#and i hope none of those kids caught it from her or anyone else

[bandomfandombeyond]

ha. fuckin HA.

one of the bitches who contributed to getting me kicked out of the "queer-oriented" "radical" camp for advocating that people mask and carrying around my CR Box CAUGHT COVID at it.

the Lord rebukes!!!!!!!

[garbinge]

Library Daycare (2)

Angel Reyes x OC Isabeth ‘Izzy’ Flores 30 Day Fic Challenge (14/30)

Word Count: 3k A/N: I feel like I say this for a majority of my fics but this post-canon world I've thought up for Angel and Maverick is my favorite, I think about it everyday, I just, want him to be happy even tho most of my ideas for this are angsty HAHA.

Warnings: All my fics are 18+ regardless of content. Light angst.

Mayans Taglist: @drabbles-mc @justreblogginfics @narcolini @danzer8705 @keyweegirlie @kmc1989 Previous fic for reference.

Angel stepped into the library, Maverick in his arms and was staring at the bulletin board. His eyes were scanning over each flyer and business card that was pinned to it. The list of jobs that Angel felt capable of was slim. There were a lot of options, prep cook, lab assistant, front desk organizer, medical assistants, nurses, but none of those were things that Angel had any experience with. That’s when his eyes landed on the business card that was pinned to the flyer that said Farm Hand needed, the business card on top reading Rancho de Valle - Este. His free hand reached up to grab the information from the pin so he could get a closer look. 

Farm hand, operating and maintaining machinery, harvesting and planting crops, repairs, occasional livestock caring. Full time, housing on premise provided if desired, hourly pay, overtime opportunities, and medical insurance. 

“El Ranchitos.” A voice sounded behind him. 

He turned around immediately, a little startled by the voice while Maverick on the other hand cooed in excitement as he saw who was behind them. 

“Sorry I did not mean to scare you.” Izzy smiled at Angel and turned her gaze onto Maverick. Her hand quickly reached out to grab his foot. “Hi, you. I missed you.” Her voice was soft now, she didn’t want to scary anyone again. 

“You caught me deep in thought, that’s all.” Angel laughed as he adjusted Maverick in his arms. 

“Yes, El Ranchitos.” She repeated again pointing to the papers again. 

Angel looked down not seeing El Ranchitos anywhere on the forms and looked back at the woman he had brief conversations with over the last few months. “You’re familiar with them?” 

“De Valle’s are very well known in this town. They own all of El Ranchitos, de Valle Este is the one closest to the city that is a harvesting ranch, they have others in the city but they’re more like resorts, they had to adapt with the change of the world.” Izzy explained. “They’re good people, kind, understanding. I think de Valle Este is like 10 minutes from here by car.” 

“Thanks, yea I think I’m going to apply. Everything else is a bit out of my range.” Angel laughed awkwardly. “Just gotta figure out what I’m gonna do with him while I’m working, maybe I could hire someone to watch him if I take them up on this on premise housing.” He was thinking outloud now, but it was just a symptom of having no one above the age of 2 to talk with here. 

Izzy was leaning over in front of him now, reaching for something on the bulletin board. Her hand began searching around until she found what she was looking for and pulled it from the pin. “It isn’t a nanny, but we watch the kids all day, feed them, read to them, use the playground outside on good weather days, it’s a small group too.” 

“We?” Angel questioned his eyes moving from the library daycare flier to Izzy’s face.

“Okay, I, it’s my initiative. We did a trial run this summer with a handful of kids and it went pretty well. We have about 8 kids right now signed up for the school year, all local, have room for 10, I think Maverick would be a great addition.” Izzy grinned again, now looking at Maverick who giggled and brought his hands out to her in hope to be held by her. 

“How was I around like all summer and didn’t notice this?” Angel laughed and happily gave the child over to Izzy. 

These last few months he had gotten extremely comfortable with the woman and honestly safe with her, Angel as well. These last few months have consisted of Angel coming to most of the library events because not only did Maverick enjoy them but because they offered him peace around people which he didn’t have much of since leaving Santo Padre. There was a constant fear, a persistence to always look over his shoulder, double guess everyone he met, everyone who walked too close to him on the street, but at the library it was like that fear was nonexistent. He had made a friend in Izzy, which was exactly what he needed right now. 

“I have two other people that help out, it allows one of us to take off, or be more flexible around the library.” She answered as she bounced Maverick up and down in her arms. “They’re actually running daycare now, if you want to check it out.” Her eyes moved back to Angel as Maverick’s little hands picked up her I.D. that was draped around her neck with a lanyard. “No pressure.” She let out an awkward laugh. 

“No, yea.” Angel spoke up which earned him a confused look from the woman holding his child across from him. He smiled realizing how confusing his statement was. “I just meant we’d love to check it out.” 

Izzy nodded and brought them both to the children’s area of the library and opened up the decent size circular room that currently had a group of kids of a variety of ages drawing on tables. 

“Sticker drawing. Helps them with open ended exploration, we let the older kids come up with a story based on their drawings and the younger ones like it too.” She was placing Maverick down on the ground and he was quick to find himself at the small table grabbing a sheet of his own. 

“How big is the age range?” Angel wasn’t sure why he was asking questions, he knew this was the best place for Maverick if he was to get this job. 

“Right now 1 through 5. This group is a bit older because it’s the summer.” She put her hands over her chest as she watched over the kids. 

 Before Angel could answer there was a little girl who was about 4 walking up to Izzy holding out her sheet of paper towards her. 

“Wow, that’s beautiful.” The little girl was being brought up into her arms and instantly throwing her own around Izzy’s neck. 

“Well the kids sure love you.” Angel smiled. 

“I hope this one does.” Izzy rocked from side to side similarly to how she was with Maverick just minutes earlier, but this time she looked at the girl in her arms and kissed the side of her head. “This one’s mine.” 

Angel found himself at a loss of words at that statement. He didn’t expect it. It automatically made him think about his friendship with Izzy, this was something huge that she so easily went without mentioning. Then again, it wasn’t like she knew everything about his life, but she knew a lot about his current life, and this felt very much like her current life. Between not knowing about the daycare and now her child, he felt like he needed to take a major step back. 

“Are you okay?” She interrupted Angel’s thoughts. 

“Yea, sorry. Just didn’t realize you had a kid.” Angel wanted to rewind the last 10 seconds so he never said those words. 

Izzy’s face dropped a little and she looked back down at her daughter and placed her back on the ground and stayed at her level for a moment. “Go back with your friends, Abrielle.” 

As she stood up she turned to Angel, and nodded towards the door. For a moment he hesitated and looked at Maverick. “You can take him, but Olivia doesn’t mind watching him.” She pointed to the woman with the lanyard similar to her own that was at the smaller kids table. With a nod, Angel was walking out of the room and standing awkwardly in front of Izzy. 

“I know you understand the need for privacy, Angel. The need to keep things to yourself. If I recall the first time I met you, I put my own address in for your library card because you were two nervous to give out information.” It felt scolding almost the way she was speaking. 

“I–” Angel went to speak but she cut him off by holding up her finger and speaking over him. 

“I don’t need a reason to make a choice regarding my child, Angel.” Her accent came out strong when she said his name. “You out of all people should get that.” 

“I do, I’m sorry. I just thought we were friends.” Again, Angel was wishing he would just keep his mouth shut. 

Izzy sighed, her guard immediately falling down and with a shake of her head she spoke. “We are friends, Angel. I just need to be cautious with her.” 

“I get that.” He nodded. “I didn’t mean to do whatever this is.” He waved his hand around and laughed awkwardly. “If anything, I’m glad you felt comfortable to tell me, it’s cool, having a parent friend. Haven’t had many of those really.” 

“Well if you do the daycare thing, you’ll make more during pickup and dropoff.” She matched his humorous tone. 

“Don’t know if I want that.” He chuckled nervously.

“Why do you think I don’t tell many people I have a child.” Her eyebrows raised and her mouth curled into a smile. 

Angel laughed. “Well then I’m honored to be accepted amongst the few.” He looked through the window of the daycare door and saw Maverick laughing at something and he turned back to Izzy. “I’d like to sign him up, even if I don’t get this job, this is the right place for him.” 

Izzy smiled at that comment, she went to say something but bit her tongue immediately. Her desire to say that this is the best place for Maverick and him was high but she held back and simply nodded. 

“Let’s get you two signed up then.” 

[commanderquinn]

a list of canon ways in which lillian hart is The Fucking Worst that cora coe deserves financial and emotional compensation for:

-the basis for the big divorce counseling mission is that cora's worried for her mother's safety. that means, before going on a deep cover operation with smugglers known to kill rangers, marines, or anyone else caught trying to interfere with their business, lillian didnt leave her daughter a heads up much less a lead. once the fuck again, this woman decided that her career was more important than her daughter's mental and emotional health. once the fuck again, this woman decided she could just disappear from cora's life and then come back out of the blue without consequence

-when you go to lillian's office to look for her at cora's request, the guy working the desk knows SAM well enough to know his name and give him shit like they've got a personal history, but he??? isnt sure about????? cora's name???? word for word, he looks at her and says "it's cora, right?" you're telling me that this woman doesn't talk about her kid enough for her fellow INVESTIAGATIVE rangers to be sure about her name??? are you SHITTING ME??????? get the fuck out of here. you cant push "ranger family values" and the close ties they have in one breath then claim she likes to keep a professional distance at work in the other. you wanna have the conversation about what fresh hell it is being a working mother in a position of power, lets go, ill have that conversation all day long. but lillian hart is not a fucking example of a working mother and im gonna be pretty fucking insulted for working mothers everywhere if i catch wind of ppl trying to pull that kind of defense card. the woman's an awful parent and should be held the fuck accountable for it. you wanna know how i know????

she doesn't say cora's name enough for the ranger watching the door to be confident in it, but he remembers alllll the stories of the captain her ex is cozying up to. and lillian is the one to confirm during the quest that she has been getting the stories from cora, so there's some clear "oh she already likes the stranger more than me." i know im reading into it because its fiction and none of these people are real, but ive also, y'know been in cora's shoes, so i can tell you from real life experience that shit does exist. idk if that was the writers INTENT, but it sure does a great job at reflecting a very sad reality

-sam points out its dumb that lillian wants to speed the ship, with her daughter on it, directly at the sydicate. idk abt y'all, but my ship was pretty dinky at that point bc i was focused on outposts, and we got ambushed by like 6 ship waves once we landed for that fight. again, i get it. game mechanics get a higher priority than realism. but this whole "we have to finish this because theres a chance you were spotted trying to rescue me" shit is so. nauseating. theres no demand to drop off cora somewhere safe, theres no "lets call in the cavalry." its this fucking egomaniac looking you dead in the eye and being like "i know i just traumatized the shit out of my kid but i need you to drive us into an ambush while she's still on board. hope you're a good shot because sam and i cant kill them ourselves." and so what that we did that????? YOURE TELLING ME IT WAS JUST THOSE SHIPS???? the rest of the organization is just going to LET IT GO???? like no fucking wonder sam sees himself as the better option even through all his fucking doubt. at least he knows when to turn the fuck around because shit is above his paygrade

-she has custody rights. she is a decorated and respected ranger. sam being a smuggler wasnt public knowledge, but point out one person in akila who wouldnt believe her in a heartbeat over it. everyone in town gives him nothing but shit, and they all side with his dad who was definitely no picnic to live with. im guessing big emotional detachment there, lotta interrogation and persecution rather than teaching and understanding. HELL, sam would probably own up to his past if lillian outed him for it, he's that type of idiot. at literally any point she could put in the effort to get legal council involved. if she's SOOOO by the law, whats the hold up there???? i agree the kid shouldnt be on my ship while im in the middle of a space fight. ive talked with sam about it, and im not even the kids parent (as of the personal quest). what the fuck are you doing about it lillian????????? oh thats right. we cant get lillian on the phone. whomp whomp.

-she made cora cry. hyper independent, "big girls dont cry" cora coe. multiple times. worse, she made cora cry because she made cora feel like she wasn't as important as lillian's career. i dont give a fuck what criminals are doing. i do not give a fuck. i give a fuck that that little pixel child got her heart broken and there isnt a dialogue for me to call out her mother for being a huge fucking cunt to her own daughter but theres a thousand and one options for me to tell sam he's parenting wrong. he is, and i have no problem using them when they're appropriate, but where the fuck are they for lillian??? why am i not allowed to tear this woman a new asshole at any point, but there's like 20+ extra dialogue options added to every single npc you have a persuade option with???? todd my head hurts and its your fault

-"im sure sam's told you all about me. go on. ask whatever you want." yet there is no option to ask what the fuck her problem is. so, clearly, i cannot, in fact, ask whatever i want.

