#SORRY A SPRINKLE OF ANGST BUT I'VE BEEN THINKING OF IT FOR A WHILE AND IT FELT PERFECT FOR THIS <33< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[unholyhelbig]

https://www.tumblr.com/unholyhelbig/748001277238181888/ive-reread-the-entirety-of-oversight-again-and

i’ve done this as well. i think u should 😌😏😉☺️🥰

Title: Rose Colored Glasses [An Oversight Oneshot]

Ship: Female!Reader x Natasha Romanoff

Summary: Reader gets word that Natasha is hurt and rushes home to assess the situation.

Warnings(PLEASE READ): injury to nose & foot, slight blood, and shrimp

[a/n: Did someone request more oversight? Because I've got you covered. This is pure fluff, sorry for the lack of angst! It's short, and sweet, and not proof read because I don't have time :( ]

Check out the full Oversight universe

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven

A quiet house was never a good sign. Growing up in the foster care system teeming with other wards of the state had taught you that. Often, you were three or four to a room. There were bunk beds with sheets slotted against the ceiling or stuffed under the mattress above your own, just for some type of barrier. It was an illusion of privacy, most of the time. Because houses like that were never quiet.

When you’d moved in across from Darcy after your 18th birthday, things weren’t quiet. Above you was a Latin-American couple that would wait until just past midnight to turn on a slow, rhythmic song and dance. Their steps were soft, and calculated. They carved out time for one another every single night between shifts. Just for the two of them. You often let the thumping base lull you to sleep.

The city was just outside your window. In the summer, you could prop it open with a brick and let the sounds of cars become a backdrop. There were sirens, and when the fire hydrant on the corner was loosened, the world welcomed a cold blast of water, sprinkling into the street. That was the opposite of quiet. That made your chest feel light, and warm.

After marrying Natasha Romanoff, you settled into the loudness of her home. Your home. Veronica was constantly running around the twists and turns of the bottom floor, Clint or Kate or Darcy galloping after her with a big smile on their face. They slowed themselves to make sure they didn’t break anything, but they wanted her to win, too.

Yelena often came with the muffled sounds of Russian techno bands coming from the headphones around her neck. It was a staple to find her in the kitchen with her head down, slicing into an apple from the backyard with precision unknown. Natasha would tug the headphones off to get her attention, or to send her into annoyance.

The night that Natasha got hurt was stifled with the sound of rain. It had soaked you to the bone, dripping onto the linoleum floor and then the carpet as you ascended the stairs two at a time. You’d been at the docks later than usual, the storm that had plagued the side of the harbor was relentless and delayed shipments.

The captain of the shipping boat your family had utilized for decades wanted to discuss something over whatever crap coffee you could beat out of the machine in your office. He spoke with a thick southern drawl, his mustache was encrusted with salt and sand. You had shed your coat and tried to warm yourself up by hugging your mug to your chest. Nothing seemed to work.

While you weren’t opposed to giving the man a raise, you were not the final say. Natasha was, and you figured he could use the company more than anything. The captain flicked through books that were on the shelf, taking two or three for his next journey out to sea. It was like clockwork with him, and you indulged his need for quiet companionship each time.

When your phone rang, you never looked at the caller ID. Those who were privileged enough to get your number knew to talk without any of the pleasantries that they were used to. Clint’s voice came through the receiver in a smooth, hushed tone that made you believe he wasn’t supposed to be calling you in the first place.

“Look, y/n, there’s been an… incident.”

“What kind of incident?”

He was meant to escort her to one of the many cocktail parties that Carlos LaMuerto was throwing at his mansion that bordered the same body of water that you resided on now. They were lovely get-togethers that you often attended with your wife. This, however, was the fourth one this month and your stomach was turning at the idea of another cocktail shrimp and lamb pate.

Clint had offered, seeing the desperation in your eyes. And while Natasha was reluctant, she ultimately agreed. No news of a bust had reached you yet, nor had a gun blazing argument. While the Captain licked his dry lips and scanned the books in front of him, you continued in hushed tones.

“Nat’s hurt. It’s not a big deal, you can finish up your business. She’s just being stubborn is all.”

An escaped sigh “I’ll be there.”

No shit, she was being stubborn. Your wife was bull-headed and wouldn’t admit to the smallest defeat. It eased your nerves slightly, and only slightly, that Clint said it wasn’t a big deal. No gunshot to the back, or knife to the throat. It wasn’t good enough, however.

Natasha would be upset that you tracked mud into the house and left your boots sloshing by the door. You were panting by the time you reached the double doors that led to your bedroom. They were, of course, blocked by Clint and Kate. Yelena was leaning lazily against the railing that was parallel. She regarded you with an uninterested stare.

“You did not have to come here.” She said, “We’ve got it handled.”

“She kicked all of you out, didn’t she?”

“What? She certainly did not!”

Yelena’s voice pitched with her lie. Kate’s cheeks turned an off-shade of pink and Clint just rthe hallway, that was a good sign. Still, neither of the two moved to let you into your own room.

“If you’re not going to get out of the way, can you at least tell me what happened?”

There was a muffled reply from behind the door. With the way that the voice flitted, you knew that she was trapped on the bed. Otherwise, she would have leveled you with a glare right here and now. The words were simple “Do it, you die.”

“Oh, come on,” You whispered harshly, turning your attention to Kate instead. She was the easiest to break. “Katie, what is the harm in letting me through? I’m going to catch my death if I stay in these clothes.”

“Catch your death?” Clint scoffed “What are you? A poet from the 1800’s?”

“I’m about to be breaking your fingers if you don’t-“

“You can’t even break wind,”

The two of your voices combined as you kept at it. You didn’t’ miss the wary look that Kate shot Yelena. One way or another, you’d get into your room. You refused to be banished to the couch again, especially in wet clothes. If you had to threaten ruining the rugs with your muddy footprints, so be it.

“Oh, Jesus Christ!” You held up both of your hands, silencing the chaos of the corridor. “Nat, you are my wife, you’re hurt. Whether you like it or not, I’m coming in. Does anyone have any objections?”

Kate went to raise her hand, but Yelena yanked it back down and shook her head no. You tore into Clint with a look that could drop him dead. He relented and stepped away from the door. While you had a moment of peace, you walked into the dark of the room. She’d turned out the lights, save for the half-moon that showed a pale pattern against the carpet.

When you reached for the light switch on the wall, Natasha let out a noise that was similar to a wounded animal. You halted, your actions and made out her form on the bed. She was folded in on herself, her silhouette rigid.

“Baby,” you cooed, closing the distance between you and the bed. She grunted again, this time in pain. She attempted to turn away from you. You lowered yourself onto the sliver of bed, approaching the situation softly. “Can I turn on a light?”

“No, I’m hideous.”

You chuckled softly “I highly doubt that, my love. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s wrong.”

Natasha had never liked being vulnerable around you. It had taken a full weekend of you nursing her back to her feet after the incident on the pier for her to let herself cry. You held her for hours, her nose pressed against the small of your neck. She’d gripped onto you, as if you’d leave. But you never would.

Eventually, you saw her shadow nod. Before she could change her mind, you flicked on the lamp on the side table. It didn’t’ have a far reach, but the light was less harsh on the both of you. It was impossible not to notice the blood that had dried against Natasha’s nose, a split right down the middle.

You’d seen her with broken bones before, bruises that wrapped around her midsection. You’d put ace bandage around her ribs after drawing her a bath. This was nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, she often saw them as battle scars that would heal in a pink gash.

Her foot was wrapped up with a bag of peas and one of frozen carrots that Clint, or even Yelena had situated. There was bruising around her ankle, it looked painful and you internally winced at the coloring. She groaned into the small of her elbow.

“I want to die”

“Natty, it’s okay. This is nothing a cozy weekend inside can’t fix.”

She said something that was quiet and muffled by her arm. You didn’t understand her one bit, but she squeezed a single tear from her eye that you wiped away dutifully before it could reach the silk of sheets.

“What was that, baby?” You asked gently.

She threw both of her hands down and glared at the ceiling. Her fingers eventually found yours, squeezing your palm in reflex. Her words came out in a quick breath, “I tripped over a carpet at the stupid dinner party and hit my face on the catering table.”

You were effectively silenced. That was very un-Natasha. But lately, you and Clint had been pestering her about her eyesight, especially at night. It wasn’t something she wanted to hear. In fact, each time you brought up the idea of glasses, she would effectively silence you with a glare, or even a kick to the shin under the kitchen table if you had company.

You bit the inside of your cheek and ran your thumb over her hand. She clutched your hand tighter. Now was certainly not the time to laugh, and while you fought back the initial giggle, you were more concerned about your wife.

“I’m so embarrassed.”

“I bet you got right back up.” You said, pressing your palm against her cheek. “None of those fancy party types would dare question your influence on this city.”

“Shrimp went flying everywhere.” Natasha pouted.

“Everyone was tired of shrimp anyway, even the shrimp.”

She grasped at the collar of your jacket and pulled you closer to her, pressing her lips against your own. They were warm, the warmest thing that you’ve felt since getting caught in the passing storm. You were careful not to lean on her ribs, breathing in the rosewater scent of her.

Natasha pressed her forehead against yours, running a hand up your spine. She grimaced. “You’re all wet.”

“Well now I am,” You smirked against her jawline, leaving a little nip in your wake. “You need to get glasses.”

“Don’t change the subject. You’re getting the sheets all damp, and you smell like fish.”

“I smell like fish?” You giggled, pressing a kiss to the exposed part of her neck. You felt Natasha laugh too, using her hands to cover her face from the blush that was blooming against her cheeks. “We’re talking about me?”

She laughed harder, attempting to shove you off but you let your body go slack against her, not using your arms to hold yourself up anymore. “Yes! Go shower!”

“Mm, but you’re so warm.”

“You’re not going to be warm if I make you sleep on the couch.”

You gasped dramatically, pulling your head off her stomach and meeting her dark green stare. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me. After the day I’ve had, I refuse to sleep next to my wife when she smells like a marina.”

Even while she said it, her voice was gentle, her fingers working over your scalp to brush the wet hair from your eyes. You pulled yourself up to give her another peck on the lips, careful to avoid the split nose and busted ankle.

“Fine, but only because you need more aspirin.”

She grunted, crossing her arms over her chest. “Can’t believe I let you through my defenses.”

“Uh-huh. Get some rest. I’m going to go talk to your defenses about getting you an appointment with an optometrist.”

You turned to move towards the bathroom, already craving the warmth of a shower and some clean pajamas. Two steps from the doorway and you felt a plush throw pillow hit you directly on the back of the head. Natasha had amazing aim, always had, and always would.

You bent down and picked up the gold upholstered pillow, giving her a faux glare. “You’re not getting this back.”

“Oh, come on, baby.” She stuck out her lower lip “I have to prop up my foot.”

“You should have thought of that before you launched it at my head.”

 [Taglist🕷♡: @dumbasslesbi, @lostremind, @toouncreativeforausername @autorasexy @eringranola @mikookaaaaaao @marvelwoman-simp @pacmanmiles @mostlymarvelsstuff, @mrsrushman, @milfsandtittyenthusiast, @random-raccoon4, @ravenromanova, @mysticalmoonlight7, @ahintofchaos@cowboyboots236 @lissaaaa145, @natsxwife@a-spes, @kyleeservopoulos]

[lovebugism]

Some blurb with grumpy fem reader and sunshine eddie?

He's constantly flirting with her and she only teases him or talking him down.

One time some cheerleader trying to flirt with Eddie and reader is so possesive, taking his hand and walking away. Eddie is wide-eyed, big smirk on his face and going after her with jumpy steps full of joy.

✶ ┄ SHE'S SO UNUSUAL !

summary: eddie's pretty sure he's loved you since the day he met you. you're pretty sure love is a neurochemical con job pairing: eddie munson / f!reader word count: 2.8k warnings: none? maybe just the faintest hint of angst? a/n: let's play a game of spot the steven universe reference because a clip popped on my tiktok fyp a couple days ago and even though i've never seen it, i simply haven't been able to stop thinking about it <3 anyways thanks so much for your request! hope you enjoy!

( BLURB SLEEPOVER ) | ( MASTERLIST )

Eddie’s pretty sure he’s loved you since before he understood what the word really meant. He didn’t know a lot of things, really, especially not as a lanky-limbed teenager trying hopelessly to navigate puberty in a world filled with assholes and uncertainty.

The only thing he could be certain of was all the love he had for you.

He’s seventeen and hopelessly stupid and you’re beautiful and eons out of his league. He concludes that having the majority of your gen-ed classes has to be fate and that making fun of you is the easiest way to talk to you without feeling like he needs to throw up. 

So he takes to bothering you every day before class and sitting at the table beside you — despite the fact that it had been assigned to someone else at the beginning of the school year — until the teacher ultimately gives up and lets him sit next to you. He pokes fun at your Blondiemerch and how the same She’s So Unusual Cyndie Lauper cassette has been in your walkman for a week straight and the way you dot your eyes with pretty little hearts.

Every joke is sprinkled with the faintest hint of truth, though.

He tells you that he hates Blondie but that the shirt looks good on you, because everything you wear looks good on you. He says it’s hilarious that you can’t seem to listen to anything other than Cyndie Lauper but that he understands because he’s been obsessed with Metallica lately — and that he’d love to show you some of their music sometime. He says only children put hearts over their i’s, but that it's real cute when you do it, when you do anything.

“You’re so annoying,” you inevitably tell him with the roll of your eyes when he tells you exactly that. He can’t tell if the way the corner of your lip quirks up is from a half-concealed smile or a look of disgust.

“Sorry, sweetheart,” he shrugs and knocks his leather-clad shoulder with yours. “It’s not my fault that I’ve been in love with you since the moment I saw you. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s kinda your fault.”

He says it all with a playful lilt to hide how much he means each word. That he’s in love with you and has been since you were in middle school, when he had a godawful buzz cut and loving Rocky Horror Picture Show was your entire personality — at twelve. 

“Love at first sight doesn’t exist,” you argue while you mindlessly jot down notes from the textbook spread open between you, dotting every i with a practiced heart. “Love takes time and work. At the bare minimum, you should at least probably know the other person — and you don’t have a single clue who I am.”

He’s momentarily knocked asunder at your words, at how profound they are. It’s like a century-old philosopher is using a pretty highschool aged girl as a mouthpiece, and it only makes him love you more.

“Well, I could get to know you,” he retorts with a frown. “You just won’t let me.”

“Did you hear anything I just said?” you squint over at him. 

“Yeah. That love takes time,” he echoes and a grin pulls slow at his lips. “Good thing we’ve got all the time in the world, sweetheart.”

When two years fly by, and you’re finally a senior (and Eddie’s repeating his last year of high school over again because the one before it knocked him on his ass), you realize that he wasn’t kidding around. He still tries hopelessly to get to know you and jokes that he’s a second-year senior only because he “didn’t want to leave you behind.”

“Couldn’t just leave you by yourself, sweetheart,” he says with a defiant shake of his head. “No way. Not with Jason Carver and all the other freaks roaming around here.”

“Yeah, I don’t think they’re the freaks here, Eds,” you monotone as you put in the combination for your locker.

He immediately notices the use of the nickname. It took you a year to call him anything other than Munson, and now he’s moving into Eds territory? It feels like his heart might burst. But you don’t seem to notice it so Eddie decides to keep it to himself, like sunshine in his pocket, lest he brings it up and he never gets to hear it again.

He presses a hand to his chest and leans in next to you. “Ouch, babe. I’m wounded. Truly. Sorry for wanting to protect a sweet little thing like you.”

You scrunch your nose and swat his hand away when he tries to squeeze your cheek.

“Some would say I actually need protecting from you.”

 “I am capable of pretty dangerous things, sweetheart.”

“Like what?” you scoff.

Eddie only grins. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

You ignore the chill that his words shoot down your spine and pretend to be unbothered by the way they make your heart race. You choose to roll your eyes at him and stuff your arms with textbooks. “You better have a massive dick to back up that attitude, Munson, or people are gonna be real disappointed.”

“And by people you mean you, right?”

“Obviously not,” you monotone.

“Well, joke's on you, I’ve already disappointed everyone I know.”

“That’s not true, Eds—” you shoot back but then swallow the words when you realize you were about to say something too sweet. “There are billions of people in the world you haven’t met yet. There’s still plenty left to disappoint.”

“You’re real sweet, you know that?” he jokes with a smile. “Besides, if you’re really worried about the size of my dick, we can always break out a ruler and, you know, test your theory.”

“Ooh, sorry,” you wince. “I left my magnifying glass at home. Maybe some other time?”

“How about tomorrow?” he answers quickly and easily falls into step with you when you shut your locker and head towards your next class.

“I have a date tomorrow, actually. No can do.”

His heart stops and his throat swells and he forgets what words are for a moment or two. He can only blink at you for a few seconds. “A— A date?”

