#all of the kids one true with is a chance for a normal life and quiet retirement at like 21 but nope

[dark-elf-writes]

The guilt is strong. In a way its worse when Posideon shows up. Solas stares down a god who hangs his head.

“Why?”

“Zeus feared them. Feared what they could do. The Maker, your fellows among the Elvhen Gods… they agreed to have them come and be heroes. To save them.”

“I’m not-”

“You’re like my nephew. Dionysus became a god through belief. You can refuse all you want but you are one. This was the only way to save them,” Posideon BEGS Solas to understand.

He does to well. So does everyone else who listen in.

It doesn't help.

Solas who has been drowning in his guilt (He did this. He did this. If he had found an answer to save Percy’s arm sooner. If he hadn’t given his orb. If he had found about her way to lock the others away. If if if.) and only for another god who should have protected Percy to show up and suddenly he’s angry.

If he’s honest with himself most of his anger is at him. He’s not often honest with himself.

“Why?” This world is too static for his form to shift. For him to grow claws and fangs. For the darkness that oozes from his coat to drip from his lips.

Poseidon flinches all the same. “I had to save him. I… I had to make sure they lived.”

Solas hates the god in front of him.

He hates himself for knowing he would have done the same thing.

He would tear this world apart for his kids. He would stay his hand for his kids. Both options terrify him.

“They will tear them apart if they get free.”

Poseidon manages a smile, weak and full of agony. “I know, but if anyone can take them it’s those kids.”

Solas knows. That terrifies him too.

“Why now? You could have come before. You could have…” Saved Percy’s hand? Spared Nico countless nightmares? Prevented the scar on Annabeth’s face from a dragon’s claw?

So many hurts could have been prevented when Solas was still too slow, too tired, to protect them.

“It wasn’t allowed. This is only allowed… Percy has done much for us. It was decided that he is… owed this gift.”

It would shatter Percy if he realized what it was. A goodbye. An apology. A payment from an uncaring pantheon delivered by one of the few who ever cared for him. Because their task was not yet completed. Even after everything they still wanted those kids to give more.

“You will see him again.” It’s not a question. It’s a demand. Snarled from one god to another.

(Solas would step into that role for them if he had to. Would take the title he had ran from for so long if it meant being the one person that would be able to stand at their sides. Would step into the role of Dread Wolf again even if he had to take on an entirely new pantheon and shatter a second world.

For them. For his People.

He has always had two flaws. Mythal had told him so with hands cupping his cheeks and an unknowable smile on her lips.

His pride and his loyalty.)

Poseidon didn’t answer, but his eyes flashed. So like Percy. The sea hated to be commanded, even when it was something he wanted to do anyway.

Solas finally stepped aside and gestured to the growing crowd around them. To the boy standing too still as he scanned his father’s face and read everything he needed to from his expression.

“Grant your boon then and pray he forgives you.” As I pray he forgives me goes unspoken, but Poseidon hears the words all the same.

Both of them know Percy will. Neither of them think themselves worthy.

[pumpkinrootbeer]

sometimes I think about how the game that completely changed how the general public viewed pixel rpgs, has a breathtaking soundtrack that has completely escaped it's original circle, has lines like "It's you!" "Despite everything it's still you", changed so many people's mind about empathy in video games, was damn near revolutionary in how it used game mechanics as part of the story and literally fucked with the code of your computer, uses the game code as a means of storytelling, has secrets people still are trying to unravel to this day, and has a boss fight so mind-blowing people still talk about it and for so many people it's ongoing legacy is Kanye West likes...., selfcest, and that time it killed the queen of England. And I love that. good job team

[loonylupinblack3]

Shy

Pairing: Logan Howlett x Reader

Warnings: swearing, suggestive content

Summary: you have a crush on a certain co-worker but are too shy to tell him. so someone does it for you.

Word count: 2.6k

A/N: THIS WAS A REQUEST BUT WHEN I TRIED TO REPLY TO IT IT DIDNT LET ME AND DELETED IT INSTEAD (also jean is a meddling little shit in this and u just gotta accept that)

You watched him from across the hall greedily, eyes drinking in his panting form, the sweat coating his chest and back, the strained muscles underneath his wife beater tank top. Logan was a sight for sore eyes on a normal day, but when he was working out? He had you practically rabid for him.

You were sitting on one of the benches, a forgotten book in your hand you hadn’t glanced at in ages, preferring to treat yourself to the image of Logan Howlett hot and sweaty while working out. There were a few other X-men exercising alongside him, and others on the bench with you hanging out so you weren’t too out of place, but everyone could see the way you looked at Logan.

Everyone but Logan himself.

You’d joined the team a few months ago- 5 to be exact- after whispers had gotten to you of a safe space for mutants. Having hidden your true genetic code from everyone else in your life, you jumped at the chance of not having to hide anymore. With your unique skill set too- the ability to formulate and present illusions- you were an exceptional addition to both the X-men and the teaching staff.

You thrived at the X mansion. The kids loved you, you got along well with your fellow teammates, and you had suggested and helped act on several improvements to both the school and the team. You were a good addition, and the other mutants were grateful to have you there.

You’d just had one problem when acclimating to the school. Your teeny, tiny, incredibly small crush on your fellow professor, Logan Howlett. At first you really had thought it would be no big deal. Just a co-worker you had noticed was slightly attractive. That’s all. Other mutants had told you he was hard to talk to, and had a gruff, moody personality, so you’d thought the attraction would soon fade.

Unfortunately it had only grown. The first time you’d realised, shit, this might actually be a problem, was when you’d gone to get a glass of water in the middle of the night and found Logan leaning against the kitchen counter, shirtless, with a beer in hand.

You’d been so flustered, eyes continuously betraying you and straying to his chest that you’d blurted out the first thing that came to your head, “how’d you get beer in here?”

Logan had chuckled, observing you as he brought the beer bottle to his mouth for a sip. “Why? Want some Sweetheart?”

You’d felt heat rise to your face at the nickname, shaking your head. “No, I was just curious.”

Logan stared at you a second longer, eyes trailing your figure appreciatively before shrugging. “Your loss. And unfortunately I can't tell you how I got it. Gotta keep it a secret lest Xavier finds out.”

You were too flustered to argue so you’d just nodded, mumbled a quick goodbye, and quickly walked back to your bedroom. You hadn’t even gotten your glass of water. 

There had been other similar instances over the past few months. Logan just had a way to get under your skin, to cause your heart to go into cardiac arrest every time he looked at you, which made it hard to conceal your ever growing crush on him from literally everyone. Even your students knew about it, or at least had their suspicions, and you prayed they were too intimidated by Logan to ask him any questions about it. The last thing you needed was to get humiliated and have to pack up all your things and leave the home you had just created for yourself because you could no longer look any of your co-workers or students in the eyes again.

Especially Logan.

Things had escalated until you could barely look Logan in the eye anymore, and actively avoided him at all costs. The last thing you wanted to do was embarrass yourself in front of him, and though it was unpleasant you’d decided the best course of action was just to steer clear of him altogether.

Still, you allowed yourself some enjoyment, like watching Logan workout from afar while in a room full of people. The onlookers weren’t the best, but it was better than being alone with him when who knows what would happen.

“Like what you see?”

Storm’s voice dragged you out of your ogling, and you turned to her with a sheepish expression. “Maybe.”

She gave you a knowing look, raising her eyebrows. You ignored it, because you’d heard her suggestions many times before and found they didn’t align with your own interests.

“Go and tell him how you feel.”

And embarrass yourself when he inevitably rejects you? No thanks. You were more comfortable with keeping your feelings suppressed, continuously shoving them down, building a brick wall between them and you, to permanently keep them out. Yet for every single brick you added somewhere below you could feel three more being punched out, slowly destroying your barricades bit by bit. 

Your eyes strayed back to Logan, like they always did, yet surprise striked you when you couldn’t find him. Your eyes scanned the room like a man on a mission, only to realise too late Logan was heading towards you, a towel in his sweaty grip.

He greeted Storm with a nod before his gaze zeroed in on you, and you mentally added another brick to your shield, determined to keep him out this time. 

“Y/n,” he greeted, eyes never straying from your face.

You looked down, fidgeting with your hands. “Logan,” and, because you were incredibly weak willed- “did you have a good workout?”

You swear as you looked back up at him you saw the remnants of a smile on his face, but it was gone in the blink of an eye so you couldn’t be completely sure. You don’t think Logan had ever smiled at you, and you felt the bricks within you start to wobble.

“It was alright,” he said curtly, ever the man of few words. He lingered though, as if debating to say something, when it came out anyway. “I’d like it if you joined us next time.”

You felt your heartbeat increase. You felt the jump and the rapid incline as you processed what he said, your mind swimming.

“Me? But I just do illusions… I don’t have a fight worthy mutation.”

“Which is exactly why you should workout. Build your strength so you don’t need to rely on others and can trust your own body to do the job, regardless of mutations.”

It was the most you think Logan had ever spoken to you all at once, and you were suddenly feeling very dizzy. Logan wanted you to workout with him, to spend time with him. Could you imagine? Standing alongside him while he panted. Sparring and ending up underneath him, his entire body weight crushing you between him. It was almost too much to think about.

You cleared your throat, trying to clear your mind of unhelpful distractions, and found your eyes glued to Logan as he brought the towel to wipe the sweat from his throat, his muscles straining right in front you as he reached behind the back of his neck, wiping the sheen of sweat from his body.

You were staring, you knew that, but you just couldn’t find it in you to look away. It was a godly sight, Logan in front of you, sweaty and staring right at you. How were you supposed to look away?

“Uhm,” you mumbled when Storm stepped on your foot. If she’d noticed your ogling Logan certainly must have, and you felt heat rise to your face at the thought. “Yeah, maybe. I’ll think about it.”

Logan looked at you again, really looked at you, before nodding, slinging the towel over a shoulder. “I hope to see you there.”

And with that he walked away, and you felt the bricks tumbling, clattering away inside you, and you could do nothing to stop it until you felt bare and vulnerable, watching the man walk away with the realisation this might be more than just a silly crush.

You couldn’t let that happen. Couldn’t let yourself go too far, even though you could already feel yourself falling. You needed stronger defences, more barricades and walls. And if that meant more space between you and Logan, more avoiding and distance, well, you’d do it. You couldn’ let yourself go past the point of no return with him. You couldn’t.

Your avoidance of Logan had continued ten-fold. Whenever he entered a room you would exit. You would no longer spend time watching him workout or teach or do anything, really. You stayed as isolated from him as possible, and when you couldn’t you stayed silent, eyes fixed ahead of you rather than on him.

Others had noticed. You heard the rumours, whispers of a fight, a break up that occurred between the two of you. It was laughable, the idea that you and Logan had ever been together in the first place.

It was working though, or so you thought. You could feel your shields and barricades strengthening each day, and you continued to build them higher and higher, in the hopes you would eventually not need to avoid Logan, for he would no longer have any effect on you.

Until then you were determined to avoid Logan and spend as little time with him as possible. Unfortunately Logan did not share that sentiment.

You’d just finished up a class, instructing your students to have their homework prepared for next lesson and watched them all file out the door when Logan entered. It was so unexpected you hadn’t a chance to leave before he was upon you, his figure towering over your frame. His arms were crossed and he watched you with a frown on his face, yet you weren’t afraid of it anymore. Sure, you had been originally, but soon you’d discovered behind the frown was usually no ill intent, so you weren’t nervous.

Well you were, extremely so, but not about that.

“Oh, Logan,” you managed, swallowing thickly. “What are you doing here?”

Logan crossed his arms. “We need to talk.”

You winced. “We do?”

He let out an aggravated huff. “LIsten, I don’t know what I did to make you so pissed at me but it can’t be this bad-”

You interrupted him, confused. “Wait, what?”

He sent you a look. “You. Being mad at me. I don’t know why.”

“I’m not mad at you.”

Logan paused, looking at you with a scrutinising gaze. “Yes you are.”

You scoffed at him wrongly telling you how you felt. “No, I’m not.”

“So why are you ignoring me? And don’t say you haven't-” Logan said, noticing you’d opened your mouth to defend yourself. “I know you are. You have been avoiding me for weeks, and if you’re not angry at me I can see no other fathomable reason for why you’re acting like I have the plague.”

I frowned. “You noticed that?”

Logan scoffed. “Of course I noticed it. You don’t even come to training anymore, not even to watch like you used to. Why?”

You shifted uncomfortably on your feet. You obviously couldn’t tell him the real reason, otherwise all the hard work you’d done would be for nothing because you’d end up humiliated and rejected anyway, but you knew Logan could tell when someone was lying from their pulse spiking, and yours certainly would if you lied about this.

You grappled for something to say, anything, to shake him off your trail. “I have to prepare for another class-”

“You’re not preparing for shit until you tell me what’s wrong,” Logan practically growled. “I can stay here all day Bub.”

Well shit. You didn’t really have another choice. You were going to have to tell him about your feelings for him. Literally anything else would have been better. Anything else.

At that exact moment Jean walked into your classroom and relief bloomed in your chest. You were saved, you were safe. You could use Jean as an excuse and-

“She was avoiding you because she has the hots for you, Logan. Something every single person in this school knows except you.”

Well, not anything else apparently.

Logan let out a noise of surprise and looked at you, but your eyes were glued to Jean, horror and betrayal painted on your face. She mouthed ‘your welcome’ and left. What the fuck? Was that the only reason she entered, to butt into your private conversation?

“Y/n. Was what Jean said true?”

You opened your mouth and then closed it, looking like something akin to a gaping fish. “Define truth.”

Logan narrowed his eyes at you, not at all amused, and his silence forced you to continue.

You sighed, preparing yourself for the inevitable heartbreak to come. “Yes, it’s true, alright, but I never intended to act on it and I won’t act on it so you’re fine-”

“Who said I didn’t want you to act on it?”

You started. “W-what?”

Logan took another step until your chest was suddenly pressed against his. “Did I stutter?”

You felt like you were going to stutter if you said anything, so you sort of just… stood there. Waiting. For what exactly, you weren’t sure. Some clarity maybe?

Certainly not Logan grabbing you by the waist and kissing you, so firm and confident you couldn’t help but melt into his embrace. His hands were grabbing your waist, finding the dips in your curves and squeezing there, grabbing them and tugging you towards him.

His lips dragged across yours, adding an air of desperation to the kiss. You couldn’t help but bring your hand up to cup his cheek, thumb stroking his bearded jaw as he kissed you deeper, seeming for all the world like he was never going to stop. You were powerless to stop it, and you found you didn’t even want to. Your walls were crumbling and you gladly let them if it meant you could continue kissing this man.

Logan hefted you up onto your desk and you let out a gasp, muffled by Logan’s lips. He smiled into the kiss anyway, amused by your surprise, and placed his hands on your knees to part them so he could get between your legs. 

You immediately wrapped your legs around his waist, something he liked if the pleased grunt from his throat was anything to go by. His kissing became more fevoured, like he wanted to devour you, and you gladly let yourself drown in him.

That was until the school bell rang, startling you both out of the kiss. Or rather, just you, because Logan seemed content to move to your neck when your lips stopped responding.

“Logan,” you murmured. “I have a class to teach.”

Logan made an angry grunt and continued placing open mouthed kisses to your collarbone. You laughed and gently pushed him away, causing the man to growl and look at you with such irritation you’d think you interrupted his wedding or something.

“I’m busy here,” Logan said.

You had to physically swallow the breathless sigh threatening to escape your lips, instead saying, “we can continue this later.”

“We will continue this later.”

You smiled, almost shyly, which was ironic considering he was still between your legs. “Yeah?”

Logan moved forward so he could whisper into your ear. “Now that I have you Bub, I ain’t ever letting go.”

He pulled back and your smile widened, making a mental note to thank Jean when you next saw her. “I can live with that.”

[hotpinkstars]

GIRL DAD OR BOY DAD? - sunday, boothill x reader

- or more clearly, to what gender would they want to have more, and general headcannons of them as papas ☺️

- brainrot brainrot brainrot BRAINROT AHHH... i love these guys and i can do a part 2 for others later but godd theres absolutely not enough dad stuff for these men (especially sunday... if there is its all yandere) so never fear novas here! ahem anyways enjoy

- warnings none! pure fluff!!! wc 711

Sunday is so a girl and boy dad.

Reason why I say this is because he likely needs an heir to take over his position when he gets too old to do so, but he also wants a baby girl he can spoil as well.

Don’t worry! He loves both of his kids the same! They’re the greatest things that have probably ever happened to him and he cherishes them with his whole life. He thanks the stars above every single day for the opportunity he received to be a father to multiple beautiful children, and thanks you for granting him the chance. 

Dunno, but I could see this man wanting a handful of kids. He wants at least one girl and at least one boy, but I could see him shooting for 3-4. Will he be around to care for them? Not all the time, but he tries his hardest (and he definitely has the resources to care for that many).

Considering they’re half halovian and half human, they look pretty much just like their father! Some have your eyes, but they all have his hair. His hair and his gorgeous wings. They have your features though, such as your face, body type, etc.

His favorite part of the day is when he gets to collapse on your shared bed, his kiddos following behind him to cuddle their dad, and most of the time you all fall asleep together. Normally, you wake up just you and him because he’s good about putting them in their own bed once they fall asleep.

Once his kids get older, he’ll teach his son(s) combat and good form. He wants them to protect, and wants to raise them to be strong and independent. With his daughter(s), if they ask to be taught combat, then he won’t see much of an issue with it. He also wants to teach them independence, but in a more subtle form. 

Just expect that his children as teenagers are going to be the prettiest kids around holy shit. They’re obviously enrolled in a private school due to their fathers high status but they always come home and list the compliments they’ve received that day. Thankfully you two have raised them well enough for them to realize that it’ll be bad if all of these get to their head and stroke their ego too hard…

Supportive father asf! All I’ve gotta say here

Don’t play Boothill is SO a girl dad hello have you met the man

He’s so excited when his little girl is born ahh he’s always dreamed of being a father to a girl and his dream has officially come true!!

Obviously, if you had a boy, he’d love him the same. He just wants children of his own tbh lol

His daughter knows western culture fresh out of the womb my friend. It’s like she was born for little cowboy boots and the cutest little cowboy hat. She’s even got a western name, he brought it up and you liked it, so the name you two settled on was Cassidy.

She has his hair! It’s absolutely gorgeous once it starts coming in- a pearly white color with little black streaks stemming from the roots. She has your eyes and your face, and his slimmer body type (before he was turned into a cyborg. This isn’t canon I actually have no clue what he looked like pre cyborgification lmao).

Oh lord, your daughter is so spoiled. On every mission he goes on he’s always bringing something back for her. It could be a super fancy necklace or even just a little trinket he picked up from a street vendor, but she has a whole shelf full of the things her daddy gives her.

She thinks it’s so cool he has a metal body. She asks about it alot but she’s really fascinated with it tbh. She likes to call it “daddy’s special feature!” and he always melts to that sentence gosh

He probably teaches his daughter how to use a gun when she gets older. He, similar to Sunday, wants his daughter to learn self defense tactics and learn how to fend for herself when necessary.

She totally has his accent. Change my mind period.

[cheesiedomino]

Second Chances ꙳ ੭ * ‧

synopsis: your old situationship from many years ago just moved back in town and of course, he has to text you. but it’s not just any normal text — he’s asking you out on a proper date this time. will you give a second chance to Cupid? or will you be left here feeling stupid?

genre: lee minho x fem!reader | exes (??) to lovers wc: 4.6k tags/warnings: fluff, some light angst, slightly suggestive but nothing srs, mild cursing, kissing, small mentions of crying T-T

now playing 🎧: from the start by laufey

[this is part of my valentine’s series where i write a short story for each member surrounding themes of love, newfound romance, relationship hardships & more.]

“Why don’t you give Tinder a try already? I’m sick of hearing you nagging all day about being lonely!” Areum abruptly suggests mid-convo , resting her palm on the side of her face.

As you both casually wait for the food to arrive, you end up on the dreadful topic of dating again. You got into a real heated discussion with her, sitting in a booth at this new restaurant one of your coworker’s recommended. It wasn’t super well known but they wouldn’t stop raving about how delicious their breadsticks were. The place wasn’t too jam packed but definitely had a decent amount of people. What you weren’t anticipating on was seeing dozens of couples here, it kind of threw your whole vibe off since it only reminded you of your current sad relationship status. Maybe you were putting far too much thought into it but everything seemed so highly unfair. Glaring in envy while they all happily rub in your face that they’ve found their forever companion.

Life really can be cruel at times.

“You can’t be for real right now..” you instantly side eye your friend from across the table. Feeling personally triggered whenever she mentions online dating. You refuse to try it, never wanting to partake in such a vain concept where you swipe left and right based solely on looks. “That’s not the same as real romance. I want to meet someone naturally, wanna tell my kids when they grow up how I met their dreamy, hunk of a father in aisle 39 at Whole Foods.”

One could say it’s almost pathetic in a way— this burning desire you harbor within, longing for a pure, quaint, and beautiful love. Constantly catching yourself daydreaming about finding your life partner, the person you’re going to marry and possibly create an eternal family with. That day has yet to come unfortunately, but you still hold onto the thought of you someday meeting the one.

You thought you found them before, but thou shalt not speak thy names out into existence.

“Well, good luck finding ‘real romance’ in the big age of 2024-” Areum snorts in amusement, taking a pause to sip on her mango strawberry lemonade. “I need whatever drugs you’re on that’s making you this delulu so I can fantasize about my knight and shining armor that’s never coming!”

God you hate that word. Delulu. Why are you suddenly “delusional” for wanting a picture perfect romance? It doesn’t need to be perfect per se, but you want to feel adored, swept off your feet and embraced like the true queen you are. Was that too much to ask? Considering the current state of dating in this day and age, it might just be.