-"but the looks i got from my fellow rangers reading alexander dumas... we do strange things for kids." yeah hart??? thats your standard????? THATS your idea of going out of your way for your kid??? literally how did sam fall for this woman oh my god i cant even listen to her speak without wanting to use the power of bitchhood i inherited from a long line of angry irish women to ridicule her to tears. maybe then she'll fucking understand how small she makes her fucking kid feel every time she turns a moment of bonding into a little "woe is me and my comfort zone oh how unfortunate i am to have a brilliant daughter that wants to connect with me through her greatest passion"

-she openly admits that she dumped the cargo sam was smuggling not because she felt any connection or sympathy or just didnt want to destroy someones chance at life in a capitalist society, but because he was a good pilot and she didnt want that talent to "go to waste" so she could recruit him. thats not really a thing against cora i just really fucking hate that and the picture it paints of her priorities as a human being

-"if we're going to be really honest here... back when we were a team... cora would follow you everywhere, like a little adoring dog. i... just fell out of it. long before we separated."

i literally. do not have words for how fucking disgusted i am by that line of dialogue. oh my fucking god. oh my fucking god. i. i TRULY would not even know where to start. the dog comparison makes me violently angry and if you'd given me a punch interrupt at that moment, i would have broken my keyboard punching the accept option

-go replay or watch a recording of that divorce counseling mission one more time. while you're doing it, imagine the roles reversed. imagine youre romancing a character thats a mother bringing cora into space, and the ranger standing in your cockpit asking to finish the mission is her father who took off to live at work once it was clear his little girl liked mommy better. imagine THAT while you listen to the (imo) out of fucking pocket dialogue where sam constantly praises lillian for being "a good ranger/woman." then you come back and tell me how comfortable you are with the concept of lillian hart as a character.

[5aaliyah5]

Just A Game

Hello everyone, I recently posted about how my requests are open here on tumblr. Well here is one of my works that I wrote a few years back and I’m posting here on Tumblr.

Pairing: Hange Zoë x Reader

Word count: 4.2k

Warnings and tags: no warnings

Based on "Just a game" By Birdy

Marleyan reader X Hange Zoë

I hope you enjoy!

╔════▣◎▣════╗

I don't know where I am

I don't know this place

Don't recognize anybody

Just the same old empty face

╚════▣◎▣════╝

YEAR 851

Great things were expected of (Y/N) (L/N) from a young age. How could they not, given who and what she is.

Yes. Y/N was from Marley, an Eldian soldier, who had served her country for a long time. Almost 15 years at this point. Though that couldn't count for much, given that out of those 15 years, she had been trapped on this island for 6 years.

6 years of not being able to see her friends and family.

6 years of performing for the enemy, in hopes that there would be a better future and liberty for the people of eldia residing in marley. That she might be free from her ancestors' past.

But those hopes and dreams had been dashed almost a year ago, with Reiner escaping, Bertholdt being eaten and Annie crystallizing herself to prevent herself from being captured.

She was all that was left. She was alone.

It hasn't always been this way though. No. She had come here to be a chaperone, a sort of adult figure to help aid the young titan shifters on their journey. It's true, she didn't possess any shifting powers of her own, but she had worked with the military and knew enough about it to be able to be trusted with this mission.

(Y/N) looked in the mirror as she tuck a stray hair back into the neat ponytail she had placed it in prior, and then stared into her own eyes. She had hardly recognized herself. She was once considered a beauty back in marley- she wondered what she could have ended up doing with her life.

She loved kids, maybe she could have been a nanny to a rich family. Or perhaps married a decent person, and settled down. Maybe it was her ambition's fault that she was here in the first place. After all, it wasn't like it was her parents or anyone else who had pushed her into this position. It was her own fault.

“That's enough self loathing for today.” She says as she pulls back, and without looking at herself again, she quickly strap on her ODM gear, and makes her way out her door.

╔════▣◎▣════╗

See these people they lie, and I don't know

Who to believe any more

╚════▣◎▣════╝

╔════▣◎▣════╗

But there comes you to keep me safe from harm

There comes you to take me in your arms

Is it just a game?

I don't know

╚════▣◎▣════╝

There was only one person whom (Y/N) trusted with her life, with her very soul even- They had a pull on her since she had joined the Scouts.

“Y/N!”

She turns around quickly, her eyes brightening as she spots the figure of her previous thoughts.

It was none other than Hange Zoë.

The sun from the window to their left illuminated their brown hair, and face, making them look absolutely heavenly.

(Y/N) had tried to tell herself that this was wrong. Her feelings towards them were absolutely horrid, and could get her called a traitor and killed back in marley. That didn't matter though. She knew if anyone back in Marley ever found out about her and hange, she would gladly die a thousand deaths for them.

They crossed the hallway quickly, looking around before pulling (Y/N) away from the hallway, and into a smaller, more narrow passageway off to the side, to make sure no one interrupted them.

“Hange.” (Y/N) whispered. She never whispered to them because she was afraid to get caught though, she whispered because she thought only they were worthy of her words. Her very thoughts, hell her very being.

“I missed you last night. It was rather lonely to work on paperwork without my helper.” They said, the sadness evident in their tone. (Y/N) must admit, she missed it as well. The ambiance of their room, them working on paperwork while she sorted it, it had become a domestic moment for just the two of them.

“I'm sorry. I really needed to go over some drills with my group though before bed.” True- (Y/N) had become a section commander almost a year ago, after the battle of shiganshina, and so now she had her own soldiers to look after once more. And if she was being honest, they reminded her of the kids she used to train back in Marley. The kids who had dreamed of being part of the military, much like herself, from a young age, to bring their family’s honor.

“I can't blame you. It's been busy lately, with the Marleyan volunteer soldiers here and all.” they sighed, as they pulled her into a hug, gently brushing the end of her hair with their fingers. She breathed in their scent, the familiar notes of jasmine, as she laid her head on their shoulder.

And she had selfish thoughts as they hugged her, with her face buried in their neck.

She could save them.

Only them.

Her and Hange could both escape together. Go back to Liberio, as a hero, with her partner by her side. Start a new life, quit the military, open up a shop perhaps.

What kind? It didn't matter. It never mattered, as long as she would be with her beloved.

She knew they would never go for it though. In fact she knew they would be repulsed by what her mind told her. They would call her evil, heartless, a demon. They would leave her. So she kept her mouth shut. She kept her selfish, yet calming thoughts to herself.

“My dear, we should head to breakfast.” they whispered into her ear. Almost light enough that if she hadn't always hung onto whatever they said, that she wouldn't have heard it.

╔════▣◎▣════╗

Is it just a game?

I don't know

╚════▣◎▣════╝

(Y/N) didn't want to but she nodded and let go of the grip she had on Hange. She didn't even realize that she was holding onto them so tightly, but apparently she was.

“Yes, let's go to breakfast… Before Sasha eats it all.” (Y/N) had joked as she took a step back, still keeping one hand on Hanges' arm as the both of them walked. The both of them had long since stopped receiving stares at them anyways.

She was after all Hange’s Fiance.

╔════▣◎▣════╗

Pleading eyes that break my heart

So homesick and confused

But I know I must play my part

And tears I must conceal

╚════▣◎▣════╝

◉◎◈◎◉●●◉◎◈◎◉●●◉◎◈◎◉●

╔════▣◎▣════╗

But there comes you to keep me safe from harm

There comes you to take me in your arms

Is it just a game?

I don't know

╚════▣◎▣════╝

FLASHBACK: YEAR 850

A memory, from what felt like a lifetime ago, but was only 1 year ago. (Y/N) remembers it because it was before everything turned upside down. It was before so many lives were lost at the Battle of Shiganshina.

Historia had just been crowned queen and so many were celebrating. It was a turning point for the people of the walls, hopefully for the better. Someone of true royal blood was now back on the throne, and would support the survey corps efforts to reclaim Shiganshina and all of Wall Maria, which would not be easy.

(Y/N) was honestly worried for that day. Not for the fighting part, but she knew what the battle would bring. She remembered seeing Zeke, back during the sightings of titans in wall rose, and she knew she would have to pick a side, choose who she would become, and what her future held.

Glory or Love.

But for now, she focused on the brunette taking her hand, and leading her away from the celebrating crowds and drunk folk, dancing and partying. They led her to a park of sorts, that was placed inside the walls of sina, for the enjoyment of the people who lived there.

“Hange- as sweet as this is, shouldn't we be with our comrades?” (Y/N) asked, but chuckled as she asked, leading her to not sound as serious as she was being. She couldn't help it, seeing the excitement in her partner's eyes was more than enough to leave her happy.

“We can get back to them later- This is just time for me and you.” Hange didn't look at (Y/N) until they finally made it to the spot they had already pre planned to take her to.

“What's all this?”

“(Y/N), there is something I need to talk to you about, well ask you really.” Hange again avoided eye contact with (Y/N) and that started to worry her.

“Ok….?”

“I… I'm not good at this.” They breathed in a deep breath and then faced (Y/N) “(Y/N) (L/N), these past 3 years have truly been the best years of my life. We have both been through so much heartache and experienced so much sadness, but I also know that ive felt some of the most thrilling and exciting moments with you. I love you, more than anyone or anything in this world, and would like for nothing else but to call you my wife.”

Oh. OH.

(Y/N) was a bit slow but now she realized where this was going.

“I could never forgive myself if I didn't make that known now, before this happy moment is gone. So (Y/N), will you marry me?” They pulled out a small box, opening the top to reveal a simple and modest silver ring.

“Hange… You idiot-” Hange faltered before (Y/N) looked up at them with a small smile and tears in her eyes, she then threw herself at hange. “Yes. I'll marry you. Someone has to keep you safe after all”

And that moment was forever saved in (Y/N)’s memories.

Unfortunately all good things come to an end sooner or later.

It had been a week since Hange had proposed to (Y/N). (Y/N) was in the room with Queen Historia, Erwin, Hange and Levi, who were reviewing the plan to take back Shiganshina that would happen in two days. She was a squad leader after all, it would only make sense for her to also know what was happening, though if she was being honest, she had been playing with her ring the whole time.

The meeting was coming to a close, which she was glad about since she was currently hungry and would like nothing more than to grab something to eat with her fiance, before hange stopped Historia, Erwin and Levi.

“(Y/N) you go on ahead, I need to talk to them about something.”

Which confused (Y/N). And they were acting shady, but she ignored it. She figured they would tell her later.

“Ok, I'll Make sure to save you some food” (Y/N) smiled before leaving the room, and heading to the dining hall.

And sure enough, they had told her later.

“You asked for what!?” (Y/N) couldn't help but yell at Hange as they tried to explain the situation

“I asked for you to be left behind while the rest of the scouts go to shiganshina.” They stated again, calmly.

“Hell no! You are going, so I am going. End of discussion.” (Y/N) pushed on, this was not something she would drop.

“(Y/N) please listen- I'm not going to lose you. I'm not going to risk it!” Hange argued back. It was obvious neither was going to let the other decide what would happen, and so hange did what they had to.

“As your section commander, you are to stay in Trost while we go to shiganshina. If these commands are not followed (Y/N) you will be punished and handled accordingly.” Hange declared, while (Y/N) stared them down. There was no fighting with that, and so (Y/N) did the only thing she could do, she stormed out of their room, to go sleep in a different one. She couldn't share a bed with them that night.

And she ended up regretting it, in the long run.

Her refusal to sleep with hange hadn't made a slight difference. Their order still stood, and so on the day that they rode out, she was left looking out through one of the windows, watching the way their ponytail swayed as they rode away.

(Y/N) waited days for their return. Always staying near the window, working on Hanges paperwork for them, writing letters of what she was doing during the day to show Hange when they returned, And sleeping by the window, in case they came back during the night.

Finally she did see a horse.

Though instead of the expected, large group of the scouts, she saw only the small group, and her heart dropped.

That was until she noticed a familiar figure enter through the gates.

That's when (Y/N) lept out of her seat and bolted through the door, spilling her tea onto her papers in the process. Racing down the stairs through the empty building.

“HANGE!” She yelled as she reached outside, and she could see them clearly as they dismounted their horse. The bandages around their face, worried (Y/N), but she was already jumping into their arms, that they had held out for her.

“(Y/N)-” they breathed out, holding onto her for all they could. Like she was a figment of their imagination. “Let's go inside.”

“Y-yes, lets.” She agreed quickly, leading hange in as the remainder of the group unloaded their horses.

As soon as they entered their room though, (Y/N) started to cry. Too many emotions were racing through her head, as hange recapped what had taken place in Shiganshina and what they had found.

“It turns out we aren't the only ones out there (Y/N).” They said grimly. (Y/N) didn't say anything, as she looked down at the floor as they held her, more tears started to stream from her face, as she realized what this would mean.

“Im glad-” they whispered, wiping a tear from her face, before it could fall off and land on their shirt. “That you weren't there. I don't know what I would have done… if you…” They didn't need to say anymore, (Y/N) understood them.

“Hange, we were supposed to be in this together.” (Y/N) rested her head on their shoulder gently, the tears still falling. Hange combed through (Y/N)’s hair.

