#This isn't the first time he's done this by the way. He once hid my parents elf on the shelf on top of the refrigerator. That one was funny

[luxlitemidnight]

Tonight's excitement, guilt tripping a ghost into giving my vape back

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

UPDATE What's up, it's the proposal guy. You said you wanted to know how this turned out, so I figured I'd tell you. First some context though, because I'm mean and I wanna keep you in suspense longer.

1- I don't wanna doxx us so I'm not telling you where we live, but suffice to say, neither of us are American, and gay marriage has been legal here for less than five years. For both of us, this is the first relationship we've had where marriage was even an OPTION, and I think that's where we've been getting some of that whole 'this has to be a REAL proposal with EVERYTHING' idea.

2- I gotta figure out how to explain this properly. So, I'm pretty used to being the GUY guy in relationships? I was always the one who did the nice gestures, not the one they got done for. Before I met my dream guy, I didn't really notice or care that it was such a thing, I just assumed that's how shit worked. Also, I promised I wouldn't talk a lot about his stuff here, but his last boyfriend before me SUCKED. Anyway point here is, it turns out we both REALLY like feeling swept off our feet sometimes, and a big part of finding each other has been getting to feel special for once? That's a stupid sappy way of putting it the point here is I think all that's what morphed into "I need to be the one getting proposed to, also it has to be completely perfect", and then our Petty & Extra genes got involved.

So I'm sitting in bed thinking about all that up there, and watching all the comments coming in basically being like "Dude, you are BLOWING this" on repeat, and telling me to compromise, and I look up and see him flossing in the bathroom and making all these doofy faces at the mirror, and it's like a switch just flips in my brain, and I'm like "Oh, I'd rather he gets to have his perfect proposal than we both have an okay one". I'm gonna do it.

Morning rolls around, and while I'm 'out for my jog like normal' I hit up a pawn shop for a temp ring (the ring pop thing is cute but NOT HIM). I found one I was at least confident wouldn't get ruined the first time he got his hands greasy (he fixes old machines as a hobby it's hot as hell), got back home, and hid the box in the toe of my nasty ass workout shoes in the bedroom closet, since I figured he'd check there last.

He was still asleep, because he stays up late no matter what and then is SHOCKED he's tired the next day, so I called and booked a table at our usual anniversary spot. (Side note about the 'he picks bad restaurants' thing. This isn't an 'I like Greek, you like Chinese' situation, dude's just BAD at finding places. He either assumes pricey is tasty and I get to eat some overrated gourmet bullshit, or he'll try and find something hip and underground and risk giving us food poisoning again, and he REFUSES to give up and pick somewhere we've been before when it's his turn to plan date night. I'm obsessed with him <3.) Date was set, I'd propose on the 21st.

Some of you might have noticed this, but fun fact! It's currently the 16th.

Last night I'm doing dishes and he's been sent to our room for mug collection duty, and he's taking FOREVER, so I go check just in case he found the ring, because the man's a gift tracking BLOODHOUND. Turns out he hasn't, he's found my Angry Box.

I assume other people have an Angry Box? Basically, we had this huge messy fight right when we first moved in together, and I never wanna let it get that bad again, so I have this shoebox where I keep a bunch of our stuff I can look at if we're fighting and hopefully cool off. There's one of those photo booth roll things, letters we wrote when he moved back with his parents for COVID, the wine cork from our first date, shit like that. Anyway, he's just sitting on the floor staring at it, and I explain about the Angry Box, and then he! Proposes!!! Kind of.

He definitely didn't have anything prepared, because by 'propose' I mean 'ugly cried & rambled at me for several minutes before I figured out it WAS a proposal', but once I got on the same page it was amazing. I said yes, and he had to admit he didn't have a ring for me because he was CONVINCED he'd win and I'd do it, so I grabbed mine because, yeah, he was right. He was like "this is the ugliest ring I've ever seen" and I was like yeah well the plan is to replace it later and he went "No. You can pry this off my cold dead fingers. After I'm buried with it." So I guess it's not a temporary ring anymore.

I'm just gonna go ahead and skip to this morning. I pointed out we still have the reservation, and he said I should propose there anyway because "We can get a free dessert. They have those creme brulee shot glasses you like. And for love, or something" and I said ok deal, but that means you gotta get me a ring to keep it fair, and his eyes LIT UP. When I swung by his work for lunch he was still on the phone with a jeweler and he had a whole page of notes on three other ones. Pray for me.

OH PS: I was RIGHT that he'd been the one behind the cat biting me, but it wasn't about the proposal stuff, it's because I paid my baby sister three dollars to shout 'fuck you' every single time he enters a room she's in for (if you ask me, he should be madder at my sister for charging so little), and he did it by giving her a bunch of treats for biting his hands too, so now neither of us can pet our baby girl without oven mitts on. HOLY SHIT I love this man.

Oh my goddddddd I love everything about this <333 I awwww'd out loud on a voice call, like, six times while reading. You two are friggin perfect for each other and so obviously smitten with each other and I wish y'all all the happiness in the world

PS Are y'all planning to have a big wedding? If so oh boy I can't WAIT to get that one in the inbox

Original post

[rene-darling]

TAKING- advantage of the strongest

He's been having a hard time lately, he's lost Suguru, his one and only, of course- you on the other hand are overjoyed at that fact.

It's annoying, after all, you've done for him, he calls out his name instead of yours, it's time you taught him a permanent lesson on manners.

P.s I TOLD YOU ITS NEVER GOJOVERRR RAHHH- [credits- __3aem on insta]

Also, follow my insta r3xni3 n text me, let's talk, im bored!!

...gojo Satoru...

Seeing Gojo with his head in his hands sitting at the edge of the school stairs wasn't a new sight for you, in fact for the past week you've been seeing him sitting there.

Crying, sobbing, or simply sitting in misery. He's always thinking of that damned suguru. Honestly, it was hard to get him to show you any affection with suguru around, and now that he's gone it's gotten even harder!

It's not that you hate suguru, you just love gojo, and seeing your gojo in pain annoys you, but. It also makes for the perfect opportunity to shove yourself in his life, when he's most vulnerable and make him rely on you

"what up 'toru?" Sitting down next to him gently touching his shoulder, you can't be too forward now. "..mhm, it's nothing." Hmm, well you knew it wouldn't be that easy, of course he wouldn't open up to you just yet! So you'll just keep trying- "come on satoru, this isn't like you, you're the strongest-"

"Can you leave? I'm not in the mood y/n." Running his hands through his hair he groaned as he hid his face. You got up without a word, it's fine, if he pushes you away you have many more ways to push back harder.

The continuing weeks during classes you would always make small talk, distracting his mind from geto. Then you'd buy him sweets saying that there was some buy one get one free offer, which is why you had brought one over for him there wasn't

You occupied him on the missions he'd usually go to alone, keeping him from feeling lonely. No matter how hard they were and no matter how much strain they put your body through you'd reassure him, you're fine!

He'd notice how you'd push yourself for him, it made him- feel. Feel something other than the constant sorrow due to Geto's absence.

He started reciprocating your 'kindness'. he would let you rest your head on his lap after a stressful mission and sometimes..he'd rests his own head on yours.

Shoving yourself in his life to replace the sorrows he felt didn't only include platonic relations. Every once in a while, whenever the feelings of loss came back too harshly, all he wanted was to forget. Get lost in pleasure, in anything, just- just please make him forget.

His tears which usually stained his face due to sorrow, now stained his face due to mind-numbing pleasure, his body was yours for the destroying, just please, please make him forget. Even if just for tonight!

" 'toru, use your words now, tell me what you want, hm?" You moved your hand ever so slowly, it hurt. "Just- just please, touch me, ruin me, do whatever you want. I'm yours, yours all yours- Suguru please.

Hah- fuck. He's so lucky he's Gojo Satoru. your gojo Satoru. You can feel yourself growing numb as you let out an unhinged chuckle "Sure Satoru." You try pronouncing his name with that same softness, to replicate that tone of pure love and kindness geto had, but alas, you never truly get it right.

Still, it's close enough for him. as he whines, bucking into your hand. You have half the mind to leave him like this, writhing on the bed, but you never do. This isn't the first time, and certainly isn't the last. You're sure every single fucking time you've seen satoru he's called out his name,

But, as you gaze down at him and as he stares up at you with his pretty blue eyes which spill with tears by the second, you can't help it. Perhaps you pity him, or perhaps you simply don't care if he's using you as a means to an end, since in return, you get to be the one fucking him dumb. And not Suguru, 'cause he's dead. But that's beside the point.

Rocking his world as his vision blanks, eyes rolling back as sweat covers him. You don't mind the pain of when he bites into your shoulder, you don't mind the fact that Suguru's name slips out of him more than your (can be fake) cock

But, for some reason you just can't take it today. Something takes over you, you swear, as you grab harshly onto his neck, gasps leave his throat as he huffs for air. "Wh- Ah pl- EAse- hah."

"say my name." "Wha- AHh-" pressing your hand down harder you're sure it'll leave marks. "Y/n. Fucking say it you dumb bitch." Tears fall down from his cheeks and onto your hand but it only seems to egg you on "Ah- mhm y-y/n please?" As you let go gits of his coughs fill the air as his pink chest rises up and down for air

Suddenly he gasps once more as you push against his prostate, you're far too pleased with him saying your name to let him rest, even to catch his breath.

His cries ring in your ear as his hands scratch onto your skin, leaving deep bloody marks in their wake he stares up at you with his tear stained eyes, mumbling only your name for the rest of the night.

You hope he's learned his lesson, and if not. You wouldn't mind teaching him another one.

[liliesinrequiem]

Obedience

A/N: The way I'm obsessed with this man isn't healthy. Fell in love when I saw him for the first time and haven't recovered since then. Hoping he's playable in the future! Thoroughly enjoy him as a character.

Pairing: Yandere!Sunday x Reader

Summary: Sunday doubts your honesty and proceeds with doing a trial on you.

CW: Unhealthy relationship, psychological distress, use of religion to manipulate, and briefly mentioned obsessive behaviors. Overall, not great relationship. Also, spoilers for 2.1 if you haven't completed it!

You knelt before him. He sat on his office chair with an expectant look on his face. It’s just that you weren’t sure what he wanted. “Now, is there anything that you’re hiding from me?” he asked. The iciness of his voice pierced your heart and you looked down at your hands. 

“No,” you answered quietly. A gloved hand gently grabbed your chin and tilted your face to force you to look at him. Brilliant, golden eyes stared back at you. He was dissecting every aspect of you. The perfectly crafted smile on his face hid his disappointment. Sunday was always so meticulous with how he appeared in front of others. 

“I’ll give you one final chance,” he said. “Do you have anything to admit?” The weight of his expectations made your lungs feel like they were going to be crushed. 

“I don’t,” you answered. His gentle grasp on you tightened slightly. Your heart began to sink. He didn’t believe you. Had you done something wrong? Maybe you had without realizing it? You just couldn’t think of anything.

“I thought that we’d been getting better. It seems that I need to teach you once more what happens if you lie to me,” he said. You shook at the meaning of his words. “Remember, my dove. Honesty makes the Great One happy and lies only mark the soul for damnation.” His mantra lived within your mind. You’d become incapable of lying to others even outside of your relationship with him. You didn’t want to upset the Great One. More importantly, you didn’t want to upset Sunday.

“Oh, Triple-Faced Soul, please sear their tongue and palms with a hot iron, so that they will not be able to fabricate lies and make false vows.” The world around you seemed to warp as you felt the intense pressure from the Harmony in your mind. It’d been a very long time since Sunday had used this method to get you to confess something. At first, you tried to fight against it, but you soon saw what could happen to a person if they weren’t honest. So, you gave him what he craved: absolute control. Everything you did must be able to be watched by him. Even movement in the waking world. Eventually, there had been little reason to ever use it on you as you did all that he ordered of you. “Let us begin the questioning, my dove. Are you ready?” 

“Yes.” It didn’t matter if you were or weren’t. The countless voices of the Harmony were already wrapping around your mind like a suffocating hug. You sometimes wondered how much a human body could sustain this sort of thing. You’d had the consecration done very few times. But you couldn’t help but wonder if that had left some permanent mark on you.

“First question: who did you speak to in the Golden Hour near the Clockie Statue?” One aspect of being with Sunday was knowing that he’d scrutinize every detail of what you did. Even the smallest thing could be seen as potentially insulting the Great One’s image.

“A guest that was visiting the Golden Hour for the first time,” you answered. The guest had a confused expression when he approached you. 

“What did he ask you?” asked Sunday. The sequence of questions always started innocently. It was to delve deeper into your mind. By the time he reached the thing he actually wanted to ask, your mind was already being unspun by the Harmony.

“What the best sights were in the Golden Hour. I offered some places such as Dr. Edward’s and some shops that I knew were popular,” you answered. He’d gone on his merry way once you’d pointed the right direction for things.

“What is your favorite sight to see in all of Penacony?” His voice was much sterner with you during questionings. Even when the question wasn’t anything deep.

“Dream’s Edge. I like the shooting stars,” you said confidently. He nodded as if he already knew the answer to that. In all likelihood, he did. Everything about you was neatly written down and maintained somewhere within his archives. That was all you knew, though. Where and how he maintained them was unknown. 