“I mean, let’s face it girl. You literally don’t know the first thing about love ___, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows like in the K-dramas y’know! Haven’t you only had like one boyfriend in high school? You barely even dated that guy for a month-”

“That’s because he dumped me to go move to LA and become a dumb YouTuber!” You snapped back, cutting her off to get all the facts straight.

It was hard not to grimace while thinking of such old memories. Dating a Minecraft streamer definitely had to be one of the most embarrassingly cringe choices you’ve ever made.

“Whatever that’s beside the point. What I’m trying to get at here is you don’t have the best track record when it comes to men. Remember that other guy you were seeing before we graduated? I thought y’all would’ve dated for sure but he turned out to be a dickhole just like the rest of ‘em…” Areum shakes her head in disbelief, recalling all those times you’d call in a frenzied panic about things not working out.

“What was his name again? Min… Minwoo? No, that’s not it.. it was definitely Min something.” She attempts on remembering but keeps drawing a blank.

“Minho.” You answer almost instantaneously. His name still rolled off the tongue smooth as velvet.

It felt weird though. Saying it out loud after so many years of blocking it from your immediate vocabulary. A name you thought would never escape your lips again.

“Damn, you really still think about him don’t you?” She dares to ask, knowing how difficult it is for you to even talk about this anymore.

You only respond by nodding slowly, unable to bring yourself to look at her. It was far too intense; bearing the emotions of hurt and guilt from a past fling that meant more to you but nothing to the other. That’s how most of your tragic stories end— always too overly into them while they barely reciprocate any of that energy towards you. The thing is, you thought Minho actually liked you, even so far as wanting to date in the near future. Considering he brought you over his parent’s house (to hook up of course), and though you didn’t meet them you still think that meant something. Most men don’t just bring any woman they’re seeing to their parent’s place without somewhat thinking a potential relationship could happen down the line.

“So that’s why you should download Tinder and start swipin’ on some other cuties! It’ll at least distract you for a bit and get your mind off that asswipe,” Areum pitches her idea once more, “there’s plenty other fish in the sea ___. Not everyone online is some crazy serial killer, plus you clearly don’t seem to be having much luck out in the real world.”

You wanted to jump up from the table and erase that smirk from her face but instead you roll your eyes at that last remark. “I don’t need those shitty dating apps. I’m very capable of finding someone in real life for your information!” You quickly retort as a means to defend yourself. Even though she did have a point, her delivery could’ve been a little bit nicer.

It’s not easy being a hopeless romantic, you can’t help but yearn for that special someone to enter your life and change it for the better. You won’t feel wholly satisfied nor complete until you do. The sad reality of the matter was that you are still painfully single. No one’s interesting enough to cease your attention, let alone go on any actual dates. Areum’s had enough of your bitching and whining though, there’s only so many rants and tirades she can keep listening to about your vicious hatred for men before she loses it completely. Your nonexistent love life has become more of a nuisance as that time of year approaches— Valentine’s Day. A god forsaken holiday you’ve always loathed with a passion. Wanting nothing more than to be one of those girls on the receiving end getting flowers and chocolates. A day full of the utmost joy and pleasant surprises from your loving significant other.

Must be nice..

Speaking of surprises.. The buzzing in your ear echoes from your phone pinging loudly, indefinitely startling you. Grabbing it to check the sudden notification, your eyes go absurdly wide at the contact name displayed on your screen. Blinking numerous times from shock, you stare at your phone in incredulity; making sure your eyes weren’t playing tricks on you.

Lee Minho. The Lee Minho?

What kind of sorcery is being conjured where the instant you bring him up, he somehow texts you after all these years of not speaking? This coincidence was more than unsettling to you. A part of your inner thoughts still believes this is all some elaborate joke being played on you, waiting for a cameraman to pop out of some curtain to announce you’ve just been pranked. But nothing happens, life proceeds as normal. Now you’re left with the most puzzling notification you might’ve ever received.

It was your last year of college and the pressure of your academics along with appeasing your family was getting to you immensely. You needed an escape from all of it, desperately. Which you found through none other than Lee Minho, the boy who worked as a barista at Cozmo’s; this coffee shop you used to frequent a lot. It was a cute, small family-owned establishment and they made the best matcha lattes— in your humble opinion. You’d pick one up almost every day along with a slice of freshly baked cinnamon bread. It started off as only playful banter with him in the beginning, then it lead to more as time went on. One day, as you reached out to pay he blocked your hand from moving any closer, letting you freely walk away without spending a dime. This soon became a regular occurrence, as you’d start seeing Minho outside of work, getting to know more and more about him. You remember so desperately wanting to date back then, pitying your past self for thinking there was even a chance.

‘Maybe he’s just texted the wrong person’ you psyche yourself into thinking, but when you unlock your phone to finally read the message — an uncomfortable lump forms in the pit of your throat.

Minho 🐈:

Hey is this still ___’s number?

You honestly don’t know why you still have his number saved, let alone allowing a whole emoji to be next to it. Though it never was like you to delete anything, no matter how painful it may have been. More lingering questions makes you want to seek out the possible solutions. Why would he text you of all people ? None of this adds up in your mind realistically. Furrowing your brows in concentration, you think of what to say as you draft out a response.

Yes… who’s this?

After a tedious struggle of typing out multiple paragraphs and immediately deleting them, you went over your words a few more times before sending a final reply. It would’ve been strange had you knew exactly who he was off the bat, that’ll just be dead giveaway you still had his contact info saved this whole time. But with that logic, doesn’t that make Minho just as odd for still keeping your number after all this time has passed?

Your phone dings again.

Minho 🐈:

Srsly -_-

Did you really delete my number??

Bet he didn’t see that one coming. He probably thought the moment he texts you, you were gonna kiss up to him like you’ve always done in the past. Mentally giggling to yourself at the image of him getting flustered by you not knowing who he was at first. Feels good to know you knocked his confidence down a peg.

Lol, chillax.. I know it’s you Minho :P

Not even a minute later, a flood of incoming messages appear. Biting your lip out of nervousness, your heart couldn’t stop beating so fast— anxiously checking your phone as the atmosphere around you suddenly gets stuffier.

Minho 🐈:

Better be lucky I didn’t block you after that ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Guess who’s back in the city btw. Did ya miss me? ;)

No need to answer that, I already know you did. You should stop by at Cozmo’s again sometime!

Also what’re you up to this week? I need you to clear out all your plans because I’m taking you out on a date.

You always knew Minho was the bold type but this was on another level. The sheer audacity he has to even ask something like this after not reaching out for almost 3 years was more than ballsy on his part. It felt like a surge of butterflies erupting in your stomach, getting lightheaded as you think about seeing him again. He really had an effect on you like no other.

Glancing up from your screen to finally pay attention to Areum again, you assure her everything’s going to be just fine. “Looks like I won’t be needing to download Tinder after all.”

Later on that day you ended up going to Cozmo’s and meeting up with Minho. It never really took much convincing from him to get you to budge, though it was a hell of a lot worse back then. You used to blindly follow along with anything he said just to seek his approval, hoping that eventually he’ll see you as the girl he wants to settle down with. Alas, nothing ever blossomed into something more, and you knew deep down that this was headed nowhere— but that still didn’t stop you from fantasizing about a future with him. Getting lost into deep thought, head heavy in the clouds as you imagine the idea of Minho confessing his undying love for you. You’ll be so caught off guard as he gets down on one knee, looking at you with the entire solar system in eyes while he proposes in the most charming way. It really is pitiful how much you still daydream about a guy who wasn’t your boyfriend but would constantly act like he was, then up and leaves without mentioning a single word about it.

You convinced yourself he ran off with someone else to have a better life with, even hearing through town gossip that he’s moved to South Korea to pursue becoming an idol. Whatever the case may be it still weighed heavily on your mind that he never bothered to tell you anything, even a simple ‘goodbye’ would’ve sufficed the empty hole in your heart. The main reason you agreed on meeting up with Minho was to finally ask, why? Why did he pretend to like you? Why did he act like your boyfriend when he never had intentions on seriously dating? Why was he so good at making you fall so hard for him..?

“You look great.” You subconsciously blurt out, affixed in a daze as you stare in awe at the man in front of you.

It’s been a while since you came here— never able to fully bring yourself to try and go back. Though you knew this place first, and they really did have the best Mactha lattes in the universe. It reminded you too much of him and you sadly had to let it go.

You weren’t proud of it but you did go home quickly to change clothes and redo your makeup. Usually you wouldn’t care but this was the only guy you’ve been consistently crushing on for years, you had to feel good inside and out. Minho was just as gorgeous as you remembered, if not he looked even more ethereal — which seemed impossible in itself already. He’s grown up so beautifully, his facial features became more sharp, especially his jawline which looks so defined and sculpted by the Gods.

Minho lightly chuckles at your timidness, some things just never change. “You look way better.” His lips drew into a faint smirk as he admires your presence.

He meant every word of what he said, you looked really good, and it was making him even more frustrated that so much time has passed. Regretting the way he handled things so many years ago, wishing he could take it all back and do everything differently. Seeing you again made it easier for Minho to suppress the guilt he’s borne for so long. This moment feels like a second chance to make amends for his past mistakes.

You couldn’t help but blush when you hear his compliment, feeling your ears grow hot as you look at the ground. There was a silent pause between you that lasted for what seemed like ages. Weirdly enough the conversation flowed well after he finally broke the awkwardness, the chemistry was overall still there and were able to pick up right where it left off.

“I’m so glad you came ___, I’ve been dying to see you since I got here. I’m surprised you even still responded to my lame ass.”

Minho’s light confession puzzles you. If he really was dying to see you, why’d he wait so long to get in contact with you? To be fair, you don’t know the exact time he came back.

“Oh, is that so? When’d you come back? Also show me pics of Korea, I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like there.” You fondly inquire, leaning against the side of the wall as he’s still behind the counter. He mentioned to you he’s only working part time because his parents would rather mooch off their son for free labor than to hire and pay a new employee.

“Yesterday,” he quickly states before taking out his phone to scroll through his gallery, “guess my sister must’ve told you I went there huh?”

You shook your head, “Nah, I haven’t talked to Elle in a while. She’s tried hitting me up a few times though.. but I found out through Areum ‘cause she was seeing Hoseok back then.”

They were definitely “seeing” each other alright, but mostly in the bedroom. Areum didn’t want anything exclusive with Hoseok and neither did he, it was the perfect friends with benefits situation. Minho and Hoseok were good friends who’ve known each other for a while, so naturally he’d tell Areum everything and overshare at some point.

“Agh, there’s a customer gotta take this. One sec, sorry!” He briefly apologizes before bringing his attention to the new person heading inside. You nod, signaling he’s good to go. “I’ll be waiting over there,” you point to a small wooden table with 2 chairs in a corner.

Once Minho comes back you notice he’s no longer wearing his purple work apron; back in his regular attire now and sporting an oversized dark grey hoodie that was three times too big. He was holding a large cup with green liquid and a paper bag in his hand, that’s when it clicks for you— he still remembers your favorite meal.

He’s grinning the whole time he’s handing you the matcha latte and cinnamon pastry, smiling from ear to ear like a kid on Christmas Day. This was the most you’ve seen him be so enthusiastic about something, even back when you were “with” him you can’t recall him beaming with such energy like this.

“Awh, thank you. I haven’t had either one of these in years!” You wanted to give him the biggest hug but you refrained from doing so, feeling as though it may be too early for that.

“Of course dear, anything for you.”

Why does everything he says have to make you melt from the inside out? It’s not fair! >:(

Glancing down at your yummy beverage, you see a message written on the side of the glass with bold permanent sharpie. Tilting your head to read it, the words are bit jumbled together but you get the gist. You’re almost left speechless after it reads: ‘___, Will you be my valentine?’

Your most dreaded and least favorite holiday is here, yippee! But, there’s a twist on this year’s turn of events; you actually have someone to celebrate this wretched tradition with. You should be excited but all you’re feeling is the sudden urge to vomit as you were nervous out of your mind. This was kind of weird to you, going on a date with your ex boyfriend who was never even your real boyfriend. Looking back on it now you shouldn’t have tolerated a relationship dynamic like that, Minho was clearly taking advantage of your passiveness by not explicitly saying what he wanted. On the contrary, you had no one to blame but yourself, you never spoke up or criticized anything even if it didn’t coincide with your personal morals.

The fact he never took you on an actual date until now speaks volumes, you obviously didn’t have enough self worth back to demand better treatment. It took you years of figuring out what a real, healthy relationship is supposed to be like through trials of therapy and that was an emotional rollercoaster in itself. All your uncertainties soon faded away once you became more secure and knew exactly what you wanted for yourself. It took every ounce of patience and acceptance to unlearn all your bad coping mechanisms and other toxic behaviors that were only stunting your inner growth. You’re happy to be in a position now where you’re able to express wholeheartedly what you deserve, it’s the best feeling ever to feel like you’re in control of your own life.

You spent almost 3 hours getting ready and your bedroom now looked like a war zone. The outfit you chose was super girly, a frilly white dress with pink platform heels— Minho’s going to drool in amazement when he sees you. When you sent Areum photos of you before heading out, she responds right way with a series of hearts and other sweet comments— hyping you up to no end like the best friend she is. She’s also able to help pull you out of your doubtful headspace, when you felt unsure if you could really go through with this she quickly psyched you out of it. Reminding you exactly who you are and why you are the prize, not him. ‘He should be the one who’s nervous, not the other way around’ you assure yourself over and over as a mini ego boost.

His jaw dropped when he spotted you walking up to his car, infatuated by how pretty and perfect you looked in every way possible. It angers him so much to know he took all this for granted, he didn’t appreciate all of you the way he should’ve but now he gets another chance to redo everything and right his wrongs. It’s a lot of pressure but he bravely accepts it, he could never mess up another opportunity like this again. The car ride was fairly silent in the beginning, you were vibing in peace as the only thing you could hear was Minho’s soft indie playlist as background music.

You ultimately chose to be the one to speak first, breaking the ice with a simple inquiry about the date. “So where are we going?” Looking out at the scenery from the window, all you is trees and more trees. If it’s something to do with nature you surely don’t want any parts of it, you’ve never been too fond of the wilderness.

“It’s a surprise, I can’t tell you.” He keeps a tight seal on today’s destination without dropping a single hint, forcing you to go completely blind into this. As he goes back to focus on the road, you sigh anxiously after hearing him refuse to disclose anything.

Did he seriously forget what kind of person you are? Anyone who’s close to you at all knows you’ve never been into those types of things. Ever.

“You know I hate surprises Minho,” you remind him, attempting to pry for more information. Even shooting him a doe eyed look along with poking out your bottom lip, but he doesn’t falter.

He simply nods, “I know but you’ll like this one, just have a little bit of faith me.” Flashing an innocent smile at you, he seems to be overly confident in whatever his plan consists of.

After almost half an hour passes the car finally comes to a stop, you scan the area and instantly notice a sense of familiarity among the place. Across from you was an ice cream parlor you thought didn’t exist anymore. But there it is, still standing with dozens of customers waiting in line. The small shop was famously known for its fish-shaped ice cream cones, you’ve always wanted to visit the place and try it when you were a little from seeing it on TV all the time. When you told Minho about it, you said how your parents would say it was too far but it actually closed down and they didn’t know how to tell you. From time to time you’d still think about that place, but you would’ve never thought they relocated. Being here with Minho brings an indescribable amount of happiness to your spirit.

“I mentioned this place like one time in passing, how’d you even remember?” You wonder in amazement, after all these years he still remembers something as minuscule as this.

“It may not have seemed like it but I paid attention to every little detail you told me ___, all it. Of course I know you don’t like surprises but how else would I have been able to take you here?” He sweetly expresses to you, not wanting to hold back anymore.

You wanted to cry right here, right now. All your emotions came crashing down at once and it’s hard to keep them concealed. A lot has changed within these years, things feel so different with him now, especially with how much he’s matured. You notice how he doesn’t act like the typical fuckboy in his early 20’s anymore, he’s much more interested in getting to know only person — that being you.

“I’ve rehearsed this in my head like a million times and I don’t think I’ll ever say it the right way I want but it’s time I start being as transparent as possible with you…” Minho takes a deep breath before continuing, “I’ve always liked you ___, from the start actually,” he keeps going, “I was just scared, of what I don’t know.. Commitment maybe?”

Slightly looking in another direction, your vision faintly blurs from tears welling up, “I- I honestly don’t know what to say..”

“Then don’t say anything at all, I don’t need you to. I may not know the first thing about how to love someone, but I want to learn all of it with you.” He feels all the remorse of leaving you alone for all these years, unable to process the pain you must’ve endured at him not getting into contact with you. “I’m so sorry ___. For everything, I’m going to make it all better I promise.”

Your eyes subconsciously flutter shut when he comes in contact with you. Connecting in perfect symmetry with your lips to sync together in motion. His gentle hands cupped your face delicately; his touch was so warm and inviting. Your fingers were deeply tangled in his brunette locks, relishing every minute as he tilts his head to capture more of you. He genuinely couldn’t believe he went this long without kissing these luscious lips again. His tongue grazed the bottom of your lip to subtly ask for entry and you comply. Dopamine floods both your senses like a series of fireworks going off, feeling intoxicated by each other’s taste. It was probably that vanilla bean chapstick you always wore— an old favorite of his and is still your go-to flavor of choice. He wanted to savor you in this moment for as long as he could, cherish the fact he has you in his hold again.

“Want to know something funny?” He asks out of nowhere, still smirking from that heated kiss that just happened seconds ago.

“Hm?”

“You’re the reason I ended up coming back here.” Minho states bluntly, no hesitation detected in his voice whatsoever.

You struggle to comprehend anything, overwhelmed by all his sudden confessions. “What do you mean?”

“I mean I never want to leave your side ever again ___. I’m staying here with you, I already made the biggest mistake of losing you once I can’t let the same thing happen twice.” He spoke tenderly from the bottom of his heart, it felt so genuine you couldn’t not believe him.

Going back to rewind time isn’t possible, but “do-over’s” are, and sometimes we’re able to get those second chances to make things right when we get them wrong the first time.

[End <3].

[misstycloud]

Yandere merman x reader x best friend

———————————————————————

Imagine a darling finding out she’s half-mermaid.

She lives in a small fishing village way out in he country. It’s the kind of town no one ever leaves. You’re born, grow up, and die there. Whole generations of families have lived there since long before.

Her parents are normal folks; father’s sailor and mother’s a stay-at-home wife. But since darlings family is so much like others’, she doesn’t understand why she’s so different. Her mother often jokes about how her first word was ‘sea’ and how she’d find her standing in her crib, staring out the window at the waves crashing into the cliffs.

Darling has been in a constant battle with herself her whole life. Since as long as she can remember she’s had a gripping fascination with the ocean. She can’t help it! Every night when everyone else laid sound-asleep in their beds, did she lie awake and fantasize about sneaking out and disappearing under the dark waves. No matter how hard she tried shutting these thoughts away, they always came back to haunt her.

While her mother thought is was cute and not a problem, it couldn’t be anything more. Her mother didn’t understand- as sweeet as she was. It probably stemmed from her being too busy with darlings younger siblings and doing chores, that she didn’t think of how the village spoke of her daughter. They call her strange and speak of what a waste of beauty on someone like her; she’s no good and you can’t marry her. Her mother didn’t know about how the rest of the kids teased darling. They pulled her her and pushed he on the ground. It wasn’t an unusual occurrence for her to find her school books wet with sea water, since she ‘likes it so much’. The teachers didn’t care either.

The only solace darling can find is in her best friend. He always defended her agaisnt her bullies- which was practically everyone- and stayed by her side, even when he could become affected too. Darling feels he’s too good to her. The times she felt so alone, he was there to comfort her when her confidence was at its lowest. He held her when she cried and patted her back, whispering into her ear about how sweet and beautiful she is.

Then, by chance one day, she meets a merman. She is surprised- merfolk only exists in stories after all! The merman is so inhumanly beautiful. With long hair cascading down his back and a long fish tail. His tail looked very strong, he was no doubt an excellent swimmer. At first she is scared of him, she runs away-ignoring his shouts for her to come back- and keeps to herself in her room. Her family is worried and wonders if something is wrong, but she tells them it’s nothing and that she’s just a little tired. In her room, darling thinks about the merman. How is it possible for him to exist? Was she hallucinating and perhaps he wasn’t real? Are there other mythological creatures out there? After overcoming her initial fear and hesitance, she decides to go back to the beach.

The merman was still there. She dares ask how he can talk and he responds with, “My people don’t speak the way you do, but I have taught myself the language of humans. That’s how I am communicating with you.”

She asks him more questions, all of which he answers truthfully. Or, well, she hoped he wasn’t trying to deceive her. Darling even gained the courage of asking whether the stories of merfolk feastin on human flesh is true, and when the merman confirms it’s indeed true, she backs up. When he notices her alarmed state, he hurriedly add that he would never eat her.

It’s then he hits her with the most shocking reveal of her life. Apparently, he senses mer- blood in her vains.

“….n-no, that can’t be. You must be sensing wrong- I’m human..!”

He sighs. “Merfolk are very intuitive. We always recognise our own kind.”

He reveals that he suspect her of being half- merfolk since the scent of mer is strong on her. Darling thinks it’s laughable, both her parents are perfectly human. It can’t be. Like, she’d notice if one of her parents was a mythological creature with a fish tail as a lower half.

The merman tells her of old stories among his people, of mers who reproduced with humans- whether its be willingly or the human had kidnapped them. The children would always be different. On the surface they appeared like any other human, but on the inside there would constantly be a longing to return to their orgins- the ocean. Darling is conflicted. On one hand she can’t believe what she’s hearing, however, the description of the half- bloods fit her too well.

