#all three of them need to just hug so bad

[lovesickhughes]

COLD DECEMBER NIGHT – jack hughes x reader

a/n: happy holidays! i am so sorry for the late upload, i had been with family for christmas, so i wasn’t that active, but i still had so much fun writing this and wanted to share it with you! so, i hope you enjoy! i know it’s past christmas itself, but i’m still gonna upload a few holiday-related fics to complete the series! happy reading & i hope you all have had an amazing holiday season so far!

tags: jack hughes x reader

warnings: none! just lots of kissing and cuteness! (not proofread, apologies!)

word count: 2.6k

series masterlist

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“Y/n, I promise you they’re going to love you– I mean, this isn’t the first time you’re meeting them! You’ve been to plenty of games they’ve been to.” Jack assured you as he quickly jogged over to the passenger side of his car to help you carry your overnight bags and gifts for the Hughes family.

Jack and you had just arrived at his family home to spend the holiday break with his parents and two brothers for the first time. Needless to say, your nerves had skyrocketed upon your arrival. Jack was right however, this wasn’t the first time you had met the brunette’s parents– in fact, you had spent plenty of time getting to know Jim and Ellen at the times they attended the Devils’ games. However, this time, it was being spent in the house all three Hughes brothers grew up in and called home, and you would be welcoming yourself into what shaped her beloved boyfriend. 

“I know, I know,” You sighed, “You just don’t get it. I feel like I’m meeting them for the first time all over again. Hell, I’ll be sleeping in their house, eating their food, living with them while we’re here– so it’s kind of a big deal.” You expressed as you continued to place present box after present box on top of one another in Jack’s arms before flinging your duffel bag over your shoulder in the process. 

“Baby,” Jack pressed, his head popping out from the side of the tall stack of red, green and white wrapping paper-covered boxes, in an attempt to stop you from becoming overwhelmed. “There is nothing more that they want, other than to have you here with me and all of my family for Christmas.” He said as he looked into your eyes, a look in his own washing over to speak further without needing the use of words. “I wouldn’t bring you here if I wasn’t serious about us.”

You sigh in relief, but it’s halted when you hear the last part of Jack’s sentence and you let out a sarcastic laugh, “well, that’s reassuring.” 

“C’mon, let’s go, they’re probably just about getting ready for dinner.” Jack said with a nod of his head to direct you up the sidewalk from the driveway and to the entrance to the suburban home. As your footsteps echo as you walk up the steps of the front porch to the front door, the sound of the doorknob already clicking to open catches your attention, and before you know it– you’re greeted with the excited gasp from Ellen at the reveal of her middle son and girlfriend arriving. 

“Ah! My babies!” Ellen exclaimed with open arms and stepped towards you to bring you into a hug. It was what you loved most about the mother of your boyfriend; that since the day you met her, she was so inviting and warm that she really made you feel like you were accepted into the family. “How was the drive? Were the roads bad? I just pulled the lasagna out to quickly cool– you came right in time for dinner!” She rushed out as she pulled away from you and turned to exchange a hug with Jack to the best of his ability with the presents creating a barrier for him. 

You let out a breath, Ellen’s warm welcome immediately calming your nerves that you had pent up on the drive up. Jack quickly slipped into the living room where a warmly lit Christmas tree stood and placed the presents you had bought around the green fir. Coming back to give his mom a proper hug, you slid your own shoes off in the meantime. 

“The drive wasn’t bad, the usual– I am starving though,” Jack responded to his mom’s bombardment of questions. “Where are the boys at? I’m gonna go quickly say hi.” He asked and Ellen directed him to the basement where the two other brothers occupied themselves with the college football game that was on. 

Ellen waved you to follow her and you quickly proceeded into the cozy home, placing your duffel bag by the side of the stairs to bring up later. 

“So, Y/n, how have things been since I last saw you? When was it– two, three weeks ago?” She asked as she pulled out a prepared salad from the fridge, followed by a closed bottle of white wine.

You flash her a smile as you slid onto one of the barstools that was hidden under the countertop of the island, “oh, things have been good, y’know– work has been busy these last few weeks and Jack’s been in and out of the place with hockey, so we haven’t had too much time to spend together, but I’m glad we have the break to relax fully and spend together.” You smiled, all while Ellen silently opened the bottle of wine and prompted you by tilting the bottle in your direction as an offer, and you nodded while filling her in about your past few weeks. She poured you a glass of crisp, white wine and slid it in your direction to which you slid in a quick ‘thank you’ while telling her a story about something interesting that had happened at work. 

“No way! Well, it seems like you are keeping yourself busy which is great. Dinner’s all ready, so we can start heading to the dining room. I’ll call the boys up.” 

You nodded as you pushed yourself off of the barstool, “is there anything you need me to help with, Ellen? Any napkins or utensils that need to be placed?” You offered, feeling helpless as you saw by the presentation and smell of dinner, that she had put in hours of effort to make it look and taste delicious. But, all you received was a shake of her head and her hand placed on your shoulder as she guided you into the dining room. 

Not long after, the voices of the three Hughes brothers and their father grew louder as they approached the dining room, turning the corner to reveal their three figures. You smiled to the eldest and youngest brothers respectively, saying hello and briefly asking them how they were before greeting Jim and leaning in for the hug he pulled you into. You then pulled away, finding your seat next to Jack who had already begun pulling out your chair for you. 

You smile in his direction, placing a kiss on his cheek in return for his kind gesture, before you all begin conversing about the latest things that had happened in all of your lives. Everyone had devoured their meals within mere minutes of it being served, and you all stayed seated at the table, your glasses of wine and water slowly being emptied as you all conversed with one another. 

Jack’s warm hand was placed on the middle of your thigh as you listened to Quinn talk about his hockey season, the brothers and their dad every so often quipping in a quick comment here and there. You attempted to stay focused as the brothers and their parents talked with one another, but the feeling of Jack’s large hand rubbing up and down your clothed leg drowned out the words being exchanged, but it wasn’t long before the sound of the dining room chair sliding against the hardwood floored pulled you out of your trance. 

You followed suit, standing up out of your seat before grabbing Jack’s and your plates as well as Luke’s who was on the other side of you at the table, both boys bidding you a ‘thank you’ in appreciation for your gesture.

You smiled in return and walked towards the kitchen where Jim and Ellen stood side by side by the sink, beginning to wash the dishes. You felt Jack’s presence following closely behind your frame, and his hand reached to guide your figure by the small of your back, his touch causing heat to flush through your body. 

You had placed the plates next to the piling stack before Jack’s voice could be heard throughout the entire room. 

“Mom, dad, let us do the dishes tonight– you guys have done more than enough.” He exclaimed as you stood next to him, nodding in agreement as you looked at them with a hint of sympathy in your eyes. 

“Okay, okay, but you know this doesn’t mean just because you did it today, you’re off the hook for the rest of your visit.” Jim chuckled both playfully and sternly as he pointed his finger at his middle child with squinted eyes, only earning Jack’s sheepish grin in response. 

“Of course not, dad. C’mon, it’s the least we can do for you hosting us all for Christmas.” Jack reassured before taking his mom’s place as the drier, leaving you to finish washing the dinner plates and utensils. The parents quickly scurried off to the living room, the two other brothers already being planted on the couches, flicking through the channels on the TV to pick a movie for you all to watch. 

Jack and you quietly stood in the kitchen next to each other as you finished scrubbing and drying each object. You looked over at Jack with a grin on your face as you handed him the second last plate to dry, your soapy hand quickly brushing over his own, earning in a dramatic drop of Jack’s jaw as he stepped away from you. You threw your head back in laughter at his comical response, before finishing up cleaning before unplugging the sink drain and wiping down the wet counter with a new cloth. 

Jack put away the last few forks and knives in the drawer next to the stove before turning to you and reaching to pull you into his embrace. He leaned down, swiftly pulling you into a kiss as you melted into him and when you pulled away, you stared into his loving eyes, so many words being spoken through your eyes. 

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Jack smiled, speaking just soft enough for only you to hear. 

