#Shout out my friends who help me pick the designs

[ilovethenumber9]

[decentwritings]

Chapter 1

Summary: You’re unable to grasp the luck you have. You were raised to run from danger, to go the opposite direction of bad influences. So when you somehow find yourself right in the center of it, you discover that running wasn’t exactly what you were taught. It only took GhostFace and a pretty girl to remember that.

next part

The game you were playing was beginning to bore you. The music wasn't even all that and your butt feels sore after sitting on these steps for the last three hours. A couple of drunk teenagers stumble by you again and you can't help but scoff in annoyance.

The extra battery pack you brought was dead and you had about seventeen percent left on your phone. You knew the idea of bringing a backpack was smart, but what was stupid was not bringing an extra charger.

You're stuck here as designated driver for your roommate and her friends. You got the short end of the stick because Anika claims she wants you to get along with her girlfriend. Something about her girlfriend having trust issues with people she doesn't know.

You can't even recall her name.

Miranda? Martha? Melinda?

It starts with an M.

Also, she kicked your ass in ten games of rock-paper-scissors.

The last hour there have been people coming out, not coming in anymore. The costumes were sad this year, and that's coming from someone who doesn't even celebrate. You think you saw one of Anika's friends as a slutty pirate? Maybe it was just a regular pirate; either way, it was lacking creativity.

She is pretty, though.

“Hey!”

You pick your head up, eyebrows connecting at the random outburst. You look around, suddenly aware no one else is sober enough or free to pay attention. So this woman must be calling you out.

And stupidly, you point at yourself and ask, “Me?”

The woman stalks over, and you stand, ready to fight to defend yourself. You lift your fists up but then they fall to your side at the taser in her hand.

“Where's my sister?” She asks, the taser sparks and you can't seem to find an escape with the house pressing against your back.

“I...I don't know,” you stutter, eyes on the taser and watching it move as she speaks.

“Let me through.”

You jump over the ledge and fall into the bushes, allowing the woman entrance to the home. You fall with a thud and groan, spitting leaves out of your mouth in the process. When you stand, the couple making out by the bushes stare at you with a mix of concern and irritation.

“Joker, Black Widow,” you say, stumbling out of the bush with a grunt. “Nice crossover. As you were,” you brush the remaining leaves off your clothes.

You attempt to enter the home, to warn Anika and her friends of some lunatic with a taser. But that same lunatic comes out with Anika and her friends in tow.

Anika tugs you along with her as they stalk out of the property. You groan at the pull, the grip she has on you is causing a pinching pain.

“My car!” you shout, glancing back at your parked car in the distance.

“We'll get it later,” Anika mutters, releasing you a second later.

The lunatic, who you learned is named Sam, shouts after the sister she was looking for, Tara. You follow behind with your shoulders slumped, solemn at the thought of your car parked in a street you don't know.

You're unaware of the group stopping to watch the sisters argue and you continue sulking past them. Hands tucked in your pockets, you kick a rock gently, turning and stopping in your tracks.

You regret ever allowing Anika to convince you to be designated driver. You're going to ask for a change of roommate when you get back.

But it goes to the back of your mind when you overhear someone behind you say, “is that the murderer?”

You raise a brow and look at the voice, tilting your head when you lock eyes with the stranger. And the stranger is throwing something at Sam before you can even comprehend her words.

“Murderer!”

The liquid hits Sam dead on, angering the older woman and unleashing the built up anger she most likely held back during the argument with her sister. Chad has to grab ahold of Sam then Tara to avoid a bigger fight from occurring.

Something in you shouts to get away from these people. It's a loud voice that you know belongs to your parents, who always told you to stay away from the wrong crowd. And maybe, this is what they meant by wrong crowd.

You stay back as they all walk away, just a few feet away from a sad, soaked and tired Sam. You exhale a breath, waiting for Ethan to walk away from his awkward interaction with the older woman. You take off your backpack and unzip it to grab the towel you packed.

While your parents raised you to run from danger, they also taught you manners. You step up to Sam cautiously, extending the towel towards her slowly.

Sam looks between you and the towel. It takes her a minute to decide if she can trust you, or maybe trust the towel. You aren't sure, but you reassure her. "It's better than whatever was on the napkins Ethan gave you," you shrug.

Sam takes the towel, or rather snatches it. She doesn't say anything, and you take that as her silently telling you to leave her alone. You turn and walk the other direction, away from the group. For once, you're listening to your parents' advice.

You decide it's a good night to be away from your roommate. So you head to your cousin's place, knowing his place was just a few blocks away. That way, you could wake up and pick up your car on your way back to your dorm.

You text your cousin to warn him of your presence at his apartment, to avoid interrupting any activities occurring. He texts back informing you he was on his way there, too, to wait for him by the door.

You hear a chuckle to your left a few minutes after arriving to his apartment building. As he gets closer, he points to the name tag on your shirt.

“Dennis?” He asks, pulling his keys out of his pocket.

You shrug. “The party I was at wouldn't let me stay if I didn't have a costume,” you wait patiently for him to unlock the door.

You follow him in, listening to him as he speaks. “And they allowed the fake name tag as a costume?” He asks, closing the door behind you.

You pause at the entrance, freezing when you see Sam at the bottom of the stairwell. You face your cousin with wide eyes. “I'm being followed,” you whisper, eyes filled with panic.

He looks behind you and locks eyes with Sam. He chuckles and shakes his head. “Head on up, I'll meet you there,” he tells you, handing you his keys.

You pause and stare at him like he's crazy, but don't question it, snatching the keys from his hands. You practically sprint past Sam, but pause at the first step to tell your cousin, “she's got a taser, Danny.” you warn him.

Sam glances back at you with narrowed eyes. You scurry off without another word.

You aren't sure how long you wait for your cousin, hoping he's still alive. All you know is, when he does return, you run up to him and immediately ask questions.

“How do you know taser girl?” You ask first, unaware of his worried state. You follow him into his kitchen, questions still flying out of your mouth. “How long have you known taser girl? Did she always live in this building? Why are people calling her a murderer? Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?” You ask when you finally notice his state.

Danny leans against the counter. “She's leaving,” he mumbles, as if he is just now realizing this.

You raise a brow. “What?”

Danny looks at you, and he thinks about all the possible outcomes of telling you the truth. Sam may have passed over a little of her skepticism to him. He's found himself questioning everyone's intentions at times, even at the smallest things like when his coworker ask him to pass him the salt one day at lunch.

“Sam is the girl I'm seeing,” Danny finally says, a weight falling off his shoulders after the words come out of his mouth. All you do is raise a brow. “We've been keeping it secret from her sister and her friends...”

“And me apparently,” you mutter.

Danny sends you an apologetic look, then he sighs sadly. “She's leaving,” he says again. “There was a murder of some students at Blackmore, your school.”

You frown. “Lucky bastards,” you mutter, crossing your arms over your chest childishly.

Danny's expression goes blank, a deadpan look crossing his face. He runs a hand down his face and shakes his head.

“It was a joke,” you say, eyes casting down to avoid his look. “What's the big deal of the murder anyway? It's New York. People die. We move on. It's the circle of life.”

Danny pinches the bridge of his nose. “God, your parents really did shield you from the world,” he mutters, huffing a breath afterward. “Do you watch the news? Check the internet–do you even know who Sam Carpenter is?” He asks you after a beat.

You shrug. “Relative of Jesus? I don't know, Danny– can't you just tell me instead of having me guess?” You give up, patience gone along with your interest in his love life.

And so Danny begins to explain, about Sam Carpenter's past. He tells you she's not just anyone—and you think he was going drone on about how amazing she is but no, he tells you she's tied to a dark legacy, one that involves a string of murders that happened in Woodsboro. Sam is the daughter of Billy Loomis, one of the original killers from those infamous Ghostface murders.

You don't watch the news, so he has to explain the Woodsboro murders. He tells you there's movies about it and you remind him you don't watch horror movies. It leads to a long argument of what movie genre is the best–man, ADHD is in everyone in the family.

Your head spins as Danny returns to his explanation. And you try to piece it all together, figuring out the whole relative thing, the murders and the murderers. You decide to suck it up and watch the Stab movies when you get the time.

Right now, you have bigger things to think about. “Wait, you're telling me your girlfriend is related to some psychopath who went on a killing spree? And people think she might be involved in this new murder at Blackmore?”

Danny looks exhausted but nods. “That's why they're calling her a murderer. She's been trying to escape all of this, but it's followed her here.”

You scoff. “Man, you know how to pick 'em,” you laugh gently, going back to the living room to sit on the couch.

Danny follows behind you, glaring.

You sink into the couch, hands raised in surrender. “Sorry. Geez,” you mutter. “So you're dating a woman who might be the next Ghostface? Or worse, the target of another psycho?”

Danny shrugs, taking a seat beside you on the couch, shaking his head. “She's not the killer. I know her. She's just... trying to live a normal life. But people won't let her. You saw what happened tonight.”

You groan and lean back. “Great. Now I'm stuck in the middle of some horror movie drama.”

Danny frowns at that, worry lines deepening on his face. “Listen, just stay out of it, okay?”

“Believe me, I'm trying,” you huff.

“Sam's trying to leave all this behind. She's not dangerous. Just... misunderstood,” Danny defends.

You're quiet for a while, processing. “So, what now? She's leaving, but what about you?”

He shrugs, looking defeated. “I don't know. Maybe it's better this way.”

You let out a long sigh, not sure what to think anymore. Everything seems so absurd, like you've just been pulled into some twisted movie plot. “This better not end with me getting stabbed,” you mutter, half-joking but half-serious.

Danny gives you a tired smile. “I'll make sure it doesn't.” But his tone doesn't inspire much confidence, and you're left wondering just how deep this whole thing goes.

Your phone vibrates in your pocket, and you assume it's your mom checking in on you. You had told her of your plans and she was adamant of you not going to the party. You should have listened.

You also shouldn't have picked up the phone.

“Sweet mother,” you answer the phone, grinning at your cousin. He rolls his eyes, but the smile on his lips tells you he found it funny.

You expect an answer but nothing comes. You look at your phone screen and tilt your head at the lack of caller ID on it.

“Hello?” You say, waiting for some kind of response.

“Hello, Dennis,” your eyebrows raise, looking at your cousin. “Welcome to the party. Are you having fun?”

You pause to really think of an honest answer for the question. The voice isn't one you recognize, then again, this person did call you by your fake name; he may not know you either.

“Well, not really,” you reply, shoulders sagging as you continue, “and I'm not Dennis. You either got the wrong number or you assume my name is Dennis 'cause you saw me at the party.”

“Oh but I have the right number,” the voice responds, almost giddily.

“Who is it?” Danny whispers, scooting closer to you.

You wave him off, listening to them continue.

“Your cousin thinks he's so clever, doesn't he?” The voice says, menacingly. “Always two steps ahead. But he'll never see me coming. Neither of you will,” then the line goes dead.

You shake your head when you hear the tone signaling the end of the call. You huff and drop your phone to your lap. Danny waits for you to explain the call.

“Some dude called,” you start, nonchalantly. “Said we're not gonna see him coming.”

Danny's eyes widen, standing to grab his phone in the kitchen. You're lost at his sudden rush and concern, following him slowly. He has his phone pressed to his ear, waiting anxiously for someone to answer.

He slams his phone on the counter a few seconds later. He grabs his keys then turns to you. “Let's go. I need your help.”

He doesn't explain and you stupidly follow him, wondering what exactly he needs help with. When you exit the apartment building, he turns to you, eyes wide, frantic, and filled with worry.

“Can you handle this?”

“Handle what? You haven't explained anything,” you reply, an unsettling feeling growing in your gut. “You're freaking me out, Danny.”

“We have to split up, but don't stop looking over your shoulder,” he grips your shoulders, forcing you to meet his frantic eyes. “These GhostFace fanatics are freaks and you have to watch out for yourself. Can you handle this?”

The look on your cousin's face worries you, but your need to always help him—because he's always helped you, no matter what—makes you decide. You nod, confident and determined. You want your cousin to know he can count on you, just like you can count on him.

