#Of course he picked up the coin you fools of COURSE HE DID!

[drawsdenfiles]

21. Ritual

[princessbellecerise]

Nameday Celebration

Summary ✩ Call it recklessness or sheer stupidity, but Benjicot is determined not to miss his lovers nameday…Even if it means sneaking into enemy territory for the night

Warnings ✩ Smut, oral sex, established relationship, brief mention of violence, fingering, foul language

The music around you was loud, and though it was quite merry, it did nothing to lift your spirits as you sat at the high table.

All around you, you were surrounded by the happy chatter of other lords and ladies that had travelled from all over to be here. Some of them even shared the same last name as you did, Bracken. But even though the evening was filled with music and light, warmth and laughter from your family, you still felt…disappointed.

You felt terrible, of course, sitting there in your fancy dress and feeling ungrateful at the ball that was thrown in your name—but you couldn’t help it.

People had come from all over the Riverlands for you, uprooted their lives and paid good coin on gifts for you, but none of that was what you truly wanted.

Your father had gone through great lengths to throw you this ball, spending coin that he didn’t have just to celebrate and maybe find you a suitable match.

By all means, it was supposed to be an amazing night in your life and yet you were so caught up in your feelings that you couldn’t even find it in yourself to be thankful.

All over, you constantly spotted sigils from houses such as the Freys, the Mootons, and the Mallisters. Even the Tully’s had made an effort to appear but none of those sigils were the ones that you wanted to see.

None of those sigils belonged to him.

Admittedly, you knew that you were a fool to ever think that he’d show up here. Your father would have sooner died than invite a Blackwood into his home, let alone have one around his daughter.

It was a feeble thought, and it was stupid of you to even be upset. Of course Benji would not show up your nameday celebration. You had known that ever since it was announced.

Your lover himself had told you that as much as he wanted to, there was just no way for him to celebrate your nameday with you. He sure as hell wasn’t invited and it would be too risky and too bloody to just show up unannounced.

The chaos that would ensue if a band of Blackwoods showed up would ruin your nameday for certain. And as much as you wanted to see him, you understood that his absence was for the best.

Still though, the feeling of disappointment had its grip on you.

You tried to act normal and you tried to make it seem like you weren’t utterly gutted, but you knew that your emotions had spilled out anyways. You were quiet and withdrawn, choosing to stay at the high table in the seat of honor rather than get up and dance with every one else.

You had chosen to sip on your wine rather than prance around with a man you didn’t care about.

You knew it was petty, but if your father wanted to be petty as well and not invite the Blackwoods, then you vowed not dance with anyone other than Benji.

It was problematic, seeing you were the guest of honor and you had declined many lords already, but you held fast. Each and every man that came to your table was turned away, to the displeasure of your father.

His ulterior motives of trying to find you a husband were not as discreet as he thought them to be. Every time the word ‘no,’ left your lips to a potential match, his lips pressed into a thinner and thinner line.

His patience with you was slowly running out.

Even though others might not have picked up on your sullen mood, he did. You were your father’s daughter after all. It was easy enough for him to tell that something was wrong, and whatever it was, he wasn’t happy about it.

After making sure that the coast was clear and that was no one was listening, he leaned in and addressed you with distain in his voice.

“Is something the matter with the celebration, Y/N?” He asked tightly.

His eyes, similar to yours, bore into you from behind his mask. Curiosity along with annoyance could be seen pooling inside them.

The answer that you had been mentally rehearsing all night finally had its chance to slip out.

“No father. Nothing is wrong with the celebration. Everything you have done for me is beautiful and much appreciated.”

Your father clenched his jaw as you took a sip of your wine, trying your best to avoid his heated stare.

“Is that so?” A small scoff left his lips. “Then why is it that you refuse to act the least bit of happy?”

You swallowed as your mind flickered to Benji. You were grateful that your mother had insisted on a masquerade ball, and that your mask was big enough to cover your face. If it didn’t, you feared you’d give much more than you wanted to away.

“I’m not…unhappy, father,” A sigh left your lips as you looked to the dance floor. Your eyes lingered on all of the couples who got to dance freely. On all of the ladies that got to be with who they wanted to without it ending in a bloody civil war.

Involuntarily, envy pooled in your chest.

“I’m just..tired, that’s all,” You continued, hoping your lie was enough.

It wasn’t.

Another scoff could be heard from your father as his chair scraped. From beside you, on your left, your mother looked on worriedly as he hissed.

“Tired? How can you be tired, daughter, when you have not even bothered to grace the dance floor?”

Silence was heard on your part as you swallowed again. You kept your eyes in front of you for fear that you’d say something to make him angrier. It wasn’t your intentions to get into it with your family, not tonight, so you kept your eyes straight and your mouth shut.

You focused on the many people on the dance floor as your father simply shook his head, mumbling about how ungrateful his daughter was.

Your mother simply gave you a disappointed look, but you ignored them both as something caught your attention.

At first, you thought that you imagined it. A simple trick of the light perhaps, or maybe you just had too much wine, but you could have sworn that you saw a flash of black, accompanied by broad shoulders and wide, gleaming eyes.

Your gaze became locked onto the stranger that bared these traits, so familiar to you but so far away. With your heart hammering in your chest, you watched as he made his way onto the dance floor. You couldn’t see him yet, not properly anyways. He was still hidden behind the horde of people all crowded together. Hiding behind the multitude of dancers and weaving in and out of the crowd.

It took all you had to keep your gaze on him and not look away. You couldn’t lose him. Not until he got closer. Not until you were sure.

For now, you were stuck following his movements with care, watching as he came closer, and closer, until finally…

Your heart stopped.

You weren’t sure if it was the wine or if you truly were hallucinating as your eyes locked with his, Benji coming to stand right in front of the high table. Beside him were two other men, all bare of any sigils and hidden under masks. But they were there. They were…

No, no.

It couldn’t be. He wouldn’t dare.

…Would he?

You started to doubt yourself. Telling yourself that there was no way that it could be him. It was too much of a risk. It was too dangerous for him to even consider such a thing…

But then he began to smile. That damned smile that you would recognize anywhere, under a mask or not. That and his eyes. You knew those eyes. That wide-eyed, crazed stare that often sent your heartbeat racing through your chest.

You knew them like the back of your hand. And sure enough, as you stared into the crowd, looking directly into those eyes, he winked.

Your chair scraped immediately.

Without much warning you stood, shooting a quick mumble towards your father before racing down the steps and towards him with determination.

Your father, thankfully, was none the wiser as you rushed forward, nodding in approval as you reached Benji and looped your arm with his.

He thought you had simply come to your senses and was dancing with some lord.

He had no idea who you were moving towards the dance floor with and if he did, you were sure that the smile would be wiped right off his face.

Lord Bracken would start a war if he knew a Blackwood had snuck under his roof, but alas that was the last thing that you were worried about.

You were more concerned about your lover getting caught, the fool having the nerve to laugh as you dragged him through the crowd. The two men he had brought along with him tried to follow, but they quickly ended up getting lost.

It was almost impossible to navigate through all of the twirling bodies, but you made it your mission to weave through them, Benji’s laughter getting lost under all of the noise. You were grateful that the masks at least concealed your true identities, allowing you to pull him along until no one else was around.

You managed to make it all the way to your room without getting stopped. As you did, you opened the door and all but threw Benji inside, making sure the door was locked before turning to your lover with a glare.

A wild gleam appeared in his eyes as he stared at you. It was obvious that he was more pleased than afraid as he grinned, crackling as he embraced you in his arms.

“Benji, Benji! Put me down!”

His laughter mixed in with your shouts of protests as Benji suddenly picked you up, spinning around in his arms.

The world suddenly went blurry for a moment as your lover twirled you, your eyes going in and out of focus. You felt dizzy whenever he finally let go of you, swaying a little bit until Benji steadied you.

When he did, you swore with everything inside of you were going to kill him.

“You idiot! What the hell were you thinking?”

Benji smiled sheepishly as you turned your fiery gaze on him, a mix of concern and anger lacing your voice. Worriedly, you glanced to the door, afraid that someone would burst through and discover him even though you had locked it.

With little time to protest, you were swept into his arms again and pulled against him.

“I was thinking that couldn’t help myself, my love. It is your nameday, and I had to see you,” He said softly, pressing his forehead to yours.

Instantly, some of your anger began to dissolve. You blamed not seeing him for weeks as the reason you began to fold so quickly, but some of your worry and panic still bled over.

“You had to? Benji you could have been caught! Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to be here right now? If my father or the guards had discovered you—”

Benji cut you off with a loud laugh.

“Your guards are the sorriest cunts I have ever seen in my life,” He snorted. “I could have snuck an entire army into Stone Hedge and no one would have batted an eye.”

“Hey!”

You playfully swatted his shoulder, giggling softly because you knew he was right. If your guards had done their jobs then Benji wouldn’t be here right now. Alone in a room with their Lord’s daughter, staring at her with a hungry look in his eyes.

A million different things ran through your mind. Everything from terror at getting caught to just being plain excited that he was here flooded your veins. You kept looking over your shoulder, expecting your door to burst open any second while Benji continued to hold you.

It took a few seconds, but when you were sure that no one was coming to seize your lover and take him away, a smile broke out on your face and you quickly embraced him back.

You threw your arms around Benji and held him tight, burying your head into the crook of his neck as you laughed lightly.

“Leave it to you, Benjicot Blackwood, to risk death and torture just to wish me a happy nameday,” You whispered, feeling his chest rumble underneath you.

Benji shrugged. “And to give you this,” He said cheekily, pulling away. When he did, you saw him reach into his pocket for a second before slowly pulling something out.

You bit your lip as Benji handed you a box, a velvet box with the Blackwood sigil embroidered on top.

With a curious look, you opened it up and then gasped at what you saw inside.

“This is…this is for me?” You asked incredulously.

Benji nodded, grinning.

“Of course it is, love. You’re the only Bracken I can give that to without loosing my head,” He teased slightly before continuing.

“D’you like it though? I had to go four towns over, all the way to The Crag so people wouldn’t ask questions. Figured it would have been strange if a Blackwood was caught asking someone to make a neckless with a Bracken sigil.”

The shyness that he sometimes was known for was evident on his face as he waited for your response, Benji nervously playing with his hands.

Luckily though, he didn’t have to wait long. He sighed in relief as he saw you grin, pulling him into another bone crushing hug and kissing his cheek.

“Benji…of course I love it,” You whispered in his ear, making him shiver. You could feel him relax underneath you, hugging you back as your eyes threatened to fill with tears.

“You mean it?” He asked, a bit more vulnerability shining through.

Your heart filled with more love that you thought was capable.

“Of course I mean it. How could I not?” You asked him softly. “It’s beautiful, and I can’t imagine it was easy for you to even have this made.”

You made a jest in order to keep yourself from crying.

Benji laughed lightly. “Aye. It nearly killed me to spend coin on that ugly red stag, but I think the back of it makes up for it. Look.”

He gestured for you to flip the necklace over and when you did, you discovered that it was double-sided. On the front, the sigil of house Bracken was carved, unassuming to anyone who saw it. But on the back…

You ran your fingers over the weirwood tree surrounded by ravens and lightly gasped. It was the sigil of House Blackwood, the symbol that belonged to the man you loved.

In tiny letters, barely visible unless you squinted, the initials B.B were engraved in one of the ravens.

Benjicot Blackwood.

“Oh. It’s beautiful Benji. Thank you,” You said again, your voice thick with emotion as you saw it. This time, you weren’t able to keep the tears from your eyes, one of them falling down your cheek as you sniffled.

Gently, Benji reached to your face and wiped it away. He smiled lightly and gestured for you to turn around. Taking the necklace from your hands, he then unclasped it and gently placed it around your neck.

When he did, he flipped it so that the symbol of House Blackwood showed instead.

“There. Just as it belongs,” He said.

Sniffling lightly, you allowed him to run his fingers over it, Benji placing soft kisses on your neck before turning you around.

When you did, you immediately planted your lips upon his, unable to resist it any longer.

You could tell that Benji was taken by surprise by the sudden action, but he quickly wasted no time in kissing you back. He matched the amount of passion in your kiss, greedily drinking in the taste of you after being starved for so long.

Not long after, what started as a soft, slow kiss turned into something more. The desperation that you both felt after not seeing each other for a while pooled over, and soon enough you found yourself tugging on his hair, wanting something more.

Benji clearly felt the same as he began to lead you towards the bed.

Gently, he laid you down on the soft covers and your heart pounded as he leaned over you.

Once more, his lips met yours in a swift kiss but this time it was accompanied by roaming hands.

You felt him touching you everywhere that he could, Benji feeling all of the parts that he missed.

His hands lingered on your waist and then your chest, fingers dancing over the material that covered your breasts. It was clear that just feeling you over your clothing wasn’t enough. He wanted more, and so you weren’t surprised when he broke the kiss, eyes hungry as he tugged on the yellow garb.

“Take this off,” He demanded softly, his dark eyes wild with lust.

Quickly, you sat up and with his assistance was able to get it off. Benji struggled a little bit when it came to your corset, resulting in your lover getting impatient.

Regrettably, this meant that you would have to explain to your Septa why the strings looked like they had been cut with a knife. A little annoyance pooled inside of you at the inconvenience, but you tried not to think about that as you stared at him, anxious to know what he wanted next.

“Turn around,” Benji then rasped, taking no time to drink in your naked body. “I want you on your knees, ass in the air.”

Despite his filthy words, his tone was oddly soft. Desire pooled in your core as you obediently listened, eager for whatever it was he had planned for you. You laid your head on your soft pillow, eyes fluttering shut as you felt the bed dip behind you.