You chuckle to yourself, “well, I’d hope so.” Earning a playful scoff and roll of the eyes from the brunette who stood opposite to you, such a warm, content and loving energy radiating off of him. You had a warm ache erupt in your heart at the feeling of such a domestic act; in the kitchen with the man you loved while spending time with his family and feeling so welcomed by his parents and siblings. 

“I’m serious, Y/n.” He paused, tilting his head down lower to look further into your eyes, a grin you couldn’t stop from erupting on your face before you lifted yourself onto the tips of your toes, reaching Jack’s face to kiss him again. 

You hummed into the feeling of Jack’s soft lips against yours as his large hands gripped your torso, leaving you feeling a sense of security and warmth before you were interrupted with a slow groan from a distance, stopping you from the display of affection. 

“Ugh, save it for the bedroom you two, I’m for real– I don’t want to see you both all lovey dovey.” You heard Luke call as he passed through the kitchen, entering the pantry before quickly exiting back to the living room with a snack in hand. 

All you could do was smile and let out a quick laugh as you finished tidying the kitchen for the next morning. 

Later that night, both Ellen and Jim had found themselves to bed, leaving the three Hughes brothers and you all dispersed amongst the couches in the living room, watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas, while the electric fireplace emitted heat, creating a cozy, Christmas-y atmosphere, only furthering your feeling of adoration for the man you were with and the experience you were having. 

You were tucked into Jack’s side, like a lock and key, fitting into place so effortlessly, as if you were made for his embrace. Jack, who now had changed into the matching set of pajamas you had gifted him and you, sat with his arm around your side, hand resting on your side just above your hip, and his legs stretched out in front of him on the L-shaped sofa. 

While the Grinch yearned to ruin Christmas in Whoville, you couldn’t help but feel your eyes grow heavy as the warmth of Jack’s body and the fireplace spread to your own body, lulling you into a peaceful, relaxed state. Jack’s hand slowly ran up and down your side, sending little jolts of electricity through your body, but the feeling of your head rested against his chest with the background noise of the movie and quiet room, you felt your eyes grow heavier and heavier before falling into a tranquil state of slumber. 

It didn’t feel like long before you felt Jack shift underneath you, indicating the movie had ended and everyone would be making their way to bed for the night, but he stilled his movements, and you could feel his gaze on you, despite your eyes still being closed– pretending to still be asleep. 

“You gonna wake her up, man? She looks so peaceful.” You heard Luke say as the sound of him getting up out of his seat and walking across the room echoed throughout the space. 

Jack chuckled softly, “Probably, even though it might not end well– waking her up out of her sleep.” 

“You got lucky, bro– mom seriously adores her, and she really fits in with all of us. She’s a keeper.” You heard Quinn call from where he laid on the side of the couch. You had to maintain your steady breaths, in an attempt to disguise the fact that you were awake and eavesdropping on the conversation. But, you couldn’t help but feel your heart lovingly ache at the comment from Jack’s older brother.

“I know,” Jack said softly, his hand reaching to the side of your face, brushing a stray hair out of your face, “I got so incredibly lucky. I really think this is it– like, she’s the one.” And you had to carefully bite the inside of your lip to stop yourself from letting out a wail in disbelief that you had gotten so lucky. You couldn’t hold your disguise any longer, so as best as you could, you slowly shifted in your spot, legs rubbing each other and arms stretching as you tried to sell your performance. 

“Well, look who’s awake.” Jack chuckled as you looked up to meet his tired, blue eyes. You only smiled, before sitting up straight next to Jack while his hand fell to your hip as he gripped it softly. 

“Alright, well, I’m gonna head to bed– night guys,” Luke said, giving a salute to the rest of you in the living room before exiting to the stairs for the night, and it wasn’t long before Quinn followed. 

Jack then pushed off of his knees to stand, turning off the fireplace and TV, and began to walk towards the stairs to his room, but your voice stopped his movements. 

“Wait, babe,” You called out, and Jack turned to you, eyebrows raised and lips pursed as he waited for you to continue. You stood slowly, walking over to the brunette before quickly slipping your hand into his, “I heard your little conversation just now…” You teased, earning a blush warming Jack’s face as he realized your confession. 

“You did?” He questioned, pulling you closer to his frame, his hands interlocking behind the small of your back. 

You hummed, “mhm… you really mean what you said?” You asked softly, barely audible. 

Jack didn’t respond, only reaching down to place a slow, soft kiss on your lips. 

When he pulled away, his forehead resting on yours, he continued, “of course I did, my love, and I’m serious– you’re it for me.”

[boredpotate]

Happier Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Arcane or any links. I only own the concept for this story.

Concept: Isekai Fem Reader turns back time to fix her timeline, but has unforseen consequences.

Reader Pov

"Come on. I'm sure you look great. I wouldn't pick something that would make you look ridiculous." Powder says outside of the changing room I am in as I wear another set of clothing she chose for me.

After dragging me back to Zaun to give me a "tour", she immediately brought me straight to a clothing store since I didn't have any for myself currently and Isha needed more clothes after a paint bomb incident. Maybe back in my original world this wouldn't be a big deal, but it's been so long since I've actually went clothing shopping that I have no idea what to look for.

I tried to get out of it by saying I had no money, but she insisted on paying. I tried saying I could get some of my extra clothes back at my old place, but she wasn't having any of that. I tried voicing my concerns on not knowing what to even get, so she started picking out clothes for me. To be fair I did like some of them, but some just felt wrong on me. Especially the one I'm in now.

Meanwhile Ekko had the balls to just stand there and smirk with a knowing look; watching me suffer. At least Isha was having a good time and she even picked out some clothes for herself.

"I'm going to come in there myself if you don't come out." Powder says, not sounding like she's joking at all.

"Trust me. She's not joking." Ekko warns me and I can hear the smirk on her face.

"Okay! Okay! I'm coming out." I say before reluctantly stepping out of the dressing room and facing a smiling Powder and Ekko.

"There, you see? Look," she says as she grabs my shoulders and brings me to a full body mirror to look at myself with a smiling Powder now standing next to me. She picked out a blue and white striped shirt dress that ties around just above my waist, folded sleeves and the top three buttons undone, "You look good."

"I feel exposed." I say as I look at my reflection with hesitance.

'The last time I remember wearing a dress was in my original life. This is kinda weird.'

"Oh c'mon! It's good, plus you'll match with Isha." she says as she wraps an arm around my shoulder, making me confused before the child in question bursts out of her changing room.

I look over to see her in an unbuttoned long sleeved collared shirt with the same stripes and colors as mine with a white shirt underneath and dark blue shorts with white high socks to match. She runs over to Powder and I and stands in front of us to look at herself in the mirror.

"That isn't fair, why does she get pants and I get a dress?" I ask making Ekko and Powder laugh before Isha turns around and comes up to me and raises her arms to me.

"Because it wouldn't look as good if you two were wearing the exact same thing, soooo Isha get's the pants." Powder says which makes me roll my eyes as I pick up Isha, hold her in my arms and smile at how happy she looks.

"You didn't force this on her did you? Do you actually like it, Isha? Or are you two just conspiring against me?"

"Nope."

"MmMm" Isha denies with a shake of her head, but Powder gives her an obvious wink, making me roll my eyes again and Isha giggle.

"See! It looks good. Ekko come look," Powder asks Ekko who comes over and joins us, standing on the other side of Isha and I in the reflection of the mirror, "Oh yeah. This..... this looks great."

"I think it looks good on you." Ekko says while I take a moment to look at Isha and I's matching outfits in the reflection.

'I look like a mom from the suburbs."

"Isha seems to like it too." he adds on, and Isha nods her head rapidly; looking at the reflection.

*sigh* "......Okay, I guess it isn't that bad. I'll get it, if Isha likes it." I say, making Isha's smile brighter and hug me a tight hug.

"Nice." Powder says as she hold up a hand to Isha and they high five each other.

"Alright. I think that's enough clothes, right?" I ask Powder as I glance at the pile of clothes Isha and I have found to our liking.

"Fine, I guess that's enough for now." Powder says sounding dramatically reluctant, making Ekko huff.

"You're just upset you don't get to dress them up like dolls." Ekko says, getting a light slap on his shoulder form Powder as I set Isha down.

"I'm gonna get changed."

"Don't wanna wear it out?" Powder asks suggestively.