Not that you ever expected to chase after a killer to help your girlfriend. You're pretty sure you'd never get in a situation like this. You don't have fight in you; only flight.

But hell, if Danny needs you to search for that inner fight, you'll do it for him.

“You go that way, I'll go this way,” he points to the left then the right. “You knocked me out once when we were younger, think you can do that to a freak in a mask?”

You stare at him blankly. “I was ten and hyped up on sugar,” he sighs, regret crossing his face for bringing you into this. You shake your head, wanting to reassure him. “I got a knife,” you say as you pull out the box cutter your brother gave you for work.

Danny stares at it but doesn't comment. “Be careful,” he says, lifting his phone. “And call when you find them.”

You raise your hand to your forehead, saluting. He sprints off after doing a quick look around your surroundings. You do the same, gripping the box cutter in your hand like a lifeline.

You peek into every alley before passing it, making sure there isn't anyone lurking. You're not exactly sure how far you are from Danny's apartment when you reach the bodega at the corner. You come to a slow stop as several people run screaming out of the store.

“Please be a robbery,” you mutter, summoning the courage to fight instead of run. You bounce on your feet a few times, hyping yourself up before you finally walk up to the bodega's doors.

A bell chimes when you open the door, and the scene before you immediately makes you rethink your bravado.

GhostFace turns with the shotgun pointed at you. You've seen the mask before at stores, and you find it ridiculous that people are using a Halloween costume as a way to kill people.

“Wrong store, I'll come back late—”

You duck just in time to avoid the bullet and crawl toward the closest thing you can find for cover. You've played enough video games to know how to survive someone shooting at you.

You press your back against the shelf, heart pounding as you catch your breath. The bodega aisles stretch out in front of you, offering minimal coverage. You glance at the door–running seems like a bad idea. You could make a run for it, but you know bullets fly faster than you run.

His footsteps echo throughout the bodega, slow and deliberate; like he has all the time in the world. But he can't be stupid, someone must have called 911 by now. Right?

You peek around the shelf, catching a glimpse of the mirror hanging from the ceiling. You watch it to see what direction GhostFace is walking to. You see him step over a body, and you're aware it was cashier who probably tried to play hero.

Then, you see them and you roll your head in annoyance. Danny was not lying. Her past follows her so of course Sam and Tara are here, hiding from the freak in the mask.

“I could be in bed,” you mumble, looking at the shelf you're hiding behind for something to use. “But noooo...the one time you rebel against your parents' wishes, you get stuck in some shitty fanfiction a weirdo is writing,” you grab a can, then a jar of olives.

You glance at the mirror, GhostFace is steps away from discovering Sam and Tara so you don't even acknowledge Sam's attempt to get your attention–you toss the can towards the door. He quickly turns and reacts with shooting a nonexistent figure.

You stand now that his back was turned, lifting your arm to throw the jar at his head. As the jar flies in the air, you whistle to get his attention and timed it well to hit him square in the face. The shotgun falls out of his hands and you shout at the sisters to run.

They don't need to be told twice. Sam grabs Tara's arm, pulling her along as they run out of the store. You can hear sirens in the distance but you keep your eyes on GhostFace, who finally regains his composure. He looks out the bodega's windows and sees the flashing lights, then looks back at you with a look that tells you he is not happy.

He runs away and disappears towards the back, leaving you standing there in disbelief.

Did you just face off with a murderer?

You exit the store with your hands up, not wanting the cops to assume you're a threat. Either way, you're handled roughly by an officer as he grips your hands to cuff.

Sam and Tara appear out of nowhere, pulling you out of the replay of the events that occurred in the store. You blink, feeling the cuffs bite your wrists with a tight pinch.

“Stop, they helped us,” Sam says first, voice firm as she glares at the officer. Tara doesn't wait long to support her statement.

“Helped how?” The officer asks, eyeing you and now them suspiciously. Still, he doesn't even loosen his grip on your wrists.

“New York's finest,” you mumble with a head shake. You grimace when his grips tightens. “Oww,” you drawl out.

“They distracted GhostFace long enough for us to get out,” Tara adds, sending you a warning glare to keep your mouth shut. You duck your head, pursing your lips into a thin line. “If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have gotten out,” she jumps to your defense again.

The officer eyes you all, eyes squinting as he stares. He grunts then, “wait here.”

“Am I under arrest?” You asks as he walks away. You groan at his lack of response.

You tap your foot, aware of the presence of the sisters. You can feel the tension from the Carpenters without even looking at them. The last time you were alone with Sam, you ended up in a bush. Last time you saw Tara, she was wearing a pirate costume and laughing about it. Now, here you are. Life, huh?

“Nice night,” you mumble, because apparently, you never learn when to keep your mouth shut.

Both sisters look at you, deadpan. If looks could slap, you'd be on the ground. You shut up, but only for a second, because now Danny comes running up, and you know this is going to be great.

“Oh god, what did you do?” Danny hisses, eyes darting between you and the sisters.

“Saved your girlfriend,” you snarl, feeling deeply insulted that he automatically assumes you did something stupid. Danny freezes, eyes widening in horror at the worst-kept secret in the room.

You walk up to the officer as makes his way over to you. “Please say I'm under arrest,” you practically plead, wanting to escape from this reality.

The officer shakes his head, signaling for you to turn around. You do as you're told, feeling him unlock the cuffs from around your wrists. The stares from the three of them make you shift uncomfortably, keeping your head down until you're able to feel your wrists, holding them against your chest to soothe the ache.

Tara snaps her neck towards her sister, her gaze sharp. “Girlfriend?” she asks, voice icy.

Sam winces, like she knew this was coming. “Not now, Tara,” she nods in the direction a detective walking over to them.

The man smiles crookedly, stepping up to them almost awkwardly. “Care to explain?” He starts, then looks between you and Danny. “I'm sorry, I don't think we've met. I'm detective Bailey.”

“Danny,” your cousin introduces himself, crossing his arms over his chest. There's a tension between them and he feels it thickening with each second passing.

Bailey turns to you. You tap on the fake name tag still on your shirt. “Dennis,” you lie, earning yourself an elbow to your side. You glare at Danny before returning to look at the detective. “Y/N,” you mumble, huffing.

Bailey nods, then sighs as his gaze returns to the Carpenter sisters. “I think you know what I'm going to say,” he says.

Sam nods, arms crossed over her chest defensively. “Let's go then,” she makes her way to the car the detective came in, her sister following.

Danny does the same but you, however, don't move. You didn't sign up for whatever this is. This is your chance to finally step away from this situation. Then, like they all practiced, they turn back to look at you.

“I'm fine here,” you say dismissively. “I appreciate the invite though–”

“Get in the car,” Danny orders with a glare, pointing to the vehicle.

You didn't plan to, you really didn't. But when you look at Tara–when Tara looks back at you, her expression shifting from anger to something softer—vulnerability, maybe. For a second, she's not the girl who just stared down a serial killer; she's just... someone who doesn't want to be alone.

That gets you. You barely know the girl but those eyes draw you in. Screw you and your inability to walk away from a pretty girl. You shuffle toward the car, muttering under your breath several complaints.

You squish in the back seat, Tara seated between you and Sam. The drive to the police station drives by the house the whole night started at. You frown at the sight of your car, lonesome and abandoned.

You sigh dramatically, your mind suddenly reminding you of the one thing that truly matters. “Ahh, fuck,” you groan, earning immediate side-eyes from everyone in the car. “I've got a paper due at midnight.”

Danny turns, his expression a perfect blend of exhaustion and disbelief. “Stop talking.”

And for once, you do.

As you approach the police station, the lights flickering in the night like a beacon of both hope and uncertainty, you realize that whatever happens next, you're not alone. You might be just a regular person caught in a slasher film, but now you're part of something bigger. You were here for Danny, and were further dragged in by Tara's doe eyes, and maybe—just maybe—this wild ride will lead to something unexpected. Hell, this may turn out for a good final senior thesis.

You take a deep breath, feeling that flicker of determination ignite within you. No matter how this night ends, you won't let fear hold you back. After all, survival is a team sport, and you're ready to play.

The car rolls to a stop, and as you all step out into the bright lights of the police station, you can't shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of a very messy adventure. But at least you'll face it with someone.

[fandomnerd9602]

Wedding Daze (Pt. 1)

Bambi!Wanda x Reader

Why did you and Wanda agree to a one week engagement period? The planning. The venue. The cakes. You could laugh or you could cry.

Luckily all of your friends and family were close by anyway. So it wasn’t a problem with travel or time for you and your amazing doe Wanda.

You and Wanda spent the days leading up to your nuptials finalizing everything. Natasha, your wolf hybrid pal, took the maid of honor duty extremely serious. Well except she also had recently spent a lot of time with your future in law Pietro.

The wedding was less than three days away. You had just finalized a deal with a charity, a media marketing push with Tony, and then picked up the cake with the boys.

You were about to go into your office when Pietro ran up and took a hold of you.

“Listen bratok,” he said so slick and cool, “tonight is the infamous ritual for both parties.”

“The bachelor/bachelorette parties? Piet no stag clubs!”

“Done,” he huffed, “Nattie told me I couldn’t do that. Besides it’s just you, me and the boys”

Billy and Tommy came running up to you excited as could be. “Guys night!!!” They shouted excitedly.

You gave a chuckle and shake of your head.

What you didn’t notice was Wanda, peering out of her own office. She loved that the guys in her life got along so well. And then Natasha came running up and took a hold of her, “come on bride to be”

“Where are we going?”

“To a little night on the town for just us!” The wolf pal responded before letting out a playful little howl.

Wanda, Natasha and Yelena went out to a local karaoke bar. Yelena brought her best friend and Labrador hybrid Kate Bishop with her. Wanda found herself having a blast. Singing along to old karaoke songs and getting a little drunk with friends old and new was amazing to her.

“You have no idea how free I feel right now!” Wanda giggles as she settles down in a booth with her gal pals.

“I think we got an idea, Bambi” Natasha giggles, taking another sip of her drink.

“I think we all know how Natasha feels free” Yelena giggles.

“Shut up, sestra!” Natasha retorts.

“What are Wanda and I missing here?” Kate asks with a drunken giggle.

Yelena smirks, “I saw Pietro sneaking out of her den the last few nights”

Wanda shrieks a little, maybe it was the alcohol or the fact that her best friend was hooking up with her brother.

“What?! Are you kidding me?!” Wanda asks, lightly punching her wolf pal in the arm.

“He treats me right” Natasha gives a little wink.

“Trust me. I can tell” Yelena snorts.

Meanwhile across town, you and Pietro decided to have your stag party at the local bowling alley. Billy and Tommy were having a blast.

“I would’ve hired you a dancer,” Pietro admits, “but you got kids now”

“I’d rather go bowling with you and my boys anyway” you smile.

“Your boys.” Pietro smiles, “I like the sound of that.” He takes a sip of his drink, “thank you for being their poppa”

You give your boys a kiss on their antlers, “that’s my privilege.”

Pietro chuckles, “Wanda chose well”

You give your brother in law a gentle smile. Yeah you considered yourself so blessed that out of all the people in the entire world, Wanda chose you.

The night was beginning to wind down as you got Pietro back to his condo on the sanctuary grounds and got the boys to bed in the comfort of your home.

You couldn’t help but think that in less than twenty four hours you’d be marrying the doe of your dreams. The one who gave you strength to keep going as much as you encouraged her to do the same. Where was your doe anyway?

Your question was answered a second later as you heard your door open. Natasha carried a tipsy Wanda in.

“Your princess awaits you,” Natasha gave you a slurred smile.

“Princess? I’m a queen” Wanda giggles as she falls into your arms.

“Yes you are” you kiss the top of her head, “need a place to stay, Nat?”

“Nope. Kate’s our designated driver”

You look outside and see Kate waving to you and Wanda. Yelena stands next to her, offering you a salute.

“Thanks Nat” you hug your wolf bestie before helping to guide Wanda to your bedroom.

Wanda giggles as she passes her old room, “we’ll have to redecorate that one of these days”

“Why’d that?”

“Cause some day I wanna little teeny baby girl” she slurs her words a little. You let out a little laugh.

You lay Wanda gently down on your bed and grab a couple bottles of water for her. You give her a kiss to the forehead.