That night she confronts her father while he’s getting off work. He breaks instantly. She is shocked to discover that her father had an affair with a mermaid whilst being married to her mother. He had discovered her while fishing in an unpopular area and took her with him. He sobs that he couldn’t help it, the mermaid was so enchanting he couldn’t control himself. When the mermaid fell pregnant, he was so scared of what his wife would say when she found out, but when the child came out human, he was puzzled but relieved at the same time. He brought the baby home and played it off as finding it abondoned by the docks.

Darling can’t believe it. Her father was practically a monster. She recalled the tales of kidnapped merfolk held against their will, by the merman. She couldn’t imagine what her birth mother must’ve gone through. Her father begs her not to tell her mother because it would destroy the happy family they’d built.

In the end, she chooses to keep the secret for the time being. The right thing was to tell her mother, but it was also true that it would ruin everything and she didn’t want her younger siblings to grow up in a broken family. The only thing she wanted was for her father to leave her alone and never speak to her unless absolutely necessary. He agreed.

She begins spending all her time by the beach, in the company of the merman. She wondered what his name was, and to her bewilderment, he shrugged and said he didn’t have one. So she decides to give him one herself, Aqualor. It seemed merfolk-y enough. Luckily, the merman didn’t object and smiled instead, accepting the name.

Her best friend is worried though. He can never seem to even catch a glimpse of the love of his life anymore. Where was she? Now that they’d both grown into adults, it became harder to see each other; he had to work to support himself(and her, in the future). He felt horrible about it, but in all honesty he was a little glad the rest of the village didn’t take to her. If they did, surely she would have been taken away from him. Even if she didn’t know it, she was incredibly beautiful. It was impossible for him not to be a little biased, but she truly was the most wonderful thing he’d laid his eyes on. He could only imagine how it’d be if people actually treated her like she looked.

While her best friend felt the separation anxiety, darling count be happier. Finally she had someone who understood her fully. There was someone to relate to when she explained the urge to dive deep beneath the waves and disappear, and how pleasant water felt on her skin. Aqualor understood everything perfectly.

Her best memory was of her first swim with Aqualor. She’d been somewhat sacred in he beginning. Despite her desperate longing for the ocean, she’d never been in it much. It was quite ironic. He’d been so patient with her, never pushing or getting annoyed. He waited until she was more comfortable venturing out in the openness. Now they swam together every day, laughing and playing. Of course, Aqualor was the superior swim more out of the two of them, but darling likes to think she isn’t so shabby herself.

This is how she thought the rest of her life would be like; she and Aqualor enjoying each others company from morning to evening, while she returns home to the village every night. She didn’t have a job- no one would hire her anyway- so why not have fun with your friend? It wouldn’t be the best life, but it’d be peaceful and easy.

However, the ‘easy’ disappeared when Aqualor asked if she’d like to join him in the sea permanently.

“What? What do you mean?” She tilted her head in confusion.

The merman flipped his tail in the shallow water- his upper body was on the sand while the rest of him remained in the water. “Would you not like to come with me? We already spend so much time together, so it would hardly be any different.”

“Yeah, but I can’t just leave. I have to stay with my family.” She glanced back up and could see the tiniest snippet of houses, the village.

“You mean the father who has committed sins, a mother who doesn’t care for your feelings and siblings who forget your existence?” He harshly pointed out. His words stung.

“They’re far from perfect, I know that. But still, I can’t just vanish- I don’t even think I can survive out there!”

He grabbed her hand, his were wet and slightly webbed. It didn’t bother her though.

“Of course you can. Remember your heritage? Besides, I will be there and guide you through it. I will protect you, I will hunt for you. It will just be you and me, happy and content. Doesn’t it sound lovely?”

She went quiet and looked away, unsure.

He continued, “You alway tell me of how the humans treat you. They scorn you and say hateful words about you. That is because you are above them.” He smiled. “You do not belong here- you are mer! You should be with your people.”

“But even if I have mer-blood, I’m still human, look at me.” She stretched out her legs, flexing them and empathising their difference.

“You may have the appearance of a human, you soul, however, it is of a mermaid. You long to be free and to live the life you’ve always meant to live. They can’t keep you here in this…” his voice trailed off to disgust “cage.”

Darling sat and listened to Aqualor’s ramblings. Did he have a point? It’s not like anyone would miss her really. Her friend, yes, but he has so much else to live for. He’s not strange and everyone thinks well of him. He’ll be successful.

“So, what do you say, my coral? Will you join me?”

[klaus-littlestwolf]

(I did try to write a Yandere!Lost Boys but considering the way they are 24/7 it’s difficult to not consider them Yandere all the time🤣)

I got many requests for another Poly!Lost Boys fic so I hope you like this!

Paul and Marko had seen you first and they knew exactly what you were.

Their mate.

Your eyes were locked onto Paul’s as you froze on the boardwalk, stopping short of meeting your brothers, one of which was staring at David who was happy to see Star had attracted someone to finally feed on.

Marko and Paul both started their bikes, never once looking away as Paul winked, an arrogant smirk on his face. David and Dwayne pulled away with Star and Laddie on their bikes, the other two hesitating, not wanting to leave their mate after just finding her but knowing they couldn’t stay, it would be daylight soon and so they waved, shocking you. You lifted your hand, unsure if they were even looking at you at this point but pushing down the instinct to check behind you and make sure before they pulled off and you felt like you could breathe again.

David snapped at them when they caught up at the cave, angered they had left but the excitement on his brothers faces was startling.

‘We found her.’ Paul exclaimed and David, knowing instantly what he was taking about, looked to Marko who he knew wouldn’t back up such an outlandish claim if it wasn’t true, their mate was too important. Dwayne joined the group away from Laddie now as he heard the possibility of his mate being close and Marko nodded to their eldest brother.

‘Where is she?’ David snapped again, pissed they hadn’t told him before.

‘She was standing behind the dude that was following Star! Looked right at me the whole time, I think she would’ve stripped right there if I’d asked.’ He joked but as Marko snorted, Dwayne grabbed ahold of his collar and snarled at him, instantly livid. All 4 of them wanted their mate but Dwayne, while just as desperate for her as his brothers, was a possessive person by nature and the idea of Paul “showing off” their Queen was infuriating.

‘He’s kidding bud, it’s a joke!’ David stopped him while Marko yanked Paul away.

‘Yeah, joking man! She was perfect is my point! You know I would never let anyone else look at what’s ours like that!’ Paul was shockingly defensive, he’s normally a huge joker but he had looked for their mate just like all of them.

The boys had been looking for their mate ever since Max told them about the possibility of finding her. Vampire females are far more rare, women not taking to the life quite as well as often (for example: Star) and so most often multiple vampires will share a female and be considered a ‘pack’. Max would have had one as well but he never turned anyone he felt drawn to before David who was more like a son than a brother. Max wanted his mate who he now realized was Lucy, all to himself.

‘We just need to find that dude again and we should find our mate. The little one was his brother right, she must be their sister.’ Marko guessed, Dwayne pulling out of David’s grip after calming himself down. They all felt excited in their own way about having their mate, one that would completely accept them for all they were, monsters and murderers alike.

David enjoyed the idea that there would be someone he could let his guard down with a bit more than he could with his brothers. Not that he didn’t trust them, but they looked to him for guidance and as a leader to always make the right choices, he loved it, but the thought of having his mate to just be himself with was something he was desperate for and had been for years.

Dwayne had always wanted to get married and have a family, of course he wouldn’t change being a vampire here with his brothers for anything in the world, but the chance of still having a women that was perfect for him, be there without judgment for their eternity was extremely important to him.

Marko was excited about a mate as well as a new pack member, he had been excited for Star joining them too but she had been an ultimate let down, his mate would not be! He would never again need to spend his time with idiot women on the boardwalk that were just excited by the idea of being with a punk in a biker gang just to get a decent fuck, he would have someone who he loved and could be loved by.

Paul was much like Marko in his excitement, and while most people that look at him see a confident, cocky and flirty guy, Paul hadn’t always been like that. His new life was just that, a new life. Being a vampire had opened up the ability to be a different person but inside he’s still the guy that he had always been before turning and becoming the one that gets the boys their meals half the time, the guy that ends up feeding on sexy women every night. He was ready for his mate, the person who would know that side of him he tried so hard to bury, and the girl that was with him because she loved him and not as a chance to brag to her friends the next day about fucking the ‘biker guy’ (even if none of them ever made it that far).

‘Tomorrow, we’ll find her then and make sure she knows who she belongs to. She’ll be drawn to us and we’ll be sure she stays.’ David smirked while just thinking about their mate as a vampire…though the idea of her drinking Max’s blood gave him pause. David knew she had to drink their blood and only their blood, the idea of Max having any kind of control over their girl made him want to rip his makers heart out.

‘What if she needs us before that? We need to go and find her now!’ Dwayne insisted but David grabbed his shoulder.

‘It’s too late right now. The sun is about to come up-‘

‘But-‘

‘I don’t like it either, none of us do.’ David told him, gesturing to Marko and Paul who both nodded, clearly wanting to have her now just as he did. ‘But tomorrow will have to be enough. She’ll be ours brother, don’t doubt it, and it’ll be our blood she’s drinking from.’

The smirk that came over their faces would have been terrifying to anyone else, and it did terrify Star who had been listening to everything they were saying, scared for what was going to happen to the poor girl who they clearly wanted even more than they had her.

Y/n had been unable to get those boys out of her head all night. They were all attractive of course, and she felt guilty about that since they weren’t the kind of guys she should be attracted to. These weren’t boys she would be going to school with in a month at the end of the summer, these were men, all at least 19-21, riding motorcycles, smoking and taking home God knows how many girls every night. They were nothing but trouble and heartache which is why she decided she would have nothing to do with them…though that was easier said than done as she couldn’t get them out of her mind, every one of them just as hot as the last. The cute boyish one with that patchy jacket and the huge grin on his face, tall dark and sexy who thought it was okay to ride around without a shirt, torturing the female population! The bleach blonde leader with a look that could easily kill anyone stupid enough to challenge him, and finally the blue eyed cutie with the Lion mane for hair, the one who smiled and waved, who clearly liked her already with his Cheshire friend…who is she kidding? He’ll have long since forgotten about her by tomorrow, at least that’s what she thought.

Later that night she once again found herself on the boardwalk, and even though Michael wasn’t supposed to leave her side, she was inevitably left alone. However, someone else was left alone as well, someone very familiar she realized as she saw the young boy looking around frantically before bumping into her and nearly falling onto his ass.

‘Woah! Hey, are you alright kid?’ Y/n asked as she steadied him on his feet and he looked up to see the girl that Paul and Marko had been talking about the entire morning before they went to bed. Laddie knew how much his “father” had wanted her last night and Laddie knew that not only would he be safe with her, but that Dwayne would be proud of him for finding her for them.

‘Star left me to go find some guy and now I can’t find my big brothers…’ he admitted it sadly, knowing she would want to help him as most women did. Laddie had brought the boys meals before when he got “lost” but he liked this girl and he knew she wasn’t going to die like the rest of them.

‘That’s awful! Don’t worry, I’ll help you find them. You’re talking about the guys on the bikes I saw you with last night, right?’ He nodded and Y/n sighed. So much for staying away from them, but she can’t leave this boy on his own in the supposed “Murder Capital of the World”, so she took his hand and made her way down the boardwalk with him. ‘I’m Y/n by the way. What’s your name?’

‘I’m Laddie! Thank you for helping me Y/n.’ He smiled up at her and her heart melted. Who could leave this poor boy all alone with no one to watch out for him?

‘You’re very welcome Laddie. Does Star do this a lot?’ He shrugged.

‘She likes to go to the concerts without me but she always comes to get me before we have to go home so Dwayne doesn’t know. He would be angry.’

‘He should be angry! You shouldn’t be left alone here! Of all the irresponsible-I’m sorry. It’s not my choice how your brothers girlfriend takes care of you, but damn.’ Laddie shook his head quickly, not wanting her to be confused about Star, knowing how much his brothers really like this girl and not willing to let Star screw it up!

‘She’s our sister.’ He clarified and her eyes widened.

‘That’s Even Worse!’ She exclaimed as they walked up to the bikes, not seeing his brothers anywhere. ‘Okay, we can wait for them here, I’m sure they’ll be back eventually…are you hungry?’ She asked as she noticed him looking at a venders cart and he nodded. ‘Come on.’ They walked over to the cart and Y/n giggled as Laddie stared at the cotton candy. ‘Can we get 2 corn dogs, please?’ She ordered and as the guy turned she grabbed 2 plastic bags of the cotton candy and shoved them to the kid who grinned excitedly up at her before running off back to the bikes before the man turned and handed her the 2 foot long corn dogs. ‘Can we have some ketchup too, please?’ He sighed but as he turned again she grabbed 2 cans of coke and shoved them into her pockets before smiling at the man and handing him a 10 dollar bill.

‘I can’t believe you did that! You are awesome!’ Laddie exclaimed in excitement as she walked back to him. Y/n just rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile as they sat beside the bikes on the board walk.

‘Well thank you, stealing is never right, but I didn’t plan on feeding a kid tonight and if your stealing to eat then just make sure you don’t get caught.’ She explained, handing him a can of soda and winking which made him laugh excitedly, taking his corn dog and eating it happily. They sat there for about 10 minutes together before Laddie looked up suddenly, hearing his brothers voices and jumping to his feet, running to them.

‘Dwayne!’ He cheered, jumping into his arms and he caught the boy, instantly confused.

‘Laddie? Why are you alone?! Are you alright?!’ He looked the boy over for injuries quickly and Y/n found her heart melting at that. They way Laddie talked about his brothers, especially Dwayne, was beautiful and he clearly loves the boy dearly.

‘Where’s Star, kid? She should be with you.’ David spoke, angry at the fact that they now have to watch Laddie while they look for their mate.

‘She left me to find that guy but I found her for you! I found her!’ He whispered excitedly before turning and seeing Y/n standing there awkwardly. ‘Y/n took care of me!’ Laddie explained, getting Dwayne to put him down and running back to her.

‘Oh no! “Took care” is probably not right, I got him some dinner and I waited with him for you. I just didn’t want him to be all alone.’ You spoke, ruffling the boys hair and making him laugh.

10 minutes ago Dwayne would have said he already couldn’t love you anymore and he hadn’t even set eyes on you properly yet, but here he stood, staring at you for the first time and seeing you caring for the boy he looked at as his own son…you are a Goddess and he would never let you out of his sight again. Paul and Marko stared much like they did last night, excitedly and hungrily, already undressing you in their minds and David…David actually had to close his mouth and make sure he wasn’t drooling. You are absolute perfection and you’re already protective of the youngest and weakest of their family? There’s no way you could be a more perfect mate for them.

‘I can’t thank you enough for watching out for him, you’re so sweet babygirl, aren’t you?’ Dwayne smiled, stepping closer and ruffling Laddies hair as he looked down at you. Your face caught fire, feeling like you had never blushed quite this hard before.

‘She really is Dwayne. Thank you for taking care of our brother.’ David spoke next, at your side before you even saw him move.

‘It’s no biggie, I just got him a corn dog and some cotton candy-‘

‘She means she stole me cotton candy and soda! It was awesome-‘

‘Eat your candy.’ You deadpanned and the boy just smiled, cheekily. ‘Okay, well I’m glad he’s safe. I should be going home now-‘

‘Oh, please don’t go?’ The wild haired one Laddie had told you was Paul finally spoke up, his stare feeling just as intense as last night. ‘Come for a ride with us? We would love to get to know Laddies new friend.’

‘You can ride with me! I’m a wonderful driver.’ Marko smirked, taking your hand into his and pulling you towards his bike.

‘Oh, I’m sure you are but I shouldn’t-‘

‘Please?’ Laddie asked making you turn to see him climbing onto Dwayne’s bike behind him. ‘You can come see where we live, it’s so cool!’ His excitement was contagious and you couldn’t find it in yourself to deny him anything.

‘My brother is gonna end up leaving without me and-‘

‘I’ll take you home Kitten.’ David cut you off. ‘Or you can just stay with us, which ever one you prefer.’ You could tell he was flirting and while a part of your body was telling you to run like hell, you didn’t want to, you wanted to fall into his arms and never let go for as long as you live.

‘…okay! Fine! But just for a little bit!’

‘YES! You are gonna love our place so much you’ll never wanna leave Princess!’ Paul teased, jumping to his bike and kissing your cheek on his way which made you blush even harder before Marko lifted you onto his bike.

You gasped, clutching onto him as if he would drop you and he just grinned. ‘Hold on as tight as you’d like Angel, but I would never let you fall.’ He whispered it into your ear and it felt so personal somehow, not like him openly flirting like it should, instead it felt like a very important promise and it made your stomach flutter and your smile grow.

Marko hopped onto the bike in front of you and kickstarted it quickly, all 4 of the bikes roaring to life and now as David winked back at you, pulling off down the boardwalk, you wrapped your arms around Marko’s body and tried to ignore the intense vibration from the machine between your legs. You needed to hold yourself to him quite closely to be able to put your chin on his shoulder and see but he didn’t seem to mind as you giggled, watching people jump out of their way on the crowded boardwalk.

‘Laughing at scrambling tourists! You’re already one of us Angel!’ Marko laughed and it made you blush before looking back and seeing Paul right behind you and clearly staring at your ass before winking at you and making you blush that much harder.

Suddenly the bikes came to a stop and you gasped, looking back around and seeing David staring at their sister who was with…Michael?! Fuck!

‘Where do you think you’re going Star?’ David asked, his voice clearly a warning that even you heard but she chose to try and ignore it.

‘For a ride…this is Michael.’ She tried to get onto his bike quickly but David spoke up again, his voice a bit more teasing but she seemed to get the message as all he did was speak her name and she turned, climbing on behind him. You felt an odd weight in your gut as she wrapped her arms around David and you pushed the jealousy that was building as far down as you could because it made no sense…right?

‘I can’t beat your bike.’ You heard your brother tell David who snorted, knowing that was damn well true. You’ve never been allowed on Michaels bike before because he didn’t want to share it with his sister even to give a ride to the mall or the boardwalk, but you’d seen enough to know David’s Triumph would beat him a million times over. ‘Y/n?! What the fuck are you doing?!’ Michael snapped and you flinched which seemed to be something (going by how tight Marko held your hand suddenly and how quickly Paul revved his bike closer beside you) the boys didn’t like.

‘Y/n is coming for a ride with us. See, she took care of Laddie while you were off looking for Michael, it was very good of her, and good Kittens get treats.’ David was clearly taunting your brother but when he looked to you as he talked about giving you a treat…the chill it sent through your body was more intense than the vibrations of Marko’s bike could ever be.

‘No way! Get the fuck off Y/n! You’re going home! No way in Hell are you coming-‘

‘Clearly I am, I’m already on the bike. And unless you want me to tell mom about how you ditched Sam and I 2 nights in a row, and on top of that was about to leave me stranded to fuck some girl, you’ll shut up and stay out of my business.’ Mike looked shocked, you never stick up for yourself but you were determined not to look like a pussy in front of these guys and to enjoy your ride because just riding down the boardwalk was an amazing experience.

Paul whistled. ‘Damn, Princess got some fight in her!’

‘Our Kitten has some claws for sure, can’t wait to see you use them babe.’ He smirked, his eyes seeming to almost glow as he looked at you with an expression you could only imagine was “turned on”. ‘Let’s go!’

‘Hold on tight kid, we’re goin’ for a ride.’ You heard Dwayne tell Laddie and you were touched by it, Dwayne noticing how you watched to make sure he was comfortable before he took off. You held onto Marko as tightly as you could when he rocketed down the steps onto the beach, sand exploding everywhere as they all now rode passed beach parties and bonfires, howling like maniacs. Watching even Laddie join in prompted you to relax and just enjoy the ride, something inside of you knowing that Marko would never let you get hurt even if you did crash (which was an odd thought). You planted your feet on the sides of the bike and held onto his shoulders firmly, now standing up and leaning against him as you howled into the air as loudly as you could.

All of the boys suddenly cheered, howling and whooping along with you before Marko tugged you down again and you internally thanked him as they all swerved under the boardwalk, turning and skidding around the wooden beams before you were out again and now riding through the woods. ‘Keep your arms in Angel!’ Marko warned and you could see the little branches sticking out that he was making sure didn’t touch you.

When you made it out of the trees you could see the boys had fallen back, clearly purposely as Michael was now riding alongside David who was egging him on. Your brother had always been an idiot, and he had always been a jerk to you, therefore you felt no need to stand up for him or help him in anyway. If he wants to challenge David then more power to him, because David seems like the last guy anyone would want to fight (even if he didn’t have 3 friends for backup). You rested your head against Marko’s back as you rode now, waving at Laddie who was grinning at you before they all came to a stop and you heard your brother screaming.

Michael was off his bike and his fist suddenly collided with David’s face, Dwayne, Paul and Marko rushing to pull him back while you held Laddie behind you, his small hand clutching tight to yours before tugging you and you turned to follow him down the rickety steps to the mouth of a cave. ‘Wait up bud! We don’t want Y/n falling and getting hurt, do we?’ Dwayne asked, catching up and lighting a torch like log on fire to be able to see, holding your other hand and carefully leading you down, lighting the gallon drums on fire to brighten up the whole cave.

‘Such gentlemen, the both of you.’ You thanked, releasing their hands now that you were on (relatively) flat ground.

‘Come see my room!’ Laddie insisted, excitedly. He took your hand again and pulled you over to the other side of the cave where a large bed was and around a corner there was a small area where his bed resided. It was cut off from the rest of the cave so he had privacy and a built in little shelf for his stuff which seemed to hold comics, a few action figures and some unique seashells.