“They are all gone (Y/N). Moblit. Everyone under my command. They are all gone.” Hange didn't look at (Y/N) as they held her hand tightly “Please, Please don't leave me.”

“I'll be here hange. Forever.” (Y/N) reassured them “I'll always be here.”

╔════▣◎▣════╗

To keep you safe from my world

╚════▣◎▣════╝

(Y/N) laid in hanges bed. This was the usual way of things, with her moving all of her possessions (which were not very much) into hanges room. It would only make sense, given that she was there almost every day at this point, and they were going to be married.

Death had clung to both (Y/N) and hanges memories, and so now the only thing they could do was to cling to each other, in hopes that even for a few hours, they could sleep peacefully. The memories would never go away though, they would always remain. And the both of them were so accustomed to death, that they didn't even try to hide from it.

Though even as Y/N held Hange close to her, with their face pressed against her chest, hiding the side of their face where their eye was damaged, she couldn't help but feel a pain in her heart.

They trusted her so much. They loved someone like her, so much. She had caused so many of the deaths of the people in the wall, only for her to end up in the bed of one.

Hange truly deserved better than (Y/N).

And so she had decided from that point forward, she would make sure they never knew of her past. Of what she had become. She would protect them, forever.

She would make sure that the cruelty and darkness of her past would never touch their light.

╔════▣◎▣════╗

Take my hand and my heart races

The flames illuminate our faces

And we're on fire

╚════▣◎▣════╝

FLASHBACK: YEAR 847

One of (Y/N)’s warmest memories consisted of when she was just a scout and hange was a section commander. Things were so calm back then, with the biggest concern being titans.

Things had been going smoothly for (Y/N), Reiner, Annie and Bertholdt. With the three titan shifters beginning their training and joining the 104th training corps.

Meanwhile, (Y/N) was on the right hand side of section commander Hange Zoë. Quite literally too, being entrusted to join their group and quickly rising the ranks on the scouts side, as one of the best soldiers. When people had asked exactly what had been driving her, she would always give the same dull answers:

“To become better.”

“To protect the people inside the walls”

“Ambition.”

All hollow answers that made her appear like a hero to those people who called her friend.

But then there was Hange. And they could see right through her lies- They could see her, even when she couldn't.

It had been just a simple evening, the night (Y/N) and Hange had both realized they had a special connection, the fireplace illuminating (Y/N)’s work space, as another candle burned where Hange was sitting. Then out of the blue, their head turned towards her, and the fated question fell from their lips:

“I've been wondering, why did you decide to join the scouts in the first place (Y/N)?” They asked. (Y/N) turned to face them, a bit caught off guard by the question and suddenly of it. So she said what everyone around her had praised her for.

“I want to protect those who live in the walls. And the only way to do that would be to venture outside the walls and stop whatever threat lays there.” The words fell from her mouth, so rehearsed.

A normal person would have left it at just that, however Hange Zoë was far from normal, and so they scoffed and put their pen down.

“Bullshit” they muttered “Please (Y/N), just tell me the truth. I'm tired of hearing heroic crap from soldiers.”

And for a minute, (Y/N) did wonder what her answer would be, if she was just a normal person. Well even if she was, she wouldn't be here.

“Well-” she lets out a sigh before answering “I think I joined because I wanted change. A change of scenery, a change in the way things are runned around her, inside the walls I mean, and a change in who I am as a person.” she replied and looked down. Now that she thought about it, those were all very selfish reasons to join. She was making it sound like she was doing it for herself more than for the people of the wall. Hange didn't seem to mind though, as they nodded and accepted the answer.

“I understand, it's not easy to admit something like that. But…” Hange paused and stood up. They walked over to (Y/N), and squatted down beside her, taking her hand, and holding it with both of theirs “It's true bravery that allows yourself to even admit something like that. Regardless of who you are doing it for, I can tell you truly care for the scouts, and are doing your best.”

And maybe some of that was true, not that (Y/N) would ever admit.

“You are an amazing scout and soldier, and I'm glad to have you on my team (Y/N).” and for one of the first times in her life, (Y/N) felt her stomach flutter and her heart break all at the same time. Because she knew.

She knew she had fallen for them.

And they had fallen for her.

And it was a beautiful, silent mutual understanding, that they would both be by each other's sides until the very end.

Just as quickly as the conversation had been, Hange had taken hold of (Y/N)’s face, bringing it close and kissing her.

╔════▣◎▣════╗

Blow a kiss to the crowd

They're our only hope now

╚════▣◎▣════╝

YEAR 851

And indeed later that year, (Y/N) and hange were married, with almost all three branches in attendance.

The crowd that surrounded the both of them as they rode, cheered them on.

This crowd, full of what (Y/N) had grown up learning, was the enemy. The very people who caused her friends and family to end up in the internment camp in the first place. Who lived ignorant lives, of what their past ancestors had done.

Something about it grated at (Y/N), mostly because they had been able to escape the burden that she was forced to live with.

But she couldn't help but feel that hatred softened as she continued pass them. They were here for her and hange, they were happy and excited about their union.

And for one of the first times since she had left her home, (Y/N) truly felt that these were her people, people who looked up to her and cared about her.

She just might belong here.

╔════▣◎▣════╗

And now I know my place

And now I know my place

╚════▣◎▣════╝

YEAR 854

Yes, (Y/N) was now back home. Back in Liberio. Though this was no celebration, she would be sending her friends and family to their deaths. This would be it, it was time for her to decide who she is. Would she remain the loyal Marlean soldier, or turn against all she has ever known, to be with the one she loves?

There was no choice. There never was- and that made her sad. (Y/N) threw on her gear, loading her titan missiles and ODM gear.

She passed a shiny piece of metal that was so clean, it reflected. And she paused for just a moment, seeing her face.

And finally, she could recognize herself in it.

(Y/N) Zoë.

The woman who had been born in the year 827.

Who had been raised by a loving mother and a doting father, whose names were long gone from her mind.

The woman who had been a soldier and spy for marley, leading a group of kids to commit genocide on people who share the same blood as them.

The woman who would marry and love an enemy, all up until she breathed her last breath.

“(Y/N) Zoë will do as she is told, and return to her Spouse.” She said to herself, saying it like a declaration, a promise.

And she did not break promises.

╔════▣◎▣════╗

We're all just pieces in their games

╚════▣◎▣════╝

The destruction of Liberio passed underneath (Y/N), with her turning her head away from it all to avoid seeing those whom she once loved, dead.

What was another few hundred to her tally of how many people she had killed? She was still alive, Hange was still alive, that was all that mattered. That was all that should matter anyways.

This was different though- she felt her throat closing up- and her hands shook. They shook in absolute fear at what she had done. What she had decided, had not only changed and altered the rest of her life, but for the lives of those who she had once considered friend, now turned supposed foe.

What made her feel worse? That she would have done everything, the killing, the betrayal, all again, just so she could rest her head on Hange Zoë’s shoulder, and have them brush her hair as she wept.

She was selfish.

She had barely looked up as she felt them press her head against their shoulder. It had caught her off guard, and was a bit uncomfortable, given the both of them were still in their equipment. But it was hange, and they were close, and so she would more than gladly accept them.

“I understand, it was hard for you.” Hange said, as they brushed through Y/N’s hairs. The familiarity of the action made Y/N want to lean more into them. But she couldn't, her pride wouldn't let her, not with the others around.

“I'm not sure why?” Y/N did what she does best. She lied. She lied and lied and lied to everyone, just to keep the beauty of their love and trust for her alive. “Its not like ive ever met those people, or knew them- it's stupid really. They deserved it given the fear and danger they put us in on the island-”

“(Y/N), stop please” Hange cut Y/N off as she tried to explain. “You don't need to lie anymore, I already know who you are, and why you came to the island 9 years ago-”

(Y/N) couldn't help but be a little more selfish. She felt the end coming, yet she still stood there, pressing her face into hanges neck and breathing in their sweet scent of jasmine.

End

[away-ward]

Arrival

Summary: On the day of Indie's birth, there's one last person to introduce her to. Canon-compliant

Edited July 18, 2023 for grammar and phrasing.

Will

I rocked and bounced and swayed. I could sit down but there was too much energy coursing through my body to keep me seated. Emmy slept in the bed next to me, head resting on the white hospital pillows. Even with IV tubes, hair knotted and sticking to her forehead, and that shitty paper-thin gown, she was still the most beautiful woman. 

And mother. 

I swallowed, looking down at the little baby in my arms. Thanks to Winter, I've had plenty of practice holding one, not that it stopped me from shaking as the nurse passed her to me. She was so pink and warm and tiny in my large hands. None of Damon's babies were tiny like this. Those boys were monsters from day one. 

Not my girl. She was sweet and delicate, with a soft smell and blue eyes that I'm hoping won't stay blue. Green is a Grayson trait, and if one of my kids inherits them, cool, but I'm dying for this one to get her mother's chocolate-browns.  

Two light knocks at the door before it cracked open. I knew who to expect. Hours after the delivery, most everyone came through and left, promising to return in the morning after Emmy and baby had a chance to rest. Only one person hadn't shown their face yet. 

The door open to reveal two black eyes glinting in the light that spilled in from the hall way as Damon let himself in without a word. He closed the door and kept the lights off, leaving us in the pale glow from the window. Leaning back casually, arms crossed over his chest, he watched me hold my child with a superior smirk. 

Irritation simmered in my chest. At first, I was pissed he wasn't here. I knew it was his need for revenge that kept him away. He had to make a point. I regretted not being there for Ivarsen, and I've told him that. I thought we were in the clear, but as Em and I were allowed visitors, I couldn't ignore the stab of pain at his no-show. With each group, the joy I had became clouded by the bitterness of him not being there. I tried to hide the way I scanned the room, looking for him, but Em still caught it. Each time, she'd take my hand, squeezing it once to bring me back to the moment.

Looking at him now, I was just happy that I didn't have to share this with anyone else.  

My smile broke the tension first as I tore my gaze from him. I had to, because for some reason, I couldn't look away from the new life in my arms for too long. When I confirmed once again that she's real and she was there, I looked back up. My vision blurred and I realized, a bit embarrassingly, those are tears. 

I was crying.  

Again. 

Stupid fuck. My smile grew.

Damon grinned. "Are you dad now?" 

I knew if I tried to speak, my voice would fail me, so I swallowed and nodded. Damon shoved off the door, walking closer to inspect the newest addition to our constantly growing family. 

"About time you started catching up," he critiqued, peering closer. He lifted a brow, pretending to be unimpressed. "This the foretold William IV?"

I laughed. We had decided to follow Damon and Winter in keeping the gender a mystery until their arrival, but we made no secret that we were hoping for a boy – the next William. We knew either way we'd be over the moon, but between Mads, and Ivar and Gunnar, none of us really expected this. 

And I guess newborns don't look all that different, but I was a little offended he'd think my son would be so small and soft. 

"You ready for this?" I challenged. Damon lifted a brow in questions and I tilted my daughter to meet the face of who I knew would be her favorite uncle. "D, meet Indie Aspen Grayson. The first, if she so chooses." 

I swear I felt his heart stop. He looked from her to me back to her, eyes wide. It wasn't often I got the jump on him. This was my favorite surprise so far. 

"A girl?" he whispered, looking at me. Looking back at her, he said more to himself and with pride, "Our first girl." 

I shrugged. "Well, technically Athos -" 

His cutting glare shut me up. We all loved Athos, and accepted her as one of our own. Somehow, that girl was perfectly suited to the Fane's as if she were made for them, but I wouldn't deny that this felt different.

Indie cooed gently and I immediately went back to rocking her. 

"I was downstairs," Damon said. I glance up, reading him. "The entire time. For hours, I've just been sitting down there, waiting for this."

I nodded, accepting his non-apology. "Your point's been made. Don't do it again." 

"I'll catch the next one." 

I laughed. The next one, huh? I glanced behind me to Em, half expecting to catch her mid-eyeroll.  

Turning back to Damon, I asked the one thing I'd been dying to ask since he walked in. "You wanna hold her?" 

Damon's chest heaved with a sharp exhale as he raised his arms to take her. I adjusted my hold on the bundle, pausing at the last second.  

"You'll give her back, right?" I teased, smiling at him. 

He didn't take the bait, his eyes only for Indie as I passed her over. "Maybe. We'll see." 

"He will if he knows what's good for him," Emmy muttered from the bed beside us.  

I looked down, seeing her half-lidded gaze watching our daughter in Damon's arms, soft smile playing on her lips. I couldn't help myself from leaning down and pressing a kiss to her temple. Hovering over her, so close my eyes couldn't take in all of her at once, I breathed her in. She was a vision. Perfection. 

Her hand came up and cupped my cheek. I needed a shave. I needed to go relieve myself. And I could probably use a shower. 

But mostly, I needed to see my daughter again.  