"I still have my gear to wear, maybe on another day Isha and I can match." I say as I head towards the changing room; Isha doing the same towards her.

"Don't think I can't see what you're doing."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

I catch their conversation but ignore it and focus on getting out of this dress and into more comfortable attire and putting my gear back on. I step out and notice Powder and Ekko seemed to have stepped aside to have a private conversation; whispering to each other, so I wait for Isha to be finished to give them room. It only takes a minute or two before Isha is done and steps out.

"Do you like the clothes you and Powder picked out?" I ask while taking the clothes from her to put into the pile. She nods her head before going to put on her helmet, adjusting it so it sits right.

"Sorry about that, I'm going to go pay for these. You guys wait outside." Powder says as she grabs the pile of clothes and hauls it to the cashier.

"I'm guessing she likes to play dress up with you too?" I ask Ekko with a teasing smirk as the three of us go wait outside the store for Powder.

"Oh yeah, you got off easy. The first time she took me out to buy clothes I thought I'd be stuck for eternity," he says, but has this fond smile on his face that says he still enjoyed it, "Anyways, you have any idea what you wanna see next?"

"I have no idea," I say as I look around at the different stores and take just how.... normal it all feels, "Still getting used to it."

I feel a hand pat my shoulder I turn to Ekko.

"Hey, I get it. Well I kinda get it. We were here as Zaun was changing, so it was easier to adapt with it; still weird though. Trust me, you'll love it up here after a few days." Ekko says, reassuring me. I relax at the comforting gesture.

"Thank you."

"I'm back!," I suddenly hear Powder say and Ekko yelps as he is immediately dumped with two bags of clothes, making me hold in a laugh at the surprised look on his face, "So where to next?" she asks more to herself than us as she thinks to herself; looking up and down the streets.

"I was thinking," Ekko says as he steadies himself and holds the bags in one hand, "Maybe we can take them to our usual spots? Where you and I hang out together?" he asks her making her perk up at the suggestion before looking at Isha and I for confirmation.

"Hey, you're the tour guide. I'm the tourist." I say with a shrug.

"What about you kid? Wanna see our favorite places?" she asks Isha, who grunts and nods excitedly before grabbing my hand in one and holding Powder's hand in the other, "Alright, let's go. C'mon babe." Powder says as she grabs Ekko's free hand and we make our way through Zaun. Occasionally giving Isha a swing from between Powder and I.

It was moments like these that made life feel normal. Peaceful.

We went browsing through a couple stores and market places. I got to see the depths of this new Zaun and just how much better things were here. Powder and Ekko showed me the usual places they go to spend time together from places filled with the community and places where they can have some privacy like the library I saw earlier; Isha actually got a book for herself. We even ran into Vi, Cait and Sevika while on their patrol and got to hang out with them for awhile before moving on to our next stop. Eventually what felt like noon came around so Powder and Ekko wanted to take Isha and I to a nice cafe that they like to go to and sit down for lunch.

"Trust me. They make some great coffee. Ekko got addicted to it for awhile, so I had to monitor him."

"By monitor me, she means follow me to the cafe and also order herself some coffee and pastries," Ekko clarifies, getting a nudge from Powder, "I ended up being the one to cut us off from having it on the regular."

"I mean, technically, it still worked." Powder says as I laugh and hold Isha. I noticed her getting tired and only purely running on kid energy, making her legs wobble a little so I decided to carry her to the cafe.

"Well I can't.... wait..." I say as I slowly stop, now noticing where we were heading.

The bridge.

Now filled with little market stands and people, but memories come back. Enforcers guarding the bridge. The segregation of two classes of people. Finding Pow- No. Jinx. Finding Jinx on the bridge after not making it in time again. Silco taking her away.

"Y/n?" Powder calls out ahead of me. I snap out of the memories, but my hesitance is still here. Only ever crossing this bridge once before, when we rallied together to fight against Viktor, Ambessa and their army.

"U-Um, so-so the cafe is in Piltover?" I ask already know the answer to that, "We can go there?" I hold Isha closer and guarded to myself and she looks at me worried. My eyes locked and unwavering; looking down the bridge to the other side.

My thoughts too chaotic to notice Powder and Ekko give me looks of concern before approaching me until I feel a hand grab my free one. I look to see Powder and Ekko standing close to me.

"Hey, it's okay. It's not like before; we're allowed to go to Piltover now." Ekko says, and his comforting tone, Powder's hand and Isha holding me close grounds me enough to not panic, but still filled with nervousness.

"Y/n, it's okay. No one is gonna hurt you." Powder says, keeping my hand held in hers and tracing over my knuckles with her thumb as comfort.

"Promise?," I ask, though after a moment I realize how childish I sound now that I think about it so I go to correct myself, "Sor-"

"We promise. It's okay. No one is going to hurt you Y/n," Powder says now interlocking her fingers with my own, "Right, Ekko?"

"She's right. We won't let anything happen." Ekko says before Powder starts leading me onto the bridge.

We walk a slow pace on the bridge as I look back and forth between the small market stalls on either side of the bridge. Seeing both people from Zaun and Piltover just going about their day, talking, bartering and just....... living. To my surprise I even see Jericho about halfway through the bridge serving enforcers that looked to be on their lunch break; he gives us a wave as we walk by and Isha returns the gesture. My nerves start to lower as we slowly make our way across bridge and I just take it all in. It doesn't take too long before we reach the other side into Piltover.

"See it wasn't tha-..... Oh. Are you okay?" Ekko asks as I look back at the bridge and feel some tears slip down my cheek.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean t-"

"Hey, hey! It's okay. It's fine. We got you," Ekko says as he reaches towards me to wipe the tears away, "Better?"

"Yeah, thanks. Sorry about that." I say which makes Powder roll her eyes and groan.

"Stop apologizing. It's fine; you're still getting used to all of this." Powder says before taking second to brush some hair out of my face and behind my ear, "There. Now c'mon, we need to make you an addict like Ekko and I. Not you Isha, you get juice." Powder says as she pulls me along and I see Isha put on a little pout at not being able to try the coffee.

"I'll let you sip from mine." I whisper to her, making her immediately perk back up.

Powder Pov

"Not bad right?" I ask Y/n as she sips from her mug of coffee and looking to be enjoying her drink. A satisfied moan as she drinks the beverage and it sends a tingle down my spine.

"Greeeaaat. Now we gotta prevent another addict." Ekko says as he enjoys a pastry, and Isha having stars in her eyes as she enjoys one of the many pastries on her plate that we got for her.

"I'll be back. I need to use the ladies room." Y/n says as she stands up from her seat and walks away, now giving me time to address something.

"Hey, now that she's gone. What do you think that was about back at the bridge?" I ask, making him think on it for a few seconds before sighing.

"I don't know. Her hesitating to cross the bridge made sense since she's not used to it. But her crying? I have no idea. Maybe something personal? She might have some bad memories on that bridge," Ekko suggests, but I can hear in his tone that he's not sure about his own theory as much as I am, "Whatever it is, we can help her get used to it. She's still adjusting to everything."

'True, but she looked ready to run away from the damn thing.'

"You're probably right. Anyway I was thinking, maybe I can help you with your project for the Innovator's Competition?" I ask and Ekko chokes on his coffee which makes me immediately start patting him on the back.

"Re-*cough* Really!? Why?"

"What, don't want my help now?"

"No, that's not it! I'm happy you want to help. It's just, you seemed pretty hesitant before. Why do you want to help now?" he asks and I shrug my shoulders.

"I don't know. I'm just...." I trail off as I look at Isha enjoying herself and gaze at Y/n's empty seat, "I'm just in a good mood." I say before feeling Ekko wrap an arm around my waist and pull me closer; I lean my head on his shoulder as he does.

"I know what you mean. You think she might want to help too? I know Isha will, she seems to love messing with your old gadgets." he asks, and I can hear the hope in his voice. To be honest that brought an odd feeling of hope to me too; now imagining Y/n joining Ekko and I with our work, or just watching us work from the the side.

"I hope so. She's going be living with dad and I for awhile, so it will be a good way to spend her time than just sitting in bed or something," I admit with hope in my voice, "I don't know about you, but I meant what I said back at the bridge. Even if this whole thing is a little weird. We need to keep her safe, okay?" I ask and he holds my hand in his own.