You sighed as Benji kneeled in between your legs. In an instant, your felt his calloused hands roaming over your body, trailing all the way from the small of your back to the center of your core. Gently, his padded fingers traced your slick folds, eliciting a moan from you when they brushed over your clit.

“Fuck, how I’ve missed this.”

You said nothing as his fingers continued to tease your clit, too busy panting at the sensation.

It had been too long, you noted, since you had felt your lovers’ touch.

The more that tensions between your houses grew, the less time that you had to spend with Benji. It was too risky to be seen anywhere near Blackwood territory and your father had doubled the guards, making it nearly impossible to sneak out. Your meetings had been so few as of late, leaving you craving his touch like no other.

Eagerly, you wanted to take advantage of this opportunity, moaning when Benji sank a digit into your tight cunt. You cursed softly as he began to pump in and out, loving the way he curled them inside of you to reach your pleasure spots.

It seemed that your time apart did nothing to impact Benji’s memory. He still remembered exactly how to make you come undone, adding more and more digits until your cunt was stuffed.

The more fingers that he added, the louder you moaned. Pleasure that you had not experienced in weeks quickly began to cloud your senses, making you forget that you were supposed to be quiet in case anyone overheard you.

You could only imagine the disaster that would ensue if Benjicot Blackwood was discovered knuckle-deep inside of Lord Bracken’s daughter. Making her come undone on his fingers, slowly but surely, and whispering the filthiest of words in her ear.

You imagined that the aftermath wouldn’t be pretty, but alas all of those thoughts and worries faded away the minute you felt Benji kneel down, attaching his mouth to your cunt.

Any previous thoughts that you had were gone—replaced by muffled moans and incoherent blabber.

You whimpered as you felt Benji’s tongue lapping at your folds, eating your cunt like he was a man starved.

You felt him sucking on your clit, taking the bud into his mouth just as his index and middle finger curled against the right spot.

The combined pleasure had you gasping out, pillow forgotten as strangled cries left your lips.

Benji could feel your cunt tightening around his fingers and he smirked, coaxing you through your orgasm as you moaned and withered under him.

It took all he had to hold you down, using his free hand to keep your cunt firmly pressed against him. He refused to let up his assault until he could taste you on his tongue, the sweetness of your juices making him groan as well.

When he finally pulled away and released you from his hold, you managed to weakly look behind you and see him grinning. Benji licked his fingers, his face shiny with your arousal as he met your eyes.

“Hmm. So fuckin’ sweet. You want to taste, raven?”

Meekly you nodded, your face and your core burning at the nickname. Benji smiled as he leaned down to kiss you, letting you taste yourself on his lips while he grinded into you.

You could feel his cock hard as stone poking against your thighs. The thought of him being inside of you after so long briefly made you loose the ability to breathe as excitement flooded your veins.

The action allowed for Benji to slip his tongue in your mouth, kissing you sloppily for a moment before reluctantly pulling away.

His wild eyes were dark with lust as he fiddled with his own clothing, loosening his trousers so that his cock could spring free.

You felt your mouth water as you watched him stroke himself for a moment, spurts of preseed dripping down the base.

Benji let a hand roam over your back and gently used it to push you down, spreading your legs so that he could settle in between them.

With your back arched and your face pressed firmly against the pillow once again, he teased you by dragging his cock along your folds and then, he pushed in.

Together, you both let out a whine as Benji’s cock sank inside of you, your lover letting out a swear as you gripped him tight.

It had been a while since the two of you had sex, and it was evident in the way your legs trembled, your cunt straining to take him as he sank deeper.

You let out another whine, reaching behind you for something to grip. Luckily Benji seemed to get the message clear enough, and quickly he intertwined your fingers together.

Once he was buried inside of you to the hilt, he stilled for a moment, trying to catch his breath. Light kisses were peppered against your back as he leaned over you, holding you as close as possible before his hips began to move.

In a slow rhythm, he dragged his cock in and out as if to savor the moment.

As his hips snapped against yours and sent jolts of ecstasy through your body, your moans slowly started to combine.

You had forgotten how much you missed this. You had forgotten how much you missed him. Loneliness was awful but often times it was easy to get accustomed to it. After all, it’s what you signed up for when you took a Blackwood for your lover.

You expected to go days, weeks, or even months without seeing Benji. So when he was here, you did all you could to savor him before he had to leave again.

Every breath, every groan, and every whisper of encouragement was committed to memory. Every touch, every kiss cherished.

You relished in the way Benji’s cock felt against your walls, squeezing him as if it would somehow help you remember how it felt.

A small curse left his lips as you did, Benji leaning down to suck a love bite on your skin.

As his teeth grazed your neck, you groaned as he somehow managed to find both of your sweet spots.

“That’s it. That’s it. Good girl. Good fuckin’ girl.”

Benji praised you as you began to fuck yourself on his cock, throwing your hips back and meeting his trusts. Your moans combined together as the pace sped up, the sound of heavy breathing quickly filling the room.

After a moment, you felt his weight shift off of your body as Benji opted to get back on his knees. He used his hands to keep your hips steady, pushing down on the small of your back to keep it arched.

With this new angle, he was able to drive into you quicker and repeatedly hit your sweet spot. Curses left his lips as you began to tremble around him, his own orgasm approaching at the same time as yours.

“Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!”

You gripped the sheets tightly as obscenities left his mouth, feeling Benji quickly pull out of you just as your peak washed over you.

Hot spurts of his seed coated your back, Benji spilling himself onto your skin before finishing you off with his fingers.

The absence of his cock was most disappointing, but by the time you came down from your high you barely noticed.

You were too busy in a state of bliss, turning around to capture Benji in a kiss before shakily pulling away.

“Are you alright, my love?” He asked immediately, panting heavily as he collapsed next to you.

Sometimes, it amazed you how quickly he could change. One moment Benji was shy and sweet, giving you the most beautiful necklace for your nameday. And then the next he was making you cum, whispering the dirtiest things in your ear and fucking you so good that you saw stars.

Now, he had switched again, his soft side back on display as he held you in his arms.

He was careful enough not to cum inside of you and—much to your displeasure—had used your fancy yellow dress to wipe up his seed.

You suspected that he was too pleased by the action, but you opted not to say anything about it. Instead, you merely disregarded the dress and chose to cuddle in his arms, trying to soak the last remaining moments you had.

“Of course I’m alright. It is my nameday and I’ve just received the best gift of the night,” You replied after some pause.

You knew him well enough that you could practically hear the smirk appear on his face.

“What? The sex?” Benji asked cheekily, to which you playfully elbowed him.

“No you fool!” You giggled as you knew that was exactly what he was going to say. “The necklace! The necklace you risked life and limb to deliver to me personally!”

You rolled your eyes as Benji began to laugh behind you, the cheerful sound echoing through your chambers.

“Right, right. That is what I risked life and limb for,” He said innocently.

You didn’t have the energy to do anything expect roll your eyes again. You swore he was so stupid sometimes. From sneaking into enemy territory to making silly little jests, your Benji sure was a character to be reckoned with.

But, that was exactly what you loved about him.

Sighing softly, you shook your head and listened to the sound of his breathing. It remained steady behind you as Benji slowly relaxed, settling in your bed like he was simply at home.

If you didn’t know any better, you’d say that he was falling sleep. His body was certainly still enough to think so, but you knew as well as he did that he couldn’t stay here.

The party downstairs was slowly dying down. If you listened close enough, you could hear the final songs planned for the night dwindling down, and you knew pretty soon someone was going to come for you.

Benji couldn’t be here when they did.

Your father was probably already angry enough at your lack of presence. If he ever discovered the reason why you had so suddenly disappeared then he would have your head—Benji’s too.

And as much you loved lying in his arms, feeling the warmth and the love radiating from his body, you loved seeing Benji alive much more.

So, sure enough, as the final notes on the final songs began to play, he stood up.

“Well, I suppose that’s my cue to take leave, then.”

Benji smiled sadly as he began to gather his clothes, redressing while you watched him with despair. The sheets that were wrapped loosely around you began to fall as you stood as well, walking over to him just as he readjusted his dagger.

“Do you promise to come visit me soon?” You asked him anxiously.

Slowly, Benji began to nod. He knew as well as you did that soon was debatable. Tensions were at all time high as whispers of war breaking out in the Kingdom spread. They added to the already strained relations between your houses.

Still though, Benji could not bare to see your disappointment. He didn’t want to leave on a bad note, either, so he settled for an unserious answer to ease the situation.

“If your father doesn’t replace his guards any time soon then I’ll be able to visit you any time you’d like,” He chuckled.

He was met by a small giggle that had his heart smiling with joy. Softly, you gripped his hand, savoring his touch as you knew that it would be the last time for a while.

“Stay safe out there, Blackwood,” You told him softly. “Don’t get into any trouble and for Seven’s sake, leave the assize stones alone. Make sure that you come back to me, you hear?”

Your tone was playful, but he knew that you were being as serious as a dead man.

Briefly, his lips twitched a little as he fought the urge to tell you that it was your family that messes with the stones. But ultimately, he agreed.

“I will. I promise,” Benji said sincerely.

A soft kiss was then planted on your lips, you and Benji holding onto each other for one last time. When you pulled away, a sigh of disappointment left your lips as you watched him walk away.

Closing your eyes, you decided to count his footsteps until he reached the door.

When you got to ten, you heard the door open. And one last time, Benji called out to you.

“Oh. And Bracken?”

“Hmm?”

You opened your eyes to see that familiar goofy smile, his eyes shining as he looked at you.

“I almost forgot to tell you, but happy nameday, my love. I do hope that this was a good one,” Benji laughed.

And with that, he closed the door, leaving you smiling and shaking your head behind him.

That fool. What one earth am I going to do with you, Benjicot Blackwood?

[aethelwyneleigh27]

Knight!Ellie x Princess!Reader

Drabbles and imagines through a headcanon format

My rules for requests and characters I can write for

TLOU Masterlist

Ellie Williams dating playlist made by yours truly (Modern)

Enjoy this official playlist as a sneak peek of a fanfic I'm currently working on (This post was highly inspired by it)

ꕥ HOPE YOU ENJOY! ꕥ

A/n: Thinking about Knight!Ellie x Princess!Reader because I just love this trope so much. It's literally a fave of mine along with grumpy x sunshine ("I hate everyone but you") and enemies to lovers. This'll be constantly edited because it isn't proofread and more ideas will come to me soon.

Disclaimers/warnings: OOC?, I'm so sorry but English is not my first language so please don't come after me.

Tiny sidenote: Implied chubby reader???

♡ Knight!Ellie who literally was just stuttering and speechless when she first saw and met you. Your parents kept you face hidden from the public, of course that being done maids who are not one of your personal maids gossip about how you are more likely to be ugly, must be why your parents kept you.

Of course rumours spread like wildfire in the castle and the maiden who said such things lost her job and Ellie being a new knight, she's heard of said rumors but she didn't care nonetheless because she was getting paid worth at least two chests filled with gold coins to protect you.

♡ Knight!Ellie who became attached to you because you're so beautiful, how could she not? Although there were downsides to this, Ellie realized that the first time your parents had you meet a suitor.

♡ Knight!Ellie who had to stand there and watch on the side as you danced with a suitor, his hands on your body in such a way that made you so uncomfortable. Ellie watched as your face contorted a bit wondering what kind of a daft oblivious idiot won't notice it.

She saw the way you squinted your eyes in pain everytime when the suitor hastily steps on your foot. The little whimper that came out of your mouth because of how much weight the suitor stepped on you with, he didn't even apologize, not after he did it every 3 minutes.

♡ Knight!Ellie who was incredibly livid, the fact that he didn't take you into consideration, so mad that she was clenching her fists that she swore it would bleed if she doesn't cut her finger nails regularly. (We all know why she does)

♡ Knight!Ellie who always pays attention even when you think she's not, whenever you sneak out into town even when she's surveillancing around for anything that might cause you danger she'd know when a puddle is there and would either lay her coat down so you can step on it and continue walking or carry you and put you down when you passed the puddle.

♡ Knight!Ellie who saw how you interacted with the town's folk despite how none of them knew who you truly are. How the kids adored you, giving you wild flowers they've picked. The kids noticed how you took one of those flowers and poked it through her hair in between her ear, the look Ellie gave you of pure love being overlooked by the oblivious darling that you are.

A little girl called her out on it saying that she doesn't blame Ellie, only a fool would be stupid enough not to love you. Said little girl was told by Ellie to keep the secret of the little crush and you turn back to both of them with a confused look as to what they're talking about but the little girl just giggles and Ellie shrugs and smiles innocently at you.

♡ Knight!Ellie who finds so many different ways to touch you and any excuse to do so. She'd help you up a carriage by holding your hand even though she knows you can get up by yourself. She'd have her hand on the small of your back, the other on your hand again whenever guiding you to a rocky or unstable platform.

♡ Knight!Ellie who faced a lot of criticism for being female and has been through a lot during her training because other knights treated her differently but now that she's with you, she think it's worth it and is most certainly cocky to her colleagues about it and shoving it into their mean faces.

♡ Knight!Ellie who would rather die than face her own blade towards you in any way possible, she'd even go as far as you beg you if you accidentally point her sword/dagger towards yourself asking you "Princess please, don't ever do that again".

♡ Knight!Ellie who pleasures you in the way others have failed, she makes you feel loved, protected and cared for. She never half-asses anything that has to do with you because no matter what, she knows you deserve only the best.

♡ Knight!Ellie who worships the ground you walk on, every single thing that you do makes her fall in love with you even more. She'd defend your honor as if her life depended on it.

