#My sister said she remembered him to be this fruity

[kunikidas-lost-glasses]

I don't remember him to look THAT fruity

Also shout out to this screenshot I found. Nothing straight about this man:

[sidekick-hero]

Here it is, the next chapter of my entry for the @steddiesummerexchange. This is a gift for my dear friend @starryeyedjanai 💜💜💜 Her prompt was 'Steve can't get his inheritance until he marries someone'. Shout out to @acasualcrossfade for being the best beta reader there is!

Pairings: Steve/Eddie, Robin/Chrissy Characters: Steve, Eddie, Robin, Chrissy, Max, Dustin, Wayne Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fake Marriage, Platonic Stobin, Platonic Hellcheer, idiot4idiot, Friends to Husbands to Lovers, Humor and Fluff and a smudge Angst

Summary:

When Steve's grandmother dies, he finds out that he can only get his inheritance - half a million dollars - if he marries someone. It's her way of forcing Steve to live a heterosexual life. Sucks for her that gay marriage has been legalized since she wrote her will. Sucks for Steve that he doesn't have a man or woman in his life to marry. Cue Eddie Munson, roommate and best friend of Robin's girlfriend Chrissy and the guy Steve has had a crush on for years. What could possibly go wrong?

Read on AO3 - the fic is finished and has 4 chapters, the last one will drop June 24

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Chapter 2 (4.5k) under the cut

They all went out for dinner and drinks afterwards, and it turned out to be a great night. Robin and Chrissy both went into full planning mode, while Steve and Eddie decided to let them have their fun. Steve figured that if anyone besides himself knew what he wanted for his own wedding, it was Robin, and Eddie seemed to feel the same way about Chrissy.

It’s only after they'd all said their goodbyes that Steve takes a moment to let it all sink in.

As he lies in bed, the pleasant buzz of the fruity drinks he's had to celebrate slowly fading, he begins to realize what it will mean to marry Eddie. To have a real wedding.

Because a wedding ceremony means he has to tell people. It will be official. And while he's not exactly hiding that he's bi, he's not exactly out at work either. It just never really mattered, because in the two years he's been working at the station, he hasn't seen anyone outside of hookups and a few failed dates. Most of those were with women anyway. So he hasn't exactly lied, just not told the whole truth.

That would have to change now, he guessed. Because even if he didn't invite his team to the wedding - which he will, because they're his family, too - Captain Hopper would know because of the paperwork. Steve knows that if he asked Jim, he wouldn't tell the others. But he would also look at Steve with disappointment and hurt because he would feel that Steve doesn't trust them, and the thought of letting down the man who has become the closest thing to a father figure he has in his life aside from Robin's dad is unfathomable to him.

Which means he's going to have to tell his team, and sooner rather than later.

Just as he somehow accepts this and decides to go talk to Jim before his next shift, another thought hits him.

Max.

He's going to have to tell his little sister. Worst of all, he doesn't even know what to tell her, because either he'd make her an accomplice to his scam, or he'd lie to her and pretend that he and Eddie had been together for a while. Which would make her think that he has been lying to her for months and hiding his relationship from her.

Then he remembers that the same goes for Dustin, the kid he used to babysit and who has become as much his little brother as Max is his little sister. The family he chose. He's either going to have to lie to him, too, or drag him into this whole mess.

Fuck.

After tossing and turning for what feels like hours, his mind racing, Steve finally gives up trying to fall asleep and rolls out of bed again. Wrapping his blanket around his shoulders, he shuffles over to Robin's room. Selfishly, he's glad that Chrissy went home with Eddie tonight, so he can just walk into Robin's room and crawl into bed with her.

"Dingus?" her sleepy voice greets him, already scooting over to make room for him.

"Yeah, it's me. Couldn't sleep."

She turns on her side and forces her eyes open with what looks like great effort. "Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really," he answers, only it sounds more like a question. The truth is, he doesn't know what to say.

Robin just hums, and after a long moment of silence, he speaks again.

"It's just. Chrissy said nothing has to change, but that's not true. Things will change. I have to tell Hop and the others at the station. They don't even know I'm bi, it's like high school all over again."

Robin makes a sound in the back of her throat and takes his hand in hers. "No, it's not. You were outed against your will in high school. What that asshole Hagan did was a complete dick move. These people are your friends, your family. Even if you tell them that about yourself, I'm sure they won't feel any different about you, Steve."

Deep down he thinks he knows that. Or at least he hopes it's true. But it's still nice to hear Robin say it.

"Maybe. But they're going to hate that I lied. They'll probably think I don't trust them."

"Well," Robin begins, choosing her words carefully, "can you blame them? There must be a reason why you haven't told them yet."

"It just never came up," he justifies.

"Steve," she says, her tone clearly saying 'come on now'. "I've been to the last two Christmas parties at the station, and I met your team at your birthday. You talk about your dating lives and your hookups and even your childhoods. They know about Max and your bad relationship with your parents. Don't you think you could have said, 'Yeah, I don't talk to my parents because they're total scumbags who kicked me out the minute they found out I liked men too'?".

He sighs deeply, defeated.

"You're right. I was afraid they would look at me differently. That they'd think less of me, like -"

"Like your parents did. I know. But Steve, not everybody is like your parents. They don't know what an amazing person you are. A wonderful and loyal friend, a selfless and brave man who risks his own life every day to save others, and a loving and caring older brother who is more of a role model than they've ever been."

Steve feels his eyes burning and his throat tightening with emotion.

"And yet you wouldn't marry me," he deflects, and Robin punches him in the shoulder.

"Way to ruin the moment, Dingus."

"What can I say, it's a talent," he says with a wink before sobering up. "But seriously, thanks, Robs. You're the best friend I could ever ask for. I would totally crash and burn without you."

"I know. For the record, you're not so bad yourself. And as for things changing. You know change doesn't have to be a bad thing, right?"

They've talked a few times about his aversion to change. It scares him because he's always afraid it means he's going to lose something. Or someone. He's working on it.

"Yeah. I know." Theoretically, he adds quietly in his head.

"And you know you won't lose me or Max or Dustin just because things change, right?"

“I-” he starts, almost hating the way Robin knows him so well. “I guess?”

"But I might have to lie to them, Robs. I can’t drag them into this mess. What if they end up hating me when they find out I faked a marriage and lied about it? Or what if they’re mad because I never even mentioned this ‘relationship’ with Eddie before?”

"They won't hate you, Steve. They might be angry or hurt at first, but they would get over it. They love you, okay? Just like I do. No matter what happens. Even when we’re not living together anymore, it doesn’t mean we won’t see each other all the time or that we won’t be as close. You’re my best friend, my platonic soulmate. Nothing’s going to change that.”

Her words soothe something deep inside him, where his heart has never quite stopped aching since the day his mother silently closed the front door in his face, leaving him standing there with his hastily packed bag after they told him to leave and never come back. As all of her words fully register, he involuntarily squeezes her hand.

"What do you mean, 'when' we're not living together anymore?"

The longer it takes for Robin to answer, the faster his heart starts beating, until he thinks he might have a heart attack.

Just as he's about to ask again, Robin answers. "I mean, now that you and Eddie are getting married, Chrissy and I thought that, well, Eddie would probably move in with you, and that I, um..."

"That you'd move in with Chrissy," he says flatly. It's not a question.

"Yes," she whispers, as if afraid he'll break if she speaks too loudly. He very well might.

They lie quietly in Robin's bed, the darkness around them like a living, breathing thing.

He has never felt so lost. It's not that he doesn't get it—he does. Robin and Chrissy have been together for four years now, and having separate apartments has worked for them so far. But Steve understands that they'd want to share a life and an apartment at some point. He just didn't think that time would be now. But it makes sense, because he and Eddie are supposed to move in together when they get married.

It's just that, in his mind, that didn't equate to Robin moving out.

"Steve," Robin tries again, clearly worried but determined to fix this. "I don't have to move out right away. It was just an idea. It doesn't mean it has to happen right away."

"No. No, you're right. It makes sense. It's just," he hesitates before pressing on, "whenever I thought about one of us getting married, or at least moving in with a partner, I still thought we'd be living together. It's silly, I know," he adds hastily, because he does know that, "and way too co-dependent."

"It's not silly, Dingus. I won't deny that it sounds pretty co-dependent, but it's not like that's, I don't know, new for us?"

That makes him laugh, if only half-heartedly.

"And who says we won't? Maybe we can, y'know, try the whole living apart thing, and if we don't like it, we'll work something out. It's not like there aren't options. We could get a house for the four of us. It doesn't have to be all or nothing."

Drawing Robin into his arms, Steve makes a thoughtful sound. "I'm pretty sure you're right, because you usually are. Just give me a little time to get used to the idea, will you?"

It's a testament to how well she knows him that Robin—guessing he's feeling raw right now and needs the physical reassurance—settles into his embrace without a fuss.

"Of course. It'll be fine. With your team and Max and Dustin. And with us, too. I hate that your parents made it so hard for you to trust people's love for you, you know?"

He kisses her forehead gently, putting all the love and gratitude he feels into the gesture, and murmurs into her hair, "Me too."

The next day, after a hearty hangover breakfast, Steve decides to bite the bullet and face his little sister's wrath. After his talk with Robin, he came to the conclusion that he’d rather risk Max and Dustin being angry at him for seemingly lying to them about his love life than involve them in his own mess and make them accomplices to his wedding scam to get his inheritance.

Even though part of him would prefer to do this over the phone and not look Max in the eye when he tells her, a larger part of him knows that this is something that needs to be done in person. So he makes the trip to her campus and finds her in her room, nose deep in her studies, when her roommate opens the door for him.

It's not often that he comes to visit. Not because he doesn't want to, but because she insists that she doesn't want her older brother hanging around and embarrassing her in front of her friends. He would be more offended were it not for the fact that Max regularly comes to their place for game nights like the secret dork that she is. Besides, he's pretty sure that Max just wants more of a reason to hang out with Robin, not just him. She never had many girl friends, just Jane, her best friend, and Steve thinks that Max looks up to Robin. Which is cool, because in Steve's eyes, Robin’s the best person ever and Max could have much worse role models.

Things were a little tense when Robin first started dating Chrissy, probably because Max felt threatened by the new woman in Robin's life. But she got over it surprisingly quickly, and now Chrissy joins their game nights more often than not. That's how Max knows Eddie in the first place, because he makes a habit of showing up mid-game to join them, claiming he was bored all alone at home, abandoned like a badly behaved dog. Steve doesn’t really believe him, because he knows well enough that Eddie has friends and gets out quite a bit, but it's not like he minds Eddie hanging around. He just wonders sometimes why he would lie about it.

"Hey, little sis! Studying on a Saturday morning? Sure we're related?”

Max looks up from her textbooks, a mixture of surprise and suspicion flickering across her face at the sight of her older brother dropping by unannounced. "Hey, Steve. What's up?"

On the way here, Steve had thought about how to open the conversation, but hadn't been able to make up his mind before entering the dorm. Should he just say it, get it over with, or should he ease her in? Start with some small talk? Max isn't really the small talk type, but it feels wrong to just say, 'Good to see you. Guess what, I'm marrying Eddie, the guy who hangs around the apartment sometimes and you had no idea I was even dating. Surprise, I guess.'

Yeah, no. Small talk it is.

"Can't I just go visit my little sister and see what she's up to?" Steve deflects, flinching at Max's raised eyebrow.

She looks thoroughly unimpressed as she replies, "Steve, we saw each other three days ago. It may come as a shock to you, but college isn't exactly like those stupid movies. So, spill it. What's so important that you had to drop by unannounced?"

Well, he should have known this wasn't going to work on Max. She's always been way too smart for her own good, and her bullshit detector is unparalleled.

Steve takes a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the bombshell he's about to drop. "So, remember Eddie? The guy who's been crashing our game nights with Robin and Chrissy for the past four years? The guy who eats all of the good snacks and leaves the rest of us with the salty popcorn?”

Max nods slowly, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Yeah, what about him?"

"Well, funny story... He and I, uh, we're getting married."

Max's jaw drops and she almost chokes on the coffee she just took a sip of. "Wait, what? You’re getting married? To Eddie?"

Steve winces, realizing he might have botched the delivery. In his defense, he’s not sure there is a better way to deliver this kind of news. "Yeah, I know it's a bit out of left field. But hear me out..."

He starts explaining his thing with Eddie, weaving in a story that's only partly made-up. Steve talks about how he's kinda had a crush on Eddie for a while but never really thought Eddie felt the same. Max doesn’t look surprised at that part, just nods like she’s saying “Duh,” and Steve wonders how transparent his feelings for Eddie really had been.

Before he can get lost worrying about that, he goes on, making up some romantic-sounding story about how one night, they were just watching a movie, and boom! Next thing he knows, their hands are both going for the chips, and suddenly their fingers are all tangled up, swiftly followed by their lips. Max rolls her eyes so hard that Steve’s afraid she’s hurting something, but he also sees the corner of her mouth ticking upward. Robin once told him that she and Max had watched a few rom-coms together when he wasn’t home, so he thinks she secretly likes these kinds of stories almost as much as he does.

He finishes his story by shrugging his shoulders and admitting that he’d been the one to ask Eddie to put a ring on it, eager to lock down the guy he's been into for ages. It’s exactly the kind of self-deprecating joke he needs to lighten the mood, unable to endure the building tension in the room.

"And I know what you're thinking. 'Steve, you never even mentioned you were dating!' But trust me, it's not because I didn't want to. I just... didn't know how to break it to you."

Max's eyes narrow, her hurt evident. "So, what, you don’t trust me?"

Steve's heart sinks at the hurt in Max's voice. God, he never wanted to hear her sound like that again. It dredges up memories of all they've been through with their family, the wounds still raw. “No, Max, that's not... Damn it!” Steve curses, frustration and guilt knotting in his stomach. “I'm screwing this up. That's why I didn't tell you in the first place. I just... I didn't know when to tell you. You've always been there for me, especially after Mom and Dad...” His voice trails off, heavy with the weight of it all. “It's my fault you lost them. I didn't want you to lose anyone else because of me, so it felt like a big risk to bring someone new into our lives.”

Max's expression softens, understanding dawning in her eyes. "Oh, Steve. You’re an idiot." She sighs, rolling her eyes for effect. "It’s not your fault I stopped talking to them. I chose you over them because you're my brother, and they are bigoted assholes who hurt you."