"I know. Don't worry, we'll protect her. She needs help adjusting and feeling safe here in Zaun, and we will do that for her," he says and Isha grunts and raises her hand while nodding her head, making me laugh as Ekko reaches over to ruffle her hair, "Of course you will too, Isha. We all will." he says, making me smile before glancing back at Y/n's seat.

"I like her." I admit after a few seconds; not knowing what the full meaning behind those words are.

"Me too." Ekko says as well and I can tell there's a deeper meaning behind his words too.

'Whatever it is. I don't want this feeling to go away.'

Hope you enjoyed.

[sugarushwriting]

“look what you made me do”

stalker jungwon part 2

adult content featured

yes there will be a part 3

you awoke with a startle after a nightmare. you sat up quickly on the bed that you were tucked into, the windows covered by thick curtains.

you looked around quietly, swallowing air, as you tried to remember what happened.

blood. chipper. maya.

shoot! when you removed the comforter from your legs and went to move off the bed and stand, you fell to the hardwood floor below.

“ouch!” you screamed in agony, tears coming to your eyes as you hugged your leg in pain.

you forgot all about the bear trap around your leg.

with a thud, jungwon came running up the stairs and threw the door open to the bedroom, a look of panic on his face.

he had originally been watching you through the nanny cam, but went outside to handle some business. he came back in and heard you cry out.

“hey, you’re okay!” he rushed to your side, helping you up gently, lying you back on the bed.

you sniffled, and your eyes went wide noticing the blood on his neck. “stay away from me, you, you freak!” you yelled, trying your best to scoot away.

jungwon wasn’t fazed nor was he mad. you were traumatized and he was slightly to be blamed for it. his smile faded to a thin line, eyes of worry focused on you.

all you could think of was poor maya in the wood chipper, asa and danielle hanging in the barn. if that was even still the case.

“what did you do to them?” you silently sniffled, trying to hold sobs.

jungwon bit is lower lip, “do you mean asa and danielle?”

you nodded slowly. jungwon hesitated to tell you. but he kept it simple with the truth. “they’re alive.”

you sucked in a breath. could you believe him? “how do i know you’re not lying?”

“i can show you.” he replied. you thought about it. could you stomach the way they looked? you barely could stay awake when the trap got you.

“why are you doing this?” you whispered so softly, he barely heard you.

jungwon went to tuck a piece of hair behind your ear, it caught you off guard, you flinched. he slowly put his hand down with a frown.

“why the blanket? how did you get those pictures of me?” you continued. the blanket he covered you with before he snatched you.

pictures of you at work. in public. in your apartment. naked.

“you can guess how i got those pictures, squid.”

squid. why did that name—nickname—sound so familiar? jungwon noticed your body react to the nickname he gave you when you were close. before your accident and losing your memory.

“have you been stalking me? us.” jungwon nodded, unashamed. “why, jungwon? i—i understand how we treated you in high school was so bad—and i’m genuinely sorry for it—,”

“let’s not talk about that, right now.” jungwon cut you off immediately, his tone and mood changing.

“what did we do so bad that made you want to stalk and kill us?”

jungwon hurriedly stood up and started pacing. it really wasn’t you. or even asa. little less danielle. maya and kelly were originally his main targets.

“you three never knew the torture i went through with maya and kelly.” jungwon says, running a hand through his hair. “it wasn’t just the teasing from all of you. kelly and maya deserved what they got. to be honest, they got off easy in my opinion.”

“jungwon, what did they do to you?”

“not now squid.”

“why do you call me squid?”

“it doesn’t sound familiar? like at all?” jungwon stopped pacing to look at you with hope in his eyes.

you shrugged. “it triggered something through me, but no, not really.”

“are you hungry? i can make you food.” jungwon changed the subject. before you could decline that you weren’t hungry, your stomach betrayed you and rumbled.

“oh, um, sure.” you nodded, unsure how you’d even be able to get up at this point. you could barely stand up on your own, let alone run away from this psycho.

“i’ll bring you breakfast in bed. you need to rest that leg. when i got you, the trap was pretty deep and the wounds don’t look good under the bandages.”

jungwon walked towards the bedroom door, and you noticed a dog sitting there waiting for him. you smiled unknowing at the dog, just happy to see something alive other than jungwon.

your thoughts were clouded from the night beforehand. he really killed maya. was he going to kill danielle and asa next? what about you? you had to stay alive. you were going to fight to stay alive so you could get help.

what did maya and kelly do so bad to fuck jungwon up like this?

footsteps padded against the hardwood, jungwon coming in with a plate of breakfast. your favorite breakfast.

he placed it in front of you slowly, you picked up the fork and slowly took a bite, moaning in relief at how good it tasted.

jungwon swallowed, his adams apple bobbing up and down at hearing you moan.

no. he wasn’t going to that to you. with you. not now. the pictures and videos he had were enough to help him rub one out when needed.

“uh, jungwon, this is really good. thank you.” you politely replied with a nod.

jungwon took a seat at the edge of the bed and stared at you while you ate. “do you really not get any type of memory from the nickname squid?”

you shook your head at him. “enlighten me.”

“i don’t want to freak you out.”

you snorted. “you stalked and kidnapped me and and my friends. killed one of my friends in front of me, jungwon.”

jungwon laughed softly. “guess you have a point.”

“just tell me why do you call me squid?”

“because when we were younger you got inked on by one, and ever since then you never liked them.”

“younger?”

jungwon sighed, “that’s enough trip down memory lane for now. finish eating.”

“will you take me to go see asa and danielle?”

“only if you promise not to throw up.”

about an hour later you had finished eating, and was prepared to go out. jungwon helped you walk down the steps, outside. you went slowly, but jungwon seem to not mind.

when you got to the barn, your heart sank in pure anxiety of what you may see in front of you.

jungwon, face plain of any emotion, opened the barn door and helped you hobble in there.

thankfully asa and danielle were no longer dangling from the ceiling chains, but rather seated in hay and chained to poles beside them.

both were left in the undergarments, and you knew they had to be cold. they hadn’t moved when you two came in.

“i gave them something to help them sleep. rest.” jungwon stated. “they’ll need their energy.”

“why?” you whispered out.

“it’s hunting season.”

you turned to look at jungwon with pure disgust. “please, jungwon, just let them go.”

jungwon’s lips went in a thin line as he stared at you. “why should i?”

“maya and kelly were your main targets, okay? the rest of us learned our lesson. just please let them be.”

“i’ll have to ask my coworkers.”

“coworkers?”

jungwon nodded. “ni-ki and kai. need to make sure they’re okay with it too.”

“it was all three of you?”

“mainly me, but they helped.” jungwon stated.

you looked at him in disbelief. “i’ll do anything if you just let them go. please.” you begged.

“i’ll think about it.” jungwon said before turning around walking back to the house. he left you to hobble behind him slowly, your leg still in pain from the trap.

you got to the porch steps, jungwon held the door open for you. “actually fuck this!” you snapped. “tell me right fucking now why you are doing this!”

jungwon laughed. “or what?”

you looked around the yard, and saw a big rock. you leaned down carefully to pick it up.

“what? you’re gonna throw it at me? try to kill me with it?” he taunted.

“no. i’ll bash my own head in!” you yelled, ready to drop the rock on your head as you held it above.

jungwon ran as fast as he could down the steps and tackled you to the ground, making the rock fall out of your hands.

little did he know, there was another big rock behind you. so when you fell, your head landed on the rock, instantly knocking you unconscious.

“no, no, no! wake up!” jungwon pleaded, trying to shake you awake. blood covered his hands from the back of your head. “no, you can’t do this. i can’t lose you again.”

he cried holding you close. jungwon quickly picked you up and ran to his truck, putting you in to drive you to the emergency room.

while the doctors worked on you, he had texted ni-ki and kai who were actually visiting in town, and asked them to clean up the barn mess. no other text was sent or explanation needed.

he couldn’t say too much and incriminate himself or them. they texted back with a simple ‘ok’ and ‘no problem.’