♡ Knight!Ellie who is always at your beck and call, even if you don't even ask her to help you with anything. Something as simple as helping you dress and being able to kiss skin on your shoulder in which she revealed by moving your chamise and putting it back in place when she's done. Most definitely loves helping you with your clothing, so much so that she goes down on her knees just to help you slip on you shoes.

♡ Knight!Ellie who smokes but when you caught her, she promised you she would quit and she did. But relentlessly teased you saying you just wanted to keep her alive longer for yourself, not that it isn't true but you'd never tell her that right?

♡ Knight!Ellie noticing the little things about you, how strands of your hair make their way in front of your face and how you huff in annoyance because it disrupts you of whatever you are doing so you blow it back. She finds herself tucking the strand behind your ear for you.

♡ Knight!Ellie who loves it when you read to her, how you so comfortably ask a commoner like her to be in your bed chambers and to make her lay in your bed as you read to her.

Her heart beats faster, her breath hitches the moment you thank her for providing you protection, safety and care. The young knight butting in saying that you deserve nothing less, looking up at you with those beautiful sage green eyes of hers.

♡ Knight!Ellie caring more about your well being than her own, constantly forgetting to eat meals, losing sleep and not giving herself enough time to heal when injured so you just had to sit her down. You took care of her, fed her and changed her bandages when you was too stubborn to do so, to say that Ellie knew in that moment, she just couldn't help herself. That was the first time she kissed you.

♡ Knight!Ellie who can't get enough of your kisses, your soft lips hitting her chapped ones, giving it warmth and life. She pull you in, arms wrapped around your body and hands rested on you back. You cupped her face continuing to share your warmth with her. That cemented it for Ellie, she just had to have you no matter how guilty and selfish she felt about it.

♡ Knight!Ellie who lays awake at night dreaming what it would be like if she was able to express her love for you in public, let the world know that you belong to each other.

♡ Knight!Ellie who used to use sweet nicknames as a tease and now using it as a term of endearment putting the word "my" before each one whenever in the privacy of four walls.

♡ Knight!Ellie who makes anytime with you feel domestic, just makes her want to take you with her and run away to a small cottage near a field where you two could happily live the life of a married couple, maybe even adopt a child.

♡ Should I do Knight!Abby x Princess!Reader or Knight!Abby x Maiden!Reader next? Both? Honestly I need more Abby content. (Maiden = Commoner)

[lady-ashfade]

Hey! I’d love to see what you’d do with the Crows & a reader who comes off as just another dumb rich person, they act like a naive airhead and dress like a “princess” but in reality they’re incredibly smart and find it funny when people try to pull one over on them. Thank you :^)

Not so dumb

Platonic!Six of crows x Durast!Bimbo!reader. (Minus Matthias)

Notes: I added the reader being a Durast because for some reason I thought of it, I think it works. Hope this is okay! And you like it 🌸

Warnings: Drugging, a little bit of violence, idk what else to put.

It was just perfect when they saw you in their club, a woman who had a smile on her face. Little clumsy and seemed to be losing a lot, but you dressed so expensive. The necklace around your neck must have be heavy by the looks of it, golden earrings that shined so bright, and the dress that was huge.

That’s when they first met you because you seemed like a easy target. Of course they wouldn’t hurt you but making it seem like you lost your jewelry and coin purse wasn’t so bad. After all you should expect this on this side of time, it was overflowing with thieves.

Nina came over with a tray in her hand with a cup on it, smiling at you charmingly. “Someone at the bar ordered this for you.” She handed the drink you and you smiled at her, “Oh, thank you so much. I’ve been losing so much I do need a drink.” You thanked her as she walked away. As soon as her back was turned to you she smirked.

It had just a little concoction in it to make you pass out and feel drunk. Nothing harmful to kill you, but just right to do what they needed.

Idiots. You thought to yourself and set the drink down and continued playing, you knew how to play people. They will soon bet all their money and you’d do your part to win, you always do.

After a while your cup was almost empty and you stomped a bit, eyes closing and body moving without your knowing. But you did win the round, so you put the money in your pouch and got up. Your body was all over the place as your tried to walk around and to the door when a pair of arms landed around your waist.

“I’ve got you.” Looking up you saw the man who worked for the owner, Jesper you think is name was. “Thank you..” you slurred as he helped you out the door and you pushed your weight into him. I’ve finally got her

But little did he know he was so wrong, oh so very wrong. He stood on his knees in the alleyway holding his neck as the necklace that was once on yours now wrapped around his and choking him.

“I can’t believe you tried to steal from me, you see I’m not as dumb.” You smiled still so kinda and you bow down to him and released him. You picked up with ear rings and pouch he tried to steal from you, “Tell your boss when I come back I want free drinks- Without poison or anything.”

He catches his breath and tried to stay awake as you walked away, disappearing in the fog in the alley and into the darkness. He was very confused about what had just happened, how in the hell did you know and beat him?

Kaz was intrigued when he found out, he wasn’t impressed but he could give you props. And that’s exactly when his brain told him to see if you’d like to join his crew.

And of course, you did because come on. It was fun.

So, I think the team loves to have you on their side now. Because you are actually fun, and kind to them. But they love to watch you fool someone else.

I think you come in every day with something new you stole because all the drunk men are easy targets.

You can go with them on missions to distract the guards. And sometimes you work as a waitress, because you’re good at it.

Nina loves to watch you do your things, even has you teach her a few things but you’re both good at playing dumb.

Jesper is the same way, he is usually the flirt and uses that to fool people. I think you both would make a perfect team, I’m going to say this right now. You like to dress up and so does he, so “shopping sprees” without the paying part.

Jesper doesn’t hold a grudge because he was the one who tried to steal from you, and you didn’t kill him. So, he was easy to forgive.

But going on about how you’re actually really smart is the part that shocked them the most. Here they thought you were just a dumb rich girl but you’re just a smart girl who plays dumb.

Kaz even if he doesn’t admit it, runs the plans by you but in a subtle way. He’ll tell you the plan in full and listen to any comments you make, and it’s rare he makes mistakes but you give him pointers. You can make things a lot more easier and he’s glad he invited you to the team.

He’ll never tell you though.

Inej, she’s really interested in you. How you choose to acted dumb but are smart and can defend yourself well. She often wonders why you do that and why not just acted yourself.

“Well I act this way because it’s easy, one can’t trick someone they don’t really know. And plus it’s fun, and it’s not all fake. I actually do love to have fun…And sometimes I do stumble but don’t tell anyone.”

You and Inej spare sometimes.

But you are a Durast. You teach Jesper how to use his powers when he’s ready, also really handy when on jobs.

Wylan loves when you visit him while he makes things, because you listen to all his words and actually understand most of what he says. Or let’s say you don’t understand all of it, but can keep up with him. He’s glad to have someone who understands what he can do.

The way you two would be the cutest together- The cutest besties.

Over all you’re a pretty interesting mix to the group. Getting alone with everyone one of them for different things.

[writingrock]

let me be numb to you [3]

pairing: aventurine x reader (gender neutral) summary: being bored at some club sucks. but when you meet a charming stranger offering you some fun, you don't say no.

notes: drug use, gambling, addiction, mentions of overdose, angst

word count: 2k

chapter list

a/n: it's better to read these in order but i hope yall like the ending <3

His apartment has changed slightly. Aventurine turns on the lights, letting you see how different the apartment looks. Same place, but it’s neater and has more belongings. It looks like an actual home now. Memories of the past where the two of you fooled around in his apartment flood your mind. Did he think of you after all this time?

Your attention turns to the shuffling at your side, watching as Aventurine changes his shoes to some home slippers. He’s already set aside a pair of slippers for you to wear. Stumbling, you slip your strappy heels off and step into them. A soft sigh of relief leaves your mouth, you forgot how nice it felt outside of heels. Your aching feet sink into the soft material, stepping into his apartment. Aventurine is already by the kitchen counter, pouring himself water. Without looking up, he speaks to you.

“Do you.. want some water..?” His voice drags somewhat awkwardly. This is the first time he’s spoken to you since he’s picked you up.

“Yeah– uh sure.. thanks.” The faint sound of water pouring fills the silence. You move your way to the couch quietly. How you sink slightly into the firm cushions of the couch reminds you of the past. Countless late nights of drinking and fooling around on this exact couch. You could almost visualise these sweet moments, the faded forms dancing around the room. A glass comes to view, and your head tilts up as you take the glass of water from Aventurine.

He doesn’t meet your gaze. You can feel the couch shift when his weight sits next to you. Time ticks on as the two of you sit in this deafening silence. It’s awkward. Tension is heavy on the both of you, as pent up emotions are seeping through. You take a sip of the water, refreshing your dry mouth. Aventurine is leaning back on the couch. On his lap, his hands are toying with his beloved gambling token. He casts his eyes down to marvel at the coin shining in the dim light. All of this to stall the inevitable.

The both of you needed to talk.

“Why’d you just disappear?” Your question cuts through the silence. Beating around the bush will do nothing for either of you. He has ghosted your texts and calls for one whole year. Everytime you came to his apartment, it either seemed like he wasn’t here or he was ignoring you. You needed an explanation from him, you deserved at least that. Aventurine pauses, holding the token in his hand for a moment before going back to play with it. He flicks it in the air as he thinks of what to really say.

He left because it’s who he is. It was easier to run away from his problems, his past, and you. If he ignores these things long enough, they’ll fade away, won’t they? The thought gives him temporary relief from the storm of issues. But he knows that he’s just lying to himself. An illusion that could shatter with his consciousness. That’s why he used to drown himself with whatever he could get. Alcohol, drugs, smoking, sex. He filled the days with trivial gambles and mindless substance abuse to drown out the gnawing in the back of his mind. Keeping himself in a muddled state so he didn’t have to think about anything.

He’s moved on from all of that of course. Now he only drinks from time to time, maybe an occasional slip of the pill. But Aventurine simply changed his methods of escape: from drugs to work. Taking in any assignments that the IPC would give him so he could work tirelessly and forget about everything in his life. He hasn’t changed for the better. If not for you, he could have continued that lucky streak of endless gambling and inebriety.

After the incident, he needed to step away from you. He couldn't help but feel guilty for getting involved with you. In truth, he blames himself for your overdose. Despite your protests, he still believes that he’s the root of your downfall. Perhaps if he didn’t meet you at that bar, if he said nothing, you wouldn’t be here right now. He’s pushed you into this ruthless cycle for his own selfish reasons. Why did he desire you by his side? His craving for companionship only led you to be sucked into a dark place. Does everything he touch have to become tainted?

Aventurine knows he isn’t exactly a saint either with no right to tell you what to do. But everytime he looks at you, he’s reminded of the night where he could have lost you. You were in too deep and he didn’t know what to do. Maybe he could have persuaded you to take it slow and get help. That’s what he wishes he did. Alas, Aventurine’s nothing but a self-loathing coward. He left because it was easier.

Dealing with you would mean he’d have to confront his past. As much as he wants to clear things between the two of you, Aventurine isn’t ready for that, yet. He knows his avoidance is only prolonging the pain and guilt. In the quiet of the night when he’s exhausted from work, you resurface. You’ve always followed him in the back of his mind. When he works, he can silence his thoughts. It’s only when everything is too quiet, that you poison his peace of mind.

Were you recovering or still partying dangerously? Did you have another… overdose? Did you wake up without him? Your presence next to him answers his worst fears. Without him, you fell deeper into it Yet, even with this awareness, the thought of confrontation is too daunting, too terrifying. What if confronting the problem only makes it worse? What if it reveals truths he’s not ready to accept? The fear paralyses him, wrapping itself around his thoughts like a suffocating blanket, whispering that it’s safer to stay hidden, to stay silent. He’s scared. It’s so much easier to run.

As his thoughts raced, so did yours. His silence only crumbles your being, and being next to him makes you feel alone. Didn’t you deserve even one word or did he deem you that unworthy? Why did he leave you for a whole year with no explanation? His disappearance was heartbreaking for you and yet this moment feels worse.

You’re his ride or die. With him, you had no regrets. Life was colourful with him and when he left, everything became slower. Nothing felt exciting or that fun anymore. You could never hit that blissful high without him. So you aimlessly went bar to bar, fooling with strangers to get even a touch of what you had with Aventurine. It never worked. No one could replace him.

In the end, you were left craving for him. You were never addicted to drugs, were you? You were addicted to him. Scrambling around to find a replacement only solidified the truth. He was the spark that made life worth waking up to. Going on those crazed adventures with him– with his true self, not the facade he uses. It was never about partying or gambling. It was always him.

Yet you continued your ways, sinking deeper into the spiral. It was easier to lose yourself than to think about the fact that he left you. Perhaps you’ll be able to touch the same high you got with him if you continued. Just once more. Your heart swells when you turn to look at him now. You wish that you could tell him that you love him. That you’ve only ever wanted to be by his side. But you’re scared too. Confessing could push him further away. So fuck that option. Besides, you’re furious with him. Ghosting you for a year and he can’t even manage one word to you? Your jaw stiffens as you bite your tongue down, and rage bubbles deep within you as the clock ticks on.

What if he’s making a mistake by not acting? His fingers become even more fidgety with the token in his hands. Is he just delaying the inevitable? Aventurine has always been confident on gambles, work, and bets. Yet with you, he’s in cold sweat. Is he really saving himself from greater pain? He thinks he’s protecting himself from a truth he’s not ready to face. Each thought spirals into the next, creating a tangled web of indecision and anxiety.

You don’t deserve this. You’re the only genuine person in his life, is he really going to risk losing you? Give and take. It didn’t matter what either of you got from each other. You wanted to be around him for him. He wants you with him for you. Aventurine loves you and it’s not just lust. Vulnerability sinks into his flesh and he tenses at the feeling. Every instinct of his is telling him to run away from you.