‘This is very cool Laddie, and it’s exactly where I would have chosen to sleep.’ He smiled and you sat down on his bed with him, looking over his comics for a few moments before David’s head popped around.

‘So this is where you ran off to. I knew it was you that stole her.’ David teased and Laddie smiled. He seemed like he had a level of fear when it came to David, not like he felt the need to get away from him, but almost a level of respect in how the kid looked at him and it was odd. ‘Come on Kitten, we’re gonna get some food soon.’ He took your hand in his and it felt wonderful as he pulled you to his side, nuzzling his nose into your hair.

‘Do I smell nice?’ You joked but he growled, pulling you against him and looking at you firmly.

‘You smell amazing Kitten, fucking perfect!’ He pressed his lips to yours quickly, so fast you debated for a moment if it had really happened before he pulled back and led you back to the center of the cave, dropping into his wheelchair and tugging you into his lap which made you gasp in surprise.

‘Get the Rock Box little dude!’ Paul shouted to Laddie who grabbed the big boom box and carried it to the dilapidated fountain, rock music quickly spilling out. ‘Princess.’ Paul gained your attention, handing you a joint and you looked at it unsure. ‘It won’t bite you…though I might.’ He teased, kneeling in front of where you sat across David’s lap and nuzzling against your thigh.

‘I don’t want to fall off the bike on the way home.’ You explained and David rolled his eyes.

‘We would never let you fall Kitten.’ His promise felt like Marko’s, serious, and like on some level he believed it was his job to protect you. ‘Besides, you can just stay here for the night, you’re already ours. Might as well just move in now.’

You laughed at what you thought was a joke, relaxing and taking a few hits from the joint, but what you didn’t know was that David was very serious. You were theirs, and they were never going to let you go, especially not home with that idiot you called a brother.

You took a few more hits and ended up dancing around the fountain with Paul to the music, high and happy, while Dwayne skateboarded around you both, eventually grabbing you from Paul and lifting you into his arms while never once even wobbling on the board.

‘Wow! Your balance is incredible!’ You giggled, holding on around his neck and giving him the chance to nuzzle your throat.

‘You’re so perfect, do you know that?’ You snorted but his arms got tighter. ‘You are. You need to know that! You are fucking perfect! Perfect, pretty, sweet Babygirl.’

‘Aw, Dwayne. You’re so sweet…and clearly stoned.’ He rolled his eyes, kissing your cheek before dropping you onto the couch and laying down over you. He held himself up on one arm, running his fingers through your hair tenderly before readjusting and beginning to play with it with both hands. ‘What are you doing you dork?’ You giggled, loving the feeling of his hands tugging on your hair.

‘I’m Braiding…you know back before I moved in with David and became a Lost Boy, my mother was serious about practicing our ancestors ways of life. One thing she always stressed to me was the importance of a women’s hair. The only people in the world allowed to touch it is herself, her mother and her husband, not even her brothers or father can, anyone else would risk getting their hands cut off if her father found out.’

‘Wow…that’s beautiful…does that mean my brother has to cut your hands off? Cause that would be sad…I think I like them too much to see them chopped off.’ I admitted and he grinned in a way that suggested he knew so much more than I did.

‘No need to worry Babygirl, you’re ours now, and that’s better than me being your husband. I’ll braid your lovely hair every single night and never grow tired of touching it.’ He looked as if he was lost in a dream as he finished the intricate braid and tied it at the end with some kind of ribbon.

‘You’re dramatic. And trust me, marrying me wouldn’t be any kind of fun. I think my mother proved that the women of our family aren’t the marriage type…or the fun type.’ I teased but I could tell instantly that he didn’t like my self deprecating humor.

‘You’ll understand eventually, you’re already ours Babygirl, always have been…’ he hesitated as he looked down at you before leaning down and pressing his lips to yours much more firmly than David had, hand holding the back of your neck. You wound your arms around his neck and pulled him closer before he was suddenly yanked off of you.

‘That’s my sister!’ You heard Mike scream but as he went to punch Dwayne, the shirtless man move his head inches to avoid it before punching Mike so hard he flew back nearly 5 feet.

‘Don’t you ever come anywhere close to her with violent intentions again, if she gets hurt because of you I will flay you and hang you on a post outside the cave.’ You pushed your hand against Dwayne’s chest to try and move him back however it was clear that you were like a 2 year old to him, but even though you couldn’t have moved him, he stopped, not fighting you to get at Michael, not trying to move you out of the way, he just looked down at you with the softest eyes.

‘You weren’t punching him to defend your sisters honor or some bullshit like that, you did it for you and your ego. I would have respected you for defending me Mike, but that was all about you, and not wanting your new friends to see your sister as a whore. You’re a pussy.’ You told him and while he was already livid with you, his face became more red as Paul broke down in tears from laughing so hard.

‘Marko! You Missed It!’ Paul shouted as Marko walked in with a box full of food. You sat on the couch beside Dwayne and held his hand in your lap.

‘Thank you for stopping.’ He nodded his head.

‘I will never put you in danger, if you are hurt it means that we need to kill someone, and your brother is towing the line on that one.’ You smacked his chest playfully as Marko appeared beside you.

‘Are you alright Angel?’ You nodded your head, smiling at how sweet he was.

‘Yes Marko. What do you have to eat?’

‘I have rice, regular, pork fried and chicken fried, noodles, sweet and sour chicken and sweet and sour shrimp. What would you like Angel, you get first dibs.’ There were something like 12 box’s of food that he had and you had to laugh at imagining him riding it home.

‘Can I have sweet and sour chicken and pork fried rice…will you share the rice with me?’ You asked Dwayne who nodded. ‘Cool, I won’t eat it all. And I’m stealing this soda.’ You grabbed a large glass bottle of coke that he had in the box along with a few others.

‘Anything you want, my Angel.’ He gave you the box’s, the chop sticks and a kiss on the head before throwing Dwayne’s and Pauls food at them quite aggressively. He tossed David’s his as well before dropping onto the couch beside you before Paul did making the boy whine and you laugh.

You tried to ignore Michael and David’s conversation, though seeing the blonde man fuck with your bitch of a brother so bad was quite fun before they started drinking wine out of a fancy bottle, the boys cheering Michael on which seemed a bit strange but you went with it as you were comfortably high and full of Chinese food now.

‘Do you want some, Babygirl?’ Dwayne offered and you looked over before shrugging.

‘I’m not a big wine drinker, but sure. Why not?’ You were snuggled into his side at this point and Paul was the one to jump up bringing you a whole different bottle, making you look at him questionably.

‘Only the best for a Princess. Drink up baby, Be One Of Us Forever.’ His words were heavy, like Marko’s and David’s had been about not letting you get hurt and it threw you off a bit but it sounded sweet and honestly, the idea of living here with them and abandoning your shitty life sounds like perfection, even if it was just a fun fantasy.

‘Go on Kitten, have a taste and tell me it’s not delicious!’ David spoke up as Michael now sagged against the bed post beside Star, drinking from the bottle, all the boys looking at you.

‘Okay, okay!’ You slugged the bottle back and took several gulps before pulling back and realizing how sweet the taste really was. It was rich like chocolate, but the sweetness was odd and you couldn’t place it, but you didn’t need to as the boys all cheered making you giggle, drinking some more before Marko wrapped his arms around your waist and swung you around, playfully before you staggered into David.

‘Drink as much as you want baby, it’s all yours, only ever for you.’ David whispered before he kissed the side of your head and swayed with you to the music as your head began to feel wobbly. You had nearly finished the bottle as David held your body weight up against him before lifting you into the air and carrying you to a bed on the other side of the room from Star’s. It was large and covered in blankets and pillows, looking like it had been made recently. ‘Paul and Marko made this for you.’ David said though it sounded like a whisper in your ear…like everything was far away.

‘Really?!’ You mumbled, leaning heavier into his chest before falling into the bed, the bottle being taken from your hand making you whine. ‘Hey! That’s mine!’

‘Of course it is, it’s all yours Babygirl, and it always will be.’ As you looked back, seeing David and Dwayne standing over you, everything was fuzzy. David tucked you into the blankets and you settled back tiredly into the bed.

‘Thank you! Im-I-Imma take a few minute nap, okay? Wake me up in 20!’ You instructed as your eyes fell closed, Paul and Marko both moving to kiss your cheeks and Dwayne kissing your hair before going back to deal with Michael. David was the last to walk away, knowing that you would be safe here in the cave while they’re gone, and for the day.

‘Sleep tight Kitten.’ He spoke, moving to leave with his brothers as Laddie crawled up into the large bed and snuggled under the covers against your side. 20 minutes came and went but they never woke you, not wanting you out of their sight again for the rest of eternity.

The comfort of the bed you were in was the first thing you noticed when your mind became alert again. You had been the one to stay in the attic and the bed up there was less than comfortable, so this bed was everything you could ever want, but you knew you had to leave it.

The guys were nowhere to be found when you stretched, your eyes sore from the light and shielding them as much as you could as you crawled your way out of the cave and began making your way through the trees and back to the boardwalk. The sun was killing you more than normal, even making your skin burn a bit, your body pushing you to lay down and go back to sleep before you caved and crawled into a taxi to take you the rest of the way home, paying him quickly and walking up your steps.

‘Y/n! There You Are! Get in here!’ Sam shouted, pulling you into the house. ‘Where have you been?!’ He exclaimed and you just stared at him, trying to force your eyes open.

‘I was at a friends, I’m going to bed Sam.’ And that’s just what you did, slinking your way up to the attic and stripping to your underwear, sliding into the itchy sheets and instantly regretting not staying in the cave with the boys who very clearly all had a thing for you. If only you were willing to share one guy, let alone 4, then maybe you could have had all of them.

You fell asleep once again and felt as if you were out for 10 minutes before Sam burst in. ‘Y/N! Wake Up! Look in this mirror! We need to see if you’re one of them too!’ Sam was shouting like crazy and it scared you awake, which was never a good way to wake you.

Sam was shoving a handheld mirror in your face first thing in your conscious state and you were not having it. ‘Sam…you have 5 seconds to get the fuck out before I break your hands.’ He was staring at your full reflection for a second before backing off.

‘Y/n! Mike is a vampire! Like in the book!’ He held out a comic book and you took it, opening it and seeing that it was a horror comic.

‘Jesus Sam! No wonder you’re freaking out! You shouldn’t be reading scary stuff like this-‘

‘No, Y/n! I thought it was you, see? Look here!’ He opened the comic and showed you a pretty/horrifying vampire girl surrounded by other vampires. ‘Girl vampires who take to the life are rare, that’s why every pack only has one female for 3 or 4 males and they practically worship her! It can’t be you though, your reflection is still here, Mikes is disappearing! I’m calling mom! She needs to know!’ I continued looking at the comic and seeing the coven of vampires with the female.

“The Coven will change the female once they feel the connection (feeding her their blood), the Males will do anything to protect their mate and keep her happy, even give their own lives if they have to.”

It was like something clicked in my head. They were all so drawn to me, so needy for my attention and approval…any one of them coming onto me any other day would be insane let alone all 4 of them…and they had given me that bottle of wine that was different from Mikes…Holy Shit!

“The Female is often the meal ticket for a vampire pack, tempting their prey to be able to feed, even though she is never touched by anyone other than her mates. Male vampires possessive nature goes beyond that of any human behavior ever exhibited in nature, they will not let other men touch, speak to or often even look at their female.”

That thought is not at all comforting when it comes to the idea of living a normal life however the dark part of me that is slowly taking up my rational thinking is telling me the idea of them all possessive of me is enticing…

I tried to ignore the feeling rising in my lower belly and making my pussy clench but I couldn’t. The sudden image of Dwayne protecting me from my own brother, nearly knocking his head off when he hadn’t touched me at all…what would they do if someone did?

I looked back down at the comic book to see if it said anything else on the page about mates.

“Beware: Vampires will slaughter any who stand in between them and their Female. While many Covens make a game out of hunting and playing with their meals, threatening a Packs Female has often been likened to Suicide. Harming, Killing or Kidnapping a Packs Female is an imminent road to death.”

I need to stay away from them! I can’t be anywhere near them, God forbid I make them even more angry and dangerous with my presence alone.

As I thought this I was suddenly overcome with a painful wave of sadness through my entire body. The idea of not being around the boys was painful already and I’m not even a full vampire yet. I wanted to be back at the cave wrapped up in my warm, comfortable bed that Paul and Marko had put so much effort into making me, wanted to be back in Dwayne’s arms on the couch with him toying with my hair…I guess he was right about being better than my husband. I wanted to be back in the cave, sitting on David’s lap and nuzzling into his neck, those blue eyes drew you in and never let you go. I could practically feel his gloved hands on my body, feel the scratchy stubble on his cheeks between my legs as he shoves his face into my cunt, his mouth devouring me frantically and-

I gasped hard, my eyes flying open to see that I’m still sat on my bed with the comic book on my lap. I opened the pages again and turned to the one after the page Sam handed me seeing that there was more.

“The connection between a vampire pack is intense, they are one with each other, and once all fully vampires they are able to read each others thoughts, feel each others presence and sense each others moods. It makes it extremely easy to find one another and gauge how pack members are feeling. A pack will only ever change their Female with their own blood making them her sire. That bond connects them on an even deeper level which allows them to see what she sees and show her their thoughts, such as showing her dreams or visions.”

Suddenly everything they were saying makes sense, they had given me a different bottle because it was their blood!

“Unlike human men, vampire males are extremely considerate of their Female. They will care for her always, hunt for her if need be, and often display their need for her to show her how important she is to their pack dynamic.”

Their promises of taking care of me suddenly seemed to mean so much more, I’m never going to be able to get away from them…do I want to get away from them?

Warning to all Hunters:

“If at all possible, avoid vampire packs with Female members. Females are much quicker to anger, and much more protective of their nest and pack. Your chances of successful eradication of Coven will plummet.

⚠️Danger Level 10/10⚠️”

Sam came back in quickly, snatching the book and running back out prompting me to slam the door behind him. The reflection in the mirror on the back of my door was fading, I was see through, translucent.

I knew in that moment that I couldn’t be around my family, if Dwayne’s behavior with Mike was any indication of people safety, then I need to stay far away from everyone…

For the next day and a half I hid up in my room, staying clear of the boys and trying to keep away from my family as well. They were just convinced that I didn’t want to be around my blood sucking brother, but I had also nearly ripped Sam’s throat out the day before and I know that this is just safer. That is until Sam burst into my room with 2 other boys making me growl in anger.

‘Is she one of them?!’ The one in the bandana hissed, holding up a stake.

‘No Edgar! She’s just my sister who hates being woken up or bothered. She’s a normal teen girl!’ Sam chastised him and I snorted before Sam was pulling me up out of bed. ‘Come on! We’re going to kill the head vampire to save Mike and his girlfriend!’ The other boy helped Sam lift me against my will and drag me down the stairs.

‘What?! You can’t kill a pack of vampires! You’re kids!’ I didn’t want them dead…but I didn’t want my boys dead even more. A thought that terrified me to my core.

‘This is what we do ma’am. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.’ One of the idiots promised as I was forced into Grandpas car.

‘Stop flirting with my sister Alan! We have a job to do!’ Sam demanded, Mike slamming on the gas and driving like a crazy person all the way to the cave. If the sun is pulling him to sleep anywhere near as strong as it is me then I don’t know how he’s doing this. I could barely keep my eyes open in the light as we got to the cliff and everyone jumped out, filing in before Mike snapped at the idiots to not hurt Star. I moved to my bed quickly, shaking the small boy awake and seeing his bright smile as I did.

I clamped my hand over his mouth quickly and he looked confused. ‘Hide. Do you understand me Laddie, I need you to get under this bed and hide until I come find you.’ He nodded quickly, jumping from the covers and doing as I said before I ran to catch up with the kids. ‘They’re not here, we should get out of here before we end up dead!’ I snapped only for Edgar to glare at me.

‘Why are you so keen on us not killing them, huh? Maybe you don’t want your vampire boyfriends dead?!’ He hissed, Sam shoving his way between us before Edgar could threaten me again.

‘Back off my sister Edgar, she’s not-AHHH!’ Sam shrieked as his eyes looked up and found my boys all hanging from the ceiling, sleeping like baby bats. ‘I thought they slept in coffins!’

‘That’s what this place is! One giant coffin! We’ll have to kill them all!’ He exclaimed, grabbing a stake and starting to climb up towards Marko.

‘No! Just the leader!’ Sam shouted and I was suddenly thrown back into thoughts of my Cheshire vampire. As I watched Edgar climb up the make shift ladder all I heard in my head was Markos promise to me our first night together.

“I would never let you fall…”

His words played in my mind over and over again, his teasing voice reminding me how much I loved him in that moment before I even knew what the strange promise meant…he would never let me fall…I can’t let him fall either.

As Edgar lifted the stake I felt the fangs in my mouth jut out and I jumped, levitating up to the ceiling and grabbing ahold of him roughly, causing him to scream out in terror, stabbing the stake back into my side before falling to the ground with me attached to him, shoving his head into the wall and knocking him out. As we hit the ground everything went silent for what felt like minutes, but could only have been 3 seconds before all 4 vampires roared angrily at the idea of being woken up, looking around frantically before all 4 sets of eyes landed on me.

‘Get up! Y/n! Let’s Go!’ Sam grabbed ahold of me and I yelped as the wooden stake that was deep in my side was jostled before I was dragged to the opening again and Sam began pulling me out as fast as he could. ‘Alan! Pull!’

‘Sam! Let go!’

‘No! We have to help her! Pull!’ He demanded as Alan grabbed ahold of me, when suddenly an angry vampire face was growling in ours, 3 more showing up behind an already pissed off David. ‘Ahh!’

‘Pull! Keep pulling!’ Alan demanded, sounding ready to piss himself.

‘We have to go! Y/n, help us! Move!’ Both boys were yanking on my jacket now when suddenly both of my legs were grabbed and I saw David holding one leg and Paul holding the other, pulling me back into the cave much stronger than the human boys.

‘Let go Sam! It Hurts! Let go!’ I begged and saw his eyes, wet with tears.

‘No! I won’t let you go!’ He shouted, yanking me back once again before I let my arms go slack, the jacket they were pulling on sliding right off of me as Paul and David yanked me down once again, Paul lifting me into his arms and growling at Sam and Alan who were now protected by a ray of sun. ‘Y/n! No!’ My little brother screamed, Alan holding him back from crossing the sun while Paul moved back through the tunnel with ease and laid me back against his chest, Marko, Dwayne and David now in front of me, worried looks on their now human faces.

‘You came to kill us?’ David questioned. I had expected him to be angry but he just said it like he was asking a normal, everyday question.

‘They did, dragged me out of bed and into the car…he was gonna kill Marko.’ I mumbled, all of them looking at each other, shocked.

‘You saved me…you really are an Angel, aren’t you?’ I snorted, nodding my head.

‘Couldn’t let you fall.’ His eyes widened a bit before that Cheshire smile was back on his face and he leaned in to kiss me roughly which made me whimper as the stake shifted again and they were suddenly all staring down at it.

‘Time to join the club, Kitten.’ David instructed, moving to grab ahold of Edgar who was still unconscious. ‘Ready?’ I shook my head frantically.

‘Drink Babygirl!’ Dwayne demanded as he yanked the stake from my side quite painfully, David cutting into his neck and pushing it into my face before I couldn’t help myself, the smell being too much, causing me to dig my fangs into his throat and drink until he was drained and my wound was healed.

‘Thank you for saving me Angel.’

‘I couldn’t let you die…my chest hurt at the thought of it and I…I couldn’t-‘

‘He’s your mate, we all are and even as a half you felt it. You could have ignored it much easier than we could, but you didn’t. You were born to be one of us Kitten, start getting used to it.’ David’s words were true, I could feel it in my body and I hated him for it, but I knew that I would never let anyone hurt any of my mates…mates? That word feels so possessive to me now and I turned, wrapping my arms around Marko tightly before he lifted me into his lap.

‘It’s okay Angel, I’m right here-‘

‘But you almost weren’t!’ I half growled half sobbed, the anger that I felt towards those idiots for putting Marko in immortal danger now turning into unbridled rage. ‘They tried to kill you, what if I hadn’t been here?’

‘But you were here Babygirl, no more “what ifs” because we’re all safe and together now.’ Dwayne spoke, brushing his fingers through my hair which he knew made me feel immediately better and I knew did the same to comfort him.

‘Fuck yeah Princess, and we’re gonna destroy those wanna be hunters together!’ Paul laughed, clearly excited before kissing the side of my head. David then pulled me back which made me snarl at the idea of letting go of my mate that had nearly been lost to me.

The next thing I knew I was flat on my back with David pinning me down to the ground, claws around my throat and vampire visage in my face. ‘We’re gonna get something straight Kitten. You’re our mate, and we’ll do anything for you, but you do not growl at us. You’re not in charge here, got it?’ I glared up at him but the overwhelming urge to submit to him was too tempting to resist, prompting me to bare my throat to him. ‘Good Girl.’ I couldn’t stop the purr that built in my throat as he called me that and they all made a pleased rumble in response.

‘Keep making that noise Babygirl, you’re gonna drive us wild!’ Dwayne smirked, fangs flashing as he pulled me from David and kissed my neck.

I couldn’t hide my yawn a moment later, a heavy sleepiness suddenly taking over me. ‘Alright Kitten, time for sleep. The sun is gonna pull you down even stronger because you’re new, you need to rest.’