Your head was starting to hurt. “A Bloodhound told me that he saw you speaking with a woman at Dream’s Edge,” he said. “He told me that the woman was telling you that she felt as if something was missing in her life. What was your response?” 

“That she should check in with a dream nurse when she wakes up,” you said. Her panicked state had made you panic a bit. You hadn’t seen someone who was suffering from such a severe case of missing memories like her in a while. You hadn’t had enough courage to go back to Dream’s Edge alone.

“Why did you spend a whole night in the Moment of Blue Hour?” Through the excruciating headache, you’d started to wonder why he was only asking about the people you were speaking to. Was he investigating something? What could it be?

“...An old lady. She wanted company as she waited for her lover to return. She said that he promised to return from war and that she’d been waiting for him since then…I couldn’t leave her alone.” The emptiness in her eyes reminded you of other visitors who desperately sought out their lost ones in the realm of dreams. It seemed that the old lady might have to wait longer.

“She seems to know how to keep promises. Next question: who are you most loyal to?” he asked. Did the question even have to be asked?

“I’m most loyal to you, Sunday.” No one else had such power to swing you between life and death so carefully.

“When I asked you if you were hiding anything from me, were you honest with your answer?” The sound of the Harmony’s voices had gotten progressively louder. You dug your fingernails into the palms of your hands. The pain was the only thing keeping you steady as you drowned in thousands of voices. Meanwhile, your beloved merely looked down at you.

“..........I was.” It was getting more difficult to respond. The weight was collapsing on you. Even if you were being honest, you wouldn’t feel free until liberated from its power.

“My dove, did you know that every single person who you’ve spoken to recently wound up dead in the dream?” he asked. Your eyebrows furrowed. What was he talking about?

“No.” People come and go. How could you keep track of what others did post your interactions with them?

“The final question: can you swear to me that you haven’t been working with the killer?” he asked. 

“.................I swear.” You knew that the killer had been filling his mind recently. But how could you have anything to do with that? You rarely even interacted with people. Was that why he was interrogating you? Couldn’t he corroborate with his servants to see that you hadn’t done anything against him? Why couldn’t he just put his faith into you?

You were on the edge of tears. The power that he had placed on you made you feel as if you were burning up against the cool of his glove. Their united voices had started to sink into your psyche. How much more? Through his usage of the consecration, he knew whether you were lying or not. He had to know that you were being honest.

Sunday smiled at you and it felt like a light at the end of the tunnel. “You’ve done well, my dove. You haven’t uttered a single lie,” he said. “The Great One has chosen to show you mercy once more for being such an honest person.” He let go of your face. You could feel the power leaving your body as you laid your head on his lap. The exhaustion was something else. Your head swam with too many things at once. 

His hand gently patted your head as a method of calming you down. The shaking of your body gradually stopped through his touch. “I have one final question,” he said. Another test. Something easy to do when the other party was still vulnerable. 

“What is it?” you asked quietly. 

“Do you love me, (Y/N)?” A simple question. He was your lover. A man who held a lot of power in all of Penacony. The one who had promised you a beautiful dream as long as you followed him. Even though you feared the use of the consecration, if you were honest, he’d save you from it. Just as he had always done so. It only further proved his point, didn’t it? As long as you did as he said, Sunday wouldn’t bring real harm to you.

“Yes.” He was the one who could condemn you to the eternal abyss of damnation and the only one who could save you from it. He was your judge and your savior all in one.

[lkfarrout]

HR (Stan x fem!Reader)

Summary: you decide to give your boss a little scare

Warnings: playful flirting, nothing overtly sexual

"Did you see what Stan was wearing yesterday? That open collar..."

"Ew! He's like my grandpa. Why would you even say that?" Wendy made a fake gagging sound. You enjoyed having her as a coworker, despite sometimes forgetting she was nearly ten years younger than you.

You'd started working at the Mystery Shack in the spring, while Wendy was still in school, and when summer began, you were grateful to finally have someone to talk to when things were slow in the giftshop. Her and Dipper even invited you onto the roof occasionally. It was nice to have someone to confide in about your crush, too, even if she pretended it was super gross.

"Why don't you ask him out already? He'll say yes, I mean he stares at you constantly." She was right - the world's darkest pair of sunglasses couldn't hide Stan's obvious gaze over your figure as you stocked the shelves every day. Not to mention calling you "doll" any chance he got. But until now, you'd pretended to be blissfully unaware, biding your time patietly.

"Oh, I will," you assurred Wendy, "but I'm gonna give him hell first. I got a plan, just wait."

---

"Yeah, and when you're done with that, there's a leak in the roof you can look at." Stan's gruff voice rang out through the gift shop as he and Soos entered.

"On it, boss," Soos saluted Stan before approaching the checkout desk, "What's up dudes?"

"Hey Soos," you pretended not to notice Stan behind him, "do you know who's in charge of HR here? Is it you?" You felt a little bad roping the ever-innocent Soos into your mischief, but the suddenly panicked look on Stan's face was worth it.

Soos began to repond, "Gee, I guess I've been here the longest, so--"

Stan cut him off, nudging Soos to the side and placing his palms on the counter. He leaned close and said, "You're lookin' at HR." He squinted his eyes suspiciously, "Why d'ya ask?"

"Oh its nothing, just" you put on your best poker face and shrugged, "maybe I need to report some inappropriate behavior."

Wendy hid her face in her comic book to stop herself from laughing, but poor Soos looked very concerned. You prayed Wendy had the heart to explain the ruse to him once you and Stan were out of the room. At your words, Stan just sighed and gestered toward his office.

Once inside, he removed his fez, sat on the edge of the desk, and rubbed the bridge of his nose under his glasses, "Look, doll, I'll be straight with you. You do good work, but Wendy 'n Soos have been here a whole lot longer and I have a hard time believing either of them would--"

"My issue isn't with them." You crossed your arms and he raised an eyebrow at you as you continued, "I should slap you, the way you gawk at me all day. And all those pet names? You must think I'm stupid."

Stan didn't look as shocked as you'd hoped. Instead he chuckled with the corner of his mouth and got to his feet.

"Wouldn't be the first time." He said. His arms hung at his sides. He closed his eyes and turned his head. His shoulders and neck tensed and he braced for the impact.

Suddenly your palms were sweaty, you hadn't expected this. Was he actually going to let you slap him?

After a moment, he partially opened one eye, "Well, get it over with already."

"Mr. Pines... I'm not gonna slap you."

His body relaxed and he shrugged, "I 'preciate that, but I'm pretty sure I deserve it this time."

You smirked at him, "I won't slap you, but only because I'm afraid you'd like it."

Stan chuckled a bit, but you could tell you'd flustered him. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the floor.

"Look doll--" he coughed, catching himself, "look, I'm sorry if I made ya uncomfortable, I promise I'll stop. But, if you could just keep this between us..."

"An apology isn't good enough. I'd hate to see your good reputation ruined, Mr. Pines."

Stan sighed and headed for the chair behind his desk. As he sat down he muttered, "Figured. You always were a fiesty one." He started rummaging through a drawer in the desk.

"Alright, what do ya want, a raise?" He pulled out the paperwork he was looking for and slid it towards you. You just shook your head at him.

Defeated, he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

"Okay, this aint the first time I've been blackmailed. What'll buy your silence?"

At this point you couldn't hide your smile. You approached the desk and leaned over, your low-cut top perfectly showing off your cleavage in front of him. His eyes darted to the corner of the ceiling and he swallowed.

"Stan," it was the first time you'd ever used his first name in front of him, "we both know what I really want isn't silence."

He stole a few quick glances at you before studying the ceiling again. "What's your point?"

"I want you to take me out to dinner."

He did a touble-take and sat straight up in his chair, "Come again?"

"I like the attention, Stan," you laughed at him, "but I wasn't gonna give you what you wanted without a good scare first." You shot him a wink across the desk.

Stan's cheeks flooded pink, he was speechless.

You prodded him, "Well, did I? Scare you?"

Stan dramatically clutched his chest, "Ya nearly put me in an early grave, doll."

He stood and moved back to your side of the desk with a chuckle. "Was Wendy in on this?"

"Oh, of course."

With one arm, Stan grabbed you by the waist and pulled you into him, looking deeply into your eyes, "You make a pretty good con, y'know." His free hand found its way to your jaw and he pulled you into an energetic kiss that lasted several wonderful seconds.

As he pulled away, you flashed him a devilish smile, "I learned from the best."

I'm not the most proud of this fic, quality-wise, but it's been sitting finished in my drafts so I might as well post it. I will say this is not very ethical but it's just meant to be a fun story, don't take it too seriously

[luckymousey]

Yk something that would be funny?

Christmas dinner in NRC.

I'm late, VERY LATE, I know, BUT, this is long, ok ;)?

But here's the trick, Lilia, SOMEHOW, managed to hide a dish between the rest, and he told the rest that.

And can they leave?

Of course not

Lilia swallowed down the key and closed the windows, and Malleus is not able to teleport because I say so :D.

And now, they would be playing Russian Roulette, choosing between eating or not.

They've to eat anyways, because Lilia practically stares at the person without blinking, creeping them out.

So here's like a mini scenario (I lied, this is not mini):

(This actually happened in my Christmas dinner, my little cousin, who wants to be a chef, hid one dish between the thousands of plates that were on the table, and he told us about it and we were like: fuck, we're done for. And let's say that a little boy under the age of 6 isn't the best cook, so yeah, my sister joked about playing the Russian Roulette and this came to my mind when I was thinking about what to write)

(The food made by him was inside some dumplings, if you want to know)

⚠️ English is not my first language and there might be some writing mistakes⚠️

If you want to know more about my OC, you can click here!

Riddle will NEVER ever accept another invitation of Lilia, he tasted one of his dishes previously and it's a miracle he survived.

But of course, not eating at all after accepting the invitation is disrespectful.

He's forcing offering the Adeuce pair the first bite of each dish he wants to try, as any good leader would.

Trey knew he should've faked a cold when he received the invitation, nothing good happens when Lilia and food are in the same phrase.

He still remembers the time he turned around to take an egg and then the kitchen floor was covered in flour.

Now his only option is to take a deep breath before each bite and hope for the best.

Cater doesn't want to hurt his friend, but his food is not the best to put it simpler.

The first one to try to escape, also the first one to be pushed by Lilia to the table and sit down.

He makes sure to take a lot of photos (and analyze each one to try and recognize Lilia's dish)

Bella prefers Lilia's food before tasteless food, but right now, it isn't...appealing to eat.

She decides to say she's not hungry.

Didn't work, so she tells the food is too hot for her.

Also didn't work, Lilia had a freezer hidden behind a curtain, she decides to fake a vomit (how? No one knows, she included, but I guess that the passionate fear of the food gave her the ability to do so)

Didn't work, had to give up, she tries to think of the many times she could've burnt herself before accepting the invitation, but she's alive and sitting at the table, so it's up to her luck.

Ace and Deuce are the ones who eat because they're practically forced to, until now, everything has been delicious, but who knows, maybe the next bite will knock them out.

Ace: do it for the gifts, Juice

Deuce: my name's Deuce, you asshole

Ace: sorry dude, the fear doesn't let me think straight

Cater: *in the back, trying to distract Lilia* I heard that he in reality is gay.

Leona was FORCED by Ruggie, who teased him by saying he was scared to have to face Malleus

Of course he isn't! (Let's be honest, Leona is one of the few people who isn't scared of him at all)

He puts a disgusted expression when Lilia tells them the news, anyways, time to sleep.

He's the first one to be able to escape from the food because once he sleeps, there's no way to wake him up.

Ruggie was excited to go, free food, spend a good Christmas with friends, free food, did I mention the free food (⁠♡⁠ω⁠♡⁠ ⁠)?

But once he hears Lilia's words, he knew he shouldn't have been so desperate.

He has no credible excuse for why he doesn't want to eat, everyone knows he likes food, especially if it's free.

Ruggie: you see, I'm already full, Leona felt generous this afternoon and treated me to lunch.

Bella: (if I'm going to die, you're going down with me) eh?~ Ruggie "I'm taking everything that's free" Bucchi isn't hungry? Don't worry, I'm sure Lilia will let you take the leftovers.

Lilia: of course! I already have the tuppers prepared! *Takes out a box full of tuppers*

Trey: *knowing where everything is going* yes, yes, eating is very important after all, Ruggie, make sure to eat Lilia's food.

Cater: *playing along his two friends* that's right, and Lilia makes the most nutritious good of all Twisted Wonderland! #healthy food #healthy life!

Ruggie: (you fuckers 😭) *trying to smile* a-alright

Jack accepted the invitation out of pure respect for his upperclassman, Lilia is strong and he can see that, so he obviously feels a big amount of respect for him.

He never tried Lilia's food, so he thinks everyone is just exaggerating, a little mistake in following the recipe can't make a dish horrible.

That's what he thinks until Cater pulls out his phone and shows him a video.

That can't be edible at all, that's moving and all, THAT'S MOVING.