Max's words feel like balm on his frayed nerves, but at the same time he is consumed with guilt for using their shared history and pain to make her believe his lie. He knows why he's doing it, but suddenly the phrase "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" makes a lot more sense to him.

It seems that some of this has registered with his sister as well, because Max isn't finished yet.

"But I also call bull. This isn't about me. You're scared. Scared of getting hurt again, of letting someone in and having them leave. You didn't tell anyone before because that would have made it real."

Steve swallows hard, the weight of Max's words hitting him like a ton of bricks. His relationship with Eddie isn't even real, but her words still hit him. They've been through too much together for him to deny that she's right. He owes her that if he can't tell her the whole truth.

"Yeah, you’re right. It’s just that… I’m scared of messing things up, I guess. With you, or with Robin..."

"Or with Eddie?" Max adds, a sad smile on her face.

"Or with Eddie," Steve agrees, realizing it's true. He doesn't want to screw this up, even if it's just a scam. Eddie is still important to him, and he doesn't want to lose him because of some scheme to get his inheritance.

Max reaches across the table to grasp Steve's hand, her touch as comforting as when she first stood in his door, declaring she told their parents to screw themselves before hugging him, clinging to him for dear life. "You won't lose me, Steve. I'm here for you, no matter what. And Eddie seems like a good guy. He would be even dumber than I thought he is if he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life with you. So, if he makes you happy, then I'm happy for you. And if you tell anyone I said that, I'll shave your head in your sleep."

Even as he laughs at Max’s threat, Steve's eyes mist over with tears, overwhelmed by Max's unwavering support. "Thanks, Max. You have no idea how much that means to me. Threats and all."

Max squeezes his hand gently, a small smile playing on her lips. "Anytime, big brother. Just promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"Please don't let this turn into one of those rom-com clichés where everything goes horribly wrong because no one just talked to each other."

Steve chuckles through his tears, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "I'll do my best, Max. I promise."

As much as he’d dreaded this talk, he’s glad he came over to tell Max. He feels lighter now.

Some days, he hates how often Robin is right about the important things in life, considering that she also believes that Bigfoot is real.

He's already out the door a few minutes later, after Max basically kicked him out so she could learn, when she gets up and walks over to him. “Oh, one more thing. I’ll be bringing someone to your wedding and I want you to remember that you owe me and not ask a single question. I’ll tell you when I tell you, just like you.”

“What? Who're you -” Steve starts, totally flabbergasted.

“Not a single question, Steve. See you soon, take care, say hi to Robin, and tell Eddie that I’ll break his hand if he breaks your heart.” With that, she closes the door in his face.

He probably deserved that.

Talking to Dustin the next day goes something similar.

Steve can't visit him on campus because the little genius just started his master's degree in bioengineering at MIT, a year ahead of his peers, because of course he is. So he has to resort to a phone call.

He skips any attempt at small talk, though, mostly because Dustin is doing the talking for both of them, telling him all about something that is way over his head, but makes him smile for all the passion he hears in Dustin's voice.

"That sounds... very cool, man. I have no idea what it all means, but I'm pretty sure you're going to be cooler than Batman pretty soon." Before Dustin can interrupt him to explain whatever he just said about DNA replication, Steve continues, "I also have something to tell you.”

That, at least, piques Dustin's interest.

Steve tells him the same version of his and Eddie's origin story that he told Max, and just like Max, Dustin doesn't seem to find it particularly hard to believe that Steve had a big ol' crush on Eddie and proposed to him over it. What he finds much harder to believe is that neither Steve nor Eddie told him about it.

"I can't believe Eddie didn't tell me either; we tell each other everything!"

Steve seriously doubts that, even though he knows that Dustin and Eddie have become quite close over the last four years. They hit it off right away, bonding over their weird little fantasy game that Dustin's been playing with his friends for as long as Steve's known him. Eddie apparently ran a club for the same game in high school, and before Steve knew it, Dustin and Eddie had become best buds. Dustin's passionate stories about how great Eddie was should have made Steve jealous, and they did, a little. But they also fueled his crush on the other man, because nothing in his life could ever be simple.

That's probably why Steve finds himself defending Eddie by throwing himself under the bus.

"I asked him not to tell you guys. I'm sorry, man. It's just..."

Dustin's silence on the other end is unnerving. Steve can almost hear the gears turning in his brain. He can picture Dustin sitting in his cluttered dorm room, probably surrounded by textbooks and lab equipment, frowning in concentration.

"It's just what, Steve?" Dustin finally asks, his voice a mixture of confusion and hurt.

"It's just that I was scared," Steve admits, the words coming out in a rush. "Scared of messing things up. I mean, this thing with Eddie... it feels huge. I never felt that way about anyone before. And I know it sounds stupid, but... it scares the shit outta me, man. And I know how much you like Eddie, too, so, yeah. I didn't want to risk putting you in a position where you felt like you had to choose sides or something if it didn't work out, I guess?”

The line goes quiet for a moment, and Steve wonders if he's said too much. Especially because he has no idea where this is all coming from. He also finds it harder and harder to remind himself that it’s just a story and that he and Eddie aren’t really together. But then Dustin sighs, and it sounds like the weight of the world is in that sigh. "Steve, you idiot. You know I love you, right? You and Eddie both. I’d never take sides, I’m way too mature for that. You should have trusted me."

"I know, I know," Steve says, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I just... didn’t think this through, I guess."

"Yeah, well, that’s why you have me. You don't have to handle it on your own," Dustin says firmly. "We're a team, remember? And that means relying on each other and not keeping secrets."

“You’re right, okay? I’m sorry, Dustin.”

Apparently, that’s exactly what Dustin wanted to hear, because Steve can hear the smug grin in his voice. “I know. And it’s okay. I forgive you.”

Steve feels too much relief to be annoyed at Dustin’s ego. To know that he has Dustin's loyalty and support like that mean the world to him. It’s like balm to the wounds his parents and grandma left on him, to learn that not everybody leaves just because he hasn’t been perfect. "Thanks, Dusty. I don't deserve you."

"You're right, you don't," Dustin retorts, but Steve can hear the smile in his voice. "But you're stuck with me anyway. So, when's the wedding? And don't even think about getting married without me there."

Steve laughs, the tension finally easing. "Don't worry, you'll be there. I wouldn't dream of having it without my groomsman."

"Groomsman, huh? Damn right I am," Dustin says, and Steve can practically see his chest puffing out with pride. "But wait, who's the best man? If you say it's Eddie's old dungeon master, I'm gonna lose it."

"Robin," Steve clarifies, chuckling. "She’s my best man, or best woman, whatever you call it. And before you ask, I’m pretty sure Eddie’s best man is Chrissy."

"Ah, makes sense," Dustin says with a satisfied nod in his voice. "I can accept that, I guess. But you better tell Eddie that if he hurts you, I'll kick his ass. And you tell him I mean it, too."

"I will," Steve promises, a smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks, Dustin. Really."

"Anytime, Steve. Now go tell Eddie that I’m still angry at him for not telling me and he better make it up during our next campaign."

Steve hangs up the phone feeling lighter than he has in days. At least until he remembers that he just told Max and Dustin a story about him and Eddie getting together that he hasn’t discussed with Eddie yet. So what if Eddie also told people but used a totally different story?

Well, fuck.

Grabbing his keys from the side table by the door and putting on his shoes, he texts Eddie that they need to talk and that he’ll be over in twenty minutes.

[zoradementio]

Block Tales Predictions & Headcanons Because This is my New Hyperfixation

Predictions

So the next sword is 100% the Firebrand. And what better fire level is there than an active volcano? I believe the next demo will open up the docks & we're gonna be sailing to a tropical, volcanic island for the Firebrand.

Added with that, I believe we'll meet the ship captain mentioned by Mayor Monty (can't for the life of me remember the name rn), as he'll be the one to sail us across.

I also believe that this Chapter or maybe the Windforce one will be weilded by Kyoko's sister, since Kyoko's dialogue in Chapter 3 hints that at the very least something is going wrong with her.

On the UnkownSpaceGuy Youtube channel - the channel that uploads both demo trailers & the OST - there's a track listed called Space Battle. While some might think the background & track are misdirects, considering the Weird Battle OST teased enemies from Chapter 3 well before it was implemented, I think it's possible this could also be hinting at future content. Specifically, I believe the Chapter taking place on the moon will either be the Darkheart or Illumina one.

Once the game is finished, there'll be a New Game+ mode where you can actually have the chance to beat Terry at the beginning of the game.

Headcanons

~Cruel King~

Dude needs a different moniker than "Cruel King" because that is a misnomer and a half. So, unless he's given an official name, his given name will be Rex to me.

His favorite foods include warm drinks like hot chocolate & coffee and frozen desserts, especially ice cream.

His favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.

He likes Mexican cuisine but it also destroys him.

Had a German Shepherd when he was growing up.

~Griefer~

While Mayor Thaniyel is mostly right about Brad not being 100% like that before the influence of the sword, he still was a bit of a little shit. It's just that Thaniyel didn't see most of it and it was mostly relegated to online games/forums.

Despite what his soda addiction may lead you to believe, he really likes fresh fruits, apples being a particular favorite.

Likes sherbet & sorbet more than ice cream.

Really likes spicy food. Man would fuck up a bag of Flammin' Hot Cheetos & puts jalapenos on everything he can.

It is often said that the highest honor one can give a fictional character is to headcanon them your personal lived experiences and traumas. Thusly, Griefer has mommy issues. Undecided whether I prefer her being kind of a bad mom or if she simply wasn't around when Brad was growing up.

Big fan of Pokemon. Favorite Gen is 3, both in terms of the Gens in 2010 and all Generations to modern day. Favorite starter is Treeko, though Grooky would be a close second.

~Greed, Solitude, & Fear~

I like to group these three together as The Vices.

Greed is a bit of a fashionista, keeping up to date on the latest trends.

Greed likes carbonated drinks. Particularly, they like champagne.

If Greed were to order a steak, they'd order it Blue.

Solitude gets uncomfortable in large crowds. A large crowd to Solitude is more than 2 people.

It's difficult to tell at any given moment if Solitude is concentrating really hard on something that caught their attention or if they're just disassociating.

A picnic in the park might not fix Fear, but it would do a whole lot to improve their mental state.

Fear's favorite foods include fruity drinks/juices, comfort food, and baked goods.

Fear's favorite colors are dark blue and dark green.

Despite them literally being the embodiment of fear (or perhaps because of that), Fear is fiercely protective over those they care about. Can't have courage without fear after all.

[purple-racoon-80]

My thoughts on Epic: The Musical

okay, @eloquentsisyphianturmoil here you go.

THE TROY SAGA

The Horse And The Infant: 10/10. perfect intro. I loved it.

Just A Man: heartbreaking. delicious.

Full Speed Ahead: yummy voices. the animation was amazing.

Open Arms: guys I love Polites. he will live forever.

Warrior Of The Mind: NAH DONT BE MODEST I KNOW YOURE A GODDESS LETS BE HONEST YOU ARE ATHENAAAA

THE CYCLOPS SAGA

Polyphemus: DUDE I LOVE POLYPHEMUS' VOICE SO MUCH. IT SOUNDS PLEASING SOMEHOW. Also he just wants revenge for his favourite sheep :((

Survive: fucking why. Polites. my love. he's dead. why. Also, POLYPHEMUS' DESIGN IS SO FUCKING COOL. "where's his glasses? he can't see without his glasses!" but it's Ody and Polites.

Remember Them: WHY WHY WHY THE ANGST I LOVE IT SO MUCH THANK YOU MISTER JALAPEÑO BUT WHYYY. also you low-key slaying Ody. SURPRISE GUEST ATHENA???

My Goodbye: awww man they broke up/j. divorced.

THE STORM SAGA

Storm: so awesome man. I love how it sounds. yummy.

Luck Runs Out: who are we going to meet? I'm excited! Fuck yeah! Ody, how much until your luck runs out??

Keep Your Friends Close: OHMYLORD THIS SOUNDED SO GOOD MANNN. KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER. THEY OPENED THE FUCKING BAG.

Ruthlessness: POSEIDON OH MAN. I don't know how to feel about him right now, but POSEIDON. Please don't kill them. NOOO SOME OF THEM DIED.

THE CIRCE SAGA

Puppeteer: CIRCE CIRCE CIRCE. man, she's really pretty. I love her voice.

Wouldn't You Like: AND HERMES MAKES AN APPEARANCE!!! I LOVE HIS LAUGH. he seems kinda fruity not gonna lie. HE KISSED ODY'S CHEEK AT THE END THAT'S GAY.

Done For: this was epic (haha get it???) ngl.

There Are Other Ways. amazing. I loved it. (I had to skip some parts because my little sister was in the room.

I will post the second part (hopefully) tomorrow, my mother has said im not allowed to watch it anymore.

[sourcherryandsprinkles]

Hey. I would like to request a smut one “You’re so beautiful all spread out like this…just for me.’’ For Mindy Meeks-Martin with some overstimulation. Your last Mindy smut was great. I wish more people wrote for her.

Who else watched Jennifer's body when it came out and had heart-eyes looking at her? I didn't understand it, but she was HOT...and I couldn't stop watching it

Warnings: smut, fingering

Request: What if Chad had an eye on you first, but reader is a fruity pillow princess so she picked mindy?

my taglists are here + you can send requests here at any time

—

The funniest thing about your and Mindy’s relationship was that Chad was actually the one who tried to get a date with you. Unfortunately for him, his charming smile, cheesy pick-up lines and big muscles didn’t have any effect on you.

You preferred his film nerd sister who was mocking his flirting.

Three weeks later, you were sitting beside Mindy at a party, your legs pulled over hers with one of her hands resting protectively over your knee. If anyone didn’t already know, you were her girl.

‘’Is this why you didn’t want to tell me your Halloween costume? Because you wanted to surprise me by looking this fucking hot?’’

A light flush tinted your cheeks. ‘’That’s actually not the look I had planned, but I realized her cheerleading uniform was more practical and less messy than the pool scene. I would’ve put fake blood everywhere.’’

‘’I like fake blood. I also like Megan Fox. I remember seeing Transformers in theaters and telling my mom ‘mom, I’m a lesbian’. She choked on her popcorn. It was hilarious.’’ Mindy slid her hand from your knee to your thigh, right where your purple cheerleading skirt stopped. ‘’When I’ll get you to myself I’m gonna eat you up.’’ She gave you a dark look of desire and you clamped your thighs together, feeling your core tighten and your body get hot.