“mr yang?” jungwon stood up when the nurse called his name.

she smiled. “your wife is doing great. a little drowsy and confused, but she’s awake and alert, and the doctor is with her. follow me.”

you two weren’t married. but they didn’t need to know that. they didn’t ask for a marriage license or proof. jungwon just knew he had to be the one only to know about your condition.

he walked into the hospital room you were in, the doctor finishing flashing the light in your eye. your eyes went wide seeing jungwon, but you stayed silent, fear in your eyes and body.

“hello mr. yang.” the doctor greeted. “mrs yang, your husband has been so worried about you!”

the doctor and other medical staff left the room, leaving you and jungwon.

“wi—wife?” you stumbled out.

“you say anything else, and i will make sure you never see outside again.” jungwon threatened.

you hung your head in silence, twiddling your thumbs, afraid to say anything further.

jungwon spoke, “they said you hit your head pretty hard but you should be okay. you’ll be here for a while as they keep an eye on you. and i’ll be right by your side.”

you kept silent. you got comfortable in the hospital bed, pulling the blanket up to your chin, your back facing jungwon.

this seemed to be a nightmare that would never end.

[strandnreyes]

2024 fic round up

thanks for tagging me @heartstringsduet @whatsintheboxmh @henrygrass !!

sacred new beginnings

After five years of marriage, TK and Carlos have been through a lot together, but change is never something that stays away for too long. As they approach a new phase of their lives—searching for a new home—they continue to navigate many other changing aspects of their relationship—family drama, work dynamics, sex, and discussions of their future.

With each twist and turn, they work through it as they always do. Together.

Or, the marriage fic.

tell me you're still mine

Their first Valentine’s Day as husbands is far from what TK expected, but despite the circumstances, they still manage to make it their own.

the rainbow fish cowritten with @welcometololaland

Despite being a big fan of animals, TK Strand has never owned one. He’s never had a reason to enter a pet store, until he gets caught in a torrential downpour.

Carlos Reyes knows a lot about pet stores. It comes with the territory, considering he works at one. That being said, none of his in-store training ever taught him how to help a beautiful, rain-soaked stranger pick up the aquarium rock display they just knocked over.

OR

The Tarlos pet store meet-cute.

all of you, all of me intertwined

A collection of unrelated stories taken from prompts about types of hugs, subtle love, and setting the scene.

the wildest winter

TK’s second winter in Antarctica starts the same as the first—short days, cold nights, and a never-ending work load. Except when Carlos returns part way through the season after a sudden departure last year, TK has to learn to cope with being in the most remote place on Earth with the man he used to warm up with nearly every night. An expedition for emergency maintenance throws them together again, but when they become part of the emergency, they’re forced to face their pasts.

all is not lost

As they tear through the loft, Carlos gets flashbacks to when he had to do the same for a lost lizard. Twice. Except this time it’s not a reptile, but a very expensive engagement ring that doesn’t even belong to them. They flip cushions and roll rugs and dig through the dishes filled with pretzels or chocolate covered almonds, but even after their home looks like a tornado ripped through it, they’re still empty handed.

TK slumps down on the living room floor after a last ditch effort to look under the couch, staring up at Carlos with wide, horrified eyes. “The ring is gone,” he mutters, and all Carlos can do is swallow past his dry throat and nod.

Or, a tale of three lost rings

what could've been

After recent events, Carlos once again considers what it means to be a father.

third time's the charm

TK has an idea for role play. Carlos isn’t totally on board.

so much for summer love

The summer before his senior year of college at NYU, TK finds himself in Galveston, Texas, working at a restaurant on the beach. It’s there that he meets Carlos, a fellow server with a heartstopping smile and a need for a temporary break from his own life back in Austin. Without planning it, the two of them fall into a whirlwind romance that’s a bad idea for a million different reasons, yet they can’t figure out how to stay away.

these fatal fantasies

Carlos always feels at home working in the stables, where he’s accustomed to order and solitude. Except when a disturbance catches the attention of the king, Carlos is presented with an offer he can’t refuse: the prince’s guard.

Prince Tyler is the last person Carlos wants to spend all his time with, but he commits to his duty of saving a life. Along the way, he learns that spending so much time with TK is dangerous all on its own.

save a horse, ride a cowboy

After a comment about being good with horses leaves TK wondering what else he doesn’t know about his fiancé, he jumps on the opportunity to ranch sit for the night. The 24 hours they spend together out in rural Texas have them falling even deeper in love.

leave the light on

Early in the hours of the morning, Carlos finally makes it home.

A post 5x01 coda

meet me in the afterglow

TK and Carlos’ thoughts, feelings, and actions throughout the course of 5x05

never quite buried

It’s a deal they made a century ago—when they reach their 100th anniversary, they’ll spend a month apart. It’s preventative more than anything, but TK and Carlos go through with it anyway, even if it’ll be the longest they’ve been apart since they met on a dreary autumn day. When it’s over, TK is more than eager to reunite with Carlos at the place where their love story began, but when he doesn’t show, TK realizes his worst nightmare has come to life. As it turns out, tracking down vampire hunters and his kidnapped husband is the easy part.

keep your hands in my hands

As one chapter in Carlos’ life comes to a close, another one begins. 

brighter in the morning cowritten with @paperstorm

Sometimes nights together are hard to come by, but TK and Carlos find ways to connect as husbands in the morning.

A series of 12 mornings together for each of the 12 episodes in season 5 (plot permitting …)

because you want it

Late December always feels like a zoo for Carlos as he prepares his classroom for winter break, but when an afterwork errand causes him to bump into a handsome paramedic, Carlos’ holiday season takes a turn. As they begin to get to know one another through shared meals and traditions, Carlos finds a whole new reason to feel joyful this season.

the railyard

One dead body, seven suspects, and two undercover detectives sent in to get to the bottom of it. It shouldn’t be too difficult—TK and Carlos are used to solving murders—but when the department decides the best cover is to go in as newlywed husbands, they’re forced to face some hard truths. As the case goes on, they struggle to remember what’s real and what’s fake, and they worry the suspects’ secrets may not be the only ones that are revealed.

fics written in 2024, but not yet published

this is me trying - coming soon

Early in their relationship, TK finds Narcan in Carlos’ glovebox. He doesn’t take it well. 

right where you left me - coming soon

When Carlos isn’t ready to be a parent and Jonah needs a home, TK and Carlos must make the impossible decision to go their separate ways. Two years later and they’re still trying to get their hearts on board with that plan, but time has passed and things have changed, and they learn that maybe they don’t have to figure out how to move on after all. 

tagging @paperstorm @lightningboltreader @reyesstrand @tellmegoodbye @carlos-in-glasses @welcometololaland @rmd-writes + open tag!!

[determinedowl23]

ohhhhhmy god oh my god guyssjsjaidbwisjsis IT HAPPENED I SAW IT AND IT WAS AMAZING

Notes:

Act I

I NEED TO MARRY ALFIE BOE SOOOOO BAD BRUH YOU DONT EVEN GET IT

Alfie’s so short I forgot about that lmao he’s so baby

I do really really really love Michael but I can already tell that Javert is not exactly his thing. He’s too whimsical- too Marius. Super glad he gets to do something with Alfie tho <333

Jeremy (I think) rocked the bishop omgggggg

I WAS NOT EXPECTING KATIE HALL TO BE HERE CHAT- soprano Fantine is such a foreign concept to me but she was gorgeous 

THANK YOU BOEBALL VALVERT FOR BEING THERE FOR ME I LOVE MY BOYFRIEND AND HIS BOYFRIEND

THENARDIERS ARE SO FUNNY I’ve never seen funnier thenardiers. He called Cosette Baguette when Valjean took her away

Also at the beginning of the bargain when Alfie started singing Madame T went “oh he’s got a lovely voice tho”

COSETTE NEW PINK DRESS IS SO PRETTY!!!!! It matches Marius’ bow :))))

Ok both Eponine and Cosette were mixed bags for me- I liked them most of the time, but there were a couple times their voices felt a bit… nasally? They were both very pretty tho :)

James D Gish is beautiful. My dad says he’s the second coming of Ramin Karimloo and im inclined to agree

Gavroche is king shit as per usual

They had stars in stars omggg. ALSOOO at the end the lights make it look like he has wings. Probably unintentional but he’s soooooo fallen angelcore 

As much as Michael doesn’t fit Javert, his Stars really is amazing

WE GOT ENJOLTAIRE CRUMBS 👏👏👏 The entire pause between ABC Cafe and Red & Black they were just looking at each other forever

As much as I do love enjoltaire, im an even bigger fan of Gavroche and Grantaire’s dynamic. It was the main thing I noticed about R’s character (even with Kyle Adams playing him) and I’m so happy that it’s in other productions

No Javert barricade outfit in one day more :(

Three flags??? In this economy????