Now he's internally crying and apologizing to his siblings for not spending more time with them because he can't smell which dish is Lilia's thanks to the spell he out before they arrived.

Azul thinks that the worst food ever is Floyd's when he's not in the mood to cook.

Now, he discovered (obviously thanks to Cater) (no, he wasn't eavesdropping his and Jack's conversation) there's something worse.

He knows better than no one that judging others by their cover isn't good (no he doesn't)

But whatever that is, it can't be right.

Of course, he has been warned by various (aka Lilia's squad "I would do anything for Lilia": Malleus, Sebek and Silver's glares) not to hurt his feelings by saying things about his food, so he can't try to make a deal with him, it would be too obvious.

Seeing how his two bodyguards friends are happily eating, he decides to leave all to his luck (even though he hates leaving things up to luck)

Jade knew how lethal Lilia's food can be, but alas, life makes no sense if it's boring, does it? So he happily tries each dish, Floyd wasn't in the mood to poison himself, but seeing his brother eating with freedom and no care at all, he immediately laughs and starts eating too, now, they're holding a competition of who manages to catch Lilia's food first. (Almost everyone is horrified)

Kalim (pink because there isn't the color I want, it looks nice tho) isn't allowed to eat anything that's not Jamil's, in case there's a murder attempt, but he managed to convince Jamil to let him eat his friend's food, so he's also eating with a smile on his face (but everyone knows he's too naive to understand why no one wants to eat Lilia's food), only if Jamil tastes it first, who already knows and TRIED Lilia's food, still, he eats everything like he doesn't give two shits about the world, his mind was like: if I die, I'll be be free, and if don't, I'll be able to live, both are good.

Vil CAN'T eat Lilia's food, Sevens know what it will do to his skin, his body and his mental health.

Still, Lilia keeps insisting that his food is the most nutritious and healthy, so it will enhance his beauty.

Vil: *under his breath* if you were in Pomefiore, you could easily become dorm leader with your food.

Lilia: did you say something, Vil? *Expectantly looks at him with doll-alike eyes*

Vil: you're more than honored to have me tasting your food

Lilia: sure I do *not looking away*

Rook is the third one who's willing to eat his food even knowing how bad the situation can get, he literally said: oh là là, don't mind me if I do; and then the cut the steak in front of him.

(I know this one is short, but seriously, this is the only thing I could think about, he DEFINITELY is the type of persom who risks his life with anything) (he's a sweetheart tho)

Once the news arrived, Epel started writing his will and a letter for his meemaw.

He's happy that he isn't forced to eat before other like Adeuce

He also brought boxes of apple juice sent by his family that couldn't be sell, and the juices are quickly finished because everyone wants a refreshing drink to fight against the sweat and fear.

Malleus was willing to give up the royal treasure for more juice

Idia was forced by his younger brother :3

This man here doesn't even want to hold eye contact with anyone in the room, so obviously eating is something he also doesn't want to do.

Thanks to his unwillingness to pick up the fork, he becomes Lilia's main focus.

Lilia: Idia, you don't eat anything but those small cups with spaghetti, c'mon, it's just a small tiny weenie bite.

Idia: *mumbling* this morning I pulled an X10 pull and got nine R cards and only one SR, which I've repeated, with my luck, I'll surely eat the demon's potion.

Lilia: *not listening at all because if he were he would've heard what he said* you don't need to be so modest *still pushing a plate to him*

Ortho can't eat, so he's the only 100% safe here (⁠つ⁠✧⁠ω⁠✧⁠)⁠つ

But if he could...

Ortho: *robotic voice* activating blasting mode in 10 seconds, please, if you do not wish to be hurt, stay away, I repeat, please, if you do not wish to be hurt, stay away.

Anyone in the room: *Spanish mode* SÁLVESE QUIEN PUEDA!!!

Malleus has been avoiding Lilia's food since he first tried it, the prince has NO IDEA of what to do now.

So he tries to distract Lilia.

Malleus: Lilia, my friend, I believe that eating is not the most crucial thing about Christmas, but the fact that we all do it together.

Lilia: I know, Malleus, the more the merrier

Malleus: so how about we skip dinner and go sightseeing some beautiful and noble gargoyles I found in my last expedition? *Suggests while Sebek and Silver are already trying to throw out all the food*

Lilia: don't worry, the night is young! We can go outside after we finish eating (⁠◠⁠‿⁠・⁠)⁠—⁠☆!

Malleus: *to the rest* I'm afraid we're doomed

Silver's case is similar to Malleus', so he's trying to act like he's sleeping, but Lilia knows how to wake him up, so his only option left is to accept his fate and eat just like his father taught him.

SIKE

Kalim: look! Silver and Lilia are playing tag! Let's play too! *Drags Jamil and Deuce, who was sitting next to him, with him*

Sebek is scared of his life, but then he remembers that his mighty grandfather and his Master Lilia both went to war, he can't back down so easily!

So he looks at the dishes like they're his worst enemies (people who don't appreciate books or worship his liegue) and takes the fork.

He eats everything with bravery and hope

[quigonswife8]

Help: Leon x reader

Leon comes to you to fix up his hair.

[Creds to: bahnhofbratan on Pinterest for the photo]

As always thank ya’ll for the love on my stuff :)

----

[2 am]

A knocking at your front door wakes you from your slumber. At first, you chalk it up to your mind playing tricks on you. However when that same knock repeats you realise it's not a mind trick, and therefore decide to go and see.

"I'm coming!"

It's not until you get to the front door that you realise how bad of an idea this is. It's god knows how late in the morning, someone is knocking on the door in the middle of the night and they still haven't said anything. This is a perfect example of "person falls victim to stupidity." and, with that, you don't open the door.

Instead you reach for a weapon. Breathing a little heavy but maintaining your composure, you begin to back away....

"(y/n) please open the door I...I need you."

Leon?

"Leon? Is that you?"

"Yeah it's me...", he replies, though he sounds shy, embarrassed? "...I know it's really late, but I...fucked up and I need help." you don’t grab the weapon, and instead you open the door, now scared that he's hurt or something which thankfully isn't the case.

Instead he stands there wearing a hoodie and when you begin to open your mouth to ask, he pulls it off.

His hair...it's been...cut, except in such an uneven and crooked way. Leon looks, again, embarrassed, and that's probably why he hid his head with the hoodie on the way. You find his hair perfect though, despite how it looks, though that can't be said about Leon.

"I tried to cut my hair, but I...got distracted and it ended up like this."

He steps forward, though seems hesitant, and the poor guy Leon looks at you desperate.

"Look I know it was a stupid reason to come over this late, I just..."

"No." You reply, stepping out to meet him. "it's not stupid at all Leon. Like I said you can come to me about anything, and I mean anything. I care for you a lot, you're my best friend Leon, but I don't just care for you 'cause you're my best friend."

Leon stands there...and his eyes soften a little. He gives a small nod and looks at you, thankful.

"Now come in, i'll fix up your hair for you."

Leon walks in once you move aside, and you close and lock the door once more. He looks around the house, memories of being there many a time filling his mind, which only makes him smile.

Noting the smile on his face as you pass, you gesture the agent to take a seat on a chair, before leaving to grab some hair stuff. Sure you're tired but you wanna be here for Leon and if that means spending all night awake with him, then that's what will happen.

Searching through the different stuff you soon return, and Leon smiles seeing you. God his smile, it always seems to make things better.

"So you just want me to fix it up for you, that's all...?"

"Yeah- yes please (n/n)."

"Got it."

You then come up behind him and you wrap a towel around his shoulders. Leon sits completely still and lets you do your thing, though feeling the closeness makes him feel all warm inside.

The two of you have known eachother for years and he would be lying if he said he didn't have feelings for you. He hasn't revealed these feelings though not wanting to mess up the relationship the two of you have, but mainly to keep you out of danger.

If anyone found out he loved you, you would be hurt, and if hiding these feelings covers that, he's fine with that.

Leon is snapped back to reality when he feels your fingers through his hair, the way you're so gentle to not cut him or hurt him in anyway. His eyes close and he gets more comfortable, letting you fix up his hair- that warm feeling inside wrapping around him like a blanket.

---

"Done.", a big proud smile on your lips, and you put your tools away and look at Leon. "...ready to see?"

Leon gives a nod, excited to see you fix up his "mistake.". Unable to hide your smile, you count down from three and show him his fixed up hair with a hand-held mirror.

He focuses on his reflection...you wait to see his reaction...Leon turns around to look at you...and the cutest softest smile appears.

"It's perfect! you did amazing, thank you. Now I won't look like my hair got caught in a mower."

"You're welcome Leon..." you place the mirror down and smile. "...i'm glad I could help...oh!" You glance at the clock. "I know this is sudden but I can't let you go home at this time- you walked here, right? Well i'm not letting you walk home. You can take my bed, i'll take the couch." And oh if he hadn't fallen in love with you already, this act of kindness proved it.

"I couldn't do that to you."

"I insist, really."

"But-"

"I insist."

He pauses...he looks wanting to "fight" you on this again, but realises how insistent you are, and gives in.

"Okay i'll take the bed." which makes you happy, and with a smile, you bring him to your room. Leon, who turns back to look at you, looks like he wants to say more than thank you, but holds his tongue like he always does.

"Thank you again (y/n), really."

With a nod, the way your eyes soften, you answer;

"You're welcome Leon..."

The two you stare at eachother for a few more moments, before you nod and turn, shutting the door to head down to the lounge. Leon's eyes remain on the door for a moment or so more, before he lays down on your bed and lets out a soft sigh.

You on the other hand take the couch and lay down, looking up at the ceiling, thinking of Leon.

While Leon sleeps in your bed, and you sleep on the couch, neither of you can fall asleep straightaway. All you can think about is one-another, though, neither would ever admit that.

Which is the way it has to be.

————

[vikkirosko]

💙 Max x fem!Reader Oneshot I hate this camp 🧸

Max hated the camp. He tried to escape from there many times, but his plans were ruined every time. Once again, when his camp and the neighboring ones had an event, Max thought about running away. He was annoyed by literally everything.

Deciding to take advantage of the hype, he hid away from the others, hoping to spend at least some time in peace and quiet until David finds him again to tell nonsense about team spirit, about how he should participate in events with everyone, about the power of friendship. The thought of it made Max sigh in exasperation.

"I hate this camp"

"I hate this camp"

Max jerked when he heard a strange voice that spoke his words at the same time. When he looked at you, he realized who you were. You were one of the Flower Scouts. He saw you a few times, too, and each time you had that look on your face, like you were sorry you'd even woken up this morning. Right now, there was outright surprise on your face. You obviously didn't expect to see anyone here.

He frowned a little, but he knew that if he made a fuss, he would have to go back to the others, so Max just sat down next to you in the shade of one of the trees.

"Isn't your camp really cool? At least that's what Neil said when he told me"

You snorted and rolled your eyes.

"He just didn't live with them, it's a small branch of Hell on earth, where everyone tries to assert themselves at your expense, imposes on you how you should behave, how you should dress, what you can and can't do and what you may like and what not, yes, I'll go crazy by the end of the summer at this rate"

Max let out a chuckle.

"Should I wait in the newspapers for the massacre at your camp?"

You giggled, smiling a little.

"If I decide to carry out a massacre in my camp, I will tell you about it, in case you decide to arrange something similar in your camp"

Max watched you as you closed your eyes and as you tried to take a break from the other girls you were forced to communicate with. You have never behaved like them, you have not done meanness or insulted others. Because you didn't support the other Scouts, you clearly had a strained relationship with them.

"How did you end up with them in the first place?"

"Nothing unusual, my parents saw the advertisement and decided that it wouldn't hurt for me to spend more time outside the house, and even more so in the company of my peers"

You snorted again. Looking at you, Max realized that you didn't share your parents' opinions at all. You were like him in some ways. Annoyed, wanting to escape from your camp and spend time the way you would like it. You might even be able to get along if you had the opportunity to spend time together more often.

"Maybe it's time to change camp then?"

He asked the question before he had time to think it through. Max usually didn't try to help others just like that, but maybe you could make friends with him, and maybe you could even help him to cause chaos in the camp. He was looking at your expression carefully, trying to figure out what you were thinking.

At some point, a slight smile appeared on your lips.

"I think it would be better than continuing to sell cookies"

Max grinned, feeling that he had won, even though he wasn't sure what. Perhaps very soon, a new camper will appear in his camp, who will join his small team to bring chaos and disorder.

[itsmattchou]

we are diamonds shining today !

pairing: kim gyuvin x gn!reader warnings: reader implied to be shorter than gyuvin (and being cute and adorable), worrying about exams, mentions of food, scary place wah, gyuvin is s t u p i d, yujin is anti love!!!, implied suggestive something idk, english isn't my first language!!! genre: fluff, crack synopsis: 5 "first times" with kim gyuvin. notes: LATE HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GYUVIN!! pls dont flop pls dont flop

the first time he kissed top of your head. it was a rainy wednesday, barely a month into your relationship with gyuvin. like always the two of you spent the lunch break together, just the two of you at your secret spot. while gyuvin was munching on carrots bugs bunny style, you confided in him about you being scared of the exam that was going to be written in a few- the bell rang- the exam that was going to be written now. you stood up and told gyuvin to please bury you once the exam was done, but he just shook his head and moved to stand in front of you, his hands placed on your shoulders rubbing soothing circles.