You fought the power she had over you and used your character to respond. ‘’I’m the succubus. I feed on people. Not you.’’

‘’We’ll see about that…’’

Mindy stayed true to her words, getting her hands underneath your small skirt the second her dorm door shut. She pressed you against the door, her mouth hovering over yours. You thought she was going to kiss you, but she didn’t.

She teased her finger over your panties, feeling the wetness seep through them. ‘’Fuck, you’re so fucking wet.’’

You moaned, the desire that was coursing through your body growing hotter.

Mindy pulled your panties to the side and started to stroke the seam of your pussy. She then dipped her fingers in the wetness and moved her finger up to swirl and press against your clit. You choked out a moan as your hips jerked against her hand, getting needy and so fucking horny.

‘’Please, Mindy,’’ you begged, wanting the feeling of your girlfriend’s mouth on you and her fingers deeper inside of you.

‘’I thought you wanted to eat me tonight?’’ Mindy said, continuing to move her fingers over your soaking cunt. ‘’But look at you, you're so needy and pliant on my fingers.’’ Her long fingers separated your folds, taking her time to run up and down your wetness. ‘’Want my fingers inside you, my little demon?’’

You whined, wishing she would stop being so mean and give you what you wanted.

‘’Yes— yes, please.’’

Mindy inserted her pointer and middle finger into you in one swift motion. The feeling of her knuckles now pressing against you caused a sharp moan to leave your lips. You couldn’t mutter anything coherent as her slim fingers relentlessly pushed in and out of you. Only the sound of her name and moans filled the dorm as you fell apart against the door. Her fingers hooked up inside you, a feeling you tried to mimic when you touched yourself on nights she was busy.

While this was fun, the doorknob was digging into your lower back and it was getting very uncomfortable. So Mindy pulled her fingers out, crashing her mouth on yours as you moved to her bed. She lowered you down on the mattress and settled between your legs without disconnecting your lips.

You reached to run a hand through her short hand, careful to not get it stuck in your rings. It happened before and it was a painful mess…and mood breaker.

One of Mindy’s hands reached down your body and underneath your skirt again, but instead of touching you where you wanted her, she grabbed your panties and slid them down to remove them. You helped her kick them off when they got stuck at your feet, laughing through it.

You watched Mindy’s hands traveling up your calves and kissing your knee before pushing your legs apart. A shiver ran through your body, feeling cool air on your pussy.

Mindy’s eyes gravitated to your center with hunger. ‘’You’re so beautiful all spread out like this…just for me.’’

A needy mewl left your lips, finally accepting that you were a pillow princess.  

—

Scream taglist: @misfityanii @beautybyfire @iluvscream191 @mariposa555 @bella7866 @o638 @lulubelle14 @luvvtxinityy @frasersgf  @Eddiefrickenmunson @jasperr-the-friendly-ghost @ghostf4cee @thesebitcheslovesosadotcom @wandaswigglywoos @xjennyx2 @jennasslut @thatonesblog  @mikaelsonsstuff @icarly23 @tcddszn  @bt.oliana  @skyesthebomb @a1mzcruml3y @red1culous @iluurmom @popeheywardssecretgf

All and more taglist: @spiokybirdstarfish @kenqki @liidiaaag @hawkegfs  @gillybear17  @areaderinlove @acornacreacure @black-rose-29 @fudge13 @cece05 @rosie-cameron @Caxddce @laylasbunbunny @gemofthenight @beautyb1ade  @hi-bored-as-fcuk-rn  @lovelyy-moonlight @mellabella101 @vxnity713  @marzipaanz  @bisexualgirlsblog @queenofslytherin889

[angelsanarchy]

Like A Pretty Boy: Gabe x Y/N Midi Series- PRT 3

Tagging: @icarus-star@kappasbbgirl@starry-eyed-wild-child@luzclarita57@bonesgirl11 @444rockstargf blondiezluvbrowniezpretty-girl-bloggfallin444niyaliquidsmoothdomme@rootin-tootin-pootinethical-cain-vinnell3viathan-sin666crowfullofwoe@8klil@spoilingthemilk @romanroyapoligist anakinskywalkerssgfzoloftsh4wtywomenloverlmaoberrymeringuepostselvira-aarseth @agornotsworld

Gabe stares at his sisters name on the phone screen again. She's called four times in the last two days. He really doesn't want to answer but he knows if he puts it off any longer, she might actually try and come to his apartment.

"This is Gabe." He answered with a sigh.

"Oh please don't try to sound so put out by answering a phone call from your sister." Ruth carried a tone as if Gabe thinking his time was important was a joke.

"Well you've called a million times, is something wrong?" Gabe asked not wanting this to be a long conversation.

"I want you to come and talk to Jared. I can't get him to talk to me about what happened in school and I figured maybe he would talk to you. David doesn't handle...those sort of things well." His sister explained.

"What? David doesn't remember being a teenage boy?" Gabe teased.

"No I just don't talk about my feelings like some fruit loop." Gabe heard David's voice over the line.

"You know it's polite to tell someone when they're on speaker phone." Gabe grumbled.

"Oh please don't talk to me about etiquette." Another swipe at him to try and put herself above him in some form or fashion. Ruth always did that. She never used to be like this but ever since Gabe decided to go to a more progressive college, she treated him like he was some sort of pretentious liberal asshole. She thought because she was married, lived on the other side of town and brought a kid into the world that somehow meant her life is more fulfilled.

He hadn't realized he had been ignoring her ranting while he got lost in this thoughts.

"Ruth...you're rambling. What's going on with Jared?" Gabe pinched the bridge of his nose.

"He was suspended from school. He won't tell me what happened and keeps blowing it off like it's no big deal but the way his ignorant liberal principal talked to me, it seems like she was calling him a white suprimist or something. Did you know one of his classmates came out as a lesbian. Can you believe that?" She said it with such disgust.

"So? What's that got to do with Jared?" Gabe asked confused.

"Well she might as well shoved it in his face like she's a freaking pre-teen, what the hell does she know about who she's sexually attracted to." Ruth had never talked to Gabe about his sexual preference. She just constantly told him he needed to get a woman in his life so he could settle down and become a real adult.

Apparently paying bills and having his own place wasn't adult enough. He needed to have a white picket fence in upper Manhattan with a wife and a job in finance apparently. All the things that Gabe loathed.

"Baby! I've got dinner!" Y/n called out from the front door and Gabe's stomach dropped.

"Baby? Was that your roommate?" Ruth asked confused.

"Yeah they were talking to the cat...Baby like the girl from Dirty Dancing." Gabe panicked as Y/n stood confused in the doorway as he tried to cover.

"Sounds like your roommate might be a bit fruity too." David said with a laugh.

"Look I will check the train schedule and see if I can come by sometime this week. It's an hour there and an hour back so don't get your hopes up okay?" Gabe said quickly.

"GABE! It's important! Your nephew needs you." Ruth practically shouted.

"Fine...I'll be there Wednesday." Gabe relented.

"Thank you little brother. I'll see you then." Ruth sounded accomplished as she hung up the phone after getting what she wanted. Gabe chucked his phone onto the bed and looked over at Y/n who stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

"So when did we get a cat? I mean I've asked for one for the last few months but-" Y/n started but Gabe shook his head.

"They could hear you call me baby on the phone. I didn't want them to suspect...anything." Gabe watched Y/n's face shift into disappointment.

"Great...well now I won't be getting a cat because I refuse to support that ridiculous cover story." Y/n took his jacket off and hung it on the back of the door.

"It's not a cover-"

"Gabe...we've been friends for seven years, together for four and moved in together for two and I've never met your family, not even as your roommate, as you say, which yes I've heard you call me that by the way." Y/n called Gabe out and he frowned.

"You're more than that and you know it." Gabe reached out to him.

"I'd hope so. I never fucked any of my old roommates so I'd say I'm more too." Y/n's words hurt Gabe.

"Please...stop for a second." Gabe was holding his hands in his own.

"I know how my family would act and I don't ever want that ignorance or hatred to bleed onto what we have here. You are it for me. You are my partner and I want to protect you from anything and anyone that could possibly hurt you." Gabe kissed the back of Y/n's hand and Y/n gave a soft smile.

"That worked the first year on me...not this far in sweetheart." He gave Gabe's hands a squeeze before pulling away.

"Dinner is on the table. I've suddenly lost my appetite." Y/n walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind himself as Gabe pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew his closeted status was a huge weight on their relationship but his fear terrified him. The idea of losing his entire family, despite the moral and ethical differences between them, made him feel like it would be the end of the world if they knew.

He wishes things were easier but all the years they had been together, this was the only thing that kept them apart.

[laceyjane44]

GaaSaku 2023 FanFest Day15

Prompt: One Night Stand

(Day 14, continued)

Staring ahead to the wall beside her, Sakura dared not move a muscle.

The bed was warm, her pillows fluffed, and the room had been tidy and smelled clean. She had slept like a rock, hadn’t set an alarm to wake herself up, and when her eyes finally opened to the bands of morning sunlight coming in through the blinds, reality came crashing down on her.

The wall was not painted the color of her bedroom, the sheets were not the same thread count – but better, and the comforter laid over her was not hers alone; she had company.

She hadn’t needed to turn around to know who shared this bed with her, after all, she had spent the whole evening with him, and the night as well. She took a quiet breath and slowly exhaled, thinking over how she was going to handle this situation.

The night before had been a pleasant surprise, she’d never been so boldly approached while also being treated with such care. Gaara was a confident man but hadn’t been an arrogant one, he was a natural flirt it seemed, but he would do away with it the moment he felt it wasn’t received; his company and been an easy and pleasant one.

Are you really gonna walk out on our first date like that?

Sakura could feel herself blush.

She should have read the signs before going out to eat with him, but…maybe if she had she would’ve refused. He was undeniably attractive, though he hadn’t immediately been her type, and as the night had worn on his attention became easier to accept. Leaving the restaurant, he had escorted her the short walk to the local cocktail bar and held the door for her like a gentleman. The bar was a little fancier than the restaurant, and they were given a small booth and a waiter to bring their drinks.

His demeanor had certainly changed after his comment about their date. Once she had accepted it and agreed to continue their night, he began placing his hand on the small of her back or tapping her feet with his own under the table. He’d already shown he wasn’t shy about sharing a straw with her and had offered to share their cocktails as well so that she could try some different ones. Fruity, refreshing, spiced and sweet; they had been delicious, and she sipped slowly, finding that she wanted their date to last just a little longer.

When the drinks were finished, though, she asked if his car was back at the movies. No, Gaara had said, it’s at my sister’s. After successfully monopolizing her time, he had admitted that he’d come to the movies with his siblings, and they had consequently left without him. Sakura had laughed, though she felt a little excited at the fact that he had sought her out in that opportune moment. Offering him a ride back to his place, he accepted and showed her the way.

At his house, her heart was suddenly racing, her blood was pumping through her veins, and she was still contemplating with her next move. Well, this is me, he had said as he pulled on the door handle. Sakura had shut her car off and suddenly asked, Can I come in and use your bathroom? Of course, he hadn’t refused, and of course he’d offered her a glass of water once they were inside, he even took her jacket.

Gaara lived alone, she soon noticed, and she was surprised to see that he owned a house, though she could tell he didn’t have an eye for decorating. Everything was clean, however, it appeared that he liked keeping things tidy and it had the added benefit of making her feel more comfortable. She used his bathroom, took an extra minute to stare at herself in the bathroom mirror; cheeks a little flushed, face looking halfway determined and halfway ready to run.

But running wasn’t an option, not tonight, and she pointed at her reflection, looking deep into her own eyes before returning to Gaara, and muttered, don’t be a wuss.

Her adrenaline had kicked in and her mind was racing so much that she couldn’t really recall exactly how they had made it into his bedroom, but she vividly remembered being pressed into the bed by the weight of his body and how satisfying it felt to be held in intimacy again. Theirs had been a slow and passionate night. Once her clothes started dropping to the floor, she couldn’t remember a second when his hands weren’t on her, when his breath wasn’t ghosting across her skin. There had been a moment or two that she felt awkward and embarrassed, but Gaara didn’t dwell on them, and it made it easier for her not to as well.

Maybe all the excitement and mix of emotions from throughout the day had caught up with her, or maybe she was just that tired, but after the end of their entanglement he had gathered her in his arms and, at some point, she’d fallen asleep there. Fingertips sliding along her skin, stroking her hair, the steady rhythm of his heart as she laid her head on his chest; they had lulled her to sleep in that soft, warm, and inviting bed that had unexpectedly found her.

The light of day could be a harsh one, though, and now her heart was racing for all different reasons.

Without trying to make too much of a disturbance, she reached out to the bedside stand where her phone was sitting and turned on the screen. It was 8:32am, she had a good-morning text from her mom and her friend sent her a chain of meme’s sometime during the early hours of the morning, and the rest of her notifications made her heart drop.

11:43pm

????

12:32am

Look Im sorry.

Awkward, considering that Gaara was dick deep in her by that point.

 1:07am

You just gonna ignore me?

She shouldn’t, it really wasn’t like her, but after a minute of contemplation she unlocked her phone and opened her text thread with him. Her fingers shook a little as she typed, perhaps nervous, likely just mad, and she pressed send.

Something came up.

She slowly exhaled and shut off her phone, she didn’t want to know if he answered or not.

But now…what to do about her current predicament? Sakura quietly leaned up in the bed, glancing at the floor and taking inventory of where her clothes had ended up. She saw her jeans by the door, her sweatshirt had been lost somewhere close by, and her bra was somewhere at the foot of the bed, she was sure. If she were quick enough, she might be able to snag everything and make a hasty exit.

Carefully, she lifted up the comforter and slid her legs out the side of the bed. The box-spring creaked a little as she lifted her weight off the mattress and she welcomed the carpeted floor under her bare feet. She picked up her sweatshirt and pulled it over her head, her tank top had still been tangled with it and she rolled it up along with her bra from the floor. She bent down to pick up her jeans, the sound of the comforter shifting gave her pause, and when she rose again with her pants clutched in her hands, Gaara was sitting up in bed; hair a mess, skin painted in the bands of light from window, and watching her with those intense azure eyes.

He smirked at her, amused. “Good morning,” he said, his voice smooth and even, hadn’t he just woken up?

