of you not to bring your love here, though. There’s some nobles here from Lyria, that’s who she’s been trading with, and I think they’d like any excuse to disparage here.” She lowered her voice again. “You know how those lot are about having women in charge.”

“I can’t relate,” Sir Boris laughed. “Lenka’s the ruler in our house.” That got a laugh because it had to, and because Sir Boris’s laugh was surprisingly infectious. 

“Good on you bringing a bodyguard too,” he said once the laughter had abated. He slapped Geralt companionably on the back, which was like being hit by a friendly battering ram. “Witcher too, don’t get many up here, but I bet you’re the safest man in a hundred miles.”

“Oh, dear, don’t you know?” Lady Olenka said. “Lord Julian here is a bard as well, he goes by Jaskier and sings all about witchers.”

“Really?” Sir Boris said, looking at Jaskier. “Blimey, imagine that. Good on you, finding a niche in the market.”

Geralt’s ears were beginning to ache. Friendly though Sir Boris might be, he didn’t seem to have a volume level below ‘deafening’. He was tired and overwrought and he just wanted to cuddle up with Jaskier in a bed. It wasn’t even suppertime, though.

They sat through another hour of hearing about Boris and Olenka’s eighteen grandchildren. 

“And three great-grandchildren,” Boris added proudly.

Geralt was thankful Jaskier could carry the conversation. He longed for a kiss, though. Now that he knew he couldn’t have one, his lips fairly ached for one.

Supper was a large affair, with one of Boris and Olenka’s children’s family over for dinner as well. Geralt was seated across from Jaskier between two small children who, apparently, needed to be separated at dinertimes to prevent bickering. They contented themselves instead by asking Geralt every question they could think of, often making him wrack his brain for child appropriate answers.

It wasn’t just witchering questions, either. He answered such questions as “Why is the sky blue?” (Because it’s Melitele’s favorite color). Immediately before answering “How big are dragon scales?” (The small ones are like pebbles and the big ones are like shields.)

Jaskier smiled at him over his bowl of stew, eyes sparkling. Geralt loved children, and Jaskier loved seeing them adore Geralt.

“So, Lord Julian,” Boris and Olenka’s daughter began. “Your lady love, tell us about her?” She smiled Lady Olenka’s warm smile and Jaskier did a good show of seeming bashful. 

“My love is unlike any other,” he began. “And if you’ll pardon my saying so, I’m a poet, and so must wax poetic.”

“Wouldn’t settle for anything less, lad!” Boris bellowed cheefully.

“My darling has fair hair, like moonlight,” Jaskier said, and the table oohed appreciatively. Geralt felt his ears get hot.

“And eyes like summer,” the bard continued. “I could get lost in them. No eyes could compare.” Geralt kicked him under the table, but Olenka was sighing sympathetically.

“But of course,” Jaskier said slyly, my heart is best held by my love’s lips.”

Boris chuckled knowingly. “I’ll bet it is, my boy,” he said, winking. Olenka slapped his arm, but she was smiling. Geralt felt hot.

“I’m afraid, however that my lover is quite modest, and won’t appreciate me extolling too many virtues,” Jaskier finished. “So I must finish with, I love them very much, and it is for them alone that my heart beats.”

Therewith leaving every person at the table (those above the age of twelve, at least) with misty eyes, Jaskier helped Lady Olenka clean up supper. Geralt helped put the dishes away.

After dinner they were led back to the mayor’s house. “I’m afraid the negotiations don’t seem to be finished,” Lady Olenka said. “I had hoped they would be quick, but it seems not. If the issue wasn’t resolved today, I wouldn’t bet on them being resolved too early tomorrow, either. You two don’t have pressing business elsewhere?”

“No, my lady,” Jaskier said, although if they lingered too long they wouldn’t make it to Lettenhove for the winter, as it was, it would be close.

“I’m sure she’ll be able to see you soon,” the lady said. “Here’s your room, and Master Witcher, your room is just at the far end of the hall.”

She said goodnight and Geralt hoped she couldn’t see the slump of his shoulders.

Separate rooms.

Jaskier smiled ruefully at him and they parted for the night. Geralt’s bed was large and comfortable, with clean linens and feather pillows, but he barely got a wink of sleep.

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

The next morning found Jaskier and Geralt breakfasting in the tavern, owned, apparently, by another of Boris and Olenka’s grown children.

“Did you sleep well?” Jaskier whispered over a plate of sausage and eggs.

“Fine,” Geralt grunted.

“I couldn’t sleep a wink,” Jaskier said. “Want my last piece of bacon? I’m stuffed.”

Geralt took it gratefully, slipping Jaskier his fried slice as a trade. No matter how Jaskier protested that he was stuffed, he always had room for a fried slice.”

“Terrible woman,” said a nasal voice at the next table. “Just impossible to do business with.”

“I agree, overemotional, you know how they get,” agreed another voice. Jaskier made eye contact with Geralt. The accent was Lyrian.

“Not even married,” said the first speaker. “What a disgrace. If my daughter got to her age without children I’d just die of shame.”

Geralt pitied his daughter.

“Oh of course,” said the second man. “Attractive, though, for an old maid.”

The first man snickered cruelly. “Thinking a little wooing might soften her up?”

“It always does, women like that, they’re just angry because they haven’t found a man.”

“Won’t your wife mind?”

“Are you going to tell her?” Both men laughed unpleasantly.

A serving girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, came around the tables, presumably one of Sir Boris’ many granddaughters. She took their plates onto a tray and smiled when Jaskier slipped a few coins onto the tray as a tip.

At the next table  one of the Lyrian’s snapped their fingers impatiently. The girl rolled her eyes. Geralt was pleased to see that, although she served him professionally, as she walked away she ‘accidentally’ tread on his foot.

“What pathetic pieces of shit, the pair of them,” Jaskier said as they stepped out into the sunlight. 

“Hmmm,” Geralt agreed. Then he looked around quickly and pulled Jaskier into an alleyway, urging the bard deeper into the shadows. 

“What? Geralt di-”

Geralt smushed his lips gracelessly to Jaskier’s, crowding him up against the wall. Jaskier’s hair between his fingers was so familiar and comforting, as was the little sigh Jaskier let out.

They pulled apart and Geralt rested his forehead against Jaskier’s. “That’ll tide me over for a while,” he whispered. Jaskier smiled.

“Are you master Julian?”

The pair sprang apart, looking in alarm at the red headed boy at the far end of the alley. 

“Yes...?” Jaskier said.

“Only, Pa said to come find you, and he said you’d be with a big man dressed all in black.”

“And you found us here?” Jaskier asked.

“Didn’t know you’d be here, did I?” Said the boy, stuffing his hands into his trouser pockets. “It’s the shortcut through to the tavern, but then, I figured he’s the only big man in black around.”

Geralt inclined his head, feeling his ears go hot.

“Lady Iliana has time to see you now,” the boy continued, oblivious to the awkwardness. 

“By all means...lead the way,” said Jaskier.

They were led out of the alley and back to the mayor’s house by the messenger boy.

“Out of curiosity,” Jaskier asked. “Is your grandad Sir Boris?” 

“Yeah, that’s him,” said the lad. “He made me a toy sword for my tenth birthday too.” He pointed proudly to the wooden sword tied at his hip with some string.