"you're going to do well, don't worry about it. i believe that you can nail it." he then placed a delicate kiss to the top of your head, succeeding in cheering you up.

the first time he tried sacrificing you. gyuvin was known for being a scaredy cat and hater of everything scary. he despised horror movies with a passion, whenever he sees someone playing a video game he exits as fast as possible, and he would hate halloween too if it weren't for the sweets making up for it. but you being his cute and adorable partner, managed to drag him into a horror house at the fair. it only took you half an hour of talking into him, a teddy bear and a months supply of cotton candy! but once you entered the building, the 6 foot man named gyuvin hid behind you as if he was a little child, only occasionally peeking over your shoulder.

suddenly, skeleton shot out from behind a corner, startling you and gyuvin. but your boyfriend wasted no time in screaming, "take them! take them instead! i'm too young to die!"

the first time he canceled a date. going on dates with gyuvin was one of your favorite activities. i mean, obviously, who wouldn't enjoy spending even more time with that boy? you two always took turns planning the dates, and the date you were supposed to go on tomorrow was planned by gyuvin. but in the evening your boyfriend called you and apologized to you a billion times before he confessed that he had to cancel it. of course you weren't pleased, asking him for the reason- but what he explained to you bummed you out. gyuvin liked to gift you flowers, mostly on dates, sometimes even for no occasion at all. turns out he never got those flowers from a flower shop, but his mothers garden instead. mrs kim, busy as ever, only that day had the time to finally take care of her garden again, only to find the mess gyuvin left behind when he straight up dug the flowers out of the flowerbeds to gift them to you.

"she grounded me! can you believe this?!" gyuvin complained on the one end of the line, while you were speechless on the other end trying to figure out how to slap gyuvin per telephone.

the first time he said "i love you". you going out with gyuvins friends wasn't unusual. matter of fact, spending time with his best friends was incredibly fun. sometimes, when you were having another playful fight with gyuvin, you'd just tell him that you liked spending time with ricky, gunwook and yujin more than spending time with gyuvin, resulting in gyuvin falling to the ground and rolling around dramatically, screeching something about you killing him in a ruthless way. it was another day of spending time with your boyfriend and your boyfriends boy friends and you five went to the arcade together. after hours of competing against gyuvin in multiple games (you won of course), you two went to buy some drinks as he asked you in a joking manner if you still preferred to spend time with his friends, and you told him the truth. of course you loved spending time with him more than anything and you'd choose him over ricky, yujin or gunwook any and every day.

gyuvin softly smiled at you before he blurted out an "i love you". it would've been a really emotional and romantic moment between the two of you if it weren't for yujin who suddenly popped out behind some corner, making gagging noises.

the first time he let you do his hair. it was another rainy day, a saturday this time though, and gyuvin was going to spend the night at your place tonight- leaving the door to your room open just a crack for the sake of your mothers sanity and wellbeing. you two were watching some silly romance movie gyuvin picked for you to watch, cuddled up on your bed with gyuvins head on your chest and his arms around your waist, and your hands in his hair, playing with it. you really liked gyuvins hair- he'd sometimes even accuse you of only dating him for it- and playing with it was a habit, even a must at this point. you weren't really paying attention to the movie, rather admiring your boyfriend, as suddenly a scene in the movie piqued your interest. the girl was styling her boyfriends hair in silly ways, while the boy was mumbling about not deserving that kind of punishment- only to be upset the second she offered to leave his hair in peace. with a grin on your face you called out your boyfriends name who only sighed dramatically loud in response, already knowing what you were gonna ask for. but of course you ended up convincing gyuvin to let you do it too, he just loved you too much to say no.

"please don't make me end up bald!" gyuvin whined while you were braiding his hair. you scoffed and told him to just keep on watching the movie without paying any mind to you, promising him to not cut his hair off (even with no scissors or razors in reach).

[izunx]

Hii! Can you do a Luck fanfiction where he finds the reader crying? The reader is always cheerful and happy, but is secretly depressed. So he was surprised to see them like this.

LUCK with a depressed s/o

. In which luck finds his precious significant other crying. . warnings: depression.

✧.* luck x gn reader

Luck doesn't know where you are, which is rare. Usually by any moment right now you'd be in the black bulls lounge area chirping away at whatever antics you've been up to. But now that he thinks of it, it’s been ages since he’s last actually seen you functioning properly.

He feels funny. That feeling you get where you know just something isn't right and he hates it. He hates feeling this way especially when it's about YOU.

You were always one of the brighter ones of the squad, uplifting people when they were feeling down and discouraged. Now that he thinks of it, he doesn't think he's ever seen you get comforted but at the same time he's never seen you upset.

Is it possible for a person like you to even get upset?

The sobs he was hearing proved him otherwise though. As he walked past the hallways, he heard you. The hallways were dim but through the crack of the slightly open door he could see the bright lights shining through.

Much to his dismay, there you were sprawled out on your bed without a care in the world crying with a tub of sweets by your side.

"I don't have the energy for this Luck!" You threw one of the plushies HE got for you at him. He catches it and just looks at you in confusion. Is this real?

Because what he was seeing on your bed just couldn't be you right? Distressed and letting down all your guard, ultimately showing your tear stained face and horror blood shot eyes. It didn't just stop there either; you were gripping onto the sheets and suffocating your sobs into the pillow.

The state of your room wasn’t any better. It looked as if someone mistaken it as a rage room, it was abhorrent to say the least.

"Y/N, what's wrong?"

You simply gave him a weak frown, "Not that you’d care."

To that he just frowns. Why would you doubt him like that?

"If I didn’t care I’d be a shit boyfriend." He sat down on your bed, encouraging you to begin on letting your feelings out. But you were stubborn.

"Just why would I do that? No one takes me seriously anyways" despite saying that, you sunk your head into his shoulder, grabbing onto his shoulder. "Where did I go wrong in life, Luck?"

The grab on his shoulder became more intense; you were biting your lips harshly and hid your eyes away.

"Everyone else got so lucky with their parents! I’ve grown up miserable with them."

Luck thinks back on it, you’ve never mentioned your parents before. But he doesn’t say anything. He needs to let your feelings out first.

"Not once since I’ve come here have I received a letter from them- after ruining my life they can’t even say sorry now that I’ve done what they’ve wanted and become a magic knight?" Now you’re a mess.

Your hair was sticking onto your face and you had salty tears streaming down your pretty face, staining it.

And Luck just hugged you. Held you close and comforted you whispering sweet nothings into your ear reassuring you.

"Everyone thinks I’m incapable of being sad but God you haven’t seen the worst!" You try and get out of his grasp, still hurt from your past.

"I won’t be taken advantage of again-"

"That’s enough Y/N." Luck held your arms and looked straight into your eyes.

"Every single member in this squad appreciates you more than you think, they adore you. They admire your will to strive and encourage other people and God do I love your stubbornness in our fights. I love everything about you."

You gawked at your boyfriend. He wasn’t done though.

"and lord do I love your smile so don’t let it be sullen with your past because now in the present you’re loved a lot." He gave you one of his smirks and it just made you cry even more.

Not so much sad tears but definitely you felt just a little bit happier.

Luck wasn’t so fortunate himself and he too was on his last straw but being able to fight people stronger than him and have you by his side was enough. He hoped it could be the same for you.

"I just always feel like this Luck and I just don’t know how I’ve managed to fight like this" He again took you in his arms and took in everything.

He understood you were depressed, unhappy with how you yourself was and he heard you out. Sat there the whole night taking in what you were saying.

It’s true at times you weren’t faking that smile, you enjoyed the moments with your boyfriend a lot. You kept all his little trinkets and treasured them.

You were snug holding onto the plushie he bought you on your first date in the city. It was unreal to you. You were loved and you thought it was just surreal. You held the thought close to you and you’ve grown to appreciate that fierce boyfriend of yours.

You can get used to this. Letting your feelings out wasn’t so bad after all. And although it would take time to heal, you knew Luck would always be with you through thick and thin.

[leupagus]

BRB giving all the Lannisters a way more satisfying story arc than the one the show foisted on them

x

The wedding celebrations for Trystane's brother Quentyn and his new bride Desmera Redwyne lasted for nearly a fortnight, with dancing and feasting and even fireworks set off over the bay at the Water Gardens. Every noble in Dorne (and half the nobles of the Reach) had come; even Prince Doran had attended, and it seemed to do him good. His pain-lined face had been wreathed in smiles and he had sat at the head of the table at nearly every meal, coming out from his seclusion for the first time in ages.

Trystane noticed, too. "I don't think I have ever seen Papa so happy," he whispered, leaning toward her during the feast on the last night.

"It's because he has got rid of one troublesome son," she teased him, tapping her finger on his nose. It was true enough: tomorrow, Quentyn and Desmera would travel back to the Arbor where they would take up their duties as heirs to Paxter Redwyne.

Trystane scrunched his nose and moved closer to her on the bench, sliding his arm around her waist. "Soon he will be got rid of another," he murmured in her ear, kissing her gently on the cheek, then the neck.

"Ah, ah, this is not your wedding yet, little brother," warned Arianne as she briskly tapped them on their shoulders, pushing them firmly aside so that she could sit between them. "Room enough for the Mother, if you please."

"You're my sister, not my mother," Trystane grumbled. "And there isn't enough room for your backside!"

"Trystane!" Myrcella protested, but Arianne had it well in hand.

"If I were Mama, I would spank you on yours," she told him, and swatted at him anyway. Trystane yelped and hit her back, and their end of the table erupted into chaos as brothers and sisters, cousins and friends all shrieked and jabbed at each other, tickling and pinching as one can only do to those one truly loves.

Arianne and Myrcella had been thick as thieves when she had first arrived at Sunspear, still dreadfully homesick and afraid. Uncle Tyrion had promised her that the people of Dorne would treat her well; but though everyone had been kind, it was only Arianne who had truly been a friend at first. She had sneaked into Myrcella's room and hid behind drapes or under the bed to jump out at her, shown her the sights of the Water Gardens and Planky Town alike, even encouraged her to speak with Trystane, who at 15 had been terribly spotty and sulky.

Then Arianne had gone to visit her mother and her family, in far-off Norvos. It had been planned for only a few months, but the time had stretched on and on, and only Quentyn's marriage had brought her back at last. Myrcella had missed her even as she had grown closer with Trystane, and part of her dreaded their marriage that would take her away from the drowsy warmth and comfort of Arianne's company, even as it would deliver her back to her family at King's Landing.

Later that night, Myrcella crept into Arianne's chambers and hid inside the great wardrobe, keeping the door half-open as it had been already. (Arianne was shockingly untidy for a princess, and refused to allow any servant in her quarters to deal with the resulting mess. She used to drag Myrcella to her rooms once a month or so and make her sit on the bed, while Arianne picked up the clothes strewn about the floor or flung over the backs of chairs and complained about her own bad habits. Already, Myrcella thought, Arianne could do with a good cleaning.) A short while later the door to the chamber opened and Myrcella readied herself to jump out, just as Arianne had done to her so often.

But Arianne was not alone.

"—Yronwoods aren't pleased by the match," someone was saying. "Lord Anders thought Quentyn would marry Gwyneth, after being fostered with them for so long."

It was Ellaria Sand. She hadn't been seen overmuch at Sunspear since returning from King's Landing two months ago, Lord Oberyn's body in tow. Since then she'd avoided the court, instead spending time with Oberyn's daughters. The few times Myrcella had seen her, Ellaria had been as warm and friendly as before, but with a knife-edge to her smile that Myrcella recognized all too well from the courtiers in the Red Keep. She'd had taken care not to be alone with Ellaria, nor with the Sand Snakes, since then.

"Then Lord Anders is a fool," said Arianne in her sing-song voice, "and should be regarded as such. Gwyneth is a lovely girl, but she is far too little for a Prince of Dorne. The Arbor is a more valuable holding and the Redwynes far more valuable allies."

"And once Trystane is married to his blonde bastard girl, you will have both your brothers safely out of Dorne," said Ellaria. There was the sound of clothing being moved about, and Ellaria sitting down. "Really, dear, you ought to have someone clean in here. There could be mice, for all you know."

Arianne laughed, as though Ellaria had only insulted her housekeeping. Myrcella's hands clenched into fists. Was this what Arianne truly thought of her? And in Dorne, of all places! Where Ellaria herself, and all her lover's daughters, carried the last name of Sand! Ellaria had made much of the Dornish saying that bastard children were born of love and passion, and thus as trueborn as any child conceived by wedded parents. But clearly she held Myrcella in as much contempt as any of the rest of them would back home, if they knew the truth.

They never knew King Robert, the man who'd never once looked at her or her brothers but with resentment and bitterness. None of her mother's children had been loved, not by that oafish lumbering stag who saw them all as shackles that tied him to the Lannisters he hated so much. What shame was there in knowing her true parents, at least, loved each other? And loved their children, even if only one could dare show it? Myrcella wanted to burst out of the wardrobe and declare that she would gladly call herself Myrcella Waters — Myrcella Lannister — and dare anyone to judge her for it. 