“Morning,” Sakura said, a shy smile on her face. She was glad she’d found her sweatshirt; it was long enough to cover her…well, bits. “Sleep well?” she asked, thinking the question awkward seeing as it wasn’t her house.

He chuckled at her, leaning back against the wall behind his bed. “I do live here.”

She smiled, it was an embarrassed one, and she looked at the floor. “Right,” she said, feeling a little silly but surprisingly not as nervous as she thought she would be. So, she continued, “Thanks for last night, it was fun.”

Gaara grinned, his eyes looking over the bare skin of her legs with his lip pulled between his teeth. “You’re very welcome.”

She looked down and to the side again, her heart fluttering. He’d made that face at her last night, too. “Anyway,” she said as she unrolled her jeans and pulled them up over her legs. Gaara watched as she did and pouted a little once she’d dressed herself. “I should probably get going.” His expression changed again, and he looked crestfallen this time. “Where’s my jacket?”

“It’s in the coat closet by the front door,” he answered as he got out of bed. He was naked, just as she had been, and Sakura quickly looked away though she internally questioned why; she’d quite literally gotten acquainted with him in the early hours of that very morning. Gaara pulled on a pair of sweatpants and picked up her underwear from the other nightstand. He approached her and handed out her undergarment. “Though, I didn’t take you for the hit-it-and-quit-it type.”

“Oh, um,” Sakura flushed red in the face and she floundered for her next words. “Well, I…I wasn’t expecting to–”

“You think I went to the movies expecting to?” he teased. Sakura grabbed her underwear and quickly folded them discreetly into her tank top. Her hair was still a mess, Gaara liked that, she was flustered and kneading her bundle of clothes in her hands, he thought it was cute. “If you’d rather expect it next time, then you can give me your number and I’ll ask you out again.”

It was her turn to bite her lip, and Gaara’s turn to get excited over it. “You…want to do this again?” she asked, looking at him now and studying his face. She’d thought this just a fling, maybe just a one-night stand, she hadn’t wanted to assume and look desperate, but…had he thought differently?

Gaara shrugged, that same casual demeanor from the day before, though this time he reached a hand out to her hip and drew his arms around her waist. “The movie, the dinner, the drinks.” He leaned in and pressed his temple to hers, taking a deep breath and continuing with a relaxed and raspy sigh, “Or whatever else you want, just say the word.”

Sakura allowed herself to stand there in his arms, feeling desired and…well, here she was; with attention and care, with consideration and a clear message of wanting. She hadn’t thought about what the morning would bring, it had been so far away the night before, but it brought her someone that adapted to fit her into his evening and she hadn’t needed to compete for, someone who had – inadvertently – caused her to realize that she had been underappreciated.

She leaned into him a little, resting her head against his shoulder and contemplating the feel of it. “Okay.”

Gaara had helped her gather her things; her coat from the closet, her shoes from the hall, her keys from where they’d been left on the counter, and offered her something to eat before she left, though she had refused. She said she had plans for later that day and he wouldn’t question it, though he did make sure to send her a text the moment she gave him her number. When he met her at the door, she stood there a little awkwardly in the face of their goodbye. Gaara, however, was bold enough to ask for another kiss.

She ducked her head to hide her impulsive smile, and when she felt she wouldn’t betray a cool demeanor, she met him halfway. Arms around his neck, slouched against him and enjoying the way his arms wrapped around her waist and how his hand squeezed her hip. Sakura left after that, a smile on her lips and a weightlessness in her chest that she hadn’t felt for a long time. There was no telling what would come of this; it had been exceedingly unanticipated, but she was excited to find out.

Inside his home, Gaara let out steady and controlled breath.

It had been difficult to keep his cool all evening, especially when she had asked to come inside after dropping him off. He hadn’t expected that, and his heart had nearly flipped in his throat when she shut her car off and walked in with him. He offered to take her jacket; again, surprised that she took it off and gave it to him, and he distinctly remembered thinking, you staying a while?

Where’s the bathroom?

Down the hall.

He even got her some water, and when she returned it had been about five minutes before she had responded to a casual graze of the hand by pulling him into a kiss and he’d been simply lost in her after that. When she allowed herself to be held against him after their impassioned exchange, he made sure that she was comfortable, that with every stroke of his fingers against her skin she became more relaxed and he felt a peculiar satisfaction in knowing she’d fallen asleep there in his arms. Even though his insomnia often kept him awake, eventually he fell asleep, too, and upon waking every so often he would find her there and reach out to her.

He was sure that in some way there was another guy, and he didn’t know who he was, but he didn’t care; he was certain he could do better, and that he likely already had.

Gaara went back to his bedroom and grabbed his phone. His brother had texted him asking about the girl he left with, his sister had called him an asshole, and he dialed up her number. It rang a few times and when she answered with a loving, what do you want? he greeted back, “Hey, I need you to bring me my car.”

“Fuck off,” she said, as if she’d been waiting all morning to do so, and he had a good-natured smile on his face when he looked at the screen of her dropped call.

“I suppose I deserve that.”

Thanks for reading!

Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/LaceyJane

FanFiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2120361/WiccadBaltane0501

[snailsbigrace]

Pre-Trauma SUNNY Headcanons

(Discontinued)

A/N: Another one from my Wattpad that my friend was waiting for! So I hope that he, and you guys enjoy!

Warnings: One mention of an ed.

Word Count: 1.1k

- Remember when you were young and happy?

- SUNNY is a very very quiet kid even before his trauma, often letting his big sister do the talking for him. 

- He's almost never that far away from MARI, because he's very dependent on her.

- When he gets nervous, scared, angry, sad, happy etc, etc, he always goes to MARI. She always seems to help him calm down or encourage his positive emotions.

- If MARI's not around he'll be upset but will instead go to his mom, if not his mom then BASIL, if not BASIL then HERO, if not HERO then AUBREY, if not AUBREY then KEL.

- BASIL's always been one to go to SUNNY when he needs to vent so SUNNY coming to him is only fair in BASIL's mind. He happily listens to SUNNY, and will comfort him if needed. Always gives him a smile after SUNNY feels better or is done talking about something he's happy about.

- HERO doesn't really know what to do if SUNNY's upset as he leaves that to MARI but will try to make him feel better. If he's happy HERO will just nod his head, giving SUNNY a thumbs up, as well as an awkward smile.

- AUBREY listens. She doesn't interrupt, or even move a muscle. She's not letting him be upset! Not on her watch! She'll hug him for hours if she has to! She's not afraid not to! Though if he's really frustrated about it to the point where he's in tears she'll end up in tears too. Gives him a huge smile after he's talked about something that makes him happy!

- KEL is not the best comfort boy out there, he's not very good at listening either. He'll be focusing on something else. If SUNNY's really upset he'll offer for him and SUNNY to go on a walk and will encourage SUNNY to keep talking. Will interrupt and tell SUNNY about something he likes in response to SUNNY talking about what makes him happy.

- SUNNY is a mama's boy, just like HERO!

- SUNNY likes to watch SWEETHEART with KEL, BASIL, and AUBREY. He almost always ends up moving himself closer to AUBREY.

- Loves to show his friends scores he's gotten on his games,  mostly KEL and BASIL! They always seem impressed!

- The opposite of BASIL who likes thunder, SUNNY hates it! It's way too loud! And why must it rain so much? He likes the rain, but not this much rain!

- SUNNY doesn't eat much, he doesn't have an ed or anything he's just not a very hungry kid, though MARI's concerned about why he doesn't eat as much as everyone else.

- When he does eat he really likes MARI's and his mom's cooking and baking but he also really likes cereal! His favorites are Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, and Lucky Charms!

- He's tried "healthier" cereals but doesn't enjoy them. He finds them too tasteless.

- He's also a huge meat enjoyer! He likes a good BBQ and whatnot! His favorites are steak, chicken, and crab! 

- SUNNY likes to go on walks with KEL and HERO! HERO isn't a big fan of exercise so this is a nice alternative for him. He can handle a walk.

- He likes to listen to KEL and HERO babble about which is better or who is better. He secretly agrees with one of them in his head.

- That being said SUNNY really looks up to HERO! He wants to be just like him when he's 15! SUNNY sees HERO as a super kind and overall amazing guy! He also likes HERO's haircut!

- Likes to stay up later, he's usually not doing much, he's usually playing games or thinking of stories in his head.

- Has drawn the headspace versions of his friends. Not because headspace existed, but because the only coloured pencils he had were white, blue, purple, green, pink, orange, and red!

- He showed BASIL and BASIL loved it! BASIL even got to keep it!

- SUNNY has tried to played catch with KEL before, always ends up getting hit with the ball though.

- He also gets worried when MARI offers to play with KEL or AUBREY. He knows about her bad knee and doesn't really want her pushing herself too hard.

- Will offer to take her place but the two aren't really happy about it because SUNNY isn't the best when it comes to playing games.

- His favorites to play are Red Light, Green Light with KEL, and Hopscotch with AUBREY. 

- AUBREY doesn't tell him he's bad at games, she just tells him how good she thinks he's doing. 

- KEL doesn't tell him about how he's bad at games either, but will recommend that they play something else if he doesn't feel that SUNNY can handle the game.

- SUNNY also likes to play Duck Duck Goose with all of his friends. If he's in the middle he likes to either go for HERO or BASIL.

- He likes how much fun they all have when they play that game.

- Sometimes SUNNY sleeps with MEWO when he's scared and is trying to be brave and not go to MARI's bed.

- MEWO is very unimpressed.

- SUNNY likes to hug HECTOR. Dogs aren't his favorite animal in the whole wide world but HECTOR is a very nice dog!

- Goes into a laughing fit when HECTOR licks his face. 

- He knows how frustrated MARI gets when it comes to the piano and messing up and he doesn't really understand why. 

- He tries to avoid her when she's upset.

- He's very only ever been yelled at once in his life that he can remember so he's not very fond of the idea of being yelled at.

- SUNNY takes very special care of his violin! He cleans it every day so that it's really clean for him the next time he uses it!

- He also likes to help MARI clean her piano if she lets him and HERO isn't already on it!

- Probably needs glasses, but he doesn't tell anyone about his slightly crappy vision. But sometimes he hates having to squint to see what things say!

- SUNNY likes to be by himself. He likes to make stories in his head while he just sits in a completely silent room. He hopes one day he can write a book or something!

- He likes to share his stories with MEWO. MEWO is unimpressed. 

-  SUNNY is a spoiled kid who isn't used to not getting what he wants. He's the youngest so he's the most spoiled after all, but he's not overly mean about it or anything like that, he just gets a little fussy when things don't go his way.

- Complains to MEWO, MEWO just sleeps.

Thanks for reading! <3

[ender-niffler]

Sharing my TCD headcanons!! And revamping old ones soon, but these are mainly for some of the characters! :]

Some of these may have minor spoilers for pretty much…every season of Tcd? So be wary!

Nick [

Nick is 22 years old! When the apocalypse started he was around 18-19

Nick has amnesia, he can’t remember much from before he woke up in the literal apocalypse. But he occasionally can remember very blurred memories. Someone with glasses, a house- some old stores here and there with no names to match…odd

Nick is NOT aloud to cook anything, he can bake sure! But he somehow burned WATER. So Shark refuses to let Nick ANYWHERE near the kitchen or the stove. Shark is very protective of his kitchen.

Nick adores animals and helps out any of the ones he finds, there’s a cat that wanders around the cdc who’s been named Smokey! Nick found Smokey during a blizzard, Nick also has a few chickens and ducks he’s somehow found and adopted? I mean..everyone gets free eggs from the chickens so win win!

Nick collects dinosaur bones, specifically ones from museums near by. By his words (as AK once asked him why he had a taco skull in his bag) Nick responded with “I mean..they’re just sitting there? Who’s gonna stop me from taking one or two fossils here and there”

Nick, wayyy back when it was just him, Ghetto and Jorden. Broke his leg when they jumped off of the boat to escape from the walkers, Ghetto patched him up but Nick was pretty much stuck on the couch for a few months- his leg never healed properly. And he has a minor limp that kicks up when he’s been walking around for too long

Nick is Gay, because I said so- (there’s no way that man is NOT fruity. Idc what canon says) he’s also ace! ]

Ghetto [

Ghetto is 23 years old, only a couple of months older than Nick- when the Apocalypse started he was also around 18-19!

When the apocalypse started Ghetto had gone to check in on his friend, and he won’t tell Nick this..but Ghetto had found his friend just….not how he use to be…at least he doesn’t get to see what the worlds come to..

Before the apocalypse Ghetto use to work at a Shelter for pets! He’d do minor veterinary work here and there. So he knows how to handle a few medical procedures..nothing major. He can stitch people up and can help brace a broken limb. He’s the one who helped patch up when Nick broke his leg- and would help the others with minor injuries.

Ghetto also learned a few medical tricks here and there from his older sister! Since she had grown up to be a doctor- (he’s…still not sure where she is. But he hopes she’s okay.,,)

Ghetto, after being bitten/healed by Ross. Seems to have grown sharper K9’s, and the whites of his eyes gained a greenish hue to em. It doesn’t affect his vision at all..,but it is a constant reminder of what he almost became. He also keeps a piece of cloth to keep the bite mark scar hidden. If he doesn’t have his jacket on.

Ghetto has a moon shamed necklace that was a gift from Nick, Nick said it reminded him of the time Ghetto mentioned he liked astrology! Ghetto never takes it off..ever.

Ghetto is Bi! He’s even on both ends, but occasionally finds himself leaning towards one side more than the other- kinda flip flops here and there? ]

Ak ]

Ak is around 23, when the apocalypse started he was around 19-21.

Ak had been off to visit some family, specifically Jorden’s family! He is the best friend to Jorden’s mom and is Jorden’s god father/best babysitter. He was in town when the outbreak happened and spent half that time trying to find jorden. He had to keep the kid safe, it was his parents last wishes…his best friends last wish. And Ak was going to die before he’d let anything happen to Jorden.

Ak…fully regrets when he had eaten his first teammate back in the early days of the apocalypse. He was desperate for food and had no idea what had come over him..he refuses to tell the others but worries that Red may know…red always knows. How does he always know??

Ak is a decent tech guy, infact he’s the main guy the crew calls in to help repair the generators! He also shows the others how to clean out their guns properly, taught them how to properly shoot, even taught them smaller things like to not touch your face after firing a gun due to the gunpowder.