“It makes you look a proper hero,” Jaskier said. Then he pulled out his coin purse. “A copper for bringing us the message and...another to not tell anyone what you saw.”

The boy looked between the two of them shrewdly.

“Not even my best friend? I tell Mikhail everything.”

“Not until Geralt and I have left.”

“Three coppers total,” the boy said promptly. Jaskier handed them over good naturedly and the boy flashed a gap toothed grin before taking off.

Geralt and Jaskier shrugged at each other, before finding their way to the main room of the mayor’s house. A broad shouldered woman of about fifty poked her head out of a door.

“Julian?”

Geralt and Jaskier went inside.

“You look well,” Iliana said, sitting behind a large desk and gesturing to a couple chairs. “You havent’ aged a day.”

“And you look as lovely as I remember,” Jaskier said.

“Flirt. Come to ask me for heirs?”

Jaskier shuddered. “No, my lady. I remember your threat well. I think you know why I’m here.”

The two Lyrians barged through the door. 

“Did I ask you to enter?” Iliana said, coldly. Geralt felt an unusual curl of fear set up in his stomach, she was a distinctly fearsome woman.

“Well,” said the first Lyrian.

“You were so beautiful, I couldn’t wait on seeing you again,” said the second, slimily.

“Oh I say!,” Iliana said, standing. She placed her hand over her chest in a delicately offended way, which was ill suited to her. “You sir are too bold, and in front of my betrothed too!”

The Lyrians looked, panicked, at the people sat in the chairs. As Geralt was seated in the chair nearest the door, and therefore nearest them, they came to the wrong conclusion. The blood drained from both their faces.

“What an insult!” Iliana continued. “You should be ashamed! What a lack of diplomacy!” 

Beside Geralt, Jaskier snickered. She was laying it on a little thick. 

“Why,” she continued. “I ought to write to your king! I’ve never been so insulted. And I’m sure my beloved will want to sort out this insult too.” She fluttered her lashes at Geralt. 

Geralt nearly jumped out of his seat, but thankfully his brain caught up. He stood, growling a little theatrically and placed one hand on the hilt of his steel sword.

“Our apologies my lady,” the first man said hurriedly.

“Our mistake, we’ll just--” they dissappeared out the door.

“What a fearsome couple,” Geralt heard whispered as the door swung shut.

Iliana sighed satisfactedly and kicked her feet up on her desk. “It seems I should thank you,” she said. “That is going to make negotiations much easier.”

“I’m sure you always get good deals,” Jaskier said.

“Yes. I get the deals I want.”

“You know why I’m here,” Jaskier said.

“Yes.”

“Do you agree?”

“To disolve the betrothal? Of course. Never found a lover for myself so I never bothered but, well, I just don’t do romance.”

“Some people don’t,” Geralt said, thinking of Eskel.”

“Indeed,” Iliana said, smiling warmly at him. “Not all of us have a soulmate to sing us songs.” She laughed at their surprised faces. 

“Oh you fooled them, and you may have fooled Boris and Olenka, but I’ve heard your songs, Julian. It’s written right into everything you do.”

She began rummaging in one of the drawers in the desk. “I don’t mind, of course. So few people know we’re actually betrothed...there it is.” She pulled out an old piece of paper. “I’ll just rip it up if that’s fine by you. You’ll have to do the same to yours of course.”

“We’re going to Lettenhove this winter,” Jaskier said. “I’ll do it as soon as I find it.”

Iliana smiled again. “Father always did say that your dad had a horrible filing system.”

“He filed all his papers on the floor, yes, although I imagine my sister is neater.”

Iliana tore the paper in half without ceremony and placed the contract in the waste paper bin. “Lettenhove is very far away, Julian, will you get there in time?”

Jaskier glanced at Geralt. 

“I don’t know,” Geralt said.

“No matter,” said Iliana. She began writing something on a new sheet of paper. “Our logging teams float lumber all down the Dyfne and Pontar rivers. Show this to the dockmaster at the tip of the Dyfne and our riverboat captains can get you to Novigrad.” 

She pulled out another sheet of paper. “Once you’re in Novigrad, show this to the harbormaster and he’ll get you to Lettenhove.” She looked at their shocked faces and smiled. “Our lumber is the best, and it’s used in everything, including ships. I’m willing to cash in a favor in order to get rid of a useless betrothal.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Jaskier said bowing deeply. “I’ll have my Aunt Szarlotta send a message once our betrothal is fully extant.”

Iliana stood and shook his hand. “I’d appreciate that.”

“Our fathers were penpals,” Jaskier said. “Perhaps we should keep up the tradition?” 

The mayor inclined her head. “I’d like that. I may be too busy to write often.”

Jaskier waved a hand. “I can only pick up messages when I pass through Oxenfurt, but I like to make friends with powerful people.” 

The two of them shared a smile.

“Not to rush you out my door,” Iliana said. “But I do have a lot to do, winter comes early up here, and I know it does as well in Lettenhove. even with my help, you two should leave soon.”

Geralt and Jaskier left that afternoon, just after a hearty meal at the tavern.

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

Across the continent and some weeks later, Jaskier and Geralt stepped onto the docks in Novigrad.

“I don’t think Roach liked the river boats,” Jaskier said as Geralt led her off. Roach whinnied and shook her mane emphatically.

“Sorry, girl,” Geralt said. “You’ll have another long boat journey, and this time I doubt we’ll stop so you can run about on land.”

“Nah,” Jaskier said, as they walked toward a tavern for supper. “Boats from Novigrad to Lettenhove stop around the coast on the way, she’ll get plenty of exercise. It’s something to do with the currents.”

He petted Roach’s muzzle softly as they stabled her at the inn beside the tavern and Geralt felt his heart go out to his bard. Jaskier cared so much for Roach. Geralt thought again of the gold band in his pack.

“C’mon,” he said. “Let’s eat.”

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

Slightly more than a month later, after a slow, coastal boat journey, and then another between Inis Porhoest and Lettenhove, Geralt, Jaskier, and their faithful horse, stepped off the final boat.

“Welcome home, Master Julian,” said a fisherman on the dock.

“Does everyone here know you?” Geralt asked.

“Pretty much, there’s only about three hundred people here.”

News spread fast among three hundred people and Jaskier and Geralt were greeted enthusiastically at the door to the very small castle. A blonde woman who could only be Ksenia, Jaskier’s sister, flung her arms around him, and withing a moment Geralt was being gathered into the hug by a slightly older looking couple.

“Julek,” said the blonde man, pulling back. “My boy, you’re home, and you brought this stunning man, wow, what a looker.” 

“Papa, don’t be embarrassing,” Jaskier said. Geralt flushed clear to the roots of his hair. Apparently when Jaskier said he had his father’s personality he meant all of his father’s personality.

They had dinner as a family, including Jaskier’s niece and nephew, Cecylia and Prot. They had questions for Geralt, and he was grateful for the practice he’d had in Gwendeith. It was an enjoyable meal over all, and afterward Jaskier was distracted by his Aunt Szarlotta while Geralt slipped away to ask Mr. Pankratz a very important question.

The two of them returned to the main hall to see Jaskier pretending to be a dragon, while Cecylia and Prot bravely fought him with butterknives, but he straightened up when he saw the look on Geralt’s face.

Geralt took his hand and Jaskier squeezed it three times, it was their code, asking if Geralt needed to go somewhere that wasn’t so hard on his senses. Geralt smiled and shook his head, swallowing nervously around the lump in his throat.