Emmy's eyes drew away from me to where Damon had moved to the window of the private room. With one more kiss, I left her side to join him, wrapping a hand around his shoulder and looking down at Indie. Her eyes had opened and she was looking at Damon like she knew him. It's possible she recognized his voice. He was around Emmy plenty until the final weeks when she stayed home as a precaution. Even then, Winter came around to keep her company and Damon usually followed soon after. Still, I thought it was something else. Something I couldn't put a name to.

A weaker man might be jealous or suspicious, and I was once, but I understand now. Damon and I, and the others, are one in the same, tangled together and inseparable. Our bond doesn't only cover us; it transfers to what we each love.

"You might not be getting her back after all," he joked. At least, I hoped it was a joke. A part of him sounded serious.  

Emmy made a noise behind us, a low groan, and I turned to see her trying to sit up. I glared, silently telling her to stay put. She should know better. Annoyed, she slouched against the pillows, keeping her eyes on Damon's back. God, she's gonna be a great mom.

"About that," I said to him. I looked out at the view of Thunder Bay. The local hospital was small, only three stories, so we weren't towering above the town, but it was enough to get a good eye-full of our kingdom. We were building, moving through our plans at a steady rate. By the time the kids were starting school, we'd have this place well on lock.  

But that meant enemies were coming our way. 

I'd like to say losing both of us would be unlikely, but Emory lost her parents at eleven years old. She was pregnant for the anniversary of their passing this year and it made us aware just how prepared we need to be. 

For everything.

I continued, "Em and I have discussed it, and if anything happens to us, we want you and Winter to step-in." I waited for him to answer but he remained silent. I cleared my throat. "I believe you'd call it a Godparent." 

"Though please don't teach her about God," Emmy said.  

"Chill, he's been to Sunday School. Used to do confession and all that," I retorted. I was joking awkwardly because he still hadn't answered. "Plus, he's got that rosary. Must mean something, right." 

She made another sound of discontent.   

Smiling, I looked to Damon. His silence had me worried, though I'd never admit it. Maybe he doesn't want the extra responsibility. He and Winter weren't done having kids, and it's not like my kids would be abandoned if the Torrance's didn't take them in. The only reason we're putting it on paper is for the legality of it; so there's no confusion or hold up in the system. We had no doubt that our family would take them in them if we couldn't be by their side. But of all my friends, nobody would keep them like Damon. He had a sort of ferocious protectiveness over the kids that's even more terrifying than when we were teenagers. Until Mads and Ivars, I didn't know he could get any worse. And Em could act annoyed all she wanted, I knew that like me there wasn't anyone she'd trust more in this scenario. 

Finally, he looked over, regarding me for a moment before looking out at the town, but I saw it. I made the right call. Nothing would have ever stopped him from protecting my family if I couldn't. 

"Fucking moron," he said, "that's the exact opposite of a Godparent. The term you're looking for is legal guardian."

Ha. Caught him. "So...?" 

"Send the papers in the morning." 

I laughed. In the morning, he said, as we looked at the sun rising over the horizon. 

--

Notes: I have this idea that Damon would have a special connection with Indie. Thank you for reading/commenting/liking, and spending a few short minutes with me. As always, I'd love to hear you thoughts.

sending my love.

Master List

[blackevermore]

Tales In the Trade of Two Heirs ( Also on A03)

{ A Boy With Power }

Summary:

[Sequel to Trades In The Tales of Candy]

Years have passed since the events of the factory and those who live inside it. The small town has grown bored, if the man behind the wall wasn't going to do anything then maybe he should just leave. They thought. Unknown to them the candy man had found another grey hair, it was time to finally find an heir.

Notes: Hey....I'm starting over this book. It was shit balls that first run and now I'm older and wise and I know I can do better. And I will. Welcome aboard

Warning: (Look on A03 for the full list) None yet

Word Count: 5K

The silence that hung over Taylor and Wonka as they sat across from each other in the Inventing Room was starting to become suffocating. It had been a day since Charlie told Wonka he wasn’t going to join him and Wonka had undoubtedly taken it to heart. Taylor didn’t know how to interject and told her boss they had a bigger issue. She still felt like this was somehow all her fault. He had told her to go out and find a kid with no parents and Taylor found a child with a loving family. 

Wonka was too swallowed up by his rejection that he hadn’t noticed how on edge Taylor had become. To him, his feelings of finding an heir for his candy empire were a slap in the face. In the short time he had been in the same space with Charlie, he too had taken a liking towards the child. Charlie was full of life and a spark that Wonka found himself craving as if he were a child looking for a friend. Wonka did his best to keep his bigger emotions under control but now and then as he worked he would become frustrated and slam his pen down. 

“Sir?” Taylor called out, hoping that maybe Wonka just needed an ear to listen to his woes. 

“I don’t understand,” Wonka grumbled under his breath. Taylor caught it and waited for him to continue.

“I don’t understand how anyone would not take the chance.” Wonka rubbed his face with his gloved hands and pushed his hat slightly off his forehead.

“I offered him a life changing experience and he denied me. No one has ever so simply denied me. Me! I’m supposed to be the ultimate dream of a child’s whimsical dreams, and yet, Charlie Bucket picked something else over me!” Wonka took off his hat slammed it on the ground and turned back towards his workstation to slam his fist down.

Taylor took a moment to gather herself and then walked over to grab Wonka’s hat off the ground and dust it off. Wonka always had a bad reaction to being told no. From what Taylor learned it never got better despite his age. When he wanted something or was determined to have something the last thing Wonka wanted to be told was that he couldn’t. Taylor could never comprehend what Wonka's mind must have been spewing, but she knew that Wonka couldn’t continue being like this.

“You can’t tell a child they can’t have their family.” Taylor placed Wonka’s hat next to him and stood tall beside the workstation. It was best to not try and touch Wonka when he was like this.

“Why not!?” Wonka barked, slowly retracting when he realized how close Taylor was. He apologized but still held on to the anger in his voice.

“Because children need their families to love them and help them grow,” Taylor said, it was true but for both of them family was a very heavy subject.

“I didn’t have one. They all leave anyway.” Wonka words stung Taylor deep. She knew of his past and everything that had happened to him. It wasn’t Wilfred or Wesley's fault for being sent away but it was Wonka’s pettiness that kept him away from finding his brothers for so long. He felt abandoned by everyone, and throughout his most valuable moments in life, he dealt with the most terrible people. 

“Families are useless parts of life that never amount to anything.” Wonka didn’t care if what he said held any truth or not. This was how he felt in this moment, pain, rejection, and a slight case of jealousy.

“Families are important whether they are good or bad.” Taylor protested back. She had left her family behind to be with Wonka and there were so many times she wished she hadn’t. She was a child who was pretending to be an adult and despite her mother’s wishes, she left. She left her life behind, she had to due to being involved in some crazy shit, but she lived and never went back. Taylor understood why Wonka could hold such a grudge against life the way he did. But as of now, she wasn’t too sure if the behaviour that presented itself was adult Wonka talking or child Wonka.

“Families set the tone of what type of person you are going to be. Whether you are trying to change from toxic behaviours or if you were raised in a loving home. Charlie may be poor but he was given the best thing in life. A family that loves him.” Taylor continued, Wonka barely listened, choosing to block her out as a yapping nuisance. 

“Family doesn’t outweigh the wealth and fame I have.” Wonka lashed at Taylor and the young woman felt her anger spike. “I could give me so much more than his…p-parents could ever dream of!”

“Damnit William!” Taylor yelled and slammed her fist down on the table next to him. The older man jumped and turned towards her. 

“You may have had a fucked up childhood, which I remind you is not your fault, but you will not allow that broken side of you to be the reason you fail to understand basic human emotions. Charlie is a child. A CHILD. Imagine how he would have felt if you just took everything away from him. He would end up like you. Cold and nasty, only wanting to better yourself so you can forget your past. Until one day a child walks into your life and you have to come face to face with the reality that not everyone has to be as miserable as you are.” Taylor was panting, her vision was slightly blurry and her fist clenched a few times as she read Wonka to his core. Wonka was speechless.

“And before you even mutter ‘who are you talking to’, I’m talking to you, you oversized child.” Taylor sharply turned away from Wonka and headed towards the entrance of the room.

“If you truly want Charlie to be your heir then you will apologize. You will accept his family, and you will bring them into the factory as well.

With that Taylor was gone and Wonka was stunned in place, like a child who had just been scolded by their parent.

Taylor couldn’t sit still, she had to move, she had to bounce, she had to keep herself in motion the whole time she spoke to Jacques. Her session had barely started as Taylor spewed everything that had happened in the past couple of weeks. She had greeted Jacques with an apology for skipping her sessions, to which the little worker had raised a hand to tell her not to worry. 

Everything just came running out of her. For most parts, she was happy about her aid in the contest and how Charlie was surely the perfect fit. Then she spoke of Mara and how she still hadn’t told Wonka about the phone call, she knew now wouldn’t be a good time either. Then finally the topic of Wonka being an asshole about Charlie's rejection fired her up again.

“How does he expect a child to react?” Taylor asked aloud. Jacques looked over his glasses and shrugged.

“I know it was my idea for him to pick a child protege, but to ask them to leave everything behind is crazy. Children aren’t stupid.” Taylor's words echoed around her for a moment and then she huffed. Children weren’t stupid, not all of them, not Charlie. Charlie beamed with a sense of child wisdom that adults didn’t understand. He had given Taylor a glimpse of the young man he could become. And yet, deep down, Taylor was grateful Charlie denied Wonka. Children weren’t stupid, but some were gullible and native to what dreams could be like in real life. Charlie didn’t want a factory and all the wonders that came inside it, he only wanted to meet Willy Wonka and vocally tell him his appreciation. Taylor was not that smart when she gingerly took Wonka’s hand and left the States. It felt like a crazy book of adventure when she planted herself inside Wonka’s world.

“Jacques,” Taylor called out, hanging her head low as she finally stopped pacing and stood towards the factory entrance. “Was all of this a mistake?”

The little worker stared into the back of Taylor's head, wishing they could read into her mind. He took note of Taylor’s fingers as they twitched, curled into a fist, then unclenched. Taylor began mumbling under her breath something the little man couldn’t comprehend. 

“Jacques,” Taylor called out again but never continued with what she was saying. It felt like a grip on both of them as each person waited for the other to do something. 

Taylor finally turned around and sat down on the fainting chair and played with the ends of her hair.

“Maybe Charlie shouldn’t be the heir, I know Wonka wants someone to take over but-” Taylor trailed off and slumped over and buried herself in her knees. 

“I think Wonka has a battle he must settle with himself before anything else,” Jacques spoke. Taylor jumped up and narrowed her eyes towards the little man. The deep brass of the little worker's voice was not what she expected. Then again she didn’t expect him to speak English either. She knew a handle full of the Oompa Loompas could but she thought she already knew all that could. The factory was full of many secrets.

Taylor swallowed and nodded, “Yeah?”

“I think you need to take a vacation, go somewhere far, somewhere you can clear your mind.” Jacques took off his glasses and cleaned them on his little vest.

“I can’t,” Taylor protested and gripped her knees. The sheer idea of leaving felt like things would fall apart. 

“You won’t,” Jacques corrected her and wrote down something on his clipboard.

“You tell him everything.” It wasn’t a question but more of a statement and Taylor felt spiteful when she said it. Jacques said nothing and simply placed his pen and clipboard down on his lap.

“I thought therapy was private?”

“It is.”

“Then why does he have to know everything then?” Taylor shot up to her feet and grabbed the clipboard from Jacques’s lap. The little man did nothing but watch as she feverishly flipped through his pages. Her face contorted as she couldn’t read what was written other than her name and times and dates. Taylor gripped the ends of the clipboard till her knuckles were white then threw the clipboard onto the side table next to the giant chair Jacques sat in. Taylor sat back down again and played with the ends of her hair again.

"I miss my mom." Taylor finished, she could feel the trigger of emotions flipping throughout her being and it was starting to feel exhausting. Jacques was right she needed to get out of the factory and go somewhere else. No matter what happens in the factory, nothing will ever be normal. The walls were lickable to god sake and Wonka had even proudly told her that some of the doors were made out of his strongest chocolate. There were odds and ends all over the place that would eventually drive someone up a wall. The talk about family and parents made her miss her own. Her mom, her brothers, the family she loved were back in theStatess living life as best they could, while she was in England doing all the things good people shouldn't do. Taylor wished she told her mom everything that had ever happened. She knew her mom would flip out and probably demand she come home. But maybe her mom would understand why she stayed and would just ask Taylor to promise to keep safe.

Just then Taylor let out a pitiful laugh and got to her feet again. Jacques watched as she turned towards the candy room waiting for her to say something.

As she got to the door she stopped, “I’m sorry I have to leave, I need to tell him about the phone call, thank you, Jacques.” With that, she was gone and Jacques realized just how cold the foyer of the factory was.