“Uh-huh. Jason Carver. He asked me out this morning.”

“You’re kidding,” he retorts bitterly with a scowl on his face. Then you start laughing at him and the world starts spinning again. He starts laughing too, but it’s more of a sigh of relief than anything else. “You— You are kidding?”

“Obviously I’m kidding,” you shove him. “Hell will freeze over before I am willingly anywhere around that guy.”

Eddie’s freshly beating heart starts to swell. It feels like more of an honor than it already has been, for you to want to willingly be around him.

“Oh, so you were just trying to make me jealous, then?” he squints over at you.

This time, you’re the stuttering mess as you try to figure out what to say.

He chuckles at you. “Because it worked, sweetheart.”

A couple of months or more go by and graduation nears — well, for you. Eddie’s still hellbent that he’s going to have to repeat another year, but you’ve made it your mission to get him to pass English.

He doesn’t even mind that it means he actually has to do the homework, as long he gets to spend time with you in the Hellfire room after school or share a snack with you at the picnic tables at Forest Hill.

It’s got him living in a state of grandeur. He’s hopelessly deluded, not only that he’s in love with you, but that you’re in love with him. And, for obvious reasons, you know that can’t be true.

Neither of you can be in love because you’re kids and you’re stupid and you don’t know a single damn thing about anything, let alone something as trivial and philosophical as love. It’s a neurochemical con job, everyone knows it. It’s not real.

Everyone thought Nancy and Steve were in love at one point, and then she called him bullshit at a party before fucking off with Jonathan Byers.

Everyone thought Jason and Chrissy were in love, too — that they would be everything Steve and Nancy couldn’t — and then she dumped him in front of the entire school after catching him being an asshole to a bunch of Hellfire club freshmen.

So, obviously, no one knows what love is. 

And by that logic, they can’t know when they’re in it either.

So you chalk up the butterflies and burning cheeks you always get around Eddie to being a dumb teenager who’s lonely and touch starved. Because it’s not love. It just can’t be.

Eddie begs to differ, though, and he swears he’s got the test to prove it.

It’s the spring assembly at Hawkins High, which means everyone’s gathered in the gymnasium on bleachers that are not nearly big enough to accommodate everyone, doing fuck all and grateful for not having to do any actual work. 

The cheerleaders do a couple of dances, the basketball team prances around the court — it’s all hopelessly pedestrian as far as you’re concerned.

You and the rest of Hellfire are located at the very top of the bleachers, as far away as you possibly can be from whatever the hell is going on below you. It checks out, though, because everyone else opts to keep their distance from the lot of you, too.

And you’re not exactly sure how the conversation started, but somehow you end up talking about crushes, and Eddie makes the too bold proclamation that you’ve got the fattest crush on him of all people.

“Leave her alone!” Dustin scolds him over the band, the only one actually trying to stick up for you. “Maybe this is something you should discuss, I don’t know, in private?”

You roll your eyes. “There’s no need. Because I don’t have a crush on you, Eddie Munson,” you tell him, stern and unwavering, as you squint over at him. Your glare follows the boy as he paces up and down the bleachers, two levels below you. “Sorry to bruise your ego.”

“Oh, so you won’t care if I tell Chrissy that I wanna take her on a date?” he asks you with a knowing grin.

“Why would I care?” you retort, then grumble. “It’s not like she would say yes anyway.”

“Well, she did ask me first.”

That quietens you instantly “…You’re lying.”

“Wanna bet?” he teases and leans down, resting his weight on the seating in front of him, until his face is level with yours. You can smell the nicotine on his breath and the mint gum he smacks between his teeth. 

If you were alone — and in some godawful teenage drama — you might’ve pulled him in for a kiss right there. At least, that’s what your brain tells you to do because your lips have started to tingle just thinking about it.

You hope Eddie hasn’t noticed the way your gaze falls on his own pink, plump, and very kissable ones. But the grin that paints his features then tells you that he has.

You play it off with a stoic expression and crossed arms. “Chrissy going from dating the captain of the basketball team to the town’s local freak would be an unprecedented low.”

“I’ll be sure to tell you all about our trip to Lover’s Lake tomorrow morning, sweetheart, don’t worry your pretty little head,” he promises before rising and spinning on his heels. He makes the trek to the lower level of the bleachers — a feat made more difficult by the crowd and the distance between it and him.

He makes sure to turn and look back at you every now and again, to make sure that you’re still watching him. You are. Of course, you are. And you hope the seething anger in your chest doesn’t show on your face.

“He’s not actually gonna ask her out, right?” Mike wonders.

“No way,” Dustin denies with the shake of his head. “The president of Hellfire can’t date a cheerleader… Right?”

Gareth shrugs. “He’s obviously bluffing.”

“Yeah, he wouldn’t do that,” Jeff agrees. He turns to look over at you. “He’s been in love with you since middle school. He just wants to upset you.”

“Well, it’s fucking working,” you grumble under your breath. Your heart races and your vision swims as you watch him near the group of cheerleaders sitting on the floor of the gym. 

You want to believe that he’s bluffing, you really do, but you don’t doubt that Chrissy’s asked him out.

After she dumped Jason, she’d gotten strangely protective over the Hellfire club — constantly making an effort to talk to them all, ensuring that the rest of the school wasn’t acting total assholes around them. Hell, she’s even started being nice to you and you weren't even in the damn club.

She’s been hanging around with Eddie a lot more lately, catching up in the library and ranting about tests between classes. Everyone’s seen it. You’ve seen it. And it’s made you unbelievably jealous. 

Maybe you never noticed it before now because you used to be the only girl interested in talking to Eddie. But now he’s got the head cheerleader around to keep him company, to ask him out on fucking dates, and it leaves you seething in your rage.

And if love is anger, then you’re head over heels for Eddie Munson.

You rise suddenly from your seat and shove your way through the bleachers, muttering lackluster excuse me’s under your breath as you go and elbowing those who refuse to get out of your way. 

You reach Eddie just before he’s about to tap on Chrissy's shoulder. You take that hand and nearly jerk it from its socket the way you pull at him. Eddie is stunned, for all of half a second, thinking it must’ve been a fuming Jason Carver at the force of the grip around him. 

But it’s just you, all but dragging him out of the gymnasium with the strength of ten men in one angry teenage girl, and it makes him smile so hard it hurts.

He traps the grin between his teeth and locks eyes with the rest of Hellfire from across the room. He brings two fingers to his forehead in salute before he’s pulled out of the gym entirely.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he teases as you lead him down a long hallway. “Thought you didn’t give a shit if I asked her out?”

You don’t respond to his teasing. You just keep tugging him by his wrist through the empty school. He’s not even sure if you’re even breathing just now, or if you’re moving strictly on autopilot and rage.

You shove him into Mr. Kamisnky’s vacant classroom and lock the door behind you.

Eddie’s chest rises and falls with the heavy breath he exhales. “Well, shit, sweetheart... If I knew making you jealous was all I needed to do to get you alone, I would’ve done it a long time ago—”

“Say you didn’t mean it,” you interject, less than amused at his teasing.

“…What?”

“That you wanted to take Chrissy on a date,” you elaborate with arms crossed over your chest, protecting yourself, your heart. “Say you didn’t mean it.”

And Eddie laughs. He fucking laughs. Like everything’s a joke to him, like the mere thought of you being heartbroken over him liking Chrissy is funny to him.

It’s not. Well, at least not that bit. It’s laughable to him that you would even think he wanted anybody but you after he’s spent so many years fawning over you.

“Of course, I didn’t mean it,” Eddie scoffs. He tries to take a few steps closer to you, but you back away, not believing him. He softens. “I just wanted to make you jealous, sweetheart. I didn’t wanna… hurt your feelings.”

“Well, you did,” you monotone.

The boy’s brows furrow. “Hurt your feelings or make you jealous?”

“…Yes.”

A smile pulls slow at his lips. He tries to hide it but fails miserably. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I just wanted to see how you would react. And I am very pleased by this reaction… Even though my wrist feels like it’s broken.”

“Sorry,” you murmur to yourself, already embarrassed at how angry you’d gotten.

“Don’t be sorry,” Eddie declines with the shake of his head. This time when he walks toward you, you don’t back away from him. You even let him take your elbows in his hands and rub his thumbs over your warmed and jealousy-prickled skin.

“Actually, you know what, do be sorry,” he corrects playfully. “And make it up to me by taking me out. Somewhere fancy.”

You purse your lips to the side in attempts to hide your smile. 

“Benny’s Burgers?” you offer after a moment.

“Ooh. Burgers, fries, a milkshake, and a hot date?" he lists with a nod of approval. "You really know how to get a guy to swoon, don't ya sweetheart?”

[roosterforme]

Always Ever Only You Part 12 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Asking your friends for help when you need it is starting to feel good instead of scary. Even listening to Cat open up doesn't sting like it once did. Bradley starts to have an ominous feeling about his upcoming mission, and when the details are revealed, he's left wondering what his career will be like in the future.

Warnings: Angst, swearing, fluff

Length: 4400 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

This was written to accompany my series Is It Working For You? along with a bunch of my one-shots and other series, but it can be read on its own! Check my masterlist for the reading order. Always Ever Only You masterlist. Gorgeous banner by @mak-32

There was truly something to be said for the way you felt after you talked to Dr. Genevieve. Even though your period was a few days late, and you had been holding out hope, you didn't go quite to pieces when it did end up starting. Sure, there were some tears as you opened up a new box of tampons, but you didn't dwell on it as much as you had the past several cycles in a row. 

In fact, when you thought you couldn't take the physical pain of your cramps and the mental pain as well, you called Maria. You told her that you didn't want to be alone and asked if she could stop by. And she came over with a backpack and some donuts. 

"What's in the bag?" you asked as you bit into a Boston cream. 

"Clothes for tomorrow," she replied, petting Tramp while she ate a chocolate donut with sprinkles. "I figured I could sleep over."

"You don't have to," you whispered, now feeling a little embarrassed. 

But she just shrugged. "I've been a little lonely, too. My new roommate has never been as fun as you were."

"Nobody is," you added, biting into a second donut. You figured you earned it, since you'd started to get back on track with what you were eating. "Thanks for joining me in the cafeteria at work."

"Thanks for actually coming to lunch. Cam is hella boring to eat with every day."

You groaned and headed for the couch with a bottle of wine. "Ugh, I left you hanging with Cam. I'm sorry." You were going to be better about taking care of everything. Yourself, your marriage, Bradley, and your friends. 

Maria just laughed and followed behind you with two glasses and a corkscrew. "I love him, but he's still a dude. And just inherently dumb. He can't help it."

The girl talk ended up spiraling into a great weekend, and when you went to work on Monday morning, you still felt good. And Bickel had been a saint, not acting weird or giving you too much distance at all since you broke down hard in his office. Sure, maybe he was asking you how you were feeling with a little more frequency, but he kept your workload the same and never questioned anything you handed in to him.

And then there was Cat. Since you kind of blew the Jake thing up in her face, she'd been very quiet. Jake was still claiming nothing was going on now, but you'd never have been able to get an answer out of Cat one way or the other. And now you were thinking maybe you should have just minded your own business. Because Jake seemed melancholy, and he hadn't actually ended things himself even after he learned about Uncle Hondo. 

"Good morning," you said to Cat later in the week when you walked into the lab. She seemed surprised you were greeting her.

'Hi," she responded, slipping back into her usual state of calm immediately. "If you're about to ask about the calculation set, I'm almost done. I just need another hour or two."

"No rush," you replied. "Um, actually, I was wondering if you wanted to join me for lunch today?"

She eyed you skeptically. "In the cafeteria?"

You shrugged. "Or my office?"

When Cat didn't respond right away, you wanted to kick yourself. But then she said, "I feel like you and I just keep getting off to bad start after bad start with each other. I'd like to eat with you, but I don't want to go down to the cafeteria. At all. Just looking at Lieutenant Seresin makes me want to hide."

"Care to elaborate?" you asked cautiously. 

She just smirked. "Sure. Over lunch. In your office."

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

Bradley had stripped down to his underwear and gym shorts, and he was currently trying his hardest to meditate on his bed. Bob had spent the last several weeks patiently trying to explain to him exactly what went into it, but Bradley would reach a state of calm and then inevitably get distracted. 

He cracked his eyes open to see Bob in a state of complete relaxation on his own bed. Something about this just didn't work as well for him, and his brain was buzzing, so Bradley reached for his notebook instead. There were too many things he wanted to write down. It felt like he wasn't going to be able to stop emptying out all of his feelings now that he started, and after several weeks, the notebook was mostly full. 

The desire to be at home was overwhelming. Thinking about eating homemade Marry Me Rooster with his wife perched on his lap was all that was getting him through this deployment. As soon as he was home, he'd make sure you knew exactly what you meant to him. There were no conditions on his love, and he was embarrassed and crushed that maybe he made you think there were. 

He only had a few more weeks to go. But things with the mission were looking abysmal. Slayer and Charmer were getting worse to deal with by the day, and the way the admirals praised them was beyond ridiculous. Like the shiny, new aviators were somehow better than the ones with more experience. Like Bradley, Nat and Bob couldn't keep up now. It was hard to keep believing that the admirals would actually put the best team together to complete the mission. 

"Wow," Bob suddenly said, stretching his arms over his head and removing his glasses. "That was a great session."

"Yep," Bradley agreed, nodding as he scribbled in the notebook. "Really good, Bob."

But the other man was already pulling the bedding up to his shoulders, and Bradley knew he'd be asleep soon. "Good for you," he muttered, returning to his notebook. 

Nat and Bob were so good to him, this deployment should have been a breeze. And it had improved since he got to talk to you over facetime in the commanding officer's quarters, but he thought he'd go ahead and start a countdown in the notebook anyway. Just eighteen more days until he should be arriving back in San Diego. And he was hoping like hell he would get to call you again before then. 

But a few days later, he still hadn't been selected for another facetime session. And Bob and Nat got called out onto the tarmac after dinner for a repairs inspection that was performed on their Super Hornet. So Bradley headed to the gym for a workout by himself, and the room was thankfully fairly empty. He put in his ear buds and got out his phone. He selected the playlist you made for him last year called This is what a gym playlist should sound like, Bradley and he smiled. 

Pretty soon he was sweating, working his way through some bicep curls, when he saw Slayer out of the corner of his eye. He would ignore him. No problem. Only two weeks left to go. Only a few more days until the mission. "Do not engage," Bradley muttered to himself. 

But of course he couldn't control what Slayer decided to do, and the idiot wandered over toward him. And then he snatched his phone off of the bench, and Bradley was on his feet immediately, still clutching the fifty pound dumbbell in his left hand. 

"What the hell do you want?" Bradley asked, plucking one ear bud out. "It's bad enough I have to see you in the classroom all day."

Slayer just laughed, and Bradley realized he was staring at his lock screen. "Just wanted another look at your wife. How much younger is she, old man? She got a grandpa fetish or something?"

Bradley's fingers tightened around the dumbbell, and he wished he'd given more of an effort to meditating with Bob. 

He was seething. And then Slayer asked him, "You know what? Why don't you just give me her number so I can keep her warm next time you're out of town?"

Bradley had to fight the urge to throw the dumbbell at him. "You talk an awful lot for someone so stupid."

"And you strut around like you own the place for something who can barely fly."

Bradley's blood was boiling now. The admirals had pumped these kids so full of bullshit, there was going to be no arguing with him. Instead he snatched his phone out of Slayer's hand and pocketed it. "And you're slow as shit versus an old man. Now get back to your bunk, it's almost curfew for the children."

Slayer smirked at him as he backed away toward an empty weight bench. "Just wait. You'll see."

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

You had made it this far, you could make it two more weeks. But you got your period again, right on time. And you knew it was ridiculous to get choked up when you had to get the tampons and pads out again, because Bradley wasn't even home. You hadn't had intercourse since he left six weeks ago. You knew there was no way. But just the idea of knowing another cycle was ending had tears stinging behind your eyes. 

When you heard the doorbell, you quickly washed your hands and rushed out to where Tramp was practically howling at the front door. "Chill out," you told him. "You'll be happy. You loved him last time."

"Hi," Cat said as soon as you opened the door, and you saw Hondo pull away in his green Chevy. Jeremiah was in her arms, and once again, he smiled when he saw you. Things at work were a lot better, including having several nice conversations with Cat.

"Sorry, little guy," you said softly as they came inside. "No Rooster this time."

Cat laughed. "I think your dog will suffice. He loves animals."

When you closed the door, you watched Tramp follow them over to the couch, and then he started licking Jeremiah's little hands nonstop while the baby laughed. "If he's annoying, I can put him out back for a bit."

"No," Cat said as she and her son both laughed. "This is great." And then Jeremiah broke free from her arms and stood with both hands on Tramp. And you swore your dog had never been happier either. 