He got down on one knee and pulled out the gold band. “I’m...I’m not good with words.” Geralt swallowed again, wishing he could borrow Jaskier’s eloquence for five minutes or so. “Marry me?”

The words were barely out from his mouth before Jaskier was tackling him to the ground, pressing kisses all over his face.

“Oh Geralt!” he said. “Wait--”

Jaskier looked up at his mother, who smiled and was handed a paper by his Aunt Szarlotta. Mrs. Pankratz ripped the betrothal contract in half.

“Yes,” Jaskier said, laughing. “I will marry you!”

Then they kissed on the chilly stone floor.

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

Dear Lady Iliana, Mayor of Gwendeith

The former contract has been voided. 

Szarlotta of Lettenhove

P.S. Geralt and Jaskier are engaged and send their love.

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

Holy Cow. 5603 words. I...I don’t even know what to say. I hope you like it.

[maybe-theres-hope]

Tarlos Fic - Dinner Date

3.2k | T | Warnings: Blood, Injuries (mostly minor) | Contains: Judd/Carlos friendship, Tarlos being perfect, blue Camaro (rip)

Read on AO3

“So, what are your plans for the night?” Nancy asked as they exited the ambulance, their shift nearly over as long as the bell didn’t go off in the next ten minutes. 

TK smiled to himself for a moment before he spoke. “Well, Carlos is taking me to Jeffrey’s, so…”

“Holy mother,” Nancy breathed, looking at him with obvious envy. “Do you guys have a ten year anniversary or something coming up? Did he get some kind of commendation at work? Because I know your last one was like a month ago, so.”

“No, no anniversary, that’s in a couple of months. And its three years, Nance.” He chose to ignore her muttering about their mushiness ‘aging me ten years’. “And nothing from work that I know of. Maybe he just loves me?” TK couldn’t stop grinning while they stocked the bus and readied for the handover. 

“He loves you crap ton! Their wagyu strip steak is a hundred and twenty-five dollars!” Nancy had her phone out, obviously googling the menu. 

“Well at least we’ll save money on wine,” TK said with a chuckle.

“I’ve heard of the place by reputation but like, dude, who ever gets the chance to actually go there?”

“TK it seems,” Tommy cut in. “Why don’t you go on? We got it here and you’re gonna need at least an hour to pick out an outfit.”

“And gel your hair. You and your dad are way more alike than you want to admit,” Nancy added with a roll of her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. You sure, Cap? I can stay and help?”

“I’m sure, kiddo. Go get dolled up for your man. Eat a few bites for us, yeah?” Tommy yelled at his retreating figure. She and Nancy looked at each other with grins as they caught the little skip in his step. 

“So, what do you think the occasion is?”

Tommy looked back at Nancy with a gleam in her eye. “I can wager a guess, but I don’t want to jinx it.” Nancy just gave her a look and went back to restocking.

--

Around 8 p.m., Owen was sitting in his office toying with his phone in his hand, smiling at his last text exchange. 

we’re just leaving the house now, wish me luck!

you’re not gonna need it, kid :)

“Not if I know my son anyway,” Owen said aloud to the empty room. He wondered if it’d happened yet. No incoherent string of emoji’s from TK yet, so he doubted it. 

He was shoving the phone back into his pocket with the bell went off. 

--

“Alright guys,” Owen said into the mic from the Captain’s chair. “Dispatch says three vehicles involved, two still on the road and one went over the side into the ravine. Police are on their way but we’ll probably beat ‘em there. Strickland, Marwani, soon as we get there I want you to harness up and get down in that ravine. Judd, you too. You’ll be in command down there and I’ll stay up top with the other two vehicles. Everybody else you’re with me, got it?”

A chorus of “Copy that, Cap,” and suddenly they were on the scene. 

--

“Marjan, Paul, we’re goin’ down!” Judd called to them as the rest of the crew went over to the silver Prius and black Mazda that were crumpled in the middle of the two-lane highway. Judd wasn’t a prayin’ man, but he sent up a little something to the man upstairs that this went their way. It looked bad. 

Paul arrived at his side first, strapped into his gear. “Marjan’s grabbing the bag from the truck, she’s coming.” 

“Alright. We’ll go down this way,” Judd said, pointing to a safe-ish stretch of hillside. “Can’t see the other car from here but dispatch said bystanders saw it go over. Probably just hidden in the trees.”

“Okay guys, let’s do this!” Marjan called, harnessed and carrying the medical bag and a backboard. “TK’s gonna be sad he missed this. Medical doesn’t get to harness up a lot and I know he loved it. He coulda helped.”

“Nah, he’s got better things tonight. Carlos was takin’ him to Jeffrey’s,” Paul said with a waggle of his eyebrows.

“Ohh, fancy,” Marjan said with a smile. “What’s the occasion?”

They’d reached the bottom and were starting to look through the brush and low-hanging trees for a vehicle. 

“Don’t know,” Paul answered. “But I think Cap’s in on it somehow.”

“What?”

“Yeah,” Judd cut in as he whacked a few branches out of his way. “Carlos came by the station a few weeks ago, and they sat up in Cap’s office for an hour before he left grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater.” 

“I have no idea what that means,” Paul said with a laugh. 

“Hey guys, look!” Marjan called from a few yards to the left. The other two went to her position and saw what she’d found. A track in the underbrush where it had been torn at and flattened. “Think this is the place.”

“Let’s go,” said Judd. They followed the path through the brush for a couple of yards before they caught sight of it: taillights. “Alright, Marjan you go on the passenger side, I got the driver. Paul you see if you can clear some of that brush off the back in case the doors are jammed and we gotta get ‘em out that’a way.”

Visibility was still low despite the lights of the car and their flashlights, but as they approached they saw the car wrapped around the trunk of a tree on the passenger side. “I don’t know if I can get in there, Judd, but I’ll try,” Marjan said as she broke out into a jog.

“Wait!” Paul cried. Judd looked over at him, and he would have said such a thing couldn’t happen to a calm and collected person like Paul, but his face had gone ashen. “That’s Carlos’s car,” he said on a breath. 

“What?” In the dark, now that he was really looking, he could see they were coming up on—what used to be—a blue Camaro. 

“I’m sure of it. TK bullied him into putting that sticker on the back because he said it was too pristine and it needed personality.” He shone his flashlight at the rear bumper and sure enough, there was a SXSW sticker half ripped off from the path the car had taken to get there. 

“Come on,” Judd said, heart rate kicking up.

“Should we call Cap?” Paul asked.

“No, we stay down here and do our jobs, and he stays up there and does his. We’ll get ‘em.” His voice sounded numb even to his own ears, but he was determined. 

“They were on their way to dinner,” Paul said lowly.

“Yeah, probably takin’ the backroads to avoid traffic,” Judd said, shaking his head. Fate was hell sometimes.

When they reached the car, Marjan was yelling. “TK! TK can you hear me?” She turned to Judd. “I can’t get in there. The tree trunk is halfway into the car, probably pinning him to the console. He’s unresponsive.” Her face was also pale, but determined. 

Judd went to the driver’s side and saw Carlos, head hanging to the side facing the broken window. He tried the door as he called out. “Carlos? Hey Carlos, come on buddy. Can you hear me?” The door wouldn’t budge; Judd figured the car had rolled a couple of times coming down the hill, crumpling it like a tin can. Then he heard a soft groan.