“Good night, my doe”

“Good night my buck” she mumbles back. “Until tomorrow”

And with that you grab your pillow and head to the couch.

Tomorrow. You couldn’t help but smile. Tomorrow couldn’t get here fast enough.

Tags @lifespectator @olsenmyolsen @supercorpdanbeau @scarletquake-n7 @idkwhatever580 @pinklawyerwinnerzonk @aloneodi @multi-fandom-enjoyer @russianredassassin @revanshand @texaswolf23

[ciitrus-del]

ramshackle asks questions around campus!

shout out to my silly friend @midreallyhascoolbrainrots for helping me pick who should be who i keep forgetting to post this one i promise im not this bad at designing outfits i just made them on the spot eueueue

[d0g-water]

Imagine Quackity's girlfriend playing Animal Crossing with him 😭

I was watching Quackity's old vod of Animal Crossing so this is inspired haha!

one of the best birthday gifts you've received was a nintendo switch.

it was gifted to you by one of your bestest friends, and you expressed your gratitude to her with your eyes lit up in front of your boyfriend (who was totally not jealous)

"is it really that good of a gift? stop smiling like that.." alexis pouts, his eyebrows narrowing at your ramble about all the games you're going to make him buy.

you smile at him wider, holding up your first brand-new switch, "we can play games together, alex! you didn't think about that?"

no, he didn't.

you weren't really sure, but you swore you saw alex's face turn pink right after you said that..

~

you sit on his lap as he helps you set up the console, his arms and hands wrapped around yours, guiding you throughout the process.

"can my username be alexsgirlfriend?" you ask him,

"wh- no!" he answers.

that ended up being your username anyways.

~

as you finally finished, alex looks through the games he bought you, "which one do you want to start with?"

you already had one in mind...

"animal crossing."

so, as spoiled as you are, he plays with you.

the second alexis enters your island, you give him the biggest scowl he's seen. "ew! your character is so ugly!!" you say, "what is that?!"

his character was truly ugly to you, but funny to him. you wonder what explanation he has for it. he gave it the ugliest features and strangest clothing designs...

alex laughs and says that you don't understand, and you don't, because now you have a whole animal crossing date with an ugly avatar.

"your island has peaches? mine has oranges." he shakes one of your trees, collecting all of your fruits. he's practically stealing them all..

"you're greedy, why are you taking my fruit??"

"i need bells!"

you roll your eyes to play off that smile you almost had, he's so cute it's dangerous.

"come on, you wanna go fishing instead?" you suggest to him so he wouldn't steal any more fruits, scooting closer to him.

he gives in, but warns before the two of you begin, "i suck at fishing..."

his character throws the line at what seemed like a large fish in the water, "i'm going to catch it and sell it!"

he's really desperate for bells.

"it's not going to be a fish, alexis, watch! you're going to catch a tire or something..."

gosh, you love picking on him. it's so fun and he's so cute about it..

"jeez.. you're my girlfriend, why do you hate me so much?" he pouts like he did at your party, as the fish finally bites the hook of alex's rod.

you don't say anything just yet, you wanna see if your joke became a reality. it probably didn't, or, well--

it did...

"it's a fucking boot???" alexis nearly shouts out, his face shocked like he saw a ghost... his voice sounding a mixture of genuine confusion and concern.

you can't help but laugh your ass off.

there's no way you manifested it.

"you're an asshole, y/n!! what the fuck?! a fucking boot??" alexis couldn't believe it, all of that confidence for nothing!

you're laughing so much, coughing out and choking on some spit.. you were literally just joking.

"let's do another activity then!" your smile can be heard through your voice, alexis wasn't looking at you but he knows the dumb look on your face.

alex covers his mouth with his hand, as he tries to think of what to do with you...

he doesn't play this game often, and you only know a thing or two because you sort of... kind of... played on his console.

"let me piss off one of your residents." he takes his net out, running off to look for one.

you didn't really know what he meant by that, so you follow him.

"i'm scared for what you're going to do, baby."

he tells you not to worry about it, but you honestly can't trust him with this. you know he's not up to any good...

he creeps behind barold with his net out, then pressing the control to hit his head with it. he sees the angry dialogue from poor barold, making fun of him instantly.

"barold?? who the fuck is named barold??"

you almost laugh too, but that's your villager! you have to defend him...

"leave him alone, alexis! he did nothing to you." you smile, running in circles around his avatar as the bear stomps away furiously.

"hey, you were about to laugh too, babe! i know you hate that motherfucker." he defends himself, by using your held back laughter.. you don't want to admit that it's a bit absurd... because barold?

"you're horrible, alexis."

your head rests on his shoulder..

you have the cutest boyfriend ever.

[peppermintquartz]

"You promise you'll babysit for three nights?" Karen squints at Tommy, holding up a pinky finger.

"Yes," Tommy says, hooking his pinky with hers. "Please. I need your help."

Karen grins. "Pick me up at seven."

"Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you," he gushes, and then just wraps her in a big hug.

--

Buck is trying to keep his knee from bouncing with nerves, but it's difficult not to feel nervous. The other team that is tied with the A-Siders - Tommy's trivia team - at the Blue Cat Lounge has come up strong ever since they brought on a neurosurgeon and sewn up the medical questions. Tommy said he knows someone who can level the playing field for the finals, and Buck wonders who it is.

When he hears Gill call out Tommy's name, Buck turns around in his seat, and then he squeals in glee. "Oh we are gonna kick so much ass!"

"Buck!" Karen jogs over and hugs him. "I hear my services are needed?"

"Yes! The Brainimaniacs have a neurosurgeon on their team. We have a medic, Gill, and he grew up with two doctor parents, so we kinda have a chance with the medical stuff sometimes? But engineering and physics and childhood education? That's totally your forte." Buck pushes her into the booth and kisses Tommy fondly. "You have found the perfect fourth member!"

Gill introduces himself and leans across the table to speak with Karen. "He did tell you that you may have to sing, right?"

Karen nods brightly. "Yeah. I'm not too bad, I think?"

Buck bumps his fist with Tommy.

--

They tie at the end of the mandatory three rounds, so now it's time for the sing-off. Buck is designated driver that night, and Tommy and Gill are swaying along with the Brainimaniacs' rendition of "It Takes Two". At least they're not drunk enough to clap for their rivals.

"Alrighty, paying customers!" The host, Lorne, adjusts their tiara as they go up on stage. Their green suit sparkles in the limelight. "Remember, your coasters will be your votes! A-Siders, send up your singer or singers!"

Buck and Tommy slide out of the booth and offer their arms to Karen, who places a hand in each man's elbow and walks regally to the stage.

"Ooh, you're a beautiful new face. A-Siders, I'm tempted to vote for you already, if I hadn't sworn to Dolly that I'd be impartial," says Lorne. They offer Karen the microphone. "Wanna tell us a little about yourself, and also what you're gonna sing?"

"Well, I'm a lesbian scientist married to a super hot firefighter who isn't here, but my friends in the team are all queer firefighters, and I think we can agree that they are all heroes. Which is why, I'm gonna do my best to pay tribute to Mariah."

Oohs and aahs ripples out through the audience. Someone in another part of the bar calls out, "High risk, high reward!"

Karen winks in that direction. Then she points to her table. "Tommy, Buck, video. You're gonna save it and send it to me afterwards."

Already holding up his phone, Buck cheers and whoops out loud. Tommy shouts out, "Kick their asses!"

Lorne bows and steps out of the light. The first bars begins to play.

Karen holds up the microphone.

And brings down the house.

--

"I knew you're the best!" Buck yells.

Tommy plants a big kiss on Karen's cheek and grins so wide his eyes are all squished up in his crinkles. Buck hugs her for the fifth time since Lorne handed them the trophy and placed their tiara on top of her head.

Gill hugs the trophy and drunkenly takes several group photos. "We are the CHAMPIONS!" he sings out, off key, and the quartet sings the rest of the chorus together, arm in arm, and Buck laughs as he leads the other three to Tommy's car.

Yep, having Karen at karaoke trivia night is as close to cheating as you can get.

--

(link to Tracie Thoms singing Hero if you've never heard her rendition)

[outsideratheart]

The Bet (Alexia Putellas x reader)

A/N: Based off this request

“Chicas!” You shout just before the team return to the pitch for the second half “here’s a little incentive for you in case lifting that trophy isn’t enough. If we win this then I will get a tattoo to celebrate” 

The look of disbelief on every player’s face would have been funny under any other circumstance but you wanted them to know that you were very serious. Your body was a blank canvas and getting a tattoo never interested you even when some of your closest friends begged you to get one. Ink wasn’t really your thing, hair dye on the other hand well that was how you expressed yourself. You had tried every colour under the sun and then repeated it. 

Alexia on the other hand loved to use her body as art and every single tattoo on her skin told a story. Her hair up until her injury had been brunette. When you told her that her tearing her ACL is like a bad break up, she has to learn to move on so he decided to do the typical thing after any break up, she died her hair and you loved the blonde more than the previous colour. 

Knowing that you and Alexia have a competitive relationship they all looked at their captain to see if she would rise to your bet.

“You know what! If we go out there and pull off one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history I will die my hair” 

The team couldn’t believe what they are hearing. 

Your word was your bond and you never went back on your word. Alexia was a woman who when made a promise, always kept it. It made you both incredibly trustworthy but as the final whistle is blown you cannot help but think your good word had gotten you in trouble.

“We won” Alexia pulled you close as you walked over to where your families were.

“Baby, we’re fucked! We can’t go back on this” Inside you were panicking. Alexia’s promise could be temporary but yours was permanent.

“Don’t be such a wuss. How about this? You can pick my hair colour if I get it pick your tattoo”

You loved half of this plan. You already had a colour in mind but whilst you did trust Alexia with your life, you couldn’t guarantee that her choosing what is going to be on your body for the rest of your life is a good idea.

“Trust me, you’ll like what I have planned”

“Fine but you’re dying your hair pink”

Alexia’s eyes widen at your choice of colour but having been the person to suggest the idea, she couldn’t exactly go back on it now.

After playing Panama, the national team was given three days off before having to report back to camp. Alexia had told you that she had designed your tattoo with the help of Mapi and she had booked an appointment for you at the studio where her and the rest of the girls go for their tattoos. You had also made a call to your hair stylist and asked them if they could squeeze Alexia in the morning before you would get your tattoo in the afternoon.

“And this woman knows what she’s doing” on the outside Alexia was cool as a cucumber but as you walk down the streets of Barcelona she is holding onto your hand for dear life.

“She has been doing my hair for years Alexia. You are in safe hands”

You walked into the salon and greeted everyone as if they were family. Alexia stayed close behind you as you guide her to the chair in the fair back corner. 

“So what are we doing doing?” Your hair stylist ran her fingers through Alexia’s hair as your girlfriend looked at you through the mirror.

“Pink but a light pink”

“What! No! If I’m doing this then I’m doing it. I want it like Y/N’s after her first appointment post COVID”

“Ale, that was really pink” 

“I know, I loved it” 

The hair stylist did as she was told and a couple of hours later Alexia was walking out the salon almost unrecognisable.

Now it was your turn and you felt sick as you walked in the studio which was tucked down one of the side street in Sants.

“Does it hurt? It’s got to hurt, there is a needle piercing your skin at 100 miles an hour and it’s injecting ink. Oh God! Why did I even agree to do this, I can’t do this”

“Y/N take a breath” Alexia’s hands rested on your shoulders. She took a deep breath in, one which you copied almost immediately “I think you will really like my design and if you don’t then we will tell the team that I made you get it on your bum which they will believe because—“

“You are obsessed with my bum” you finished your girlfriend’s sentence.

“I am so they will believe me but please take a look at the design”

“Ok”

The artist, who you had learnt was also the owner, sat you down on the sofa as she showed you the design and at different sizes. You had no control over the smile on your face as you saw what Alexia had come up with.

“It’s like yours” 

“It is. I thought why not kill two birds with one stone. The tattoo would commemorate the final and it would be a matching one to mine”

The tattoo was perfect. It was an outline of a basic flower within a square. The pattern was seen all around Barcelona as it was a tile that covered the pavement. Alexia has the same one on her back with ‘made in’ above it. Yours wouldn’t have the text and instead of the ink being black it would be blue and red, Blaugrana the colours of FC Barcelona.