A little pang of sadness struck your heart as Tramp looked all too delighted at the attention he was being given. You were searching for a safe topic of conversation. Cat had been joining you for lunch on occasion, which was great. But now you found that you had so many friends, you needed to juggle your time with them. Cam and Cat were a little awkward around each other. And Cat wouldn't tell you exactly how she felt about Jake, but you knew Jake was sad and Cat was avoiding him.

So you asked her, "You still feel like hiding from Jake at work?" It seemed like a safe enough topic, and you almost laughed when she covered her face and collapsed dramatically against the arm of the couch. 

"Please! You keep asking me about this!"

"I'm curious by nature," you claimed. "And you never really told me anything."

She glanced at you as Jeremiah went crawling across the floor after Tramp. "I'm still embarrassed that I even kissed him in the first place. Uncle Bernie and I had it out several times about all the push ups, but he was just trying to take care of me. And I know that sounds like an excuse, but... keeping someone like Jake away from me is probably his top priority while Jer and I are living with him."

You tried to keep your composure, because you and Cat seemed to finally be getting along, but you just couldn't understand why she wouldn't give Jake a chance for real. "He's a good guy, Cat. God... I can't even tell you how many times he's helped me out and made me feel safe."

She turned to face you where you sat at the other end of the couch. "He's exactly like my ex husband. A cocky, handsome aviator who is too smart for his own good."

You shrugged and kind of nodded, because that definitely sounded like Jake. "Well whatever your ex did to piss you off, I doubt Jake would be the same. Are you afraid he won't accept Jeremiah?"

She swallowed hard. "I'd rather not even find out where he stands on his opinions about my son. And listen, there's a reason why my ex husband never met Jeremiah. And it's the same reason I never let him know our son's social security number or where we ran off to. I'm sure he has a hunch that I was able to transfer to Top Gun, but Mike is definitely too scared to come sniffing around for more while I'm with Bernie."

You shook your head in confusion. "Come sniffing around for more of what?"

"Money," she said simply, but her jaw was set, and she looked ready for a fight. And you should have probably known all along that there was more than what she had told you over the past few months. You were pretty sure you were the only one who even knew about Jeremiah, besides Bradley and Cam. And if Cat was the type of person who took their time opening up to people, you were surprised that you were the one she was talking to about this.

"He wants your money?" you asked softly. 

Since she borrowed your car, you knew she didn't have one, and she said that she was broke. But your jaw dropped open when she said, "Mike was dishonorably discharged from the navy for showing up to work drunk and drinking while on base. He tanked his own career, and nobody in Annapolis could even look at me the same after that."

"Why would he do that?"

She laughed, but she looked like she was going to cry. "Because I told him I was pregnant."

Jeremiah was laying on his back now while Tramp licked his neck, and he was giggling up a storm. "I'm so confused," you told her. "He didn't want you to get pregnant?"

"Well he told me he would be happy to have kids. But by the time I told him I was pregnant with Jer, he had already opened four credit cards in my name. He had already lost all of our savings. And he knew I was going to find out about all of it as soon as I mentioned us opening a bank account for our unborn child."

"Oh."

When she met your eyes, she shook her head. "He has a gambling addiction." You watched as she wiped at her cheek. "I used to own a beautiful house," she said, glancing around longingly. "I had a car. He and I had money saved. But he managed to lose all of it, plus the credit card advancements in my name. I owe more than half a million dollars in money that I didn't spend. Money that I never saw. And that doesn't include what I've paid to my lawyers. Mike did all of that while I thought we were building a life together."

"Holy shit," you whispered. You felt nauseous just thinking about it. And you were suddenly even more thankful for Bradley.

"So yeah... cocky, headstrong aviators might be my type on paper, but I can't get involved. And I'm sorry I was leading Jake on. But, it's not just him. I can't get serious with anyone when my life is a trainwreck that I will never be able to recover from. I'm going to be spending the rest of my life trying to make sure this doesn't all fall to him," she said, nodding toward where Jeremiah was now crawling back toward the couch with Tramp following right behind him.

"I'm sorry," you whispered. "I don't know what else to say except that you didn't deserve any of that, and neither did Jeremiah."

She reached down to scoop him up into her arms as he yawned. "Yeah well, I hope you're smarter than me. I hope you had a prenup."

You sat quietly and watched as she kissed Jeremiah's forehead and reached into the diaper bag she brought with her so he could eat some cereal. Cat had been honest with you. She told you months ago that she was jealous of you, and now you knew why. You had all these things that you were taking for granted. 

For some reason, you thought she ought to know that you'd been jealous all along, too. "You still have something so good though. Something I wish I had."

She looked at you like you'd completely lost it while Jeremiah ate some Cheerios. "What? A marriage that ended in shambles and a career that is hanging on by a thread? Or the inability to ever have someone take you seriously in a relationship ever again?"

"No. Jeremiah."

She looked at you, and her face dropped. "Oh." And maybe she realized that meant you and Bradley had been trying unsuccessfully, but you changed the subject before she could ask any questions. 

"But that doesn't matter, really. And you know, there are some things we do have control over here."

"Like what?" she asked, and when you smiled softly, she smiled back.

"Jake. I think you might be surprised by him, Cat. I think he'd be good with Jeremiah."

"No," she replied right away. "I'd rather not even find out. Besides, it's already too late with Jake. Even if he was going to stop sleeping around, it's done. He asked me out at least fifteen times. And I said no at least fifteen times."

"If he asked you out again, would you say yes?"

You jumped several inches when your doorbell rang again, and Tramp ran for the door like he was a professional guard dog. "We didn't even order a pizza yet," you said as you stood. But the closer you got to the door, you thought you knew who it must be, and you answered it anyway.

"Angel," Jake drawled, bending to pet Tramp who immediately turned into a puppy again at the prospect of pets from one of his favorite people. "Just thought maybe you'd want to get dinner and head to the Hard Deck later?"

When you didn't respond right away, Jake pushed the door open wider and let himself inside. Then you watched him freeze up as he saw Cat sitting on your couch with Jeremiah in her arms. "Cat."

She looked absolutely mortified as she stood up, but she had nowhere to go. She was reliant upon Hondo coming back to pick her up, and Jake was staring right at Jeremiah. "Jake," she said so softly, you could barely hear her across the room.

He huffed out a short breath and ran his fingers through his hair, past the scar on his forehead from the last time he was deployed with Bradley. You weren't sure what you should do, but then he simply said, "You have a kid."

Cat's chin was in the air again, and you knew she wouldn't let Jake or anyone else say one negative thing about that child without consequences. "His name is Jeremiah."

"Jeremiah," Jake repeated, and two sets of matching dark eyes were looking right at him before Jeremiah yawned and fell asleep on his mom's chest. "He's adorable."

Cat sank slowly down so she was sitting on the couch once again, and she looked like the fight was gone, almost like she was exhausted now. You nudged Jake in the ribs and then reached for Tramp's leash where it hung near the door. "I'll be right back. Just going to take him out." But nobody was listening to you. Once the leash was clipped on his collar, Tramp pulled you out onto the front porch. You caught one last glimpse of Jake taking up residence in the spot on the couch you'd vacated, and then you closed the door.

You puttered around the yard with Tramp before deciding to just walk him down to the beach and back. But the early spring air was chilly when the wind picked up across the sand, and you wished you'd taken a minute to grab Bradley's sweatshirt from the hook as well. 

Playing a comparison game in your mind would get you nowhere, you knew that. Everything Cat told you was completely fucked up, but she had to know how that Jeremiah was worth it. And you knew that Bradley was enough, even if it was just the two of you. But now you were a little worried about Jake putting his foot in his mouth. 

When you hustled back down your block, shivering as the breeze picked up some more, you saw that Jake's car was still in your driveway. And when you cautiously let yourself back inside with Tramp, you found Cat and Jake sitting very close together on the couch. And Jake was holding Jeremiah while he slept.

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

Bradley knew it would be a short call. The mission was scheduled for a few days from now, weather depending. But if he was allowed even five minutes with you, he'd take it any day of the week. 

When you answered his facetime call, you were sitting in your office with your lunch in front of you. "Roo!" you gasped, dropping your fork into your burrito bowl. "I miss you!"

"I miss you, too, Sweetheart."

He watched as you turned to someone off screen and said, "Okay, thanks."

"Who are you eating lunch with?"

"Cat," you replied quickly, and he was a little surprised by that answer. "She just stepped out into the hallway so we could talk. Please tell me you'll be home on time, Bradley."

He smiled and said, "Haven't been notified of any changes, so I think so. Please tell me you got plenty of hot sauce in there."

You laughed and tipped your lunch so he could see all of the green hot sauce. "Absolutely. You know how I like it."

"I do," he replied softly as he examined your face. Beautiful. Just gorgeous. And you looked so much happier now. You looked like you'd been sleeping better. 

"I wish I was sharing my lunch with you."

He nodded. "I've been thinking a lot about our dining room. And how it feels so good to hold you on my lap while we eat a meal off of one plate."

You gasped softly. "I've been thinking about that too." When your eyes drifted closed, you added, "And how you wrap your left arm around me and kiss my neck while he eat."

"Baby Girl." His voice was raspy, and he was aching to be with you right now. "We'll do everything." 

But he only had one more minute with you, and he wanted to know how you were doing. When he asked, you said, "I can tell you when you get home. Tell me about the mission."

"I can't say much. Teams get selected tomorrow morning. Flight is weather dependent. You know the drill."

"I do. I just want you to be safe," you told him softly. "Need you to come home."

"I'll be there so soon. I love you."

And after that, he still felt so good as he got to the classroom a few minutes early the next morning. Admiral Dean smirked at him as he took his usual seat, and the room started filling up. Other than the fact that he had to stare at the back of Slayer's head, he was ready to get this mission in the air and get home.

"As you well know," Admiral Dean started, "the final details will not be set in stone until the day of the mission. So we are left with two options, and we need to be clear on both of them. Option A: the two teams will fly in formation and strike the communications tower first before proceeding to the enemy base. This is the preferred option as we would be removing multiple streams of communication first, but we may need to switch to an alternate flight path if they have too many aircrafts in the air. So that brings us to Option B, in which you will strike the base first and then loop around to the communications tower."

Bradley's brain was literally numb from listening to this information over and over again. He understood the importance of what needed to be done, but this was overkill now. When he glanced at Nat, she looked like she was on the verge of falling asleep. Until Dean spoke again.

"If there are no questions, that brings us to team selections. Four aircrafts will be flying this mission. We've chosen the best, and I am already convinced of the success of this mission. The teams will be as follows: Slayer will be paired with Phoenix and Bob."

His heart sank. Shit. That was supposed to be Bradley's pairing. Fucking Slayer. But it probably didn't matter too much if he was flying alongside a different two-seater, just as long as he was in the air with his friends. Really, all four aircrafts were responsible for keeping each other safe, so he wouldn't be too far from them at all. 

"And the second team will be Charmer paired with Terror and Mack."

It took a second to register. But slowly, it seemed like everyone in the room was turning to stare at Bradley. Admiral Dean looked smug. Nat and Bob looked distraught. And Slayer looked damn near delighted. Then Charmer turned to him and laughed. 

And Bradley had the fleeting thought that his career was over. He was the oldest aviator in the room by a few years. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe he was falling short with proving himself in the air just as he had been messing things up on the ground with you. And that sick, embarrassed feeling in his stomach was there to stay as all those thoughts took up permanent residence in his mind.

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

Oh. That stings. That really hurt my feelings. Bradley could fly circles around them. And how do we feel about Jake? Cat? Jeremiah? Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 13

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[devilmayfamily]

holds out cup a little crumb of dmc boys x reader with add/adhd please? maybe with some angst sprinkled in? i don't mean to be greedy, i am just a small simp 😔

GN!Reader Angst/Comfort Think I made myself tear up a little with these haha enjoy!

Dante

When you find something you love, you can talk about it for hours

Lucky for you, Dante loves hearing about your hypertfixations

He finds it wonderful to see you excited about something and wants to know everything you can about it

One day while talking to Dante, you notice him seemingly not paying as much attention as he usually does

He'd been writing in a notebook the entire you'd been talking

You instantly begin to think you might be annoying him or boring him and slowly stop talking

When you do, he looks up at you worried

"What's wrong sweet pea? Why did you stop talking?"

"Do I... Do I annoy you?"

He's quite shocked

You could never annoy him!

"Never! I love when you tell me all about the things you are interested in!"

"You've been looking at that notebook this entire time though"

Dante softly smiles before flipping the notebook so you see it

On the page is a list of everything you've ever told Dante about, new and old

"I've been keeping a list of the things you like. I was adding this to it"

Dante pulls you in, kissing all over your face until you start laughing

He will reassure you anytime you need it and sometimes even when you don't expect it

He loves listening to you ramble on and on and he won't ever let you think otherwise

Vergil

Vergil is a man with his own problems and one of those is perfection

Growing up, Vergil worked hard to earn his father's approval and maintain it

Getting ready for a mission one day, Vergil notices lots of things are missing or out of place

"Sweetheart, where is everything? I need to get going soon"

"Oh! It's, um..."

"Sweetheart, please"

"I remember! I promise! It's- It's..."

"Y/N! Why can't you just remember these things?!"

Vergil instantly regretted yelling at you

He knew you were trying your hardest

He couldn't get his apology in, however, as you ran off and he had to get to this mission at this point

You spent the rest of the day with Nero, the kid making threats to his father and reassuring you

When Vergil came home, he was greeted by an angry Nero

"You better fix this"

Nero lets his father in, taking him to you instantly

You're curled up on the couch, a look of fear when you see Vergil walk in

It breaks Vergil to see you scared of him, its the one thing he didn't want to do

"I'm sorry, love"

He has a few gifts for you; your comfort food, a soft sweater in Vergil's signature royal blue and a matching blanket

Without warning, you pull Vergil into a hug, ignoring the gifts

He holds you tightly, as close as he can get you to him

Vergil works on forgetting about perfection because really, nothing will ever be perfect

As long as he has you though, it's near damn perfect

V

He lost you

Again

"Angel! Come back! Where are you?!"

He told you to stay right next to him while he talked to this guy to get info

Now, he turns and finds you've run off

Again

"Angel!!"

It wasn't safe for you out here

Who knows what demon or monster of a human would find you

V knows you can hold your own but that doesn't stop him from worrying about you when you venture off like this

As V rounds a corner, he sees you battling it out with a demon

A demon that just pierced your leg

"YOU INSISTENT FOOL, LET GO OF THEM"

The demon flings you in a different direction before growling at the poet

V takes down the demon before rushing over to you

You were laying on the asphalt, the pincer of the demon still stuck in your leg

V doesn't say anything to you, just helps you up and gets you back to home base as quickly as possible

Vergil patches you up and makes sure you don't try running after your boyfriend back onto the battlefield

Later when V and Dante come back, Vergil leads Dante out of the room so you and V could talk

"I'm sorry for running off again"

"Oh angel"

V pulls you into a hug, trying not to hurt your leg

"Not out of sight anymore, please"

The two of you work on it over the next few weeks leading up to your next mission together

V's gentle with you as well, softly reminding you when you need it until it becomes second nature

And if you have to get out of his sight for something, you tell him before running off. A lot of the time he follows

V also reminds you he loves you more than anything

He doesn't want you getting hurt again

He has trust in you though

While you can't help it every time, he trusts that you'll come back in one piece

His little wanderer

Nero

You weren't listening again

Your attention was somewhere else and Nero could tell

He was trying to brief you on a mission but you weren't taking in anything he was saying

"Baby, you getting any of this?"

Focusing on Nero, you stiffen and your face becomes pale

You realize you've been daydreaming the entire time and the look on Nero's face tells you everything

He's disappointed

Blotches of color return to your face as hot tears slowly roll down your cheeks

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Nero watched as you bow your head, holding your wrist out, the sight making his heart ache

He knew the orphanage people were terrible to you for being a little different than everyone else but the stance you held was so defenseless, it was like you were expecting someone to hit you

He slowly walks over, taking your hand in his

He sits down next to you on the couch, slowly putting your arm down

You look up at him, the scared confused expression stained with tears making Nero tear up himself

"I'm not upset, baby"

You begin to cry again, this time pulling Nero into a hug

He holds on to you, slowly rubbing your back and whispered soothing reassurance into your ear

"You're safe now. I won't hurt you like they did"

"I'm sorry"

Nero quietly shushes you, telling you it's ok

Once you'd calmed down and Nero checked in with you to make sure you were ok, he slowly went back over the mission

He checked in with you to make sure you understood and rewarded you with kisses when you were able to repeat back to him

If you couldn't, that was ok. Nero simply went back over whatever part he was on

He was forced to watch back then when you two were kids, getting punished for being different. Sometimes taking extra beatings for trying to save or defend you

He wasn't going to let that continue now

You may be different, but that wasn't going to stop him from loving you anyways

He reassures you and rewards you for any and everything

You may be different but that's exactly what Nero loved about you

[nixeau]

Pssst hey! Yeah you, you lookin' for some good Wattpad Haikyuu ship fics?