Just as I leaned back against Dwayne to get comfortable I realized something was missing, gasping and jumping up to my feet, moving towards the tunnel. ‘Angel! Stop! You Cant Touch The Sun Anymore!’ Marko shouted and I froze just before the ray of sunlight, his arm circling my waist not even a full second later. ‘What are you-‘

‘Laddie!’ I shouted, trying to be as loud as I could to make sure he could hear me. ‘Laddie! Come Here Sweetheart! You Can Come Out Now!’ When I didn’t hear a response a moment later I tried to pry Markos arm from my waist.

‘Y/n! Stop-‘

‘No! No, I told him to hide! I need to make sure he’s okay! Let go Marko-’

‘You Can’t Touch The Sun!’

‘I Don’t Care! I Need To-‘ I stopped pulling away when I saw a head of dirty blond hair crawling through the tunnel and I felt my whole body relax. ‘Oh Thank God!’ I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as I was so relieved, Laddie crawling into my arms and hugging me before Marko dragged me back down. ‘Are you alright sweetheart?’ He nodded up at me as Dwayne quickly looked him over, practically shoving Marko out of the way.

‘I hid under the bed like you told me. Star made Michael look for me but when the hunters came running from here, he just took her and left. I stayed hiding after they left and didn’t come out till I heard you, just like you said!’ He smiled, proud of himself and I kissed his head, hugging him to my chest.

‘Yes you did, just like I told you. You are such a good boy, and when the sun goes down we’re gonna go to the boardwalk and get you some cotton candy.’ His face lit up in a smile and he hugged me tighter, though he quickly yawned into my chest and I realized how tired he must be. ‘Alright. Sleep time, kid.’ I was pulled back into Dwayne’s chest as he leaned against the wall of the cave which couldn’t have been comfortable, but he said nothing as everyone joined us. David was leaning beside Dwayne with a gloved hand clutching mine while Laddie snuggled into my torso and passed out immediately. Both Marko and Paul moved to rest their heads on my thighs, after Marko covered Laddie with his jacket.

‘Yes, sleep time! And when the sun goes down, we hunt!’ Paul growled and I purred once again, nuzzling close to Dwayne as we all got as comfortable as we could.

‘We’ll teach you how to hang tomorrow, Angel.’

‘Tonight, when you wake, they will all find out how bad an idea fucking with a Packs mate is.’

Lost Boys Masterlist

[lair-of-platonic-yanderes]

Little Archon

Platonic! Yandere! Neuvillette x GN! Child! Furina! Reader

Description: Archons will do anything to protect their nations, including putting a burden in a child.

Warning: OOC. English is my second language. Platonic Yandere. Focalor's actions can be seen as questionable. Reader need a hug. Spoilers for Fontaine Archon Quest. Neuvillette isn't happy with Focalor and The Knave.

_________

Her powers flow through Focalor's body. Hydro Archon looked at the distance, trying not to think too much about the current situation.

Separating divinity from body and spirit take a lot of time. And Focalor was left one on one with her thoughts during the separation.

Bit by bit, she separated everything, that even has a drop of divinity, from her body and soul. Her greatest creation. So perfectly human.

The process was almost over. Focalor's could already see the outlines of the new "Hydro Archon". She only needed to separate the last bits of divinity.

And then her mind started to wander. Plan was risqué. If it fails, Fontaine will be doomed. 

Another thought strike her, like a lightning. What if hydro dragon won't get enough powers from her divinity? Focalor's gaze feel on Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, that now contained almost all of her divinity. Then her body fell on what essentially were her body and soul. The figure was the same height to Focalor. 

Hydro Archon carefully reached with her powers to "Hydro Archon". Divinity was a tricky thing. It was everywhere in Archon's body. Perhaps, she should separate some more bits of her. That didn't have pure divinity, but have echoes of it? 

Bit. After bit. After bit.

More powers were stored in Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale. Focalor's nodded slowly. It would be enough. Now she only needed to wake the new "Hydro Archon".

Focalor looked at them.

They became smaller. Much younger. 

Child. "Hydro Archon" became a child.

Focalor's chewed her lips. She could reverse separation and try again. And make sure, that this time her double will be older.

Her gaze fall on Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale again. All her powers were there. The chance for Fontaine's salvation. 

On one hand, the bigger chance for salvation of her nation.

On the other hand, child, that won't be forced to live centuries under curse, with no chance of normal life.

Ever since she became an Archon, Focalor's wasn't seen by her people. They won't question, why new archon are so young.

Oceanids left Fontaine. They won't reveal, that Archon aren't her.

The child will contain most of her memories. They won't act according to their age. Their behavior won't be questioned.

Maybe, hydro dragon would find kid adorable. And it will help in her plan's succeed.

Fontaine. Or a child.

With tears in her eyes, Focalor finished the separation. Remains of her divinity flew into Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale. Before fading, she whispered. 

"I am sorry, [Y/N]. I hope, that one day, you could forgive me."

_________

Sometimes, you saw a woman in your dreams. She had tears in her eyes. She would apologize to you over and over again.

At first, you thought, that she was your mother. Your mother, that entrust Very Important Mission on you.

You quickly realized, that she wasn't your mom.

You were just a shred of true Hydro Archon. And she had a Very Important Mission for you.

You are a kid and you have a mission

You are a kid and you don't have a mom. 

______

Neuvillette hasn't seen Hydro Archon before. He heard about them.

Loud, boisterous, attention seeker (with term 'spoiled brat' whispered in the dark alleys).

Today, he would see them for the first time.

When he was called in the room, where Hydro Usurper would meet with him, Neuvillette braced himself, before entering.

At first, he thought, that room was empty. He couldn't see Hydro Archon anywhere. Then his gaze fall on the child, that were sitting on the couch before a small table, full of treats. He could feel it. Child have traces of divinity.

'That child are Hydro Archon?'

Meanwhile, child struck a little pose.

"Are you speechless, Monsieur Neuvillette? I can't blame you. You are in the presence of The brightest Star of Fontaine!"

Neuvillette's eyes widen.

'Why Hydro Usurper were so young?'

Meanwhile, child waved their hand.

"I know, that you would gladly spend hours admiring me, but, you will have enough time for that! Should we discuss your new job as Chief Justice, Monsieur Neuvillette?"

Neuvillette slowly nodded.

"We should..."

________

Your room in Palais Mermonia was a dream come true for any children. Tons of toys, children books, big bad you can jump on. You need something else? You could always ask for it, and it will be delivered to your doorstep.

Everyone loves the Biggest Celebrity of Fontaine. Child Archon deserve only best things.

Among all of your toys, you only loved three.

Three plush animals.

During the first hundred years of your performance, you played pirates, adventures and theater with them.

During the second century of your performance, you played school with them.

During the third century of your performance, you played explorers with them.

During the fourth century of your performance, you read books to them.

During the fifth century of your performance, you cried yourself to sleep, while hugging your favorite three toys.

__________

Neuvillette was in his office. He had some time to take a quick break. 

He was holding his glass, full of water from The Fountain of Lucine. Some melusines decided to bring his a bottle of Fountain's water. Surprisingly, they also saw Hydro Archon with their hands in the Fountain. They quickly left, when they saw melusines near.

Neuvillette was thinking.

By all means, Neuvillette shouldn't like Hydro Archon.

[Y/N] have his elemental authority. 

[Y/N] were loud, boisterous and snotty.

[Y/N], while not being The First, still were one of the Seven Usurper.

But Neuvillette can't bring himself to hate the kid, or be angry at them.

They were just a kid. There were no reason to waste his anger on them. Neuvillette won't be surprised, if Hydro Archon won't fight, if Neuvillette decides to challenge them for hydro authority.

Neuvillette took the first sip.

He was flooded with emotions.

Emotions of a very lonely and sad child. Neuvillette froze. It never happened before. [Y/N]... Were it you? Were it your emotions?

Neuvillette drank the rest of the glass. 

Then the remaining water from the bottle.

He returned to his work. But young hydro archon were still on his mind.

__________

You were attending an opera performance in Opera Epiclese. Neuvillette refused the invitation, pretending, that he had some important work to do.

It was the truth. But, his work wasn't connected to the court. 

Neuvillette closed the door in your room behind him. Neuvillette wasn't supposed to be here, in your room. But he wanted to see, with his own eyes, how you lived. And why you were so sad.

The room was big, full of everything, that a child could ever want or need.

Yet, everything looked too new. Too clean. Like you weren't using anything in your room.

Except for three well-worn plush toys (Ball Octopus, Bubbly Seahorse and Armored Crab) on your bed. The traces of countless repairs clearly visible on the stuffed animals. 

Neuvillette looked at your bookshelves. There was a common theme in all of your books. In them, at the end, main characters will get a family. A loving parents or older siblings.

'Lonely Archon. Lonely child...'

Dragons looked after their young. In some cases, they looked after each other dragonets.

Hydro Dragon has never looked after young dragonets. But, he also hasn't lived among humans.

Neuvillette has lived among humans for five hundred years now.

Maybe, it was time to took in a child.

___________

The cat you met on the street was fluffy and playful. You can't help, but smile. Animals were good. Animals were great.

But, you can't focus entirely on the cat. One thought was bothering you.

Something strange was happening with Neuvillette. It looked like, he was looking after you? He sent warm meals to you through melusines, ordered guards to bring more blankets to your room, shut down annoying reporters... He even put a scarf around your neck that day, when temperature in Opera Epiclese were colder, than usual.

If you were honest, he always scared you a little. You don't want to think, what he will do with you, when your performance will be over. He looked distant and hard to approach.

So why he was so worried about you? Your loud attitude didn't change, so, why Neuvillette suddenly decided to take care of you?

The cat's loud meow interrupted your thoughts. It hissed and dashed away from you. You reach your hand towards it.

"Wait! Can we play some more?!"

Then a shadow fall on you.

__________

You were crying on the throne.

The last few days were a nightmare. The Knave. The Trial. 

And now Fontaine was sinking in waters of the Primordial Sea.

Did you fail? 

You felt, that you did.

Your performance was for nothing.

Your pain was for nothing.

You were nothing, but a failure.

__________

Neuvillette was looking at Focalor. True Hydro Archon. The first reason for his kid's pain.

Neuvillette listened to her explanation of her plan. When she finished, he spoke. His lips barely moved.

"You made them cry."

Focalor hide her gaze. She looked guilty.

"I know. And I am sorry for that. I wanted to save Fontaine. If there was another way..."

Sharp talons pierced Focalor's shoulders. Neuvillette growled, showing his sharp fangs.

"You made my kid suffer, Focalor! Knew, that today you aren't being judged for your predecessor's sins. Today, you are being judged for your own sins. For every single one of [Y/N]'s tears."

Neuvillette shoved her away. He was watching her, like a hawk.

"So, god of false justice, you herself gave the verdict. Execution. And don't make me wait. I have a child to look after."

_______

Fontaine was saved. Your performance was a success.

You stand before The Fountain of Lucine.

You were alone. You felt lost.

What should you do now? Where should you go?

Suddenly, you were picked up. Iudex of Fontaine was cradling you. He had a smile, you never saw on his face before.

"There you are, small dragonet! I am so glad, you didn't get lost. Let's go, your new home is waiting. I will take a good care of you, I promise! I will teach you about using Hydro powers, you will have everything you need, you will never cry again."

He started walking, while still carrying you. You closed and opened your mouth.

"What...? But... I am not... No Vision"

Neuvillette hummed. Something heavy landed in your stomach.

A hydro vision with four dragon fangs.

"Oh, don't worry, [Y/N]. Everything will be fine from now on. You will never see people, that want to hurt you. Now you can enjoy your life to the fullest."

You felt, that something drastic will happen in Fontaine.

________

If Neuvillette could cause harm with his gaze, The Knave would be a pile of bare bones on the ground. How she dared to show her face before him, after what she did to his child.

Neuvillette's tone of voice didn't betray him.

"So, you want to have Hydro Ghosis?"

Fatui Harbinger nodded. Her voice was calm.

"Yes. It seems, there is no need for Fontaine to keep it anymore."

Neuvillette pretend to think about it.

"I have a better proposition. You see, I don't need that thing. But... You scared and almost killed my kid. So, don't wait for any sighs of goodwill from me, aside our current deal. Listen closely. Conditions are: in forty-eight hours, all Fatui will leave Fontaine and will never return. If you refuse, I will force them to leave on their own feet. And then I will flood Snezhnaya."

Hydro Dragon met The Knave's gaze. Fatui Harbinger stepped back. Iudex of Fontaine wasn't joking. The Knave felt the earth trembling under her feet. Waters of Fontaine were rising.

"I will ensure, that my kid are happy. Doesn't matter, if I need to flood all Teyvat. Their happiness is the only thing, that matters."

______

Focalor's was right in her own way.

Child double did help Hydro Dragon to save Fontaine.

The nation was safe.

For a price of Teyvat being reshaped for keeping Child double happy.

[acowardinmordor]

Risk and Reward

Steddie-adjacent. Tw: homophobia

I always love fics where Steve makes himself Eddie’s alibi while Eddie is still unconscious/in a coma. Knows that it will work because he knows in this town there is no way anyone would believe that Steve Harrington would come out if it wasn’t real. No one would believe it, because everyone knows that his parents are always gone, because his dad is in Congress railing against the gays and their depravity and how they deserve to die and burn.

Steve saying it. Signing an affidavit about it. Giving quotes to the ravenous press. It has to be true. And everyone who doesn’t think it’s disgusting think it’s the most romantic thing in the world.

The government was stepping in, all eyes were pointed at Munson, and he was going to be thrown in a cell for life. Or, to save the cost of the trial, he would have vanished somewhere between the hospital and the prison.

Steve coming out stops that. Airtight alibi, reinforced by the knowledge that there will be consequences.

Eddie is safe, and the government has changed tactics, is blaming dead Jason Carver for it all. Eddie wakes up six weeks later, shocked to wake up at all, and trusts his uncle enough to play along. ‘Why didn’t you tell me you were dating the Harrington kid?’ Eddie knows how to tell a story that leaves space for a player to fill in their side. He tells stories about little moments and always describes things from his perspective. That way, if it contradicts the story that’s already out there, he can make a find quip about how he remembers it different.

When he finally gets a moment alone with his uncle, two days later, his guess gets confirmed. Wayne knows damn well that Eddie’s gayer than a maypole, and also knows that Eddie has called Steve his nemesis for years. Wayne knew from the second Steve said it that it was a lie, and knew it would work if it was believed.

The only thing confusing Eddie - well, the only thing in this tiny slice of his world - is why his fake boyfriend/no-longer-nemesis, isn’t in the hospital too, playing the part. If the guy was willing to say it at all, then he’d go all in. If there was one thing Eddie’d learned during those days, it was that Steve only ever did something at 100%

And yes, part of him feels terrible that Steve did this just to save him. He feels awful knowing that this is going to ruin a chance for a normal life. Wayne said the Indianapolis paper picked up a story about it. But at the same time, he’s so fucking grateful. Steve saved him. Again. And now, at least for a while, they’ll need to keep up the story. He’ll get to hang out with him, pretend they’re dating, stand close and cuddle closer. He also feels bad about how excited he is for that chance.

It’s the next morning when Eddie realizes his uncle dodged every question about why Steve wasn’t here. Wayne dodged almost every question after explaining what happened with Steve and the press and the Feds in the first weeks. Then, nothing.

The party visits him that afternoon, a veneer of joy stretched thin over something worse. Eddie’s first guess is that Red didn’t make it. But he hears her a moment later, complaining about ‘these stupid casts slowing me down’. The kids aren’t as good at dodging as Wayne is. Eddie gets the story quickly, such as it is.

The Harringtons came home from DC, gave a few speeches in praise of law enforcement against a serial killer. They visited the families of those that died.

They sent an assistant to find Steve in the hospital to deliver a message. No one else heard it, but the best guess is that it was a threat. Steve went with the assistant. They haven’t seen him since. When Dustin confronted the Harringtons at their last event in town, all they’d say was that ‘our son is getting the best help, and we love him dearly’

Eddie looks at Robin when he hears that for what it is. She drops the kids back home and begs a sympathetic nurse to let her talk to Eddie past visiting hours.

“It’s been a month since he vanished”

“Where?”

“We don’t know, we tried, even Hopper - he’s not dead - couldn’t find him. And this guy named Murray. We don’t know.”

“But…. ‘The best help’. You know that means…”

“I know”

“He’s, Christ, Buckley, he’s straight. Ladykiller. He’s straight and they sent him to some—“

“Yeah, but Eddie… I don’t know if I should… I guess, not that it matters now, and he never said anything, but he’s my best friend. He’s my soulmate. I know him and I think… if his dad wasn’t like he is… if he’d ever felt safe saying so… he knew they’d be furious when he came forward as your alibi, but he told me they’d just disown him, and it would be over. He was scared, but he was okay with what he thought was going to happen”

“I thought he hates me”

“He kinda did”

“Not anymore?”

“No.” There’s a pause where they both think about where Steve might be right now.

“Maybe he hates me again now.”

“I don’t think he would, but…”

And Eddie thinks how weird it is to see spastic Robin Buckley, who rambled in the Upside Down and always had more energy that she could contain, acting so subdued. No. So broken.

They both heard the Harringtons’ speeches and ads when he ran for office. They know what the man thinks about people like them. They both heard stories about what the places are like, where someone can go to ‘get help’

“Do you think I’ll ever get to thank him?”

“No.”

“Do you think we’ll ever see him again? You and the kids at least?”

She’s quiet for a long time, before she picks up her bag.

“If he ever gets to leave wherever they put him, and we ever see him, I don’t think he’ll be the person we knew anymore.”

[imaginespazzi]

Part 4: Warning Bells

Masterlist - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11

I don't think I can do this again (do you remember it too?)

(In which a self-admittedly all over the place writer takes you on a bit of a rollercoaster)

Pairing: Paige Bueckers X Azzi Fudd

Themes: Fluff, Angst, Pining (the usuals)

Words: 6.1K

TW: Swearing, Mentions of Divorce

A/N: Hi lovelies :) Guess who made a deadline again? I'm as shocked as y'all are but I do wanna just warn y'all that August is gonna be really busy for me so as much as I'm gonna try to stick to schedule, there's a pretty good chance I won't. I really appreciate y'alls feedback with live-reacts/long reviews and it's truly the motivating factor behind my writing so pretty please keep sending them. I did edit (as usual) but please let me know the most likely existent typos anyway. As always, let me know what you liked, disliked and what you wanna see next. Have a lovely rest of your week my loves <3

March 2033 

Here’s what Azzi has learned about motherhood: having kids means that there will come many times in your life, when you will look around you and wonder how the hell did I get here. It’s that thought that’s currently plaguing her as she finishes hanging up the WELCOME HOME banner on the living room wall in her ex-girlfriend’s new apartment. And when she’s talking about kids, she’s not talking about her five year old who’s currently sticking purple hearts on every surface she can find. No, she’s talking about her 6’5 teammate who she’d once “adopted” as a joke in college, but who’s basically become her surrogate child ever since they’d ended up on the same WNBA team. 

It had started as a casual conversation when Jana, as she often did, had shown up for an impromptu lunch. The topic of Paige was hard to avoid considering it was Stephie’s favorite subject, heightened by the fact that Paige was coming back soon and Stephie was far too excited to finally have her Miss Buecks back. Jana was more than happy to indulge the little girl in conversation about what Paige had been like at UConn. And if Azzi had lost herself in those memories for a moment, transported back in time to a world that had once been blooming with promise before wilting in a darkness she’d created herself, well, she’d done an excellent job not letting it show on her face. 

The real issue had started when Jana had casually let slip her idea of surprising Paige with a little welcome party. And as Stephie had started reciting all the different things they could do -because of course me and Mama will help you Aunty J, Azzi had glared at Jana, only to receive an innocent smile in return that told her everything she needed to know. She’d been set up. 

That’s how, instead of spending her Saturday curled up on her comfortable couch with a book in her hands, Azzi is here instead and in true fashion, she’s the only one actually getting anything done. Jana, who had just left about twenty minutes ago to pick Paige up, had invited some of the other girls on the team to come help out yet, something about more hands on deck. Those supposed helpful hands had spent the last hour blowing up and popping balloons and getting nothing else done.

“I can’t believe y’all have me decorating for the woman who cost me my first national championship,” Joyce laments, “I still have nightmares from that game.”

“You gotta let that hurt go Aunty Joy,” Stephie says impishly, mimicking what Jana would normally say whenever the infamous 2025 South Carolina vs UConn national championship got brought up. 

“Don’t sass me Miss Stephanie,” Joyce sticks out her tongue at the little girl, throwing a purple balloon at Stephie’s head, “hasn’t your Mama taught you that we don’t mock people’s pain.”

“Ignore her Steph,” Tessa says, bumping her former Gamecock teammate as she shares a devilish grin with Azzi’s daughter, “she’s just upset she only won one. Some of us have two.”

Joyce guffaws, throwing another balloon, this time aimed at Tessa, “dude we’re supposed to be on the same team. What would Coach Staley say to you teaming with UConn people of all things to bully me?”

“She’d thank me for making sure you didn’t get a big head,” Tessa snipes back. 

Whatever response Joyce has to that quip is cut short by the doorbell ringing and Azzi feels her heartbeat quicken as Stephie lets out a squeal, dropping everything to go answer it. Things had been different since the facetime call almost two weeks ago. They’d accidentally on purpose settled into a routine where Stephie would call Paige at exactly 7 p.m. and Paige would answer on the first ring, promising to stay on the phone till the little girl fell asleep. And it would’ve been fine if that’s all it was. But then Paige started staying on the phone till after Stephie fell asleep and suddenly it was like they were back to their teenage selves, talking about everything and nothing, trying to learn every page of each other’s story all over again. 