He looked up, and one of Carlos’s eyes was trying to open. The other was swollen shut, where he’d probably hit his head on the steering wheel before the airbag deployed. Half his face had burn marks from it. 

“Hey, hey Carlos, look at me, that’s it.” That one eye tracked around before it landed on Judd, drawn to the light of the flashlight on his helmet. “Hey man. We’re gonna get you out okay? Now, can you move your fingers and toes for me?” Judd stuck his head into the window to see down in the floor boards. “Alright, likely no spinal damage. How’s your head?”

“Hurts. Shoulder, too.” His voice was barely audible. 

“Okay, it looks like you dislocated it,” Judd said as he prodded his left shoulder. “I don’t see anything broken but we’ll have to get you out to determine that.”

“TK—“ a wheeze, “TK…first. Been out…a while.”

Judd peered over to the passenger side, where TK was shoved almost fully into the center console, head laid back on the headrest and his face covered in blood. Marjan and Paul were still hard at work outside trying to clear a path into the car. 

“We can’t get to his side just yet, but we can get you out first and then we’ll be able to pull him out this way, okay? We wanna focus on you right now.”

“Alive.”

“Yeah, you’re alive, Carlos. You’re not gonna leave us yet,” he said as he assessed the door panels where they could cut through with the saws they brought. 

“No. TK. Weak, but…alive,” Carlos breathed out, coughing through the end.

“We’ll make sure he’s alive, okay?” Judd said, trying not to lose his professionalism at this whole messed up situation.

“He is.” Judd stopped looking around and looked back at Carlos. The man raised his right hand just as much as he was able, showing where he had two fingers on TK’s radial pulse. 

“Good, that’s good Carlos,” Judd assured him. That meant Carlos had had some minutes of consciousness after the accident before they showed up. “Was he talking at all? After you hit the tree?”

“Little. Minutes, maybe.”

“That’s good, that’ll help. Alright Carlos, we’re gonna get this door off so I’m gonna cover you with this while we do okay?” Judd waited for a small nod before he covered Carlos’s face and torso with his own turnout coat. 

After an agonizing four minutes, the door popped off in a shower of metal and broken glass. Judd removed the coat and went back in to assess. “Carlos? How you doin’?”

“Tired. But won’t…sleep. Promise. That’s bad.”

“You learn a few things from your Paramedic boyfriend?” Judd said with a watery smile.

“Mmm.”

“Judd, I got the back cleared. Maybe we can get in there to at least check TK’s vitals,” Paul informed them. 

“Get on it, I’ma try to get Carlos here out onto this backboard. Marjan, radio for another backboard and have two RA’s ready to go topside!”

“Copy that!” Judd had to admire those two. They never let their professionalism slip too far, though he could see they were worried sick. He could relate. He wouldn’t relax until both of the boys were back up the hill and on the way to the hospital.

From the looks of things, maybe not even then. But he had hope.

“Alright, Carlos, I’m gonna grab your legs and behind your shoulders here and pull you out, okay? It’s gonna hurt like hell, but it’ll be quick.”

“Wait.”

Judd stopped cold.

“Left…pocket. Please.”

“You want me to get at your left pocket?” A nod. “Alright, hang on.”

Judd carefully shifted Carlos’s leg so he could reach into his slacks, which had probably been part of a very nice suit at the beginning of the night. His fingers searched until they hit a small bump, an object no bigger than a baseball, soft velvet over a hard shell. He sucked his lips between his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment as he pulled it free in his hand. 

“Keep it…safe…for me?”

Judd looked down at the little black box for a moment, then clutched it tight in his hand before transferring it one of the innermost pockets of his turnout. 

“Of course, man. I will guard this with my life.” He looked up and saw Marjan coming back with another backboard. “Alright, buddy. It’s go time.”

Carlos gave a weak nod and winced when Judd started to pull. 

--

“Welcome back, man. You had us worried there for a bit.”

Carlos opened his good eye to see Judd sitting at his bedside, smiling softly. It took a moment to remember where he was. Hospital. Accident. Tree.

“TK—“

“Is fine. Banged up and will need crutches for a few weeks, not to mention a killer headache with no meds, but he’s fine. All things considered.”

“Where is he?”

“On his way, so you just stay put, okay? You’re pretty banged up, too, ya’know.”

Carlos shifted a bit and winced. His left arm was in a sling, his head bandaged over his left eye, and his right side hurt like hell.

“Broken rib when the tree went into TK’s door, door went into TK, TK went into the console, then the console went into you. He’s got a femoral fracture in his right leg but like I said, all things considered, you’re both pretty well off for how far you fell and probably rolled.” 

“Yeah, he said his leg had gone numb but he could still move his toes. He made sense for about five minutes, then started talking all jumbled, then went quiet. I uh…freaked out a bit after that. I thought he had…” Carlos trailed off, looking haunted. 

“Yeah, and you kept your fingers on his pulse that whole time. What you were able to tell us at the scene helped us treat him. You did good, Carlos.”

“Not good enough to swerve in time,” he said.

“Not your fault. And don’t you dare go thinkin’ it is. I don’t wanna hear it, Carlos,” Judd said in what TK called his Dad Voice. Stern and no room for argument. Carlos just nodded. 

“And uh, hey. I been waitin’ to give this back to you.” Judd stood and walked over to the bed, holding out a tiny black box. Carlos took it and cradled it against his chest. “It better be a nice one, cuz I about had a heart attack while I was showerin’ thinkin’ someone was gonna come get my pile a’clothes and take ‘em to the laundry while I was gone.”

“You didn’t open it?”

“Nah, I figure the big reveal? TK deserves that all to himself.” 

“Owen’s seen it,” Carlos countered, smirking.

“Uh huh. He approve?”

Carlos laughed. “He whistled and said I spent too much.”

“To impress the Cap it must be a lot,” Judd said with a small whistle of his own.

“Well, what was it Michael Scott said? Three years’ salary?”

Judd’s eyes almost popped out of his head, and Carlos laughed harder before wincing again at his broken rib. “I’m kidding, Judd. But I can tell you, no matter the cost, TK deserves the best and that’s what I hope I got.”

“You gonna make another reservation? Soon as y’all get back into fightin’ shape?”

Carlos looked down at the box again for a moment, contemplating. “I…don’t think so.”

Judd had a confused expression on his face but at that moment, a nurse was wheeling TK into the room, followed by most of the 126. Carlos’s face lit up like starlight at the sight of him.

“Hey, babe,” TK said with a smile. His leg was in a full cast, so the nurse was careful in maneuvering him around to Carlos’s bedside. 

“Hey, I feel like you should be the one in bed! Why are you out and about?”

“Because you were still asleep and he’s an absolute menace. We made multiple apologies to the staff on his behalf for the last hour,” Owen said as he walked into the room behind his crew. “He’s a stubborn little shit. Always has been, always will be. You sure you’re up for that?” He asked knowingly. TK was still looking at Carlos, blushing at his dad’s ribbing. Carlos met his eyes and said, “Yes.” He blushed more. 

“In fact,” Carlos continued. “I’m ready to get started. I’ve waited too long anyway. I mean, how many times do you and I have to beat death before I get the nerve to do this?” He said, looking into TK’s beautiful eyes which were looking confused. 