Once laid on the bench Alexia offered to hold your hand in case the pain is too much.

“Is it really going to hurt that much?” You ask the tattoo artist who reassured you that the pain would be nothing compared to some of the tackles you have been on the receiving end of over the years.

“Ale!” You smack her with your free hand.

“Sorry. It’s just that i’m used to seeing you as this tough cookie”

“I’m never a tough cookie around you, you make me soft” 

Alexia kisses you softly, the two of you forgetting your surroundings until the artist clears her throat.

“Soft cookie or tough cookie, I do need to to sit still or this won’t end well”

“Don’t say that” Don’t tell her that” you and Alexia say at the same time.

When the two of your arrived back to Los Rojas two days later the entire team was in shock and fascinated to see Alexia’s pink hair but only the barcelona players knew about your side of the bet. You removed your hoodie to show them the tattoo which you had decided to get on your arm, just about your elbow. 

[mochinek0]

Daminette December 2023: 3-Manga

"You should take her to that café on Fifth Ave." Jon declared, "She loves sweets and they serve a variety of tea there. It's perfect!"

"Marinette, remember to be courteous of his diet." Kagami spoke, "Don't go anywhere there are few options."

"I think Damian is picking the place this time so that won't be a problem." Marinette replied.

"Is that seriously what you're wearing?" Jon shouted.

"What is wrong with my outfit?" Damian questioned.

"Oh, nothing." Jon snarled, "It's just your usual suit. It's a date, Damian! You're not going to a gala; dress down, like if we were going somewhere."

Damian rolled his eyes and walked back into his closet.

"I have the perfect outfit for you!" Adrien shouted, pulling out the viral strawberry dress, "It's perfect!"

"Adrien, I really don't think-" Mari began to refuse.

"It's spring. You look great in pink and as a designer can you really refuse?" he countered.

Marinette sighed and grabbed the dress.

"Make sure you wear your red bow heels." he shouted.

"What?" Marinette yelled, "No way!"

"Are you going to wear your converse and clash." Adrien smirked.

Mari growled and went back into her room.

"Hurry up!" he called back, "I'm doing your hair and make up, too."

Marinette couldn't help but feel utterly ridiculous right now.

'How did I let Adrien talk me into dressing up like this? I feel so stupid right now!'

Marinette smiled, embarrassed, as she waved to Damian.

'Jon, I'm going to kill you.'

Damian took in Marinette's appearance and felt completely underdressed. She was wearing a short pink dress with flowing sleeves with strawberries and Jon had convinced him to come in jeans! Marinette was wearing heels; she never wear heels! Damian was already thinking which piece of kryptonite he was going to use to kill his best friend with.

Marinette looked around the tiny café. It was definetely something new. They had never eaten there before. She could see stands her family used for cupcakes, but these had.....sandwiches?

Damian gulped as she looked around. She seemed excited.

'Maybe Jon was right; I'll just maim him.'

'I never thought Damian would like these kind of things. This place reminds me of the galas he always complains about. He told me he hated finger food so why are we here? Did I say something to make him think I would like this? Is this because I told him I want jalapenos on the veggie pizza last time?'

"I apologize for being underdressed, Marinette." Damian spoke.

"Are you kidding?" Marinette questioned, "I feel overdressed. Adrien suggested this outfit."

"Jon suggested mine." he admitted.

Marinete giggled, "What else did Jon suggest?"

"Coming here." Damian admitted.

"Seriously?" Marinette asked, "How about we split a veggie pizza? I'm buying."

Damian stood up quickly and rushed to pay. Marinette just giggled at his urgency.

'I knew he didn't like this place.'

"So, did Agreste suggest the hair, too?" he questioned, looking at her hair in space buns.

"Yeah." Mari spoke, " He insisted. He said something about wanting to style my hair like this for awhile and how he needed it to be long enough."

"That I don't mind." Damian stated, "Although, I'm sure you are eager to get out of those heels."

As Damian drove them over to her apartment, Marinette texted Adrien and Kagami. She lied and said the date had been a disaster and she was at home. The moment they arrived, Damian texted Jon saying there had been an accident at the café and he desperately needed a change of clothes. He told him they had gone to her place as it was closer to the café.

Damian quickly hid in her room and Marinette sat on the couch facing the door. She buried her face in her hands as she heard footsteps pounding the hallways like a stampede. Her front door was thrown open.

"What happened?" Adrien shouted.

"I have my blade!" Kagami cried, holding it up in the air.

Almost instantly, Jon barreled into them shouting, "I have clothes!"

"Ow." Adrien winced, "Jon?"

"Who is he?" the fencer demanded.

They turned to Marinette for answers, only to see her glaring at them. They hadn't even heard her get up from the couch.

"Sit down; now!" she demanded.

Jon had never seen Marinette pissed off, but Adrien had.

'Not good!'

Adrien quickly grabbed Kagami's arm and pulled her to sit down where Mari had been. Jon wasn't sure what was going on, but he rushed to sit next to the others.

"You can come out now." Mari called out and Damian walked out.

"Hey!" Jon whined, "You said-"

Damian grabbed the clothes out of his friends arms and went back to his girlfriend's room.

"All three of you made this date a disaster." Marinette claimed.

"But-"

"We didn't know where we were going so we were dressed horribly." Marinette stated, "As a fashion designer that is a huge no in my books. While I don't mind Damian dressed casual, it would be fine if we were going to the mall, the movies, or a shopping date. I'm wearing a $200 dress that you insisted I wear."

"But you look so cute!" Adrien defended himself.

"I'm in heels, Adrien!" Mari shouted back.

Kagami even looked at him, like he lost his mind.

"You had us go to a tea shop." she spoke, pointing to Jon.

"Damian likes tea and you like sweets." Jon shrugged. Kagami sighed, "She grew up in a bakery. She bakes all the time. Marinette probably has five different types of bread or sweets in her kitchen, right now."

"While it's great you thought of both of us, they have specials on certain days. They were serving roast beef sandwiches today." Marinette explained.

"Oh." Jon whispered, sinking lower into his seat, praying that Batcow would forgive him.

Damian walked out of the room and took Marinette's spot as she walked into her room.

"Where did you get these ideas?" Damian demanded.

"Manga." they all answered.

Marinette walked out of her room in a new change of clothes. She kept her hair down, but was red crop top and black short. She had even traded in red heels for some white converse high tops.

"So?" Mari questioned.

"Manga." Damian answered.

Marinette facepalmed, "Swap mangas or something, but next time you want to give advice, make sure everyone has read it. Also, make sure you all agree with it."

Kagami pouted, "So, I don't need my blade, right now."

"No, Kagami." Mari responded.

"Fine." the fencer replied, sheathing it away.

"I'm sorry, Mari." Adrien spoke first.

"I'm sorry, Damian." Jon declared, " I was only trying to help."

"As was I." Kagami stated.

Mari smiled and grabbed Damian's hand, " Alright, well, now that that is over with; let's go."

"Where are you going?" Kagami questioned.

"We're gonna go on a pizza date." Marinette answered.

Damian spoke, "We are picking it up and then heading to my place to watch movies."

"It sounds boring." Huffs Adrien.

Mari stuck out her tongue at him and turned back to her boyfriend, "It sounds perfect."

The trio of friends pouted as all their hard work went to waste.

'Weirdos.'

As the couple walked out of Marinette's apartment, the three new friends began to go over what manga they had fixated on for the date and others they had read.

TAGLIST: @maribat-calendar-events @animeweebgirl @a-star-with-a-human-name @meme991001 @vixen-uchiha @abrx2002 @alysrose-starchild @fandom-trapped-03 @dood-space @moonlightstar64 @saltymiraculer @marveldcedits20 @09shell-sea09 @icerosecrystal @animegirlweeb @insane-fangirl-of-everything @blueblossombliss @nickristus-dreamer @megawhitleycalderonpaganus @missmadwoman @meira-3919  @princessdaisysolosyourfaves @blep-23 @fangirlingfanatic @darkhinauniverse @ravenr22 @im-a-satanic-ritual @ravennm84  @bianca-hooks123 @a-slytherinish-gryffindor @starling218

[literaryfandomangel]

The Lost Boys The Promise

Chapter One

Moving to Santa Carla, California, had been too stressful for Mom. Following the curtails of her divorce, where Dad took everything, Mom had to uproot us back to her old home. Dad didn't want us; he had shouted when the divorce papers had been served. He didn't want to have to deal with a crazy, ill daughter or a son who read comics all day long. I remember feeling as if my heart had just stopped beating after being stabbed with a knife. 

My dad had some choice words for my mother, too. By the time my father had read through the divorce paperwork, my Mom had dissolved into tears. Sam had crept into my room, trying to appear older and rougher than breaking into his own tears. I had welcomed my brother into bed, flipping down the light coverlet for him to crawl under. 

Sam had hugged my stuffed animal, face buried in the soft fur until the screaming stopped. Usually, I would have sung to my little brother to help him sleep, but with the divorce, the fighting, and my own personal issues, I'd start withdrawing. Which meant not even speaking. 

The school had ended by the time the paperwork had been signed and settled. Sam gave Mom grief about moving to her hometown, but I said nothing. There wasn't anything left for me in Phoenix - my toxic relationship had ended badly. I touched the lightening bruise on the side of my face in memory. I didn't have any friends, and now Mom had divorced Dad. 

I felt hopeful that Santa Carla would be a better place. Something deep inside me yearned for the sandy beach, the hot summer sun, and the scent of saltwater in the air. I could faintly remember the summers spent in the town; Dad always griped about coming to Mom's hometown. Our summers spent in Santa Carla were few. 

Sam grumbled for most of the ride. I was content to let my brother sit in the front seat while my Mom tried to ease the growing tension rising with every mile closer to Santa Carla. I didn't bother to protest - not wanting to spend one more minute in Phoenix. I didn't want to be any closer to my paternal figure than I had to be. Sam was popular. He wore designer clothing and had a lot of friends in Phoenix, even though he was a comic nerd. 

"Honey, you need to eat something," My Mom's eyes found mine in the rearview mirror. I sighed granola bar in hand. I had picked each piece of oats off the bar for two hours. "Please just eat the granola bar."

"I'll eat it!" Sam reached back and snatched the granola bar from my hand. Before Mom could protest or reprimand my brother for taking my food, he had it half-crammed into his mouth. My stomach turned with disgust at seeing his bulging cheeks and flecks of chewed food on his lips. "Mmm!" 

I just sighed and returned to gazing out onto the landscape. I could hear the seagulls becoming louder, indicating we were closer to Santa Carla and the sea. Mom wanted to say something else about my food situation but turned her attention to my brother as they messed with the radio. 

For the past three years, my parents have struggled with my eating disorder. I didn't want to eat anything at all. My dad tried to ship me off to an inpatient facility, but they released me after I didn't gain any of the much-needed weight back. 

Nanook, my brother's husky, set her head on my lap, offering warmth and protection. I reached down and pulled a copy of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina out of my bag. I knew it would be at least another hour before we reached Grandpa's place in Santa Carla. 

"We are stopping!" Mom announced loudly, startling me. I was engrossed in the pages of Russian literature, the illicit affair between Anna and Vronsky. I jumped, the sharp tone of my mother's voice cutting through the scenes playing out in my head as I read. 

I grabbed the discarded ribbon across my thin thigh and pressed it between the book's pages. I always needed to find my bookmarks; therefore, I would use any material to track my progress. Mom pulled into a gas station parking lot, needing to fill the car's tank. 

"I'm taking Nanook to potty!" Sam yelled, jumping out of the front seat. He grabbed his dog's leash and then took her across the lot. I watched as my brother had no qualms about walking past all the people. 

I blinked as I took in the people milling about us. My Mom was busy putting gas in the tank, so I just gazed at those passing by. All the individuals were bright - and colorful. It differed from what I was used to in Phoenix, but it made sense with my Mom's aesthetic. She loved colorful clothing and gauzy skirts. 