Can he continue to avoid you? To hope against hope that tomorrow will bring the courage he lacks tonight, even though that tomorrow may never come. No, it’s not right. He knows it’s not right, yet why is it so hard to say how he feels? Sometimes he wishes his mouth is faster than his thoughts.

“Fucking say something, Aventurine.” you hiss. Your voice betrays the anger inside of you. You want to scream at him but your body is too exhausted to do so. Instead you crumble and reduce into sobs. Aventurine finally looks at you. He’s made a mistake, hasn’t he? His arm gently goes around your back but you flinch and push it away.

“What was the reason, Aven?” Your chest heaves with the force of each cry. Clutching the fabric of your top. “I wasn’t enough for you? Did you get bored of me?”

No, no, and no. He could never get bored of you. You are more than enough. He says your name, his voice softening as guilt eats him up. He shouldn’t have left you.

“Just tell me.” Your tears don’t stop as you plead with him, “I’ll never bother you again if you just tell me. Anything is better than silence– just, please, say something.” All you ask for is an explanation. Why do words fail him at this moment? How does he even begin to speak his feelings? He’s always bottled them up and deemed them to be redundant. How does he tell you that you showed him the world isn’t as bleak as he thought? He just wants to hold you, make you feel better. But he knows it starts with being vulnerable.

You weren’t sure if it was the drugs in your system or the repressed emotions. But you lash out at Aventurine. Saying something you didn’t mean in the heat of it all. Tears sting as they streak down your cheeks, your mascara becoming a mess. Your heart beating faster as an uncontrollable fury burst inside of you.

“You were right, I fucking regret that night.” You whisper loud enough for him to hear, “I wish I never met you, Aventurine.” You slump softly against the couch, letting yourself break down.

His arms pull you in, wrapping you in a sickeningly warm embrace. The scent of his cologne envelopes you as you sob. You want to scream and break free from him. Be angry at him. But you melt into his embrace, this soft and warm embrace that feels like paradise. Why can’t you be angry at him? Aventurine looks down at your weak form, his eyes narrowed in pain, frustration and guilt.

“Hate me, scream at me,” he sounds like those late nights you guys shared before. Just like those intimate nights in those hotel rooms. “Use me.” There’s an undertone of regret and sadness. Aventurine’s arms are shaking as he holds you tight, his every attempt at keeping still proving useless. His fear of losing you is overtaking everything else.

“I’m sorry, please just…” a quiver in his voice as his grip on you tightens, “stay, please.”

Why can’t I be numb to you?

a/n: the ending is ambigious for you readers to decide for yourself. I hope you guys like it !! Aventurine in this fic is meant to be a worsened version of him (aventurine before he accepted his trauma/past).

border credits: @enchanthings & @adornedwithlight

© writingrock 2024 do not copy, translate or repost.

[zae-heeyyy]

Hiatus

Summary: You meet John during his year away from the gang. Pairing: John Marston x gn!Reader but mostly platonic Word Count: 1,725 Tags/ Warnings: alcohol, violence, mature themes

a/n: Just a little idea I had. I actually sketched/traced the saloon picture on my iPad. (Thanks John for bad drawing skills because I'm not an artist. To be clear, this is my interpretation of John’s sketch of a saloon haha) Something a little different, I hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading!

hiatus: A temporary departure or absence, often marked by a pause in activity or routine, reflecting a period of separation from the usual path or environment

Rip Van Winkle? Did he take you for a fool? You'd be insulted if you couldn't clearly see the bastard was miserable. It'd been three months since he stumbled into your saloon, throwing a few bills on the bar top. A few bills covered a lot of drinks, but a lot of drinks he had. He would drink and gamble all his money away and would somehow come back the next day with more. You didn't know any fellas around who could make their money and spend it as fast as he did. Minding your business seemed like the best course of action, and that's what you did, mostly. All you asked for was a name, and that's what he gave you. You took the hint and stopped asking questions. 

Until you couldn't curb your curiosity about the tall, lanky stranger anymore.

"What do you do, anyway?" You asked. Nobody around knew him, and it wasn't a big town. People were fishermen and farmhands, and he didn't fit either bill. He'd dodged that question, too. It didn't take long for you to figure out how he made his living when you saw him "accidentally" bump into someone. Just thirty seconds later, he threw the dime he'd presumably pickpocketed onto your bar. You stared at him, unmoving. 

"Well, you gonna pour that whiskey or not?" He learned on the counter, impatient, and glared at you. Intimidating you would take more work than he was probably used to.

"You gonna give that man his money back or not?" You shot back. His face didn't change, and he steadily held your gaze. He picked up the coin and placed it back on the counter, scooting it in front of you again.

"No," he replied simply.

"Then no." You responded with a shrug and turned to walk off to serve someone else. Rip sighed deeply and put another dime on the counter. 

"But I'll buy him a drink-- on him." You wanted to laugh but didn't give him the satisfaction. 

"Now I'm robbing him, too?"

"It ain't robbin. He was gonna buy a drink anyway," his tone grew even more vexed. You were the one loudly exhaling now. You took the money, poured the whiskey, and offered the other man his "free" drink. Rip was lucky you didn't call the law on him, but he seemed to have enough problems as it was. 

He took to you after that, though, always throwing extra change down for you to have a whiskey yourself. You'd thank him with short words, but never poured yourself a drink, knowing where the money came from. Keeping your distance seemed like the logical thing to do.

Then, someone you'd never seen before pushed open the doors to the saloon on a particularly slow night. You'd noticed Rip's posture stiffen as soon as he laid eyes on the man. He placed a casual hand on his right hip, and his eyes moved to yours for only a second before they were watching the man again. You should've felt something was wrong but didn't have time to think before the newcomer approached you, pointing his gun at you from inside his coat.

"All the money. Now. And don't say a word." Your blood ran cold, but before you could move, you heard a click.

"Put the gun down, idiot." Rip had moved from his seat and was standing behind the intruder, his own revolver pointed to the back of his head, "gonna lose your life over this? I hope you ain't as dumb as you look."

Rip diverted the stranger's attention long enough for you to reach for your own shotgun under the counter. You pointed your gun at the would-be robber, and Rip yelled at the few others in the saloon to get the law. You finally let yourself breathe when the man was taken away. 

Rip stayed for the rest of the night, sitting long past his usual departure time. Faint sunlight was beginning to peak in the windows, and your shift replacement had walked through the doors. Instead of going home, you walked around the bar to sit with Rip. Sometime in the night, he'd settled in a seat on the side of the bar, closer to you, still nursing the same glass of whiskey you'd poured hours earlier.

 "You knew that was gonna go down tonight, didn't you?" You'd asked. You noticed his sudden change of demeanor as soon as the thief stepped foot inside.

He shook his head, looking down at the glass. "Didn't really know. Had a feelin', though. Can't explain it. Maybe it was a look in his eye or how he walked in? I don't know, just a feelin'. I knew fellas like him." He paused for a moment, "Hell, I am a feller like him. "

You didn't know anything about him, but you think you understood. A feeling in your gut told you pickpocketing was the more tame of his crimes. 

"I'm surprised you didn't get in on it," Your tone was severe, but you were grinning at him. He scoffed, laughing a bit. 

"I ain't that far gone. I got morals, you know." You had an inkling that he was trying to convince himself more than he was trying to convince you.

"Morals." You repeated back to him. You couldn't believe the ridiculousness of it all. "Right"

He threw his hands up defensively, "Do you think I am the type of guy to put a gun in an innocent person's face? For some saloon cash?"

You shrugged, skepticism all over your face, "I can't say I know what kind of man you are, Mr. Van Winkle," you said, adding finger quotes around his name.

He looked down at his glass and let out another sigh. "John-- my name's John...Marston. Since you wanna know so bad," he finally finished off the last of the liquor. You searched his face; he was grimacing slightly.

You hum appreciatively. "It's nice to thank a man with his own name, John Marston. Thanks. You definitely saved my ass tonight. How about some breakfast on the house to show my appreciation?" 

Maybe oatmeal had some aphrodisiac properties you didn't know about, or perhaps you'd finally lost it. Still, somehow, you'd ended up pressed against the wall by the cowboy in a room above the saloon. His kisses were sloppy, and his movements were sporadic and clumsy, even. He'd made a move to pull you towards the bed but stumbled, knocking his head hard into yours. 

"Shit," he stumbled back, rubbing his head. You leaned against the wall, nursing your own sore dome. But the collision seemed to knock some sense into you. 

"This was...it wasn't..." You tried to find the words to let him down softly, but he cut you off with a shake of his head and sat on the bed.

"Yeah, weren't a good idea. Don't worry about it," he gave you a strained but reassuring smile, and you stood there in awkward silence before he spoke again, "I don't know what I'm even doin' these days." He said, eyes trained on the floor. Part of you couldn't believe that he was trying to have a conversation with you after that, but like always, you felt a little sorry for him. 

"How about another drink? For both of us."

He could say no to that, so you made your walk of shame back downstairs. Your colleague at the bar gave you a look but didn't say anything as he poured your drinks. After everything, you felt like he owed you the truth, and he was too tired to argue.

"Ask away," he relented. 

"Why the fake name?" That was your first question, and you had so many more when he was done talking. Almost hanged at twelve, riding with Dutch Van der Linde and robbing trains and banks. No wonder he was so miserable. 

"Left it all, and I don't feel any better. I'm still robbin, still here drinking every night."

"Doesn't sound any better," was all you could say. 

"It ain't. And the worst part? There was this girl, a working girl, who fell in with us, Abigail. Me and her-- well, she was more to me than a working girl, but then she got pregnant. And I got a son, at least, that's what she told me. Don't know if he's mine." He buried his face in his hands and groaned, the weight of it all heavy on his shoulders.

You were silent. You didn't know what to say or how to respond to any of it. All of this, his life, was something out of an Otis Miller tale. A life of crime was utterly foreign to you.

"That's...a lot," was all you could manage. He bobbed his head up and down in agreement. "Did you love her?" Something seemed to wash over him, and he stiffened. It took him a few moments to respond, but he looked off like he was picturing something in his mind's eye.

"I think I did. Think I still do." You could see the turmoil clearly on his face then. You snapped him back, your voice low and soft.

"Think she would lie to you? Especially about something like that?"

"I don't know. I don't know anything anymore."

You pondered for a second. "You said you didn't have a father until Dutch took you in. Want this kid to be the same, without a dad? You love his momma; you think she loves you. Give the kid a chance to grow up with parents that love each other."

You could see his jaw clench, and he waved you off without even considering what you said.

"Didn't ask for advice." 

"Well, I'm giving it to you, miserable bastard." He relaxed his jaw and chuckled.

"Fair enough."

More silence fell between you, and he finished what was left in his glass before sliding a dime to your co-worker and leaving. He returned only a handful of times after that, noticeably drinking less. One day, as he was leaving, he took his hat off and met your eye. 

"I'm gonna get goin' now. Thanks for everything." 

And you knew it was the last time you'd ever see him. You just hoped he decided to do the right thing. You had a feeling he did. 

[castleofclouds]

₊ ⊹ In Between Time And Space. ₊ ⊹

Jaemin One-shot × Reader (yn)

Genre : Sci-fi, Thriller, Angst

Disclaimer : Fiction, (some of it) cursing, and probably typos and grammar errors, mention of death. Story are by © castleofclouds, do not copy or repost without watermark!

────────── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ──────────

Do you believe in another universe? Reality that you never knew existed, how world were not as 1 dimensional as you think it is, where the world have different kind of perspective that you never know could existed.

In a world full of lies and manipulation, you never believed in magic before, well that was until you see today's date you sure. World's are one big mystery that even detective can never solve, like a puzzle were every pieces have different shapes that you think could match, but there's always that one piece that you can never fit in the last moment.

30 November 2028.

You were on your way home, you cursed Mark, your coworker at works to ask you to join at the works dinner meeting, like you already hated the people inside enough that he had to brought you there with those fools smile of him, Mark isn't a bad guy, he is just too clueless to see how everyone are different and couldn't understand other people minds.

Some of us are just a haters at one point, you mumbled to yourself alone.

Tonight was oddly windy, it's not usual to be this windy today? well.. what do you expect? It's autumn, of course the wind are going to messed your perfectly brushed and styled hair, and runs shivers down your scarfs and everything.

You never usually going home this way, tonight you had different ideas instead, you want to take a walk, and you at least need those air to keep you sober at night, moon are at the fullest tonight, you never see it that big before or today is a full moon?

You never really paid attention too much, you felt like you were the only person that walk in a very slow pace than the other, everybody seems to walk in a rusher demeanor, you were enjoying your quiet night until you saw the old telephone box near the park, it's broken, the phone can't dialed even after you put your coin inside, you stared at it for a solid five minutes before continuing your walks, but something catches your attention suddenly.

At the corner or your eyes, you heard a ringing.

Ring.. Ring.. Ring..

You had your phone turned off, and nobody was at the park this late at night, then which telephone was that? It gets louder and louder each second, you turned back to see the old telephone inside the box were ringing like crazy.

How can it rings? Nobody ever using that telephone for such a long time now, so how does it making the noises? You gulped down your saliva, something about broken things that suddenly works are terrifying more than seeing a ghost in front of your face right at this moment.

You went closer, the noises start to become more clearer, the phone were buzzing like crazy, the green telephone were shaking, you pick it up and put it close to your ears, ready for whatever ghost or crazy monster that are going to eat you out right at this moment, you pick your chances and mouthed “Hello?”

For a while, there's no voices, you start to wonder if it's just an error, or something with the telephone, until you heard a sound of breath.

Kill me, you cursed yourself again.