Ak refuses to take his mask off, let alone around anyone else. He’s only ever done it once or twice. Mainly around Shark, Ghetto, or Nick. Since they’ve been together the longest

Ak HATES red with a burning passion. Not only for killing off the only person left from before, but for bringing harm to his friends, his family..his found family. He will have reds head on a stick. One day..

Ak is pan! ]

Shark ]

Shark is around 23, being around 18-19 when the apocalypse started.

Sharks gf had been visiting for the summer when everything came crashing down. They had been sticking together for awhile but…Sharks GF hadn’t been paying attention and..had gotten bit..a few days later Shark was on his own again..

Shark was apart of the group of bandits that had been raiding seaport ages ago, though he luckily had decided to book it out of their days before Nick and Ghetto took out most of the bandits. A few hours later and baddabing badda boom! New party member :]

Shark wears sunglasses 24/7 cause the sun hurts his eyes. Even inside it can be a bit too much, and other lights like candles and such can cause minor irritation. So he wears the sunglasses to protect his eyes!

Shark before the apocalypse did nothing major, he was studying up to become a detective, had a stable job at a local diner, it wasn’t perfect but it was nice! And he could actually afford things.

Sharks mama is Hispanic! She was this sweet woman who had adopted shark when he was around 7-10! He was the oldest kid there, and Since older kids don’t really get adopted she wanted to give Shark that chance. Shark adored his mother and forever is grateful for her! (She luckily passed before the apocalypse had started.)

Shark is Bi! Leans more towards dudes! ]

[natsmagi]

hiiiii!! i just wanted to ask why u ship ntmg :0 i love them but i wonder a lot about ppls' like specific reasons lol

u wanna know whats soso funny. i didnt actually ship ntmg for like almost a year when i first joined the fandom. Like obv i knew that they had Something going on and i didnt exactly have any Other natsume ships so it was sort of like "yea sure. he can be with tsumugi. why not"

then i had finally decided to start reading some switch stories bc my sister said she liked tsumugi so i thought i should learn a bit more abt him so i could inform her of some of his quirks! and that was my first mistake. i would kinda just read whatever story caught my eye but i do remember reading element > pleiades > wg

pleiades got me Thinking a little...... i was like hm.......... something fruity going on here.............. but wonder game is what broke me and changed me into the man i am today and it was like in an INSTANT (i was very in denial abt it tho)

i think the reason the pair ended up resonating with me so much is due to all the shit and misunderstandings theyve been through. like god it was just unfortunate circumstance after unfortunate circumstance with those two. but. despite it all, they still wanted to stay by each others side. even when they just could not understand each other, despite natsumes aggression, despite tsumugis apathy, they wanted to be part of each others lives

and all of this really resonated with me since without going into Too much detail i am someone who does struggle with anger management similar to natsume, and i can be incredibly cold and dismissive towards people for little reason, and all of that is stuff i hate about myself and am actively trying to change but its. like. really hard. so it makes me really happy to see that hey! maybe someday you too can find someone who simply meets you halfway and doesnt demonize you for your faults and will stay by your side and help aid you

primarily its because their dynamic is soso genuinely fascinating to me, but part of it is also because it makes me feel like! maybe i can be loved too then! so theyre very near and dear to my heart and a great source of love and comfort for me !!

[chaisshitposts]

thanks for reminding me i can manifest them to be chill- i way too used to my strict parents lmao

THE JOJO REFERENCES GOES HARD FR

i haven't catched up with hxh manga but i did finish the anime and basically killua split up to protect alluka and gon wanted to meet his father so they technically couldn't stay together, there's a possibility that they won't appear in the manga again :((

don't blame me😭 the first thing i saw about kny was that episode and nezuko (there was so many nezuko edits oml), but first episode was like a 50/50 for me?? i'm pretty sure it's because i used to watch like really dark magical girls animes when i was younger and my cousins always made me watch the final destination series with them🧍🏻

OML TOJI I REMEMBER READING THE MANGA AND WANTING HIM AND MEGUMI TO MEET SDCNKSDJFBS and yuta is the literal definition of looking like a cinnamon roll but can actually kill you

I DON'T BLAME YOU ABOUT THE PROMISED NEVERLAND CUz Isabella's jumpscare in the first episode was😭😭🖐🏻 and yES PLS GIVE BUNGO STAY DOGS A CHANCE!

KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN?? I HAVEN'T WATCHED IT YET BUT MY COUSIN WATCHES IT A LOT

there's something so scrumptiously delicious about main characters who are weak but are actually strong and just humbles the people who underestimates them, like, sLAY

my sister recommended me mashle! it's on to watch list since i'm planning on binge watching animes in my waiting room and PLS TELL ME THAT ZOM 100 IS FINALLY COMPLETED, I'VE BEEN WANTING TO BINGE WATCH IT SINCE LIKE LAST LAST MONTH

i'm currently watching the apothecary diaries! It's so refreshing because the female lead is so smart and pragmatic, like she doesn't give a sht about the male lead and just loves medicine and poison tasting so much😫 the only thing i dislike is how she's being forced to be the male lead's partner but the plot is still good heheh

🐧anon

no problemo 🕵️ gotta help the homies out. everything in life is a jojo reference, even jesus.

oml nO wait I watched the whole HXH manga and know they split up I was just acting delusional 😭 and uGh I hope the manga gets finished one day... The creator has bad health-- wait a damn minute I can just manifest his health back wtf am I sayin' 🧐

PFFFTTT what a wild read— and oh god no don't even talk about final destination to me, I cannot drive on the freeway normally sometimes bc of that shit, everytime I see a truck with like oversized loads (especially the fuckers with the big ass steel poles on the back of them) I always get chills, even though I know nothing is gonna happen to me cause I said so 🧍

toji didn't even remember he had son.... deadbeat dad type beat. yuta and rika deserve better ngl

isabella and that other maid... they are nightmare fuel. and yes!!!!!! I will absolutely give it another chance for the adorable tiger boy with the fruity little haircut!!! bingeing anime in yer waitin' room??? bruh that's literally so big brain wtf I low-key wanna shift to all my favorite animes one of these days 🕵️ but I have this underlying worry about the version of myself being left behind to do my dirty work lmfao

also- katekyo hitman reborn! is super good, but I will say that I have been rewatchin' it for a sense of nostalgia on and off whenever I have time and god the first like--- 20 episodes are fuckin' cringe but the main character's awakenin' is satisfying 😭 he's like the og deku

I have no idea if all the eps have been posted for zom 100 !!!! I will check for you today if I remember--- I haven't had time to check after watching like the first three episodes on crunchyroll—

OooOo an anime with a strong female lead!?!?! I would absolutely eat that shit up oml gobble gobble gobble— ew that plot sounds cringey. man, I really want an anime with a stoic, underestimated female lead whos like majorly asexual... wait 🧍 hold on, I basically just described saiki k... I NEED A FULL THIRD SEASON OF THE DISASTROUS LIFE OF SAIKI K.

[goose-books]

3 for Anna and Errans, and also 20 and 21 :3

i meant to remember to answer these before the last day of pride month. and then! anyway,

3. How did your oc discover themself? Did something cause them to question, or did they always know?

(godsong WIP page with links) (for context, anna is god's specialest girl ever and the main character, and she's a transfemme nonbinary lesbian. errans is a minor side character with terrible sideburns and transmasc unswag)

anna grew up in a city where priests have a special gender and pronoun, and she was designated a priest at age 11 by the gods, so her transness started as sort of an occupational thing; she was like, "okay, i'm priestgender," and then progressed to, "wait, i like this gender stuff." you are allowed to be priestgender and also another thing, and getting to explore her presentation at the temple lead to the realization that her Other Thing was womanhood (nonbinary-flavored). more a sister than a woman etc <3

as for the lesbianism, i don't think that was ever a discovery for him; there's no homophobia in ivander and his parents are in a bisexual polycule, so i think he just always knew his future person would be a woman. (i say "person" because ivander doesn't have legal marriage, but there is a religious equivalent if you want to dedicate yourself to someone long-term; otherwise you can just do Whatever. city that is absolutely bursting with gender and fruitiness)

errans i'm less sure about dskhfkdsfkdsnfsd. i know he came out as trans when he was around sixteenish; i think he knew he was bisexual first, and the image coming to me is errans experiencing the "do-i-want-to-date-that-guy-or-be-that-guy" about someone he probably never actually spoke to. i don't get a vibe like he ever loathed being a woman, more so that eventually he just realized he could simply be a man. for free. and was like. "well this is clearly so much more what i'm supposed to be doing"

now i'm thinking about awkward teenage errans and his awkward genvy crushes. god bless him

20. Have your ocs helped you in self discovery? How?

sigh. well i have to tell the story don't i. POV: you are [max], age 12, working on the first iteration of the story that will become TMR (my on-hiatus YA transgender evil-faerie high fantasy). you give the character who will become moon marigold all of your uncomfortable feelings about your body, feelings that are certainly not physical dysphoria because you are cisgender. about a year or so later, you realize that this WIP is full of cishet white people (i have since remedied this), and you should really add some diversity. hey, moon's got weird body feelings! what if you made her genderfluid? that sounds great! you are not thinking at all about where those weird body feelings may have come from or how this may reflect on anything at all.

POV: you are [max], still age 13ish, and you've got a new WIP (it's my also-on-hiatus NA monsters-in-NYC thing). you are going to put a binary transgender person in it. not for any specific reason. you just wanted to. who can say why. certainly not you. anyway you've never done this before and you are a little nervous because how can you, as a cisgender person, accurately represent a trans character? you muse about how to write dysphoria as you dress up for an orchestra concert, in an outfit that is extremely feminine. halfway through, you get derailed by crying real tears about said feminine outfit, because now the boy who sits beside you in the orchestra will know that you are a girl (because your long hair and name clearly couldn't have tipped him off beforehand). could you draw on this experience to describe dysphoria, you wonder? or maybe that other time you cried in the shower? but that's bad and wrong, isn't it? because you're cisgender. so comparing your own... whatever this is... to dysphoria would be an APPROPRIATION of dysphoria! how villainously cis of you! how horrible! you'll have to figure out some other way to write this character.

...anyway. thank you to moon and augustus for that. my kings my brothers in arms. and they BOTH do arson in their respective WIPs, so maybe i have another plot twist in my future?

21. Free ramble card wee

FREE RAMBLE WEE... hmm, well, since i've already touched on it a little in this ask, one of the most interesting things about worldbuilding for godsong is that most of the major settings don't have homophobia/transphobia/misogyny the same way that our world does. (i say most because ambergris is stuck in misogynyville. it's probably fine and i bet she won't get violent.) i honestly didn't think super hard about this; i just wanted to write a high fantasy world where women and nonbinary people and bisexuals and lesbians can hold positions of (sometimes corrupt) power, or where the chosen one can be a transfemme lesbian whose issues aren't transphobia but how to complete her quest.

except then i realized that not having homophobia/transphobia/misogyny invites so many other questions about the social fabric of a society. i mean, the modern legal concept of marriage is rooted pretty solidly in heterosexual relationships wherein women move from one family to another, right? so if gender relations are entirely different, do these places even have marriage? do these places even have gender? this is something i'm still figuring out (and honestly, if anyone has suggestions for media that pokes at this kind of thing, i'd love to hear them!). the two main cities in godsong are ivander (a theocracy) and farria (a democracy with a new revolution every tuesday), and i've been playing around in my head with some of the differences--for example, in ivander, being trans is generally considered holy, because the city's patron god is many-gendered; in farria, being trans is something nobody thinks twice about, because everyone is focused on Just Getting By. in ivander, there are at least three defined genders (man, woman, and priest) which can all overlap. in farria, gender doesn't define social relations so much as a parallel hierarchy of military and/or governmental power--eg, farria's very own neopronouns marc antony isn't afraid of "emasculation" in the gender sense, because xir gender is "if you like me you're gay," but xe's terrified of emasculation (for lack of a better word) in the sense of being seen as weak/submissive. in farria these things are way less connected than they are in our world. i'm still working out a lot of the details, but it's been a lot of fun to think about :3

wow that sure was a free ramble. thank you for the asks rook i love you so much <3

(pride asks!)

[nitecourtfairytail]

Heavy Hearts

Elain makes a move.

Chapter song Making Eyes by Archers

This is the song that started everything for me. When I first heard it I immediately thought of Elain and Azriel and all of their angst due to Rhysand’s meddling. I repurposed it for this chapter, though.

Ch. 4. Making Eyes

Azriel and Elain had been awkwardly dancing around one another ever since she kissed his cheek. Once she realized what she’d done it frightened her how easily it had happened, and without meaning to she pushed him away. They remained in each other’s orbit though, too afraid to take things a step further-to acknowledge their feelings. They shared small brushes of their hands when passing, maybe held on the slightest bit longer than the others when they hugged. There was something charged in their shared glances that neither could name, nor did they want to lest they break the spell.

But tonight she wanted to-at the very least she wanted to know he felt the same.

So she’d asked Mor for help. The newest townhouse inhabitant had invited everyone to her favorite bar later and jumped at the chance to help Elain pick something to wear. She skipped from the guest room down the hall to Elain’s closet, ransacking her wardrobe until she came upon a dress buried in the back with the tags still attached. She squealed. Literally squealed when she saw it.

“If you don’t agree to wear this dress tonight theres no sense in going.” She stated, matter-of-factly.

That dress had been the first thing she splurged on after leaving Greyson, but could never find the right occasion to wear it. Strapless with a sweetheart neckline, the silky, cobalt blue material was covered by black lace, and cinched together at the waist underneath a leather tie corset. When she tried it on, the fabric flowed down the curves of her shapely thighs and hugged her generous backside. A jagged hi-low hemline giving the gown a slight edginess.

“Why this one?” Elain raised a brow in curiosity.

“Because this is the only dress that’s ‘you’-sweet with a slight boldness.” Elain couldn’t help but smile at that. “And also because I happen to know a certain curly headed man loves this color blue.” She said with a wink.

Elain sputtered “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about” she feigned disbelief, but couldn’t look Mor in the eyes.