Looking around, I saw that everyone was different but fit together. There were women clad in bikinis, roller skating down the sidewalks, and goth kids covered from head to toe in black. Homeless kids in worn layers, alongside surfer guys in wetsuits, carting around surfboards. It was astonishing to see all these individuals walking beside one another. 

They wouldn't be in the same vicinity as their counterparts in any other town. People of the same cliques and gangs would stick together, not daring to break into another group. 

However, as I stood there, gazing around at the people, I felt a seed of jealousy take root deep within my soul. It might have been the heat of the sun, but the hot feeling radiated from within my body as I looked around. These people felt comfortable enough to express themselves through their outfits and appearance. They weren't afraid to show their originality - some had numerous piercings, colored hair, and weird hairstyles. Even their tattoos and clothing - or lack thereof - demonstrated that they weren't shying away from their individuality. 

"Honey," my Mom's soft voice brought me out of my musing as I leaned against the back of the Range Rover. "Can you go give those two this money?" I looked to where my Mom was indicating, pulling my cardigan closer. I saw two teenagers around a dumpster, looking for food scraps in the trash bags. I took the proffered money from my mother's hand and walked towards them. The two gave me a slight, grateful grin before snatching the money and disappearing. 

Sam had finished letting Nanook stretch her legs and came across the parking lot towards us. I slid into the backseat, not bothering to fight Sam about the passenger seat. There was no use - I wouldn't argue or talk with him. Sam let Nanook climb in with me, unclipping the leash before shutting the back door. 

"Mom!" Sam was excited about something he had seen on his travels. "Did you know there's an amusement park on the beach?"

"That's called the boardwalk, sweetheart," Mom educated the both of us. I just raised an eyebrow in question. My Mom seemed to be more excited about the boardwalk than Sam. "We will go to the boardwalk tonight. Unless, Aria, do you want to go look?"

"That's not fair!" Sam crowed, spinning around to glare at me. "Why does she get to go?"

"Because she's older, Sam," Mom tried to allay his upset. I just shook my head, knowing Mom saw it in the rearview mirror. "Okay. Then we'll all go tonight."

I thought that Grandpa's house would be closer to town, but it was a few miles outside of the main attraction in Santa Carla. I didn't bother to pull out Anna Karenina again; I just gazed out the window. Mom eventually pulled off the city streets onto an unmarked and unpaved road. A cloud of dust, comprised of the dirt making the lane, billowed behind the car. Mom pulled into the driveway, which was lined with wood chips. Sam was looking in horror at the house. 

The decor and house were attractive. It looked like an old log cabin converted into a modern-sized dwelling. Grandpa obviously had a knack and talent for wood carving, as many of his projects littered the yard. There were several small trailers, and wind chimes around the lawn. I actually liked the feel of the house. 

Exiting the car, I noticed the paddock with at least three horses. They were grazing on the lush, green grass growing, tails lazily swishing in the wind. I could smell the scent of sharp manure and the salty breeze from the sea. 

"Grandpa has horses?" I asked, breaking my silent streak. My voice was husky from misuse. My Mom and brother looked at me, amazed that I had spoken. 

"Yes," my Mom smiled, happy I had spoken for the first time in several days. I nodded, not saying another word. I looked towards the house entrance that we would call home, noticing the figure of a man lying on the porch. 

My face paled, immediately assuming the worst. Sam and my Mom went to investigate the situation, but I stayed by the car. I didn't want to walk onto the scene to find my grandfather dead of a heart attack. 

"Honey, he's just a deep sleeper!" My Mom tried to settle my nerves with a gentle smile. She waved her hand to make me come over and join the trio on the porch. I sucked in a deep lungful of the salty air before walking across the yard towards the porch. 

"If he's dead, can we move back to Phoenix?" Sam asked, causing my Mom and I to glare at him. He shrunk back as Grandpa opened his eyes and moved. 

"Playin' dead!" Grandpa's innate masculine voice filled the air. It was a relief to hear his voice, knowing that he wasn't dead. I turned to look down at the man with whom we would live for the unforeseeable future. "And from what I heard, doin' a damn good job of it."

My Mom chuckled as she leaned down to hug her father. I can imagine it would be a relief to be comforted by one's parents, especially as Grandma had died when Mom was just a preteen. Her dad was her rock, someone Mom could depend upon in life. 

Sam looked weirded out by the situation, but I wordlessly motioned we should return to the car. We had little to move since Dad got everything in the settlement. Mom had wanted the divorce over and done with, so she took the lowest agreement with Dad. Even though Mom could have won more in the divorce since she was taking care of Dad’s two kids, she just signed the paperwork.  Chapter Two

[cowboycannibalism]

just got out of a late showing of Talk To Me and I have thoughts!

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

so let's dive in while it's still fresh in my mind

Grief is a heavy player in this movie and that's what makes it so good. So much of what happens is because of Mia not being able to let go or face her grief. she's vulnerable to the spirits/demons/souls because she's lonely and sad and she's trying to find anything to make her feel.

The opening scene was absolutely amazing! it sets up how fucking crazy the movie is going to be. It brings us into the world where everything is for views, everyone is entertainment even when they're suffering. It's not the focus of the film but they way social media guides the story is interesting.

to add to the previous point, every time someone does the "game"/seance, the others whip out their phones with lightening speed. They laugh, they point their cameras at the possessed and scream and shout in joy regardless of what the possessed is doing. we see this in Daniel's first go which is a weird sexual possession that leaves him embarrassed and scared, whereas the group is laughing and recording. it's also what brings Mia to the hand in the first place, she keeps seeing the videos posted of people playing the game and having "fun"

I really liked the kangaroo scene because it was so jarring and the foreshadowing was just mwah. wonderful.

I will admit Mia got annoying because you want her to know that she should stop, but she won't. I was literally trying not to yell at the screen lol

on the other hand (ha hand), I get it. She was desperate, grief will do that to you, she just wanted answers and closure. And that can drive you mad.

The gore/violence in the movie was so good for a possession film! The Riley scene was intense and had the small amount of us in the theater squirming and yelling and gasping. And the limbo/purgatory scene although brief was not what I was expecting and it blew me away, it gave cronenbergian/yuzna's Society [1989] vibes.

the cast was very very good! Sophie Wilde played Mia with such an intensity and passion that drew me in even when I didn't care for her character's actions. And the supporting cast stood their own which was awesome because sometimes in horror those other characters can sometimes get pushed aside or fade into the background.

the sound design had me so tense! I swear I thought I was hearing things and not sure if it was me or the movie. We don't talk enough about sound when it comes to horror. It's honestly what really scares me, more than the actual scenes, it's the score that revs up my anxiety and fear.

All in all, the movie was really good! I'm not even a huge fan of possession horror but I was excited to see it and really glad that I did. I know it's been greenlit for a sequel which would be interesting depending on where they take the story but I'm definitely more interested in the prequel that they've already made!! I hope it gets picked up by A24 like the sequel is because I definitely would like to know more about the hand and mythology behind the "game".

Just to add on some more personal thoughts: It's interesting to me how often grief plays a role in horror. From Midsommar to Hereditary to The Babadook to classics like Pet Sematary, the list goes on. We are vulnerable when we're grieving, easier to let bad things in or ignore the people who love us who are trying to help. When I watch horror about grief, it gets to me more often than any others because I've known grief like a childhood friend. It's been with me my entire life. But I've learned to handle it better than I used to, and with movies like this it's a safe place for me to let it consume me, let it be messy and overwhelming like it is for the characters in the movie.

Anyways to wrap this up please go see Talk To Me! If you like possession movies you'll like it, if you like movies with deeper layers you'll like it, it feels like there's a little bit of everything to appeal to most horror fans.

[theinstagrahame]

This is the post where I show off the stuff I've gotten in the last month-ish. And it's been another good one!

(I mean it's always a good one, I have excellent taste)

Coffee and Chaos: I'm tickled by the concept of a coffeeshop AU, and I know that this game isn't explicitly for that. But it's also not *not* for that. Comes in a like conference-style folder, with all the bits you need to play tucked into the sides, which is also a great presentation that I felt deserved a shout-out!

Far Horizons Guide to Cults: I'm friendly with some Far Horizons folks, but wanted this book because it's awesome. A book containing notes and pre-made cults that have goals and drives beyond just "Be A Cult". I am intrigued by the occult, and I hope this gives me more nuance.

Neurocity: Picked this up on vibes alone, but I'm hearing more and more rad things about the creator. It's dystopic, a little cyberpunk, and the book is dripping with style. Can't wait to dig deeper.

You're In Space and Everything's Fucked: Station and Struggler's Guides: The title alone sold me, but I like what Dinoberry Press puts out in general. This is a solo survival space horror game with a cool respawn mechanic. I also splurged on the fancy version because the covers are very cool.

Dead Belt: The pleather folio for this honestly is what sold me, but the game itself is really cool. Salvage ships by laying out cards, exploring, and managing your air and tool resources. Try not to die. I haven't really succeeded at that last part yet...

Exquisite Corpse in the Maggot's Keep: Technically, this isn't a TTRPG, but it's go so many TTRPG folks in it that it might as well be. It's a choosable path adventure written by a variety of people in (if I remember the pitch) exquisite corpse style.

Best Left Buried: Throne of Avarice and In Calamity's Wake: As we already know, I'm a SoulMuppet fan (as in, I've written for their other big series, Orbital Blues). The main book, Throne of Avarice, was written by a creator whose work I've been trying to get more of. I haven't read Best Left Buried as fully as a game, but I am really excited by the excuse to dig in.

Between Clouds: I like air islands and big monsters and found family. Partially, I grabbed this because a friend got really excited about it, and it seemed like it could be fun to run a campaign with them, but I'm also curious about the Year Zero Engine, and glad to see people using it.

Kitchen Knightmares: Grabbed this as an add-on for the You're In Space crowdfund, but I'm glad I got it because it's loosely inspired by This Discord Has Ghosts In It, and that game rules. I might be able to pitch this to my friend group, who enjoyed Discord Has Ghosts.

In a Mirror Brightly/Handbaskets: First off, plug for the RTFM podcast, because it's very good. This two-games-in-one book is created by the two hosts of that show, who are great designers and seem really lovely. But, two wildly different vibes in a single volume is a great idea.

You Meet in a Tavern, You Die in a Dungeon: I've been following the creator for this since some of my earliest days in the RPG scene, so I was happy to help make this a reality. Feels very tropey, and I mean that in the best way possible.

In Other Waters: Tidebreak: Honestly, I have barely scratched the surface of In Other Waters, the PC game this is based on. But this is a Mothership solo hack that returns to that world, and it had me curious based on that pitch alone.

Aaand because I'm a doofus who forgot to include it, here's one more book! PLUS A guest appearance from my new desk mat.

Teeth: Been into Forged in the Dark lately, and as much as I enjoy Monster of the Week, the pitch for this seemed like it was more my speed. You're monster hunters, trying to keep the occult under wraps, while keeping secrets of your own. Plus, horror comedy!

The mat is the cover art from Friends at the Table's current season, Palisade. It's an Armor Astir campaign following up on some of the characters from their Partizan series.

[izuchuumi]

Chapter 2: Acacia Blossom

prev || masterlist || next

A/N: Around 1k words in written portion

The gentle ringing of the bell signaling someone opened the door snaps Yachi out of her thoughtful trance. She ponders about how she’ll pick up the courage to walk across the street and ask for the hot tattoo artist’s name. She shakes her thoughts away, clearing her mind to greet the person walking through the door. She turns towards them with a bright smile.

“Hi! Welcome to Daisy Chains. How can we help—” Yachi’s words get choked up when she notices who just walked through the door.

At the entrance of the quaint flower shop stands Yachi’s newest crush in all her tattooed glory. Yachi can’t help but drag her eyes up and down the tattoo artist. Her outfit showcased both of her tattoo sleeves and gave Yachi a sneak peek of what could possibly be chest tattoos. Yachi feels her face heat up drastically.

In her panic, she accidentally knocks over the watering can she had previously set down. It crashes loudly to the ground, causing droplets of water to spray both Yachi and her crush. Yachi immediately snaps down to pick up the watering can, her face glowing impossibly brighter.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” the tattoo artist chuckles apologetically.