But she huddled further into herself and listened, to hear what else Arianne might say.

"I've stayed away too long," is what she said, "if you're this comfortable calling poor Myrcella such names. She's done nothing to you—"

The scrape of a chair signaled that Ellaria had risen once again. "Her family murdered your uncle, who you seemed once to love—"

"—and yet I have been informed of a certain present you sent to Queen Cersei just a few days ago," Arianne overrode her. "A snake, with Myrcella's pendant in its mouth. Hardly subtle, my dear."

Ellaria did not answer, and Myrcella put her hand to her mouth to keep her own silence. Her pendant had gone missing during the wedding celebrations, she had thought a victim of one of the more energetic dances on that first night. But Ellaria had got hold of it somehow? And sent it to Mother as a...threat, it seemed. Or a warning.

"What do you want, Ellaria?" asked Arianne with more gentleness than Myrcella felt capable of. "The Lannisters have already suffered, even if not by our hand: their patriarch dead, their firstborn dead, their brother Tyrion probably dead and certainly dead to them. Even Casterly Rock itself is in dire straits, from what I've heard. You've spoken to my father a great deal of vengeance — but where will it end? Will it be satisfied with Myrcella's death? Or do you need every child of theirs to die, before killing Cersei and Jaime?"

"I—" Ellaria's voice was thick, and there was a long moment of quiet before she spoke again. "I do not know," she said at last, as if confessing.

"Well, I do know," said Arianne briskly, "and I will tell you, if you will listen."

"...I will," said Ellaria slowly. Myrcella hardly dared breathe.

"Good. I did not linger in Norvos for nothing, much as I love Mama. Do you remember Illyrio Mopatis, the magister from Pentos? We met him years ago, when I was a girl and you and Oberyn took me with you to Essos. You were pregnant with Dorea, I think, and Obella and Tyene followed you everywhere with pillows for your chairs. Illyrio then got you a litter and had you carried everywhere."

"Gods, yes," Ellaria said, chuckling. "And he had one to match!"

"Uncle Oberyn kept crowding out the litterbearer in the front so that he could carry you," Arianne said. "At any rate, I saw him — Illyrio. He came for a visit to Mama's estate, and we spoke at great length about certain plans he has been making."

Ellaria's laugh now was sour. "Ah yes, he and the Spider have been making those plans for nearly twenty years, haven't they? Put the Targaryen boy back on the throne with the assurance that this one is sane." She snorted. "They thought Rhaegar was sane, too."

"If by 'this one,' you refer to Viserys Targaryen, his sanity is a moot point," said Arianne. "He's dead. Has been for several years, apparently. But his sister Daenerys has survived. She's been making quite a nuisance of herself in Slaver's Bay. Along with her three dragons, Illyrio tells me."

"Dragons?" Ellaria scoffed. "Illyrio's always said a great number of things. That never made any of them true."

"Which is why I want you to go and find out what is true. Meet with this Daenerys Stormborn yourself. Take her measure. I could only discover so much in Norvos, with Mama's eye always on me. She doesn't approve of Papa's conciliation to the Red Keep, but stories of Targaryen princesses and their dragons aren't to her liking, either."

"Are they to your liking?" Whatever response Arianne made, it seemed to satisfy Ellaria. "Very well. I have two conditions."

"Only two?"

"First, I shall first go to Pentos first and speak directly with Illyrio. He never could lie to me, and if he is so sure Daenerys Targaryen is the true ruler of Westeros then he'll be willing to back that up with coin and supplies. Which we'll need, in abundance."

Arianne sighed. "Very well. Though if you venture so close to Norvos, Mama will insist you visit her."

Ellaria made a prevaricating sound. "Your mother always liked me best."

"She did. And does. What is your second condition?"

"Our daughters come with me. All of them."

"No," Arianne said flatly. "Aside from the fact that it will look strange to have all the Sand Snakes gone, Lorenza is barely seven years old. You would take her across the Narrow Sea to a slave city?"

"Better than leave her here, where Doran can fill her head with his witterings about peace and forgiveness," Ellaria snapped. "If she dies — if any of us die — at least we will not live like your father."

"Take Nymeria and Tyene," Arianne countered. "Obara, if you must. The rest of the Snakes are better off here. What would Sarella do in Meereen, or Astapor, or Yunkai? Those cities do not have a reputation for academic pursuits."

"She can bring her books with her. All of us go, or none. I want nothing of Oberyn left behind for someone else to take from me."

Arianne sighed. "I'll consider it. But I want you to consider, too. If this Daenerys Stormborn is what she is said to be, she will retake the Iron Throne 'with fire and blood.' Take care that it is not your blood, my dear."

They spoke for a bit longer, until the bells chimed the hour and Ellaria departed. How long until Arianne went to bed? Myrcella might stay here the whole night and then what would she do? Who could she tell? Who did she want to tell?

"You are thinking loudly enough to wake the entire palace, little lioness," said Arianne, and opened the wardrobe door all the way. Myrcella shrank back but it was no use; Arianne was looking down at her, shaking her head. "Let's talk, so that you might be a little quieter."

"Are you going to kill my brother?" she asked, not moving.

"No," Arianne said, with a certainty that Myrcella could not help but believe. "Nor will I let anyone else. We do not hurt children in Dorne." She held out her hand, and Myrcella took it.

They sat down on the bench near the window, the one that overlooked the whole of the palace and beyond that, the city of Sunspear itself. The stars here were clear and bright, even with the torches and lights from below burning merrily at this late hour.

"Tommen's in King's Landing, not Dorne," was the first thing Myrcella could think of to say. "And he's not a child anymore." Nor am I, she thought.

Arianne rolled her eyes. "So literal. I forgot this about you. You're right — he's a man grown now, and a husband soon, and already a king. But he is not to blame for the way things are now, anymore than Viserys and Daenerys were to blame for what their father and brother did during the Rebellion."

"My father always said Uncle Stannis should have killed them when he had the chance." She could remember that argument well, as it was one Robert made whenever Uncle Stannis irritated him — which was often. You had only to take them and drown them, and you couldn't even manage that! My brother the great tactician, bested by infants! 

"I very much doubt your father said any such thing," said Arianne tartly, "Though I am sure King Robert said it often enough." She tilted her head as she regarded Myrcella. "When did you first realize? About your parents?"

Myrcella hesitated, but it seemed silly to pretend ignorance now, of all times. "I've always known, I think. When the ravens came from Dragonstone, from Uncle Stannis, saying that we were bastard-born...it wasn't a surprise." Nor had she been surprised at her not-uncle's blunt declaration, cutting himself off from all claims of blood and family. Stannis had always been a hard man to love; she suspected he found it hard to love others in turn. Perhaps it had been as great a relief to him as it had been to her, to know there was nothing that bound them to each other after all.

"I am glad you know," said Arianne, "but that is one reason I wanted you to hear Ellaria's plans, as well as my own. She wants to hurt your mother and father very badly. Her rage has made her blind. My hope is that distance, as well as time, will allow her to see clearly again. But in the meanwhile it is best for everyone if you and she are far away from each other."

"But...those things you said, about Daenerys Targaryen. You want her to come here?"

Arianne sighed and took Myrcella's hands in hers. They were small and soft, dwarfed by Myrcella's long fingers. "Daenerys Stormborn is coming here. Nothing can stop that; sooner or later, she will arrive with her dragons, and she will take the Iron Throne. If your brother and your parents are to survive it, they must have somewhere to go. Someone who will take them in."

Myrcella stared at her. She couldn't mean Dorne; for one thing, Mother would never agree to live out her days here, strolling about the Water Gardens and bathing in the Summer Sea. For another, the Martells and the Targaryens had a complicated enough relationship; even Doran, even Arianne, wouldn't risk the wrath of a new queen by hosting the old king.

"Perhaps Highgarden—" but even as Myrcella said it she could see it for the farcical suggestion it was. She'd never met the Queen of Thorns, but she knew the Tyrells had sided with the Targaryens during the Rebellion; Olenna Tyrell would be only too happy to turn the Lannisters right back over to Daenerys should they put a foot wrong, even if Tommen's marriage to Margaery went through. Which left—

"Casterly Rock," she said, and felt ashamed that it had taken her so long to understand. "You want me to hold the Westerlands." It made sense: Jaime was still in the Kingsguard and likely to remain so, and Uncle Tyrion was long gone (and would be barred from inheriting anyhow, given the accusations that he had murdered Grandfather). Uncle Kevan and Lancel might have claims to it, but Tommen's last letter had mentioned Lancel's latest obsession with some odd religious sect that had gained popularity in the Crownlands. Which left...herself, of all the remaining Lannisters.

Arianne nodded. "Casterly Rock. You were raised to be the wife of a great lord. But I think you are better suited to be a great lord yourself." She lifted her eyebrows. "More importantly, little lioness, what do you think?"

All at once she wanted it more than breath: a home of her own, a castle, a people, a kingdom. A chance to be fair and kind and noble not just amongst the simpering painted faces of court, but in a place where fairness and kindness mattered. She could take Casterly Rock and make something more of it than the just golden bank of Westeros. Myrcella could feel a ravening hunger in her that she'd never imagined, that would take all of the Westerlands to sate.

Myrcella held on tightly. She could feel her fingers turning to claws, her hair a wild mane. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper but roaring louder in her head, in her throat, in her chest. "Yes."

[astral-disastral-catastral]

I NEED to talk about cookies again they're all I can think abt and I need to yap abt the current meta [i think] simply because I want to!!!!

Cuz like recently reached grandmaster for the 2nd time ever without falling out immediately [ILYSM SMILK TY MY BELOVED] therefore I am now in like top 500 or 300 or 400 and can confirm the most used teams contain: Dark Cacao [awakened, ofc], SMILK!!!!!, burning spice, snapdragon and golden Cheese [also awakened, aswell, ofc]

Uh the toppings for all of them look like the above if youre curious... if you cba to look or figure it out then there IS a tl;dr at the bottom!!!!!! There are also alternative teams but smilk gc dc bs smilk sd are the most meta one rn!!

BS: full atk with some dmg resist and dmg res bypass so he can do a buncha dmg but it's fine if there's not a lot of dmg resist bypass [he still might need some dmg res so he doesnt die quickly, even if he's tanky cuz of being a charge cookie] you could also give him some cooldown via not full atk toppings If need be..

DC: Full cooldown [recommended like 35%/36%+ so he has a really short skill start so he can silence the enemy team more especially at the start so that your team can use their skills first and not absolutely murder you in the start] + some dmg resist and dmg res bypass if possible

SMILK!!!!!: It probably seems like a not bad idea to give him full atk but PREASE give him full cooldown!!!! if you give him enough like maybe around 26%-28% he has a 1 second start WHICH MEANSSS that he will OBLITERATE gc after shackling her on the opponent team [if she's even on the team] and force her to use her extra built-in revive at the start so it's harder for the opponent to win [also he doesnt really need full atk in arena cuz even with full cooldown he does A TON of damage — probably the most on the whole team, often surpassing the damage done by bs] + FULL dmg res bypass on his beascuit if possible since like it could total to around 100% dmg res bypass since he has some extra from his skill and he'll do LOADS of dmg!!

GC: Preferably full atk with dmg res + dmg resist bypass [MAYBE around 11% cooldown for 3 second start but its not obligatory, its optional!!!!] IF YOU ARE FACING AN OPPONENT WITH SMILK ON THEIR TEAM EXPECT HER TO DIE NEAR OR AT THE BEGINNING!!!!!! Do not be surprised..

Snapdragon: probably just give them lots of cooldown, as much as you can!!! No need to worry abt dmg res [or anything else, really] because theyre a safeguard so they cant die or take damage or be silenced/shackled!! I think in crk the amount of healing done by heals and supports scales off of their atk [unlike a game like genshin where most characters that do healing have it scale off of their hp with some exceptions..] but EVEN SO we still give them full cooldown cuz they will use their skill and do more healing or give more buffs/debuffs more often [or both]. If desired to, you CAN give snapdragon more atk, maybe a little crit% aswell?, to try make them do a little more healing but it isn't recommended if it makes their cooldown really low... probably don't give them full atk or anynatk toppings UNLESS you can get their cooldown to still be really high!!!

Why not wind archer? You CAN still use him, he isnt bad all of a sudden but people start switching him out for smilk [and dc replacing mystic flour] cuz smilk is painfully op in every way thinkable namely the fact he revives himself, he does A TON of damage in 1 atk, he shackles enemies and once they're shackled they are NOT escaping [whereas for archie you can un-stun cookies by using a simple treasure or just stunning him first], he heals himself to full hp after revived and doesn't immediately die, probably does even MORE dmg after he revives, gives himself a hp shield everytime he uses hid skill after the revive, etc.. even though archie is still GREAT generally he's slowly falling out of the meta in arena [still definetly useable there but.. yk]

Why not mystic flour? Ofc, same as archie, mf is NOT bad in the SLIGHEST: her Sheild is dummy thick, literally one of the best healers in the game, heals even after she dies, increases cooldown of opposing team in arena by like 1 second everytime she uses her skill, AMAZING healing etc... butttt she is not very tanky and dies pretty easy from any amount of damage even with a buncha dmg resist, at the back row so can't really protect your team and take dmg for them and is just a Healer so maybe less specific buffs compared to creampuff or star coral or cream ferret [supports] and she can be swapped out for others who safeguard like snapdragon or icicle yeti or someone actually tanky like dc who's a charge and is in the front [even before people started using snapdragon more and more for the new meta, she already practically got replaced by icicle yeti and dc got replaced by cream ferret, i believe?]