“Yeah. Okay.” She responded, voice dripping in sarcasm. “Well either way. Put on your sexiest black heels and you’ll have to pick his jaw up off the floor.” She sauntered to the door, headed to her room and stopped just in the hallway. Looking over her shoulder, she caught Elain’s eye, her voice soft, but stern. “And remember. Even if you know with absolute certainty that you want to move forward, you have every right to say no. I know my cousin-he’d never push you further than you are comfortable pushing yourself.”

~~~~~~

Elain didn’t know what to expect of Mor’s favorite bar, but this lounge certainly wasn’t it. This was a place you took someone to impress them. The booths against the wall were cozy, with red suede fabric cushions and leather backings. The waitstaff all wore dress pants and white button down shirts with red bow ties and cummerbunds.

Mor had found them a booth in the back corner, and ordered a round of drinks while they waited for the brothers to arrive.

Elain swirled her drink-a pleasantly fruity concoction with mango and strawberry, and turned to Mor beside her “How did you know?”

“Know what?” Cerridwen asked curiously. The twins loved gossip, but they were the best secret keepers Elain knew. Enigmas, the both of them.

Mor slyly looked at Elain then back at Cerridwen “That Lainey here has a thing for my broody cousin.”

Both of the twins threw their heads back in laughter “was that supposed to be a secret, El?” Nuala choked out. “Girl we knew from day one.” Her sister confirmed.

“Speak of the devil” Mor whispered, nodding her head toward the three men walking in their direction. The four of them tried not to giggle, but they were already on their second drink and that apparently made them turn into giddy school girls.

Rhysand, in a sharp charcoal suit with a deep blood orange button down underneath looked as dramatic as his personality. The style gave a uniquely ‘Rhysand’ vibe: elegant and aloof, yet at the same time casual and charming.

Cassian had opted to embrace his inner ‘hipster lumberjack’ and wore fitted, dark wash jeans with a black and forest green plaid shirt. Instead of a belt, he opted for leather suspenders to match his boots. He pulled it off surprisingly well-his five o’clock shadow only enhancing the ensemble.

She heard Mor and Cerridwen’s awed approval of the trio and nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. The brothers looked astonishing, truly, but Az-he was positively sublime. He wore a white button down with a layered waistcoat-grey with black on top- over it. His sleeves rolled halfway up his muscular forearms, and the top few buttons on his shirt undone showing off his tattooed chest and a small chain necklace with a pendant. At first glance it looked like a cross, but a second look proved it was a tiny well crafted dagger, with actual leather on the hilt and a tiny blue stone on the cross guard. He still wore his usual black skin tight jeans, but chose doc martens to complete the look.

The men stood at the edge of the table, assessing. “Mor, my darling cousin” Rhys drawled, face alight with amusement “I don’t believe this booth is big enough for all of us.”

“Indeed, cousin” she retorted. “That is because at least some of us will be spending our night on the dance floor.” She pushed Rhysand as she scooted (rather ungracefully) out of her seat to do just that-grabbing Cassian as she left. They heard Cassian excitedly ask “Does this mean you’re gonna be my wingwoman tonight?!” before the music and distance drowned out their conversation.

Azriel and Rhysand had just enough room to sit comfortably. Elain was sure this booth was in fact the smallest in this place, and was beginning to wonder if Mor hadn’t chosen it on purpose. She glanced at the uneasiness of the others and asked if they should find a different place to sit.

They found a much larger empty area a little ways away with ample seating. It had a small coffee table instead of the dining table at their old spot. Ottomans that matched the red suede were on the opposite side allowing more people to sit, and the booth itself was “L” shaped with enough space for twice their group.

~~~~~~

Elain wished she was drunk. Maybe she’d have the courage to sit on Azriel’s lap-if for no other reason than to see his reaction. She couldn’t even look at him tonight. The fact that everyone in their group knew of her feelings toward the man beside her except him made her even more anxious-like every move she made was under a microscope so they could all talk about it later without her. It was a silly thought, she knew, but these ‘intrusive thoughts’ (as Thesan called them) are just that. Lies she manifested through her anxiety, and she had to work hard to push them aside. To not let them fester inside her mind.

Mor peeled herself off the dance floor to sit with the others for a moment and order another fruity cocktail. Elain silently thanked the gods for the distraction. “Where’s Cass?” Rhys shouted above the music.

“I played wingwoman, remember?” She winked, then eyed the dance floor where Cass and a tall slender brunette were lost in each other. Their lips unlatched as they turned away from the group, she had turned her back against him, sliding her hand up behind her to hold his neck while they gyrated filthily against one another. Almost in unison the other two brothers looked at the four women with frantic looks on their faces “Can I sleep on your couch tonight?!” “Oh no, Rhys. You have the farther bedroom. You don’t have to hear it as much as I do” “I may not have to hear it, but if I walk in on it again I very well may throw myself off a bridge.”

The brothers continued to squabble between themselves as the women laughed. “You two do know that’s a pull out couch, right?” An exasperated but playful look on Elain’s face.

The pair gaped at her indignantly while Cerridwen and Mor griped about a bet they had going over who would end up on the floor.

“We’ve stayed at your house how many times? And you weren’t going to tell us?” Rhys remarked.

“My sisters and I would often sleep in the same bed. It was comforting to us. I thought maybe you guys had a similar dynamic” Elain shrugged

“I-well for you that makes sense, but these two just wanted to laugh at our expense.” Rhys huffed

“Oh please, brother. As if you weren’t sneaking into Nuala’s room half the time.” Az piped up rolling his eyes.

It was true, Nu and Rhys had a friends-with-benefits agreement, but it was never spoken about. Like some sort of known secret, everyone just accepted that it was happening. Elain had always thought the two might end up dating, but there was no emotional connection between them other than friendship. Just as well-she had a feeling he and Feyre would hit it off.

“Fine. You can have the couch then. Nu, wanna go give Cass a run for his money?” He held his hand out-she quickly grabbed it with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “Oh we can totally beat that.” The two walked off discussing strategy as if going to war.

Cerridwen looked between the three left sitting, chewing her lip. “Mor? Would you-?” She nodded toward the dance floor bashfully.

“Really?” Mor beamed. Cerridwen nodded suppressing a nervous smile. “I’d love to!” The two seemed to float as they twirled around one another giddily.

“Well that just leaves us.” Az looked at Elain, uncertain of where they stood or what happened to make her push him away. “I’m not sure what I did, but I don’t like this, Lainey. It’s been almost two weeks. I’ve gotten so used to being around you, and-“

“You did nothing wrong.” She interjected. He stared at her wide eyed, confused..hurt. “I was wrong.” She grabbed his hand, interlacing their fingers. “I scared myself-got in my own head and allowed my past to interfere. And instead of talking to you and trying to figure out whatever” she waved her free hand between them “this is, I pushed you away. I don’t want to do that anymore” she took a deep breath. There was a lot they needed to discuss.

“Please don’t.” He breathed, eyes so soft and earnest. “I know that there are still fresh wounds that need to heal, but Lainey-Elain. I will happily accept whatever you give me. Please don’t ever think that you’re not enough. You’re everything.” He wiped an errant tear from her cheek.

“There’s a lot I want to talk to you about-preferably in a quieter setting” she giggled “but I want you to know Az, in case there was any doubt, I really like you.”

His face looked as if she had given him the greatest gift in the world-he was filled with pure joy “I’m glad to finally have confirmation. And for the record, I really like you too.” He paused, warring with himself over the next question “Do-would it be too much if I kissed you?”

Her cheeks hurt. She hasn’t smiled this hard or this much in her life. “Just promise me you won’t get upset if I ask you to stop-if it becomes too much.”

“I swear it.” He was so gentle. Every movement soft and deliberate like it had been choreographed. His hand cupping her cheek, pulling her in closer and closer, her eyes fluttering shut at the precise moment that their foreheads rested against one another. The tenderness as he pressed theirs noses together, allowing their breath to mingle before their lips met.

The kiss itself was chaste, and over far too quickly. She could feel he held back, that anything more would be her choice, and on her terms. He pulled back, once again resting their foreheads together, searching her eyes for reassurance. The hand that still cupped her cheek moved to rest on her neck, his thumb stroking her jaw lovingly.

She mirrored his actions, and pulled him closer kissing him again. There was no clashing of teeth, no tongues roaming-not yet-but there was passion. Lips interlocking again and again, cautiously deepening with each meeting. They were learning her boundaries-together.

Lost in their own blissful world, they hadn’t noticed someone standing between the two ottomans opposite the low table until he cleared his throat. They both jumped at the sudden disruption, turning in shock.

“Who the fuck are you?” Azriel felt Elain go tense and gripped her protectively. The man ignored him, his eyes locked on the woman Az held tighter. The man’s pupils were blown wide, enraged, with only a sliver of blue to be seen. His hands at his sides-tensing into fists and stretching out again as if feebly restraining himself from physically lashing out.

“Ellie.” The man’s voice was menacing. “I see we’ve gotten over our dislike of PDA, then haven’t we?”

Azriel watched her eyes grow with fear, felt her body trembling. “You need to leave.” He rubbed Elain’s legs that at some point had come to rest over his own, in an effort to comfort her. To remind her that she wasn’t alone in this fight.

Again the man acted as though Azriel hadn’t spoken. “Is this the piece of shit you were screwing behind my back? I fucking knew you were a little slut.”

“Lainey, you want me to take care of this?” He asked her as gently as he could manage, his rage at the bastard before them barely contained.

She turned her head toward him, finally breaking eye contact with her ex. Her hand still resting on Azriel’s neck moved. She curled her fingers and stroked along his jaw with her knuckles-the motion nothing but loving. Her eyes softened as they met his own-almost golden with his fury. “No, Az. Not yet. I need to try first.” She kissed him before moving to stand on shaky legs.

He wouldn’t interfere. He knew she had to do this herself. He would be her strength, cheering her silently from the sidelines; ready to sub-in should the need arise, but praying it wouldn’t come to that.

With her heels on, she was nearly eye to eye with Greyson. Her hands balled into fists at her side, she walked toward him, gaining confidence with each stride. “You have some nerve continuing these bullshit lies. I NEVER cheated on you, but I know you did. I had to go to the clinic more than once because of whatever YOU brought back with you, and pretend it never happened.” She was livid. “How dare you show up now and try to interfere with my happiness-my healing.”

“Oh, please Ellie. I gave you a good life.” He seethed

“YOU GAVE ME HEL!” She shouted “you gave me more trauma! You gave me nothing worth holding on to!” He slapped her. Azriel bolted upright. Elain held her hand out to him, silently telling him to hold on. She stood her ground.

“I never reported you, but I have plenty of evidence. Even your father couldn’t keep you out of jail if I went to the police with everything I have against you.” Greyson balked at her. She held her hand out to Azriel, which he instantly grabbed.

She started to walk away, Az in tow, when Greyson called after her “Fatass fucking whore. I gave you so much better than you deserved.” She tugged Azriel harder to keep him from giving the man the punishment rightfully owed him.

As they got further away from her ex, she turned to a still enraged Azriel. “I know you wanted to kill him. I did too. But I wasn’t lying about the evidence.” Her thumb stroked his hand in calming arcs. “There were witnesses when he hit me tonight-plus there are cameras in here.” His lips parted in disbelief-quickly taken over by a prideful smile. “I may have a lot of mental issues and blockages to deal with because of him, but he talked a lot about his job at the law firm-how if there wasn’t enough evidence against the accused the case would usually be dismissed or the evidence was ‘hearsay’ and inadmissible. I’ve been building my case for a while.”

“Godsdammit you’re amazing, Lain.” His voice filled with awe.

The pair found the rest of the group on the dance floor and explained what happened. “We’re leaving.” Rhys said decisively-as if there were any question from the rest of them. Cassian had left with the mysterious brunette at least half an hour prior telling Rhysand not to wait up (meaning he was going to her place). That came as a huge relief. As happy as she was with how things went tonight with Az, Elain wasn’t sure if she could handle him sleeping under the same roof just yet,

The group said their goodbyes outside of Rita’s. When it was her turn to say goodbye to Az, it was as if everyone else felt the tension and stepped away to give them some semblance of privacy. “Let me know when you get home tonight, please.” He was worried-scared of what had happened and the possibilities of what could happen now that Greyson was making his presence known again.

“I swear it.” She giggled. He kissed the top of her head, and she could feel him smiling against her hair. “I never got the chance to tell you, by the way, that you clean up quite nicely.” She pulled away and winked at him.

There was a glint in his eye as he leaned forward, breath tickling the shell of her ear. His deep voice turned raspy “and you, sweetheart, are absolutely ravishing.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “I-um-“ her throat bobbed. “I-I’ll text you. In just a little bit, okay?” She stammered nervously. He smiled in answer, quickly kissing her lips, and beginning to walk toward Rhysand’s car. “I look forward to it.”

~~~~~~

“There’s so much I could say to you but I think I’ll hold my tongue.” Elain sang with such emotion. She couldn’t help the tears lining her eyes or the raspiness of her voice, but it added intensity to the vocals. “Cause what’s the point in hanging on when I’d rather be done-”

She’d been putting off this assignment for weeks now, unable to put her thoughts into words. Students had to perform an original song for the class before the end of the semester-needless to say the previous night had given her plenty to think about, and finally the words came flooding out of her. It only took five minutes to write the lyrics, another ten to figure out the chords before she was emailing her professor to ask permission to perform Tuesday in class.

Tuesday afternoon, she gathered Nuala, Cerridwen, and Vassa at the townhouse for an impromptu meeting/practice session.

“My professor loved the song so much he told me I should perform it for the Academy Expo event next weekend.” She beamed at her band mates “I told him I would, as long as I could do it with my band instead of acoustically, since everyone here is also in the Academy’s music programs.”

“Oh my gods, you’re KIDDING” Vassa leapt onto Elain, squeezing her tightly.

“I know. I’m beyond excited, but that means we have a little over a week to learn the song.” She ran a hand over her face. “Let’s get to it”

~~~~~~

Elain had gotten ready for bed, but sleep didn’t find her. There was too much on her mind- her sisters, the song, Greyson showing back up-Azriel.

She really hadn’t known him long, and that first night was….something. Though his first words to her had been about her ass, and he’d scared her so badly she hit her head on the nightstand, they almost instantly clicked.

It all started with pancakes.

—

She finally found out she wasn’t the only person who preferred Nutella instead of syrup. At first she assumed he did it because he was drunk, but then Rhys mentioned him ‘still doing that’.

“Of course I still do this. It’s delicious, which you’d know if you weren’t such a purist and actually gave something other than syrup it a chance.” He had told his brother, pointing at him with a bite of pancake covered in the chocolatey spread on his fork.

Cassian noted the mystified look on Elain’s face as she stared at Azriel. “I know, right. It’s fuckin weird.”