“What are you talking about, babe?”

“Look, I’m sorry this didn’t go how I planned. And I’m sorry I can’t get down on one knee right now, but. I hope you love me enough not to mind.” He lifted his good arm, his hand holding out the box. “A little help, Judd?”

“It’d be an honor,” the man said before leaning in and opening the box, since Carlos only had one good arm. 

At the sight of the contents of the box, TK’s eyes went as big as saucers. Surprise was written clearly over every inch of his features, which were all still beautiful even scarred and stitched up as they were at the moment. God, Carlos loved this man so much. 

“Tyler Kennedy Strand, you are the love of my life. I tried so many different scenarios in my head of how this speech would go, before I just said screw it, I’ll speak from the heart. You’re kind, funny, sexy, sweet, and everything in between. You can’t boil water and you absolutely can’t properly separate laundry. I have a dozen pink shirts as proof of that.” At this, the gathered group chuckled and TK went bright red. “Ah, but you also know just how to ease the tension from a long day just by hugging me on the doorstep. And I can always count on you to be there for me when the world gets too much, when what we see out there creeps in too far. And I want you to know, that I want to be that for you too, for the rest of our lives. So, TK. Will you marry me?”

The room was silent, apart from the hum and beeps of the machines. Everyone on the edge of their proverbial seats, but no one having any doubt to the outcome. 

“Oh, my God! Of course I’ll marry you! Yes, yes! Yes!” The last was said through TK’s fingers covering his red face, hiding the few tears that had started to fall. He held out his left hand to Carlos, who Judd had kindly helped by removing the ring from its box and handing it back to him. He slid it over TK’s finger, smiling like an idiot the whole time, barely registering the whoops and hollers of the 126 throughout the room. 

He only had eyes for TK. 

“I love you,” TK breathed through his happy tears.

“I love you too, baby. Always.”

“Oh, my God, dude, were you seriously surprised?” Nancy asked incredulously once the commotion had died down.

“Well…yeah? I didn’t expect this at all,” TK said, looking sheepish. 

“TK…my dude…he was taking you to Jeffrey’s! How could you not know?”

Once again, the room erupted in laughter and TK ducked his head again. Carlos reached out and touched his chin, catching his eyes again.

There was nothing but love there. 

CLEARLY every Tarlos fic I write has to have a proposal in it *shrug emoji* 

Also I wrote this in like an hour after I had a dream so please excuse any typos I didn’t catch!

Please reblog if you liked it! I would really really appreciate it :) Thank you for reading!

[fallasleepscenarios]

𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓻𝔂 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓸𝓶 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽 [bakugo x reader]

type: one shot, angst, fluff pairing: bakugo katsuki x reader (gender not specified) summary: (Y/N) and Bakugo have not established their relationship, leaving (Y/N) to question their whole "friends with benefits" thing. And it all goes down to what happens when they attend Kirishima's party. rating: R for implication of sexual act word count: 2.4k disclaimer: I do not own any of the mha characters and all of them are written as if they are of age also posted on my wattpad one shots book

꒱࿐♡ ˚.*ೃ

"You're so silly. Get your butt here."

Bakugo shrugs and pouts angrily but eventually lets his body fall on me and weighing me down on the couch as I try to lift him off me. I laugh at his silliness, knowing that this is the best way someone like him can show affection. He lets his guard down so rarely after all, doesn't even want to show softness, ever. Only with me he does. He can be mellow, can't express it in words easily though.

"Tsk, I don't want to go to the stupid party with all the stupid bastards", he growls while finally making himself comfortable without hurting me.

"You promised! Besides, everyone's waiting for you", I run my fingers through his hair, "You know how much Kirishima has been waiting to see you!" I could tell by his look at this was somehow enough for him to accept attending the party with me. All his UA classmates would be there.

"Whatever! I have to train." In a swift move he gets up and leaves the room, like he always does.

"Bakugo--! Wait!" he stops without turning to look at me. "D-Do you wanna spend the night?" I gulped.

"I have to train", he says and leaves.

And at times like these, I ask myself, what the hell am I really doing. Having a crush on Bakugo Katsuki? That's far enough. Establishing a relationship with him? That's so far beyond the line of sanity. More times than not, I question myself for any signs of emotional masochism, because this really doesn't feel like a mutual feeling. Yes, he can be soft and sweet, would never admit it, though. Yes, somehow, he does like me in a sexual way, at least, or maybe considers me as a way to relieve stress? The past three months and a half have been so exciting, and I've been.. happy. But..

This really isn't enough for me. If only I could do anything to make him say what's in his mind, 'cause his actions really really don't match with his words. And then again, well, whatever, never mind, it could all be way worse for me..

꒱࿐♡ ˚.*ೃ

On the day of the party, Bakugo was supposed to pick me up at 8 and head over to Kirishima's together, since I've never been to his place before. I put extra effort on picking an outfit I like and felt pretty cute and confident in it. At 7:45 I was already by the door, tying my shoes and receiving a text message by Uraraka-chan.

[19:45] From: Uraraka-chan<3 I can't wait for tonight! Deku-kun will also be there, haven't seen him in two weeks! Don't be late Y/N :D

I smiled at myself and happiness overflew in me. Don't want to jinx it but tonight sounds ideal; Bakugo agreed to come, I'm going to see everyone, even Midoriya found time off his strict training schedule, and Uraraka-chan is very happy, as well, I am glad.

But as I waited for Bakugo, the clock turned 8. And then 5 minutes after 8. And then a quarter past 8.

Normally, that's acceptable, since when one is late, they probably have informed you beforehand. Or at least, an apology is waiting for you at their arrival. Oh, but when Bakugo arrived..

"What took you so long?!!" My mood, the outfit I wore that I liked, the excitement, all had disappeared.

"SO WHAT, I had training to do! Deku has been training all week!", he snapped back at me and frowned. "Let's go damn it!"

"You're unbelievable-! That's how you treat me?!" This time, I was not going to take it.

"Tsk, you don't understand"

"At least you could have told me you were at practice..! Not arrive, what, a quarter to 9 and not even apologizing for keeping me waiting?!"

"YOU attacked me right when I arrived, when I would I apologize?!"

I refrained from saying anything else. I didn't want to completely ruin my mood for the party.

"Okay, stop." I let out a sigh. "Let's go. I really want to enjoy the party. I even wore that outfit that it took me so long to come up with, I really wanna enjoy it.." I closed and locked the door behind us and Bakugo just stared at me.

The road to Kirishima's was quiet. I caught a few glimpses of Bakugo walking by me and leading the way. Surprisingly, he didn't say anything at all. We passed by the river, it was beautiful and I so wanted to comment on the cherry blossoms showing as the path alongside it.

I tried not to overthink about this but it was bothering me, that Bakugo didn't even consider my feelings. He stood me up. This definitely isn't what you expect of your partner to do. Details like this, how he never calls me just to talk to me, he never texts me "good morning" or "good night" like my friends' significant others do, how we've never really agreed to have a proper date but always meet up at home, eat inside and are secretive, I don't like that. I think I am the only one in this relationship.

Heck, there is no real relationship. Friends with benefits, after all.

"(Y/N)! Bakugo-kun! You've arrived at last!" Uraraka-chan was the first one to greet us by the door.