Act II

Okay I did genuinely forget about the barricade outfit but it did come back! It’s different from the Staged Concert, more greenish-black and I think he has his hair down- there’s at least some strands loose on the front

OKAYYYY IM REALLY SURE TGAT BEFORE R STARTED HIS SOLO IN DRINK WITH ME HE WENT AND HELD ENJ’S HAND FOR A BIT- and after he sang and Enj left Gavroche ran over and gave him a hug it was so sweet

Alfie Boe Bring Him Home is still my favoritest thing in the entire world. I owe him my life im so serious he was my top artist for a reason

Enjolras did the Aaron Tveit “until the earth is free” opt up it was amazing

They cut Gavroche’s individual death scene which was either for better or for worse because that’s the one that always gets me crying, so I just teared up at the end

When Javert let valjean and Marius go from the sewers he turned around as if he was gonna follow them, paused, screamed, and put his head and his hand

Dude michael ball does the best suicide scene he’s so unhinged and skdjaidhaisjsj

EMPTY CHAIRS BRO. At “phantom faces” the Amis all stood up in their places in their seats, with Enj, R, and Gavroche on the center balcony right by the conductor. Also at this point he begins to scream with anger at his survival. I’ve never thought about angry Empty Chairs, but it works so well and I need to see it more

Valjean in AHFoL Reprise made me so sad bro. Insert my post about him and Donna Sheridan but add that they’re so attached to their daughter (Amanda Seyfried) and kinda don’t want to let her go to get married

The audience clapped along to Beggars at the Feast. Don’t know if we were allowed to, but we did anyways

When Marius tells Cosette her father is a saint Valjean just shakes his head no oh my god 😭😭

HE DID THE NICK CARTELL NOSE BOOP WITH COSETTE

THE BISHOP COMES UP BEHIND VALJEAN WHEN HE DIES AND VALJEAN GIVES HIM THE BIGGEST HUG EVER OMFGGGGGG

During bows when Michael came up to bow with Alfie they had to switch sides so that Michael could be on the left and Alfie could be on the right. Order has been restored to the world

In summary: Amazing show god I love Les Mis!!!!! Alfie Boe is the only one who can save me <3333

[beef-brisket]

Angel smiled: I'll style it, and every sinner and demon will be looking at you, but there's only one that really matters~.

Adam scoffs: I can get attention very easily... I just don't know why he's suddenly interested.

Angel: "Suddenly"? Babe. He's been interested since you got here.

Adam: Don't be offended if I tell you you're full of shit.

Adam folds his arms as Angel starts brushing his hair.

Angel: I'm very offended. The fuck went on with you two anyway? I know the whole wife thing, but I think it's more than that.

Adam: Don't know what you're talking about...

Angel: Now you're the one full of shit. I can read people, Adam. And as much as you claim to hate the short, red, and spicy king, I have a feeling that's more of a shield than anything.

Adam scoffed: A shield? Seriously? No. There's no fucking shield. I'm not a pussy, I don't need shielding.

Angel: That's what every traumatized dilf says. News flash, big guy, you're in Hell. Not Heaven. There's not of that "men don't show feelings" bullshit. We're all human, we all feel. Even the big bad exorcist.

Adam: ...It doesn't matter. Not now. Honestly, I don't think it ever did matter...

Angel: And what's this "did"?

Adam: I don't know. Shit.

Angel: I think "did" is you.

Adam: I'm not "did". "Did" is a fucking loser... I'm not a loser.

Angel pulled out the curling iron and started heating it up.

Angel: "Did" had a big role to play, right? Seemed to be a bigger role than everyone else's. Maybe "did" was forced to push their feelings down to keep others happy. To keep others comfortable. Maybe "did" was told they didn't matter, maybe "did" was told to protect his wife from his best friend, maybe "did" was being pressured by Heaven to be the big strong protector, when there was nothing to protect anyone from.

Adam stayed silent, even when Angel started curling his hair.

Angel: Heaven put a lot of pressure on "did." Making "did" feel like they didn't matter because when they failed, they were punished more servery than the ones that actually did wrong. They let Lilith off easy, didn't they. They let Lucifer off even easier. He's a fucking king. Eve, well. I have a feeling that once she became self-aware, she wasn't too keen on Heaven's whole plan, right?

Angel was silent for a minute or so before continuing.

Angel: I think "did" is Adam. And I think Adam didn't deserve any of this. I think you were doomed front the start, babe.

Adam could feel tears pool in his eyes, but he tried to hold them off as Angel crouched in front of him, amd put his hands on his knees.

Angel: Babe. You hate so much about yourself. You're not an asshole or a bastard. You're pushing people away before they get too close. You don't want to get hurt again. But I think-.

Adam looks at Angel as he cups his face, and give him the warmest smile.

Angel: I think Adam deserves love. And another chance. We all want to know the real Adam. The Adam that's behind the shield. And, think of your hair as the first step to that. A small step for others, but a massive step for you. And that's so important, Adam. So important.

Adam wiped his eyes: N-No one's loved me for thousands of years... h-he's playing me, Angel. He's probably j-just going to humiliate me, like she did...

Angel stood and pulled Adam into a hug, using all three sets of his arms. His lower set rubbed his back while his middle set held him firmly, his top set ran their fingers through his warm, golden hair.

Angel: You've been fucked over so many times, and you've held onto that pain. Loves... amazing, babe. Being in that garden, being made along with two others who are learning at the same time as you, having them be named your wife, isn't love. You were new, you all were. That wasn't love, Adam. Not saying you'll ever love Lucifer, fuck, you don't even have to forgive him. Hold onto that anger and hate all you want, but I swear, you be so much happier without it. You'll be freer without it. And you'll ve giving one of the most important people in your past, another chance. And Adam?

Angel pulls away so Adam can look up at him. His heart breaks at how defeated and tired Adam looks.

Angel: If he fucks this up. Then that's his fucking loss. And if you ever want out of this place, I know you can make a name for yourself. You're fucking amazing. You don't need anyone to be you. You just need to give you a shot.

Adam nods and blushes as Angel pulls him into another hug.

Angel: Besides. I'd happily kick his ass for you~.

Blonde!Adam au!

It's stupid and I love it.

After dying and waking up again in Hell, Adam's demon form is how he looked in Eden. Exactly.

Blonde hair and all.

Before Adam went to the hotel, he was able to fine (steal) himself some clothes, so he made sure to have a hoodie on so no one would see his hair.

The only times he'd take it off is when he's in his room. He's craving that hair dye, but he's too shit scared to leave his room, let alone the hotel (he doesn't know that part of his punishment is that hair dye doesn't work on him 🤷))

So far, his hoodie has been working fine until one morning when Adam is sick and is late for one of his sessions, and Lucifer teleports into his room.

Lucifer: I'm sick of you doing nothing! I allowed you here because you're meant to be working your ass off towards redemption! Now, get up! The sooner you do that, the sooner you can get out of my realm-!

Lucifer pulls back the covers. If Adam didn't feel like shit, he would have fought back.

Lucifer stares at Adam. He completely forgot that blonde was his natural colour.

He touches a strand, making Adam groan and try to smack Lucifer's hand away.

Lucifer: ...And they say my hair is like gold...

So everything is the same but Adam is just blonde as a sinner? If hair dye didn't work he would get a wig lmao

Adams laying there feeling like shit and Lucifer is just touching his hair lol 😆

[dykespence]

Swain-connor family quality time!

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Laios's three Boy Best Friends. And yes, they hate him.