Yachi sets the watering can back on the table and frantically shakes her head and hands. Her voice is stuck in her throat and she hopes her crush understands her wild gestures.

With a pounding heart and bright red face, Yachi lets out a surprised squeak. Her eyes frantically search for her best friend and coworker, Yamaguchi. He grins at her. She shivers slightly at the mischievousness he exudes.

“Welcome! I have to run to the back for something really quick, but my coworker,” he gestures towards Yachi, “will be able to help you!”

Without a beat, Yamaguchi escapes to the back of the shop, leaving a flustered Yachi with her chin dropped and eyes bulging. Yachi silently prays to whatever deity that she doesn’t make even more of a fool of herself than she already has. She takes a deep breath to steady herself.

“Um, my name’s Yachi! I’m so sorry for the mess I was way too in my head. How can I help you today?” Yachi manages to spit out her words coherently.

“I’m Y/N. I started working at the tattoo parlor across the street recently,” the tattoo artist introduces herself, “I’ve got a client looking for a meaningful floral design. Unfortunately, I know nothing about flowers and their meanings.”

Yachi listens intently with wide eyes. She gives a small nod to let y/n know she is listening. 

“Uh, Tsukkishima told me about your shop so I thought I’d come by and see if I could do some research here,” y/n looks a little shy from her lack of knowledge of flowers.

Yachi smiles to herself at the thought. Y/n who has been seen by her as unmovable and stoic has a timid side as well. She cannot help but silently swoon to herself.

The gorgeous girl from across the street is in her shop, speaking to her with such a soft expression on her face! Not to mention her voice sounds as soothing as honey for a sore throat. Yachi’s eyes wander from y/n’s eyes down to her moving lips. She can’t tear her eyes away from the sight. The sound of y/n’s soft voice paired with the movement of her lips mesmerizes Yachi into a trance.

Yachi is unsure how long she has been staring but at the confused call of her name, she snaps out of her trance with a shout. Her brown eyes shoot up from y/n’s mouth to her equally captivating eyes.

“Yachi, are you alright?” Y/n asks, concerned with the florist’s sudden spaciness.

“I- oh god, sorry! I was listening, promise! Um, I can teach you!” Yachi stutters, wringing her hands, “Teach you about flowers I mean!”

Yachi clamps her mouth shut, her heart picking up speed again. She hopes y/n understood her frantic word vomit. Y/n stares at Yachi a little shocked, seemingly trying to process her garbled words. Yachi swears she might faint or hurl on the spot—or both.

Y/n breaks out into a sweet smile, “Thank you so much, Yachi! That’s more help than I can even ask for.”

Yachi lets out a relieved laugh, “Ahh no problem! Anything for you!”

Y/n giggles at her words. Yachi is confused when she sees pink dust on the tattooed girl’s cheeks. She halts as the words she spoke mere seconds earlier process in her brain. She immediately reaches out to usher y/n out of the shop.

“UM sorry, I just remembered that we have a very important—” Before she can finish, Yachi is sent careening into the ground.

Yachi snaps her eyes shut, preparing for the painful impact. Instead, she’s met with a pair of arms and the smell of minty soap with a woody undertone. She looks up and is greeted by the face she has been admiring much closer than she’d ever expected to be.

“Woah, are you okay?” Y/n helps steady Yachi gently.

The blonde glances back and winces at the forgotten puddle she had spilled earlier from the water can. She curses herself and the puddle silently.

“Haha! Totally forgot I spilled that water earlier, silly me! I’m totally fine thankyousomuchforcatchingme,” Yachi yelps.

Before y/n can get a word in, Yachi has shoved her to and out the shop door. She frantically bows apologetically a couple of times.

“Thanks for stopping by, talk to you soon!” Yachi slams the door shut.

The flustered florist groans to herself before she slides down to the floor in front of the door. She buries her head in her hands. Her hands sting a little from how hot her face is.

With the sound of the door closing, Yamaguchi pops his head out from the back of the store. He spots Yachi hunched over on the floor with ease. He snickers at the sight.

“Wow, way to get the girl,” he teases.

“Shut up!” Yachi wails.

Fun facts:

y/n totally noticed Yamaguchi giggling to himself in the back

She didn’t say anything in favor of paying attention to the cute girl in front of her

Yachi totally isn’t going to be overthinking about their first meeting for the rest of her life or anything!!

[silent-raven13]

Billie's new best fren!

Billie isn't fond of Hobie. Nope, the moment she saw him bite her big brother's neck that already gave her the ick. Even before, when she first met him, she didn't like how Miles gave attention and love to his boyfriend. Nope. Nope, she wants all the attention and love, and she's the only one that gives hugs to her big brother.

Now, Billie loves it when her parents aren't around and she's force to be babysat by her brother. Miles never complains about, he loves watching her. The only issues is when Spiderman is needed. Spiderman is a busy guy with huge responsibilities- and guess what! That's Billie's big brother! Yes, Billie's big brother, Miles is the cities' Spiderman! Ever since she can remember Miles had always taken her through the city and Spider Society fighting off bad guys or meeting up with other multiverse Spiderpeople.

Hey, she even have her own watch; it's a pink purple color with a flower spider design on it, and one of Miles' friend, Peter B. Parker gave her a cute pinkish purple Spiderwoman crochet mask. A gift from the lovely MJ, Peter's wife. Not to mention, she gets to play with the other kids Gerald, Jess' kid and Mayday, Peter's kid. They had to build a daycare if a mission is too sever for them to tag along.

Oh yes, that's one of her favorite days, going out to help Spiderman and seeing the universes. Now, her favorite part of the day going into Spider Society is meeting her best fren! Who is her best friend?

Well let's get into it!

Miles in his Spiderman suit had Billie in a baby carrier similar to Peter's but with a nice pouch to fit in baby wipes, an extra diaper and his phone. He jumps on one of the buildings seeing one of the anomaly's hiding in a warehouse. "Looks like we better call for back up, Boo-boo."

"Hehehe," Billie giggles as she had her web shooter toy, multiverse watch on and her mask being ready.

"Hey luv, fancy meeting you here." Hobie appears from behind to hug and kiss his boyfriend.

Billie gasps then scowls, "No!" She aim her web shooter at him almost threatening him. "No, Obie!"

"Billie, don't do that!" Miles' hand made her put her arm down. "He's just saying hello."

"NO!" She scowls.

Hobie took a step back, "Okay. Okay, easy Billie-willie. I'm not touching your brother." His hands up in defense, still having a cocky grin on his face.

Billie set her web shooter down, then looks at her brother, "No, Obie!"

"I know. I know. But he's here to help us fight. By the way, I need to make a call to Miguel." Miles added, using his watch to informed of the anomaly in his world.

Hobie casually rolled his eyes, "Sometimes I wonder if you like his more than me." Being the jealous type, he already didn't like Miguel. That man is too strict, too much of a pain in the ass for Hobie's liking.

"What? He's our boss or leader? He handle this stuff. Don't get upset, mi amor." Miles pouts as he sent out an emergency single. "Besides, you should be worrying about this one not liking you." He lift his chin to his sister's direction.

Billie still glaring at Hobie. "She will love me, after all I'm the love of your life." Hobie chuckles having to give a quick kiss on Miles' cheek.

Miles blushes, "Yet you pick on her."

"NO!" Billie shouted with her hands waving back and forth being mad Hobie got close to her brother.

"Hey guys! What's up!" Gwen and Pav appeared being one of the first ones. "Miguel sent us and Peter out. He's late."

"As always." Miles said holding Billie in his baby carrier.

"Awe, look at her cute mask and" Pav gasps out loud looking at her feet, "her wittle booties! I so want kids when I get married to my beloved Gaytari!" He fantasize being a father with cute kids, especially more when Miles introduce them to his little sister.

"Hehe!" Billie giggles.

Pav playfully do funny faces and tickle her cheek. Billie likes Pav. He doesn't hurt Miles, he's goofy.

Gwen giggles, "Hey, Billie. How's it going?"

"Bueno!" Billies smiles happily at Gwen, she likes Gwen. Gwen doesn't pick on Miles for fun!

Then the portal open having Peter B. Parker with Mayday following along side him wearing a cute Spidergirl outfit. "Okay, May. Remember to stay away from dangerous. Your first task is to climb away from danger and stay close to my sight."

"Okie Dookie, daddy!" Mayday giggles then gasps, "Billie!" She happily skips over to see her cute baby sister. "Hi, Miles." Mayday view Miles as her big brother too.

"May!" Billie giggles at her older sister.

Miles chuckles, "Hey, May. How are you doing?" He squat to her level that way she can hug Billie.

Mayday sniffs Billie, "Good and she smells so good. Baby smell!"

"All baby's smell like that." Peter chuckles, "So what's the plan?"

"I thought Miguel gave you the plan?" Gwen asked.

"Well, you're all adults. I thought you guys can make up one. Who needs that Grumps' plan?" Peter asked out loud.

"Miguel is gonna get mad if we don't follow his plan...." Pav hums, as he squat to play patty cake with Mayday while Billie cheers them on.

"I like that. Let's wing it, eh? Come on, luv. We can do it." Hobie said to his partner with his hand on his shoulder.

Miles rub his chin, "I dunno know..."

"Come on! We can do it!" Peter said out loud. "Besides this is level two anomaly. We just go in and out."

Gwen shrugs, "I guess, but if Miguel come at us. I'ma put the blame on you. Your the oldest!"

"I'm not that old." Peter pouts.

Mayday turns to her dad, "Daddy, you're old!"

Pav burst out laughing. "May, why your mean like your mom?" Peter pouts again.

"Anyway let do this!" Hobie said.

The spider heroes group up, then each one began using their webs to swing to the warehouse. Peter said, "Miles. Hobie, you took east. Gwen and Pav. West. I'll come from the top. Remember stay quiet and hidden."

"Got it!"

This is where it got fun. Miles and Hobie stuck together being on top of the stairs out of the warehouse. Hobie peaks to find the anomaly eating something, being all hunched over. Billie saw a blue butterfly coming out of the warehouse, it landed on her nose. "Ohhhh, linda!" her big round doe like eyes gleaming at how pretty it is.

"It's doing nothing? Is this a level 2?" Hobie whispers turning to his boyfriend.

Miles shrugs, "Miguel sent the scan. We should be careful since Lyla seems to give warning to not upset it."

Hobie rolled his eyes, "It's always Miguel said this and that, luv."

"Hobie, he sent it." Miles side eyes him then place his hands on his hips. "Esta loco?"

Hobie sighs, "Sorry, luv. How about a kiss? Come on, I need to know you love me." He pucker his lips waiting for his boyfriend to kiss him.

Miles blushes, "Hobie, we're on a mission."

Billie felt Hobie's body getting way too close for comfort and it made her more mad that the pretty blue butterfly flew away. "NO!" She shoot her web shooter at Hobie's face.

"Good job, Billie." Miles giggles.

"Hey lovebirds! We're about to move close." Peter call them through their earbuds. "Hobie go in. Pav is already setting up the trap. Gwen and Miles, distract the anomaly."

"What do I do?" Mayday asked as she stood on the roof with her dad being excited to help.

"You stay here and be safe, honey. That's a big job."

"Aweee, you never let me help." She pouts.

"I promise you will but you still need to practice on your web shooting, and powers." Peter kisses his daughter's cheek, "Stay safe, remember." Her dad went in one of the holes of the old warehouse.

Miles and Gwen went inside of the warehouse, they saw Peter on top. "Okay, now." He said through their earbuds.

Within a blink an eye, Billie was already seeing pretty blue blasts. Her big brother being extra carefully because of her. Gwen shouting to give warning. The anomaly is all glitching, with a pretty periwinkle blue and white glow. Billie's eyes noticed blue butterflies around the small anomaly. "Pretty!" She said. Why did the butterfly look so small, too?

"Hobie, now!" Peter uses his web shooters to block the entrance.

The anomaly growls and glitch out sounding so afraid like a frail small animal. Hobie appears using his guitar to wack it. The Gwen uses her web to surround it. The anomaly look so scared, confused that it made Billie upset.