"I'm sorry we're late, I asked Bakugo to pick me up since he lives so close-by, but he was training and couldn't leave early", I felt my cheeks flush up. Everyone's attention was on us and I didn't like it. "Besides, Kirishima-kun! Thanks for having us!"

Thankfully, I quickly felt comfortable and no one talked about how they've been waiting for us. We had a fun time, joking around, eating cakes that Sato baked and listening to what everyone's been up to on their vacation. I was able to forget about Bakugo's attitude, but every time I looked at him, it all came back to me, so I tried to avoid him as much. But still, I was able to catch glimpses of him, noticing that he never looked at me too. I am better than this.

I got up to pout myself some water and when I came back I noticed that Deku had joined Uraraka and they were cheerfully engaging in conversation by themselves, so I decided I wouldn't go back to Uraraka and third wheel them. Instead I decided to get some fresh air and went outside. The cold wind felt so nice on my face but I could tell I'd soon be cold enough to return inside.

"Y/N!", I didn't even hear Kirishima opening the balcony's door.

"Kirishima-kun, are you having fun?"

"For sure! I'm glad you could bring Bakugo with you. Wasn't really sure he'd come, since he's been eager to train as much as he can during the vacation time, but maybe having to accompany you made him responsible to come" Kirishima smiled and he'd never looked so innocent to me before.

"Ah, I just guess he came for you Kirishima-kun. You're his best friend after all."

We laughed and I suddenly felt really soft and comfortable talking about Bakugo with him.

"Kirishima-kun, you're great.. I wish I had a relationship with someone like you!"

And then I realized what I just said. Kirishima turned red and I no longer felt cold outside.

"Y/N, I-I don't think I like you like t-that.."

"Ah! No, it's okay, I don't think I do either.."

What am I saying, I know I like Bakugo.

I know he said he didn't like me but the vibe sure felt weird and tense and somehow comfortable. I could so simply say things like these with Kirishima and it did feel awkward but it was okay, we could sit in silence. And it was easier to stay outside now.

But then he called out my name, and I couldn't read his face. He surely thought that I might like him now. I noticed Bakugo was arguing with Iida-kun by the door, when Kirishima raised his hand to cup my cheek and-

"Can I kiss you?" he whispered.

Why am I not pulling back? Maybe he wants to find out if he'd feel something.. maybe I do as well. Bakugo wouldn't even care anyways. He wouldn't be the least jealous if he saw us.

"Yes", I whispered back and closed my eyes only to feel his soft lips on mine.

It lasted a few seconds but I knew for sure that this wasn't what I felt when I kissed Bakugo. Kirishima was now smiling softly as me and I knew we were on the same page. And this will be between us and nothing will be affected. Except that something caught his attention and he gasped ; I turned to see who else other than Bakugo staring at us.

He looked mad, but doesn't he almost always?

Suddenly I felt overwhelmed with regret towards him.

He wasn't supposed to get jealous, he has no right to!

"Ah, Bakugo saw us maybe", Kirishima shrugged, "He probably thinks we're stupid hahah"

I chuckled, not to make my uncomfortableness look so obvious and we headed back inside, since Bakugo had also disappeared from the entrance.

The rest of the night I felt so out of place and it was hard not to show, but I had to. Spent it mostly chatting with the girls and playing cards and board games.

But soon enough, it was time to go.

Midoriya had already left and so had some of the others that aren't late nighters, and I felt tired from all the tension of the day. I was glad that I had some fun though.

"I'm off, everyone!" I greeted them and put on my shoes and coat.

"I'm going to. Have to train early tomorrow"

I froze. Bakugo was also leaving and this could only mean he wanted to confront me.

I waited for him to be greeted by everyone as well. It was inevitable, we'd go the same way anyways.

But Bakugo didn't say anything. He started pacing fast and it was kind of hard to keep up.

When we reached the cherry blossoms, Bakugo stopped.

"Are you stupid? Why did you do that?!"

He was indeed jealous!

"What does it matter to you even!". Tears were forming in my eyes, I felt so guilty! But it wasn't entirely my fault!

"TO ME? That you're stupid?"

"What does it matter to you??! It didn't even matter to me!"

"Then WHY DID YOU DO THAT"

Bakugo turned around but he wasn't looking at me.

"..I.. don't know... I was curious.. "

"Tsk, 'curious', what even..!"

"I was, okay?! Kirishima was being so nice to me..."

"And you had to be stupid?!"

"STOP it! Okay? This, this is why I did that. Because I can no longer pretend that you care about me! You made that clear today!"

"I don't go around doing things a scumbag would do!"

Bakugo was starting to redden up, he had become really angry..

"BUT YOU DO!" I shouted, glad that we were the only ones on the street. "You do, when you're late and don't inform me, you do when you're embarrassed and secretive of me, you do when you never really tell me what's on your mind"

"You.." he frowned. "And YOU GO AND DO THAT"

"YES because MAYBE, MAYBE HE would actually LIKE me!"

He seemed to be taken aback. And I was properly crying. And I felt the cold wind against my face and hands. It was too bad we're ruining the effect of the beautiful cherry blossoms.

"Stupid.. STUPID STUPID STUPID", he was now pulling his hair in anger.

"Bakugo, stop! What are you doing!" I rushed out and grabbed him by his shoulders forcing him to look at me. And I felt guilty and sad to see him this angry but this had to mean something.

He looked away, avoiding my gaze at all costs.

"I should be asking you why are you being like this now..", I said softly. "It.. hurts to think about this, but did it feel like you were losing towards Kirishima?"

No answer.

"I'm sorry anyways, I am too tired to argue anymore and I'm sorry I kissed him. I.. didn't think it'd make you angry"

"Tsk, what are you apologizing for, loser.."

Bakugo's voice was soft and quiet..!

"I should be the one saying sorry. I FAILED don't you understand? I didn't make my feelings clear to you"

What?

"All this time, I've been failing to this, I don't no a thing about romance"

What?

"And you never even said anything, either! You just went along when I first kissed you!"

I had nothing to say. Suddenly, everything seemed so meaningless, because he was opening up to me.

"Bakugo.."

"No, shut up, you listen to me now. It drives me crazy cause I can't concentrate and think about you all the time! I LIKE YOUR STUPID ASS"

This can't be for real. I've always wanted him to open up but I never..

"SAY SOMETHING"

"Can you.. say that again?", I was too startled.

"Weren't you listening?!"

"No, I was, it's just that I liked hearing you say that.."

I'd forgotten I'd been holding him weirdly and suddenly felt conscious about being so close to him, when I've been closer to him so many times before, but not like this.

"Tsk, I like you stupid ass, stupid", he frowned jokingly and it was his turn to wrap his arms around me. "I like your stupid stupid ass."

My cheeks have probably never flushed as this much before.

"I like you"

He kept repeating and I felt like I could faint.

"And I promise, I won't ignore my feelings anymore and I won't be USELESS!"

I backed away to look at him.

"Bakugo,.. does this mean, we're really together?"

And Bakugo blushed!

"Yeh" he simply said.

I couldn't help but smile and the cherry blossoms were beautiful around us.

Then, Bakugo tightened his grip on my waist and brought me closer. He kissed my cheek and looked at me again. And I couldn't decide over staring at his eyes or kissing him that moment.

But I couldn't bring myself to stop, I leaned forwards and felt his soft pouty lips against mine, his warmth transmitting to my skin. And we didn't pull back for a few moments.