I gotchu covered (FT. Hqheaven cuz she's the best)

10. Fallen Angel (IwaOi)

Good soup, would read again. Ending was unexpected but also so fricken good.

It's angel au, except it's only Iwaizumi whose the demon who becomes attracted to Oikawa

9. Atlantis (IwaOi, DaiSuga & BokuAka)

It's the captain x Setter troupe trio, what am I supposed to do? Not like it? Now, that's just blasphemy

I love this for the sole reason that Kenma was a vibe, ngl. Mans was to lazy to even DIE

8. To annoy the grim reaper (KuroKen)

7. King (BokuAka)

I love the whole thing, but ngl, I wished it was a whole story

6. Pretend Fiance (DaiSuga)

Teeth rotting, and holy crap the plot twist. It's friend to lovers with the slight sprinkle of fake/pretend I mean obvs

There's also Mafia au, if you squint

5. Paradise (IwaOi)

Its fallen Angel's sequel, you gotta read it

I mean, don't you wanna know what happened to Oikawa after the last chapter?

Cause I did

4. Chimerical (Kuroken)

Its a little triggering, considering the themes but man it is good

Im sorry its been a while since I last read this but all I remember is that its flipping good, like stay up at 3am good

3. Prince (LevYaku)

The fact that this is the only LevYaku in my list is telling

It's Fantasy au, it has a lot of ships, it covers a lot of characters and how they came to be, excellent world building (if I say so my self), it's mild angst and it even has so much after stories. It's my ideal ff, ngl

2. Honey, I think I'm gay (IwaOi & MatsuHana)

It's kinda slowburn, with 2 ships and friends to lovers. AND Chef Iwa!!! it's tagged Butler au tho, do what you will with that info With addition of meme lords Hanamaki and Matsukawa

As an added bonus, you get to hate someone :DD

And of course

1. Best Mistake (IwaOi)

It's angst like full on angst. Like the type to make you cry 3x which I deffo didn't its so freaking good that this is one of my best of all time.

If I said pretend Fiance has plot twist? This one has plot twist on a plot twist

Be warned tho, its not happy ending it full on, tear jerking, will you make throw your phone at 3am worthy

Also a bunch of quotable stuff (I think there's an AO3 version, but I've never found it)

If you read any of these or all of these, tell me cuz I think I've just found my new bestie

If not check them out and tell me what you think?

Maybe. I dunno, man.

[thomase1]

Neigbors and headaches

Pairing: Loki×Fem!Reader (other than some thirst, platonic)

Warnings: intense pain, some thirst, touch of angst and lots of fluff/comfort.

Word Count: ~1.700

Thank you @tessathechild for proof reading and helping me! 💙

What, Sel has actually managed to finish and post something once?! Its a good day!! Yes, this one story made it out of my 22!! drabbles and WIP's I've got.

Just a little thing I wrote, thinking of my migraines I sometines get. Saying that, I have written this based on my experiences with a few extras sprinkled in. So this is a cofort/hurt fic.

Loki has been your neigbor for over a year, but you never really spoke. The occasional 'hello' but that was it. Sure you know who he is, would be hard not to, considering he and his collegues are all over the news. Saying that, you are aware of his powers, his heritage and title, to you that just meant there was somebody in the building able to help in case of a robbery or shooting. Other than that, he was just another neighbour on your floor.

Which brings us to the problem. Youve got a migraine, the worst one youve ever had. Normally its located to one side, but this time its just your whole head, pain thundering against you skull. Three days it plagues you already, which is also the amount of time you barely slept. You got about four hours in total, every time you did fall asleep when the pain let off of you for a while, you got violently ripped from slumber again. It never went away for long. Which only made the sleep deprivation worse. Working in this state has been a challange, actually getting your work done impossible. To your horror, your boss noticed today, threatening to cut your payment short would you not 'change your work ethic'. As if you deliberetly got a migraine keeping you off sleep for days.

And you cant go to the doctor either since you got them on your toes already. The sheer amount of pain medications you get perscribed is, understandably, a red flag. The dosage and intensity of them, an even bigger red flag, but what are you surpossed to do?! They just dont work, none of them did.

Which leads us to you, currently knocking on Lokis, or how you adress him, Mr. Laufeyson, door. Its almost 10pm and the lack of sleep let all your pride melt away. You did not want to bother him, but you just cant bare it anymore. Your job is on the line for crying out loud! After a short time, the door opens; an annoyed Mr. Laufeyson peeking through the gap.

"Can I help you?", he beats you to it, irritation etched in his features.

"I'm sorry to bother you at this hour, but I have a strange request." Your heart is beating in your throat, maybe this wasnt a good idea after all, he does seem pretty annoyed.

"What is it?", he sighs, opening the door a little more.

He is wearing forest green pyjama bottoms and to your delight or horror, you arent quite sure yourself, no top. He looks like a marble statue you would see in renown museums and galleries. His chest is on eye level with you, makeing it difficult to not stare at his neatly trimmed black curls there. Your eyes wander to his perfect pecs, his well defined ribs leading down to his chiselled abdomen. That V-line made your breath catch in your throat for a moment, the small trail of hairs leading back down to that, sinfully, low hanging silk. Your eyes linger on the impressive bulge of your opposite for a second, a cleaning of his throat ringing in your tormented head, makeing you wince briefly. But also, you snapped your eyes up to his face again, your eyes blown wide in shock.

"Is it not a little rude to knock on my door at this hour, just to stare when I ask you a question?", his words seem displeases, but his lips are curled into a knowing smirk.

Now you clear your throat, a blush dusting your cheeks pink "What were you saying again?".

He gave a low chuckle, shakeing his head, "I was asking to what I owe your visit, Miss       L/n.".

"Oh, yes, sorry. I- Ive got a bad migraine and could not sleep for three days now. I was wondering-", you stutter but get stopped by him.

"I see. Migraines are quite the torment for midgardians I have heard.", he lays a pointer finger to the bow in his upper lip, thinking.

"Yes. Mine arent affected by pain medications either, I would not bother you if they were.", you tell him earnestly, your eyes dropping to the floor.

"It is rather fine, shall we get to your apartment so I can figure out a way to help you?", he asks with a soft smile that calms you down like a weighted blanket.

"Really? Yes, that would be so nice of you, thank you so much." You sway a little, pulling at your sleeve.

"Let me just get a shirt and some shoes and I will be right there.", he tells you, leaning the door closed.

A moment later he returns, now wearing a basic grey v-neck shirt and some brown slippers. "After you.", he gestures with his hand.

You nod enthusiastically, which you instantly regret, your pain reigniting like pouring gasoline to an open flame. You groan in pain, holding onto the nearest wall, your head feeling like it is sinking and rising repeatedly.

"Are you alright?", he grabs your upper arm, holding you stable.

You groan a "yes".

"I dont think you are, lets get you home, come on.", he hooks an arm around you waist, helping you over to your door.

You dig out your keys, trying to open the door, but your vision is playing tricks on you. He grabs them from your hands, "Allow me.". He quickly has the door open, nudging it open with his foot. Finally inside, with your shoes off and seated on your little two-seater sofa, you look at him. The pain eased off a little by now.

"Thank you, Mr. Laufeyson. I'm very sorry for the trouble.", you twiddle your thumbs.

"No trouble at all. Call me Loki please.", he sits down next to you, a friendly smile playing on his lips.

"Y/n.", you smile back at him. There is a comfortable silenence for a bit, until another groan of yours breaks it.

"Its worse again?", you hear his voice through cotton balls, thats what it sounds like at least.

"Yea.", you whimper, unable to explain it further. He waits until your eyes open again and you take a deep breath.

"So it comes and does in waves?"

"Its always there, but I can function with that pain. But then there are these sudden intense pains that just have me helpless.", you explain to him, noticing you are a bad host, "I'm sorry, would you like something to drink? Tea perhaps?".

He waves it off, "You were barely able to speak a momemt ago, let alone brew tea. I am just fine, thank you. And those pains, are they pulsating, throbbing, stabbing,..?".

You think about it, "The normal, bearable pain is pulsating, the sudden ones are throbbing, like a jackhammer.".

He humms his confirmation and thinks for a moment. "I think I have a spell that could help with that, though only temporaryly I'm afraid.", he looks at you a little sad.

"That sounds good, please just make it stop for now at least.", you beg him, the desperation clear in your voice.

He nods, "Make yourself comfortable.". You lean back into the cushions, to which he whispers, "Very well.".

He turns to face you better, giving you direct view of his jaw muscles. "You will feel a tingling first. After that you will alternately grow cold and very warm. Do not worry, that is totally normal.", he explains to you calmly.

"Understood."

He lays his hand on your head, palm flat against your forehead. You look at it expectedly. "Close your eyes?", he suggest, you follow, "Lovely. Now just stay calm and breathe for me.".

Just as he finishes what he says, you feel your skin tingle, growing warm after a brief moment. Very warm and then suddenly cold. Then warm again, but it stays at a soothing temprature, like a heating pad.

The pain subsides, almost like a wave washing it into nothingness. You smile and humm at the peaceful release from your torment. You havent even noticed in how much pain you were for the last thee days straight, until it was gone.

"Better?", he asks you.

You leave your eyes closed, savouring this moment of peace, you confirm his question with a 'mhhm'.

You hear his low timbre of voice tell you something, but you cant grasp his words. Your exhaustion kicked in right away, sleep taking you in a matter of seconds.

"Should it come up again and bother you or if you have any side effects, come to me at once.", Loki tells her but doesnt get an answer.

He feels her body growing limp. "Y/n?", he asks her in a whisper, only getting her even breath as confirmation.

She fell asleep. He smiles to himself, 'Poor thing is exhausted.'.

He gets up to leave, but as he's stood in front of her door, he glances over one last time. 'She would rather sleep in her bed, I guess.', he thinks as he sees her beginning to slump over to the side.

He walks over to her bed, drawing back the covers and then goes to collect her into his arms. Carefully as not to wake her, he walks over and sets her down. He makes sure her head lays comfortably and drapes her duvet over her.

He conjures a piece of paper and a pen, writing her a little message.

Dear Y/n,

you fell asleep, so I took the liberty of moving you to your bed, ensuring you sleep comfortable.

I did lock your door by magic, but you can unlock it as usual.

Just in case you ask yourself how that took place.

I hope you are well rested and pain free when you read these words.

Loki.

He places it on her nightstand and leaves her apartment, locking it as he told her in the letter. That night, he, too, had a peaceful sleep, feeling a sense of pride of being able to help this sweet neighbour of his.

When you woke up, you were confused at first, but quickly found the note Loki left you. You are so ashamed for falling asleep on him, not even thanking him for helping you. How embarrassing.

You defently owe him one.

[massivedrickhead]

OMG HI HAPPY 2024!! missed your one shots

Anyway, how about prompt #14? Don’t have anything in mind but I know you’re gonna crush it, u always do🫶

Sorry this took so long for me to get to!

I've moved away from the bechloe & Sarah au, and I'll likely be sticking with just doing separate prompts at least until my inbox is cleared, as I can't think of a way to make these ones fit that au.

We're back with a little sprinkling of angst now, so I hope you like it!

14. “I don’t want you to be alone right now.”

Prompt taken from here.

Read on AO3

-

“Bec?”

Chloe’s voice was unexpected, and it caused Beca to snap out of her spiralling thoughts and face the doorway.

“Hey,” Beca said. Her voice was rough and tired, and she cleared her throat before she spoke again. “You didn’t have to come.”

Chloe shook her head as she took a seat in the chair at Beca’s bedside. “I’m still your emergency contact, of course I did. You shouldn’t be by yourself right now.”

Beca could see the concern in her ex-girlfriend’s eyes. Could see the tears that were shimmering in them, along with the barely contained panic. 

Chloe needed to be there as much as Beca needed her there. 

“Thank you,” Beca said. There was much more she wanted to say - much more she needed to say - but she didn’t have the energy to try and summon the words. The room was quiet, save for the repetitive beeps of Beca’s heart monitor, and all she wanted to do was close her eyes and sleep. 

“They said you collapsed?” Chloe asked.

“Yeah,” Beca said. “Right in the middle of the office, so that’s fun for me.”

“No one came to the hospital with you?”

Beca scoffed. “It’s crunch time, I’m surprised they stopped for long enough to call an ambulance.”

They were silent for a little while before Chloe spoke up again. “Beca, are… are you sick again?”

Beca swiped her tongue across her chapped lips and cleared her throat again. “Yeah.”

“That’s why you ended things,” Chloe said, finally getting the answer to the question that had been plaguing her for months. She felt her throat get tight but she told herself she wouldn’t cry. 

“It was so hard for you last time,” Beca said. “Taking care of me took so much out of you and I didn’t want to have to put you through it again. It’s… worse this time. The prognosis is worse and the treatment is going to be more intense. I couldn’t ask you to stick around and take care of me again.”

Chloe let out a shaky breath and furiously blinked away tears. “That should have been my decision to make,” she said. 

“And I didn’t want you to have to make it,” Beca said. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“You can’t protect me from this,” Chloe said. “It’s too late, I’m already in love with you.”

“Chloe-”

“No,” Chloe said, “whatever you’re going to say, save it. I’m… God, Beca, I’m so mad at you. I’ve been confused and heartbroken for months, trying to figure out what I did wrong, and you’ve… You’ve been sick and alone.”

“It’s too much to ask you to take this on again,” Beca said, her head starting to hurt. “I can manage on my own, and you can have a full life.”

“I don’t want a life without you in it.”

“Well you’re shit out of luck then,” Beca snapped. “Because whether we’re together or not, mine is probably going to be a hell of a lot shorter than yours. You’re going to have to get used to me not being in your life eventually.”

It hit Chloe right in the chest, and she squeezed her eyes shut in a failed attempt to keep her tears at bay. 

“I’m sorry,” Beca said, the anger gone from her voice now. “I’m sorry, I’m just… I’m tired. I’m tired and I don’t know what to do.”

Chloe quickly wiped her eyes and took hold of Beca’s hand. “I’m sorry too,” she said. “Please don’t push me away, Beca. I know it’s going to be hard, but I want to be with you, for however much time we have left. Whether it’s ten months or ten years, I want to spend them with you.”

“I’m too tired to keep fighting you on this,” Beca said. “I don’t have it in me.”

“Then don’t fight me,” Chloe said. “Beca, if you think I’m capable of walking away from you right now then you don’t know me at all. I told you all those years ago that I am in this with you, and I’m telling you the same thing now.”

“Okay,” Beca said after a long pause. She sounded tired, but also relieved. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Chloe said. “So much.”

“I’m so tired. It’s… it’s been really hard,” Beca said. Tears slipped out of her eyes and down her cheeks. 

“I know,” Chloe said. She moved closer to the bed so she could brush the hair from Beca’s face. “I wish you’d called me, I wish I’d known about this sooner, but I’m here now. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

They sat in silence for a little while longer while they waited for Beca’s doctor. It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep, and when she did Chloe finally let out the tears she’d been holding in. 

Taking care of Beca the last time she’d been sick had been hard for both of them, and she couldn’t imagine how much harder it was about to get. But she meant what she said, and she wouldn’t be going anywhere. She would be by Beca’s side no matter what. 

It was early evening when Beca’s doctor finally came by to see them. She’d been dozing on and off for the best part of an hour and was starting to feel restless. 

“Okay Beca,” he said, reading her chart when he entered the room. “We’ve got your results back and you’re good to go.” He looked up and spotted Chloe. “Oh, hello Chloe. I didn’t expect to see you.” He looked back at Beca. “You finally told her then?”

“Yeah,” Beca said, glancing at Chloe who squeezed her hand in response. 

“Good, because this whole trying to do everything on your own and running yourself ragged isn’t going to work anymore,” he said. “You need to rest, eat well, drink water, and come to all of your appointments.”

“She will,” Chloe said. “Is that why she collapsed?”

“In a nutshell, yes,” he said. “Dehydration, low blood sugar, etc. You can’t keep going the way you’ve been going. Looking after yourself is your full-time job now, do you hear?”

“Sure,” Beca said, knowing it wasn’t really as simple as that. “I hear you. So I can go home?”

“You can go home,” he said. He looked at Chloe. “Rest, food, water, appointments.”

“Understood,” Chloe said. “I’ll keep on top of it.”

“This is why I didn’t tell you,” Beca muttered as a nurse began removing her IV. “I feel like I’m getting told off by a teacher.”

“I mean technically you are,” Chloe said with a small smirk. “I am a teacher, I’m just not yours.”

Her legs were still shaky as she got off the bed, and she took hold of Chloe’s arm when she offered it. 

“Thanks,” she said.