When Miles got close enough to use his lightening on it, Billie started to huff and puff. Big tears forming from her eyes as she saw the tiny anomaly whimpering in fear and pain. "Nononononono!" Billie wiggles having to burst out crying out loud!

"Billie? Wha-what's wrong?" Miles looking concern. "Are you hurt?" He quickly took step back to check on his sister.

"Nonononononono. Malo! Malo her-man-no!" She cries out loud with her hands smacking her brother being upset.

"Qué?" Miles trying to calm her down.

Hobie saw the anomaly quickly uses its blue bean to aim at Miles and Billie. "Miles, look out." He quickly pushes them out of the way. The beam aims from bottom to the top. Hitting the roof!

Mayday shrieks seeing the beam coming through. "MAYDAY!" Peter shouted, seeing his daughter falling into the warehouse.

"I gotchu!" Pav swing by to rescue her, catching her in his arms.

Mayday hugs Pat's neck tightly still feeling her heart pounding. That was too close for comfort. She will listen to her dad next time.

Peter saw the warehouse crumbling, "It's falling! Everyone get out." He swing out with Pav and Mayday.

Gwen quickly got out of window. "MILES! HOBIE! OVER HERE!"

The small anomaly scattered away from an opening getting away. Billie saw this and was proud to save it. "Come on, luv. Let's go!" Hobie carries Miles bridal style having to book it.

The group got out safely. Peter sighing in relief having his baby gurl in his arms, "Oh thank god, you're okay May." He almost fainted with relief.

Gwen crosses her arms, "So? Mission fail?"

"Mission fail." They all agreed.

Miles look at Billie being chipper than before. "What happen with Billie?" Pav asked having his chin resting on Miles' shoulder.

"I dunno know. She was crying and I thought she hurt herself? Maybe- I need to go to med-bay. Maybe she sprain something?" He's voice filled with worried.

Hobie said, "I don't think she's hurt... I think she didn't like what we were doing to the anomaly."

"What?" Miles blink in surprised, then again his little sister is smart like Mayday. They are more aware of things than most kids.

Billie merely glance up at her big brother then giggle. Gwen said, "I mean, that's kinda good? She's aware of emotions, right?"

"And bad, because she can't be in missions like this." Peter added having to hold his daughter in his arms being over protective.

Then their watches beeping from Miguel. Lyla's voice rings their ears, "Miguel wants to see you all!"

"UGHH!" Everyone except Mayday and Billie groaned.

"Yay, uncle Mig!" Mayday giggles.

Billie cheers out loud, "Tio!"

"I thought she would hate Miguel?" Hobie asked.

"No, she actually loves him." Miles casually say. "They're best friends."

Hobie stop following him being surprised, "What?" Almost in shock.

Billie laughs out loud at his expression. "Yeah, her and Miguel are like this." Miles crossed his fingers, "Same way with Mayday and Gerald. Hobie, why you're so surprised? Miguel is great with kids."

"It's just..." Hobie pouts at Billie, "Alright, lil one. I'll be your best friend."

"No!" She pouts. "Tio!" She chanted.

Miles laughs, "Oh now, you want her to like you. Why? Because Miguel?" He always knew Hobie would be jealous some way some how.

They all went to spider headquarters to face their leader.

(Part 2)

[ymilksh]

➫ A SCHOLAR'S LOVE (2)

♡theme/warnings: cyno/reader, fluff, slight jealousy

♡summary: cyno is terribly smitten by you. absolutely head over heels. thinks everything about you is great- but has no confidence to actually say it to you. you've picked up on his antics and so has your friend group... so will he stay love-sick, or tell you the truth?

"kaveh, those balloons don't go there." you stated, pointing to a bunch of coloured balloons stuck behind your couch. "i know you're into interior design, but..." you put a finger to your chin, squinting your eye at his choice of decoration. "it really looks like a clown threw up behind our couch."

kaveh raises a brow at you, setting down the last group of balloons with a weight attached to their strings. "oh really now? since when did you spend years researching the ideal grouping of indoor decorations, miss decorator?"

"since it was my birthday, mister."

kaveh groans, moving the balloons back to their original position. "thank you, kaveh~" you sing, walking into the kitchen of your small dwelling. as students of the akademiya, you were given homes to share with each other for the duration of your schooling. you and kaveh shared a house along with al haitham, and cyno and tighnari shared a house with one of their acquaintances.

earlier that day, kaveh had helped you prepare some desserts and appetizers for your birthday party. it was lucky your birthday came on a saturday, leaving you some much needed space from your studies and some time to relax on your special day. some friends and family would be over to celebrate soon, and the after-party would consist of you and your buddies having a sleepover.

everything was perfect, until you realized after looking at what kaveh had made for you; you didn't have a birthday cake.

"kaveh? y-you never made a cake, did you?" you shouted from the kitchen, a little panicked at this discovery.

kaveh walked into the kitchen, analyzing the food on the counter. "shoot. i- sorry, y/n. i must have forgotten… the grand bazaar might have a few stalls with some ingredients- but al haitham said most of them were shut down for a performance." kaveh explained with a hint of regret. he had previously made a list of things to make for the day ahead- yet threw it out thinking he could rely on his memory to finish everything.

"this is because of you getting cocky again, isn't it? listen, i told you to stop being so competitive with al haitham! you can clearly plan a party better than him, i know that, there's no need to prove that to me." you scolded him, putting away the other food you inspected.

"really, y/n, it's nothing like that! i honestly forgot about that stone-faced al haitham today, he's been out all day since the morning doing who-knows-what. i just impulsively threw away the list of food i was supposed to make." he shook his head with his palm on his forehead, disappointed with himself.

"okay, kaveh. i forgive you. we'll just...have to go without one. i'm sure i can whip up some small tart or find a pie stall-"

a knock on the front door cuts your sentence short, some muttering outside catching your attention. kaveh stays in the kitchen, panicking at the leftover mess he forgot to clean up as well.

opening the door, your eyes light up when you see cyno next to tighnari, cyno's hands full with presents and an oddly large square box. "cyno, tighnari! you're here early! come on in." you smile, opening the door fully. cyno says hello and blushes after walking in, tighnari throwing you a wink as a greeting.

having your friends’ company was just the type of pick-me-up you needed after hearing your party wouldn’t be having a birthday cake. it was an integral part of the celebration, after all! kaveh definitely owed you one. after getting everyone situated in the living room, you helped cyno place the presents onto the coffee table.

“oh, ah, y/n. that one-“ he points to the large box, “it needs to be refrigerated.” tighnari quirks a brow at him, wondering what the box’s contents are. “sorry if it’s any trouble, i know it’s quite large.” he deadpans, making you chuckle.

“no, not at all. here, come bring it to the kitchen, we can put it in the fridge. just what is it, exactly?” you inquire, your brain brimming with curiosity. maybe a fruit platter? no… he would have let that stay in plain sight. a new type of mechanical device? nah, he knows you better than that.

“it’s…nothing too special, i’ll let you know when you can look inside.” cyno sounds unsure as he tells you, following you to the kitchen.

kaveh greets him immediately, jumping at your entrance. “ah, cyno’s here! and i’m guessing tighnari tagged along with you?” kaveh nervously asks, tucking his dirty cloth behind him. you roll your eyes, snatching the cloth from him and tossing it into the sink.

“don’t mind him, cy-cy. he’s just embarrassed he managed to make this much of a mess yet didn’t bake me a birthday cake like i asked.” you informed him, throwing a light fist bump to kaveh’s shoulder.

cyno’s eyes lit up at your nickname for him- did he hear you correctly? cy-cy? he could feel his heart begin to swell with joy, a small cough erupting from him out of shock.

“ah- cyno, are you feeling okay? that cough sounded a little dry. anything you wanna drink?” he shook his head, refusing the offer. “okay. just let me know.” you smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. he shuddered at the action; when did you get so friendly towards him? were you always so attentive like this… ?

at this moment, cyno realized tighnari was right. his worries had definitely caused some clouded judgement.

at around 4:30pm, al haitham returned home with a bouquet of flowers and a couple bottles of wine to mark the occasion. closing the door behind him, he met with you all in the living room and set down his items on the coffee table, discussing everyone’s day so far.

after talking for some time, it was now around 5pm; the sun painting the sky a beautiful shade of blue with streaks of orange dawning the horizon. everyone gave their greetings to you, wishing you a happy birthday and all the best ahead. you beamed at the energy in the room, it was overwhelmingly positive.

cyno however, was lost in thought, imagining a million different ways this evening could go. would you enjoy your gifts? was what he prepared… too bold? tighnari had told him to make a passionate and sincere gift for you; explaining that when you don’t have the words, sometimes a handmade gift can communicate a message a lot easier. of course he would still have to clarify what his intentions were, but tighnari was sure you would love whatever cyno made. even if it wasn’t the prettiest.

still, the dark haired student had no idea what cyno ended up doing for you. he was just as confused as you when you saw the box, almost second-guessing his advice when he saw how large it was. but remembering how carefully cyno treated his interactions with you; in his heart, he had faith in his friend to make the right decision- to really put his heart into this gift. whatever it may be, tighnari trusted cyno’s judgement.

eventually, people started to filter in and out of the party, parents and grandparents parting a little earlier due to their older age. some presents were opened and others were left to be opened later, as you had gotten pretty tired from all the dancing you did and all the food you consumed. despite kaveh’s oversight of the cake, you would say your party went just as planned!

after all the excitement died down and the sun had finally set for the night, al haitham noticed you had fallen asleep on the couch, laying a blanket over your body. it was just the five of you once more; everyone taking a separate position in the house. cyno was sitting on the other sofa opposite you, head buried in a book al haitham had left on the side table. al haitham was checking to see if you had drank too much- kaveh was cleaning up the decorations strewn across the living room, and tighnari was packaging the leftover food.

as he put some containers of food away, tighnari noticed the box cyno had brought sitting in the middle of the fridge, a pang of guilt hitting his stomach as he forgot to remind cyno to take it out. “ah, dear me. he’s probably got his legs between his tail over this being left behind.” tighnari sat the leftovers down, grabbed the box and brung it to the living room.

“cyno, i think there’s something you forgot to give to miss y/n.” he smiles, setting the box down to poke you awake. you stir in your sleep, making a cute whimper sound that cyno can’t help but squeeze his eyes shut at. you were just… way too cute. it felt out of character for him to be so affected by your actions… but he nonetheless welcomed this warm feeling inside of him whenever he looked at you.

“hwaaa~ hey eweone, whad did i miss?” you yawned, your distorted voice causing kaveh to laugh at you. “don’t laugh, your words are barely comprehendable when you’re awake!” you retort, half smiling at him.

“well, cyno still hasn’t given you your present, you know.” al haitham explains, curious as to what this will lead to. his friends had clearly been planning something behind his back… and it seems behind yours and kaveh’s as well.

“ah, that box! well, come sit everyone. i’ll open it right now.” you smiled, tearing into the wrapping paper. cyno watched with anxiety, nervous about your reaction. tighnari just smiled at him, a silent plea for him to calm his nerves. you can do it, cyno. trust yourself with this.

“wow- oh my goodness, c-cyno, did you really make this…for me?” inside the box was a decorated cake with two layers, the words ‘happy birthday y/n’ written in cursive draped along the top. adorning the rest of the cake were stick figures made of pretzels and frosting, flowers and animals beside them representing you and your friends. “it’s so lovely, when did you have the time to make this?”

cyno’s face was now fully tinted with red, watching you examine each of his dressed pretzel figures with such precision and care as if they were real. “i took the time to study the preparations of a birthday cake a few days before the party. i wanted to make you a gift… that sent a message to you, one that symbolized your importance to me. to us.” he explained, holding your hand as you listened to him, teary-eyed.

“but that isn’t the only part of my gift. i wanted to take you somewhere to show you something. is…that alright?” he asked. tighnari was ecstatic at cyno’s response to his advice- he even planned something extra? it was quite the coincidence that he could make your dreams of having a birthday cake come true- but this was just the icing on top.