“Hello?” You asked again, the guy on the telephone finally answered. “Hello? Is somebody there?” It's a male, an adult male. You knew from his raspy voice.

“Yes.. It is..” You don't want to spoil your name for a random stranger so you just said whatever name that came into your head, “Cherry is here.” You lied, the guy were silent, before he break out a soft chuckle, “Oh.. Hi! I'm Jaemin, Jaemin Na.” The guys seems genuine, so you feel bad for lying.

“Before you said it, I knew you were lying.” He said from across the line, how did he know?

“How do you know?” You asked curiously but afraid at the same time, what if this guy is a murderer? Or a stalker? A pervert? You don't want to try your luck on that shit, “You just sounded like someone who just tell lies?” He added.

“Fine, I could only tell you my nickname, Yn. So.. Jaemin, how can you do that? Calling from a broken telephone box machine? Are you a hacker or something?” You continue again with your curiosity, if curiosity kills a cat you already dead by now, but you rather dead satisfied than alive but curious.

“First of all, can I ask you a simple question?” He said after some pauses, you nodded and hummed, “What dates is there right now?” He finally asked, you frown why does he needs to ask for a dates? He can just look it up on his phone or something.

“it's 30 of November, 2028.” You explained, he went quiet again, “So it's actually true?” He seems to be asking himself rather than you, but you respond anyway, “What is true?”

“That there are another world besides mine.” He explained, it only causes you to questioning him more, is this guy okay?

“I'm totally normal don't worry, oh and yeah, you probably wonder why I asked you that, do you believe in another universe?” he asked again, you tilted your head, “Those things they said on movies?” You claimed, he laugh.

“Yes, i always believed that its real, and now here you are, talking to me, from different reality of mine.” He declared, you almost didn't believe this guy, the way he talks seems like a lunatic, or is he?

“Can you stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you meant?” You commented, “I will ask you something first, what dates do you think right now in my calendar?” He asked, you didn't even think and answer, “I don't know, but 1 December or same as mine? 30 November?” You answered.

“it's in between.” Now he just makes more riddles, what does he mean by in between? “There's nothing in between, it's either 30 November or 1 December.” You affirmed, he chuckled from the other line, “It's 31 November here.” he finally answered, you never look at your phone faster than a light.

The last time you know, there's no such thing as 31 November, there's no 31 in this month. So how does he?

“How about I give you some advice, bring umbrella tomorrow morning, and don't go to work with bus that you usually take, take a cab.” And with that he closed the call, you wanted to asked more by what he meant by that, but the line couldn't even reach as if the phone could never worked, but how can he even make a call if the phone couldn't even pick up any number or even dialing? Then.. Who is this Jaemin guy??

1 December 2028.

You woke up next morning, with a frown on your head, it feels surreal what happened last night, like you were in some sort of science experiments and you are some kind of audience watching the circus begun, how does it even make any sense?

You remember knocking the telephone box twice before went back home last night, you just want to make sure if you are actually hallucinating because you were tipsy or something?

You almost went out when you remember what the guy said last night, an umbrella? Why does you need one? The skies were crystal clear, sun are raising and it's very bright for it to rained, and what about busses? You sighed, you know it's just some random dude advice but you couldn't help but to believe it anyway.

You put your umbrella insides you bag, and go out to take the cab, as soon as you sit inside the cab it's pouring rain, how does that happen? You decide to put your earphones on until you finally reach your workplace, tip the driver and went inside using your umbrella to cover you from the rain.

Mark were worried he quickly grabbed into you as soon as he sees you, “Thank God you are okay.” He was sobbing like never before, his tears were running down wildly down his face.

What the hell is happening? “What's wrong?” you asked, Mark showed you a news on his phone, as you read it inside your mind you gasped.

Bus 34 with Destination Nashville and Rosewood Street, today just had an accident, the policeman on the place stated due to the storming rain, the road get too slippery and the bus crashed into a tree near the Dione Park, nobody were save in the crashed since the bus were burned after the crashed happen.

It feels like you want to throw up, how can this happen? You felt shiver down your arms and legs, thankfully you listen to that guy advice, but.. It feels like something is still lingering down your throat, you have to talk to that guy, tonight.

You don't know how, but you have to talk with him.

You took the same road as you did that night, you waited in front of the telephone box, moving back and forth waiting impatiently, after 20 minutes of no calls you decided to leave, but the phone starts to ring again, you quickly pick it up, “Hello? Is this Jaemin?” You shouted, the guy on the other phone laughed, “You want me or something?” Jaemin chuckled, you rolled your eyes.

“Tell me, who are you? What are you doing? And how can you predicted what's going to happen today?” You asked hurriedly, without any interest to entertain him, you could feel he smiled, “I just know?” He answered shortly.

“Tell me, honestly, what are you? Who are you? And why do you say it's 31 November there?” You asked again, with serious tone, he sighs, his eyes were flared with reasons, you could feel that, you don't know the man face but there's somehow something familiar with his voices.

“I told you before, I'm not from your world, your reality and mine are different, I'm from a country you never heard before, but I knew you. I saw you, plenty of times.” He answered seriously, it's hard to tell if he is lying or he is just being a mad man.

“How can you saw me, if I'm not even from your world?” you waited patiently, as he take a breath, “I saw you die 5 times, in different timelines.” he finally give you answers, and it's not something you can handle, to be flabbergasted is something predictable.

“How.. How can I die 5 times, in different timeline? What is happening, this is..” you stuttered, this is too much for your weak brain and heart.

“Let's just say, the world I live in, is different than your world, in this world, we have 35 days for each month, and to how I see you, I always imagined how you died, I dreamed about you.” you clicked your tongue in interest, how can he dreamed about you? “What do you mean you dreamed about me?” he went silent, “I shouldn't have told you this because this will mess up with your life in your universe, and in each different timelines it will mess up and make a butterfly effect, but I can't help but sympathize, in every timeline, you died. In 5 different ways from 31 to 35.” he tried to explain, your head feel like it wants to burst open, you died? 5 times at that? And what is 31 to 35 dates? There's no such things?

“I can't tell you much, don't wear high heels tomorrow, that's all I can tell you.” you wanted to asked more questions, but suddenly he hung up the call, and you sighed, what's just happened?

For the next 2 to 4 December, you always make sure to go the same road, listen to Jaemin, advice such as today you didn't wear a high heels and it helps you because apparently you were almost run over by somebody because your shoes could stuck on this sewer blockage while you were on random walk to your office, and on the 3rd you do the same, you didn't drink the lemonade that you often drink at your favorite family restaurant, turns out the lemonade somehow causing food poisoning and some people died, and you couldn't believe on the 4th December you almost got robbed thankfully you follow Jaemin instruction to change your usual road you take after going from your favorite ice cream place near your office.

It's the last day, you waited for his phone calls, 30 minutes later no sign of the man, and you started to worried, what if tomorrow what you have been terrified about could happen? You don't want to die yet, you have many things in life you needed to do and enjoy, you pray for his calls, until someone knocked on the telephone box, “Hello Miss?” A man, almost the same age as you with his black hair and tall figures catches you by suprise.

“Can I use the telephone box?” He asked, you look at the phone, “Oh I'm sorry, but this thing is broken.” you reasoned, he raised his eyebrows, “Then why are you using it?” he asked, you think for yourself, and sigh to give a space to the man and almost wanted to go, when he stopped you, “Don't wear red tomorrow.” he whispers faintly but you can hear it, you flipped your head back, you know that voice, you recognize it, but the man were already gone.

It took time before it finally get to your head, that man was Jaemin, you tried to look around but no sign of him there, but you see some coins on top of the telephone box, it's a weird coins, you never see this currency before, it's something from other world.

5 December 2028

You followed his advice, and you saved again, there's a storm and apparently some people get electrocuted by being under the tree, and weirdly only people who wear red that gets it, you didn't, you feel like you owed this Jaemin guy a thank you, he save you plenty of time, that evening you went back to the telephone box, and waiting for his calls, but he didn't call back, you waited for almost an hour but there's none, and then you remember about the coins that the guy from the night before left, you used it, you didn't know what is the number so you just put some random number, until you remember when he tells you about something In between, so you put 31 to 35 on the telephone and it ring.

You waited, waited, until the guy from the other line pick it up, “Hey, how's your life been going?” it's that same guy, the same guy that saved you plenty of times, the voice that somehow make you feels comfort, even though you never know this person personally, somehow Jaemin feels so familiar, like some kind of people that you have a lingering feeling for, like you had a bond that you never know you could have with a stranger.

“Life, is better Jaemin. Thanks for all the advice.” you thanking him, he deserves that much, you could heard him chuckled, “I guess this is our goodbye, because you didn't need me anymore, and I have done my deeds, I wish you a long life Yn.” He said that, you suddenly felt sad, like your tears just dropped, you never knew you could so attached for a man that you never know before?

“Is it the last time we talk? Then, we can't talk to each other ever again? I could never heard from you again?” you asked, he silenced, “In every meeting, there's an end to it Yn, I would love to know you personally, meet or even talk to you through eyes to eyes, you seems like someone I can spend days talk to, I'm in the middle of trying here Yn, my world now is collapsing, I'm messing too much with time and space, now the reality between me are shattered.” that worries you, “Wait what do you mean by that Jaemin?” Jaemin giggles from the other line.

“In every universe what's meant to meet, will find its way, like how I met you through different time and spaces, because I was gambling with life Yn, and I win, but the downside of it, is that I will lost myself in it..” He exclaims, you shocked.

All this time he was trying to save you, from all the disaster come to your way, he get close to his own chaos?

“Then what can I help? I should at least save you from the chaos you are experiencing now??” you felt troubled, something inside you tell you, you should help but your mind just couldn't make out any solution, “It's okay, it's me who started it, then it has to be me to end it, if one day the world start to become kinder, maybe you and I could meet, in moment where time and space allowed it, I will find you, and I hope you can recognize my voice again when the time comes.” and with that the telephone ended abruptly, you quickly put more and more coins into the telephone but it's no help, you can't reach him.

14 January 2029.

It's snowing today, very subtle and beautiful, it's one of this days where you missed Jaemin, you never really take times to see him clearly, it's been weeks since the last time you guys talks, you wondered how his life now? and what kind of gamble that he did with life that he had to lost himself in between?

Under the lights, you see the telephone box you used to call him, you still had one coin that he gave you back then, you only had one though, curious got the best of you as you put it inside the box, even after putting out the number, it still couldn't reach, you realize maybe it's time to give up..

Until you hear a phone ringing, you look around to see a man with his hair blonde, and a warm sweater he wear.

“I'm sorry miss, can I ask you something?” he asked, you looked at him, “Yes?” his voice were oddly familiar, you thought.

“Do you know what date is it today?” you tilted your head, you look at your digital calendar, “It's 14 of January, why is it?” you asked him again, he smiles, “Nothing I just feel the need to asked you that.” as he laughed.

That's when it clicked, the laugh, the familiar voice, he is..

“Hi yn, how's your life going?”

Marterlist.

A/N

HOW DO WE SAY?? first time in a long time I finally make a one-shot, truth to be told this personally are not fully fictional, because this thing happened to me when I was a kid, there had been this one mystery in my life that I went through that still shocked me till this day, one time when I was a kid in my calendar I believe specifically in October there is a dates 32 to 35, I used to believe that dates 32 to 35 ever existed and actually happened, that was until I was at least teenager when I realized there's never a 32 to 35 in calendar, I even do some research about it, for at least months before I come with a conclusion something was actually messing up with my brain at that time, the thing is I remember that moment vividly, like. It's real, till this day idk if that's just my imagination or what but I still believe in those things. So say what ever you want but I will always believe there is 32 to 35 days in a month in my memories, anyway how do we say, it's the first time I make this kinda story and it's kinda fun and enjoy to make if anybody would love any more one shot just told me on my suggestion box!

[6rookie-writer0110]

I'm a fool for love and a fool for you

Hailee Steinfeld x Male Reader

Request: Hailee Steinfeld x male reader. and the reader is the like, super hot and cute, and they’re spending thanksgiving with her family and she is in the kitchen with her mrther and her aunt and her cousins preparing the food, and when they go into the living room to call everybody to eat dinner, they see him playing with the babies and the kids of the family, and she starts thinking of having kids with him because she was sure of the amazing father he was gonna be.

It's Thanksgiving and Hailee invited you to meet her family. She did help you pick out an outfit and started to talk about what her family cooked. You are in the car with Hailee, parked in the driveway.

“Do you think they will like me?” You asked.

“Of course, babe they will like you. Don't be nervous, just have fun and eat” Hailee said.

She gave you a peck on the lips. You two get out of the car and you grabbed the cupcakes. You followed her into the house and there is a lot of people and kids playing in the living room. She starts to introduce you to all her family members, they start to ask you questions about your personal life. Hailee grabbed drinks from the kitchen and gave you the drink. So far, her parents are liking you and they keep asking you questions.

Later, Hailee went to the kitchen to help prep the food.

“Hailee, do you see yourself getting married to him?” Her aunt asked.

“We have talked about marriage in the future not now. But he really makes me happy” Hailee said.

“Good, he makes you happy. Everyone is liking him and your father isn't scaring him away for now” Her mother said.

“Do you want to have kids with him?” Her aunt asked.

“I do. But I don't want to scare him away talking about kids,” Hailee said.

“When you are alone with him maybe ask him,” Her mother said.

They continued to prepare the food, then Hailee and her cousins start to set the table. Hailee and the others go to the living to tell everyone the food is ready, but she is looking at you. You showed the kids, a simple magic trick the coin behind the ear and they are impressed. You gave them a high five then one of the kids start to talk about video games. You tell them which video game you like and ask more questions about video games.