“Let’s get you home. What do you want for dinner?”

“I’m not really hung-”

“Did you listen to any of what the doctor just said?”

“Sorry,” Beca said with a sigh. “I feel kinda nauseous still.”

It was Chloe’s turn to sigh now, though it wasn’t out of frustration. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I know you aren’t trying to be difficult. How about that chicken noodle soup I used to make?”

“Yeah,” Beca said. “That sounds good. Thank you.”

They made their way back to Chloe’s car, and she cranked up the heat as soon as she turned on the engine, hoping to stop Beca from shivering.

“Where do you want to go, your place or mine?” Chloe asked.

Beca thought about her untidy apartment, the one she’d moved into after she ended things with Chloe. It was cold, in a fairly bad neighbourhood, and was only partially furnished.

She thought back to the home she’d once shared with Chloe and her heart ached for it. 

Beca opened her mouth to answer but closed it again.

She knew what she wanted. She knew where she wanted to go, and who she wanted to be with, but she stopped herself. She didn’t even know what they were yet. They loved each other, sure, but was that enough to repair the damage she’d done? Chloe said she’d look after her, but that wasn’t the same thing as being in a relationship again.

“Bec?”

“You don’t have to do this,” Beca said, feeling like a broken record but also feeling like she couldn’t not say it. 

“Beca,” Chloe said with a sigh. “I thought we’d moved past this.”

“I hurt you,” Beca said. “I know that. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t be mad, or that you’ve got no choice but to stick around, just because I’m sick.”

“Do you want me to be here?”

“Yes,” Beca said, “but-”

“Do you want to get back together?”

“More than anything.”

“Then why are we still talking about this?” Chloe asked, feeling exasperated but also slightly panicked. She just got Beca back in her life, and she was terrified about what would happen if she couldn’t talk her back from the ledge.

“Because I don’t deserve it,” Beca said. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness or kindness. I don’t deserve you.”

“So I get punished because you feel guilty? I have to be without the woman I love because you think you don’t deserve me? Yes, Beca, you hurt me and I was mad, but not mad enough that I wouldn’t want to be with you. You’re acting like I’m some kind of saint. Like I’m doing all of this out of the goodness of my heart, but it isn’t that at all.”

“Then what is it?”

“I’m in love with you, and I want to be with the person I love,” Chloe said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “I want to take care of you and help you get better because I want to be with you. I’m not doing this out of guilt or a sense of obligation. I don’t know how many more times you need me to say that I’m here because I want to be here.”

“Maybe just one more time?” Beca asked, causing a smile to finally break across Chloe’s face.

“I love you,” Chloe said, cupping Beca’s face in her hand. “We’ve already wasted too much time being apart. I don’t want to waste anymore.”

Beca swallowed and closed her eyes, her forehead coming to rest against Chloe’s.

“I love you too,” she said. “And I’m sorry. For everything.”

“I know,” Chloe said, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead. “I’ll ask again, where do you want to go?”

“Can… Can I come home?”

Chloe’s smile grew. “I would really, really like that.”

[dwindlinghaze]

chatoyant skies

(andrew garfield x reader)

summary: alphabet fluff fic :)

warnings: fluff, sprinkle of angst, relationship stuff (i've never been in one lol who am i to talk😭)

sorry for any typos or incorrect grammars, my fingers aren't my best friends ;)

　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

A. adoxography [favourite little things about each other]

you find it cute how his nose gets red when he's cold. you think it's the most adorable thing. you admired how his hair is messy and droopy in the morning. he will run his hands through his hair to get it out of his face but it will flop down again. his hands are rough but they are gentle too, and you love how he plays with your hands when he's nervous.

your sleepy mumbles in the morning makes him smile. as i said before, he loves your hand/holding your hand/anything really. he also loves your rambles about the things you're passionate about. it warms his heart when you pull his body to yours when you're cold and completely bury your face in his neck. he loves how your face fits so good in it.

B. brumous [how they comfort each other after a rough day]

you would pull him for a comforting hug and pat his hair while trying to make him feel better by saying comforting words. when he has finally calmed down, you'd ask him what it was about that made him upset. you'd do the best you could to make him happy again.

when you're sad, upset, or even just tired, he would make your favourite dish and talk to you about it the whole evening while assuring you that everything will be okay. words about how much your worth is will be lowly whispered by him to you.

C. cosmogyral [what they love most about each other]

you love his hair of course! it is soft and shiny and you love touching it (and he lets you do it every time because he enjoys it too) his arms are also one of the many things you love about him. when he wrapped it around you, you could literally feel yourself melting into him because it was just so comfy. his eyes are also so beautiful, you can't help but stare at them sometimes with a sweet smile which makes him all flustered. the way he smiles at your jokes is untouchable. you love him with reasons and no reason.

he loves your style so much that sometimes he will steal some clothes from you (ones that he fits ofc). he loves your eyes and you two would have an eye staring contest. he loves your hands too, again i think he is big hand holder. he would admire and appreciate every curve of your body because to him, you are perfect with all your imperfections. your discipline also is a good influence to him because as time goes he sorts of absorbs your tidiness and discipline. your smile is the most important thing in the world for him. he always wants to see a genuine smile from you so he knows that he's keeping you happy and comfortable.

D. diaphanous [small gestures you do for each other]

he'd write small notecards for you filled with encouraging words and he will put it on the top of your phone so he is sure you will read it.

you took an interest in baking so when andrew got home from work, the house will smell like a bakery full of pastries you baked for him. he loves your food too <3

E. elysian [a place that held a beautiful memory]

it was the place where you two made it official. as cliché as it sounds, when he walked past that place, memories of you and him being in a romantic haze swarmed to his head in a kaleidoscope of happiness and gratitude.

F. foudroyant [how affectionate are they]

the both of you are incredibly affectionate, at all times. just small gestures here and there. making sure the other is alright in any situation. if one of you is feeling off, the other would immediately find a way to make it alright again. he'd rub your back to make you feel better. you'd squeeze his hands when he's nervous.

G. gasconade [are there fights]

of course the are. every healthy relationships have fights! it's not often but if there is, it will be mostly because of the busy schedules and works. you both always try to understand how important each of your work is. at times you'd cancel a date or he can't be there for a movie night. when you both finally found a time to spend together, you two would be too tired to even do anything. after a whole month without the presence of each other, you two argued in the kitchen. his job is very important and dear to him and so is yours so it was just like solving a crossword with no right answer.

but you two would eventually made up and make things work. he promises to think rationally. you also promise to not make him feel pressured.

H. halcyon [any pet you'd want to have]

months into the relationship andrew gave you a mini pig (a rescue one ofc!). nonetheless, you took care of it with your whole attention because it is so precious and andrew is so thoughtful. even though a pig isn't an ideal pet for a couple to have, who cares anyway? you and andrew still give the little pig all the love and affection it needs.

I. insapory [what you dislike about each other]

there aren't many things you dislike about each other. though you dislike his carelessness. sometimes he does things out of the blue that will not end up so great. he dislikes your clumsiness especially if it'll end up with you getting hurt.

J. juvenescence [how mature is the relationship]

fights make things better for relationships (though those fights happens rarely). i don't think andrew would want to date someone that's too young with a huge age gap so he'll find someone his age so there are more similarities in what you want.

sometimes in the relationship, you and him will be a little childish, but it's all just for fun! all in all, i think the key to a successful relationship is to be mature in facing obstacles. you both wanted this to last forever so maturity is very important.

K. kalon [cuddles, hugs, kisses]

cuddles - he loves cuddling with you! especially when the weather is freezing and barren cold. he'd just drag you from wherever you were and lay down on the couch, he'll place your head in his neck and cover the both of you with the blanket you knitted. he just really loves cuddling with you so he'll do it any time.

hugs - you are a big hugger. you love hugging everyone. which is very pleasing to him because he loves it when you hug him. although your arms aren't as big as his, you'd still be able to wrap your arms around him and make him smile. he too loves hugging you. when he hugs you, it feels like he's protecting you, which makes him want to do it all the time because you are so precious to him that he didn't want any speck of cruelness in the world to touch you.

kisses - when you just started dating he found out that you love forehead kisses. so whenever a chance of planting a kiss on your temple is there, he'd take it. how you smile when andrew kisses your forehead is the purest smile he has ever seen, and he wants to see it often. also, kisses on the lips happens occasionally too! your lips taste so sweet that he just doesn't want to separate his from yours. he would definitely pout when you only give him a brief peck on his lips. sometimes you two would make out for god knows how long until you both fell asleep, face pressed against the other.

L. lethologica [how they confessed their love]

it was just a normal rainy night in his london flat. you two were watching a movie- well you were drawing messily on a paper. when he looks over at you, your eyes were focused on the drawing that you were trying to make shape of and the words came out of his mouth. an 'i love you' is said so softly by him and you looked up to meet his gorgeous eyes. you smile as you kiss his lips whispering an 'i love you' back.

he has been in love with you for so long and he just had to let you be aware of that because he wants you to know that you are loved. having unrequited love scarred his heart but knowing that the feeling is mutual puts his heart back together.

M. meraki [how much efforts are put into dates]

andrew puts a lot of effort. if you're having a dinner date out, he will make sure the restaurant you two were going to have a whole menu of dishes you like. if it was a date in the park or a nature walk, he will bring cold water just in case it's too hot or a coat in case you're getting cold. and the end though, he will give you a very thoughtful gift that melts your heart. your favourite date was when he took you to a place to feed penguins, he brought you across the state to meet penguins in real life! he would do every possible things just for you to be happy and loved.

N. nubivagant [are they supportive]

of course he is! he'd encourage you in everything that you do (that are rational ofc) but he's also not hesitant to tell you when you're not supposed to be doing what you're doing.

you'd be supportive of what he does too. you always think he is good in everything he does so giving a little everything a try will not hurt. just like andrew, you will always support him to a certain extent. if what he's doing is too much, you aren't hesitant to tell him to back off a little.

O. orenda [is the relationship secure]

yes it is. you love each other too much to just take this happiness for granted. he likes it when things are secure and knows where it leads to. he wants this beautiful relationship to last for a lifetime.

P. philocaly [love languages and how they show it]

andrew's love language is definitely physical touch and quality time. so cuddling is a very good option (that's also why he loves cuddling so much). sometimes, you place your palm on his face when he is talking to you and he will press his cheeks further into your palm like a cat. you'd bake with him, do artsy stuff with him, and he'll enjoy every second of it. you would arrange a dinner in the woods behind your backyard and he would pray for those to happen more often (and it does!). you want him to feel loved.

acts of service is a big thing for you so he would absolutely be there for your service! when you can't open a package, he will do it for you. when you crave for some food, the next thing you know is the food is in front of you. he'll place his hand on a table or a cabinet when you crouched down to grab something. although words of affirmation isn't your main love language, he will still whisper sweet nothings to you because he wants you to know the you in his point of view.

Q. quatervois [do they want a marriage or wedding]

yes absolutely. andrew always wanted to have someone by his side who will spend the rest of his life with and meeting you is a miracle to his wishes. he also wants a marriage because it's with you. the proposal wont be big or anything. it'll just be the two of you on a regular thursday night together when he pulled out a ring.

the wedding will be small and intimate too! it'll just be in a small venue filled with only people you are close with. though nothing in your relationship really changes that much because you two were already so deep into each other's life and love, the only thing that changed is that your relationship is legally approved by the government and was signed on a piece of paper.

R. rasavada [is honesty important in the relationship]

honesty is one of the most important aspects in a healthy relationship. you two are always honest to each other no matter what the situation was. even if it was horrible, lying will make things ten times worse. andrew will be so straightforward to the point (not in an aggressive way).

S. solivagant [do they get jealous often]

andrew is a very confident person and he doesn't get jealous easily. but when someone is checking you out way too much, he will pursed his lips and furrow his brows at the person.

you're also confident! there are thousands of people that are probably attracted to him and sometimes you do feel small but it doesn't matter to you because he chooses you every time.

T. thantophobia [fear at the thought of losing each other]

do i need to elaborate? losing someone you dearly love wholeheartedly is a pain that time could never mend. the both of you sometimes feared that the light burnt out when you are months away from being together but after a day spent with each other, the flower is only growing.

he loves you so much that he forgot how loneliness felt like. meeting your other half really makes life brighter and more complete.

U. utopia [how are they in the morning, night]

in the morning, you usually wake up first so you would be met with his heavy arm secured tightly around your waist. you would just smile at andrew's sleeping face and kiss his cheeks before laying down again because it's quite literally impossible for you to get off his grip. then he'll wake up, he runs his fingers through your hair gently while admiring your peaceful state and kiss the top of your head softly, trying not to wake you up. when you two are fully awake now, he will ask you how was your sleep and little sweet questions will follow.

at night before bed, he will sit on the edge of the bed, waiting for you because when you are together, he refuses to go to bed without you. he wants you to be the last thing he sees before he is off into the dream world and wake up with you tangled up with him. he will interlock his fingers with yours and kiss your lips before saying goodnight. also, you guys cuddle while sleeping, he will be the big spoon but sometimes you will be too.

V. vernorexia [how romantic are they]

he tries to be romantic because he loves seeing the crimson cheeks on your pretty face when he does a romantic gesture. he buys you your favourite flowers with a handwritten card for you. he gives you small gifts. he doesn't like going out in public so most romantic dates are whether in your place or in his. he would cook you breakfast and make you cordiform pancakes and strawberries (also breakfast in bed if you feel like it). he'd go to ends of the world cause to him that's what you're worth.

W. wanderlust [how do they spend the holidays]

andrew loves christmas so he will definitely celebrates christmas with you and his family and sometimes yours too! ever since you two introduced your families to the other's, holidays have always been so festive and fun.

when you two got home, you will have a mini celebration with just the two of you being intimate and overly affectionate to each other. you cherish each passing second spent together.

X. xylograph [nicknames that are used]

verbally, he will call you sweetheart, lovie or, your nickname that he made for you. you call him darling, honey, or sometimes love. in texts or messages you two would call each other in random made up names. his contact on your phone is drewdrops and yours in his is raindrops. :)

Y. yonderly [are they emotionally distant]

not at all. he cherishes every little thing of you and you make him feel emotions. he loves small activities with you, every evening spent together is what keeps him going til this day. you love him so much to not care about his being, mentally and physically, you took care of him when he can't take care of himself.

Z. zemblanity [what makes them angry]

andrew is a really patient man, things don't anger him very easily but if there is a situation where his anger builds up, it's probably because something or someone puts you in danger. he never wants to see you hurt.

[miabebe]

finally, cheol’s restraint snapped. and it took what? weeks? also the geese, i thought it was just an excuse to bring yn back. so funny. i am also like “geese as in the white bird geese?”

chapter 3 was the perfect mix of sugar, spice and everything nice. you outdid yourself again with this one, mia. i was really going insane, take me to the hospital.

this chapter discussed more about yn. i cried while reading what she’s been through, and i understand what she feels like. given that how shitty her life has become, i can totally get her point of wanting to talk to her goddess mom. though it was pointed out how fucking hard it is to reach out to the gods and goddesses, i was hoping that one day hestia will come see her only child. love that sprinkle of angst, it hit hard.

it is also fun to see how yn breaks everyone, even the calm and collected. jihoon’s “i’m just a man” made me cackle because i am here thinking he will totally reject her. wonwoo is a tougher nut to break, i hope she apologizes to yn for hurting her feelings by being honest like that. but kudos to hin for speaking up, he made yn see what she can’t see, and realize what she’s been doing. but yeah, as he says what he sees through yn, i am silently praying that yn will say “oh, that is in the past, this is the new me”, but no. she still feels like an outcast as she was all her life an i was bawling my eyes out.

i feel bad again because seokmin even mentioned how his dad helped him while yn was drowning (literally) with the thoughts of her mom. i wanna give yn a hug and a cookie.

talking about the monster, my first thought was “is yn the monster we are talking about?” but no, it is the chimera. and the chimera is looking for yn. it’s like disaster after disaster after disaster for her. i’m just hoping that before the chimera finds her, she will show everyone her powers. honestly i feel like jihoon saw her making fire, but since he sees through her, he saw that she wants to hide it for certain reasons. or that he wants her to tell it to everyone herself so that she doesn’t feel obligated. that’s what i like to think.

lastly, jeonghan. why do i have this hunch that he intentionally sent both of yn and cheol to the realm of the night goddess? either way, thanks to him, cheol can have yn all by himself. he can show her the bare him, not the leader cheol, not the son of zeus cheol, but the real cheol, not pressured by anything and everything. i can only imagine the jealousy and the frustration cheol felt since that day with soonyoung, and the hickeys yn paraded herself with after the party. i hope they talk everything out. i also understand cheol’s way of dealing with things, but i hope they finally realize that running away from each other isn’t going to solve the problem.

sorry i yapped a lot today. i’m still not over chapter 3. you see i have a lot of hopes. and another hope of mine is that you take care of yourself.