Azzi had missed so much about Paige in the last couple of years but there was nothing she’d missed more than just talking to her best friend. She’d missed the way Paige would tell a story, going off on a million tangents in between. She’d missed the way her eyes would light up when she got to a particularly exciting part of the story, specks of gold shimmering in the blue like sunlight hitting the ocean. She’d missed the way Paige’s hands would be flying animatedly all over the place, even when she was whispering. She’d missed the way the blonde would pause halfway through to observe if Azzi was still listening, making sure all of the attention was still on her. And she’d missed the way that when it was Azzi’s turn to speak, Paige would hang onto every word like it was gospel, intently listening like she’d never forgive herself if she couldn’t recite everything Azzi had just said from memory. She’d missed the way Paige would let her emotions freely flicker across her face, because whatever happened to Azzi, Paige felt it too. 

She’d missed and missed, convinced the pain would be the end of her, until she’d tricked her mind into forgetting. And now Azzi’s beginning to realize that remembering it all again, might just be the thing that kills her. 

“Nevermind,” Stephie walks back to the room, sulking slightly, “it’s just Aunty Liyah.”

“Oh thanks Stephie babe. That makes me feel so wonderful,” Aaliyah says, walking in behind Stephie with an offended expression on her face, “and here I thought bringing cupcakes would make me popular.”

“Tell me those are store-bought Chavez. I ain’t trusting them if you made them yourselves,” Joyce says, side-eyeing the cupcakes. 

“Trust me I would never waste my precious time baking for y’all ungrateful ass-”

“Aaliyah,” Azzi shoots her younger teammate a sharp look.

“-ungrateful people,” Aaliyah corrects sheepishly, “cupcakes because y’all clearly don’t appreciate me.”

“I pre-ciate you Aunty Liyah,” Stephie says innocently, trying to get a better look at the aforementioned cupcakes, “you got the pu-ple ones right? They have to be pu-ple for Miss Buecks.”

Aaliyah bends down to Stephie’s level to show her the box of sweet treats “the perfect purple cupcakes for your Miss Buecks. How come you never wanna do nice things like this for us Stephie?”

“Because Miss Buecks is special,” Stephie retorts matter-of-factly.

“Oh so we’re not special?” Tessa asks, raising an eyebrow at Stephie.

“‘Course you are but Miss Buecks is special-er.”

And while her teammates all pretend to dramatically gasp at that, shaking their heads at Stephie, Azzi feels like someone’s squeezing her heart, twisting and twisting but never fully breaking it. She wonders if that might hurt less.

It’s another 10 minutes later when the doorbell rings again and Azzi watches her daughter’s face break into an incandescent grin, filled with hope, as she rushes to open the door because it has to be Paige this time. Azzi follows after her, trying to keep her breathing under control as anticipation clings to her nerves. Azzi’s gotten so spectacularly good at lying to herself that she tells herself this next one with ease: there’s not a single part of her that’s eager to see Paige again. 

“SURPRISE,” Stephie screams, flinging the front door open with as much strength as she can muster. She doesn’t give Paige a chance to react before she’s throwing herself against the blonde’s legs, hugging her thighs. 

It takes a second for Paige to register what’s happening, but when she does, it’s Azzi she’s looking at. Everything seems to move in slow motion as they stare at each other, the reality of the moment suddenly settling in. Paige is here. In Oakland. They’re going to be teammates; they’re going to see each other almost every day. Just like they used to. Except nothing is like it used to be and as that bitter truth comes up like bile in Azzi’s throat, she has to force herself to look away. 

“Miss Buecks,” Stephie calls out, tugging at the hem of Paige’s white shirt to get her attention, “do you like my surprise?”

Paige tears her eyes away from Azzi, leaning down to pick Stephie up before peppering her faces with kisses and making the younger girl squeal in delight, “best surprise ever.”

And Azzi really, really, can’t watch this. Not when it makes her want to walk over and cocoon herself in with the two of them, makes her want to pretend that she’s living in another life, one where she hadn’t thrown away the chance of a happily ever after with the girl she’d fallen in love with at fourteen, 

“Oh yeah Stephie, your surprise. Take all the credit. Not like the rest of us did anything,” Joyce rolls her eyes goodnaturedly, before pulling Paige into a one-armed hug, “welcome to the Bay Area Bueckers.”

Tessa and Aaliyah are next, both sharing warm hugs with their new teammate. Once they’ve had their turn, all eyes seem to turn to Azzi expectantly and the brunette blanches under their gaze. Other than Jana, who suddenly seems pretty heavily interested in the doorframe, the rest of her teammates don’t know about her past with Paige. So it’s only natural they’d expect her to greet Paige with all the cordiality of an old friend. 

“Y’all good?” Joyce asks slowly, looking between the two of them, “do you want me to introduce y’all or?”

“Shut up,” Azzi murmurs before drawing in a deep breath and stepping towards Paige. She tries not to fixate on the way Paige’s jaw flexes when the blonde swallows, tries not to think about all the patterns she’d once carved against that little patch of skin because she knew it drove Paige insane. The thing is Azzi can’t even really remember the last time they hugged beyond a for-the-cameras one at a game. But as she wraps her arms around Paige, the older woman’s breath tickling against her ear as she grips Azzi’s waist, it doesn’t feel that much different from how it used to be. Paige’s arms are still safe and strong and Azzi still wants to melt into them. But what’s different is that Stephie’s in between them now, tiny hands securely fastened around both of their necks. And Azzi almost, almost gives into the feeling of belonging as she whispers two simple words that mean just a little too much.

“Welcome home.”

***

Seven pairs of eyes watch as the movers move box after box after box into Paige’s apartment, until there’s more cardboard than floor visible. The three non-UConn girlies are wide-eyed as they watch the pile grow endlessly. Meanwhile Jana is laughing while Azzi tries to hide a smile behind her hands as the realization that she’d have to unpack all of her stuff hits Paige in waves, and her expression grows more and more somber. Once the movers are finally done, it’s Stephie, whose hand is still firmly clasped in Paige’s, who breaks the silence. 

“You have a lot of things Miss Buecks,” the little girl crinkles her nose, as she points out the obvious, “do you really need all of this stuff.”

“Of course I do Stephie,” Paige says indignantly and Azzi scoffs, earning her a withering glare from the blond. 

“Aight well it was nice to meet you-” Joyce starts, slowly backing away from the mess until Jana blocks her way. 

“Oh no you don’t. I told y’all we were all gonna help her move in. Call it team bonding,” the Egyptian says, her voice vaguely threatening. 

“Most of the team isn’t even here,” Aaliyah points out cautiously. 

“That’s not the point,” Jana rebukes, “alright team listen up. Here’s how this is going to go-”

“Maybe Paige should take charge. It is her apartment,” Tessa says slowly. 

“If we put Paige in charge she’ll tell us all to go home and procrastinate doing anything until after the season,” Azzi says, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. 

Paige pouts, “hey! I’m not that bad.”

“Oh you absolutely are.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“O-kay,” Jana claps, breaking apart the bickering, “it’s good to see the two of you are apparently younger than Stephie,” she holds up a hands a both Paige and Azzi start to splutter in their defense, “now as I was saying before being rudely interrupted. We’re gonna split this up. Joyce and I are gonna do the living room. Aaliyah and Tessa, y’all are gonna fix the guest room. Which leaves,” Jana smiles, and it’s only because Azzi knows her so well that she can read the menacing sparkle behind it, “Paige and Azzi to tackle the master bedroom.”

They both open their mouths to protest but are quick to get cut off by an excited Stephie, “I’mma help Mama and Miss Buecks!”

“Of course you are, why would you ever help anybody else? Clearly you don’t love us anymore. Not since your precious Miss Buecks got here,” Joyce says dramatically and while Paige smirks and the rest of the girls pretend to act mock offended, Azzi uses the distraction to sidle up to Jana. 

“What the fuck are you playing at El-Alfy,” she hisses under hear breath.

Jana shrugs innocently, “the master bedroom is the hardest because Paige has so many fucking clothes so I’m letting y’all old heads do it. Some of us are below 30 ya know.”

“Cut the bullshit,” Azzi snaps. 

“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about Fudd,” Jana says airily as she starts to unpack a box, leaving Azzi muttering curses under her breath. 

“Hey-”

Azzi spins around at the soft voice, only to find herself crashing against a solid body. It’s instinct, the way Paige’s hands immediately reach out to steady her and it’s instinct, the way Azzi’s hands grab at the lapels of the blond’s shirt. Goosebumps trails up her skin as Paige's breath, hot and heavy, fans across her face. They’re too close; way too close and yet the idea of stepping away feels like a sin. Azzi gulps as her thumb accidentally brushes Paige’s collarbone and the other woman shivers under her touch. She thinks she could probably get drunk off the feeling of knowing that she can still affect Paige like that. 

“You uh-” Paige swallows, fingers squeezing involuntarily against Azzi’s hip, “you don’t have to listen to Jana. I can- I can figure it out myself.”

“N-no,” Azzi stutters and she wonders if Paige feels a high from the way she still affects Azzi too, “there’s um- you have- uh- you have a lot of stuff. I can-,” she sucks in a deep breath, “I’ll help.”

“You sure?” there’s a vulnerable edge to Paige’s tone and any resolve Azzi could ever have melts immediately. 

“I want to help,” she says softly, letting a small smile slip onto her lips. 

The smile she gets in return is bright and sparkling, just like Paige herself and Azzi’s heart lurches, pleased to be the one receiving it, pleased to be the one who’d elicited it, “Good, cause I really wanted your help.”

Azzi shakes her head, trying to ignore the warning bells blazing in her head at the fact that they’re still holding each other, “why’d you pretend you didn’t?”

“I just wanted to hear you say it first,” Paige says, biting at her bottom lip. It leaves a light mark and Azzi finds herself wanting to soothe it over with her own tongue.

She thinks it might have been easier if it was just a little harder to fall back into Paige. It shouldn’t be so simple to fall back into late night conversations, so simple to fall back into easy teasing, so simple to fall back into feeling at peace in Paige’s arms. But it is. 

“Mama, Miss Buecks,” it’s Stephie who breaks their bubble but instead of jumping away from each other like they should, they step apart only enough to let the little girl into the space between them, so she can lace her hands through both of theirs, “are you ready?”

“Before you go Paige,” Tessa calls out, holding up a clear bag of corner guards and edge protectors, “what are we doing with these?”

Paige shuffles her feet nervously, “you um- you put them on the edge of like tables and stuff.”

“Bro but they’re for people who have children?” Joyce says, giving Paige a weird look, “you have a kid we don’t know about?”

Paige’s eyes flicker to Stephie for a brief second and Azzi freezes, a warm realization tickling up her spine. Butterflies erupt in her stomach, their wings fluttering to the beat of what’s mine could have been ours. 

“Of course not. I’m just super clumsy so precautions and all that,” the blond explains, shooting Jana a glare when the taller woman barely masks a giggle, “quit procrastinating by asking all these questions and get to work.”

“Has anyone ever told you the importance of first impressions? Because I’m telling you Bueckers, using your teammates as unpaid labor the first time you meet them is not it,” Aaliyah gives Paige a pointed look. 

“This wasn’t even my idea in the first place,” Paige defends. 

“True,” Tessa nods with a sickly sweet smile, “but you’re gonna pay for the pizza anyways.”

“I’m not pay-”

“PIZZA,” Stephie squeals, “Miss Buecks you’re gonna get us Pizza?”

“Yeah Miss Buecks,” Azzi smickers, crossing her arms as Paige’s stubborn retort dies on her lips, “you gonna get us pizza?”

Paige glares at her before she’s swinging Stephie up onto her lap again. And she really needs to stop doing things like that because it’s not remotely good for Azzi’s mental health to watch the way Stephie seems to fit perfectly in Paige’s arms, “of course I am Steph, what do you want?”

The two of them are lost in their own world discussing pizza toppings as Paige starts walking over to the master bedroom, until suddenly they're both turning around, looking at Azzi with identical expressions. And the brunette feels her heart tap out this could be my everything against her ribcage. 

“You coming Azzi?”

“Mama, are you coming?”

I’d go anywhere with the two of you, Azzi thinks as she nods her head, a light skip in her step as she moves to catch up with the two of them. 

“Of course I’m coming.”

***

Less than 10 minutes into trying to unpack, Azzi realizes that she’s the only one trying to unpack anything when she looks up from where she’s been folding t-shirts -trying and failing at not breathing in their familiar scent- to find Stephie decked in a colorful cardigan that goes all the way down to her toes, her feet clad in a pair of PB4’s that must be three times the size of her own shoes. A pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses hide almost her entire face as she strikes pose after pose and Paige diligently takes pictures of her. 

“YES Stephie,” the blond indulges, “work it girl. There you go babe, hold that pose for me. You’re a natural in front of the camera.”

Stephie giggles and Azzi feels her heart constrict. Her favorite sound in the whole world has never sounded more like a signal for danger. 

“Ahem ahem,” she coughs, narrowing her eyes at the two people in front of her, “doesn’t look like y’all are unpacking to me.”

“Mama Miss Buecks has so many pretty clothes,” Stephie gushes, completely ignoring what her mother just said. 

“They’d look even prettier folded in her closet,” Azzi says pointedly. 

Stephie pouts, “you don’t think I look pretty?”

“You look really pretty in my clothes Stephie,” Paige cuts in, tapping the little girl on the nose before she turns her gaze towards Azzi, “just like your Mama used to.”

The silk material shirt slips out of Azzi’s hand as Paige’s words drizzle around her, like the rain after a drought. It takes every little bit of strength she can muster to force herself to ignore Paige’s words and pick up another shirt to fold even if she can’t stop the rouge tint that colors her face. There’s this part of her that’s been dormant for years but every little interaction with Paige threatens to awaken it and Azzi’s scared that if she lets that happen, she’ll never be able to put it to sleep again. 

“Just- just focus on unpacking,” Azzi mutters darkly. 

She spends the next hour or so, keeping her eyes downcast, her complete focus on the task at hand. Because if she looks up, if she lets herself see the way Stephie and Paige are folding clothes together while giggling about something, if she lets herself see the way Stephie climbs onto Paige’s back so the woman can give her a piggyback to the closet to deposit the folded clothes, she thinks she could fall in love with this moment, capture it behind her eyelids and let it live there forever. But this moment doesn’t belong to Azzi. Because Paige doesn’t belong to Azzi. Not anymore. 

Azzi’s taken away from her thoughts when she feels a tiny hand wrapping around her neck from behind, Stephie’s warm body pressing against her back and just like that, all the tension in her muscles seem to dissipate. 

“What’s up sweetheart,” she asks, turning her head to press her lips against her daughter’s temple. 

“Nothing Mama,” Stephie says sweetly, “just wanted to give you a hug.”

“Sure you’re not just trying to get out of helping Miss Buecks unpack?” Azzi asks slyly, pulling Stephie from behind her, so the little girl’s lying on her lap instead. She can feel Paige’s eyes focused on the two of them and even without looking, she thinks she knows what she’d find in them if she did. 

“Of course not Mama,” Stephie grins and then squeals as Azzi begins to tickle her. 

“I think you are,” Azzi sings-songs as she continues to poke at her daughter’s stomach, reveling in the way it makes the child laugh. 

“N-no Mama stop, stop,” Stephie manages to wrench herself out from Azzi’s grip, darting to hide behind Paige’s legs, “Miss Buecks save me.”

“There’s no saving you now Stephie-bear,” Azzi roars dramatically as she picks herself off the floor, smirking at her daughter as she wriggles her fingers menacingly. 

“You know what the best way to stop someone from tickling you is Stephie?” Paige says slowly, sending the little girl a conspiratorial wink.

“Don’t you dare-” 

“You tickle them back,” Paige yells and Stephie eyes widen with excitement, “did you know your Mama’s extremely ticklish?”

“Paige no,” Azzi starts moving back, hands held in surrender. 

“You started it.”

“Yeah Mama, you started it.”

“Paige. Stephie. Ple-” Azzi cuts herself off with squeal as two sets of hands start mercilessly prodding at her ribcage. She can’t get away, not when Paige has her securely wrapped from the back and Stephie’s pressed against her front, both of them laughing maniacally. They’re a mess of limbs that’s becoming harder and harder to tell apart as the three of them topple onto Paige’s bed. And Azzi thinks maybe she doesn’t want to escape it at all. She thinks she’d like to freeze them in this moment instead. Forever. 

“Pizza’s here,” someone yells from the living room and it’s Stephie who stops first, immediately jumping off the bed at the mention of food, leaving Paige and Azzi alone. On Paige’s bed. Barely an inch of distance between them as they try to catch their breath. It’s Azzi who sits up first, smoothening the wrinkles on her shirt. And just as she’s about to stand up fully, she feels a hand circling around her wrist. 

“It’s gonna be weird being alone tonight,” Paige confesses softly and Azzi feels her breath hitch.

“Didn’t you live alone in Dallas? At least after the divorce?” she tries to keep the bitterness out of her voice at the last word, a bitterness she knows she has absolutely no right to feel. 

Paige shrugs, her shoulders brushing against Azzi’s, “I did but I knew Dallas. I don’t know this place.”

“What exactly are you asking me?” Azzi asks even though she knows. 

“I’m not asking you anything. I don’t know if I have that right anymore” Paige says softly, letting go of Azzi’s wrist as she starts to walk towards the living room, turning her head back slightly once she gets to the door, “I’m just telling you I don’t wanna be alone tonight.”

***

Damn Paige Bueckers and her vulnerable eyes and her earnest tone because Azzi would, really, really like to be enjoying her slice of pizza right now. Instead everything tastes like ashes as Paige’s unsaid plea rings in her head. There are so many reasons why Azzi absolutely shouldn’t give in, why she should grab Stephie, get into her car, drive home and never look back. This involuntary dance the two of them are starting is far too familiar to what they’d done when they were teenagers and the vivid memories of the day the music stopped and they’re feet stopped moving still haunt Azzi every time she lets herself think of it for a little too long. And she shouldn’t push herself into this fire again, not when there’s Stephie to think about, but there’s a tiny little problem. She thinks she might be addicted to burning in Paige’s flames. 

So when the pizza’s done and the house is more or less in order, and her teammates are ready to leave, looking expectantly at Azzi, she finds herself leaping into lava, “um- I think Stephie and I are gonna stay for a little bit longer.”

“We are?” Stephie asks, a huge smile stretching the length of her face as she looks up at her mother. 

“Yeah. Um- Paige’s bedroom still um- still needs some work,” Azzi tries to justify her decision, ignoring the heat of the blond’s eyes that seem to be perpetually stuck staring at her. 

Joyce raises a perplexed eyebrow, “it looked done to me.”

Paige clears her throat, “there’s definitely uh- a couple more things that need to be handled.”

“It’s almost Stephie’s bedtime. I could stay and help-” Jana begins, eyeing the two of them suspiciously.

“No,” Paige says, a little louder than necessary, “I mean you’ve already done so much for me today Jana,” she manages a smirk, “let Azzi pull her weight a little bit too ya know.”

Janna narrows her eyes but doesn’t push it. It’s oddly domestic, standing side by side with Paige bidding goodbye to their teammates, Stephie in between them happily waving at the people that are leaving. The warning bells get louder and louder; Azzi continues to do nothing to stop them. 

“Mama, how long are we staying?” Stephie asks innocently. 

“We um-” Azzi chews at her lip, finally giving into the temptation to look at Paige, “we’re gonna stay with Miss Buecks tonight so she doesn’t feel alone.”

The shrill scream that escapes Stephie’s mouth could probably break glass as she turns herself around to grab at Paige’s waist, “Miss Buecks I’m gonna stay with you! We’re gonna have a sleep-over.”

Paige laughs, kneeling down so she’s face to face with the little girl, “yeah we are.”

“Are you scared to sleep alone too Miss Buecks?” Stephie asks cautiously, cupping Paige’s face with tiny hands. 

“Just a little bit,” Paige admits, leaning into Stephie’s touch. 

“Me too,” Stephie whispers shyly, “that’s why I sneak into Mama's bed and she gives me lots and lots and lots of cuddles. Mama’s cuddles are the best,” she turns to Azzi, “Mama will you give Miss Buecks cuddles tonight too?”

“I uh-” Azzi swallows, taken aback by the question, “I thought you didn’t like sharing Mama’s cuddles?”

“I don’t,” Stephie agrees, “but I’d be okay sharing them with Miss Buecks.”

***

Azzi had planned -a loose term because really she hadn’t planned on any of this- for her and Stephie to take the guest room. Paige had been ready to give up her own room on the grounds of politeness. And Stephie was insistent that she needed to sleep in between both Mama and Miss Buecks tonight because it’s a sleepover we all have to stay together. Obviously out of the three of them, only one of them was going their way and it didn’t take a genius to figure out who that would be.  That’s how they’d ended up here, dragging chairs and pillows and blankets into the middle of the living room to create a makeshift fort. 

Azzi’s putting on the finishing touches, stringing purple fairy lights Paige had produced out of nowhere, when Stephie emerges from Paige’s bedroom where she’d gone looking for something to wear in lieu of pajamas. 

“Mama look what I found,” Stephie beams, proudly pointing at the black t-shirt she’s found that covers her whole body, “it’s you and Miss Buecks when you were littler.”

It’s their SLAM cover t-shirt and Azzi feels tears prickling at her waterline as she’s met with the picture of a younger version of the two of them. Back when they’d been so hopeful and carefree, ready to take on the world as long as they could do it together. Back when they’d been 2 in a million.

“I can’t believe you still have this,” Azzi whispers, unable to stop herself from running her fingers across the version of who they used to be. She wonders what those girls would think of them now; those girls who’d laid and bed and pinky promised forever. She thinks they’d probably be appalled at the fact that Paige and Azzi had spent eight years barely speaking. She thinks maybe they’d hate her for what she’d done. She thinks maybe she hates herself a little bit for what she’s done to them. 