[beaulesbian]

im just noticing some similarities

[beef-brisket]

((That was fucking sick. I love it 😫))

The tv clicked off, and everyone at the hotel sat wide-eyed on the lobby couch. Charlie was crying, and Vaggie didn't know what to think.

Vaggie: T-That... t-that was Adam...

Lucifer sat on the stairs. He couldn't bear to watch he tv, Hearing it was bad enough.

No one had ever seen Alastor so quiet. He was fighting so hard against his forced smile that his face and neck were tense and twitching.

Angel was the first to stand and leave. With all three sets of arms wrapped tightly around himself. He quickly ran up the stairs, not giving the king even a glance. Not that Lucifer was looking.

It felt like time passed in silence. It wasn't that anyone was mourning Valentino. It was more the look Adam had when he was finished. Everyone knew the Commander of the Exorcists enjoyed what he did, but to see it up close.

It made them sick.

With a shaking hand, Charlie wiped her tears, and pulled Vaggie into her chest.

Charlie: D-Dad...?

His daughters voice snapped Lucifer out of his daze. He's never heard her sound so terrified, not since she accidentally saw an extermination.

Lucifer cleared his throat: Y-Yeah, sweetie?

Charlie: That was Adam- was it A-Adam who... h-hurt you?

Lucifer tensed. He didn't know what to say. It was completely barbaric that Adam of people would even be able to land a finger of him. But he did.

Lucifer: ...I can't lie to you, hun... as much as I want to.

Charlie nods, and leans her head on top of Vaggie.

Charlie: He'll come for us... won't he...?

Lucifer quickly stood and made his way over to his daughter, taking both her and Vaggie into his arms.

Lucifer: Hun, I-.

Charlie pushed him and Vaggie away. Her breathing was quick and uneven, and she started to pace the lobby.

Charlie: H-He hurt you! You're the only one who could have protected us, dad! And you can't! He's... he's... I don't know what he is!

Vaggie covered her ears and buried her head between her knees.

Husk was already on his third drink, and Alastor hasn't said a thing. Just stood in front of the television like a statue.

Lucifer tried to reach for his daughter: H-Hun, Charlie, please, I'll do my best- h-he just got the better of me, that's all- I can't take him, I swear! I can protect you!

Charlie: You can't, dad! He beat you! You can't do anything!

Lucifer pulled Charlie into a hug, and she collapsed to the floor, her arms around her father.

Lucifer: He won't come after us, Charlie. I promise.

Lucifer has never felt so uncertain about something in all of his existence. He's been so confident about everything. But this? This he could feel his pride thinning. He hated lying to his daughter.

Charlie nods and levels her breathing: Room 188.

Vaggie looks up: W-What love?

Charlie: We're staying together. Sleeping in the same room. Room 188. No one leaves, and no one enters. We stick together.

Vaggie: Love, Angel went upstairs. Alone.

Charlie tried not to panic: Okay- okay, we all go up and get him, okay? Anything suspicious or strange- or... anything, please say something. We... we need to be on guard.

Everyone nodded, but Alastor, he's fighting with his instinct to run and hide, but he couldn't risk being alone. If he loses his powers, he's useless.

Everyone arrived at Angel's door. It was slightly open and hushed sobs could be heard.

Charlie: Wait here everyone-.

Lucifer: Sweetie, you said we need to stick together-.

Charlie: I'm only going into the room, dad. It'll be okay. Angel doesn't need all of us crowding him.

After a few minutes, Charlie walked out with Angel, who was carrying Fat Nuggets and a few blankets.

Angel: So, sleep over, huh?

Vaggie: This isn't funny, Angel. Adam- he hurt Lucifer, no can stand against him-.

Angel: You're so dramatic toots. Fucking good on him. Alright, some of it sucks, but at the same time, he's helping people. I'm... I'm fucking free.

Charlie gave him a soft, fake smile. She's happy for Angel, but at the same time, she knew this was only the start.

At first, no one could sleep. The floor was covered in mattresses, and Charlie out a movie on.

Lucifer was the last to sleep. He kept his eyes on the dark. He felt so uneasy.

He never thought he'd be so scared of anything. And to think it was Adam, was soul crushing. Lucifer remembered the day the man first opened his eyes, Lucifer had never seen such green eyes before.

How could someone so innocent and sweet become this? Take joy in ending life, when he valued it so much in Eden?

Lucifer shot up and stared into a dark corner of the room. Started shaking. He wasn't even certain anything was there, but his body was already afraid.

He quickly looked behind him as he felt the air itself bend and distort, but there was nothing there.

Lucifer quickly and quietly made his way out of the room. He felt so suffocated and isolated at the same time.

Leaning against the wall in the darker than black hallway, Lucifer ran his hands down his face. He felt like he was slowly losing his mind.

Just as he was about to head in, he planned down the hall, and his eyes widened. His body froze. And his heart stopped.

He saw two golden dots, close to the ceiling.

Lucifer: ...a-adam...?

He hated how broken he sounded, how afraid. His muscles locked and refused to move. His eyes never left those golden dots.

Lucifer chuckled awkwardly. They didn't move, and no one answered him. It was probably one of the decorations catching the light.

Lucifer: S-Stupid... of course, it's not you...

Soft thumps could be heard from the end of the hallway. They were so quiet that Lucifer didn't even register them for a moment. But them, they got louder. And those golden dots started to move towards him.

Lucifer: N-No- you c-cant be here...

Lucifer started shaking but willed his arm up. His fear got worse the closer those thumps became.

By the time they were a few feet in front of him, Lucifer summoned hellfire to illustrate the hallway. He screamed when he saw Adam, and stumbled back. He had that sick smile on his face, his eyes focused on Lucifer.

Lucifer: No! N-No- Adam!

Adam said nothing and continued to walk towards him. Lucifer's eyes widened as he noticed the changes in his old friend and the hellfire didn't help.

He was definitely taller, his teeth sharper, and he had claws. He's so human, yet so monstrous.

Lucifer: L-Leave, Adam. P-please- m-my daughter- don't h-hurt her!

Adam: I love it when you're scared, Lucifer. You should be~.

Lucifer's blood ran cold, and the hellfire in his hand went out, leaving him and Adam in darkness. But Lucifer cod still see the golden eyes above him.

Then, they were gone. Lucifer was left with nothing but the deafening beating of his heart.

Lucifer: W-Where...? Adam-?!

He gasps as he feels a sharp sting corse through his head and down his neck. He reaches up and feels claws digging into his hair and start to drag him down the hallway.

Tormentor of souls au

Darkness surrounded him like a blanket. Only he was no way comfortable or felt safe. He felt fear grip him like iron as he tried to make even a sliver sense of his situation. He could barely a muscle, if he had any muscle to pull. It felt like he had nothing to move, was this what happened to the souls he exorcised? 

Were they to end up here for eternity, slowly being drove insane with nothing but your thoughts to keep you company? Adam couldn’t even try to open his mouth to speak, well he did try, but the only words that would escape from him were from within his mind. In his mind he sighed, he was just so tired, he didn’t have any strength to fight, to argue that he shouldn’t be here. Yet what exactly was the point? He’d only tire himself further out. 

He had to admit it, he was stuck here, for all eternity. Much the same as a sinner. 

That was when he saw it a flicker of light. Not just any light, a pure white light. A light that was so familiar, one that brought him joy when it spoke to him in his booming voice.

His creator 

“GREETINGS MY SON. IT HAS BEEN SO LONG SINCE I HAVE LAST SPOKE TO YOU AND FOR THAT I APOLOGIZE”

Adam didn’t care he was just so thankful to be in his creator’s presence.

“MY SON I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE LIVED A LIFE OF HARDSHIP AND THAT IT DID NOT STOP EVEN WHEN YOU PERISHED.” 

He tried to not flinch at that. Thinking about his first life brought too many unpleasant memories.

“THAT IS WHY IT BRINGS ME PAIN TO ASK YOU OF THIS, BUT I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE ONCE MORE. I KNOW OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE THESE PAST FEW CENTURIES, AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT IT WAS NOT THE SOLUTION”

Adam could not believe what he was hearing. His own creator believed that they, the murderers and rapists, deserved to be redeemed!?