“What’s weird is that I’ve never met another person who prefers their pancakes with Nutella. My sisters used to give me so much shit about it.”

Rhysand rubbed the bridge of his nose while mumbling “Oh fuck. There’s two of them now.” While Azriel pointed his re-loaded fork at Elain “THANK YOU! Finally someone with taste buds!”

—

While, yes, she found him insanely attractive, they also had a ton of things in common, and that 3am breakfast was just the beginning of a fast friendship.. that was steadily evolving into something..different. Elain couldn’t help but wonder if maybe that’s the key to a lasting, honest relationship-being friends first. Having that connection as well as a romantic one, and maybe they both played into the physicality?

Her thoughts drifted to the intimacy she craved-with him.

Her door was closed, she was the only one awake-she allowed the thoughts that entered her mind-and followed to see how far they went. She thought about the feel of his lips-so soft and gentle-such a contrast from his outwardly rough demeanor. She imagined his lips exploring her neck, her chest, followed by his magnificent hands. Pinching and rolling her nipples, teasing her between her legs.

Would he be rough with her? There had always been a part of her that enjoyed being told what to do in bed, a part that enjoyed being controlled and taken, but there was never any give in the past. Her ex never gave her any leeway-no safe words, or motions-and if he did he ignored when they were used. She liked being submissive and reminded how well she’s taking a cock; of how much of a “good girl” she was, but she needed to know that if it ever became too much that there would be an immediate end.

Everything she knew about Azriel screamed that he would respect her. He would never allow himself to take things too far. Something inside of her knew that she would be safe with him, but she was unable to continue. Couldn’t get past that barrier of fear to let herself find release. She groaned in defeat, rolling over to sleep.

[the-halfling-prince]

fuck it, more Harlow Tumblr but post series

🐲 daily-dragon-facts

Did you know:

Amber-Winged Wyverns are more likely to be colorblind than any other dragon!

🐈 housecat-lookin-mf

Okay now I kinda wanna know how we know this. Did someone ask them lol

🐲 daily-dragon-facts

Yes.

#Dont question me again. #daily dragon facts

19 notes

🪕 battlebard

Callout post for @ fish-and-fear-monger

He's kinda cringe.

🔪 fish-and-fear-monger Follow

Me: Not another call-out post... Me: Oh it's just my loser sister

🪕 battlebard

ANOTHER???

#we love a problematic king? #Top Ten leaders of our archipelago. Yikes.

36 notes

⚔️ harlow-stormrage

Guys help I tripped on my cape today my gf thinks I'm a loser

🏹 careless-whisper

Sorry dude my gf has thought I was a loser since we met I can't help you

📜 mari-the-mari-lwyd

Skill issue I'm the coolest bitch my gf knows.

⚔️ harlow-stormrage

MARI-ELIE???????

#at this point I need to change my URL to not just be my name because #people I know IRL keep finding my fucking tumblr #like y'all remember the uhhh my dad incident #anyway hey mari I hope u forgot about me tripping over my cape today

482 notes

🗡️ best-alavanikian-royalty

Propaganda:

Harlow: She's literally the king... Enough said.

Mari-Elie: She may not be an heir, or a chief, or a king... But consider: She's cooler than you. And also the main advisor to the king if that counts for anything.

⚔️ harlow-stormrage

I can't believe this is even a competition. Guys. Mari-Elie sweep or I'm stepping down as ruler.

#marisweep

1264 notes

😎 deactivated10451218

Is it just me or is the king kinda... you know... fruity?? Like have you seen the way she looks at Advisor Jonson....

👩🏻‍🦰 just-daliah

I can't believe I have to say this but it's super not cool to speculate the sexualities of real people.

⚔️ harlow-stormrage

Yeah I'm fruity✌️

🐄 trickstercow

Seriously? Someone on this Odin forsaken website basically forced the king to out herself? Yikes.

⚔️ harlow-stormrage

Guys what.

⚔️ harlow-stormrage

Can't come out when you were never in. Rainbow attack 🏳️‍🌈🌈🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🌈

🐅 that-one-ginger-kid

Happy 3 years to this fuckin post 🤦

#like ngl I was confused when the situation first happened and everyone talked about it because I #deadass thought everyone knew???? #anyway Happy 'cant believe the king got outed' 'rainbow attack' day #fuck dude #tumblr holidays

8463 notes

📜 chief-stormrage

Everyone, I would like to officially announce my retirement as Chief of Drakenvel. The new chief is the talented Hagen Freyrson, and I hope you all treat him with respect.

🐈 housecat-lookin-mf

Thanks, sir. Anyway...

@ best-alavenikian-royalty any way we can add me to the polls?

#theres no way I'm beating marielie jonson but it's worth a shot

756 notes

📜 mari-the-mari-lwyd

Guys reminder that the Royal Alavenikian Library is open to everyone stop trying to sneak in you look dumb.

📔 drakenvellian-public-library

Nooo dude you're gonna put me out of a job.

📜 mari-the-mari-lwyd

Bro your island has five people and the only one who used the library lives here now if you still have that job now, I don't think it'll go away. Be fr.

🏹 careless-whisper

No because Inkwell Björnson has the best job security in alavenik, Harlow would sooner die than let the library close down 😂

#also Drakenvel has way more then five people. There's like... ten

85 notes

🪕 battlebard

"The average Alavenikian has one dragon" is a statistical error. The average Alavenikian has no dragons. Dragons Harlow, the king of the UnNamed Kingdom who befriends a hundred dragons daily is an outlier adn should not have been counted.

790278 notes

🍂 zamenwellwellwell

I wish I could get a cute farmer to date me :(

🐅 that-one-ginger-kid

Me too...

🐄 trickstercow

Hey

🐅 that-one-ginger-kid

Omg cute farmer girl

🍂 zamenwellwellwell

GET YOUR OWN POST

#the straights have hijacked my post :( #and by the straights I mean specifically those two. #'that one ginger kid' who even are you????? #... Actually that sounds disrespectful sorry Tiger sir. #sorry about that time you got tortured by that guy. Hope you and your farmer gf are happy.

23 notes

[lostandfoundbook]

Chapter 17

Read it on AO3

Read it on Wattpad

The gala had come together perfectly. Alex wasn't quite sure what it would look like when she was imagining everything in her head last week, but it wasn't as magnificent in her head as it was in real life. Everything felt.. different. It was nothing like the red carpet events, or any other gala Alex had snuck into in the past. 

The lights were dim in the gigantic room, and tables littered the floor like stones sitting across the face of a lake. They were the white with black lace, as Alex had requested. She had to listen to her final production of her song tonight. This producer worked much faster than her last. She wasn't sure if it would fit the mood, but it was too late now. 

The light blue lights slid across the marble floors and reflected themselves against it like the harsh rays of the sun. The music played out freely, and people were scattered everywhere in pairs. The turnout had been nice. 

It was a party. A party for rich people. Alex looked over the sea of people and smiled at the events taking place. She made her way towards the bar to find a bit of quiet time towards herself. She hadn't had that in awhile. She could see Avery across the room in her black dress, and Oliver on the opposite side in his black tux. They all matched, in a way. Alex just had more color to her dress.

As she reached the bar she took a seat. She looked around one last time to admire the scene before ordering her drink. Something fruity, and something wine-y. She liked the way the flavors interacted across her palette, threatening to lure her into a safe sense of comfortability. As the drank was slid across the table for her, the waiter smiled at her. She gave him a small smile back and a wave before grabbing her drink and sipping it.

It was as refreshing as she imagined. Of course, she still cringed at it, but it was a delicious glass of...something. She wasn't paying attention when she ordered. Instead she focused on the way her, Avery, and Oliver made a triangle. Perfect parallels of each other. It was such a beautiful evening. She took another sip of her drink before reaching her arm over her body to reach for her purse wrapped around her arm with a band.

She pulled out her phone and took a photo just for her. Something to cherish for years to come. She'd remember this photo. She grabbed her drink and walked over towards the crowd. The music bumped and grooved, and Alex found herself moving to the sway of the sound. It coaxed her in like a baby with candy. She moved her hips side to side easily as the dress fluttered around her.

She found herself feeling comfortable. Relaxed, like this evening was hers for the taking. There was nothing that could stand in her way. She was on top of the world. She was decked out in make up (with help of Brandon again) that matched her dress. She had been convinced to use brushed across her eyes this time, and she dared to introduce new colors. Green and browns that she didn't normally use. 

It turned out perfect, however. She had a nice light brown lipstick across her lips that matched both her eyes and the dress. It wasn't often that she wore make up, and it was even less often that she wore pale, earthy toned colors. She liked how it turned out, however. It was new, and exciting.

Despite the music, Alex could hear a clear crack of thunder crashing outside. She welcomed it, turning her eyes towards the window as she danced. She watched as a blonde girl in a purple dress approached her. "Hey, Andie, you remember me?"

She turned to face the person properly. It was Oliver's sister. "Hannah, right? I remember you! How have you been?" Alex instinctively pulled the girl into a hug. "You're still in town" she added on as she pulled away.

"Yeah! I had to stay for my brothers big gala! It's so different this year. It's actually fun this time. Last year was such a snooze-fest. I couldn't get out of there sooner on to my flight to Paris." She laughed as she said it, and flicked her hair off of her shoulder. She girl wrapped her arm around Alex's waist, restricting her movement. This family was keen on touching her, weren't they?

She didn't mind it. She placed her own arm around Hannah's shoulder as she held her drink in the other hand. "Why don't you have my number yet?" The girl asked out, bumping the other with her hip. "Mmm. Your brother has it!" Alex raised the glass to her lips.

"I still can't believe you're here, though. Never in a million years did I think my brother would be able to convince you to forgive him in any form of the word. It's a surprise, really." Alex smiled widely at that. "I wouldn't say he's absolved of his crimes. He's making up for it. What has he said about me, anyway?"

"Not much, really. He just talks about how much he watches over you." She tilted her head as she spoke. "He says you don't eat a lot."

Alex let out a frown. He had noticed she wasn't eating? "When did he say that?" The younger blonde raised the glass to her lips and drank a long drink awaiting the other girls reply. "A couple weeks ago. That's why I've been dying to meet you. He cares about you! You know, he doesn't always care about people."

Okay. By this point, Alex had realized that Hannah was drunker than an elephant. She didn't know when she had the time, but she did mention the night was fun. Alex wrapped her arm tighter around the girl to steady her upright. "I've noticed. He didn't exactly care a couple of years ago, but something changed in him recently. He's been opening up to me more."

She likely wouldn't remember this conversation in the morning, anyway. "Right, exactly. I've noticed that he seems...happier." 

The two sat in the noise filled room as the music played out for a couple of moments before Hannah started up again. "Alright, well I'll leave you off." And she slinked away from the girl. "Alrighty then!" Alex called out, smiling.

"I'm getting your number from my brother!" She called out, pointing as she walked backwards towards the bar. "I'll be expecting your call!" Alex replied.

"I'm a texter" Hannah winked off at Alex before fully turning around and making her way towards the bar. Alex blinked away the interaction between the two and brought the drink up to her lips again, sucking it dry. She'd need another glass. She set it down on one of the tables closest towards her and walked off. Someone would pick it up, soon. 

The staff waited all around the outskirts of the guests, waiting for all sorts of clean up or any other activities. They must have been getting paid a lot. Alex would pay them a lot, she thought towards herself. She could feel the wave of the drink begin to wash over her all at once as she started to wave and stumble on her own feet as she stepped forward.

She found herself walking to the food. Her drink was hitting her as fast as it was because she was hungry. She had an empty stomach, and it was making the alcohol process through her liver much faster. She should've planned for that ahead of time, she thought. She looked over the arrangements of breads and meats before making herself a sandwich. That'll show Oliver about not eating. 

It wasn't intentional. She did mean to eat. It wasn't like she had an eating disorder, or anything to the extremes like that. Instead, she sat on the outskirts of the group line, watching the girls with their bonely thin bodies around her in the dance studios as they spoke together. The curves of their body jutted out like carved marble on the statues in the hotel lobby downstairs. 

No, she was just... disordered in a different way. It was hard to rationalize in her own head as she prepared the bread and meats together in an orderly fashion, slathering mayo onto the tops of her bread. She took a bite and processed each one. The greasy textures of the meats and mayo combined mixed with the soft airy dough bread was magic in the mouth of the drunken girl.

She paced her way over to the other side of the room where Avery danced. She held her plate of food at she did so, as proof that she was really existing in the room with the people. She really co-habituated with them, and brushed elbows with the elites. "How are you doing, girl?" The ginger woman called out as she watched her approach.

"Hey, Avery, I'm good! Isn't this gala just amazing?" She turned to look up at the expansive amount of space that was between one wall to the next, and how high up the ceilings went. She focused on the way the lights shone and changed towards a green color as the music faded. "It's incredible! A really good year, to say the least. We've had a couple lousy ones in the past, but this one really knocks it out of the water! Thank you so much for helping with the planning." 

Alex blushed and waved her free hand towards the girl. "Oh, stop. I did nothing. I chose a few things here and there. I can't imagine what it actually took to pull this all together!"

From the waiters; to the bar; to the menu and restaurant staff; to the lighting and tech crew; to the bartenders; to the people setting it all up; to the people who have to clean it up at the end of the day. It was a lot of input, and she imagined it wasn't cheap.

"Yeah, it's really great. People are going to be talking about it for years to come."

Alex let out a quick smile before nodding towards the girl and making her ways away. She connected with Avery, but not in the way she'd like to. She wanted to be friends with her, and really get to know her. Rant to her when there's no one else there. Tell her about her deepest darkest secret that she hasn't shared with the world, like the first time she kissed a boy.

Or the first time she kissed a girl, for that matter. There was so much that Alex wanted to talk about. She just wanted to befriend the girl, but she couldn't help but feel the awkward gap grow between the two. The wall of What Has Been and What Could Be. The impenetrable zone that was worse than the friend zone. Acquaintances.  

What were those, anyway? Alex thought it over as she made her way over to Oliver. She found solace in him. She could talk to him about anything. She had truly befriended him, and she really liked spending her time around him. She watched as he busied himself by talking to patrons passing through, thanking them for their attendance. 

It wasn't until she caught his eye that he stopped and galivanted over her. "Wow. That dress looks so beautiful on you. I can't believe how amazing this all is." 

Okay. So, maybe it was more galivanting over the dress. All Alex knew was that it made her all warm and fuzzy inside. "Thank you. I like your suit."