They both had a good run, rip archie and misty as arena meta....2024-2025..

TL;DR!!!!

Bs: atk

Dc: cooldown

Smilk: cooldown

Gc: atk

Snapdragon: cooldown

Other teams!!!!! They're barely any different but yk I wanted to yap..

Icicle yeti absorbs 30% of non-periodic damage done [.e.g. damage done by wind archer would get absorbed by icicle yeti but not dmg done someone else like prune juice or affogato who do periodic damage since theyre poison type or damage done by bs' burning] by opponents in their yeti form which is really good [+safeguard, front liner AND goof healing too] hence they were in the meta arena team[s] for a while, replacing mf.

Cream ferret has mad good buffs like big dmg res, atk, crit [etc...] buffs and really good healing [.e.g. restoring a cookie's full hp when they reach 50% hp or lower] and isn't exactly a safeguard [they can become invincible until the whole team dies or wheh they're in their ferret form after they use their skill] so they can die and get affected by silence, shackles, stun, etc... PLUS they're a support so they aren't tanky and can't take a lot of damage before dying inevitably.

Also have these 2 things i made with Google slides because I'm boring so I find it perpetually fun sometimes also moonlight's in the corner of every page of it cuz i love her

[annymaght]

This may be a silly rant not really a question but somehow I liked Kenji more in chaos theory, granted I liked everyone better this show, but like something about Kenji this season was so good, like his arc was so well done and his panic attack scene was just the right length and perfect

I totally agree. Kenji was my fav character in Camp Cretaceous, and I think the direction they took him in in CT was perfect (and luckily he is still my fav character).

Once Kenji was made to confront everything that'd been going on when we first meet him (hatred for Darius, his dad, Brooklynn), that's when his character really shined and we see a side to him we haven't really seen before. He had to confront his past, often in very sudden and unfair ways like with his dad and Brooklynn.

At the start he hid these feelings behind a sort of blissfully ignorant and naive personna. But of course he can't stay like that forever, and his external features can't hide it either.

I think Kenji's design perfectly sums up his character because, to put it bluntly, he looks like shit. His hair is awful, his shoes are ugly and that colour-scheme does nothing for him, despite him having been the most well-dressed in CC.

That panic attack was done so well and portrayed so well. It was taken seriously and its generally quite uncomfortable to watch because you can tell Kenji is in pain. When you have a panic attack you can sometimes struggle to breath, and Kenji struggling to get his words out is so real.

I wrote more about Kenji and the theme of Claustrophobia here, where I talk more about his panic attack.

Kenji's relationship with Daniel was so complex in Chaos Theory and I tip my hat to the writers. A lot of people say they don't get why Kenji cried for Daniel because he was such an awful person, but it isn't about that. Daniel was still his father, and someone who he identified with for so long (in that he was his role model as most parents are for their kids). In the end it didn't matter if Daniel was truly evil or not. All that mattered was that Kenji lost someone he loved, even if it was toxic love, and Kenji is allowed to cry for him because that is a real emotion.

I can't wait to see where Kenji goes in season 2 because I think it will be so interesting. He still needs time to process his father's death, and I think him finding out Brooklynn is still alive isn't going to help at all. He is gonna feel so betrayed. Especially since she went behind his back to talk to his estranged and imprisoned father.

[yourgirlniki]

Jackie and Wilson

"For whatever poor soul is coming next"

Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x f!reader

3k words

Tags!: No use of y/n, fluff, down bad Johnny MacTavish, not completely canon accurate Soap, first fic! 😎👍

A/N: This is based on Hozier's song Jackie and Wilson - I'm thinking I want this to be the beginning of a collection of one-shots based on his songs, depending on my free time! But again, first fic so please any comments would be greatly appreciated! Was nervous to post but ya only live once Hope you enjoy!

The cushion on the back of the booth wasn’t the most comfortable thing ever. The deep red bump didn’t do much to help an aching back, more of a thing that somewhat fixed the posture of those who sat at it. But who goes to a bar for comfort anyway? Dingy bars aren’t the first place most people would think to go back to after nearly dying halfway across the world.

The sticky floors, the mesh of posters and old mementos hanging on the brick walls. The neon lights, the potent smell- its headache inducing and you don't even have a hangover yet. And there are too many people in here, crowding pool tables and the small dance floor, (if you can even call it that), to be called someplace one would go to calm down and relax.

This is a fact that is true for most people.

But most people aren’t military. Even fewer are SAS.

And absolutely none are John MacTavish.

The man who idolizes the chaotic ways of the world above all else. That’s what has him still in the job quite frankly. The chaos, the ability to live and thrive in an insane environment. For someone like him, these things never truly bothered him. In an odd sense, the smell of alcohol, sweat and far too many bad ideas feel closer to home than he’s been in a few months. A comfort that most don't understand. But he does.

So even as exhaustion tries to take hold, the scott wears a signature giddy smile, adds a seemingly impossible pep to his step, and he drags the 141 into a back table, somehow always energetic. Even after practically wasting away in a desert for the past 3 months, he has energy. It’s honestly absurd.

Even worse is that he always finds a way for that energy to become contagious. As much as his teammates joke and grumble about it, Johnny was their way of restoration, to push forward. He would choose a shitty bar, and even shittier alcohol over a quiet apartment or the pile of paperwork that had to get done at some point. And so, the boys would too. Even if they hid it behind the facade of “babysitting” the grown man.

So now, here they sat, against the trashy cushions, with crappy music, in the dimly lit bar, with smiles and a sense of belonging. They call it a “celebration” of a mission well done, a nod to their success. Definitely not an excuse to just drink the night away, to get the mission out of their heads for a bit. To laugh with comrades and just be… domestic? Is that right? Close enough.. Yeah? Finding their small slot back into normal society.

Don’t get him wrong, Johnny loves his job. Loves what he does, but who doesn’t want to just have a drink at a bar with his mates every once and a while? And that's why he has his third beer in his hand and is snorting and a story Gaz is telling about one of his most recent hookups. A lady who was.. “Bloody crazy! I mean it. Seemed nice at first but don't be fooled, she was insane!”

Yeah, this is home. It’s where he belongs, where he wants to belong, he thinks. With his men, in the middle of nowhere chatting about anything and everything. Confiding in and teasing each other. He trusts them with his life, he can trust them to listen when need be. And yet… there is always that ache. The strange pull in moments like these like something is still missing. It’s been happening more often lately. And it's like an itch Johnny can't scratch. A puzzle piece he can't find but is still absent mindedly searching for. The only issue is he doesn't know what it is, that it just- isn't.

The chatter fades to a muffled sound in the scotts ears for a moment as he lets out a small, genuine smile looking at his group, sipping at the drink in his hand as his forearms lay themselves on the table, hands clasping. Taking a moment to truly thank whatever may be pulling the strings. Bringing him and his boys to safety. And maybe even a small prayer to tell him what the odd nagging in his brain is about. He takes a breath and relaxes, just for a moment. Looking around the bar, truly just admiring the world around him, the bustle of it all, the people with their own lives and ambitions.

How was he supposed to know that was a fatal mistake on his part?

He couldn’t. He didn’t.

He found out a second to late, registered it after he knew he was done for. It was one moment, a mistake, a pause, that would stick with him for as long as it dared. It was a magnet, an invisible force that pulled his very being toward it. The moment he nearly drooled his drink out from his now slack jaw.

Because when his eyes connect with the woman walking through the door, he swears time stopped.

Suddenly, the crappy bar didn’t smell as bad, the music wasn’t too loud, the cushion no longer made his back ache, the room got brighter just from her smile. The very ground shifted, and not in the drunken haze way. He warmed up, eyes wide. A thought process that if he opened them more he would see more. God, it felt like getting a cavity by now, she felt too sweet to even look at.

In a single moment the world shattered around him, everything he knew was thrown out a window, as his mind was occupied by one thought only.

It was only a moment… but by then he knew he was fucked, utterly and completely.

Fate or destiny, call it what you may. An answered prayer, an utter coincidence. It didn’t matter. The bar turned into a museum, a place to observe and admire as his eyes widened impossibly more as his head tilted watching her move. A giggle slipped under his breath as he thought he could be mistaken for Ghost at this point, with his starring.

But your pull, it was undeniable. Even the thought of looking away would cause you to vanish in a blink, never for Johnny to see again. And he couldn’t have that. Not when it was astonishing in the way you simply were.

It only got worse as your group got closer to theirs. A mere table away. When you first walked in it was a trap, a line that was cast into his pond and he was falling for the bait. Confidence is something he is used to in his line of work, but it was usually the cocky kind. The kind that made him want to kick a recruits teeth in for. But you were something different entirely. You demand attention, even if you didn't know it. A high held head, a testament to the world that you were there, and you were aware of it. Thank god it was his attention it demanded, because it was nothing short of a miracle.

The air you lived in became breathable, spreading to his little corner of the bar as he had to remind himself to actually inhale and exhale as he took in the sight over and over again. Committing it to memory. The world became a movie, a fictional place where he wasn’t. One he could only watch and revel in. It was the type that you knew was going to be good before it even began. The one you had been anticipating for and knew wouldn’t disappoint. His heart rate picked up, the same way it would in the field, but in a much less stressful manner now. Jesus, what was happening to him? You must have cursed him. That’s it. The only explanation. Bewitched by not only the view, but the melody of your laugh flooding his ears now at the closer proximity. Leaning against a standing table with a glass in hand, head slightly tilted enough that a stray hair fell to cover your face.

It was comical the way his heart sped up, watching as you chatted with your own group. Something so normal, something you see every single day, was making the big strong man’s hard race like it life or death. And he knew life or death.

Romeo had nothing on him.

Absolutely nothing in the way his brain knew he was to be yours. It had to be, he had to be. It’s how the story will be written, and he will play his role. Stealing your hear that way you have entranced his own. He wouldn’t be able to tell you when he got up. He can’t tell you how his body moved on its own, knowing what needed to be done but not conscious enough to alert his brain.

What he can tell about how perfect it felt to so much as stand there by you. Soaking in your presence was one thing, standing in it next to you was another entirely.

And that's how he found himself face to face with you, who turned to him with a puzzled look, but a kind smile.

He was a goner.

“Oh… umm- Hello, can I help you?” Is all you had to say to him to confirm his every thought. This woman could heal every wound with her voice alone. And her eyes so much as finally looking back at him felt like he was seen for the first time in his life.

“Uhh.. sir? Are you alright?” Your voice rang out again, pulling him back to reality as you hand waved in front of his face slightly. A flattering smile on our lips and your eyebrows furrowed slightly, almost concerned. What came over John MacTavish in that moment is unexplainable.

“I seem to have lost my number—can I have yours?”

Her eyebrows raised. She blinks. Then tilting her head slightly.

He could die right then and there.

Leaning against the table next to her with a stupid, crooked smile and a raised eyebrow, as if he didn't just embarrassed the hell out of himself. A pick up line? That's the best you could do, John? Really? Welp, there goes every chance you had, cut your losses and- Laughter chimed in his ears like wedding bells. And that’s when he froze, every negative thought draining him as he became light. You laugh was intoxicating more than any drink or drug. The kind that was unapologetic and genuine. The kind that has the back of your palm finding your lips as you cover your giggles, nose scrunching and eyes squinting due to the smile. One that made both of you have pink cheeks for different reasons. A joke that probably shouldn't have been laughed at, but coming from the man before you, it eased the tension in the air.

It must have been the prettiest sight Johnny had ever seen.

He doesn’t know how he did it, probably because it wasn’t him at all. Must have been pure luck that after that horrible entrance she seemed kind enough to humor him that night. He bought you a drink and hung on every word you so much as muttered in his direction. You laughed at every joke, good or bad. He made it his mission to make sure he always heard that laugh from then on. To produce it from you.

Oddly enough, it turns out you were one of few words when it came to the actual conversation. And yet it was never rude, ore quiter nature. But more like you were always listening. Every word John rambled on about you picked up, asking questions or simply nodding, expressing your thoughts in your facal expression. Because of this, it seemed like he never looked away from you either, not that it was a bother, it was strangely alright. It wasn’t judgemental, only observant.

He thought he might go buy a ticket for the lottery after you agreed to give him your number by the end of the night. He was more smitten than he’s ever been, and on the dates to follow the swooning only got worse.

Every moment with you felt exhilarating, like he found that missing piece finally after a long search. And that piece loved him back He was insufferable, always gushing about the woman he has the opportunity to take out on a date. And the dates where nothing less of spectacular. The pair was stupid like teenagers in love, but more sentimental, understanding the weight of things better. Arguments never lasted long and if they did they were cleared up before any damage was done. She understood what his job ment to him, and told him she would never make him change that about himself. It was his passion, she can share.