“yes, of course. do you guys mind at all? i’m sure it won’t take long.” you asked your friends, hearing no objections. al haitham smirked at the situation before him, of course it was like this, how could he have missed it? kaveh was thinking the same, both of them shooting a glance at each other.

“okay, we’ll be off then. i promise it won’t be long.” cyno smiled, nervously taking your hand in his to guide you outside. there was a small patch of land near the neighbourhood you lived in, clear enough to see the skies and all the stars that wandered across it. he laid next to you on the grass, turning to face you.

“y/n, i have something to tell you that i’ve been thinking of for a while.” he takes a deep breath, reciting his thoughts in his head. “the only reason i chose to say this today was because of tighnari- well, you know how he is. when he sees a flower beginning to bloom, he can’t keep his mouth shut about it.” he chuckled, looking off to the side.

you stared at him dreamily, wondering what his next words would be. the fact you were alone together enjoying the starry sky surely was a gift in itself, but was the flower… meant to represent you two?

“and, my pretty padisarah, you are who i’ve been wanting in my g-garden.” he stutters, making you giggle.

“oh archons, tighnari definitely said that to you as an example of what to say, didn’t he?” you continued to giggle, your contagious laughter spreading to him as well. resting the back of your hand against cyno’s cheek, you tucked a strand of his pearl coloured hair behind his ear, leaning a little closer to him.

“i want you in my garden, too, cyno.”

smiling, he leans further in as well, unsure about his next move until you press your lips to his. the kiss you share is sweet and pure, eliciting sparks in your chests at having your feelings reciprocated.

as you pull away, cyno lies flat on his back, and you copy him. “i’m relieved you feel the same, y/n. i’m sorry if i offended you with my staring lately, i couldn’t figure out how to tell you i liked you.”

you sigh happily, wrapping your arm around cyno’s waist. “oh, don’t worry, part of me felt it was something like this… i just wanted to see if it was really true. truth be told, i wouldn’t have known how to go about it either. i’m glad our friend did the heavy lifting, hehe.”

“yeah, me too.” cyno agrees, staring up at the sky with you. two constellations have become visible now, intertwined with each other as they float across the atmosphere.

[zlebooks]

08 — insufferable pda

the bell rings, signaling that your class has just ended.

normally you would have been over the moon at the news that you may now go home, but with a certain ginger looming over your head, you begin to shudder.

picking up your things to put them away in your bag, you take your time, waiting for the rest of your classmates to leave the room already. doing so would lessen the chances of majority of the school population seeing you with an insufferable human being.

you were grateful in so many ways for childe, but having to walk all the way home with him? you don’t think you have enough patience to do that. his personality is way different than yours; he likes to make his presence known, while you prefer to keep to yourself. he’s the life of the party while you’re more of a homebody. childe is loud and extremely outspoken, way different than zhongli. because while your fake boyfriend spouts nonsense with every chance he gets, the one you actually wanted to be your boyfriend speaks nothing but knowledge.

you definitely won’t fall in love with childe, you were sure of it.

on the topic of zhongli, you start to accept that you were probably now doomed with attempting to further your romantic relations with him. publicizing your relationship with his best friend was bound to get to his ears, automatically making you off limits. you win some you lose some.

“babe! what’s taking you so long?” a voice shouts from the outside of the classroom, making everyone’s heads turn to the source. orange hair enters your peripheral vision and suddenly, all eyes were on you while the floor is filled by dropped jaws.

you were already dreading what’s to come.

childe, seeing you fake struggle with putting your things away, helps from you doubt that is from the goodness of his heart. he smiles devilishly; to anyone, it might have looked that he was genuinely happy to help, but to you, a devious smirk is displayed across his place.

“look at my prettiest girl, needing help. was chemistry class too much for your pretty brain?” he asks you the moment he finishes putting your books inside your bag.

it’s ridiculous how the topic of chemistry is present in one way or another whenever childe is around— this must be the hell designed for you.

in retaliation, you gently snatch your bag away from him but to no avail, his grip remains the victor. you grit your teeth, attempting to snatch it again from him with much harsher force but childe’s hold remains persistent.

“now now, let me carry your bag for you.” he gives you a toothy grin and you wish that you had pliers to pull every single one of them out. not so toothy anymore, huh?

you may be a complete dum dum in chemistry, but you knew better than to cause a scene in front of everyone. so, as much as you’d love to go against childe’s wishes out of spite, you surrender your school bag to him.

the male beams at you before reaching his hand out for you as he smiles. you stare at it weirdly, as if he’s carrying his head in it.

he motions his head towards his hand and like cogs clicking in your head, you realize he’s waiting for you to take it.

“is this really necessary?” you ask in a hushed voice, finally taking his hand into yours. you hold it like how you would in a handshake and childe snorts at this,

“we have to make this believable remember? i have reason why i agreed to this.” he says and you feel his hand adjusting to yours so he can intertwine your fingers instead. “is this the first time you held someone’s hands romantically too? you hold like a grandma crossing a street.”

at this you scoff, “i’m sorry if i don’t want to fully commit to your sweaty palms,” you raise both of your hands to make a point, “and for the record, you were the one who brought up the agreement first.”

“fair enough,” he fake chuckles so to anyone, it would have looked like you cracked a funny joke when in reality, childe is at his limits already.

without warning, he begins to walk— literally stringing you along with him. you secretly pinch his side, to which he winces in response. childe grits his teeth at you, without ever losing his award winning smile.

“now, was that really necessary?”

you shrug.

the moment you step outside the class, you hear your classmates talk in hushed voices. if they meant for you to hear them, then they succeeded.

“why do they care so much?”

childe smirks with playfulness, “because apparently you’re dating me? i’m a big deal around here y’know.”

you can’t help but roll your eyes at the comment, scoffing with how high he thinks of himself. someone should be humbled down, obviously.

the rest of your walk with childe remained peaceful (to your happiness) except for some gawks you received from other people. and as you approach closer to the school gates, you began to feel elated as freedom is just within your reach. but before you could even make your escape, childe only tightens his grip on your hand, smiling eerily down at you as if he knew what you were planning all along.

“you’re not thinking of actually walking me home right?” you rhetorically ask, but instead of hearing the answer you want to hear, you were met with no response at all.

childe, like the best thing he does, smiles mischievously.

“no.” you try to reason out, “no one will follow us to check if we’re actually dating!”

“oh hush now, we need to be as believing as possible. the person i’m trying to keep off my back is just around.”

you were immediate to glance around your surroundings, hoping to be able to take a good look at the present people’s faces. before you could even do a fast scan, childe tugs your hand he’s holding once again, warning you to stop being obvious.

with a sigh, you finally accept your defeat.

“so, how was your day?”

you snort at the sudden question. you never expected to be taken aback by some trivial question and yet, here you were.

“really? i thought that given how big your mouth is, you’d be great at starting conversations.”

“i’m trying here!” he looks so offended, as if you just insulted his entire bloodline. “what? you’d prefer pickup lines that i picked up from google?”

this urges you to raise an eyebrow, awaiting for the said pickup line, “are you made of uranium and iodine?”

you don’t resist the impulse to groan. “god, why is it when i’m always with you there’s a trace of chemistry everywhere?”

“maybe it’s because we actually do have chemistry together?”

“you got that from google?”

“nope,” childe says, popping the p, “i made that up on the spot.” he grins as if anything that he did within the 20 minutes you spent together with him was to be proud of.

“yeah, go stick to google.”

“has anyone told you that you’re hotter than sulfuric acid and sugar and you smell twice as sweet?”

“do you have any other pickup lines that aren’t chemistry related?”

“why do you hate chemistry so much?!” your ‘boyfriend’ blurts out loud, to which you reply as equally loud, “what’s not to hate about it?!”

“and besides, balancing chemical equations have been kicking my butt in class these days.” you add.

childe hums, seeming as if he understands your dilemma, “i can help you, i aced it when i was in your year.”

“you would?”

“yeah, just stop drinking diet coke,” he nonchalantly says as you raise an eyebrow from the absurdity, “because you’ve got ASSpertame.”

and he winks. childe fucking winks.

you can’t help but to grumble, not finding in yourself to complain because after all, it wouldn’t be the first time he’d help you out. so, instead of chiding him like you normally would, you let out a grumbled ‘okay’.

as the both of you walked closer to your home, you find yourself enjoying childe’s company— not in that way. he’s tolerable for most part, and some of his jokes are actually funny. banter with him was endlessly entertaining; maybe you’d manage to get out of this fake relationship alive after all.

a two story house enters your line of sight and the creamed white color of the walls tells you that you are now closer to home. you nudge childe who was deep in his thoughts, and this alerts him.

“text me when you get home, yeah?”

“please, you literally walked me to my doorstep. what bad thing can happen to me?”

“once i turn around you might get tackled to the ground and get kidnapped?”

you laugh at the ridiculousness of the man standing in front of you. “fine. i’ll text you as soon as i enter the house.”

“mhm, good.”

“now leave.”

“ow, you won’t introduce me to my parents in law?”

“shut up.”

childe chuckles at the bluntness of your replies, “i will, only if i see you enter your house.”

surprisingly, you obey for what seems the third time today. you unlock the doors with your copy of keys, bidding goodbye to your now boyfriend. and as soon as you shut the door, you feel your pocket vibrate.

childe [17:05]: did you arrive home safely?

y/n [17:05]: yes i did. now you go home safely

childe [17:05]: aw ☹️ i’d think you like me

childe: [17:06]: oh, also give me your social media accs too… it’d be weird if we didn’t follow each other

y/n [17:05]: ah right, hold on for a min.

y/n [17:06]: @yourusername for both ig and twt

childe [17:07]: great!

@childeereest tagged you in a post!

you open the notification and all you could think of is how sly he is.

love equation [ prev / masterlist / next ]

embarrassed by your five year (and counting) long crush on zhongli, you suddenly claim you have a boyfriend. there enters childe, your crush's best friend and the one who'll either save your ass or report you to the police for harassment. or in which caught up in a lie, you had no choice but to kiss the closest person next to you.

FEATURING: childe x she/her!reader, a little bit of zhongli x reader, other genshin impact characters! (they are too many to list)

TAGLIST: send an ask to be added! @r0ttenhearts @afoxesgreed @kairxse @cameshitpost @xingqiusliegee @kalncallily @aiikalvr @rrasado @belovedxiao @kunisbeloved @raideneiari @multifandoms27-blog @xxyuixe @rifran @ode-to-spring @arraxthatsonjah @thedeadbitchwalking @miitchiji @kaoyamamegami @shrslair @ajaxstar @duckyyyx @kunikuzushicandegrademefr @dee-zbignuts @sashiette @goodthingimsam @bah1e @happycheesecakedelusion @diyonicus @blov3d @kavehmylove @jan-penakulu @tsunotaro-san @carmoronic

no fun facts for this update! ★

[wodania]

I've been wanting to ask for a while! What culture do you take inspiration from when drawing clothing in your art?

I’ll try to be quick and to the point with this so I don’t ramble too much, and I’ll only mention the ones I have definitive answers for. Also note that I do often put my own non-historically accurate spin on fashion so my stuff isn’t always an exactly accurate copy of the inspiration:

Stoney Dornish: I use Caucasian-inspired fashion for the Stoney Dornish houses (ie, House Dayne)! Shout out to my friend @imjustapoorwayfaringgeek for helping me get a bunch of refs 😚🫶 everyone who sees this follow them pls

Targaryen/Valyrian: Byzantine fashion is my main inspo. There’s centuries worth of styles to pick from and it’s a lot of fun creating my own styles based off of the silhouettes and patterns used in Byzantine fashion.

Stormlands: The Stormlanders are Scottish in my heart, so I use a lot of Scottish-inspired fashion when designing them.

The Reach: I use Italian Renaissance fashion as the inspiration for the Reach nowadays, but some older Tyrell pieces do feature Tudor fashion, which I no longer use for any region or culture. Some outfits are also inspired by Botticelli’s costume design in his paintings.

The Riverlands: I rarely draw them, but Ireland is the main inspo for these guys.

The Iron Islands: I use mainly Scandinavian fashion for the Iron Islands, though I do reuse some of the styles I use for the mainland North for the Ironborn. Think of it as the two regions trading fashion styles due to their close proximity.