“I like Fortnite! Do you know how to play Fortnite?” the little kid asked.

“Yeah, I know how to play it. Your cousin Hailee sucks at Fortnite” You said.

The little kid starts to laugh. Hailee starts to imagine you and her having kids and how you would be a great father.

“I don't suck. And it's time for dinner” Hailee said.

“You only won one time,” You said.

“So?” Hailee smiled.

You smiled and you followed her to the dining room. The kid wanted to sit next to you and Hailee had to sit across from you. Dinner is going great, you are still getting along with everyone. Hailee is happy that her family likes you.

After dinner, the kids still wanted to play with you. But you sit next to Hailee and started to eat the pie.

“I really like the food your family cooked” You smiled.

“Y/n, you can take a plate home,” Her mother said.

“Thank you!” You smiled.

You start to eat the pie and she her hand on your knee.

“There is more pie in the kitchen,” Hailee said.

“Good. Are you having fun?” You said.

“Yeah, I'm having fun. The kids seemed to like hanging out with you” Hailee said

“I gave them tips on how to get more kills in Fortnite,” You said.

You spend time with Hailee and her aunts and cousins.

✯ ✯ ✯

You are in your pajamas lying on the bed, she walked in and gets on the bed.

“Full?” Hailee asked.

“I’m so full,” You said.

She moves closer to you and she has her hand on your chest.

“Y/n, can I ask you something?” Hailee asked.

“Sure,” You said.

���How do you feel about, having kids together? I always wanted to have kids but back then it wasn't the right moment” Hailee said.

You sat up and you hold her hand.

“To be honest, I want to have kids with you. I didn't say anything because I wasn't sure if you were ready to talk about it. I love you, Hailee, and I do see myself having kids with you” You said.

She put her hands on your face and she starts to kiss you.

“I think, we should wait a little more before we have kids. My schedule is getting busy” Hailee said.

“Yeah, I get it. We can wait a little longer” You said.

You and Hailee are smiling at each other, then you start to kiss her. Now you start to think about how to ask her to marry you. Later, you cuddle with Hailee in bed and you have your head on her chest.

“If we start to become a family then we need a bigger place,” You said.

You live with her in a penthouse.

“I know. But there is a lot we still need to talk about, like how many kids we want. Oh, I know my parents would want to come over all the time to see the kids” Hailee said.

“I know they do. But we one step at a time, first the house then everything else” You said.

She kissed your head and she starts to smile.

[shaisimp]

Ranpo Edogawa's first love.

(14th post. Inspired by a friend's request.)

Love, that’s what you felt for Ranpo. Ever since you were fourteen. You knew it wasn’t adoration or simple admiration but love, god, how you loved him.

And as much as a genius he was, an intellectual, he was clueless and gullible at times.

He could never guess your feelings, despite the very obvious hints like putting a heart next to his name or writing casual ‘i love you’s quite often, he never picked up on it.

So when you came into the office this morning and greeted him with an ‘i love you’, he replied cluelessly.

“Hm? Oh, I love you too Shai!” He grinned childishly, holding a newspaper.

You gave him a thumbs up before walking over to his desk and blinking for a moment as you stared at the cover of his newspaper.

“Hey, Ranpo. Do you have any cases you have pending?”

You decided to ask him since he seems to be carefree at the moment. I mean even if he does have cases he should do, he usually doesn't even do it.

Ranpo put the newspaper down, giving you a sheepish grin. “Nope. I’ve just been fooling around and watching movies until I get a new case.” He smirked a little before looking over at you, wondering what you were going to say.

In other words, he was bored.

He’d been trying to find a new case to solve lately but had had no luck. The agency was also running out of clients, so he was feeling very lazy.

“Well I suppose that means you're free.”

You nodded to his words as you cracked a grin before deciding to ask him what you were planning for today,

“Would you want to hang out with me for today then?”

Ranpo lit up when he saw the smile on your face. Whenever you were happy, he was always grateful for it.

“Of course I’d love to!” He exclaimed loudly, placing the newspaper down and getting up from the chair he was sitting in, stretching his arms.

“What do you plan on doing? We could go to the arcade… or we could just have lunch together, or-“ Ranpo suddenly stopped, thinking of ideas and getting carried away.

“We could go to the arcade as you suggested, I really didn't have any places in mind. I just wanted to spend time with you.”

You admitted the last sentence with a small chuckle before shrugging, completely trying to act as if It didn't took your whole courage to confess that.

Ranpo seemed completely oblivious, which was just the typical Ranpo after all.

But, that was charming, right? The fact that a genius like him wasn’t so smart when it came to you made you feel special, like a queen, perhaps?

“Alright, we’ll head to the arcade then.” Ranpo grinned, beginning to walk toward the door and beckoning you with him.

Once the both of you had reached the arcade, you looked around and your mouth slightly parted in an amused manner. Oh wow, your first time to go to the arcade with..Ranpo!

“Oh! Look at that claw machine — maybe that photo booth too? Oh! But that other one has Pac-Man and—”

Ranpo chuckled as he stared at your awestruck face, it was very cute and charming that your eyes were wandering around the place.

When you began pointing out different arcade machines, Ranpo let out a chuckle and took your hands and led you to a claw machine, his cheeks red while he did so.

The machine was pretty simple and straightforward so he didn’t need to explain anything. “You wanna try out this one first?” He grinned.

“Yeah!”

You beamed him a grin before getting the arcade coins inside the claw machine and started to move the lever to a certainnnnn....spot. That brown teddy bear is going to be yours!

....Well...not now.

“It fell.”

You muffled with a slight frown on your face. Although arcades are indeed fun...sometimes these claw machines aren't.

Ranpo chuckled at your disappointment and sighed when you failed to grab the teddy bear. The claws were designed in a way that they would let you grab the toy by the first or second try but not let go afterwards, so that people could keep spending money on the game.

It was quite frustrating, but Ranpo still found it cute. “Hey, hey, it’s okay.” He put both hands on your shoulders. “Look, here, I’ll give it a shot,” He said with a grin, taking your place.

“You'll get the teddy bear for me?”

You blinked at him, feeling your cheeks heaten up the moment he took my place but nevertheless I let him. And so you watched him intently, your hopes severely high because come on..this is the greatest detective getting me a prize!

“Sure.” Ranpo grinned, looking at the bear as his eyes narrowed.

He studied the position of the bear and shifted the position of the claw, making sure that it would get the teddy bear.

With the bear in the claw, Ranpo turned towards you with a smug grin. A feeling of pride was radiating off him, but he was also happy that he could get the bear for you.

“You like it?”

You let out an amazed gasp as you I took the teddy bear from his grasp and now grinning ever wider, almost like your happiness would just explode!

“I love it!”

You exclaimed before wrapping your arms around him with the teddy bear he won for you in your hand.

Ranpo’s eyes fluttered as he was enveloped in your hug, smiling softly. He felt happy that you were happy, but the moment you hugged him tightly, a warm and fuzzy feeling came over him.

It made him feel things that he couldn’t understand at all, but for the time being it was a wonderful feeling.

“I’m glad you’re happy. Now let’s keep playing,” Ranpo giggled, ruffling your hair.

And so you guys spent about a few hours in the arcade. Winning and losing games, exchanges laughter and whiny moments together. You guys won alot of prizes — especially the candies. The candies he's eating at the moment as now were strolling outside to head back to the agency.

“I had fun today with you, Ranpo.”

You mentioned as you gazed down at your hands, with the teddy bear he won me still in my grasp. That smile and blush on your cheeks never leaving the whole time.

Ranpo seemed to be in a joyful mood as well. His eyes, though they still possessed the same sharp and analytical nature they were well known for, were brighter than normal. His lips were curved up in a smile as he glanced at the teddy bear in your hands.

He nodded with a grin to your words as you both walked out. “Me too.” Ranpo was completely ignorant of his own feelings and didn’t realize how much this little trip affected you.

“Hey, Ranpo..”

You decided to ask him about something..something you've been longing to ask for a long time now.

“I..have a question,”

You started, glancing at him before you continue my sentence.

Ranpo slowed down a bit and turned his head to the side to look at you, now curious about what you wanted to ask him. The teddy bear in your hand caught his eyes, which made him smile even more.

His eyebrows raised a bit as he looked at you in amusement, awaiting the question. “Mm? Yes?”

“I've..been thinking,”

You muffled, averting your gaze away from him. Yet the grasp on the teddy bear you're holding slightly tightened.

“Have..you seen someone as a..a..romantic interest?”

—An indirect question of has he ever loved anyone before.

Ranpo froze when you asked him that question, and his eyes widened as he watched your movements carefully.

He kept his expression neutral when he heard your question but couldn’t stop his thoughts from racing in his head.

He didn’t know how to answer such a question because of his lack of understanding when it came to romance. He could barely understand his own feelings, so how was he supposed to know what love meant?

He kept quiet for a long time but eventually spoke up, trying to act as casual as he could.

You remained quiet aswell but when you glanced back at him and seeing him in a trance-like state of pondering,

“You..you don't have to answer if you're not sure.”

You waved it off as you shrugged it off with an awkward grin. Maybe you asked something too personal..ahh..that's embarrassing!

Ranpo let out a soft sigh of relief when you allowed him to back away, a clear sign that you weren’t going to force him to answer any further. The moment your eyes went back to the stuffed bear you’d won, he relaxed even further, realizing he didn’t have to overthink anymore.

Not wanting to spoil the atmosphere by bringing up what you’d said, he changed the subject by asking. “What about you? Have you ever had a romantic interest? You’ve never really said anything about it.”

Now that he had changed the topic, it was your turn to be flustered and your thoughts were a mess.

“I..do. I like someone at the moment.”

You admitted as you glanced away from him and gazed at the teddy bear you were holding at the moment.

Ranpo slowed down, his eyebrows raising as he turned to you and studied your mannerisms. While it was easy for him to predict what you were feeling through your expressions, this time he could barely come to a conclusion.

For a second, he felt disappointed, thinking that you were in love with someone else. But his thoughts quickly drifted away from those conclusions as he continued looking at you.

“Oh… Who is he?” Ranpo asked, seeming interested in all of a sudden.

“You're the greatest detective after all, right? You could deduct who I like,”

You let out a chuckle as you stared back at him with a beaming grin and..well, flustered cheeks too. This seems like some friendly back and forth banter you're having at the moment.

Ranpo chuckled, amused by your banter and attitude. He hadn’t really expected that response, but he was rather impressed. It was pretty smart of you to come up with that sort of answer to your own question.

“Hmm…” He started and pretended to think deeply. The truth was that he already knew but didn’t want to seem overly confident in doing so.

“Uh, is it me?” Ranpo asked, smirking.

No surprise with his deduction, he's always right. You let out a soft, contented sigh as you averted your gaze away from him for a quick moment before gazing back at him once again.

“You're right, I do like you, Ranpo.”

You decided to confess the love you've been yearning for him to find out.

Ranpo froze the moment you confessed your love for him, and you watched as his expression completely changed in front of you. His face was pink and his hands were clenching tightly. You were finally letting him know the truth after all those signs you’d been giving him.

“... You do?” He finally let out a choked up voice, barely able to breath for a moment.

“I do. I like you a lot.”

You admitted another fact before feeling a little embarrassed now, looking away from him with your cheeks blushing furthermore.

“I..was..hoping that you'd.. you'd like me..too?”

Even in the slightest..anything but as a friend.

The whole time you were speaking, Ranpo felt his heart beating faster than ever before.

Now you were saying it… now you were telling him that you liked him more than a friend…

He was so flustered, it was almost an unbearable feeling.

But when you finally asked him if he liked you back, he let out a deep breath. And then smiled with all his heart.

“I do… I’ve always wanted for it to be more than just a friendship… I’d be incredibly happy… if you’d be my lover.”

“I'd love to!”

You exclaimed as you turned back to face him with an overly happiness overwhelming your feelings upon hearing his response.

Ending up to hug him by embracing him with your arms in a manner of not wanting to let him go.

II..love you.”

Ranpo instantly responded in kind, his own arms quickly wrapping around you in a tight embrace. He didn’t want to let you go either.

The feeling of your arms embracing his body made him feel all warm inside, it was a wonderful comfort that he never felt before with anyone else.

“I love you too.” Ranpo confessed, his face buried into your neck.

“Mm… I love you a lot.” His voice was muffled at the back of your neck as he buried his face into it, his arms squeezing you tightly.

Your body felt soft against his and he was getting overwhelmed by the way you smelt, the way you smelled so good it was just-

Ranpo shivered as he took in deep breaths, hugging you even tighter. He didn’t want you to go anywhere, but the both of you were walking in public so he could hardly act like the way he wanted to right now.

[thorfemmes]

Getting Warmed Up

in which Steve blows a tire and no one picks up the phone

a/n: hello friends! I've had this idea stuck in my head for MONTHS now, and this is only part one! I really hope you enjoy, and are having the happiest of holidays. As always feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated!<3

p.s. it is a travesty that we haven't had a scene with steve soaked in the rain

Rated G: fem!reader, plus size!reader, Steve in a purple sweater

Word Count: 1,505

It was a rainy February morning when you ran into Steve Harrington. The kind of rain that mixed with snow and left a grey slush on the ground. It was on that day that Steve's beloved BMW betrayed him. Well, not really, but he had run over a nail and his tire popped. Now unfortunately, Steve had never learned how to change a tire. His father never bothered to show him and he never thought to enroll in shop class. So now he was here, stranded on the outskirts of Hawkins, miles away from a payphone, and drenched in the freezing rain.

When you happened to drive by, two things caught your attention. One, some poor guy was stuck in the rain with a flat tire; and two, that guy was Steve Harrington.