“Just so long as you promise to come back to me.”

And from that day forth he would make a pinky promise every time he left. He was to come home. Time passed quickly, in flashes. It felt like his life went from downtime in between missions, to missions in between downtime. His heart ached for you in the days he was gone, but he always knew he would be home. He would see you again. He found a want to live, even more now that he found his world.

And as time passed them by, he found out she was perfect in the all the ways he could dream of. Especially in the impossible task of calming him down as well. Rough mission? She already had his favorite meal ready and was soothing him over. Nightmares? She was there either on the phone or more recently next to him to hold him and run her fingers through his hair. To much energy? To rowdy? You always found a way to settle him down. His anchor. And he would do the same for her if the day presented itself.

Another plus that made it all that much more, everyone liked you.It wasn’t hard too of course, but it proved even moreso how lucky he got. His family adored you, his sisters taking you in as part of the family already, much quicker than any of his other past relationships. It made him well up with pride.

Even when he officially introduced you to the 141, it was with open arms as well. If he wasnt a unit before, he absolutely was one now. Maybe just a tad bit more annoying with his bragging but of course he brags. Those boys knew how much you were doing for him, and you knew they were keeping him safe. It was a harmony that both sides respected.

A part of him knew that even if all of those people didn’t like her, (an impossible feat if he does say so himself), nothing would change for him. You were his, he was yours. Irrevocably and absolutely. If the world didn’t want them, the world wasn’t for them. Simple as that. Life became sweeter, dreamlike as he fell into a comfortable rhythm. It was almost unbelievable, no, it was unbelievable.

One day, as he was laying on the couch, laying gently on you, nearly dozing off. Then he felt your hand on his shoulder, a soft pat that made him stir but not move as he hummed in response. “Johnny?” You said, soft enough that he had to stir slightly closer to your voice. But he didn’t look up, kept his heavy eyes shut as he mumbles a small “what?”

“Earth to Johnny..” Hmm, that's odd. It mde him sit up the slightest bit more. Must have been laying on his ear wrong, your voice sounded weird. And another pat on his shoulder, a bit harder this time.

“MacTavish!”

And then he blinked. He was sitting up straight, eyes wide as he made eye contact with his Captain across from him, in the same place he left him at the bar. The bar? His cheek stung from the movement of no longer resting on… his palm? His? No that’s not right. His head hurt slightly as the smell of bar flooded his nose. What was he doing in a-

“Soap, you alright? You were out for a bit. Staren’ at nothing.” Gaz said with a smile, slightly concerned.

He looked around, baffled as he took in the same dingy bar he had met you in. In fact in the same spot exactly, same clothes, same drink. Hold on, that can't be right. His head swung back around as he took in the table next to them was, empty. Bottles and cups discarded to the side, napkins crumpled. He heard the bar door shut as his eyes flicked over and spotted the same woman walk away outside, smiling the same as she was before. Only then did it make sense.

His mind filled in the blanks for him as he rubbed his face with a groan. When something is too good to be true, it's probably because it is. Gaz was patting his back as Ghost and Price shared a look that had Price hiding a smirk. But it didn’t matter to Johnny.

What mattered was she’d already left.

The boys decided that's where the night should end, Johnny's head almost embarrassingly hung low as they paid their bill and called a car to take them back to base. This is the first time Scott has sulked in a while, running his hands through his mohawk as he kicked himself for being so stupid. Caught up in a daydream of a random woman at the bar, what a stupid fantasy to get caught in. he was practically mourning something he doesn't even have, never did have. And now something he wouldn’t have either.

The moment changed his life for sure, a memory of fake memories that will haunt his little brain every once in a while when he's bored and remembers this night.

[fenharel-babe]

The Unsent Letter

Solas x Lavellan.

Before the ritual happens, a letter is written but never sent. After the ritual, there is a drawer in Raven's room in the Lighthouse that is locked. Not just by a key, but magically locked. She knows she shouldn't be too nosy...but she can't help it. She decides to investigate.

.

There is DATV spoilers! This takes place after Inquisition and Trespasser, before DATV, and during DATV. Hope you enjoy some angsty Solas. This isn't canon for my Rook's story nor is it canon for my Inquisitors story. The Solavellan is, just not this fic lol.

And this is a lot longer than I thought it would be....whoops....

I wanted to tag @emmg and @thessaralka. Take some solavellan angst💙💙. Not much proofreading so whoops if something is wrong...

---------

Everyone had heard the rumors of the relationship between the Dread Wolf and the Inquisitor. Well, ex-Inquisitor, but still the Inquisitor. It was a discussed topic when the Inquisition was still running but it was just as discussed, maybe even more, among the Dread Wolf's own agents! They couldn't truly help it, they may be sneaky assassins, deadly warriors, and meant to gather information...they were also regular people and there was no rule stating they couldn't be curious about Fen'Harel and his lover.

One agent was particularly nosy, and her name was Ellana. She had a right to be nosy, mind you, given that she was the secret spy at Skyhold that spent the most time around the Inquisitor under Fen'Harel's orders himself! He trusted her to keep his secrets and gather information about the Inquisitor and protect her if she needed it. She was always the first to offer herself to travel with the Inquisitor if she needed to travel somewhere, and she was lucky no one questioned it. However, it got a little more difficult to watch over her once she moved to Kirkwall, right into the estate Master Tethras had given her. Each time Ellana went back to report to Fen'Harel, she had little information each time, and he always looked upset, but never said anything about it. He always thanked her and sent her on her way.

And then one day, years after the Inquisition was disbanded, Fen'Harel called Ellana into his office at one of his hideouts with no warning. She was supposed to come back a few days later, but he called her earlier, which he had never done before, but she didn't question it. Ellana left Kirkwall that day and got back to his hideout in the evening, and she immediately knew something was off. Other agents appeared nervous, a few excited though, and it rubbed off on her. She headed to his office and once she was standing in front of his desk, she saw Fen'Harel looking at her...but not him. He was slouched, his eyes tired, a bit red and puffy. This wasn't her boss, but it was.

She gave her report like normal, not letting herself focus too hard on things she shouldn't, and where he usually would've dismissed her, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to her. "Please, deliver this to the Herald as soon as possible. Make sure she opens it," he orders, his voice rough and tight.

She took the letter and bowed and began to leave, but he stopped her before she could even leave the room. "Wait," he sighed, "give it back. She does not need to be distracted with this." He got the letter back and hid it in one of his drawers. He thanked Ellana and dismissed her like usual, and she left with a polite bow like always.

However, when she turned to shut the door behind her, she swore she saw a tear fall to the desk.

.

.

Raven had only spent a few nights in her room, well, Solas's meditation room in the Lighthouse when one night she found something unusual. She was getting changed out of armor and into her regular loungewear when she noticed a drawer. She tried to open it, but no matter how hard she pulled on it, it didn't open. She searched all around the drawer itself, but didn't actually see any type of key hole, so how could it be locked? She left it alone that night, too tired to fight with the thing.

For the first few weeks after the failed ritual, she was too busy to do anything about it. To be honest, she felt a little guilty about the whole interrupted ritual and how the Evanuris were now roaming the world and ruining it, so she didn't want to pry into Solas's business. That was before he started to be a little annoying and snarky. She decided a little prying wasn't so bad.

She was a mage and could possibly break the spell on the drawer, but she feared that possibly Solas had prepared a trap in case someone tried to open the drawer. "Always one step ahead," she thought to herself at one point.

One night she got Neve, Emmrich, and Bellara to join her in the room, asking all of them to inspect the drawer. She may not have sensed anything, but it didn't mean they wouldn't. Raven herself wasn't too educated on her magic, so she needed some talented people to look at it.

.

"So...do any of you sense anything? Any trap or something that can harm any of us?" Raven asked. She stood beside the wardrobe, fidgeting with her hands while the three magic-talented people investigated.

Emmrich and Neve looked stumped, but Bellara gasped with excitement after a few minutes. "I think I recognize this spell! It was one I had to undo to neutralize an artifact!"

Raven's eyes widened. "Neutralize? So is this like a bomb?"

Bellara gasped and shook her head. "No! It's just an intricate spell meant to hide something in a sense."

Neve huffed a laugh. "Wow, Solas using magic to hide something? Never would've seen that coming."

Raven sighs. "Could you possibly open it? I want to know what's in there."

Emmrich tilted his head. "Should we really go poking into Solas's stuff?"

Raven crossed her arms. "Hey, think about it like this: we're in a place we don't know much about, said place used to house our ally who is somewhat of an enemy, and this ally-slash-enemy is known for lying and hiding pretty big world ending things." She smiled. "Soo...you can see why I want to look, yes?"

Emmrich didn't have much to oppose then.

Bellara moved forward and focused her magic onto it, using her usual veil-jumper abilities to mess with the drawer. It took her a few minutes to undo the spell, it apparently being more intricate than she thought. They all heard a little unlocking noise echo in the room, and Bellara sighed with a hint of exhaustion. "Whew, that was pretty difficult. I guess he really wanted to hide whatever's in the drawer."

Neve placed her hand on Bellara's shoulder, looking at her with some concern. "Are you all right?"

Bellara smiles and nods. "Oh, yes, I'm fine. Just need some water and to sit down." She looked at Raven with unease. "Be careful with whatever's in the drawer, okay?" She then let Neve lead her to the dining hall to get some water, leaving only Emmrich with her.

"I promise to be cautious. Now, let's see what's in here, shall we?" She opened the drawer and saw...an envelope. She picked it up and hummed. "Is that really it?" She searches further back in the drawer with her hand, but feels nothing. "I guess this is it. Strange to hide a letter though."

Emmrich hummed in thought. "Could it be a personal letter? Or something from the past?"

She didn't hear him as she carefully opened the envelope, her curiosity getting the best of her. She pulled out the small letter, and gasped quietly when she read the first word. "Vhenan."

"What?" He asked, the word clearly not in his vocabulary.

She frowned and folded the letter with a sigh. "'Vhenan' means heart in elven. It's like a pet name for a lover, so this is really personal." She put it back in the envelope, a little disappointed at not getting to read some interesting news or secrets about him. "I may be nosy, but I don't want to intrude on his love life." She scrunched up her nose. "Besides, there may be some...filthy words in there that I do not want to see." Plus, if she had written a letter to a lover, she wouldn't want anyone to read it.

She put the envelope back into the drawer and then sighed again. "How about we forget this and just go join dinner? I believe Lucanis is cooking tonight."

She and Emmrich left and headed to the dining hall for dinner. Raven forgot the letter for that night. Until she met with Solas again in the Fade prison, and they had an interesting conversation.

.

Solas stood on his cliff, his arms behind his back and posture straight as always. His voice was a bit softer when he spoke this time. "It took me centuries to build such a bond during my rebellion. And when I served the Inquisition, I tried to avoid entanglements.

At those words, Bloom Lavellan, the Inquisitor she met only a few days ago, appeared in her mind. A woman she knew long before any of this, a woman who loves Solas.

Raven smirked at him. "Except for Inquisitor Lavellan."

He sounded defeated when he spoke next. "I said that I resolved to do so, not that I succeeded." His face showed confliction, his usual emotionless expression replaced with something kin to guilt. "She is a good woman. Growing close to her was...selfish of me."

She asked the first question that instantly came to her mind. "Do you regret it?"

He smiled slightly. "I live with countless regrets." His voice becomes lighter. "Some of them I have grown to cherish more than my victories."

Her curiosity starts to rise. "So you still love her?"

His smile faded and whatever mask he wore slipped back into place. "Our relationship is not up for discussion. Let us focus on the true problems at hand. Such as the Evanuris. How comes your progress?" He asked a question, trying to drive her away from his and the Inquisitor's love life.

She decided to push him just once. "I found a locked drawer in the wardrobe."

His eyes widened for a moment before he calmed himself. "That does not matter right now. And I would prefer you kept out of my personal things."

She bit her lip. "Well...I sorta opened it already." She didn't hold back her giggle when he sighed, like a grandpa getting ready to say, "these kids nowadays". She waved her hands in dismissal. "Don't worry, I didn't read the note inside. Well, I only read the first word, but nothing else!"

"Please leave the letter alone. And let's focus on serious matters."

She sighed annoyed, but listened to him. She put her mind into serious mode, doing her best to not tease him at all. She didn't expect him to go a little soft when talking about Inquisitor Lavellan. She had a feeling that his feelings weren't a lie. Hopefully, anyways.

.

Raven stood in front of the wardrobe, pulling out her armor and staff. She was going to see the Inquisitor for the second time, and she needed to look decent. Before she shut the wardrobe doors, the drawer caught her eyes again. She thought of the letter, how it was addressed to "vhenan", and how Solas said he still cared for the Inquisitor. Her mind connected the dots, realizing the letter was meant for her, but never sent. She opened the drawer quickly and grabbed the envelop, putting it in her pocket gently to not bend or rip it somehow.

She joined Lucanis, Harding, Davrin and Assan in the eluvian hall. Assan greeted her with a chirp, to which she chirped back. She then looked at everyone with the same determination expression she always had before they left. "You ready?" The gang gave their approval and they set off for the Cobbled Swan in Minrathous, ready to meet the Inquisitor the second time.