Paige is leaning against the wall, her voice quiet when she speaks, “I couldn’t let it go.”

And they both know she’s not talking about the shirt. 

“Can we watch a movie?” Stephie asks, diving into the fort and peering up at the two adults. 

Paige recovers first, “yeah- yeah of course Steph,” she looks at Azzi, “do you- do you want something else to sleep in?”

“I’m good,” Azzi says, trying to inconspicuously brush away a rebellious tear. The shirt she’s wearing feels itchy against her skin but she doesn’t think she could handle wearing something of Paige’s. She scooches into the fort, leaning back against one of the pillows and Stephie’s quick to curl into her and Azzi absentmindedly rubs her hands down her daughter’s back. Paige switches on the TV, letting Stephie dictate a movie choice before letting herself into the fort, laying down on Stephie’s other side. 

“Miss Buecks come cuddle,” Stephie demands from where her head is laying on Azzi’s chest. When Paige hesitates, the younger girl takes it upon herself to pull Paige’s arms over her, making the older woman lie on her side so she can drape her hands over Stephie's stomach, accidentally brushing against Azzi’s ribcage. Stephie lets out a satisfied sigh, lying back down against Azzi, crossing her arms so she can hold Paige’s hand with one and latch onto her mother with the other. 

“Perfect.”

And it is. The sound of Stephie’s chatter slowly fading away mixed with Paige’s quiet breathing is the perfect lullaby and Azzi finds herself drifting off into the best sleep she’s had in years. 

***

Sunlight peeks in through the window and Azzi groans at the interruption. Her whole body feels a little stiff, not used to sleeping on the floor like this. A quick glance at her phone tells her it’s 7 a.m. and Azzi’s just about to let herself fall back asleep when her eyes land on the two sleeping figures next to her. Stephie’s face is buried in Paige’s neck, one arm slung over her waist. Paige, mouth slightly ajar as she sleeps, has both hands fastened on the younger, holding her tightly against her chest like she’d fight the world if someone tried to steal her from her grip. They look happy, content, at peace. And Azzi can’t breathe. 

The warning bells in her head create a cacophonous commotion that she can no longer escape. It hits her like whiplash that she can’t do this. She doesn’t know what had gotten into her last night, why she’d agreed to this, to any of this. But she can’t do this. 

“Stephie,” Azzi whispers urgently, trying to pull her daughter out of Paige’s grasp, “Stephie wake up.”

“Az?” Paige asks groggily, stirring in her sleep, “what’s going on?”

“We need to go home,” Azzi says and she can’t bear to look at Paige. 

“What?” Paige is far more awake now as she glances at her phone, “it’s 7 am Azzi. What’s the rush?"

Azzi ignores her, still trying to wake Stephie up who groans, “Mama too early.”

“Steph-”

“Azzi,” Paige’s voice is firm as she wraps her hand around Azzi’s wrist, slipping Stephie off of her, “what is going on.”

Azzi grits her teeth, “nothing’s going on. We just need to go home.”

“Azzi-”

“We shouldn’t have stayed last night Paige,” Azzi bursts out and Paige freezes. 

“Come out of the fort Azzi,” the blond says, her voice eerily calm as she stands up. Azzi follows after her, heart beating rapidly against her chest as she tries to keep the tears at bay. 

“We need to go home,” the brunette repeats, struggling to breathe, “this was a mistake,” Paige flinches and Azzi feels a knife turn in her own hurt, “we can’t do this.”

“Do what Azzi?” Paige asks exasperatedly, still trying to keep her voice low for Stephie’s sake. 

“This,” Azzi all but shrieks, throwing her hands up, “it’s too much, too quick and Stephie- Stephie’s getting attached and I can’t- I can’t let that happen.”

“Why not?” Paige argues stubbornly. 

“Because these last two weeks she couldn’t fall asleep without you on the phone. Because you’re all she talks about sometimes. Because she’s gonna want you forever,” Azzi’s voice breaks, “and she can’t have you forever.”

“Az-”

“And you’re getting attached too. I see the way you look at her and it’s amazing but it’s not- it’s not sustainable Paige. For either of you. Because you’re gonna find someone soon,” the words taste sour on Azzi’s tongue, “and you’re not gonna have time for her and missing you is going to kill her and the guilt of that is going to hurt you. I’m trying to pro-”

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Paige’s voice is hard now, eyes gleaming with fire, “you’re basing all of this on a hypothetical that might not even come true. You’re not protecting anybody. You’re projecting.”

Azzi reels back, “I am not projecting.”

“Yes you are,” Paige hisses, “you’re not scared of Stephie or me getting too attached. You’re scared of yourself getting too attached.”

“Mama? Miss Buecks,” Stephie’s tired eyes look warily between the two of them, “what’s going on?”

Azzi plasters a smile on her face as she picks up her little girl, trying to pretend that the truth in Paige’s words haven’t just made her feel hollow, “we’re going home Stephie.”

“I don’t wanna go home,” Stephie fights against Azzi’s grip, looking helplessly at Paige, “Miss Buecks I wanna stay. Can I please stay?”

“You have to listen to your Mama sweetheart” Paige says softly, heartbreak written over her face as she moves to press a kiss against Stephie’s knuckles, “but I’ll see you soon okay. I promise.”

“Miss Buecks,” Stephie whimpers and Azzi has never hated herself more as she rushes out of Paige’s new house, willing herself to not look back. She buckles Stephie in the back, pretending she doesn’t see the way Paige is watching them leave from the porch, like she’d do anything to stop it. And then she drives away. 

It isn’t until she’s safely in the confines over her own room, that Azzi finally lets the tears fall. And she consoles herself with the fact that it’s okay to crack her daughter's heart, to crack Paige’s heart, to crack her own heart, if that’s the only way she can stop their hearts from breaking altogether.

[lubrumalis]

konig headcanons! (realistic)

tw: nsfw

all of these are realistic hc! dont expect a normal konig

hes NOT a shy awkward pushover, just because he has social anxiety??? we can see through his voice lines hes a very cocky person and speaks rather agressively

“lets be honest, its better off in my hands.”

i hc that just because konig has social anxiety, he doesn’t express this through bring soft and shy, he expresses it through his bluntness

konig wanted to be a sniper but did not because he couldn’t stand still, has social anxiety, i hc he has some form of adhd

his very cocky and blunt shouting isn’t because hes mean, but he just doesnt wanna be seen as that bullied kid he once was

hes doesnt have horrible EQ, but the kind of guy to be incredibly unfiltered

also, this guy was literally assigned as a human battering ram, you think hes all soft and sweet???😅😅😅

no he won’t get angry or cry if his mask is taken off. just annoyed.

its not actually canon that konig is a colonel (correct me if im wrong, i couldnt find anything on the official wiki) but lets assume hes one anyway

even if he isnt, gets paid well. really well.

private military companies that deploy soldiers in areas of active conflict can pay up to hundreds of thousands for one soldier

considering konigs age (late 30s at least) and skills, probably 400-500k a year.

chose to join the military because he had an obsession with tanks and guns as a kid

a lot of hc’s say hes 6’10. i disagree, simply based off of chances and the fact thats wayyyy too tall for the military

but he was described as a mountain, so id say his height is around 6’5-6’8

very very intimidating. hes tall big and has the mask of an executioner in the 15th century. who wouldn’t be scared?

definitely will say some random german word in a situation where no one else there knows german. he doesn’t give a damn lol

hates americans (thinks theyre all obese, mannerless, and bad at geography)

brings up the most random topics. again i really think konig has adhd.

konig was not good at school and hated it, mainly due to the anxiety and how he couldn’t pay attention

also why he chose the path of a soldier

drinks lots of beer, high alcohol tolerance, this guys a true european.

loves austrian or german food. loves schnitzel and pies.

konigs breakfast is literally sausages, toast, eggs, and sometimes beer

BIG APPETITE. he could eat for 3 people.

a little insecure about his appearance, not confident in his looks :( also why he hid his face

but as he grew older he uses the mask for actual purposes of concealing his identity, he is a special ops soldier after all

kind of a cheapskate. he chose to hide his face with what, polyester? chose a piece of cloth over everything else.

has very conservative beliefs. not to the point where he hates abortion and votes far right, konig is just a little confused about some things certain liberals believe in

pretty political person lmao

not enough info to conclude whether or not konig was abused as a kid tbh

he was definitely miserable for a period in his life. hes in the military living a monotone life, barely any contact with others, and constantly living in fear he’d die

i dont think hes as traumatized as ghost tho🙂🙂

konig appreciates his dna and how it makes him big and tall, but sometimes gets incredibly annoyed at it

mainly because well, he got bullied for itas a kid

because he specializes in hostage rescue a lot of hostages (especially kids) are scared of him and refuse to leave the area with him

takes a lot of convincing 🥲🥲

has a lot of intrusive thoughts

cannot use social media properly

also texts like an old grandpa. uses 😂 and 🤣 unironically.

“Can we have burgers 🍔 tonight🌃?”

probably uses a blackberry or reallyyyyy old iphone

relationship hcs:

konigs voice actor (jim boeven) stated in a livestream that konigs wife would ideally be a mix between maria pedraza (actress) and rachael from blade runner (character from movie).

both are 170cm ish and brunettes

i can actually see that—konig is massive and he probably prefers someone on the tall side

first thing you did that led to your relationship with him? you tolerated him that is. listened to him ranting😃

i can see him with a civilian or someone whos in the military tbh

finds you pretty at first

enjoys bickering, he needs someone to simulate his mind

you know those stories where his s/o is 5’2, clingy, soft af, and neeeeeeeds konig? haha you won’t be getting that from me.

unlike ghost, who really takes his time to get to know someone and opens up slowly, scared to have his trust broken again

konig charges in like the human battering ram he is😁

if he has a feeling you’re trustworthy you are trustworthy.

horrible at flirting. he doesn’t know how to talk to women smoothly

needs someone equally as weird and funny

s/o needs to be someone with very firm boundaries and can stand their ground, i think konigs a really stubborn person, so for a healthy relationship to work, s/o can’t be the generic bimbo

konig wears the pants in the relationship

doesn’t let you pay. he has a enough money and believes men should always pay

(im sorry to break your delusions) konig does not strike to me as someone who likes a docile homebody. thats ghost (if you remove the word docile).

he doesn’t like extremely dominant partners either

imagine someone who is a listener, accepting yet blunt, shares his quirks, and has a very elegant feel to them

also someone very independent

also gonna get killed for this but konig would realistically not go for a girl in her early twenties. he prefers elegance and sophistication over being cute and jumpy

hates one night stands.

values relationships more than you think. he can come off as strong at first, but hes trying his best

ecstatic when you tell him you wanna learn german (hes not a good teacher)

doesn’t like play fighting, he thinks he’s gonna accidentally hurt you

admires you a lot. he knows hes not the best looking person and doesn’t understand the makeup skincare dress up thing.

isn’t paranoid, but definitely doesn’t say he has an s/o

if you ever get mad at him, konig will tighten all jars in the kitchen so you have to ask him for help :)

extremely unfiltered. he hates your cooking? he will say it. that dress looks better than the other? he will say it.

[furiousgoldfish]

When you're a kid going trough a scary, non-understandable traumatic experience, your child mind contextualizes it in a way that doesn't seem that scary. Like we don't tell small children when their relatives are dead, they're just traveling; it's easier for a child's mind to comprehend that someone is just gone for a while, and will be back.

When you're a small child living in abuse, not only does it seem normal to you, but your brain will find a way to put it into context that you can understand and live with. Your worst experiences of abuse might be foggy, forgotten, blocked off, or seem like it was a dream; not something you need to worry about or be wary of. Your parent, who violently attacks you, calls you names, turns on you and at times feels very dangerous and hateful, that's not their real self! They just 'turn' into this other person, and the times when they do that just need to be not taken seriously, you firmly believe that their true self is safe, okay to be around, necessary to love and understand at all costs, and not someone to be afraid of. You might want to keep all the bad memories away whenever things are good, so you'd be able to enjoy the moment when it feels normal, non-scary, so whenever they're not aggressive and scary, it feels like they never were in the first place. You feel like those times are made up, unreal, something your mind refuses to linger on.

Sometimes this defense turns against you. It can turn an experience out of your control, into something you could have potentially controlled if only you did things differently. If you never made a mistake, never broke anything, never said or did that one thing that set the abuse off - it wouldn't have happened. And so you have to focus on what you're doing wrong in order to 'prevent' future events of abuse. It ultimately plays into the idea that the abuse is 'your fault', and invokes deep feelings of guilt and shame; you end up feeling like you're the one causing yourself all that damage.

Abusers know this child mind defense, and fully expect to get away with anything they've done, by insisting the child imagined or dreamed it, and it didn't really happen. They know the event was traumatic for the child and makes them look bad, so their best luck is to convince the child it really was just made up, and to never recall it or show any consequence of it. They even go as far as trying to convince, now adult child, that the parent's own actions of abuse, were the child's fault. Something an adult can tell right away is not true, because you can now connect a cause and consequence, and you know a child is incapable of controlling adults in any way. But being told something as despicable as that will cast doubt and deep emotional damage.

Every time such experience is suspended and blocked off, the child loses a bit of their vitality, energy, health, trust, feeling of safety, feeling of connection. When these experiences accumulate, eventually the child might experience dissociation, or a full amnesia, not even being aware that anything more is happening, because they cannot handle even one more event of abuse. And these experiences won't stay suspended forever; soon they'll cause the development of anxiety, depression, ptsd, cptsd, and other related disorders. And eventually the truths can no longer stay hidden, the child will remember and struggle to add new context, to realize what exactly happen, because now they have a chance of knowing the truth and surviving it.

If someone attempts to make you feel like something they did to you as a child, was your fault, this is what they're trying to push you into. They'd prefer you never being able to put your life and experiences into context, never be able to recover from keeping trauma inside, just so they wouldn't have to look at what they've done to you and take accountability. If someone is telling you that the events you remember are made up, imagined, a dream, something you shouldn't think and talk about - but it's only like that when you're remembering abuse, they're trying to use your own defenses you had as a child against you. You needed to believe it back then in order to survive it, but you need to correctly contextualize it now, if you ever hope to feel okay again.

You can trust in your own mind, and your own defenses to get you trough this. You are not wrong in looking back and seeing things a different way. You are right say 'that was fucked up'. They shouldn't have done that to me and they know that.

[popopretty]

BSD Chapter 108

In the narrow room - Part 4

Finally a longer chapter, and it was such a roller coaster!!! Now I don't know what is true anymore and I can't wait to see what will happen next.

Please note that neither my English nor Japanese is perfect. Please let me know if you find any mistake!

SPOILERS AHEAD

Sigma shows the piece of paper he picked up earler (that has the word "Help!" written in Russian) to Fyodor and asks him if he is the one who wrote it. Upon seeing the piece of paper, Fyodor has a breakdown. He starts screaming and keeps saying "Help me! Help me" in Russian. When he finally calms down, his experession changes and he looks like another person. He asks Sigma what year it is.

Atsushi is fighting Akutagawa. He keeps calling to Akutagawa, saying that he knows Akutagawa is still there. Because he didn't kill Aya, and Atsushi knows that it is because of their promise. He tells Akutagawa that the 6-month limit has not been over yet so it is not yet time for them to fight each other. Akutagawa doesn't seem to listen and keep fighting him, forcing Atsushi to launch a counter attack. But when he is about to his Akutagawa's face, he stops himself because he thinks he is gonna kill Aku with the tiger strength if he is not protected by Rashomon. Akutagawa takes the chance and catches Atsushi by his arm and leg by rashomon.

Atsushi shouts to Akutagawa to wake up, reminding him that he wants to become stronger. He says that the real strength is not when you compare it with each other, but it is the strength to face with your own self, and that is the "real strength" that Dazai is looking for. Upon hearing that, Akutagawa has some reaction, and Atsushi thought it has worked. However, Akutagawa goes a head and rips Atsushi's arm and leg off. (Bram is seen watching that while saying 'He is not that naive')

Back to Sigma and Fyodor, the "new" Fyodor tells Sigma that the Fyodor that Sigma knows is the bad guy, and that he can not stop "him". But he can see hope in Sigma so he takes out a knife and asks Sigma to take it. He says it is the "Sword Kladenets", and it may look like a normal dagger, but it is similar to the holy swords and is the only thing that can kill "the one that is his ability". He holds it out to Sigma while saying sorry because the bad Fyodor is the one born out of his weakenesses, and that he has let his own abiliity take over him.

Sigma lowers the knife bun and reaches out to take the dagger, but when he gets closer, Fyodor turns back and stab him with the same knife, saying 'Just kidding'. Fyodor then tells Sigma that it is just an act to get Sigma to lower the knife. And that multi personality act is so cliche, but it can make people lower their guard, and that the dagger is no more than a normal life he took from the guard.

Fyodor asks Sigma if it is painful. Because if he becomes an agency member, that pain will keep coming to him as the agency is Fyodor's enemy. He then asks Sigma if he still wants to become a member of ADA despite all of that. Sigma tries to get his gun back but his move is all read by Fyodor. Fyodor then tells Sigma that now that he knows how determined Sigma is, he will let Sigma touch him and read whatever he wants to read, if Sigma has that courage to do so.

Fukuchi is on the call with the Secretary in the government, who has no option now but to tell him how to unlock One Order. The Secretary questions Fukuchi about his action, and tells Fukuchi that he will have to throw away all the Fukuchi fan merchs he has at home now (TN: Sorry it is so funny I have to include it xDD). Fukuchi tells him to just do that and finally opens One Order.

Aya and Bram sees a bright light from the tower when One Order is unlocked and Bram says there is just secondds until the world burns.

That's all for this month's chapter! The next one will be released on August 4 (Japan time).

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the chapter just like I do.

[enviedear]

BILLY HEADCANNONS PLS HES FHE LOML

billy the kid hc's

request

— he’s a genuine sweetheart in general, but with you, he seems exalted by your presence. because he is. 

— he’d devote his life to you, i know it. he’ll always have his yearning for justice, but it’s you he lives for.

“c’mere honey, let me help you.” / “the boys wanted me to go practicin’ with ‘em, but you look too damn pretty to say goodbye to.”

— if he’s playing cards, better believe he’s both playing for you and your honor. billy doesn’t mind losing, but when you’re around he’d rather get bitten by a rattlesnake than meet defeat.

you’d be nervous he’d waste all his money, “that was pure luck, billy! come on, pack up and take me home.”   he’d smile at you, lovestruck expression in his eyes, “yes ma’am.”

— i see him falling pretty quick for you. he’d also be quick to figure out his own feelings. 

— he’d be cleaning the barrel of his gun, staring at the stars, and realize that it can’t be normal for his mind to drift to you so much.

— billy will find any excuse to ride into town and see you. someone needs something from the general store, he’s offering to go. the boys want to drink their lives away at the saloon, billy will tag along. anything, to see you.

— he’d love listening to you talk. it could be about anything too, he’d listen so intently with a little grin on his lips. 

“what’d y'do then, honey?”

— better believe that if you’re billy’s girl, no one is messing with you. if they do, they’re a dead man. he’d try his hardest to be just with his retribution, he’d never blow a man’s brains out just for speaking with you— but let them touch you with any immoral intentions and he wouldn’t even hesitate. 

you try to pry the older man’s fingers away from your waist, head twisting away from his puckered lips, “let me go!” he ignores you, pushing you further into the secluded bars’ wall. “get your fucking hands off of 'er!” billy’s voice cuts through your terror, warming your heavy heart.  the man drops you, backing away from you as fast he can. you look to billy, he’s got his anger bubbling up underneath his loving gaze, “run outside, darlin’. m’just gonna talk to our friend here.”

— he’d swear to settle down with you, and he’d mean it. he’d start saving and everything. he’d start the beginnings of establishing himself as a true gentleman for you. 

“see that ranch o’there?” he asks, pointing to the serene homestead in the distance.  you nod and he smiles, “m’gonna set us up with one. one day. for my pretty lady.”

— he’d sing for you, if you ever ask. mostly just beautiful irish songs he remembers his momma singing him. 

— speaking of his momma, he’d be very scared if you ever got sick. even if it’s nothing too serious, he’s fretting over you and calling the doctor back before the man’s even left the property. 

— i also seeing billy singing to you when he’s drunk. coming over to your place, being loud, causing you to shush him. 

“wan’ sing to you, honey! be practicin’ since i left the bar!”

— billy will take you riding with him any chance he gets, if you need to clear your mind or get out of town for a little, billy is offering himself and his horse.

"packed us some food, 'case you wanna stay out."

— the gunslinger would generally try to be realistic. he knows he should be, living where he does. but when it comes to you, he's completely romantic. if your pretty eyes are on his he can't help but to think that everything's going to be okay.

[milliesfishes]

౨ৎ꣑ৎyou're hiding something from billy౨ৎ꣑ৎ fem reader x billy the kid tw: graphic descriptions of blood

Separately in your life and Billy's, trust was hard to come by.

When he found you, you were a burnt out, tired little thing, the oldest daughter of a well-to-do family built on conditional love. You fell for him almost instantly, for his kindness and charm, his caring nature.

Never before had you been adored. In your experience love was made up of favors. It was give-and-take. Billy took one look at this mindset and tore it all down with you in his arms.

He swept you away from the confines of your home and showed you what love could really be. Love was not black and white. It was not burning passion that fizzled out when the other person became tired of you, not true love anyway.

Billy's love was pure, golden light filtering in through the kitchen window on a sunny day. It was rain after a droughted summer. It was soft kisses and gentle assurances. It was resting your head in his lap while you braided wildflowers together. It was holding his hand when he walked you through town and leaning back against his chest on his horse. It was an endless collection of moments that were captured in a single word.