It was a simple three piece suit with a grey waistcoat and a black suit jacket over top of it. He had a grey silk handkerchief in his breast pocket. "Thank you."

The two sat in the comfort of the room. Their silent moments of sitting together were always a joyous occasion. She was always entertained by the way he could say absolutely nothing, and it would still light up the room. She liked being around him. She was starting to like him in general.

The was he smiled like it was a stolen secret he wasn't supposed to share with the world, but indulged Alex in this little game of his. Of stolen glances, of kind words, and of romance. That's what all of this is, right? Romance? Some big ploy to show of his feelings in whatever hidden way he could? Just existing around her?

Alex wasn't very educated when it came to love. What is love? Is it something you can hold? Something you can feel? Is it something you can run thin on and eventually wear down at it? That's what she'd experienced in her lifetime. Love running out, and running thin. Running away from her.

They say that running is supposed to release endorphins in your brain, which is a chemical that makes you happy, but running no longer made Alex happy. It made her dread every moment, living as if it were her last one to it's fullest potential. She didn't understand moderation. She didn't understand the word no, and it dragged out throughout her lifestyle. 

But right here, right now, Alex was comfortable. 

"What are you doing after this?" Oliver eventually spoke out, breaking their moment of silence, and breaking Alex out of her train of thought. "I don't know. Probably just going back to my room. Why?"

Alex watched as Oliver shuffled his feet underneath him. "I was thinking we could just go walking around. Get away from all of the people" 

She stared into his eyes for a moment, their deep blue tones piercing their way into her heart, causing it to flutter. "Yeah, that sounds fun" she breathed out, nearly whispering. It was like he had stolen her breath away from her, and she was nicely asking for it back. She needed to scream it louder to make her point clear towards him. "I mean. Yes. If we can get a drink first, that is." 

This time she said it in a steady voice. She intentionally placed the weight of her words in a way so as they come of elegant, and fearless. She wasn't feeling fearless right now. For some reason, her palms were feeling really sweaty. She tilted her head to the sided and disguised her wiping her free hand in a reposition of her dress. Oliver eventually replied. "Yeah, let's get a drink"

The two made their way across the field of people and narrowed in for the bar, where they could see Hannah sitting. "Oh, I didn't know she'd come..." He added in, slowing down.

"You didn't see her earlier?" He shook his head. "What's wrong?" His hand shifted before he placed them in his pockets. "She wants me to just pick up everything I'm doing and go travel with her, and Avery thinks it's a good idea. She thinks I need a break."

The two had stopped walking as Oliver stared at Hannah through the few people between them. "And nobody seems to get it..." He turned to face Alex. There was a sense of lack of control in his gaze. Something that said, 'Please, save me, I'm drowning.', and she couldn't help but reach out her hands. 

"Just say you're too busy with me."

The eye contact between them was fire-y for a moment. A question longing between the two. "Alright, but only if you're okay with that." 

"Of course I am. You've helped me so much. Why can't I help you a little?"

The eye contact continued. It was deep, and heartfelt. She couldn't help herself but analyze what every stare meant before he flicked his eyes back away towards the bar. "You're right. Let's go."

She nodded, even though he couldn't see her. It was to herself. She needed it. She walked up to the bar with Oliver, and met the stare of Hannah. "Well, hey, you two! Fabulous evening we're having."

Oliver's mouth formed a line and he nodded. Hannah shot Alex a look before rolling her eyes. "This is Enrico. He travels." She pointed towards Enrico, who was sat next to her. 

"Uh... hi." He muttered out, offering a shy wave. "Right.." Oliver pipped back.

"We're just so busy, you know?" Alex gave her an annoyed look. One that threatened to pierce through her soul if she continued to speak. The girl just stared back, nonchalantly. "Oh, trust me, I know."

The way she said it was playful, but it had a hidden meaning that Alex couldn't figure out. "Listen, Hannah, we're like, really busy." Oliver finally turned his body towards Alex and away from Hannah entirely. "Busy getting drinks! I'm taking Enrico back with me to Paris."

With a 'Humph!' Hannah had flopped back around in her chair to flounder towards this man. He had dark hair and wore a dark purple suit with a coat tail, and nursed a dark beverage in his left hand. His hair swooped one direction, and he had a slight stubble on his face. 

She and Hannah had similar taste in men. Well. Hopefully not. 

Oliver handed Alex a drink before taking a sip of his own. "I got you something fruity."

It was a wine. "Aw. You remembered" She said as she grabbed it. "Of course I did. How do I forget something that taste so horrible?" 

Alex let out a giggle. "Do you want to go out and walk?" He looked around the room. "Do you want to wait for your song? It should be going on any minute" This made the girl perk up. She had forgotten entirely. "That's right! I want to get a couple videos. I'm talking to my PR team this week about my contract." He raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to be there?"

"Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?"

He shrugged. "It wouldn't be the worst thing to have me there defending you."

Defending her. Oliver Haven. It was an insane thought. Just as she was starting to think it, she heard the familiar droning of the R and B/hip hop mix. It broke through the crowd, drawing head towards the speakers. Alex couldn't bear herself to go up to the front. 

"Hold this" She handed her plate over towards Oliver. She had only taken a bite. "Shouldn't you eat more of this first?" he replied, grabbing it. "Shut up! I'm going to miss it!"

She fiddled with the strap around her wrist before digging through her purse. She had gotten Hannah to sing on this song, which was why she was here. It was her showing, too. It was the second verse, and it was perfect. It was a rap, and Hannah was hoping it'd launch her career in the industry outside of her brother, because he didn't produce this one. 

It was perfect for the both of them. She pulled out her phone and started recording it. "Take a picture with me!" Alex called out before pulling an arm around Oliver and snapping a couple photos. She was beginning to feel drunk, but it was a comfortable level. Despite this, she nursed another drink off of her cup. She put her phone back into her purse and zipped it up, reaching for her plate.

"It's a good song" Oliver told her. Alex nodded. "I know. I mean. You aren't really supposed to say that, but the producer did really good, and I like my vocals, and I think it's a good message, and um.. fuck Everette and something like that."

Oliver let a smile grow across his face, hiding it with the sip of his own drink. "That's a good message."

She tilted her head towards the side. That's when she noticed all the commotion happening, and overtop of her music was the sound of shouting. Oliver's face furrowed as he narrowed in on the people. He put a hand on Alex before telling her "Just one moment" And walking off. She followed along in his trail. 

As she stepped closer and closer towards the crowd with food in one hand and drink in the other, she was met face to face with Everette. "You bitch! You lying bitch!" He screamed out.

"Get him out of here!" Oliver yelled overtop of him, his voice booming and commandeering. The security worked hard to wrangle Everette as he pushed his way through the crowd. "You're a whore!" He screamed out.

"Fuck you!" Alex shouted back, setting her food down on the table. "Seriously. Fuck. You. I never want to see you ever again!"

Alex watched as he stepped closer and closer, security trailing behind him. Oliver quickly wrapped his arms around Alex as he barreled towards her. Alex looked down at her drink, reached her hand up, and splashed it across the distance between her and Everette, knocking it in his face.

"What the hell!?" He screamed out, grasping at his eyes. The alcohol burned and quickly made its way into his orifices on his face, his eyes, nose, and mouth. It reddened fast, and damped his clothes. He was wearing a simple T-Shirt and jeans. One of these things was not like the other, she thought towards herself.

"Come on, we're leaving." Oliver called out.

"You bitch!" Everette screamed as security tackled him. Many people had their phones out, recording the whole process. Alex was pulled away from the scene by Oliver before she turned to face him one last time. She would remember that look of pure fury in his eyes, amnesia or no amnesia.  

[the-iron-tipped-quill]

An Introduction: Ivy Adalina

yes another game character I’m playing gets a story shhhh

no content warnings I don’t think

to be tagged: @fruity-skeleton @aliceslimegirlsupreme @spookychan360 @chandeliermichel @steamfunkoo7

Divider credits to samspenandsword and saradika

writing below the cut and please enjoy

Does Mother still fear the darkness?” I asked my sister, the two of us cloaked by the darkness of the alleyway we regularly met up in. 

“She does. Since you left she’s been growing significantly more paranoid. My sister confirmed. 

“What exactly is it that she fears? The people of the dark are quite kind. As long as you manipulate the strings correctly, you are both safe and quite rich.” I said smiling, handing a small pouch over to my sister. “A gift from my last assignment. Store it somewhere safe. Use it when you finally escape Mother.” 

“Thank you. I cannot imagine how much it pains you to see me kept within her web after she cut you out of it. Again, Thank you Brianna.” My sister said, hiding the pouch within the hidden pockets of her skirt. 

“…Anything to get you out of her web. Anything. Damn the Vennerer name. I wish I could get you out of there sooner.” I said pulling her close to me if only for a few seconds.

“Brianna… I… I’m scared. Will I be safe when I leave?” My sister asked me, clinging to me just as desperately as I clung to her. 

“You’ll have my protection, the protection of those indebted to me, and many others. I’ll keep you safe in any way I can.” I reassured her, praying to whatever deities out there that would listen to me for her safety. I heard my sister mumble a prayer for me as well. 

A moment of silence fell between us. I heard the bells of the city toll, marking it was time for us to part. The 7th hour of the night is upon us both, meaning my dear sister needed to return home, and I needed to meet with my next contractor.

“This is where we part, I have a contractor to answer to. See you in a few weeks time. Give Miss Marianne my regards.” I said walking off to go meet the mysterious man who contracted me.

“You must be V, I’ve reserved a private space for us to talk.” The man said, motioning me towards a significantly more out of the way room. I followed hesitantly. My hand rested upon the sword at my side, clinging to the handle of the blade out of caution.

As we both sat face to face, he pulled his hood down, exposing only a simple man. Nothing remarkable about him. 

“I need you to hunt down a man who owes me a debt. It’s been a while since he paid up. I will warn you that he is quite a challenge to track down. You can handle him.” He said casually. 

“As much as I would have loved to learn your name, discuss a few other things before even getting to what you’ve hired me for, I suppose that will not be the case here.” I said, sighing, “Just give me the damned contract.” 

A scroll was placed in front of me, I read it over, it just seemed like a normal contract killing, with a little bit of a hunt for me. I signed the contract, watching the ink stain the parchment as I signed my false name. 

Ivy Adalina. 

“Thank you Miss Adalina. I hope this will be a fun assignment for you. You have exactly the skill set I would love to have as a tool in my arsenal.” The man said.

“As much as I can imagine you’d love my skills as a tool. I really only do contract work. I prefer dictating what I take for a killing.” I said, snatching up the contract and leaving without another word. 

Walking through the city, I found myself stopped in front of a tailor shop. Letting my curiosity get the better of me, I stepped inside, letting my hood fall as I heard the door click shut behind me. An elven lady appeared from a room off to the side of the shop.

“I don’t believe I’ve seen you around my shop before, may I have your name miss?” She asked, her voice kind as she walked over to me. 

“V, and may I have yours in return?” I responded, trying to remember at least a handful of the conversational skills my mother had drilled into me. At least she was useful for something.

“Amia. Take a look around and see if anything here already available catches your eye. If nothing does, I’ll custom make you something!” Amia said, motioning around the shop joyfully. “Call my name if you need me!”  

I smiled in spite of myself, and began to browse what Miss Amia had for sale. Walking around the shop, I found dresses more akin to what Mother would have had me wear before I broke free of her web. Nothing available to me here suited what I wanted. I saw dresses more suited to my sister's tastes. I turned to face the door I saw Amia leave into and walked over to knock on it. 

“Amia, I have a… request for a dress.. shall we say, can I request you to be the one to bring it to life?” I asked, hesitantly waiting for her answer. 

“Depends on how much you’d be willing to pay for it, but I can certainly try! I’ve been working my craft for centuries and there’s no style I cannot make!” Amia said, opening the door and motioning me towards a smaller room, walls covered in huge rolls of fabric, with a small set of needles and threads in the corner. 

“What were you thinking for a dress V?” Amia said cheerfully, pulling out a small page and prepared herself to draw what I had in mind. 

I described the dress I wanted, and watched as Amia started drawing, and after a few minutes, she showed me exactly the dress I had been picturing.

“Would it be something like this?” She asked, smiling as she watched my expression change. 

“Amia, this is exactly what I had been picturing. How in the world did you manage this?”  

“You described it so specifically, I knew almost every single detail of how it should look. 

“Amia, how long will it take you to make, and before all of this, how much do I owe you to make this?” I asked, staring in awe. 

“About a month I think will be needed. I’ll prepare measurements and a price for you soon. Is there a set way I can contact you?” Amia asked me, setting the page down to walk over to me. 

“Send it to the house of Alice Southerly., she will get the message to me.” 

“Miss Southerly? Are you another daughter of hers?”

“Legally yes, by technicality no.” I said, trying my hardest to finish up here.

“I’ll send the request over when it’s finished.” Amia said, motioning me to go.

I returned to Alice’s house, entering it to find a familiar face. The lord of the house, fighting with his kid.

“V! You made it back!” Zane said, dropping their sword and running over to me. 

“I only went out to claim another assignment. Zane, I was going to return anyways. You are aware of this right?”

“Well yeah but-“ They started as their father cut him off.

“Adalina, will you do me a favor and finish this fight for me? I have a meeting to get to.” Nero said, hand on my shoulder. A comforting sensation. I had to force myself not to lean into it. 

I drew my sword, the familiar weight of it in my hand bringing a sense of comfort. 

“In your name sister. In your name. I will win.”

I stood directly across from Zane, sword drawn. The clang of metal was audible as we fought.

“You seem to be holding back V. I’ve seen you fight dad better than this.” 

“Zane. I’m holding back for your sake. Forgive me for not fighting at full strength.” I said, sending my sword directly towards their chest. 

Another sharp clang as they barely blocked it.

“You’ve been improving. Good.”

“I’m getting better?” Zane said, eyes lighting up at the compliment.

“Ivy. Zane. Break it up, we have guests coming over soon.” Alice said, voice echoing loudly around the courtyard.

A loud metal clatter was heard as Zane jumped back a little, sword falling to the ground. 

“Ivy, please change into something more suitable for guests. This applies to you too Zane.”

I walked off, changing for the guests, keeping my head low as I plotted how my next assignment would go.

I headed out that next morning, only my armor, sword and a small pack of clothes, food and gold.