"Do you want to stay over, Bakugo?"

And he nodded excitedly as we walked home together.

꒱࿐♡ ˚.*ೃ

[alyssadeliv]

The Forgotten One

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Chapter 1

Upon becoming pregnant Talia was immediately removed from missions and training, for the next 9 months, her main responsibility was solely making sure the heir of the League was strong and healthy. Her pregnancy was hard and uncomfortable, but mostly made her muse about why women would endure this type of discomfort multiple times in their life. The sensation of feeling her child move and grow inside her womb was something extremely strange, and she couldn’t say she enjoyed the experience.

It was a blessing when the time came and she welcomed her firstborn into the world, putting an end to her discomfort. Said blessing was short-lived because the moment the nurse assisting her declared the sex of her child she felt shivers down her spine. She knew that her father had no use for another girl, he needed an heir, and he would be very displeased with the outcome of this unsuccessful birth. Her maternal heart ached for what was to come. 

She might not have savored being pregnant, but she couldn’t even fathom having her baby removed from her. As she laid there in the bed in her chambers, with her child in her arms, she admired the beauty of what she had created. Her hair was dark as night and a pale complexion that could have only been inherited from her father. 

“A girl, what a failure” Upon entering the room, Ra’s was told about the child. And to think of all the great things he had planned if the heir was finally born. Just seeing his daughter with the newborn in her arms he knew what he had to do. He couldn’t allow this unfortunate event to distract her from her duties. The child must be sent away. “Give it to me.”

“No, please!” Talia was tired, after hours of pushing, her body was exhausted, but she needed to hold her baby for as long as she was allowed. She felt at peace with her in her arms as if a warm blanket was placed upon her. That feeling kept her grounded. But she could see her father was having none of it. He seemed apologetic but didn’t seem to change his mind. He sat at her side in the bed and allowed her to have a couple more minutes. Resigning she gave the nameless child a final kiss on the forehead before placing her in his arms. But to their surprise the moment she was in Ra’s arms she opened her eyes. They both froze at the display. Her beautiful eyes were glowing in an intensely blue hue. The Demon Head had only seen one thing with that same strength of color. The Lazarus Pits. After centuries of being submerged in those waters, that shine haunted his dreams. And now, seeing in the eyes of his granddaughter, he knew what it meant.

“She’s been Chosen” 

Later on, he would explain the story behind the Lazarus Pits. How they were created by the divinity of chaos in an attempt to bring back from death one of his Chosen Ones. The God Plagg of Destruction was worshiped by an ancient order, the Order of the Guardians, one of the many enemies the League had acquired over the years. But having a member of the League that not only was blessed by one of these Gods but blessed since birth, that for sure would make the alliance he has been desiring for so long. 

That day Ra’s Al Ghul didn’t get the heir he so desired, but the granddaughter that he was bestowed with, not even a day old and granting the League an alliance he had been trying to create for more than 100 years. She was going to be trained and educated. The things he had in plan for her were of great importance. But for now, he let her sleep, still oblivious to the horrors of the life she was condemned to.

As Talia laid there in bed, with her newborn in her arms, she knew that even that she wasn’t able to produce an heir, she still brought pride to her league. And as she watched her, with those intense glowing blue eyes, she knew the name she wanted to give her.

Marianne Al Ghul was born out of duty.

But she ended up being so much more.

Next

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[cozzzynook]

Cw // love child au, halloween

Okay, to be fair, Touya thought taking the kids trick or treating would suck. His youngest twin Hinata-kun was such a sweet heart an exact replica of his dad in looks completely. Minus the pale skin, that was all Touya.

His oldest twin Asahi-kun, was also an exact replica of his dad, including the tan.

Its just, well.

His son Hinata-kun got into things… exactly like Touya.

If it was something he wanted?

He plotted and planned how to get it and more or less, got it.

He just gave his papa and mama a minor heart attack each time. He wants food? Deal. He’s going to use those wings and get it himself. He wants a toy on a high shelf and his wings are tired? Poof. Done. His older brother is on the job, looking out for him and Keigo.

Now Asahi-kun wasn’t bad. He was just being a good big brother. He was like Keigo, a natural born hero. And like Keigo and any natural born hero, he wanted to look out for others and help and protect where he could.

Which is why Touya was dreading going trick or treating. He didn’t want to have to chase the twins because Hinata-kun ran off into trouble and Asahi-kun followed to keep an eye on him.

He hasn’t been feeling that great lately and he really just wanted to stay home in bed and watch halloween movies with his family.

But then those adorable wings and chubby baby faces with the little fangs beginning to peak through looked at him with shinning gold eyes and he just couldn’t say no. Those adorable nubby little talons are what really won him over. Poking the skin on his neck from hugging him, bright smiles making their cheeks flush. Little wings fluffing in happiness. They had so much fun putting on their little costumes. Courtesy of his sister and her girlfriend Rumi going to get them for him.

Asahi-Kun dressed up as a bumblebee and little Hinata-kun dressed as Winnie the Pooh. They looked so adorable. His heart melted at the sight of them. Hawks had elbowed him and winked joking they should have another to dress up in a pot of honey.

He got a shoe to the face at that remark.

Touya still has the stretch marks from their set of twins. No way is he getting more any time soon.

Halloween night came and the four of them set out on their path. Walking from house to house in Fukuoka. Hawks dressed as a pirate and Touya a ghoul.

He saw the anime Tokyo Ghoul recently and he fell in love with Uta. He just couldn’t resist dressing up as him. His heart set on it. Hawks had no complaints at his choice in attire. The coughing blush and shifting of his pants said it all.

‘Stupid horny bird.’

The first hour was perfect. The twins were behaving, he didn’t feel too tired, Keigo was keeping his hands to himself mostly.

It was a good start.

Then he realized he spoke too soon. He must have jinxed himself really.

He and Keigo turned their heads for one second. One second! And the twins were gone.

Panicking but trying to remain calm, using their hero training. They searched for them. Keigo taking the skies calling to them with chirps and trills. Touya running around and calling their nicknames and actual names. Begging for them to say something, anything. Only to be met with nothing.

Until he saw them.

Hinata-kun climbing into a large bowl of candy bigger than his body to get to a large snickers bar while Asahi-kun had his feather’s sharpened. Watching his brother back.

Honestly if they hadn’t caused them so much panic he and Keigo would be so proud. But now is not the time for pride. Its the time for a mental breakdown cry of relief and reprimanding.

“HAWKS!”

Looking down Keigo dived behind Touya running with him to the twins. Touya grabbed Hinata-kun by the waist pulling him out of the bowl and into his arms in an inescapable hug. Keigo doing the same to Asahi-kun.

“Are you two okay?”

The two nod. Hinata-kun smiling innocently as he holds up two large snickers bars. One for him and one for Asahi-kun.

“Good,” sighing in relief. Touya frowns.

“What were you two thinking?!” “Don’t just leave like that. Something could have happened to you. A bad man or woman could have grabbed you or your brother. We don’t want either of you to get hurt. We want you safe. Thats why we told you to stay close to us. We would be very very sad if anything happened to you.” “Do you understand where we are coming from?”

The twins nod, lips wobbling.

Keigo and Touya look at each other then sigh. The twins have had enough scolding. They know what they did was bad.

“We’re sorry.” They say together. Expressions almost the same.