When Taylor pushed in the door she was smacked in the face with a sugary hell that even to this day made her gag. Scrunching up her nose, she tracked down the pathway to head towards the farthest end of the room to call the elevator.

Toot Toot! 

Taylor stopped walking and turned back around towards the Chocolate River. In the distance, she could see a small boat coming from the tunnel and a very familiar top hat. The little boat was much different than the large pink one, it was white and covered in golden 'W's. It looked more like a ferry that could only seat four people. Or maybe a couple on a cosy date night. Taylor smirked at the idea of Wonka coming to sweep her off her feet but then complained about how heavy she was to get under her skin. She crossed her arms waiting for the ever so posh Wonka to make his grand entrance. Once he was in the middle of the river, he steered the boat closer to the bay and threw on the brakes.

Taylor walked over to the edge of the boat and leaned forward, “Sir.”

"Ah yes my favourite little brat, I was looking for you. Get in." His smile was bright and unbreakable, but there was something behind it. Taylor was unsure if she wanted to be around him when she was in such a foul mood. She still needed to speak with him about Mara but the way he smiled told her to hold off just a bit longer. Wonka hadn’t even noticed the change in her demeanour as he set about holding out his hand for her to take.  Once she was inside she took a seat next to the wheel and waited for Wonka to start rambling. They pulled away from the bay and started down the tunnel.

"I need your advice," Wonka said over his shoulder, Taylor cocked a brow. This was a very rare moment of Wonka asking her for help. "I've chosen to go out today and speak with Charlie."

“And?” Taylor said bitterly, Wonka was taken back but shrugged it off.

"I don't know how," Wonka whispered, his shoulders dropped for a moment and his eyes lowered in shame.

"Apologize." Was all Taylor could give him and that seemed to make Wonka falter as he drove the boat. 

"But what about his...ya know, his.... ugh!" Wonka groaned and threw his hands up for a moment before quickly putting them back on the wheel.

"You never had an issue saying family before." Taylor could sense Wonka was struggling and got up from her seat and took his hand in hers.

"I know." 

"Are you okay?" 

"I don't know." 

Silence took over the trip again and Taylor knew she had to say something. She squeezed his hand and pushed herself closer to him.

"For the small amount of time I've known that boy, he has never asked me for anything outrageous. The only thing he asked was for me to buy a newspaper from him so he could support his family in their next meal. After that, that's when I knew he was the one. I felt a pull to baby him and give him everything. I looked at Charlie once and I knew his mind worked similar to yours. He has an imagination that hasn't been unlocked. He had a spark." Taylor was confident in her words and Wonka could feel it.

"I saw it too.”

"But most importantly, that boy has love, he would never ask you for anything else in this world except his family." Taylor knew Wonka was hanging on to every word.

"That means they have to move in as well." 

"Of course." 

"That means I have to interact with them." 

"You'll grow to love it. Just like you grew to love me." Taylor leaned over to rest her head on Wonka's arm and Wonka smiled. He looked over and playfully shook his shoulder to get her off of him. 

"I've grown to tolerate you." He whispered and leaned down to kiss her on the lips. It wasn't a passionate kiss, just a simple peck that stayed longer than it should.

Taylor pulled away and frowned. She wanted him to just say it and stop being so difficult. Wonka must have gotten the hint and pushed a button for the boat to stall. He turned towards her fully and cupped her face and pulled her into a kiss.

“I love you,” Wonka whispered against her lips hoping Taylor would accept his affections. It worked and the girl gave in and returned his love happily. When they did pull away she held onto his arm and sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Wonka asked and Taylor tried to pretend she was okay and shook her head.

“Tired” She responded and curled into his arm. Wonka hummed and didn’t push further as he started up the boat again.

Mara would have to wait.

After the boat ride, Wonka informed Taylor that he would be busy and not to disturb him. She nodded and told him to call her if he needed her and they shortly parted ways. After leaving Wonka's side, Taylor went straight to Scarlet's room to see if the blonde was available. She knocked a few times and waited for the other to say something. A muffled voice told her to enter and Taylor was greeted by the blonde on the floor surrounded by colour yards of rope.

“Am I interrupting?” Taylor asked as she mindfully stepped over the rope and found a spot on the floor. Scarlet was in the middle of tying a knot on her leg with a black rope. 

The blonde shook her head, "If you were, I would have told you to come back later. I'm just doing some method control." Scarlet smiled up to Taylor then went back to focusing on the elaborate twists and turns of her rope knots. Taylor was curious about what she saw and got closer so she could see what Scarlet was doing. It was pretty, it looked a bit painful when Scarlet yanked on the rope to get it to press tighter on her skin.  Scarlet continued to loop the black rope around her right ankle then pull it back to anchor it in the ropes around her thigh. She then reached for a mint green rope to do it again creating a pattern. 

"Have you never seen Shibari before?" Scarlet asked, the way Taylor’s eyes were glued on her told her all she needed to know.

“No,” Taylor responded timidly. 

“You two never…?” Scarlet didn’t want to finish her question and Taylor quickly shook her head no. That was the most surprising thing Scarlet could have heard that day.

“Why are you tying yourself up?” Taylor picked up a dark red rope and wrapped it around her palm. The colour was nice against her skin.

"It helps me relax,” Scarlet had to think about what she would say next. She knew Taylor wouldn’t judge her but it was still something personal. “I was tied down to a bed for months, remember? This is just my way of gaining control when I feel like things are off. It helps me center myself.” Scarlet wasn’t sure what Taylor would say but what she heard was not one of them.

“You can do that? Control yourself with something like this?” Taylor held the rope up to Scarlet and the blonde nodded with a shrug.

“People cope in different ways, this is one of mine.” Scarlet finished her leg and moved to flex and Taylor slowly ran a finger over the bondage.

“What are you controlling when you do this?” Taylor asked.

Scarlet thought for a moment and then spoke, “I’m controlling my life. My decisions, what I truly want, each knot is me trying to figure it out.”

“Have you figured it out?”

“I have,” Scarlet smiled down at her work and then took the rope from Taylor’s hand. “What to learn?”

After a brief introduction of what the ropes were all for and how to tie a basic knot, Taylor and Scarlet were lost in conversation as they fiddled with the ropes. It wasn’t long before Taylor found herself tangled up in different colours of rope. They laughed at Taylor's lack of skill until the girl finally got the hang of it. Taylor could see the beauty in what Scarlet was doing. It was in a way relaxing as the compression felt like it did hold her together. Another hour went by and Taylor was now standing up while Scarlet wrapped a pretty blue rope around her.

“Did you speak with him?” Scarlet asked as she fiddled with a knot on Taylor’s waist.

“No.” Taylor sighed and tried to shift to get more comfortable.

“Are you going to?” Scarlet finished the last knot and stood back to admire her work.

“Yeah, but it will have to wait, he is going to try and speak with Charlie.” Taylor tried to take a step towards the mirror near the closet but stumbled forward. Her left arm had been tied down to her hip and thigh. She looked bewildered at Scarlet who waved her off and then offered herself as a crutch. Taylor hobbled over to the mirror and gasped.

“Scarlet I look like a Thanksgiving turkey in a BMDS club the night before dinner.” They laughed. Taylor looked over herself for a minute, genuinely impressed with Scarlet craft. This was just as impressive as it was attractive, Taylor quickly took note that she would love to learn how to do this.

When Taylor gave Scarlet the cue to begin untying her Taylor had a strange sense of release come over her. She could feel her body relaxing and everything in that short moment felt okay.

“How was your session?” Scarlet asked, breaking Taylor away from her thoughts which resulted in a groan. “Was it bad?” Scarlet peered up from the knot on Taylor's thigh.

“It wasn’t bad, just…okay,” Taylor answered slowly, not wanting to talk about it. Now that she thought about it she had been rude to Jacques when she snatched the clipboard away from him. In her right mind, she would have never done anything like that to any of the little workers. She told herself she would need to apologize the next time she saw him.

“You don’t have to talk about it with me if you don’t want to. That’s okay, ya know.” Scarlet was now working her way up through the rest of the knots when she suddenly stopped and looked at her friend.

“Are you okay?” Scarlet kept her voice low out of respect. Taylor could tell Scarlet was being genuine which meant she was not a part of the loop of Jacques’ reports. Taylor felt a spark of happiness that someone wasn’t being nosy, but then she also felt upset Wonka wasn’t keeping Scarlet informed.

“No,” Taylor began but kept her head held high. “I’m not okay but I’m doing okay. I’ll be okay.” Taylor gave Scarlet a promising smile and hoped she would believe her. She truly hoped the blonde wouldn’t try to push deeper.

“If anything happens let me know, okay?” Scarlet said.

“I will, I promise.” Taylor leaned over and kissed Scarlet’s forehead and then tried again to move her arm. When she was free she shook it out and stretched. With the satisfied popping of her ar,m Taylor shook off the rest of the rope and sat back down on the floor.

“I like this,” Taylor held up some other loose ropes. “I think I get why you do it.”

“Or you’re just a freak.” Scarlet joked and took the rope from Taylor’s hand to begin putting them away.

“Then what does that make you?” Taylor stuck out her tongue, Scarlet rolled her eyes and shoved everything back into the box under her bed.

“It makes me, me, and I know what I am. So what are you?” 

Taylor wasn’t sure why the question hung so heavy in the air. It wasn’t meant to make her think and yet she was beginning to wonder the same thing.

Just as quickly as the thought came it left when Taylor heard the sound of her phone going off. She gave Scarlet a quick ‘sorry’ and answered.

“Hello?” 

“Bedroom, now.” Wonka's voice was quick and so was the dial tone when he hung up.

“I have to go,” Taylor told Scarlet and quickly got to her feet and out the door. 

When she got to his bedroom door she gently knocked and turned the handle to step inside. Wonka was standing in his bedroom window clutching the ball of his cane tightly in his hand. Taylor slowly walked towards him and could see he was visibly shaking. His jaw clenched and his focus was unbroken to the world outside. She slowly crept up to him and when she finally made it to his side she didn’t say a word and waited for him.

Wonka’s eyes closed when he felt Taylor trying to release his grip on the cane. She could tell something was deeply affecting him. When she finally managed to get the cane out of his grasp he replaced it with her wrist, Taylor went stiff. Wonka then turned towards her, pulled her into a tight hug and buried his face in the side of her neck. Taylor awkwardly brought her arms up and comforted the candyman. She tried to think of what was going on but nothing came close to what he would tell her.

"Charlie has agreed to move into the factory along with his...." Wonka said. He sounded like he was on the verge of crying.

"Family?" Taylor finished for him.

"Yes." Wonka quickly answered, but it was shaky. There was another long pause. 

"He made me go see my father." Wonka's voice was airy, scared, hurt, and very much childlike. Taylor held her breath as she felt Wonka dropped to his knees to hang on to her tightly. His hat fell off and hit the floor with a thud behind him. Wonka began to cry and Taylor held on to his head and shoulder to pull him in. 

How in the world did Charlie get Wonka to actually agree to go and see his father? She could remember the sour expression Wonka had on his face when he was split in two when he told her about his upbringing. It was the face of a man who would prefer to forget the past. Taylor could only imagine Charlie being a force of change walking into Wonka's life. Charlie had made Wonka cry and that was scary. Wonka felt so heavy in Taylor’s arms but she would never let go of him. She tried her best to get him back up but struggled as the grown man chose to stay down. When she was finally able to get him on his feet she got him to his bed and he crawled into the middle and curled into a ball. 

Taylor could do nothing but watch as Wonka tried to cover his face and ears with his hands. She wasn’t prepared for this. This was not in her long list of things should had become accustomed to while living here. Wonka never cried, let alone had a breakdown to the point he was on his knees. This made Taylor anxious as she shifted on her feet and bit her lip to keep calm. So she waited; there was nothing else to do, she couldn’t tell Scarlet or call on an Oompa Loompa. Wonka called on her and she would stand by his side no matter what.

"H-He didn't even recognize me," Wonka said, still covering his face, back still turned towards Taylor. "He didn't even know who I was until he looked in my mouth." the last word slurred into another fit of tears. Wonka began to shake again and Taylor moved to place her hand on his back. He stopped and froze in place.

“He never came back for me.” Taylor knew Wonka wasn’t talking to her at this point. He was just speaking out loud his thoughts and Taylor was more than willing to listen.

“He never looked for me.” Wonka's shoulders finally dropped and he moved his hands away from his head. He then slowly turned his back and looked up to the ceiling.

“He kept newspaper clippings of everything I did.” Wonka's voice was hoarse, cracking when he spoke. “He kept track of me, not Wilfred, not Wesley, just me.”

“Why?” Taylor asked, she was curious as well, why only William?

“I didn’t ask, I was scared.” Wonka laughed nervously, it was a bit creepy, and slowly rolled his head to the side and Taylor's skin crawled as she saw how the whites of his eyes were bright red and the purple of his eyes were dull. His eyes were starting to get puffy and his pale face red.