Steve had never paid much attention to you in high school, both of you in totally different social hierarchies and all of that bullshit. But you had of course seen him, you were even partnered with him on an English assignment once (though you did most of the work if truth be told).

With his reputation preceding him, one might have left him there to deal with it. The man was notoriously known as a massive douchebag, had been for years now. But the poor boy looked so helpless and cold all soaked in the rain.

You pulled over and rolled down your window. "Steve? Is everything okay?"

He looked up, surprised to hear someone calling his name. His eyes lit up with subtle recognition.

"Y/N, right?"

You nodded. "Are you alright?"

He gestured to his car in frustration. "I popped a tire a couple blocks back. And unfortunately I never took autoshop".

"Do you want a ride to the nearest payphone? I don't mind".

Steve contemplated his options. He could stay here and wait for the rain to let up and hope he could find a payphone within a reasonable walking distance. Or, he could take you up on your offer. Only a fool would take the first option.

He scrambled to the passenger's door as you reached into the backseat to grab some blankets. You laid out the blankets on the seat before he sat down. Reaching down to crank the heater, you patiently waited for him to buckle up and get comfortable.

"Thank you, I really appreciate it".

"Of course, you'd have to be evil to let someone freeze out here".

"So you would've picked up any old stranger? What if he was a murderer?"

You smiled softly. "Touché".

The ride was mostly silent, only the harsh blow of the heater and the gentle hum of the radio to keep you two company. You took a deep breath through your nose before clearing your throat.

"So, how has your day been?" You cringed inwardly.

He let out a small laugh. "It was going pretty well up until about two-ish hours ago".

"I'm sorry, it sucks".

"It's all good". You both nodded at his statement.

You came up to a gas station after a few minutes of driving.

"Alright, here you go!"

"Thank you again, you saved the day".

You watched him as he darted to the covered payphones. Something told you to stay close, just in case.

Steve squished himself under the little bit of cover over the phones. He shoved a couple coins in and dialed Eddie's shop. Hopefully they'd still be open this late on a Sunday. He squished the phone to his cheek, listening to the monotonous rings and tried to wring out the rain water from his shirt. The irritating sound of the rings were driving Steve up the wall. Eddie didn't answer, so he tried to call Robin. No answer. He was running out of change and options.

"Fuck," He muttered to himself. One last try, he called Eddie's trailer.

"Munson residence, Wayne speaking".

Steve sighed. "Hey Wayne, it's Steve. Is Eddie there?"

"No, I'm sorry. You just missed him".

Steve hung his head in defeat. "Alright, thanks Wayne. Have a good night".

Steve turned on his heels, surprised to see your car still here. He jogged back over and slid back into the front seat.

"So, no one answered".

You let out a huff of a laugh. "I'm so sorry. I could drive you home if you'd like? Then maybe you could find a tow company to help you?"

"I'm not putting you out, right? I feel terrible that I'm making you do all this".

"You're not making me! If anything this is turning out to be a very eventful evening for me". Steve nodded at you, looking defeated. "Oh! Before I forget," You reached into the backseat again and pulled out an old pullover sweater. "Here, you're soaking wet. You'll be more comfortable".

Steve gratefully took the fluffy lilac sweater from you.

"You don't have to undress or anything if you don't want to! You can just pull it over your shirt if you'd like".

"I don't mind if you don't mind".

You nodded, watching as he shucked his damp shirt off. You quickly averted your eyes from his toned, hairy chest.

Steve quickly pulled on the sweater and was immediately engulfed by your sweet scent. He very sneakily took a deep breath as his head passed through the sweater. Something about the sweater was weirdly comforting. He didn't even know you that well, and yet you had filled his day with warmth.

You looked at him, noticing how the fuzzy sweater was several sizes too big and hung nicely on him, exposing his collar bones. The two of you met eyes, and a heat blossomed behind your cheeks at being caught staring.

"So," You cleared your throat again. "We're off".

The drive to Steve's house was much more lively than the first ride. You filled each other in on what has happened between your senior English projects and now. Steve recounted his days as an ice cream scooper until the mall burned down, after which he sought out a career change and was now one of the resident cashiers at Family Video. You explained that despite having good grades and loads of extra curriculars to set you apart from your peers, not one of the schools you had applied to accepted you. And if they did, tuition cost tens of thousands of dollars that you did not have. So for the time being, you were lying in wait at Hawkins Community College, hoping that your associate's degree would get you somewhere (hopefully a four year university).

"You're still taking classes after everything that happened?" After Vecna tore Hawkins apart is what Steve wanted to say.

"Yeah, most of my family decided to stay. They did end up moving away a few months ago. Totally screwed me and left me to scramble for a place to live. I just didn't want to pick up and have to establish new roots. I moved around a lot when I was younger and it was exhausting. I've only been in Hawkins since junior year, but it oddly feels like home, y'know?"

Steve nodded in understanding. Hawkins was by no means perfect, but he had roots and relationships here. He couldn't imagine leaving, especially everything that has happened. "It sucks that they left you here though. Did you find a good place?"

"Yeah, kind of. I couch surfed for about two-ish months. I had a few friends from my classes that were understanding and let me crash at their place. I eventually came across where I live now. This elderly couple lived in a little cottage on Rose Street, but after the missing kids and the fire and the earthquake they just didn't trust living in Hawkins anymore. They're renting out the house to me now. Nothing too fancy, but it's my home now".

Steve smiled. "I'm glad you finally settled. You deserve it".

You grinned at that.

Time had flown a little too quickly for either of your likings as you pulled up to Steve's house. It was dark, cold even with the curtains drawn close and the driveway empty.

"This is me, home sweet home". Steve joked.

You smiled softly. "Go warm up, hopefully someone will pick up this time".

Steve grinned. "Thank you again, I really appreciate it. Really".

He got out and silently thanked the universe for having the rain let up. He made his way to his front door before dashing back to your car.

"Wait! I still have your sweater on!"

"Hold on to it, yeah? It'll give me an excuse to go and visit you at work. Plus the lilac really brings out the color in your eyes".

Steve grinned and stood up, allowing your car to roll away. Steve finally, finally made his way back into his house just in time for him to answer his phone.

"Hello?"

"Harrington! Wayne said you called, what's up?" Eddie's voice rang through the phone.

Steve let out a small laugh through his nose. "Eddie, you won't believe the day I had".

[hauntedwizardmoment]

HELLO, this is your open invitation to talk about any song choices or parallels on your jace-and-jaceclones playlist collection that you wish to elaborate upon, bc I've been listening to them all weekend and I'm absolutely obsessed. Incredible music selections and I'm possessed with emotions now; thank you for your work 🫡

OH MY GOD YES okay so i think i'll start with just like. the general comment that i used songs from a lot of the same artists on them because i wanted them to feel/sound similar but also have distinct vibes - i think a different mcr song appears on each one, there's jack off jill on three of them, etc.

buuuuuuut they also all have at least one pick that's wildly different that i kind of think as the standout/signature song. i wanted to represent that theyre all Of the same guy (jaceprime) but theyre different facets of him: devotion, hedonism, rage. also because i'm insane they do have an order to them and there's an arc within each one

ETA after i finished writing all of this: jesus fuck it got long i'm so sorry i'm insane

i'll go in the order that i finished them in:

for j2 (the acolyte), the vibe is probably the Most distinct from the other three, since his starts out so happy and optimistic; all the small things! baby you're a haunted house! look at these lyrics!!

theyre love songs!! ringtone, too, that's the one i think of as j2s signature song, since it's in a wildly different genre. ringtone is also where the playlist kind starts to get an inkling of despair and tragedy, too

spellbound + heaven, iowa + closer kind of make up a weird trilogy in my head of "j2's thoughts when he and porter are alone together" since it's like, feeling an inexorable pull towards him, feeling so so so weak for him, and of course: religious devotion mixed with intense horniness.

i feel the need to justify the "closer" pick for j2 and not j3, i did go back and forth on it but honestly it's like... j3 doesnt worship the same way j2 does. j2's the acolyte, not the whore. thats also why tourniquet, shame, and all again for you are on here.

lastly for j2: drowning lessons is the unofficial j2porter vegas wedding song to me. the imagery of it is so evocative. look at this.

for j3 (the whore), obviously the vibe is like, getting railed within an inch of your life. but i also wanted songs that conveyed a sense of desperation + misery and self hatred. because j3 has issues and problems.

give 'em hell kid + celebrity skin + ponyboy are like. the Fuck Me trio. j3 wants you to want him, he looks good, he knows he looks good, what are you gonna do about it? he's got a half-life of his own and he's gonna spend it with the hottest people he can.

straight to video, joyriding, and everybody's fool are what i was talking about re. desperation, misery, and self-hatred. he's never been fulfilled or felt like he has a purpose the same way j2 does. he doesnt like looking in the mirror longer than it takes to put on his makeup.

violent pornography + eat me alive are like, two sides of the same coin in my head. more Fuck Me vibes but like, this time with a definite sense of danger and obsession. obligatory choking mention. obligatory erotic cannibalism mention. these things are basically part of the starbreaker bible atp.

and for j3's signature song: living dead girl by rob zombie. he IS the living dead girl to me!! he's jace post-resurrection, trying to fill up the new void inside him with anything, be it pleasures of the flesh or just straight up flesh. he's back from the dead and he's gonna make it your problem. unlike j2's born sexy yesterday he's more like. resurrected sexy (and evil) last night.

for j4 (the devil): the main thing here was like. rebellion. going against the narrative that's trying to draw her in. she's gonna escape the cycle or die trying.

i think my favorite pulls for this were playing god, losing his touch, and going under, which in my mind made up like a trio of being fed the fuck up with someone and walking out for good. there are also a couple songs on here like dead throne and IAGTKTPOTUSOA (cant type out the song name now jic the fbi is watching) where i was like... j4 would listen to these while she's mad. she deserves to have her metal and harsh noise moment.

ofc j4 is still Of Jace so i had to include i hate everything about you, whore, and noise and kisses because unfortunately he's still attracted to porter. why is whore on here but adrenalize was on j3 (the whore)'s playlist? well. whore is WAY more of a Fuck You than adrenalize.

and j4's signature song is ofc ptolemaea. no matter how hard she fights back and how close she gets to escaping, she always ends up back at porter's side. it's inevitable.

aaaaaaaaand lastly for jace's playlist (the one): i think everyone's already noticed that half of this playlist is where the titles for my fics come from but i did want to say that explicitly.

jaceprime's playlist is very much about devotion even when it hurts. giving up parts of yourself to make someone else love you. being doomed. not being understood even by the person who knows you inside and out.

its also like. sleepless nights and waking up disoriented and unsure of who you are. feeling crushed and abandoned but too proud to do anything about it. brain stew, i slept with someone in fall out boy, and broken bones are very that.

i did include drowning lessons on this one again, i think it's the only repeat i have, and i didnt want to but man it's what i listened to while i was writing jace getting strangled to death in his marital bed so i HAD to. i also think it fits because j2 and jace are funhouse mirrors of each other and it's fun to think about how they're both interpreting the lyrics in very different ways.

for jace's signature song, it's dig up her bones. he got brought back wrong in service of an evil plan! it doesnt matter what came before, who he used to be! that jace died and now this one's here to stay. it's similar to j3 on purpose, but j3's more jennifer check while jaceprime is more bride of frankenstein.

lastly, white crosses is kind of the bookend to this whole deal because of the i'll make my way back home to you chorus. that's very starbreaker to me. at the end of the day, theyre each others' homes. theyre all they have left, even if they hate it.

[shivunin]

a sketch in charcoal and stun marks for the wip title game 👀👀

Ooh, these are both BG3 fic! The former is smut about how sex/sex acts are so performative for Astarion that he has trouble doing them for himself, and the second is Tav discussing her broken oath with her god.

(Also, because I felt very clever about it, stun marks are marks left in natural stone when someone uses a blunt instrument on them. Even chisels not sharpened often enough can leave these marks, which look like very pale starbursts or spots in polished marble)

Here are a few brief (non-explicit, though there are references to sex) snippets (spoilers for act three on the second one):

From Sketch:

“Wait here,” she told him, and was gone before he could so much as lift a finger in protest. 

Astarion ran his fingers through his hair again (just so, just so; he knew with long practice exactly how to make it lay the way it ought to without the aid of a mirror), but she was ducking back into the close space before he could do much more than that. She’d shed her stiff over-bodice somewhere along the way and wore only the soft shirt usually tucked beneath. 

In her left hand, Tav held a book. 

He had seen plenty of this book. She was forever scribbling in it, always angling it away from his eyes. Sometimes, he watched her work and was convinced that she was falling into it somehow, for her focus was so complete at times that it rather seemed as if she weren’t here at all. Once and only once, Astarion had dared to pick it up. Her reaction had been fervent enough that he hadn’t dared try again. Even he knew when he had found someone’s limits, and her regard had been too crucial to his aims then to lose it so soon. 

(He had, in fact, heard the rustle of Tav’s footsteps that night, had opened his eyes just a sliver to see what she was about. She’d stood too close to the fire for a very, very long time, book outstretched over the dying flames. She had been shaking—she, graven of stone, who’d seemed so unperturbed by all of this that he’d thought she must be the greatest of fools. The book had trembled in her hands, and after nearly twenty minutes of standing like that she’d torn herself away and gone off into the night. Astarion hadn’t so much as implied he intended to touch it since.)

“I can watch,” she said, and dropped a spare bedroll in the corner. “Just to—to draw you. If it helps.”

“Draw me?” he asked, resting a hand over his chest. “Wait—draw me? Is that what you’ve been doing this whole time? But why?” 

“It…helps sometimes,” she said, and a flush climbed her pretty ears. “To have company, I mean. I won’t touch you. I’ll stay over here. But perhaps an…audience of sorts?” 