“HELL IS MEANT TO BE A PUNISHMENT, ETERNAL TORMENT OF THE SINS LUCIFER CORRUPTED WITH HIS WAY OF FREE WILL. HOWEVER MANY OF THEM DON’T SEE IT THAT WAY. TO THEM HELL IS MERELY A PLAYGROUND WHERE RULES NO LONGER MATTER. I HAVE SEEN TRUE MONSTROUS ACTS THE WICKED HAVE BROUGHT WITH THEM FROM LIFE. THEY CARRY IT MOST OUT ON THE TRUE CITIZENS OF HELL, THE ONES THAT HAD NO SAY IN BEING THERE OR NOT.”

The hell born, Adam thought taking in the Lord’s words

“I KNOW I AM NOT THEIR CREATOR, NOR DO THEY CALL ME FATHER, BUT I HAVE HEARD THEIR PLEAS FOR HELP TO BE SAVED FROM THE ACTS OF THE WICKED, OF ALL WICKED. UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE BORN DOWN THERE, BUT I CAN STOP THE SINNERS FROM HURTING THEM AND THAT IS WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP”

Adam had never put much thought into the hellborn. To him they were simply there and as long as they got in his way during the exterminations they weren’t a problem. There was the princess, but he didn’t really count her. He was curious however as to what the Lord wanted him to do.

“THE SINNERS NEED PUNISHMENT, AND THE HELL BORN NEED PROTECTION. YOU CAN BE THEIR PROTECTOR BY BECOMING THE PUNISHER.”

 With a simple snap of his creator’s fingers Adam felt something shift within him, in his very essence he changed. A warm feeling engulfed him whole and then he knew no more.

((Oh shit- I love everything about this! God needs to fuck off and let our boy rest!

Sorry this took me a hot second to get to- and I hope my reply does yours justice 😝))

Charlie is in full work mode and has been since the failed extermination ended. Since finding out Sir Pentious ended up in Heaven.

For months, she had been working hard. It was so hard that she somehow missed the latest gossip going around the Pride Ring.

Sinners ending up missing, only to resurface months later completely different. Scared. Traumatized.

Many didn't think much of it. This is Hell. There's always some crazy bastard out there doing shit.

But, it was when they became too scared to even function, too scared to ever be normal again, too scared that they would rather turn an angelic blade on themselves than to live with the possibility of going through whatever it is they've gone through.

Charlie was actually getting quite concerned. Especially when she heard Angel talking about it one night at Husks bar.

Angel: I fucking tell ya, kitty. People a shit scared. I've never seen the clubs so empty!

Husk shook his head: Must be the worst of the worst, huh?

Angel scoffed, downing his drink: Nah, babe. It's something else. It ain't no sinner.

Husk: Hellborn?

Angel: Those guys are freaky. Don't get me wrong, but their not THAT freaky. I had a client who said he was taken for three months. Three. That's fucking child's play. But the shit he said happened to him... fucking skinning, to pouring acid down his throat. Fuck mam, the sick ficker even dug around I'm his muscle and tendons!

Angel shook his head: There's something going on... even Val has lowered the workload.

Husk: Pft. Fuck. That's how you know it's serious.

Angel: Damn fucking right.

Charlie stood at the top of the stairs, listening to Angel's story. She was shocked but not surprised. She wasn't sure why this person has the sinners so scared, but sury it's nothing new.

She probably should make sure Al isn't behind this. She's only heard a few tales of his exploits so she wouldn't put it past him.

-

Alastor: Hm. So you've heard the rumors, too. While I'm flattered, I don't appreciate being confronted in such a way.

Vaggie: Just- fucking answer her, Alastor.

Alastor sighed, leaning on his cane: No, it's not me. I've been too busy here! And my kills stay dead when I'm finishing them~.

Charlie wasn't sure if she liked that answer, but it was good enough.

She apologized to Alastor, ams watched him leave.

Vaggie: ...I don't know, Charlie.

Charlie: I don't know either...

Vaggie: I'm sure it's nothing. Besides, you have more important things to deal with here, hun. You shouldn't get mixed up in sinner issues.

Charlie sighed: I know. I just... surely, it's a coincidence that this starts after the failed extermination... that was my fault. Simmered died because of me- I put my friends in danger! I feel like I owe it to everyone to at least try and solve it.

Vaggie smiled and pulled her girlfriend onto a soft hug.

Vaggie: I know you feel like that, hun. But you don't owe anyone anything... besides, if it's that bad, you could just ask Lucifer. He said he was looking for something to do.

Charlie: Hm... that's... a good idea, actually! I'll get dad on the case!

-

Lucifer: Me on the what now? Charlie, why should I care about whatever is going on with those sinners? Their... you know... sinners.

Charlie: Dad, please? Our guests are sinners. We need them to be safe. So please. Look into this for me? Even just a little bit?

Lucifer sighed. He really didn't want to do this. But, seeing the hopeful, pleading look on his daughters face, eventually changed his mind.

Charlie: Oh- thank you, dad, thank you!

Lucifer smiled as Charlie pulled into a hug. But when she felt and heard his back crack, she slowly put him down.

Charlie: S-Sorry dad!

Lucifer laughed through the pain: It's okay, Charlie - nothing I can't handle! I-I better start hunting a... whatever the fuck this is!

[grapejuicegay]

That conversation between PatPran about their parents' reactions to the play and everything makes so much more sense to me. Ming isn't on social media and he doesn't really care about Pat's extracurriculars outside of rugby. He's not going to care what event Pat puts on or is involved in - he likely also doesn't have much room to say anything anymore. So Pat can give up his play for Pran, he can sacrifice that without it being an issue.

But Dissaya likes all of Pran's photos, is still a big part of Pran's life. She's okay with them acting together because it's just a play, it means nothing. She cares about all of Pran's achievements. She would care that he suddenly isn't putting up a play as his department event when he does so every year. She would care even more if engineering put on that play instead.

No wonder Pran is so anxious, no wonder he's on a mission for this permission. And if it fails once he's tried everything, he has an answer for Dissaya. Until then, he's an impenetrable (i'm trying very hard not to make the joke i want to make) ball of stress.

But you get Phupha intervening and giving them the signature with the condition that only PatPran can play the leads and Pran has a convenient reason. How he sells it, I'm not sure. Maybe just a simple "they're making us work together". Who they is, Dissaya doesn't need to know. But a lie with a hint of truth is always easier - especially when you're lying about so much already.

Pran is aware of how much Pat is sacrificing because that includes his relationship with his dad. Pran is aware that he still has a relationship with his mom. Pat is aware that him and his dad's relationship will never be the same whether he gets to be with Pran or not. Pat is aware that Pran is risking a lot in his relationship with his mom. They're both still scared.

And then you add in Pran-as-Phupha telling Pat-as-Tian "no one should use their whole life to repay anyone" and you have Pa tear up at that? Good god, the sheer amount of guilt these two families carry with them, that all three of these children are trying to work through.

This isn't Pat getting really into character and Pa getting really invested in the play they're putting on. This is their lives, each and every day. Everything around that is them trying their best to live for themselves, to not let that guilt take over their lives. Because that brings them right back here

Once again, I'm very happy that this is a little stopping point before ep 12. That we get to see them be happier. That as they get older and older, they get more and more freedom, they get to expand their world just the slightest bit more. They need it. And this is the reminder of how hard they worked for that happiness we see.

and also, this just made it clearer to me how much pran needed to go to singapore. just to get away from Dissaya. just to get to the point where he tells dissaya the big moments of his life when he comes back, when she's not tuned into everything. when she can hear pat sneak into pran's room the moment he's back and know that not only is she okay with it but after everything, there's nothing she could do even if she wasn't. they all need time but these kids also need space

[sysig]

By the skin of your teeth (Patreon)

[passerinesoncaffeine]

I'm actually going to gnaw my own hand off.

[aflockofravens]

I have watched the Jujutsu Kaisen anime twice since the beginning of the month, and I just finished the entire manga that I started on Sunday morning.

This is fine. I'm fine. It's fine.

[thnksfrthmmrs]

[kevindavidday]

"you're crying from the despair of life experiences again?" the youtube comment section of phoebe bridgers - scott street, but only the best part, extended 1 hour got to me