Asahi-kun is so much like Keigo its scary. His eyes say they’re sorry but his face is blank. Hinata-kun is so much like Keigo but also like Touya. His face and eyes say they’re sorry, little tears peaking at the corners, trying not to fall.

A kiss is pressed on both the twins heads and Keigo calls it a night. They go home, bags half full of candy, something he and Keigo are grateful for. Nothing like a toddle hopped up on candy. Suppressing a shiver they head home. Giving the twins a bath and taking one themselves as the twins watch a halloween cartoon marathon.

“When can we get our candy?!”

“Tomorrow little bird, after me and mama check it.” Smiling down at his youngest Keigo picks him up playing airplane with him as Asahi climbs into his mothers lap. Smiling and giggling bouncing up and down. Touya with his hands on his little.l birdies sides bouncing a little with him.

The four of them eventually sit together in front of the tv. An old halloween kids movie on. Blanket wrapped around the four as the kids begin to doze off. Touya following suit with Keigo using a feather to grab his phone and record the sweet family moment. Picture taken as well.

Smiling he places a kiss on his husbands head. Large red wings cocooning them. Thumb rubbing the soft chubby cheeks of his two children as he turns the volume down with a feather. Closing his eyes, resting his head on his mate and husbands shoulder before falling asleep.

[plaidbooks]

Proposing to rafael as you over hear him talk about how he is to scared to ask you as he will jinx what you have with liv and his mami?

Rafael didn't know that you had heard him

In fact, you hadn't meant to eavesdrop

But when you had heard voices outside his office

You waited, thinking he was in a meeting

You had recognized Liv's voice, and then Lucia when she talked

Mostly, though, you had heard the fear in Rafael's voice when he said he couldn't propose to you

"What if everything falls apart? What if...what if I lose her? I love her so much, Mami--I can't lose her over a commitment I'm not sure I'm ready for"

"Have you not talked about marriage?" Liv asked

"We have but...it was always "later" or "down the line". Don't blame her, Mami--I see the look on your face--it's my fault. I don't know if I'm ready"

It was Lucia who said, "How long are you going to date her if you're not going to marry her?"

Rafael was apprehensive and defeated when he answered

"...I just don't want to jinx it"

***

That was days ago, but Rafael's words were still swirling around in your head

You wanted to marry him, were ready to marry him

Or at least be engaged

But you didn't want to bring it up, let him know you were eavesdropping

An idea came to you while you were at work

And you stopped by a jewelry store on your lunch

You dragged Sonny with you (once you told him why, he was elated)

And you felt silly holding Sonny's hand, trying to gauge what size ring Rafael would have

His middle finger was about the same thickness as Rafael's ring finger was

"You can always get it resized, too, doll"

"True...ugh, thank you for this, Sonny. You're such a good friend"

"I'm happy to help; let me know how it goes"

You found the most perfect ring; even Sonny agreed it would suit Rafael

And you tucked the box into a pocket, planning on asking him that night

Waiting would only prolong your nerves

That night, when Rafael got home, he quirked an eyebrow, finding you in an elegant dress

"We're going out to dinner"

"We are?"

You smiled, "yes, we are. Anywhere you want, babe"

"Ugh, don't make me think right now"

You helped pull his jacket back on and snatched the keys

"I know the perfect place"

You took Rafael to his favorite Cuban restaurant, and you told him you were paying tonight

To your surprise, he didn't fight you; he must really be tired

Maybe tonight wasn't the best night to--

No, you couldn't chicken out now

No excuses, you were asking him to marry you tonight

Dinner was amazing, and as the night wore on, Rafael was in a better and better mood

Soon enough, his hand was on yours, and he'd steal kisses against your knuckles

"Rafael, my love, I have to ask you something. Before I do, I want you to know that you're allowed to say no, you're allowed to--"

"What is it, amor? Should I be worried?"

You took a breath, "no, sorry, I guess I'm just nervous, giving you an out"

Turning, you reached into your purse

As one hand curled around the ring box, your other hand gripped his

"Rafael Barba, I love you so much. I want to grow old with you, be by your side as you accomplish all your dreams--"

"What's happening? A--are you...proposing to me?"

He had a look of disbelief on his face, a small smirk curling his lip upwards

You looked into those green eyes, getting lost in them

"Yes, I am," you breathed

Slowly, you took the ring box out of your purse, opening it for him to see

His eyes sparkled as he looked at the ring, before he switched back to look at you

"Are you sure?" he asked softly, voice barely a whisper

"I've never been more sure of anything"

He nodded, a small smile quickly turning into a wide grin

"If you think you can put up with me for the rest of our lives, then I'd be honored to marry you," he said

Now you were grinning, and you slipped the ring onto his finger, which fit perfectly

Then you were pulling him to you in a kiss

"I can't want to call you my husband," you muttered against his lips

"Mmm my wife"

The words gave you a shiver down your spine, and you kissed him again

[authorgeek]

Ukraine

Let me preface this with a disclaimer: I’m not Ukrainian. I’m coming from an American worldview and American alone. If you’re tired of reading what we have to say, and need to scroll to take care of your mind right now, scroll. Ignore this. This is mostly for me anyway, and I care much more about your health and lives than my notes or views.

I really don’t think Russia was prepared for this. Is it awful? Absolutely. But we’ve seen the Ukrainian citizens rise so incredibly, beautifully, tragically, and admirably to the occasion, as well as global allies come to their aid. These are just a few examples of the things I’ve read amidst the chaos:

They have assistance from France, who is seizing Russian assets.

American Liquor stores aren’t importing Russia made Vodka (a bigger deal than it sounds on paper).

Switzerland has broken a 500yr global neutrality to freeze Russian assets.

Ukrainian citizens tore apart a tank piece by piece while it was halted due to fuel shortages.

A chemistry professor told her Ukrainian students their homework was to make Molotov cocktails.

Able bodied young men are fleeing both countries to avoid being drafted, as they don’t wish to fight.

And this last point has been especially weighing heavily on my heart. No one - on either side - wants this. Russian citizens are ashamed at their government, but of course, can’t express this under risk of treason. The troops have been sent to starve and abandon their convoys on the Ukrainian streets, as Russia’s assets are inaccessible. Ukrainian citizens are facing horrific violence at the hands of men who, I do not believe, ever signed up for this. To that end, shame on the ones who did.

Personally, I really don’t want to hear any Anti-Russian rhetoric that isn’t Putin centered, especially from Americans. I stand with Ukraine, but be aware the family cooking Russian food for their restaurant or painting nesting dolls aren’t hurting anyone, and are likely as horrified as the rest of us. Miss me with the xenophobia, please.

Now, at risk of jinxing it by saying such things aloud, I see the potential of a small blessing in disguise. The silver lining of an ugly, ugly grey cloud.

I sincerely hope in 2024, Trump’s involvement with Putin specifically keeps him from reelection. I hope at election day, America can be protected from like violence, and senselessness. I hope we make the connection that having Trump back in office when he runs again is a terrifyingly dangerous possibility. As far as I am concerned this is Putin’s war (again, I have an admittedly narrowed POV here), and I hope he fails miserably. Trump’s proximity to him scares me as much as any of the rest of this. I can only hope when the time comes we put two and two together.

The bottom tagline of my Blog has been “Fight the Power, Sunflower.” Since I built this site. Now, more than ever, it seems applicable to what I wish to communicate here.