Zennn hiii you're here! How have you beeeeeen??

Hahahha I knew the geese would bring the wtf element as well as the mythological one? So I had to go through with it haha although I was laughing as I did hahahah

Yesss, I tried to make this chapter a little more about the OC! It was a bit tough because the series is from her pov and she sort of runs from her feelings and does not like to introspect? So it took some harsh words from wonwoo to force her to think so the readers would have a better idea about why she is the way she is!

The chimaera will bring some interesting revelations for sure, we'll be seeing a lot more about her powers next chapter, not to worry!

And jeonghan hmm, maybe he did it intentionally or he was just being a reasonable strategist, we'll know some day hehe but as far as cheol is concerned, I think next chapter will give us a lot of insight, its gonna be an important one!

hahahha, I am looking after myself my friend! I was in a rough space for a while but I think I've grown out of it now and am looking after myself better! I hope you're looking after yourself tooooo <3

[jd-loves-fiction]

Kiss the Ghoul (Preview)

➢ A new ghoul is summoned, they're small and unsure of who they want to be. The ghouls and ghoulettes help them figure it out while bringing them into their loving arms and showing them that no matter what path they choose, they will be loved.

➢ 𝖕𝖆𝖎𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌: poly!nameless ghouls/ghoulettes x OC (Ghoulie)

➢  𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: fluff, smut (with a sprinkle of angst sorry) [series]

➢  𝖜𝖈: 300

➢  𝖆/𝖓: hey baby, kiss the ghouuul.

Hello Ghosties i am very new to this lovely family so bear with me as i figure the characters out as I write this😅 honestly this is pretty much porn with a lot of plot but i like me some backstory and I can always just write the smut on its own later. These critters make me feel lots of things and i feel like, although they are amazing, we don't have enough Nameless Ghouls fics so I'm contributing. I'll be posting this on AO3 as well once i have that set up and if you want me to put you on a tag list let me know :)

Please leave a comment or reblog and tell me what you think and such since it's been a bit since I've written fanfics and i could use a confidence boost🙃❤️

At first there's just pure heat. Nothing coherent, only instincts and pure fucking heat. But that's nothing new for a ghoul in Hell - what comes next, however, is.

Light flashes before the chosen ghoul’s unprepared eyes, followed by a rushing wind all around like her own personal tornado. And in a second there’s cool marble beneath her back and the light has faded to complete, all-encompassing darkness.

Whispers and soft toned speech sounds around the barely conscious ghoul once the horrendous ringing disappears. The poor creature is so drained but she is unable to so much as open her eyes let alone identify how many entities crowd the room or who (what) they are exactly.

And so she has little choice but to lay there and wait for her strength to return or for sleep to claim her mercifully.

It does so eventually, once the onlookers reach an agreement and she's raised into warm, sturdy arms. Resisting sleep after that would be no more than a fool's errand, so she allows it to take her with no complaints as she feels it start to tug at her exhausted– well everything.

Aether feels the vulnerable ghoul relax even further into his arms as he carries them to his room. He hopes his presence might ease their reaction to the new environment.

He still remembers parts of what Hell was like, despite how long it's been since he was summoned. It's hellish to say the least. Unbearably hot and filled with ghouls and wandering human souls. The first of which are everything but gentle or loving or much of anything really. They are no more than feral, scared little creatures, doing their utmost to survive.

There are no rules for ghouls in Hell, just instincts and pure fucking heat.

[chaoticcmesss]

My mistakes

Izuku Midoriya x y/n

y/n is gender neutral

Warning: angst, OOC Deku, self-doubt, mention of cheating, talking bad of one's self, sadness, a tiny sprinkle of toxic, little bit of gaslighting

Words; 1.7k

part 1 | part 2

*My heart hurts so much while writing this, so I'm sorry in advance* *also my writing sucks a*s and it hasn't been checked at all yet* *i will update when I’ve reread it cause it’s sh*t*

☼this divider was made by me btw☼

I've always wondered what it's like to have someone beg for you to stay in their life. Someone who would do anything just to get you back after a stupid argument.

My whole life I begged for someone to stay by my side so I wouldn't be alone.

I begged my mom to remain yet she left without a care in the world with her new family.

I begged my dad to stay with me yet he didn't even bat an eye towards my direction as he drove off with his mistress, never to be seen or heard from again.

I begged my siblings to stay by my side when my life went downhill, yet they just laughed at me and made sure to never contacted me again only when they need help.

But once I finally found him, the Izuku Midoriya. My life changed for the better with him by my side. He has slowly introduced me to his group of friends, especially his childhood and best friend, Dynamite and Shoto, they are all very nice and have interesting stories to tell. I knew that I now have people in my life that won't ever hurt me. Dynamight and I became very close with one another as we worked on several cases together and to be honest, we make an amazing duo. Same with Shoto, even though he doesn't really show his emotions that often, it's nice to have a logical conscious around.

Izuku and I have been together for 3 years ever since and nothing would ever come between us, or so I thought.

Our relationship slowly started to change for the worse, he would come home, give me a peck on the cheek and go to his office. He wouldn't even stay in the room with me unless it was necessary. He is always cooped up on his laptop doing the reports and important documents even at home. I don't think he realised that there was a sudden change in his moods or the way he’d come home smelling different. Of course, I’d notice the small details. I'd usually message Dynamight or Shoto on how he is during work and to keep me updated if anything happened.

Yes, I know that being a hero is very hard and tiring but so am I, I do as much hero work as him every day and night, and I made sure that I had time to welcome him back home, I made sure he ate and slept even with a hectic schedule.

But I felt like he slowly forgot about me, about us and what we have been through together.

Does he still love me?

Why is he still with me?

Does he have someone else?

Is he cheating on me with Uravity? (I'm sorry to uravity fans- lol I'm not sorry HA!)

I let these thoughts run around in my head as tears run down my face, maybe I’m just overreacting. Yeah. I'm just overreacting.

Looking at the hanging clock I saw that it was 7 pm, he is probably making his way back home. I don't know what to do with myself.

Do I confront him?

Do I just ignore it?

What do I do?

Taking a quick breather I heard the door open with a familiar jingle of keys and a sigh “y/n I'm home” says the man who I can't even recognise anymore.

It's always been a nickname. 

“Babe”

“Honey”

“Sweetheart”

“Love”

But it was just “y/n”

What happened to the man I fell in love with?

What happened to the man that I gave my heart to?

What happened to my Izuku that held my face as he proclaimed his love for me?

What happened to MY izuku?

“y/n? Are you okay?” Izuku says as he kneels to catch my gaze as he held my knees.

“y/n?”

I knew something was wrong.

Please. Please, God. Anyone. Anyone who’s listening. I don't want to hurt anymore. Please…

Slowly looking up to meet his gaze, I ask the one question that I know will break me, “are we okay izuku?” as I saw his features go from a warm yet soft look to shock and disbelief. 

“What brought this up?” he asked like I'm some kind of idiot.

“Do you still love me like you did when we first got together? Do you even know when our anniversary was? Do you even remember your s/o? Do you still love me?” looking down at my lap, whispering all the questions eating me alive, wanting to find the answers I wanted to hear from him yet. Nothing. Nothing but silence from him.

“Izuku, please. I don't want to stay in this relationship when it's clear to me that you don't. I don't want- I don't want to be at home watching the news on how you and another hero would look good together, I don't want to be at home while watching you realise that you've fallen in love with someone else, I don’t want to be at home while you forget about me and everything we’ve been through. So please Midorya. Tell me what's happening so we can either fix what's left of us or I let you go” 

I knew what his answer would be. All these years being together, I knew him like the back of my hand. I knew this silence all too well.

Izu- no its Midoriya now. It always had been Midoriya, never Izuku. Never my Izuku.

I pull out my phone and text Tsuki to come to get me from Midorya’s place.

“God fucking damnit, I-” standing from my seat to walk over to our bedroom to pack I felt him wrap his arms around my waist as he buried his face into my stomach, feeling the tears soak through my shirt.

“I'm sorry babe, please don't go. Please stay. Please. She was just a fling nothing else! Please stay with me. I need you” he begged me to stay, and he finally begged me to stay. But for what? For him? For us? What's left of us? 

If I didn't know better, I would've agreed with him and stayed but now, things are different. This wasn't the man I wanted to have a future with. This wasn’t the man who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Not anymore. All I see in front of me was a man that I don't recognise, a man who I was in a relationship with who was no longer the man I fell in love with, all I see is a lying, cheating man who broke my heart, stringing me along until he encounters “someone else”. Someone “better”

The man that I gave my heart to, so long ago was replaced with a man who didn't care for me at all, a man who would leave me all broken with nothing but a shattered heart. 

I deserve to be happy, I deserve all the good things in life and make sure he goes through the same pain I went through. 

I knew the longer I stayed in this apartment the faster I want to leave.

I removed his arms around me and sped walked to the bedroom locking the door and packing as much as I could fit in my suitcase. 

I knew that there was no us, there was no more love in this relationship. 

I unlocked the door to see him on the couch, covering his eyes as tears descended from them. 

“Go be with Uravity, since you've always gone to her behind my back Midoriya” stating that I knew he had been cheating on me with her, yes I'm sad about being cheated on but at least I made it to the top 5 heroes without sleeping with the judges.

Hearing knocking on the door I knew it was Tsuki so I hurriedly rush towards the door to open it. Turning back to face Midoriya “You might want to get tested for any STDs considering that your side piece sleeps with a LOT of people. OH and I’ll grab my stuff on Thursday” Tsuki grabs my suitcase for me and wraps his arm around me, like a comfortable, muscular shield as we leave this dreaded apartment. Once we left the apartment, all the tears I'd held back rushed to the surface as I sat down in Tsuki's car, weeping my heart out for the love that I had lost, in his arms keeping me from any danger. My heart hurts so much. Knowing that I was easily replaced.   

Katsuki’s POV:

My heart hurts for them, but I knew how this all felt. Watching the love of your life fall in love with someone else who doesn't deserve them at all and watching them get broken hurts so fuckin’ much.

I didn't care how many people were watching us in the car park, all I wanted to do was hold them in my arms and keep them protected from anything that could potentially harm them.

“Let's go home idiot” releasing them from my arms as I secure their seatbelt and put mine on, we headed out to my apartment where they’ll stay for however long it'll take for them to heal even if it takes years. I’ll always be by their side.

“Thank you, Katsu” they whispers to me as they slowly drifted off to sleep

“You’re welcome… dumbass… my dumbass. I’ve waited 3 fuckin’ years for you, I guess I can wait for a couple more” I mumbled looking back to them knowing that they won’t hear me.

Third’s POV:

But little does Katsuki know, y/n heard what he said and couldn’t believe that all this time. Katsuki fuckin’ Bakugou was in love with them. But decided it wasn't the right time or day to say anything after the whole Midorya situation. I guess time will tell when both Katuski and Y/n realise their true feeling.

-Meanwhile-

Midoriya sat in his apartment, thinking of ways to get his precious y/n back into his arms. Knowing that if they don’t come back. He’ll just force his way to get y/n back in any possible way.

The end?

[cherryrainn]

the perfect pair {onceler x reader}

.5 | 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 |

warning; s3lf harm, self-hatred, depression, mental health issues, etc, and A LOT OF ANGST!!

wattpad ver

song to play while reading if you’d like that i think matches this chapter

part before

next part

the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon as the smell of pancakes filled the small cottage where onceler, y/n, the lorax, and the barbaloots were. It was a cozy little place, tucked away in a clearing in the truffula forest, surrounded by trees that swayed gently in the breeze. as the pancakes sizzled on the griddle, onceler hummed to himself, adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips to one of the pancakes. he loved cooking for his friends, and this morning was no exception. the cozy little cottage in the middle of the truffula forest was alive with the sound of sizzling pancakes and the pleasant chatter of friends. the smell of the delicious breakfast wafted through the air, making everyone's stomachs growl in anticipation.

onceler, who loved cooking for his friends, was humming to himself as he expertly flipped pancakes on the griddle. you sat at the table, scrolling through your phone, while the lorax and the barbaloots chatted amongst themselves. the lorax was in his element, explaining the intricacies of the seeds while the barbaloots listened intently, nodding their furry heads. you found yourself listening in, fascinated by their conversation.

"hey, y/n, whatcha looking at?" onceler asked, flipping another pancake. you looked up from your phone, holding it up to show them a picture of a hedgehog. "just scrolling through stuff. i follow this account that posts pictures of cute animals. look at this little hedgehog!" you exclaimed, showing the group. the lorax peered over your shoulder, "i've got buddies that look like that!"

"i've never seen one in person, you're really lucky," you sighed, feeling a twinge of jealousy. onceler chuckled, "well, we'll just have to go on a trip to see some hedgehogs then, won't we?" you grinned, feeling excited at the prospect of an adventure with your friends. as you chatted, there was a sudden rumbling outside. the ground shook beneath your feet, and the once-peaceful forest was filled with the sound of singing. "what in the world?" onceler said, looking out the window in confusion. you and the lorax joined him, peering out at the chaos unfolding before you.

a whole crowd of people were making their way through the forest, singing and dancing as they went. "everybody needs a thneed!" they chanted, waving their arms in the air. you three looked at each other in confusion and worry. as the crowd drew closer, onceler could see that they were carrying signs and tossing around a single thneed. "oh no," he muttered under his breath. the crowd finally arrived at the cottage, still chanting their thneed mantra. onceler stepped outside, the group surrounding him in a flurry of activity. "hey, hey, calm down, everyone!" he said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "what's going on here?"

"we need more thneeds!" one of the people exclaimed. onceler was taken aback. he had given up on his thneed business long ago. but here were all these people, clamoring for his product. "i'm sorry, i can't help you," he said, shaking his head. "i don't make thneeds anymore," he stated firmly, thinking about the trees. the crowd looked disappointed, but they didn't give up. they even lifted him up, making you and the lorax watch in silence as the crowd continued to plead onceler. you could see the conflict in his eyes as he struggled to find a solution to the problem that had just been presented to him, but you noticed how his smile grew, and grew, and grew. suddenly, he pulled out his phone and started dialing a number. you and the lorax exchanged worried glances, wondering who he was calling and what he was going to say.

as the phone rang on the other end, you could feel your heart racing with anticipation. finally, someone answered the phone, and onceler yelled, "mom! you gotta come here! we're gonna be rich!" your heart sank as you realized that he was still thinking about his business and the potential profits that it could bring. but before you could say anything, the lorax spoke up, patting your back reassuringly. "he made a promise and he won't be breakin' it," he said firmly. "don't cha worry."

you took a deep breath and nodded, trying to push aside your worries and trust in his words. but you could still sense the lingering doubt in the air, both within yourself and in the eyes of the lorax. the phone call with his mother was brief, and onceler ended it with a grin on his face. "i've got a plan," he said, looking over to you, excitement in his voice. "we're gonna make more thneeds, but we're gonna do it right this time." he explained. "are you sure this is the right thing to do?" you asked, voicing your concerns. the lorax nodded in agreement, his mustache twitching as he spoke. "its a tricky situation, but if beanpole can keep his promise and do things differently this time, we might be able t' make it work."

onceler could sense the hesitation in the air, but he was determined to prove himself. "i promise you guys, i won't damage this place, just trust me!" you still felt uneasy about the whole thing, but you trusted your boyfriend and his judgement. you wanted him to be happy, you weren't going to take that away from him.

sometime during that day, the truffula valley was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting warm hues of orange and pink across the sky. the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind.  as the sound of an approaching vehicle grew louder, onceler's excitement became palpable. his eyes shone with anticipation and his grin widened with each passing moment. you couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive. the vehicle came into view, a massive thingy that seemed to dwarf everything else in the valley. It rumbled and creaked as it came to a stop, and the door opened with a loud squeak. out stepped a large woman with a shock of ginger hair, she looked around with a disdainful expression, muttering something under her breath "what a dump." that made your frown deepen.

despite your misgivings, onceler greeted her with a broad smile and a wave. "hey, aunt grizelda!" onceler called out, his voice ringing through the valley. "you made it!" you gave a small wave as well, feeling self-conscious under the scrutiny of the newcomer. aunt grizelda, as onceler had called her, barely spared you a glance before turning her attention back to the valley. you put your hand down in embarassment. then two boys, who looked identical exit the vehicle after her. one of the boys noticed a barbaloot scurrying around on the ground and picked it up, his face lighting up with excitement. "hey, chet, check this out!"

before 'chet' could respond, onceler cut in, "hey, no! bret, that's actually not a--" but he was cut off mid-sentence as bret suddenly threw the creature high up into the air, causing you to gasp in surprise. chet, eager to show off his skills, ran over to the other side of the clearing, shouting, "i got it! i got it!" but he was so focused on catching the creature that he didn't see the tree in his path. he collided with it face-first, causing you to snort. bret doubled over in laughter, slapping onceler's hand. "he totally ran into that tree!" he exclaimed, before taking off into the clearing.

onceler stood there for a moment, shaking his head in amusement. "ow," he muttered under his breath, rubbing his hand where bret had slapped it.  so much was going on, you were so confused, but then your attention went back to the vehicle when someone let out a gasp. "oncie? is that you?" a woman with big blonde hair and glasses exit the vehicle, her arms out towards the direction of onceler. onceler's face lit up with joy. "mom!" he exclaimed, standing up straight. despite the warm reunion, something about the woman's demeanor didn't sit quite right with you. her smile seemed a little too forced, her hugs a little too tight.