Without saying another word Taylor kicked off her shoes and crawled into bed with Wonka and cradled him on her chest. Wonka let out a string of broken sighs and wrapped his arms around her. She ran her fingers through his messy hair and rested her cheek on top of his head. 

“Please stay,” Wonka mumbled. Taylor responded with a kiss on his head and nodded.

She would stay like this for as long as he needed. 

Mara would have to wait.

[crumblinggothicarchitecture]

Hi, the plagiarism case anon here. A few things: There can be no case for the "imgonnagetyouback" song by TS made by Olivia's team. Having the same or similar name between songs is not illegal. The songs (after hearing them both back to back) do not sound alike. There is nothing here.

Josh Farro left Paramore in 2010, but he is a co-writer with Hayley on Misery Business so if he feels that someone ripped off his intellectual property, he has grounds to request credits. Worth noting, he is a piece of shit. Hayley (and the rest of the band) were unaware of this because she did not seek legal action, HE did. That's why she was shocked when she got the credits.

I'm not sure if you're an Olivia Rodrigo fan (because I'm not) but they're not profiting off her, it looks like Josh Farro made a stupid case and Olivia's team was even stupider for getting scared of it and gave away credits without doing their due diligence. That's why in 2022 Olivia got new management (Aleen Keshishan/Lighthouse Management), to protect her assets more.

The reason why Farro (I'm not sure why you included Swift - she can't drop anything she didn't start, even though I don't like Eco-terrorist Barbie here I don't think she "started" anything) is because he saw he could get away with it. Swift, Williams, Antonoff, and St. Vincent probably just woke up and saw that their names were added underneath "Good 4 u" and "Deja vu" and I'm sure the money started to roll in shortly after. (I believe it was a 25% split for Farro/Williams and Swift also got 25%, Antonoff 20%, and St. Vincent 5%.) I believe Olivia still works with St. Vincent {she was credited in guts) which I find very interesting.

Olivia also tried to sue Korean singer Choi Yena and take her song down. I mean, the name of the song was bad ("Hate Rodrigo"), but the whole entire song was essentially praising her. She also has a lot of compelling plagiarism accusations from her dance routines to her merch designs. And Olivia's fans still send death threats to those two kids and she has said that she doesn't care (like actually, in an interview about the hate other people receive from her songs is "none of her concern" [Source: Interview on YouTube: IHeartRadioCA] so idk. I can tell she used to idolize TS. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree or whatever.

Hello, wow this is so much information, Thanks for sharing!

Honestly, I'm not surprised about Josh Farro being the one to start all the shit. He's been a jerk and will remain an asshole forever.

However, I really don't believe that Swift has no ability to just say "pass." That makes zero sense. It's not like Farro or anyone else can sue on behalf of Taylor Swift. Besides, if Olivia's team gave away credits, then the ones benefiting from the credits are now profiting off of her. Obviously, they are getting money from this situation.

Also, I'm not a huge fan of Rodrigo. So, I'm not going to waste time defending her for her own lawsuits or weird comments. I simply don't know much about it. This whole story caught my interest because it involves Taylor Swift.

I like that Olivia is at least more creative than Swift with her music. She also doesn't try so hard to make it seem more serious. It's just pop-music not pretending to be poetry. I would hope that eventually Olivia issues some type of anti-bullying statement, though. If she has not already done so.

[itsclydebitches]

This feels comparatively minor in the grand scheme of everything going on with Ruby's writing, but given that I think it connects to the overall issue of the team's mishandled emotions, I want to lay out a (potential?) nitpick here.

Anyone else confused by Jaune's Penny-focused trauma?

"What are you talking about, Clyde?" I hear the imaginary voice in my head that likes playing Devil's advocate exclaim. "Jaune just killed Penny last Volume! You said yourself that the story needed to grapple with that to have any hope of salvaging this plot-line. In what world shouldn't he be grieving a recent, horrifically tragic death that he intentionally brought about?"

Well, yeah... but it's only recent to the viewer and the characters. For Jaune it's been decades. We don't know precisely how much time has passed, but it's long enough for him to have lived at least half a life here. So why is this event still at the forefront of his emotional struggle? Look, I'm not saying something that traumatizing wouldn't stay with Jaune for his entire life, nor am I saying that Team RWBY's arrival couldn't have re-triggered those memories (even though RT didn't write that happening). All I'm saying is that this is a character who has survived years in a foreign, dangerous landscape, so it's a little odd to me that something that - from his perspective - happened when he was a kid remains his emotional focus. From just what little we've heard about Jaune's life in the Ever After, he's accumulated a long list of new tragedies he could be grappling with: surviving the Jabberwalker, being betrayed and nearly killed by Alyx, loosing Lewis, the death of his village that happened mere moments ago. Penny's death doesn't feel like an event so significant that it trumps all Jaune's other trauma, it just feels like the writers not taking into account that he should be a fundamentally different person after so much time and growth. We're seeing this problem in other ways too, where beyond being "crazy" Jaune is still the same old Jaune, he doesn't seem to have improved in his combat, the Ever After hasn't changed him in any meaningful way beyond making him physically older.

(As a side note: the story might have done something interesting with that by introducing the concept that no one changes unless it's through Ascension. Lean hard into the idea of a fixed story where Jaune has essentially remained static for all this time, playing the same Knight role, succeeding in the same heroic deeds, forever trapped with a 19yo-ish personality/mind coming off of Penny's death. His body ages, but the rest of him stays precisely the same because this is a fairy tale that must be told the same way again and again and again...)

Anyway, I find this characterization particularly unpersuasive given how the rest of the cast tends to speedrun through "development." In this Volume alone we've seen 2/3rds of the team answer the, 'Are you a good huntress?' question in a single scene, Weiss has now gotten past destroying her Kingdom because all huntresses make mistakes, I guess, the group comes to terms with Ruby killing herself instantly after it happens, and Ruby herself is poised to be magically cured of her depression via tree therapy. RWBY argues that it takes incredibly little (if anything at all) for these characters to overcome trauma and become better versions of themselves, which in and of itself is a writing Choice, but throwing an older Jaune into the mix just makes it that much harder to swallow. You're telling me that after decades in the Ever After he never once got caught in the crossroads of a punderstorm, forced to work through Penny's death the way the bees worked through their romantic hesitance? Jaune never encountered any magical smoke that let him talk back to his past self and declare that he did everything perfectly, actually? Jaune spent years befriending the Paper Pleasers, but none of them ever gave him a self-reflective speech like Team RWBY got? This world that in a day has taken the girls through ALL their problems somehow didn't help Jaune after he spent a lifetime here?

Frankly, it's impossible to imagine (and no, I don't buy this 'Well Jaune was selfish and refused to accept things/move on' argument. That's a whole other kettle of worms involving RWBY's frankly insulting definition of 'accepting death' that I don't have time to get into here). Suffice to say, if Volume 9 was going to be the girls speedrunning through their development thanks to the Ever After's magic, Jaune should be a completely different person after spending a lifetime here. You can give us an older, more mature Jaune with an entirely new set of struggles to overcome while also grappling with Penny's death by having the girls learn that he killed her. I can't believe we're heading into the finale and Jaune has fallen off the tree without Ruby learning the truth, but beyond that it might have been interesting to see her grappling with such a horrific discovery while Jaune - through no fault of his own - has already had years to work through it. That would be something to let Ruby vent about. Let her be furious and disgusted that Jaune is so "indifferent" to her death when the audience can see that really he's just reached a point where he can talk about this without immediately breaking down; let her rage about him "murdering" her, getting closer and closer to a breaking point as Jaune tries to explain what it took him years to come to terms with (a perspective I personally don't agree with, but that the narrative is clearly pushing): he did it for the greater good, it was Penny's choice, and he is not responsible for the murder Cinder committed. Give me a freshly grieving, teenage Ruby set against an adult Jaune who has - as much as anyone can - come to terms with this death and let that dynamic help Ruby grow and better herself, using a friend and fellow leader as a model.

I mean sure, we're still left with Jaune getting a ton of focus and I know many fans despise him enough that this would be a big NO right out of the gate... but personally I'd take it over Ruby attempting suicide and Jaune, for some reason, still acting like Penny died yesterday, rather than a lifetime ago.

[moonshoon]

Prom Night

MASTERLIST

pairing: (bully!)sunghoon x fem!reader genre: fluff, a little bit of angst word count: 1.2k

summary: prom night is near, y/n doesn't have a date, sunghoon doesn't have one either. they end up spending the night together.

warnings: kissing, kinda verbal bullying, 'enemies' to lovers

shortenings: none

prom was coming closer and closer and i didn't have a date yet. not that it worried me much who i would go with, more if i would even find someone to go to prom with.

i didn't want to be the lame friend without a date that would just sit at the edge of the dance floor all night, doing nothing and just staring into the farthest parts of the ball room.

"still thinking about what loser would take you out to prom, huh?" she heard his voice from behind her.

him being park sunghoon, the school's self proclaimed 'bad boy', and coincidentally also my bully.

not the kind of bully who physically harms people, but more like, he would tease them in every way possible. about my haircut, hair color, outfit, or because of the fact that i didn't have a prom date yet and anything else about me.

funny enough, he didn't have a prom date either. i wondered why. so many pretty, popular girls made a big effort to ask him out to prom, but he just always said no. how could he just let his chance to get into prom slip so easily?

on the other side though, there would be a lot more girls, maybe even guys, asking him out for prom in those next two weeks leading up to prom, so he didn't have to take the first possible opportunity.

"it must be fun too, to just reject everyone that asks you out, just because you have a thousand more chances, no?" i responded, kind of angry.

"yeah, pretty much, doll."

"don't call me that." just kidding please call me doll again, call me any sweet or cheesy nickname.

i couldn't deny. i was in love with him. but would someone so popular and attractive ever accept someone like her as a prom date? i don't think so.

two weeks passed and i still didn't have a prom date. not even once did i dare to ask anyone because i was too afraid of rejection, but no one asked me out either. so it's my fault.

my head was hanging low, i was walking out of the gates of school slowly, dragging my feet. there was no reason to be upset, i knew i wouldn't have a date for prom, but i still hoped someone would at least try to ask me out.

the beautiful, black, and gold dress that was hanging in my wardrobe at home would have to wait another year, and maybe another, and maybe another to be worn.

"first year in college and already not attending prom. What a loser"

the same voice again. sunghoon.

"can you stop? I really can't stand your teasing today." i said, tears welling up in my eyes.

Hell, why am I even this emotional today? i asked herself, trying to walk faster to make him realize i wasn't in any mood for him. but as expected, he didn't budge, he followed and followed, asking me what was wrong over and over again, my gaze never leaving the ground, not wanting him to realize i was crying now.

"stop, please!" i finally said, just loud enough for him to hear, my voice broke while is spoke.

then i heard his steps stop, and then he ran back up to me again. he put his hand on my shoulder, turning me around and making me face him.

"are you crying?"

"no"

"please, I can see you're crying"

"why did you ask then?"

he stayed silent.

i pulled myself away from his grip and started walking again, but not long, as he caught up with me and hugged me.

"... what-"

"i'm sorry. please don't cry..."

"am i hearing this correctly? park sunghoon, apologizing?" he nodded, still hugging me tightly.

"i'm sorry for making fun of you for not having a prom date." sunghoon stated "i shouldn't be making fun of you when i don't have one either."

"what? why?"

i was shocked to say the least. from what i heard from other students, sunghoon always waited until the last minute and then said yes to someone right before school ended on prom day. how come he doesn't have a date now?

"let's ditch prom. be ready at eight, wear your prom dress." he said, letting go of me and walking away.

"wait! sunghoon! why?"

"just do it!" he yelled back, not even turning to look at me anymore.

eight came around and i was ready, wearing my prom dress, with some light make up done. i still didn't have any clue what sunghoon was up to, but i was about to find out.

when the doorbell rang, i almost sprinted to the door, opening it and seeing sunghoon there, no big surprise. he was wearing a black suit and a black gucci belt with golden clip in the front.

"wow, handsome..." i muttered, not even realizing i said it out loud.

sunghoon let out a low chuckle and grabbed my hand.

"i know, doll. only for you."

he walked me up to his car, opening the passenger seat door and helping me put the belt over myself. then he walked around his car, got in and started the engine

"where are we going?" i asked.

"won't tell you yet."

we drove almost ten minutes, silence reigning in the car. when he pulled up to the nearest mcdonald's i was confused.

"what are we doing here?"

"we're getting something to eat, what else?" he said, shrugging his shoulders and opening the car door.

i quickly got out, walking after him.

"wait, wait, wait. I thought we were going to prom?"

"didn't I tell you we'd ditch prom? this is way more fun."

he strutted into the restaurant; i walked after him shily. everyone's eyes were on us, obviously. we both looked like we just attended a wedding, and one of the customers waiting in line with us even congratulated us on our wedding.

sunghoon politely accepted the congratulation as i just hit his shoulder lightly.

when we left the place, sunghoon drove to an abandoned parking lot at the other end of the city, parking is car there and getting out. i followed him and sat next to him on a bench near the car.