He showed you. Every day he had you he showed you. And gradually you came to believe in what he gave you. Billy gave you everything you'd dreamed of. You spent every second you could with him, wrapped up in his arms like he was your shelter.

Especially after he had you in his bed for the first time, he grew madly protective of you. He held you tighter, keeping you close to him every chance he got. You were his girl, his baby, his sweetheart, his everything. He nosed kisses into your hair whenever you spent the night, promising softly that he'd always keep you safe.

But that still didn't take away from everything at home.

It had been okay before, even if it was a little cold. Your mother had passed long ago, and your older brother had since married and moved into town. It was just you and your sister and your father, who was as distant as a person could be.

He was supposedly a rancher, but you knew there were other dealings. Always an opportunist, your father partook in a multitude of opportunities, most of which you weren't sure were legal.

Things were becoming tense. Strange men were welcomed into your home, disappearing behind the door of your father's office. There were secret meetings throughout the nights, causing your little sister to run into your room and hide with you. You worried, noting who came and went. It was all shady, dark-eyed figures who you wouldn't trust as far as you could throw.

You lost a lot of sleep staying up and making sure your sister was safe. Only after you were sure the men had left would you allow yourself to close your eyes. Oftentimes you would go downstairs and casually read in the front room until you physically saw them walk out the door. You didn't like the way they looked at you as they left.

Despite your fear, you didn't tell Billy about any of it, not wanting to trouble him with something that would probably turn out to be nothing.

He must have noticed how tense you'd been, but he didn't comment on it until one night when you were out with him, under his arm at the bar. His boys were all rough and rowdy and normally you would've been laughing too, but right now you were quiet, leaning into Billy shyly.

Billy looked down at you, pressing a kiss to your temple. "Doin' alright, sweetheart?"

You nodded, your eyes wandering across the room. For a moment, you thought you'd seen one of the men who'd met with your father, but it wasn't him. Still, the resemblance had you looking back.

Noticing this, Billy followed your eyes. He used his hand to turn your cheek. "Is that man botherin' you darlin'?"

Shaking your head, you turned back to him with an uneasy smile. He was still frowning. When your eyes darted back to the other man for the umpteenth time, he nodded, tugging on your hand. "C'mere baby."

Pulling you into a back room, Billy made sure you were looking him in the eye before he spoke. "What's the matter? You've been quiet all night."

"I'm okay," you gave him a reassuring smile. "Everything's okay."

He wasn't convinced. Billy took your hand, squeezing it. "C'mon sweet girl. I know ya better 'n that." He gave you that look- that kind, caring expression that melted you every time. "Ya know you can tell me anything, right? Anything at all?"

You looked at him, into his eyes like the sky. Despite his toughened reputation, he was so soft for you. And he always knew when something was wrong. He wouldn't let you leave the room until you told him why you were bothered.

Billy was a protector. And you were worried about what he would do if you told him there were strange men meeting your father where you lived. You didn't want to worry him. He already had enough going on with his busy job- you didn't want to add more to his plate.

So, you smiled sweetly at him and said, "It's just my monthly. I got it today."

Immediately his face softened, and he drew you close into his arms, kissing you on the head. "Ohhh, I'm sorry baby. You hurtin'?"

You nodded, playing it up so he'd believe you. "Yeah...all day."

"Why didn't ya say anything?" Billy murmured, rubbing your back. "I wouldn'ta brought you out if I knew you were in pain."

"I just...wanted to spend time with you," you said in a way you weren't sure was too convincing, but he bought it.

"My baby..." he murmured, petting your hair gently. "Angel baby...maybe I should take ya home."

"No!" the word was out of your mouth before you could regulate it, and your eyes widened as you said it.

Billy looked surprised, pulling back to look at you. "If you're in pain, sweetheart-"

"It's okay," you smiled up at him, your hands falling to his suspenders and holding him there. "I'm okay, I promise. I just want to be with you tonight."

He kissed your hair, keeping his lips there for a minute. "Ya sure? I can sneak through your window 'n hold ya for a little while if you really want me to stay with ya..."

As lovely as that sounded, you knew there would be another man at the house tonight and you didn't want Billy to see or ask any questions. So, you just shook your head, tugging on his suspenders lightly. "No. Let's stay here for a while."

He smiled down at you, holding your face between his big hands and pressing his lips to your forehead. "Just say the word and we'll get outta here. 'Kay?"

You nodded, warmed by how sweet he was being. He led you back into the room by the hand, squeezing yours every little bit. You tried to distract yourself for the rest of the night, making an effort to smile big and finish your drink. The whiskey burned your throat, numbing whatever was waiting for you back home.

Billy's eyes stayed on you- you could feel it. You weren't sure you'd done a very good job convincing him that you were fine. But you ignored it, trying to inject yourself with energy.

When it was finally time to leave, you bid him goodnight with a kiss and a promise that you'd be okay. He clearly didn't believe you by the look on his face, but you ignored that, mounting your horse and riding away, praying whichever shady man had been at your house was gone by now.

You'd felt bad leaving your sister there all alone but had given her strict instructions to lock her bedroom door until you got back. When Billy had asked if you wanted to go out tonight, you'd weighed the two options. On one hand, you didn't want your sister to be alone. But on the other hand, if you didn't go out, Billy would likely come here, and that was a problem in and of itself. Besides, you missed your man. Selfish as it felt, you needed a getaway from everything at home.

Leaving your horse in the stables with a sugar cube, you bounded up the porch steps. There were no strange horses tied up on the fence, so you proceeded without much caution, thinking about the night and hoping Billy wasn't too suspicious. The thing about your monthly hadn't been entirely untrue. You were on the last day of it, and hopefully when you checked the rag in your panties before bed, there wouldn't be any blood.

The thought slightly cheered you as you opened the door. Maybe you could go see Billy tomorrow and-

The thick, horrible smell of blood greeted you as you walked in the house. Your eyes widened, and you shut the door quickly, looking for the source. It wasn't long before you saw.

A body, cold and lifeless, lay sprawled across the living room floor in a pool of blood. Your heart leapt into your throat when you saw your sister crouching beside it, her hands already stained with red. You rushed to her, pulling her to her feet. "Sarah...Sarah what happened here?"

Sarah was pale, her eyes frightened. "There was a loud noise...and when I came downstairs Daddy was gone..."

She was nearly hysterical, and you grasped her hands, not caring that blood was getting on them. "Do you know where he went?"

"No, I never saw him," Sarah got out, her voice shaky. "I just came downstairs and saw this-"

"Okay," your mind raced, and you looked from your sister to the body. You could have strangled your father then for leaving your sister alone and defenseless with a body. Indeed, looking at the body now you wanted to curl into a ball and cry. But drawing in a breath and trying not to choke on the smell of blood, you willed yourself to be strong for Sarah.

So, you squeezed her hands. "Go get a bucket of water and a few rags. I'll handle this."

"Can't I help you?" Sarah whispered. "You shouldn't have to-"

"No," you said firmly, shaking your head. "You go right upstairs and wash your hands after you bring me the water. I'll take care of it."

Your words were so determined that Sarah only nodded, running into the kitchen. Once she was gone, you put your hand over your mouth, squeezing your eyes shut. A body, a dead body...left by your father...

From the looks of it, the man had been shot. There was a singed hole in his right side when you bent to examine him. This was a man you'd seen before, one who'd actually spoken to you on his way out. The interaction had been thankfully brief, and you'd nearly told Billy about it, restraining yourself at the last minute.

Sarah brought the water and rags and disappeared upstairs under your orders, thankfully leaving you alone to your task. You scrubbed hard, tears burning at your eyes as you soaked rag after rag with a stranger's blood.

You cursed your father over and over, as the blood stained the floorboards with every tick of the clock. It was getting late and you were tired, but determined to get this body out of the living room by the time your sister awoke the next morning.

Standing up to try and gage how much work you had left; you wiped the sweat from your brow. It hardly looked like you'd made much progress. You happened to glance over to the window and saw a figure heading up toward your porch.

In a panic, you picked up a clean rag and cleaned the blood from your hands, tossing it aside and opening the door, sure it was your father coming back like a dog with his tail between his legs. You opened your mouth to yell but closed it promptly when you saw it wasn't him.

Instead, Billy stood in front of you, climbing the steps. "Sweetheart," he greeted with a smile.

You instantly pulled the door shut behind you, meeting him halfway on the porch steps. "What are you doing here?"

He gave you a funny look, holding you by the arms. "Hello to ya too darlin'."

"I'm sorry, I just-" you looked down briefly, then met his eyes again. All the cleaning had made you forget your manners. "-I didn't think you'd be here so late at night."

"Figured you could use some company, you sweet," he smiled, lifting your chin with his finger. "Since you're hurtin' 'n all. I can sneak up through the window if ya want so your father won't see-"

"He's not home right now." The words slipped out and you bit down on your lip.

"Even better," Billy took your hand and tried to tug you inside but you stood firm in front of him.

"Ah..." you scrambled for an excuse. "Now...now's not the best time."

"Is somethin' wrong?" Billy furrowed his brow, looking down at you with concern in his eyes.

"It's just...I..." you looked down, grasping for anything that'd make him go without hurting his feelings

"If it's the blood, I don't mind," Billy said, and your eyes widened, wondering how he knew.

"What?" your words were small.

He nodded. "From your monthly. I don't mind. Just wantcha to feel better."

"Oh..." you had forgotten your excuse from earlier. "Right, yes..." You'd tangled yourself into such a mess that you hardly had the energy to keep up. You'd forgotten your white lie about your monthly, even though the rag that'd been between your legs earlier in the evening was now among others you'd used to clean someone else's blood. "I'm okay...you shouldn't have come all this way..."

"'S nothin' for my girl," Billy promised, squeezing your hands. "Sweetheart...lemme help-"

"Billy, it's okay," you tried, blocking his way again as he tried to get to the door. "It's truly okay. You should go back...get some sleep. I know you've got an early day tomorrow."

"Tomorrow's my day off, honey," he thumbed at your cheek. "You know that."

You had known that, but it'd slipped your mind. "Right..."

Billy frowned, both his hands coming to your cheeks. "Sweetheart? Whatsa matter baby? Somethin's wrong...?"

"No," you shook your head, trying to keep the act up though his combined concern and the events of the night were bringing the tears back to your eyes. "No, everything's okay..." your voice got higher the more you spoke, and you were useless for lying.

Giving you an exasperated look, Billy held your face comfortingly in his hands, the brim of his hat brushing your forehead. "'member what I told ya? You can tell me anything?"

Your lower lip trembled, and you sniffled, your hands shaking. Recognizing the signs, Billy's thumbs rubbed your cheeks, and he closed his eyes, bringing his forehead to yours. His hat was nearly knocked off his head in the process, and he took it off, holding it against your back as he pulled you into him. "C'mon angel baby, tell me whatsa matter."

Hiding your face in his chest, you shook your head, your sobs quiet and pathetic. "I can't."

"Yes, you can," Billy stroked your hair, his big hands grounding you. "You can tell me whatsa matter so I can help ya fix it. If it's your monthly I'll hold ya 'till it doesn't hurt no more. If it's somethin' else I'll do whatever ya need."

Tears flowed from your eyes, and you squeezed your eyes shut. "You can't fix this."

"Try me baby," he coaxed, thumbing the side of your face. "Ain't nothin' I can't fix for m' girl."

You clung to his shirt as you cried, desperately wanting his help but also clinging to your pride. "No...no I can fix it...I can fix it..."

"Ya can," he affirmed, holding your head against his chest. "But you don't have to by yourself." Billy pulled back a little, his hands claiming your face once more. "If ya tell me to go again, I'll go. But I'm here for ya. You're m' baby...I don't wantcha havin' to feel like you're all alone."

His sentiment caused fresh tears to roll down your face, and you buried yourself into him once more. "Don't go...please don't go."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he held you tight, burying a kiss into your hair. "Tell me whatsa matter."

You hesitated, picturing the dead man in your front room. Then, taking in a deep breath, you pulled back, looking up into his eyes. "Billy..."

"Sweetheart?" he pressed a kiss to your wrist.

You pulled him up under the porch lights, letting go of his hand and pacing a bit, turning your back to him. "There-" facing him again, you saw he was no longer looking at you. Instead, his eyes were on your skirts, where there were bloodstains at the hem from where you'd been kneeling in the dead man's blood.

His brow was furrowed as he said, "'s that from your monthly? I-" Billy looked at your hands, now more visible under the light. You'd cleaned off the excess, but not well enough that a faint redness didn't stain them for now. Picking up one hand to examine it, you watched him turn it over to check for wounds. "Baby."

The word was firm, and you tried to soften the situation. "It's-"

Billy looked at the door, then at you. You moved forward. "Wait, Billy-"

He was already opening the door and walking inside.

You chased him, trying impossibly to stop him from seeing but you were too late. "Billy!"

His back was to you, standing in front of the scene so still it made you shiver. Looking at it through his eyes, it somehow looked worse than you remembered.

Billy turned around slowly; his expression horrified. He dropped his hat. "Why the hell's there a dead man on your floor?"

You looked at him helplessly. "There...my father..."

He came forward to you, pulling you roughly back into his arms. After just holding you there he murmured. "And he ain't home?"

"No," you breathed into his chest, shaking your head.

His anger was palpable. "That...sonuvabitch...leavin' my baby with a fuckin' dead man to take care of..." Billy dug his nose into your hairline. "Your sister...does she...?"

"She found him," you said, your voice full of tears. "It happened while I was out with you..." a tear streamed down your face. "I shouldn't have left her alone."

"Look at me," Billy held your face, trying to soothe you. "Right here, baby. Lemme see those pretty eyes." When you finally looked up at him, he gave you a little smile. "There we go. There's m' pretty girl. Listen now," he kissed your forehead. "It ain't your fault. Not one bit. You still with me?" He waited until you nodded to continue. "You're gonna go upstairs 'n stay with Sarah. I'll take care o' this."

Immediately you were shaking your head, pulling back out of his arms. "No. I can do it...I can help."

He brought you back into him, shaking his head back. "Absolutely not. Baby I don't want you near this. You've been through enough tonight. You go on upstairs 'n-"

"No," you stepped back, determined as all hell. You went over to the body, kneeling at it again. Picking up a rag, you started to scrub at the blood again.

Billy knelt beside you, his heart aching at the morbid sight. "Baby-"

"Are you going to help me?" you looked up at him, a strand of hair falling into your eyes.

Looking at you for a second more, Billy sighed and nodded, rolling up his sleeves. "Yeah."

It was a long, grueling process. You didn't complain once, hauling the bloodied rags into the wash basket to take care of tomorrow. And when the blood was all cleaned up, you knelt to lift the legs of the body, much to Billy's horror. He shook his head. "I can handle this part."

But you were determined, and you held your own, helping Billy carry him out into the nearby woods. He dragged a shovel with you, digging a few feet of a grave at your destination before he stopped for a moment, his arms weary.

You took the shovel from him. "I can do the rest." And before he could protest, you were digging, knee deep in the unknown man's grave. He couldn't do anything but watch. He held out his hand for you when you finished, pulling you effortlessly out. Both of your clothes were stained with dirt and blood, your bodies muddied with grime.

Not nearly soon enough, the body was buried, and Billy took your hand, attempting to guide you back to the house. You stood still, looking down at the both of you. "We gotta clean up."

He sighed, hand coming to the back of your head, lips pressed to the part in your hair. "Yeah...yeah I know."

The two of you went to the nearby creek, taking off your clothes and rinsing them in the cold water. You both rinsed your bodies as well, and you shivered under the cold air, carrying your soaked clothes back to the house over your arm. In only your underclothes, you were too tired to comment on your shivering state, only clinging to Billy's hand as you trekked back up to the house.

You made it all the way up to your room, first checking in on Sarah to make sure she was asleep. The second the door was shut behind you, you were collapsing to the floor, too exhausted to cry, too exhausted to do a thing.

Billy knelt beside you, gathering you into his arms and pressing gentle kisses to your face, trying to soothe you. "My angel...my angel baby...ya did so good. You've been a good girl...you're incredible, ya know that? My girl..." he shook his head in disbelief. "I've got the strongest girl in the whole world."

"Billy..." you breathed, clinging to him.

"I'm right here darlin'," he whispered into you. "I've gotcha. I've got m' baby."

You cried softly into him, finally letting go of the control you'd kept.

He squeezed you tight to him. "I know, I know," he murmured. "You've been so brave."

Looking up from his chest, you tried to find solace in those blue eyes you loved so much. He thumbed your cheek, his expression soft. "Why didn't ya tell me, baby? That's too much. Too much for ya to carry on your own."

"You're right. It is too much," you said in soft tones. "It's too much, so much I was scared you'd take one look and run the other way." His face fell into an understanding, and he nodded firmly, bringing you closer.

Billy rubbed his thumbs against your face again, dipping his head to kiss both your cheeks, then your forehead. He pressed his forehead to yours, looking you in the eye. "Sweetheart," he started. "D'ya remember what I toldja about love?"

You knew instantly what he was referring to, and you nodded. "That it's uncon...unconditional."

"That it's unconditional," Billy nodded, smoothing his hands over your hair and then holding you there, both hands at the back of your head. "Ain't nothin' you could throw at me that could send me away. Not a single fuckin' thing. D'ya understand, sweetheart?"

You nodded, and he pressed a long kiss to your forehead. "Words. Use your words, you sweet."

"I understand," you whispered, and he gave you another kiss on your head.

"Atta girl," he murmured, holding you close.

"Don't go tonight," you mumbled, burrowing into his chest.

"Nobody could drag me 'way," he promised, scooping you up and carrying you to bed, tucking you under the covers and positioning himself behind you. Once he had you back in his arms, safe and sound, he kissed your cheek. "I'm always gonna protect you, baby." He ran his fingers up and down your side. "I'm always gonna protect m' sweet girl."

come talk about billy here!

[david-talks-sw]

So that whole interaction between Ahsoka and Huyang, where they talk about Sabine's choice to help the enemy find Thrawn (in hopes that she can then find Ezra) is clearly meant to be subtext for what happened with Anakin.

I mean change the pronoun from "she/her" to "he/him", tweak some of the names and...

... it's just blatant.

The parallels were already clear in the previous episode, as pointed out in this post here, and it still holds true:

Sabine's struggle with attachment mirrors Anakin's.

We know Filoni's whole stance on why Anakin fell to the Dark Side: he'll usually acknowledge that Anakin was ruled by his attachments, got possessive of Padmé, but then adds:

"HOWEVER is loving that way really that bad?"

"HOWEVER he never stood a chance because Qui-Gon wasn't there to teach him properly and be the father Anakin needed."

I've already gone into why both these statements don't track with Lucas' intended narrative here and here... but I wanna touch on this notion that "Anakin wasn't trained enough to make a better choice."

He was.

You know how we know? Because we saw him overcome his attachments before.

We saw him explain the theory of the non-attachment rule, before.

In fact, wee saw him pass down a lot of the Jedi lessons, in The Clone Wars, including being disciplined, following orders and not acting impulsively.

The issue is that - while Anakin knows the theory, even has a few minor successes applying it - he never builds the self-discipline needed to master it because... deep down... he doesn't want to.

This is partially because you got Palpatine telling him he doesn't need to, molding him into an arrogant, power-craving person... but the fact remains that Anakin made the choice himself.

Which Filoni acknowledges, sure... but not quite. The difference between his thesis and George Lucas' is that the latter picks a stance and defends it.

"He started out as a very loving and compassionate person. And as he progressed, it was his inability to control his temper, his inability to let go of things, and his quest for power that were his undoing." - George Lucas, E! Behind the Scenes - ROTS, 2005

Anakin fell because he was greedy, just like any one of us can be.

Cool. Filoni, on the other hand, doesn't seem to land anywhere.

He dances around the issue (as can be seen by the debate between Ahsoka and Huyang, with no clear winner) and merely questions whether it's as simple as that.

Clearly he wants to justify Anakin's actions to some degree... but y'know, the narrative considers those actions so reprehensible that Anakin gets friggin' burned alive for it.

"I felt it was important that we actually see that happen so that we could see the consequences of these bad things that he did. […] He forces his friends to turn against him. Which is heartbreaking." - George Lucas, “The Chosen One” Featurette, 2005

Because Anakin's actions are not meant to be justified.

It's easy to see why Filoni likes Anakin. One of the earliest tasks he had when writing The Clone Wars was humanizing a character whose sole functional purpose was to carry out a narrative about how:

"Without self-discipline, greed [can] force a character off the path to freedom." - Micael Hearn, The Cinema of George Lucas, 2005

And Anakin is a very sympathetic character.

His flaws are flaws that we all carry.

Q: Is it fair to assess Anakin is kind of cursed by his own goodness/good qualities? "I wouldn't say that’s true. He’s cursed by the same flaws, and issues that he has to overcome, that all humans are cursed with. There's a lot going on there. [...] The whole point is—and the reason I started the story where I did—is that Anakin is a normal, good kid. And how does somebody who is normal and good turn bad? What are the qualities, what is it that we all have within us that will turn us bad?" - George Lucas, Star Wars Insider #52, 2000

But narratively, Anakin is selfish.

He doesn't want to save Padmé's life, he wants to save himself from the pain of losing Padmé.

And while you're supposed to sympathize with him, you're not meant to agree with him. He's Darth Vader, the space nazi. He messes up and consequentially "leaves the Force in darkness" for 20 years, instead of ushering it towards the light in the chancellor's office, when he has the chance.

So to shift the blame and say that...

HOWEVER, Anakin didn't have the proper support system or training to make a better choice.

... when the whole point of the narrative is about taking personal responsibility and being selfless instead of selfish... well, it is missing that point.

He did know better. He just didn't want to choose better, so he convinced himself he wasn't able to.