"we always knew you'd make it, oncie!" she gushed, looking back at his aunt and what you assumed was his uncle for affirmation. the shorter man spoke up with a grin, "hey!! i love this guy!" and gave him a hearty hug. but then, onceler spoke up, his tone slightly hesitant. "but... you always said i wouldn't amount to anything... remember?" he reminded them, and a chill ran down your spine. something about this family dynamic seemed deeply off.

"oh hush your mouth, i was just tryna motivate you!" his mother said with a dismissive wave of her hand, but her forced smile faltered for just a moment. "i'm really glad you clarified that because it actually hurt my feelings for a really long time," onceler said softly. before anyone could say anything else, onceler cleared his throat and clapped his hands together, changing the subject. "anyway, you're all here and you all work for me... n' that's cool! so... let's get to work!" he said with cheerfulness, clearly wanting to move past the awkwardness.

his mother suddenly yelled out to two boys, who you assumed were his brothers, "bret! chet! set up the RV... would you stop throwing that bear!?" she said, mistaking the barbaloot for a bear. as they scampered off to do their task, you stood there, taking in the strange family dynamic. it was clear that there was a lot of tension and history between them, and it made you wonder how onceler had managed to rise above it all.

then, the lorax spoke up with a random gulp, making his way into the middle with his arms outstretched and his eyes locked onto the family who had just arrived. his voice boomed out with authority, commanding attention. "woah, woah, woah! time out! back up! stop, don't move an inch!" he declared, his voice echoing through the trees. "nobody's movin' in 'ere! you gotta go!" he said, pointing to onceler's family. "goo'bye!"

grizelda, as you remembered, was not one to back down easily. she scoffed at the lorax's demand, a smirk on her face, she taunted "so who invited the giant furry peanut?" she taunted, her words dripping with disdain. "you callin' me a peanut, huh?" he growled, pointing his finger menacingly "i'll go right up ya' nose!" 

"hah!" a wicked grin crossed grizelda's face as she tossed her bag to her husband and walked towards the lorax with her arms outstretched. the lorax cracked his neck, clearly ready for a fight. but before things could escalate any further, onceler stepped in, trying to defuse the situation. "woah, woah, woah! you wouldn't hit a woman?" he asked, the lorax slowly looked back at onceler like he's crazy.

"that's a woman..?"

"everyone... cool it," onceler said, his arm draped around the lorax's shoulder. "let's not get off on the wrong foot here. uhm... family, this is my friend--" he began, only to be cut off by the lorax. "acquaintance," the lorax corrected him bluntly, his tone terse. onceler's face fell slightly at the lorax's interruption, but he quickly regained his composure. "yeah, whatever, acquaintance. very good acquaintance," he said with a smile, his voice warm and friendly. "the lorax. he speaks for the trees." he finishes.

but the lorax was having none of it. "that's right, and on behalf of the trees, get out!" he spat at onceler's family, causing them all to gasp in shock. onceler quickly picked up the lorax and shooed him away. "would you just-- be nice! this is my family, and I'm gonna need their help if my company's gonna get bigger, okay?" the lorax's eyes narrowed, clearly not impressed by onceler's ambitious plans. "bigger?" he questioned, his voice filled with skepticism. but onceler was undeterred, his enthusiasm undimmed. "yeah! this isn't some rinky dink operation anymore! i've got plans, big plans!" he exclaimed, gesturing excitedly with his arms. "a vision! of a world... filled with thneeds! It's gonna be huge!"

but the lorax's response was anything but encouraging. with a heavy sigh, he looked back up at onceler, almost seeming sad. "which way does a tree fall?" he asked quietly. onceler thought for a moment, trying to come up with an answer. "whh... down?" he said uncertainly. the lorax took a deep breath, as if preparing to deliver a solemn truth. "a tree falls the way it leans," he said, his voice grave. "be careful which way you lean." with those ominous words, he turned and walked away, leaving onceler feeling more confused and uncertain than ever before.

then, onceler looks at you, and then down, and then back at you and gasps, "oh! oh! i almost forgot!" he motions for you to come over, as you walked over to join the group, you couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over you. you had never been particularly comfortable in large social settings, especially with people you didn't know. you try to stand up straight, but your legs feel weak as you walk over to them "this... is my girlfriend, y/n!" as he introduced you to his family, you couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by their presence. they all towered over you, and their eyes seemed to bore into you with curiosity. onceler puts an arm around your shoulder, offering a comforting gesture and you couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief.

"he got a girlfriend!?" his brothers' reactions made you feel a bit self-conscious, and you tried your best to laugh it off. "yeah, surprise surprise," you said with a small chuckle. "i guess he's a catch, huh? i met him in a coffee shop," you said, trying to break the tension. "he's really sweet, and you raised him very well." you looked at his mother, hoping to get some kind of reaction, but she looks at you with wide eyes and gives you a weird smile. you can sense that she doesn't dislike you, but she doesn't seem too thrilled either. it's a strange feeling to be around his family, and you feel slightly uncomfortable. but despite the awkwardness, onceler's presence reassures you. he pats your shoulder, silently showing his support and pride for having you by his side.

oh dear, you just hope nothing goes wrong.

[zealouscanonindeer]

Like Whom?

Set sometime during OH Book 3. Pure Fluff with maybe a sprinkle of angst. Just the first thought that popped into my head on seeing this pic. Enjoy!

Synopsis :While on a trip to Providence, Aspen finds an embarrassing memory which leads to greater consequences than she though possible.

********

We drove silently down the almost completely empty road, I counted the cars we passed, so far I had reached upto 12.

I stole a quick glance at Ethan, his eyes fixed on the road, his brow set sternly and the worry lines on his face prominent. I placed my hand on his thigh and gently squeezed. He gave me a small smile, the crinkles by his eyes visible momentarily before they disappeared.

"You know, meeting your Dad is not the end of the world. "

"It's not that. "

"Sorry let me rephrase, me meeting your dad is not the end of he world. "

"Aspen, I'm delighted that you want to meet him, get to know him. It's just that, the Ethan from Providence was far too different than now, I'm not sure you can love him. "

"For an imminent diagnostician, you are one silly man. Honey, I hope you see that i love every part of you, every facet of your life, just the way you are.. The baggage is irrelevant, I'm here to help you through that. Besides, if you weren't the Ethan from Providence you never could have evolved into my Ethan. " I glanced at him pointedly, making my point.

"You're right. "

"Always am. " I quipped, earning a chuckle from him.

"What would I do without you? "

"Nothing, you'd be useless. "

"Don't get too ahead of yourself. "

"Nope, only ahead of you. " Another laugh, followed by a quick peck on my cheek as I scolded.

"Eyes on the road, E. "

We turned into Alan's neighborhood in no time.

*******

"Oh thank you, I really needed that. "

Alan handed me a steaming cup of tea, it felt warm against my throat, instantly causing the autumn chill to dissipate from my limbs.

"Ethan's always been a coffee person, I never really could get him to drink this. "

"Don't even get me started on Ethan's love for coffee, at a wedding in Hawaii he chewed my ear off on the plane and at breakfast talking about the coffee. "

Alan chuckled silently.

"He only holds love for a few things that deeply, he never ceases to talk about them. "

"Like what? "

"Well, of course there's medicine, then Jenner, but most of all it's you. "

I flushed at Alan's statement and he only smiled knowingly.

"It's been a while since I've seen him this content and happy. The last time was during his med school days, with Tobias, they were absolutely inseparable. He even cut off his hair because Tobias said so, it looked ridiculous, he regretted but was too stubborn to admit it. "

Alan chuckled to himself at the fond memory. I was immediately filled with curiosity.

"Really? Do you maybe.. Have to photo Or something? " I bit my lip, hoping that Alan had saved the embarrassing moment on paper,it would come in handy some day.

"Wait, I think so. "

He got up, heading to his bedroom. I heard the wardrobe door open and a gentle clutter before he walked out, victorious, photo in hand.

"Here."

"Oh." I laughed at the black and white portrait in front of me, gasping as I realized Tobias still had the same hair now.

"Ethan! Come quick, look at this."

A few moments of shuffling followed before he walked into the living room, puzzled at seeing nothing apparent to notice. I handed him the photo, unable to wipe the smirk of my face, laughing as his features contracted before staring daggers at Alan.

"Dad, why on eart-"

I quickly interrupted him.

"Can i keep it? "

"Sure."

I snatched it deftly from his long fingers, unprepared he wasn't able to grasp onto my prize. Resigned, he plopped down next to me, running a hand along my leg absentmindedly, causing a giggle to erupt.

"You look like Tobias, he still has the same hair. " I laughed at the slightly uncanny resemblance.

"Like whom? Rookie please, there are many other ways to humble me. "

"Well, too bad. Cause I'm using only this one. "

With that he groaned, trying to catch my taunting hand in his but I was too quick, moving from his grasp to run out into the adjoining kitchen, all the while singing, "like Tobias."

Alan and Ethan chuckled, warmth suddenly filling their hearts.

"She is a joy to have around."

"She truly is, Dad. "

"It's lovely to have someone so... constant in this house and your life. She'll be the last person to ever desert you, Ethan."

At the mention of Louise, Ethan tensed, his face growing rigid and impassive. It grew softer as his Dad continued, he finally allowed himself to believe.

" I trust her with my heart, she won't break it, I know. She can't, not with how much I love her. I'll never stop loving her completely irrespective of what she does. "

They sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, before Ethan painfully admitted a truth that had lingered but now consolidated in his mind.

"Dad? "

"Yes? "

"I understand. "

********

@choicesficwriterscreations

[tracingpatternswrites]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Thanks for the tag @theresthesnitch! This looks like the perfect distraction right now.

Username: TracingPatterns

1. How many works do you have on A03?

122 works across all fandoms.

2. What’s your total Ao3 word count?

1,021,394

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Mainly Harry Potter, mostly Marauders.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Playing with Fire

Of Quiet Hearts and Thundering Dreams

Wilder than Mountain Thyme

Countdown

Hungry Moon

5. Do you respond to comments?

I try! It might take me a while but I do always try to respond to all comments that I get.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Oh dear, this was actually a pretty difficult choice. Many of my fics are quite angsty now that I think about it, but if we disregard the canon stuff, I think I'd say As The Tide Pulls.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I have a lot of fics with happy endings too. I'd say that most of my long fics end happily, but I think I would pick Wilder than Mountain Thyme just because I feel like it ends with hope and possibility.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Sometimes, but really not all that much. I did once have someone write a whole 'clapback fic' (their own words) based on one of my fics though so that was... interesting.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Er, yes? I mean. Absolutely yes. All kinds? Seriously, I mostly write M/M sprinkled in with some M/M/M. I love to write kink so I do that a lot, but there's some 'vanilla' stuff in there too.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

No, never.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Someone once told me that one of my fics had been copied onto Wattpad as part of some sort of collection but by the time I went to look at it, it seemed to be gone. So. Maybe?

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I have! I've written wonderful things together with my friends and I love, love, love co-writing. It's so much fun!

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

I think I have to say Wolfstar just because it's the one I keep coming back to again and again and again. However, I do have a very soft spot for a lot of other ships as well.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I have so many ideas and my absolute aim is to finish most of them. However, I think the one I'm furthest away from completing is the one I started for the candyheart challenge last year.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I don't know. Smut maybe 😅 I feel like other people can answer this question better. I think I'm pretty good at working out plot holes. Most of the time that's a good thing, but sometimes it makes me get stuck on silly details. I'm good at angst too, I think.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Writing scenes with more than two people is a constant struggle for me. I think humour is another weakness, crack fic is not my thing.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I think that's fine, and I've definitely done it, but I'm quite picky with how to use it. Also, always ask for help from a native speaking. Google Translate is not your friend.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Lord of the Rings (but those are looooooong gone, I can tell you that much).

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

This is an impossible question and I honestly don't know. I am honestly proud of a lot of fics that I've written. But alright, to be honest I think it might be a tie.

Wilder than Mountain Thyme because it's the most self-indulgent thing I have ever written. I poured my heart into that fic, and I'm really proud of the world building and the characters.

over blackened water because I think this is one of the best things I've written and I keep making myself cry whenever I re-read it.

Open tag - if you want to do this then please do! But I'm also passing on a no-pressure tag to @heartofspells, @puuvillaa, @mundrakan and @soloorganaas. I'm sorry if any of you have already done this and I've missed it!

[todayisafridaynight]

Wait... you know Hetalia???!!!

I love Hetalia and I'm forever thankful that I was never exposed/encountered the bad side of it, especially since I've been in the Hetalia fandom for a long time. It does make me feel sad that whenever I bring up Hetalia, it's the bad side people only know 😔.

I still follow Himaruya's post (comic strips), if there's a new season, new character song, new theme song, drama cds, new musical, and merch. Atm, I have a mochi England plushie (it's the only one available) and a hetalia jacket. (I'm poor).

I fell inlove with history (I now love historical (even war) movies and known as the weird but smart/nerd and quiet student 🤣😅) and came to appreciate languages and culture of other countries, really fascinating. I also became a yearly viewer of Eurovision 😅. Some songs are in my playlist.

I love the characters cause despite them being based on stereotypes, you can see that they have their own distinct personality. Also the fact that they have human names, it really helps prevent people from thinking I'm crazy XD.

For anyone wondering (since I saw some anons who didn't know about it), Hetalia is a comedy/satire show/comic starring the personification of countries. Every epsiode is only 5 minutes so it's very quick. It can be/seem offensive, depending how you take some moments. It sometimes hits you with emotional damage out of nowhere and that's what I'm focused on in this fandom. Angst and historical aus is my bread and butter. Eng dub is great, it's like an official abridged XD. Be ready for the accents. It also has a movie. Expect silly moments most of the time. The story is not linear, it tackles history from 900-1000's to present time. It sometimes feels like a slice of life anime with historical/cultural trivias/jokes sprinkled in there. It has canon AUs as well like nyotalia, which is basically genderbent version of chars or nekotalia, which is the cast as cats. Advice, take the infos in the show with a grain of salt and maybe don't take everything seriously. It consists of a lot of male characters , so very limited female cast.

Now for the fandom, I can't control what part of it you may run into so uh... goodluck. Lucky for you, it's chill compared to what it's like before, like no joke. It does feel barren sometimes. Just beware ig lol. (I'm not really showing confidence towards the fandom, despite being part of it HAHAHAH XD) Be ready for the weirdness, we have Iceland x Fridge, Gru (yes from despicable me) x lovino (s. italy), sweden x ikea, toris (lithuiana) x therapy/happiness to name a few (crack) ships and a fricking religion called Doitsuism, idk why but it exists. 😂🤣🤣😅😭

If anyone is curious about character songs theres: aiyaa 4000 years (china), Moi moi (Finland), How about me (Estonia), Excuse me I'm sorry (Japan), white flame (Russia), and steady rhythmus (Germany) to name a few. There's a ton more, some have multiple char songs, while others have only one song. There's also group songs (two of which are christmas songs). Every song is sung by their VAs in the anime, including the ending songs. It has multiple versions so if you're tired listening to Italy singing the ed, try to listen to idk England's version, each one has different vibe and unique lyrics fitting for the char. Example, Ed 1 can be orchestral or rock depending which version you listened to, really cool stuff imo.

Sincerely,

From a (confused if I should be a proud) Hetalia Veteran 🤣😅

p.s. I love your Arakawa family, Masadai, and Minedai comics. It always makes me smile. Also, sorry for the long ass post 😅. Why can't I write like this whenever I'm tasked with writing an essay. This was made by a sleep deprived individual and unfortunately I'm letting out my zoomies (is this correct idk) through this, sorry. I'm now going to sleep. I'll probably regret all of this when I wake up lol.

well for the mates who kept asking about hetalia. here you are

[luckyshotwrites]

Ch. 33 // We’re Both Idiots! // Day 22

Contents (Warnings): soft teasing, character shenanigans, a little tiny sprinkle of angst, more character information, and further monster/magic explanations. (THIS IS GOING TO HAVE SIX PARTS, JEEZ).