"and what do we do now?"

"we eat our food and enjoy the night sky."

we ate in silence until i decided to interrupt it.

"and why didn't you go to prom? you had a lot of chances!"

"i wanted to be with you. i wanted you to make the first move, but you never aksed"

with a confused look i stared at him.

"what?"

"i really like you, dummy..." he whispered, turning to me and sweetly kissed me under the night sky.

[gaytotaldrama]

For the requests: maybe Brott? (Brick x Scott)

full disclosure: i haven't gotten to TDROTI in my rewatch yet (mid-TDWT rn) so if anyone seems OOC i apologize it's been a while since ive seen it!! but i think brott is a super cute pairing and brick has always been one of my faves from the newer casts so i hope you enjoy :)

also on my ao3!

Part of a soldier's duty is to keep alert, and notice the little things not everyone else does. Brick may not be top of the class, but he had to have gotten picked for the new season of Total Drama for a reason. And if he really wants a shot at the money, it's probably best to start strategizing before the game even begins.

Which is why Brick starts people-watching as soon as he boards the boat to the island, so he can get a head start on sizing up the - somewhat intimidating - competition.

The most obvious threats, he checks out first. The girl in the grey tracksuit is clearly super athletic, as is the guy in the jersey he's pretty sure is named Lightning. Loud, both of them, but probably also headstrong. Easy to anger. Brick's known plenty like that over the course of his years of training. They'll be ones to watch out for, for sure.

The big guy is quiet - really quiet - and Brick's positive he's got to be secretly housing some mad brains up there. The small kid with the glasses won't get anywhere in the physical challenges, but in Brick's experience, those types of people can serve up a truly merciless smackdown of intelligence. Brick wouldn't call himself dumb, but he's never exactly been an Einstein - watch out for them, too.

Zoey is sweet - she'd introduced herself to Brick near the top of the boat ride, obviously eager to get to know her fellow competitors - and therefore not much cause for concern. Ditto Mike, who seems both nervous and excited, and ultimately, non-threatening. Dakota (and he knows her name is Dakota, because she'd loudly announced herself as she'd sashayed on board) is caught up in her own glossy glamorous self, the curly-haired guy too wrapped up in his video games to give Brick cause for much worry. The Italian girl is a little scary (not that Brick's afraid or anything, haha) and the small kid in the green sweater has done nothing but meditate this whole time. Yeah, they shouldn't be a problem.

Neither is the loud girl in the pink jacket. Brick never caught her name - he's sure she introduced herself, but she's been talking the ear off of everyone non-stop and in all that prattle, none of it seems to actually hold any merit. And Brick would know a thing or two about merit, yes sir!

Chatty Cathy's current victim appears to be the only other remaining contestant - looks like your classic Nova Scotian farm boy, chopped red hair, threadbare wifebeater, unimpressed look on his face. Brick doesn't know his name, or his deal - strength from years of outdoor chores? Some hidden smarts no one would assume of him? Brick has no idea. Come to think of it, Brick's not even sure he's heard the guy say a word. Not that it's in any way easy to get a sentence in edgewise with pink jacket girl around, of course - had she said her name was Tracey? Sarah?

"What are you staring at, buzzcut?"

Brick instantly straightens his spine, standing at attention, embarrassed to have been caught looking at the farm boy. "Nothing. I wasn't staring at anything."

"Uh, yeah, you totally were," says pink jacket. "It was so obvious! By the way, did you know that my great-great-great-great-great uncle Gordon first coined the term obvious wayyyyyy back in - "

"Put a sock in it," farm guy mutters, and strangely, she seems to listen to him. He diverts his attention back to Brick, advancing on him like some sort of terrifying jungle cat. "Trying to size up the competition?" He sniffs, thin lips curled into a sneer. "All you need to know about me is that I'm gonna kick your sorry ass off this island."

Brick stands his ground. "With all due respect, you don't know that for certain. Mr....?"

"Scott." He grabs a hold of the front of Brick's shirt, pulling him in close and oh no, he's hot, and whoa, he's got freckles like everywhere. "I'll make sure you won't forget it, private."

And with one last withering glare, he lets go of Brick and stomps away.

"Wow." In all that had just happened, Brick had forgotten Staci (!!) entirely, but she's throwing an arm around his shoulder now in what she likely thinks is a comforting manner. "That guy is gonna eat you alive! Speaking of cannibals, my cousin's sister's dog's landlord totally eats people! Chris would probably love to have him on the show, yah, he's a total maniac but I bet he'd be great for ratings, ya know? Ya know, my great-great-great-great - "

But Brick isn't listening to a word. He's staring down at his shirt, positive he can see the imprint of Scott's fingers seared into the fabric there, because why else would Brick have burned the way he did when Scott touched him?

[hqmillioncorn]

Close your eyes until its all Over

Cherrypit opened his eyes.  The last thing he could remember was his sister hugging him and talking to him about what they were going to do once they arrived at their new home. After that, there was nothing. Nothing but the feeling of tumbling onto the ground.  “Mama? Papa?” He couldn’t see anyone near him. “Bebe?”  There was nothing more he wanted to do right now than sit down and cry. There was no one. He was all alone. What else could he do?! “M-Mama! Papa!” Cherrypit cried out. No one answered.  Then something told him to keep walking. Someone was waiting for him. 

ffxiv write day 15 (free day): terror

takes place during stormblood cherrypit has some scary times uh oh

Cherrypit was absolutely sure that everyone he knew was invincible. 

He had been proven wrong before. With what happened with Ysayle and Haurchefant, even Moenbryda. But Cherrypit couldn’t see any of that. Even now, whenever he visited Ishgard with his sister and everyone he would save a plate of snacks for his friends who were running late. 

Who weren’t ever really going to arrive. 

No matter how much time passed Babycorn didn’t have the heart to tell him some of his friends weren’t ever going to come back. Sometimes she couldn’t even accept it herself. Babycorn already knew she wasn’t strong enough to tell Cherrypit the truth. 

She hoped one day she would be but for now nothing would change. 

Right now any of that couldn't be farther from Cherrypit’s mind. He was sad he couldn’t talk with his sister while he was trapped in her body but on the plus side he did get to go on a fun trip with everyone.

It was a place he had never seen before! There were a handful of times Cherrypit had almost wandered off chasing a butterfly or a bug that caught his eye. He had caught some conversations about how serious this trip was but none of it really sunk in.

Cherrypit was a simple kid. Almost all of it went over his head, but he did understand that there were bad people here doing more bad things and his friends were going to save a lot of people again!

“I wanna help!” Babycorn would have offered up to help too! Of course Cherrypit was going to do the same. 

By now most of the scions knew that Cherrypit’s strength wasn’t to be underestimated, but how much of that strength did he have while inside Babycorn’s body? Cherrypit couldn’t transform, he couldn’t even make those horrifying faces he loved to torment them with. The only way Cherrypit could fight back with was his magic, which was as terrifying as ever.

The only problem was that he was very unused to carrying a staff so big and ended up dropping it most of the time. “Whoops!” He cried, watching his new wand roll down the hill. 

It didn’t take very long for all of them to realize they were essentially babysitting. 

…But it was oh so hard for any of them to resist Cherrypit’s bright blue eyes, begging them to bring him along. Which is how he (and his brina doll) tagged along all the way to Rhalgr's reach.

Cherrypit hadn’t been allowed to go on lookout with some of the others. Instead he stayed behind and helped Krile with whatever fun assignment she and the twins gave him to distract him until it was time to move. The task of the night was putting some supplies away in crates. 

Though Cherrypit could defend himself more than the usual two-year old could. In the body of his sister he was more of a normal kid than he normally was. 

Ironically. 

Cherrypit had just finished putting away some rope when it happened. 

There was a loud sound that drew his attention away from his job. “Mmm?” He looked up, expecting to see one of his friends walking over his way. Maybe it was Lunya with some snacks again? Or Hanabi with a pretty flower to show him? Or maybe B’ig Nunh back from his trip! 

The possibilities were endless and made Cherrypit more excited than he’d ever been. Cherrypit stood himself up and ran towards the noise. He stopped only when he saw an imperial soldier staring right at him. 

Then another, and another, and another. 

In the chaos that followed Cherrypit managed to escape, but he didn’t get very far. 

He could hear familiar voices calling out his name but he couldn't get his body to move out from the crate he had jumped into to hide. There were so many loud noises around him. Explosions, screams, the crackling of fire. 

His weapon was right outside. All he needed to do was stop hiding and grab it. It would be so easy. 

There was another scream near him, and then the sound of someone hitting the ground. 

Cherrypit put his hands over his eyes. Surely whatever was going on outside would be over soon. Maybe it was just another nightmare, he had a lot of those sometimes. That’s why he didn’t like sleeping. They were never nice. 

But it would be okay. Because any second now Babycorn would show up and save him.

Right?

All of a sudden, Cherrypit’s hiding place shook. There was nothing to hold onto as it all collapsed down. A rush of air hit Cherrypit, as well the dirt on the ground. Everything was much louder now. Cherrypit pushed the crate off him, ignoring the stinging on his knees. 

It was dark, there were a lot of people lying on the ground near him. Most of them weren’t moving. There were still a lot of other people running around. A lot of people were fighting each other too. Cherrypit spotted his wand, just out of reach and still in the same place he had left it. 

No one seemed to pay him any mind as he slowly crawled his way over to grab it. 

He still had no idea what was going on. Had the bad guys attacked them here? That didn’t make any sense. Alisaie had told him that they were safe here. She wouldn’t lie. 

Cherrypit grabbed his wand, holding it like his life depended on it. Then there was another noise right behind him. It sounded scary. Everything in his body was telling him to not go that way, to go back and hide somewhere safe. Then there was another noise. This was someone that Cherrypit recognized. 

It was the sound of one of his friends. 

They must have been here to help! “Over here! I’m over here!” Cherrypit cried, with newfound strength, he ran towards where he had heard his friends. 

When he got there, his nightmare got even worse. 

The sight of his friends, everyone, struggling to stay standing made Cherrypit freeze where he stood. 

The big monster they were facing was still fighting back. They should have been able to win by now. Shouldn’t they? Lunya and Vertical were super strong! They should have been able to win with a single hit. But instead they were….hurt?

But that wasn’t right. None of this was right. It must have been another nightmare.

Cherrypit watched as the monster brushed aside Hanabi’s spells and Coco’s arrows. Like they were nothing. 

“S-Stop!”

Nothing was working! The monster was going to hurt his friends! 

The monster was going to cut them down! Just like before when he couldn’t stop it!

Just like…

Cherrypit ran forward and stood in between the monster and his friends. They had been blown away by a powerful attack, stunned and unable to move. “Stop it!” Cherrypit didn’t know where he had found the strength to act. There wasn’t a lot of it to begin with. Despite his words, he was shaking. 

It was clear that while he had the bravery to stand up to the monster, he wouldn’t be able to fight back.

“Don’t hurt them…” Cherrypit begged. 

Cherrypit heard the monster say something. Cherrypit was breathing so fast and his heart was racing, he didn’t hear a single word. But he could understand what the act of raising a sword meant. 

He heard someone say his name before it all went dark.

[anrisimps]

Story synopsis

How the kids were adopted

Ricardo

Agneo were on some mercenary business ( they decided to join them just to have a steady source of income. They couldn't exactly take away their savings from the duchy after faking their deaths) 

Some assassination guild had decided to become a nuisance and they had been shipped off to deal with them. And as expected, none of them had been any match for a swordmaster and a ninth circle mage. Yet those jackasses still charged at them as if they believed they could take them down.

Agnes yawned and lifted up her sword, skewering yet another of those idiots. 

Leo strutted about and set her sword on fire. 

"What the fuck-"

"I was feeling for some barbeque this afternoon. What do you say?"

"My sword will melt! Put this off first, you bastard!"

He doused the flames when she tried to kick him and her sword turned back to normal. Agnes wanted to punch his stupid face as he casually speared 10 assassins with his water spears. 

"I don't think anyone else is left here - hmm? Did you hear something?" 

"That sound came from that hut," she pointed to said hut.

She kicked the door open and found a man kneeling on the ground. She didn't care what he had been doing. He was the last one and then their job would be finished and she could finally rest. 

Without so much of a second thought, she brought her sword down and cleanly lopped the head of the assassin only to freeze at the sight in front of her. It was a child. A child had been standing - no wait- chomping on that man's arm and now looked at her with wide eyes, the man's head not there to obstruct his view anymore. 

Agnes found herself sharing the deer caught in headlight look with the child because what the fuck-

The kid slowly pulled out the arm from his mouth and respectfully dropped it down as if he just hadn't been trying to tear it off. Leo's gaze traveled the room and settled on a wrapped up bundle stuffed in the corner of the room. Now, by no means, should he know what was in there but he had an inkling what the kid had been trying to do. 