Astarion tried very hard not to look like he was staring blankly at her, but he also couldn’t think of a better expression to call up. An audience. 

“You want to watch me while I…?” With great effort, he seized the ragged ends of his composure and straightened himself. “Well. Of course you do. Who wouldn’t? I am captivating, aren’t I?” 

“You are,” Tav said, and lowered herself slowly to the pile of pillows in the corner.

From Stun Marks:

There was only one place to look for her, of course. It was the first place he turned toward, thinking again about their earlier conversation. He would be positively livid if she’d kept him waiting to pray. He certainly wasn’t thinking about another temple, about the bodies and the crypt below and the horrid little display the cultists had made of the priest. 

No. He wasn’t thinking about any of that. She could take care of herself. 

Even so, he did cross to the tabernacle, and he found it shut very tight. Odd. That sort of place usually kept itself open at all hours. One would not want to preclude the coins of any supplicants, of course. It was lucky for everyone that he was smart enough to find a back door, and quiet enough to slip inside unhindered. It did gall him, after all that, to slip just inside the doorway and hear her murmuring aloud to herself. 

She was fine, of course. He’d known she would be. 

Fine and praying. 

“—call out to you in humility and the—the greatest of shame, my lord,” Tav said from somewhere around the corner. Astarion crouched and peered past a pillar, keeping himself to the shadows as best he could. She knelt before the faceless statue in the center of the little temple, head bowed deeply, hands clasped over one knee. She had set her beloved mace on the altar before her, though he only knew so because of its constant glow. 

“I know what path I am to follow, but I cannot take the first step without first seeking your grace. As it was seven years ago, so it is again now: I am lost, my lord, and I seek your guidance.” 

Astarion had called out to the gods a hundred times, a thousand, more. It was utterly useless. Another grift in a world of a thousand such lies—and he knew such confidence games intimately well. Gale and his goddess were some sort of fluke, of course, and look how that had gone for him. And Shadowheart—no. The gods did not care about any of them further than a gift or a favor carelessly thrown to the hungry mouths of people when it pleased them. 

The gods had never aided Astarion when he’d called for them. They had never so much as indicated for a second that they’d even heard his pleas. For the very first time, hidden away from his lover and her show of faith, he finally heard one answer. 

“Oathsworn.” 

A sharp intake of breath. His Tav was bathed in light now, as she sometimes was when she called upon her magic. Unlike those other times, the light was not coming from her. 

“Morninglord,” she said, and her second knee met the stone with a sharp crack. Her back bowed beneath the weight of that light. Astarion grimaced at the sight of her obeisance. “Lord of Rose and Gold. Lord of Birth and Renewal. Bringer of Dawn, I seek you in the shadows of night.”

“And I answer,” a pause. “You have broken your oath.”

It was a condemnation; rather, it had to be some sort of condemnation. Astarion would not have expected it to sound so…oh, what was the word? Sad. 

“My lord,” she said. There were tears in her voice. “I know what I have done. I beg your forgiveness.” 

[nuriaredgrave]

Prompt #1: Envoy

A gentle snow fell on Falcon's Nest. It'd been ages since Nuria had come around here and he was long overdue for a visit. After spending the evening stopping in to say hello and check in on a handful of locals he'd done odd jobs for in the past, he was ready to call it a night. Satchel around his waist and full of assorted snacks and goods he'd been gifted, he left town and began making his way home.

Just a few minutes out, he noticed someone. An aged, regal-looking Hyur in a fancy white suit sat tense on a large, snow-powdered rock embedded in the ground. His face was red with frustration and he frantically rustled his gloved hands through his graying hair for a moment before angrily hurling something shiny into the snow near Nuria's feet, burying his head in his hands. Normally, Nuria would've just kept walking and left the man alone so as not to risk angering him further, but it seemed like this was someone in serious distress. He wasn't one to ignore something like that.

Nuria knelt down and picked the thrown object out of the snow, dusting away the icy glaze with his hand. It was an intricately crafted gold-encrusted compass, much fancier than one he'd ever seen before. He walked gingerly toward the man and held the trinket out to him. "Believe this is yours, sir. Hate to see something as nice as this get lost out he-" The man's head snapped upward and his eyes darted toward Nuria's face, piercing him with a glare. "It's junk" he snarled, "Damned thing doesn't even work anymore. Keep it if you think it's so bloody special."

This guy had clearly been through hell today and though it may have been best to leave him be, Nuria stubbornly chose to try and help him. Without asking, he plopped down on the rock next to him and reached into his satchel to pull out a hunk of freshly-baked bread. Splitting it in two, he offered one half to the grizzled fellow beside him. The man gave him an exhausted look. "Surely you can't be serious, lad" he grumbled through gritted teeth, "What gods have I angered to deserve running into such a fool?"

"No fooling here, sir. You seemed pretty pissed off so I figured maybe some hot, chewy bread might let off some of that steam." The man was at a loss for words, what correlation bread had to relieving anger he couldn't even imagine. Still, it was pretty cold out here and he could use a bit of warmth. He sighed deeply and snatched the bread without even facing Nuria, wasting no time chomping into it. Nuria smiled and stuffed the other half back into his satchel. "So what's got you so torn up? You lost or something?" The gentleman gulped down his last bite and sighed once more. "Very observant. I was supposed to meet with a client out here on some urgent business, but that blasted compass seems to have broken and I've been led completely off course. Gods only know where I am now."

Nuria eagerly jumped to his feet, full of purpose. "You're in luck, pops. I know this area like the soles of my shoes, just tell me where you need to be and I'm your man. No nosy questions asked, free of charge." The man looked him over for a moment. Nuria did seem pretty comfortable out here, so surely he must know what he's on about. Better than just sitting out here, at least. "All right, lad" the man answered, getting to his feet as well, "Get me there in good time and I might just have some spare coin for you regardless."

Nuria gave a cocky smile and immediately began trudging off into the snow, waving for the man to follow. "Let's get moving old-timer. Sun ain't gonna be up forever!"

[muraenide]

He wakes up to the sound of drills and metal clinking in his head. They were like thunder, like the storms out at sea, nearly deafening. Jade did not personally find them a favourite, but he knew they were Antonio’s, especially if the subject of the matter was pertaining to building the world he wished to gouge into existence in the Coral Sea.

A no-man’s land. Unless, of course, Antonio would eventually crown himself its founder, and invite all the fishes in the sea which he thinks worthy enough to partake in this new era of the fish people. 

“It’s the concept of an underwater city I have been working on for decades, Jade.” Jade could still remember feeling a strong arm slips around his shoulders, pulling him close into its embrace. His hands had unwittingly balled up in dislike when Antonio did it, but outside, he had said nothing. “And eventually, you’ll run it. Just as I have planned. See why I’d like for you to see it into execution, son?”

He knew it wasn’t a dream, no matter how much it felt like one. Jade knew that it happened just as clearly as what he’d had for dinner the night before. He can’t help but wished it was a dream. 

Getting up from the bed, he abandons the warmness of his sheets for his desk and picks up the coin that had been sitting there in a strive for comfort. On the other side of the wall, he could hear Floyd yelping in happiness as he has successfully terrorized yet another student. Further from Floyd, perhaps two meters across, Azul yelled at him for breaking a plate. 

Mixed with the sound of hammering iron and smell of grease that had been haunting his dream since they came back from home two days ago, Jade absent-mindedly twirls the coin between his fingers as he mentally battles the noise away, instead trying his best to focus on Azul and Floyd’s bickering. 

It’s no use. It’ll come. 

The fact that Floyd is oblivious about it mattered less. Azul, meanwhile, is out of the question. Perhaps things are better this way; he rather they didn’t know, that, Antonio had every intention to tip the scales of the world and shuffle the ecosystem to his liking, playing with blot and thinking that they would be a source of power rather than something one ought not to mess with.

Jade thinks of himself as someone rather ambitious, but he liked to think that he hadn’t crossed the line and turn himself into a fool.

Placing the coin on the table, he spins it around, and then he watches.

Perhaps he should take a leap of faith.

In that instance, the door opens and in a flurry of anxiousness Jade’s hand comes to slap the coin down onto its desk as he looks up, Floyd waltzing into their room as he tosses his bag onto his bed. 

“What’cha doing Jade?” He asks, stretching, tired for the day.

“I just woke up.” He smiles back at Floyd, turning so he faces his brother with his back straight and his chest heaved with confidence. As Floyd continues to talk about something else, Jade’s listens to him happily while his fingers drummed along the surface of his desk. The coin is tucked underneath his palm. For the time being, he didn’t mind  to delay knowing whether it was a head (yes) or a tail (no).

[thebigshotman]

The package he brings Spaul is wrapped a bit shoddily in leaves and scrap paper, held together by some kind of congealed sticky tree sap. It jingled and rattled when shaken. Inside was an equally shoddy box, filled with an assortment of green or shiny objects Derecho believed to be currency.

Some of it was actual money, dollars or various human coins from the Surface that he had scrounged up. But some of the green things were just leaves that happened to be dollar-shaped enough to fool the seeker.

"HOLIDAY PRESENT! FOR YOU. TAKING!"

Derecho’s presence at first, as usual, makes him a little weary due to how big he is, especially right now while he’s a defenseless Addison. But when he sees the mess of paper and fragments from Heaven and watches it get dropped into his grasp, his defenses lower and he grins up at the Seeker. Guess giant robots from the Light did celebrate Christmas! Or at least engaged in the traditions with those who did celebrate.

He tore into the sticky package, more carefully than he would’ve if he was a puppet right now. The parchment and leaves start to stick to his hands from the sap-what is this, he wonders in amazement-and eventually the box itself. Eventually, however, he’s able to properly set the box down and open it. And inside is an assortment of Kromer! Well, he assumes it must be from their shapes and sizes, but he’s never seen this kind before. Money from Heaven?

As a puppet he might’ve been angered by the money-shaped leaves, but he was in too good of a mood from Christmas to be like that. Instead, he picks up one of them to start inspecting it-it sticks to his hand, of course-and then looks back up at Derecho with another smile.

*Thanks for the Kromer, Derecho!! I appre-appreciate the little preview of Heaven, and the money, of course! Now, uh…you wouldn’t happen to know of a way to get this Light Glue off, would you? I’d like to take a closer look at all of this…

At least, he assumes it’s just a very strong glue…

[doggonewhumper]

Reyna

(some worldbuilding i need to get down in text)

Reyna was sick for most of her life- as long as she could remember. Her body would ache so badly that she couldn't move, her head would feel like it was being crushed by tons of stone, and her throat would burn from coughing. She tried to ignore the pain, to live normally, but inevitably, a worse pain would wash over her, knocking her down and leaving her bedridden once again.

Her brother, Roman, did everything he could for her. Without parents to rely on, he had to find her doctors himself. They traveled from village to village, Roman picking up every job available, to see the so-called "best" doctors in town. They were all either stumped, or fakes, sending Reyna home with orders of bedrest or potions that wouldn't work. Reyna was sick of seeing doctors, but her brother had one more trick up his sleeve.

Roman spent every last coin he and Reyna had to send a letter to the castle, asking if Reyna could see the king and queen's doctor. Healer Ruby was renowned for healing every ailment that came to the royal family, whether it was a simple cough or a deadly plague. If anyone could heal Reyna, it was her. Roman didn't actually expect an answer back, but he wanted to try everything, even if it was impossible.

Then a letter from the castle came back.

The siblings read it together, sitting on Reyna's bed. Roman slowly unfolded the crisp paper, eyes immediately scanning the message.

"They said yes!?" Reyna gasped. Roman laughed, nodding.

"Yes! All I have to do is work in the castle! I'll be a knight, and you'll be healthy. It's a win-win." Reyna frowned. She hadn't known Roman wanted to be a knight. What other dreams had he set aside to take care of her?

Roman was a spectacular knight, as they both expected, and Reyna turned out to be a spectacular patient. The first day she saw Healer Ruby, she was bedridden from the long journey to the castle. The healer checked her heart, and her breathing, and her eyes. She asked Reyna about her symptoms. It was all awfully familiar to Reyna, but she didn't take out her frustration on the healer. Then the woman clapped her hands, startling the girl.

"I think I've figured out what's wrong. It's not uncommon, this ailment, but it's almost never diagnosed. Most people with this illness don't want to see a doctor."

"Why not?" Reyna asked. She wanted to know everything there was to know about her condition.

"Because what you have is called 'magical consumption.' It's when a powerful mage doesn't use their magic for a long time. The treatment is-"

"A powerful mage!?" Reyna hissed. Was this lady crazy? "I can't be a mage! I've never had magic. Besides, if I did have magic, I would've been killed long ago. How can you be sosure of this?"

"I'm sure because I see it all the time, in prisoners of the castle. All of the mages that are captured and sent here eventually fall ill with the same symptoms. Not one of them has lasted an entire year in captivity," the healer responded. Reyna only grew more perplexed.

"I've had this my whole life, though. Why didn't it kill me within a year?" Why do I get to live?

"You have a special type of magic, one I am deeply familiar with. You're a healer, Reyna. Your magic is simultaneously hurting and healing you. That's why you get better and worse. Don't worry, I won't tell."

"Because you have healing magic too! What'll you do if the king finds out? He hates mages!" Healer Ruby shook her head, smiling at the younger woman.

"I'll never be found out, because the king will always pretend he doesn't know. My knowledge of illness and injury is unmatched, even among magical healers. He would be a fool to get rid of me, and he knows it."

"One more question then," Reyna requested, growing less fearful and more confident by the second. The healer nodded, waiting. "Will you teach me to be a great healer too?"

"Of course!"