Wordcount: 3425

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

(Oct. 7th Friday)

He’s less threatening at this height. I thought walking beside Alexander sheepishly. I could feel the waves of his agitation lashing about. He doesn’t even look that hurt. Maybe Lev didn’t hit him as hard as I thought. 

He inhaled then side-eyed me. “Do humans normally stare this much?”

I wish I was blind. “You stare at me all the time and I never make comments on it.” I muttered.

He huffed. “I don’t.”

“You do.”

He flicked his head to fully look at me, “if you’re giving me permission to do more than stare-”

I stopped him, shaking my head profusely to shake all the terrible thoughts from my ears. “I was looking at you because I thought you might be really hurt because from where we were it looked like Lev hit you really hard.”

Alexander scowled.

NOW HE’S MAD BECAUSE HE THINKS I WAS CALLING HIM WEAK?! I shouted in my head. Not that I should have been surprised, communication with him was almost impossible. 

Lev chimed in, looking back and away from his phone, “he’s a wendigo, they can take it.” 

“Yeah,” Alexander muttered, rubbing his jaw. “My jaws still a little sore, fucker.”

Are games like that common? I asked myself.

We walked by several others, some of them looked harmless, fishing, dancing, and a weird game that looked like twister, except a team of two was going up a tube with backs to one another and coordinating the colors trying to beat another team doing the same in another tube. That looks like rock climbing while having a back buddy. I bet Wicks and I could rock it. I said in my head with a smile.

My vision floated to some of the people wearing onyx colored chains, or those carrying small idols that looked like cute cubi characters.

They apparently came with mini comics that I wanted to grab, but I refrained. Charletta would love that too. I couldn't risk bringing them something magic though, plus I feared Wicks might try to look up whatever I got him. He’s already suspicious. I usually tell him everything. I exhaled, and now I've kept him in the dark. I hope I'm not hurting him.

“Lynette?”

I snapped out of it, seeing Drake aiming at my pocket as my phone rang for Wicks. It was the empty knight home screen song since that was the only game he played and liked.

I frantically got it from my pocket. Speak of the devil.

I let the others walk further ahead. Alexander kept a steady eye on me regardless. 

“H-hey!” I answered.

“The hotel room you sent me looks nice and huge.” Wicks said. 

I had to stand up on a chair when I took a picture of our room, and left Alexander’s side out of my pictures. His bed was far too big. 

“It is nice,” I said. I tried to push off the subject. “And-uh-how are things going for you? Have you been keeping busy?”

Wicks grumbled, “yeah. A lot of my other coworkers are at a larger job right now so I’m picking up some of their slack with these smaller ones.” He then popped with worry, “I’m sorry if you were working, Lentils!”

“No, no, I’m not too busy.” 

“Great…” Wicks trailed off again.

“What’s been on your mind, you've been acting really funny with me.”

My anxious heart tugged as his end was quiet for a good minute or two. His voice rose from the silence.

“Charletta’s getting married in a month, can you believe that?”

He said, I smiled out of nervousness, “I know, it’s surreal isn’t it?” I chuckled with a light release, “I was thinking about you both today when my coworkers bullied me upon seeing my sick fashion sense.”

Wick’s cheerful voice entered, “OH SHOOT! LENTILS!” He sounded like he strangled the receiver as his volume went back and forth for a minute. “I sh-OU-ld HA-ve PA-ck-ED foR You!!”

A pure laugh sprang out, “I look good.”

“Send your outfit in the family group chat then, see what mom and Charletta say!”

I pinched at the front of my shirt, “no, no, that’s fine.”

“THEN YOU KNOW!”

“I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE NO STYLE!”

Wicks hollered, “I’ll put them both in this call right now.”

“NO! I’ll-I’ll hang up!”

“On me?” He made a fake crying noise. 

“You’re a punk!! Stop!” 

He continued to snicker, giving a sigh that clearly held his beam. “Let's watch some stupid movies on Saturday night, and into Sunday morning, sound cool?” 

“YES please!” I demanded it. “I’m gonna need it after this festival.”

“Is it that bad?”

“No, it’s just-” I exhaled, “a lot of people.” 

I heard a bang on his end. "Are you okay?"

Wick’s voice sputtered out, more panicked. “Well, have fun with it, Lentils, and keep sending me pictures!” He sounded like he was moving. “I love you too, Lentils!” 

“I love-" he hung up before I finished. I tried to call him back but it went to voicemail. Was he in trouble?

My phone pinged with a text.

Wicks: Sorry, boss walked in. Talk later, love you, be safe, and if there is an emergency, call my number. ❤️❤️❤️ 5:45p.m.

My shoulders dropped. I put my phone away after sending him a message back. I looked up seeing them all walking ahead of me. They were broken up into groups, most of the night crew were in the back while the morning crew were up toward the front.

Now time to get back to these weirdo's. I joked in my head, making my way back to Alexander, Drake, and now Lev.

…

Drake *While Lynnette was on the call.*

“She’s such a pain in the ass.” Alexander grumbled.

Drake chortled, “what’s the complaint this time?”

Air left his lungs in a puff, Alexander waved his hand around, “you’re not the one around her constantly.”

It’s a good thing I’m not.

“It is your job, you brought her here.”

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose, “yeah yeah.” He brought out his slightly annoyed grin, “what would you do in my position then?”

“Eat her,” Lev said, slowing down to walk with them. “Which, I’ve been meaning to ask, Alexander. You’ve never brought a human to the pizzeria before…” He stuck his tongue out, “so why did you decide to invite Lynette? Couldn’t you have just eaten her in the store and been done with it?”

He lifted up his hand and pointed at Lev, “well-” He brought his hand back up to his head. He almost forgot. I can't believe I never asked him that. Drake thought.

“The party." He adjusted his glasses, "I didn’t want to eat before it. Especially when I just got Sasha, and I still had so much to set up.” He ran his hands under his eyes, “but you're right, I should have just-”

“What did I miss?” Lynette’s voice popped by Drake. 

He listened to her fluttery beats. 

Drake kept his sight off her, staring at the small stores they passed instead, “another conversation you’d dislike.”

Alexander groaned audibly and Lev laughed at him. He could hear the soft jests of Lev at Alexander. 

“Ah,” defeat deflated her tone. 

Then he felt her eyes cast over him. “And are you okay? You’ve been quiet lately.” She continued, “I mean, I’ve never really seen you all interact outside of work, but you’re usually a lot more talkative”

Stay calm. He reminded himself. Her body leaned near him, innocently. “I’m fine, really…” His lips quivered and he turned to her but before he could do anything, Alexander grabbed her arm. Did I reveal too much? He asked himself, seeing Alexander’s slight gaze before he turned back to Lynette. He threw his hood over his head and pulled at the strings until he only had a small hole to look through.

…

Lynette

“HEY, shortie.” Alexander walked backward tugging her along, “who’s turn is it going to be after this festival, mine right?”

I disagreed. “It’s my turn, you went Sunday, Lev went Monday, and Dra-Claudia went Thursday.”

Lev and Alexander looked disappointed.

I have to look at my list later, I haven’t even thought of a game. Besides the one with Claudia right now. I internally rolled my eyes. 

He let me go when he hit his back against Viola. 

“Hi, Alexander.”

“Hey,” He gave a nod of acknowledgement, “sorry.”

She stopped along with the others, because we were standing outside the food tent.

Now that we were standing next to it, I noticed the strong, crisp, delicious pizza smell. My stomach grumbled very softly. I had what, a bagel for breakfast and a coffee? I asked myself. Great, here comes the pizza mood.

Everyone looked to be working in their human form, then again so did a lot of individuals in the food zone from what I saw. Or maybe other humans work with monsters like me? Though, none of them really had the black sweatband on their arm like me.

Others in that "terror" tent did. I said to myself. I still can’t believe some people offer themselves up to be eaten. I kept my eyes from going to Alexander.

It’s not my fault I judge their grotty diet harshly. My mind went over the logistics again. I still don’t understand how they can sustain themselves off other people's energy? There like leeches without the blood…I smiled thinking of going to one of the open umbrella tables to sit.

If they took blood like him it wouldn’t be that bad, right? Actually, I don't think all vampires would take the blood out of someone and put it in a blood bag. I held my head, why am I having these thoughts now. I wouldn’t be under heavy fire today, and I did feel a lot more at ease with a lot of space between the others and me. At the pizzeria if I was cashiering I would be trapped in a corner, or in the break room. Most monsters at the event looked at me funny, and that's pretty much it. 

A floating pizza grabbed my eye. SO wait, do they use magic on them? I had never witnessed the whole project. And I swore the day before I was hired I saw one floating too. Then again there were a lot of times in my life where I swore something off. Then I freaked out. That means when I was little and told the Paytons I saw a monster, I WAS RIGHT!

I muffled a shout with my hands. They called me crazy!

I was about to text Wicks then stopped, holding my phone out. Lynette, you can't do that, he can't know about monsters. I grumbled seeing the time, is it really almost six o’clock? I looked back up at the others in the tent, squinting, and once Claudia moved toward the side of the counter I was, our bet entered my head again.

“I need to get the last few forms off my list.”

Claudia turned to me curiously, “hmm?”

“The monster-”

“OHHH! I was kidding earlier,” she chuckled and continued before I could stop her, “but since we’re taking it seriously, you gotta tell me exactly what they are too, you can’t name off something similar.”

“No way, you looked serious earlier, Claudia!” I exclaimed. “If it was a joke, tell me after you had your fun!”

Alexander’s growl butt in, “what are you two talking about?”

Claudia smiled, “Lynette wanted to engage in a bet with me-”

“You didn't give me a choice!” I stammered.

“Clearly you wanted to play because you reminded me of it again.” She tapped her own head, “I would have forgotten if you didn’t remind me.”

I screamed more into my hands to catch my own idiocy.  

“Why,” Alexander exhaled, “WHY do you keep putting yourself in stupid situations.”

“BECAUSE I AM A BIG DUMMY!” I pointed to myself then at him, “BUT I BARELY UNDERSTAND HOW ALL OF THIS WORKS, LET ALONE WHEN ANY OF YOU ARE KIDDING, SERIOUS, OR-” I threw my hands up, “URGH, you know what, Xander, you’re not one to talk.” I was so engrossed in the embarrassment that I snapped back, “you always act so bothered by me but you put me here, so you’re just as d-dumb, we're both idiots!” I stumbled over the last sentence in a poor attempt to defend myself.

And once I had a second more to mull over what I said, my relieved grin fell and I cowered back seeing his approach. “I’m sor-gahh” 

I was yanked and held close to their chest. I glanced up, relieved it was Viola.

She faced Drake, still holding me with an arm over my neck, lightly. 

“Is this what you have to deal with everyday?”

Drake gave a sigh. 

Alexander gestured to me, “SHE STARTS IT, I’M JUSTIFIED.”

“I DO NOT, XANDER!”

He pointed at Viola. “Let her go.”

“No, Mr. Problem child,” Viola directed me with her. “I’m not going to see you get in trouble for breaking the rules.”

“I-” He stopped his argument and met Viola’s eyes. He took a big inhale then exhaled with defeat, “are you just going to ignore what she said to me?”

“Of course not,” Viola said, “but unlike you, she was ready to apologize.”

Alexander rolled his eyes, “yeah, because she knew I’d get her back.”

“Good point,” Viola said. “I guess I have to figure out a way to punish you too.”

I flinched in her grasp. Alexander dropped it at least. What is she going to do? She doesn't eat girls right...right?! No, she can't eat me anyway. Then what is she going to do?

She let me go and I turned to face her. Why do they always look so much bigger when they threaten me? I looked over her form and she twirled me around. Then she pulled my arms back, "hold this position."

"For-for how long?" I muttered.

"Give me a moment." Viola tweeted, her voice sounds so sweet yet when I look at her, she looks like she'd snap me like a twig. Unlike the others, they looked and sounded scary. Well, except Claudia, she seems so harmless. And Drake doesn't threaten me. I sighed, so it's the big thr- "O-o-ow!" I exclaimed as she was putting something up my arms.

"Sorry, your arms were in the wrong position." She said, moving them before putting something on my shoulders.

When she let go I fell back into her, losing my balance entirely. "What-ah-is this your bag?!"

“Yep, and you're going to have to carry it until we get back to the hotel."

I squeaked out, fighting to stay upright. "What's in here!"

“A few of my gifts to my partner, Elise, my friend Henry, my younger brother, five other sisters, your gifts for your family, your clothes, spare clothes for anyone who needs them, a few treats, and...no I think I took out the dumbbells.”

“All that in here?”

“It has a slight seal on it, I’m not that great at encryption magic, so you can still feel a lot of the weight.” She then flexed, “look at it this way it’ll help build your muscles.”

I don’t think even if I could bulk up that I'd be able to lift people around as easy as any of you do. I thought in my head. I struggled to maintain balance once she helped me plant my feet. “You're not being serious about carrying it the whole time are you?”

“I am,” Viola gave a hefty pat to the backpack, almost making me fall again. “Now don't drop it.”

…

“Hey, hey,” The grayish haired male said, tapping at the top of my head as if it were bongos. I was too comfortable and tired from holding up the backpack for twenty minutes to stop him. I was sweating, so I rested under one of the umbrella tables. “Your head plays a very nice tune.”

“Thanks…” I said.

He sat next to me on my left, while on my right was Zilla, avoiding him. Her eyes are definitely sharper than his, he looks like he's just here for a good time. 

None of the few sitting at the table with me were in their monster forms. Tila was kicking her feet back and forth, while June was eating some pizza of his own. He pressed it into his body at his neck and it slid inside him.

That’s so weird. I said in my head as Claudia slapped a plate down in front of me. She ate a slice too.

“You eat normal food?” I asked.

I never saw anyone on the night crew eat lunch, besides Drake with his blood packs.  

She happily munched and hummed, “I eat all kinds of foods.”

Good to know. I looked down at the two triple meat pizza slices. I’ve never even eaten our pizza before, have I? I always wanted to bring some home, but given the time I got out and sometimes how I had to leave, I didn't have the chance.

I lifted up the slice, went to take a bite, and felt Zane lean closer to me. “Hey, do you mind if I have the first bite?”

I looked at my slice then gestured to my plate, “you can have the other-”

I jumped with a yelp, seeing Tila underneath the table eating the slice in front of my legs. “When did you get there…” I trailed off, thinking it wasn’t worth it. I got ready to rip my slice. “We can split it in-”

He took a bite before I could finish, “mhm, this is pretty good, thanks.” 

Zilla squinted at him and pulled my arm to her, “it’s not that good.” She took a bite of it too, and grumbled. “It is really good.”

“Right!” He tugged my arm to him and I squeaked out.

“Please-” I whimpered. “I only ate a bagel today.”

Zane stood up, “what?! How could you go a whole day eating just that?!” He snatched the rest of the slice from my hand and stuffed it in his mouth. “Lefs geff yoo amopher von.” (Let’s get you another one).

I held the straps of the backpack, hoisting myself up with a grumble. Ate my pizza right in front of me. I went up to the tent with him, stumbling about, and we begged for another pizza. The only ones left cooking were Sandra and Edgar. I didn’t see Tristan around. And Edgar looked more than happy to make us another.

Zane leaned back on the counter with the coverage of the tent, he was looking over at Zilla, waving. She turned around quickly and he sighed, smiling. 

I worked up the courage to speak, “are you guys…both the same monster wise too?”

I felt a sudden shiver, almost like I asked the wrong question. But, his smile looked enduring. “You’ve seen Zilla in action? Cool! Yeah! We're the same in our monster forms too.”

“I, uh-are you a certain type? I saw another naga earlier fighting Alexander and they didn’t have the-” I did a hand mouth gesture. "at their tail."

Zane chuckled, “oh no, we’re hybrids, mixed with a mimic.” He then tapped on my head again, “how about you answer one of my questions too.”

“Yeah?” I leaned my body down to allow the backpack to rest on the counter.

“Why did you end up staying here?” 

I stiffened up, “oh-uh- the money. It’s way too much for me to give up without trying.”

Zane smiled and fully faced me. I didn’t know if it was because he was taller than me, or because I knew what he was, but there was a very subtle fear worming its way through my body.

“I love the dedication.” He pushed at me lightly, I almost fell over given the backpack and had to catch myself. 

I smiled. His violet eyes had a different look too, it definitely wasn't that hunger I saw in their eyes. An indescribable thickness.

"Here's your pizza you two!" Edgar said. "I made it extra, extra large so you could share it around!"

Zane chuckled and took the giant box, "you're not going to be hungry anymore, huh, Lynette?"

I nodded along, "I bet I can finish it all." I tried to lighten myself up. He's probably as conniving as his sister, that's all.

…

Thank you for reading! :D Have a gouda day! (Nonnegotiable, if you're lactose intolerant, you're about to be in a lot of pain, sorry, not sorry. Lol).

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What I’d do for a Livable Income (Synopsis/Chapter - List)