Raven went in alone, letting the others keep guard at the front, and saw the Inquisitor sitting at a table already. She sat in front of her and smiled awkwardly. The tension between them was still there, and Raven had so many things to say to her, but neither had the time to hash out their feelings. They had to focus on what mattered.

"Tell me what Solas did at Elgar'nan's ritual."

Raven smirked. "Sounds like you already know."

Bloom didn't have the same smile. "I need to hear it from you."

Raven let out a breath and got into the story. "Elgar'nan raised his Archdemon, sent me and my crew into a Fade trap of some sort, Solas and Elgar'nan fought in my head like cats, and somehow Solas helped us escape said trap. We got to save a lot of people," her voice got quieter, "which feels very great."

Bloom did smile that time and tilted her head. "How many names of his do you know? God of lies, Dread Wolf, Fen'Harel. They're titles he earned from enemies, followers, and fractured history." She looked down at the candle between them and her eyes looked distant. "He and I shared another name. 'Vhenan'."

"Your heart. He meant that much?"

She nodded. "Yes, he did. You've spoken to him in your dreams. You've felt the power of that mind. His love could burn against me like a bonfire." Her voice turned softer, less sharp. "He seemed so kind, and wise, and sad, and looked at me as if I somehow mattered more than anything around us." She huffed. "And believe me, there was a lot going on at that time. Too much."

Raven frowns. "It must've been really tough when you learned the truth. That he's Fen'Harel, the enemy in everything the Dalish teach, and is on to destroy the world."

Bloom chuckled. "I stopped believing in what the Dalish taught me when I was young early in my teenage years, so it didn't hurt to learn he was an ancient being." She looked back at the candle. "What really hurt was learning he was going to destroy the world I love so much. The world we saved." Her eyebrows furrowed. "He went on to do his plans after breaking my heart, and left me just enough clues to find him."

Raven looked at her with confusion. "Wait, you think he wanted you to stop him?"

"His name is Solas. It means "pride." Perhaps he couldn't change his mind himself, and hoped that someone else could help him." Her confident expression slowly changed as doubt settled in. "Or...maybe I'm the prideful one. Believing he has such a broken heart so I don't have to face my folly. That I still love someone who made such grave mistakes."

Raven huffs. "You sound like you're almost ready to join him in the Fade prison."

Bloom giggled and shook her head. "Absolutely not. We have to save the world first, and keep it safe." She paused and looked out the window. "After that? I...don't know."

They sat in silence for a few moments, Raven mainly letting Bloom stew in her thoughts. But she broke it with a dismissive wave. "Well, hey, this is all hypothetical right now. We've gotta fix the world before you can ever think of leaving, yeah?"

She looked back at her and smile softly. "Yes, we do." For the first time since they met, Bloom smirked and leaned in closer. "Enough about me, tell me about you and Lucanis."

Raven's eyes widened and there was a subtle pink blush on her cheeks. "W-What? How do you-"

"Morrigan has eyes everywhere, Raven."

She grumbled. "Of course she does." The two talk for a little while longer, mainly filled with Bloom grilling Raven for information about Lucanis and her. But when they realize they've spent too long away from their duties, they stand to leave. "Goodbye, Inquisitor. See you soon," she said softly. She was going to let Bloom leave first, but then she remembered the letter.

"Oh, wait!" Raven called. Somehow she forgot about the letter! She couldn't let her leave without it! She rushed to the back of the Cobbled Swan, where Raven assumed an eluvian must be, or Morrigan was, and stopped Bloom from leaving. "Wait! There's something I have to give you." She reached into her pocket and pulls out the envelope. "I found this in the Lighthouse. I believe it belongs to you--or is supposed to. It's from Solas."

Bloom hesitantly took the envelope and nodded. "Thank you, Raven. I'll see you soon." Her voice was a little tight and she seemed eager to leave, and she did quickly.

.

Morrigan and Bloom stepped out of the eluvian in Skyhold. "I must leave you once again, friend. Will you be well?" Morrigan asked.

Bloom looked over at her and smiled. "Yes, I'll be fine." She sighed and shrugged when Morrigan looked at her with doubt. "I may not be fine, but I will live. I promise." She squeezes her shoulder gently. "Say hi to Kieran for me, if you will."

She chuckled and her face seemed to light up at the mention of her son. "I will, friend." She then stepped back through the eluvian and headed to...only the Maker knew where.

Bloom looked down at the envelope in her hand and her heart beat sounded louder all of a sudden. She hadn't heard from Solas in so long, even in her dreams. He stopped showing up as a wolf about three years ago? She worried he died, but now this catastrophe put that worry to rest. "I know he's alive, trapped, and...wrote me a letter?" She went back to her old quarters in Skyhold, the one that she feared each time she slept in.

She feared she would break down at some point, lose her composure if she focused too hard on the memories in that room. The memories of her and Solas.

She opened the door, climbed up the stairs, and flopped onto the edge of the bed. Her feet and back instantly felt relief at the release of pressure. "Boy, reminds me of the good old days. During the Inquisition, I would rarely get to lounge like this." She shook her head and leaned up. "No. Don't go back there. The Inquisition is gone, yet you remain. Don't focus on that time. Look towards the future." She looked down at the envelope in her hand and sighed. "This is more like looking towards...something."

She undid the envelope and pulled out the letter. She read it quickly, and then again, and again, and again.

"Vhenan, I do not know if you will see these words. My ritual is ready and will soon be set in motion. Perhaps when you read this the world will be as it once was, and you will see why all I did was necessary. I cannot ask your forgiveness, but I hope you come to understand.

That night in Crestwood, when I shared the truth about your vallaslin... you do not know how close I came to breaking. I could have shared the truth, or even put my plans aside and simply stayed with you as Solas... as I wanted.

I regret the pain I caused you.

What I feel for you will never change."

She stared at the letter for...awhile. For the past few years, her mind and life had been occupied by so many other things. She had her twins, her Cameron, her family in Kirkwall, the people in Kirkwall she had to help, she had Varric! So many people to keep her busy, to keep her sane. She didn't have time to think of Solas, not truly, only about his plans and how to stop him. She didn't have time to think of the man she loved, only time to think about the man he was becoming.

But now she did as she feared, she broke down.

It started out as silent cries, only to slowly turn into sobs. She dropped the letter and buried her face in her hands, and let it all out. All the emotion she buried away years ago to focus on her life, it came back to the surface, and she sobbed.

Among those sobs did she make an oath in her heart to find him. She would help set him free, find him, and confront him. They both had a lot to say, and no paper could do them justice...

.

.

OKAY SO!!! The ending isn't as good as I wanted it to be but I hope y'all enjoyed :))))). I would LOOOOVE any feedback PLEASE! I'm desperate.

[kissorkill16]

Friendship In Raven Brooks: A Hello Neighbor Fanfic

By JJ

Summary: They all just wanted to live their lives, and then they met each other and became the bestest friend group you'll ever see.

Chapter 19

The next day, Aaron excused himself from his 4th period, saying he needed to go to the bathroom. But what he was really doing was stealing Finch's camera from her locker.

All he needed was his lockpick set and a pair of gloves so no one could check for fingerprints.

Yeah, it was a school, not a crime scene. But you can never be too careful, right?

He covered his tracks before he hid the camera in his own locker. The rest of the day, he just smiled and leaned against the wall as he watched Finch try to hide her frustration and irritation as she searched and searched for her precious camera.

When the day ended, Aaron and Nicky walked home together, and once Aaron was sure there wasn't anyone else around, he took out the camera and handed it to him.

"Is this Finch's camera?", asked Nicky. Aaron nodded, "Why do you have this?"

"Because we're going to follow Finch around and catch a picture of her doing something extremely embarrassing, but not just any type of embarrassing, embarrassing enough that people will laugh and point at her and make her run out of the school.", Aaron replied.

Nicky looked down at the camera in his hands.

"I don't know, Aaron.", he said. "This feels...wrong."

"What she did to you in school yesterday was wrong. She started it, we can finish it. She was the first to embarrass you, so it's only fair that you return the favor.", said Aaron.

Nicky wasn't the type to get revenge on anyone, especially not if it was for something petty.

But being bullied isn't petty.

So maybe this was the only way for Finch to learn her lesson.

"Okay. Sounds like a plan.", he said.

After they went home, the first thing they did was get their homework done so their parents wouldn't get on their backs about it.

Then they told them that they were going out for a while.

Nicky walked out of his house, but Aaron practically ran out of his house across the street to Nicky.

Nicky didn't question it, he just walked down the street with Aaron.

"Where did Ivan say she lived?", asked Nicky.

Aaron shrugged, "I don't know, somewhere on New Dixon Street.", he said. Nicky sighed, "This is ridiculous. How are we supposed to take an embarrassing picture of Finch if we don't even know where she lives?"

The two boys jumped up when they heard muffled screaming noises coming from one of the houses.

"I cannot believe you right now, young lady."

Even though it was a little far away, Nicky saw from the window that there was a man with black hair and green vest, and in front of him was a girl with a green shirt and black pants.

But Nicky recognized her even out of her school girl outfit, even her girl scout outfit.

Finch.

Nicky pulled Aaron to the house and hid under the window, but peeked a little bit so they could see the argument before them.

"Daddy, I swear I thought it was in my locker!", said Finch, "Someone must have stolen it -"

"Or maybe you're just as irresponsible as I thought.", said the man, who Aaron and Nicky have already guessed was her father.

Finch kept trying to explain herself. "Dad, I promise, I didn't lose it.", she said. But her father just rolled her eyes. "If you didn't lose it, it would still be with you either in your backpack or in your hands right now. But it's not, so where is it, Finch?"

"I told you -"

"Okay, y'know what?", said her father. "I'm done. That camera was for your part time job at the school paper, and you ended up losing it. Now I have to pay for it. Thanks a lot."

He turned around and walked away from his daughter, but before he left, he gave her one last glance and said one last thing.

"Until that camera is found, you're grounded."

Then he left without another word.

Aaron's eyes widened in shock. "Damn.", he whispered. "That guy reminds me of my dad."

Finch burst into tears and ran out of the room to the backyard. Aaron and Nicky followed her, but kept hiding in front of her house so she wouldn't see them.

The poor girl was crying into her hands.

Nicky looked down at the camera in his hands, and he felt really bad.

He couldn't go through with this. He should've guessed that Finch was going through something like this, it would explain why she was so mean to everyone all the time.

He got up and walked over to Finch, and Aaron nearly panicked and grabbed Nicky by the ankle as he made his way over to the girl scout.

"Hey, uh...Finch?"

Finch looked up at Nicky, and she was really surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"

Nicky held the camera to her, and Finch's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that my camera?"

"Yeah.", said Nicky. "You uh...left it in one of your classes yesterday."

Aaron breathed out a breath of relief, glad that Nicky didn't sell him out.

Finch happily took back the camera. She wiped away her tears, then she looked back at Nicky. "Why did you have my camera?"

Nicky shrugged, "I just thought I'd do something nice and give it back to you.", he said.

The girl looked down at her shoes, then nodded. "Well, thank you.", she said. Then she turned around to go back inside. But before she did, Nicky called out to her again.

"But before you go, Finch, can I ask you something?", he asked. Finch turned back around, "What is it?"

Nicky looked down at his shoes, then back at Finch. "Why do you bully people?"

Finch's eyes widened a little when he asked her that. No one's ever asked her why she acted the way she did. No one's ever asked their bully why they act the way they do.

So to hear Nicky ask her why she was such a bully was quite a surprise.

She didn't exactly know how to answer that.

Nicky scratched the back of his head, "I'm guessing it's probably because of your dad, huh?", he asked.

Finch was surprised to hear that. "I...I guess that's part of the reason.", she said.

"Part of the reason?", asked Nicky. "What's the other part?"

The girl scout shrugged, "I guess I just want people to respect me.", she said. "My dad barely thinks I deserve respect, he thinks I lost this camera and that I'm irresponsible. But I just want someone to respect me, I don't care if no one likes me."

"No one likes you?", asked Nicky. "Finch that's ridiculous. Lots of people already like you."

Finch looked at him incredulously, "Really? Like who?"

Nicky looked down at his shoes as he kicked his foot around, "Well...", he started. "Your girl scout friends, the girls you sit with at lunch,...I could like you if you want."

"Seriously?", asked Finch, "You want to like me? Even after what I did?"

Nicky shrugged.

"If you want, you can come by the Inventor's Club sometime.", he said. "If I could like you, I could get at least some of my other friends to like you."

A moment of silence passed by, and Finch turned around and walked back into her house. "I'll think about it.", she said before closing the door.

Nicky went back to the front of the house, and Aaron followed behind him.

"Is she really going to come to the Inventor's Club?", asked Aaron.

"She said she'd think about it.", said Nicky. "I just said that because I wanted her to see that people could like her. You don't have to like her, I'm just asking you to give her a chance."

Aaron sighed, but he nodded in agreement.

As they walked home, Nicky didn't know why, but he could feel an eerie presence following close behind them.

He tried to ignore it, thinking he was probably just being paranoid.

...But all the way back home, that eerie feeling of something following them just never left.