"So you were running away huh?" he mused aloud, staring at the kid with a glimmer of amusement. 

The kid flinched and squared up, looking  directly into his eyes as if daring him to take away his things. It was then Leo noticed his crimson eyes. They looked eerily similar to his wife. And he had black hair to add to that. If leo didn't know any better, he would've thought his wife went ahead and procreated all by herself to make this child. 

He turned to look at her and found her already looking back at him. 

The boy continued to stare at these stupidly strong people suspiciously. Where the hell did they come from? Nothing like this happened in his last life! What changed?! He couldn't have caused a butterfly effect so huge that it led to the annihilation of the guild just by existing. Clearly something was up. If he was in his old body, he would've fought them head on. He wasn't weak by any means and people didn't call him a tyrant for nothing. But right now? Right now he was a useless pathetic child who had no hopes of defending himself so all he could do was watch.

And what the hell were these two doing? They just stopped talking mid sentence and were staring into each other's eyes, clearly lost in some trance. Did they have some sort of mental connection? (yes) Were they talking about how to deal with him without letting him know any of it? (yes) If only he could still run away-

Meanwhile Leo and Agnes :

Agnes: Are we having a baby right now?

Leo : ...perhaps

(And then they just pick him up like a potato sac and take him home)

[arendaes]

free ramble card for your amazing unholy trinity OT3 💜

(picture me using a pull-up-a-chair GIF to learn more about them)

OOh thank you!! 🥺 I've been thinking a lot lately about some of their domestic habits!

These three have very different approaches to waking up. Who gets up first is always random - sometimes Ariadne rises early because she has things to take care of, sometimes Woljif is restless and finds lying still impossible, and sometimes Daeran finds a strange whim has taken hold of him and he actually does not want to stay in bed until the late morning. Most of the time, though, the three of them like to lay in bed together for a while after waking. Sometimes sex is involved, others it's just because they're enjoying each other's company. One thing that doesn't not usually factor into this decision is if they have a pressing engagement to get to, and none of them take being woken up very well. Especially by outside parties.

Once they are all up, their morning routine follows a similar but not exactly the same track. They're more evening bathers, so there's just freshening up, getting dressed for the day, etc. All three have them have a pretty distinctive sense of fashion, but I imagine when they first started settling into their domestic life Woljif had some trouble knowing which clothes were appropriate for whatever activity they have planned. Like, he wore a top hat and monocle to a simple luncheon with a foreign emissary. After that, Ariadne started dropping hints when he was getting ready in the morning. Things like "I'd love to see you in that dark-blue shirt and grey vest today" hints. He knows what she's doing but goes along with it anyways because he likes to see her happy. Sometimes he still wears the top hat though.

After that...breakfast! This is where the three of them can differ vastly. Ariadne isn't a big breakfast person, so theirs usually consists of tea and maybe fruit and a pastry at most. It's not Daeran's favorite meal either, though he eats something a bit more substantial. Woljif is the one who goes all out - I'm talking eggs, toast, fruit, tea and coffee. There are pastries? Might help himself to one or two. Anyone else in the mood for pancakes? All right, all right, no pancakes...today. Sometimes he caves on those too.

After breakfast, they often have to part ways for the day. After they return from their six-month exile in Absalom (which is what my post-game fic is about) Daeran is reinstated as an emissary for Mendev, and Galfrey puts him to work often. This means he often spends his afternoons wrapped up in meetings, being prepared for whatever diplomatic mission Galfrey plans to send him on next. Ariadne is the main bookkeeper of the Arendae estate, and spends her days balancing between running the household, helping Woljif with their charity, and whatever area of interest has caught the fancy of alchemist expertise this week. Woljif is very dedicated to the charity he and Ariadne started after they return to Mendev, and does a lot of direct work with the people they're helping, especially tieflings. The kids at the orphanage in particular are always happy to see him.

One thing I should point out is that while this does remain true after they have children, all three of them do adjust their schedules so they're directly involved with their children's lives. The kids are rarely in the hands of a caretaker for more than an hour during the day, and at night at least one, if not all three of them, put them to bed, so their night nanny is mostly there to monitor them. Especially in the early years Ariadne tends to wave her off even then.

Anyways, this was just a little look into how I picture their post-game daily lives. I hope maybe to write more stories about the various headcanons I have in the future ❤️

[madmilez]

If you died, right now, what category would your life into. Would your soul shine onward toward the source, victorious and proud? Or would it linger, confused and overwhelmed by the weight of what you left unfinished?

How many things had you intended to accomplish but have not? How many promises have you made that still linger, unsure where they're place of rest be? Have all your children grown? Or do you leave behind young ones? Parents? Is the home where your family lives paid for? Will they now struggle without you?

What is the last thing you said to the one you love? To your children? Do you even remember?

When you think about where you are, how would you describe it? Are you on the right path? Have you made progress toward your goals? Have you prioritized the elements of your life correctly?

Now that you ate at the end, knowing that none of what you worked tirelessly for, day after day, for so many years, goes with you. Not a dime. You do not keep any of it and the things that mattered to you here, mean little to anyone else. College football trophies are now trash. Degrees, diplomas, academic achievements are lost, buried with the only soul with a reason to remember.

Your camero you had all your life, the one you restored and spent so much time after work everyday to complete instead of with your family is not sold, cheap to someone who will never appreciate it like you by your wife who, if your were not aware, hated that car. It took you from her even more than you already were.

What I'll feelings will you leave behind? Are you aware of them all? Who will be at your funeral? Who will shed tears? Will anyone hurt over your loss and if so, for how long? Will those who mourn you come to learn that life is now improved with you gone? What is your legacy?

It is easy to get caught up in the flow of life, to simply play the role so many play. To be 'normal' because this is what we are all taught. Society expects things from you, from us all. The picture of what a life should be is laid out in front of you from day one. Anyone who deviates from the norm is shunned.

Go to school. Learn what they teach you and allow your mind to be developed and mounded into what they want, what they need you to be. Grow into the pawn you were born to be. Work, work, work everyday. Start a family and make the workers of tomorrow. Teach your kids to be the same as you. Work until your tired and near death. Then die. If you cannot work, make room for those who can.

This is life?

Some say that I am a vagrant. I am a lowlife, an outlaw, some say I'm evil. None trust me. No, not one. No amount of good deeds, no amount of being trustworthy will ever afford me trust. I'm a drug addict, a felon. I'll never amount to anything. There are many people who have a hard time even looking me in the eye.

I want trust, because I am trustworthy. I want to be seen as a person, because I am. This life I've chosen isn't exactly what I'd hoped for, I'll admit, but at least I am not just another sheep in the heard. Not just another number. I am me. I will never bow. I will never submit no matter what it costs me. I am one of the few, a true 5%er!

I care nothing for what they care for...... money. Power. Immortality. While the world is caught up chasing these, I am busy with thoughts of those I love, contemplating reality and seeking the truth. Seeking answers that could potentially save us all. Looking for God. Fighting to maintain within me the love I have for humanity in spite of humanities best efforts to take it from me.

The truth is simple once you see it. They try to hide it because they know. The truth, will set you free. That is just something they cannot allow.

While I cannot simply tell you what the truth of it all. You could not receive it. You must seek it, then slowly, over time, you will begin to open your eyes.

This is what I offer you now, the question I put forth when we began. Where do you stand? Think on this day and night. What matters most to you? Not what you think matters to you, not what you are expected to say to that question. No. What matters to you is the thing you put your time into, your energy, what you think of most. The evidence is in your actions. You don't have to conform, it does not matter what people tell you. Find your purpose and do not neglect it. Live for it, fight for it and even if you lose that fight, there will be no shame in the defeat. And in the end, no regret.

In closing, consider this; for you, and concerning your individual life with all its hopes and dreams, in the end, none of it matters one bit. Why? Because you die. The only hope you have for any purpose, even if it's only for a moment, is to find love while you can and hold on to it for as long as you can!

Good luck, much ❤️

[itsalltoobeautiful]

After school, it became somewhat of a routine for Whitney to unwind by sitting outside on the assortment of tables underneath the shady trees— usually, she brought a book or one of her countless journals; sometimes both. It was her way of processing the fullness of the day, and taking a little while for herself to come down from the responsibilities she had for several hours prior.

Walking out of the main doors, she took a look around to find an open table, but found that her favorite one was taken over by a group of students that she wasn’t always comfortable being around…. even that was an understatement. There were other tables around, but none were quite empty, still with those who she just wasn’t comfortable with. Jocks, popular kids, even those she didn’t mind were seated at the tables this time around.. some even waved to her and wanted her to join. Today, the girl just wanted a break, to take a breather- But when Whit finally checked for another one around the corner, a breath of relief fell from her lips.

Making her way over, she noticed that it was Eddie- Eddie Munson who did occupy the one clear table, but the girl didn’t mind, if he didn’t. If anything, she’d rather sit with someone like him than everyone else taking up the spots. Everyone treated him like some sort of weirdo, even some of her friends would make comments about this and that— but she just.. didn’t feel the same way. There was something about him that just didn’t scare her or put her off about him like a lot of Hawkins. It wasn’t fair, really.

Taking a seat on the opposite side, Whitney’s face grew a little smile at his half-welcome; she got her bag and journal out before she quirked a brow.

“No, there were others..” Her honeyed eyes met his for a moment before she made sure she had her favorite pen, opening her journal to the last unmarked page. “I just didn’t wanna sit with anyone.. uh, anyone else. And I hoped it would be alright to just do some writing here-“

Her soft smile never faltered— she didn’t know how to say that she just wanted to see if she could sit with him for a bit, to maybe talk or.. just hang out. He’d always caught her eye, but she couldn’t just say that.

“What book do you have, if you don’t uh, mind me asking?”

❛  umm, is this seat taken ?  ❜

@itsalltoobeautiful

It took Eddie a moment to even react to the question. He heard her, he heard what she asked. He just needed a minute to process that someone was talking to him. Strangers didn't talk to Eddie, let alone ask to sit with him. People were either scared of him or plain and simply didn't like him. He was okay with both of those scenarios. Not to say that he wasn't okay with someone asking to sit with him; it just never happened.

He closed the book he was reading, a guitar pick in place of a bookmark. It was either that or folding the page. He wasn't opposed to folding but this book was from the public library and the librarian fucking hated him. She didn't expect other people's books the way she did Eddie's. He hated her right back.

Brown eyes looked up at the girl from behind his bangs, an awkward crooked smile on his lips as he shook his head no. "But are all the other one's taken?" Because that's the only reason anyone would ask to sit with the town freak, if all other seats were taken.

[lisafrnkenstein]

Steve’s favorite color is yellow.

He’s given a lot of thought to his favorite color. It’s one of those things people always ask, from your very first interactions on the playground. When he was a child, it was easy; blue, because that was the normal color for boys.

When he got a little older, “normal” was no longer good enough. Tommy H told him that “normal” was boring, and didn’t stand out. If he wanted to become a Popular kid, he needed to stand out as much as he could.

Steve wanted to stand out. He wanted people to look at him, so that his parents might see how popular he was, and realize he was someone worth paying attention to.

“You need a strong favorite color.” Tommy had told him.

In middle school, Steve decided his favorite color was red. Red caught people’s eyes, red felt powerful, red got Tommy’s approval.

But his favorite color being red did not make his parents look at him, even as he graduated and moved on to high school with a buzzing reputation and all the popularity he could have dreamed of.

In high school, Steve’s parents stopped coming around. Their vacations and business trips took longer and longer, and eventually, they stopped coming home altogether. 

And the thing was, he didn’t really care all that much about the color red. When he lost the title of King, when he stopped caring about being popular, when he hated who he had been and couldn’t figure out who he wanted to be, and gave up any hope of his parents ever giving him any kind of positive attention, Steve‘s favorite color stopped being red.

He never did learn how to stop masking, though. Favorite colors, favorite movies, music preferences, they all tie into those masks, into the person you present to the world. A little adrift, Steve lost sight of any person he wanted to be, and all those things he maintained for the sake of a mask started to slip away.

“I’m worried I might not be a real person in here underneath it all,” He had told Robin once in the middle of a drive, spiraling about the void he encountered when he tried to dredge up any of his own opinions. “I feel like if no one is telling me what to do or like, or I’m not trying to meet their expectations, then I don’t know anything about myself.”

And she had calmed him down in her own awkward way, patting his shoulder like she was afraid the touch would tip him over the edge, smile a bit manic because she had no idea what to do when the driver of the car was currently bawling like a baby (her words, and a little exaggerated at that, he was tearing up at best.)

He had eventually pulled over, and she had stared him down, and rattled off a bunch of personal questions. He could find answers for none of them.

“So find them.” She’d said. “Find the things you like, what makes you happy. Don’t listen to anyone else about it, don’t think about what they want. Maybe start simple? Like your favorite color.”

So he’d tried. He’d thought, maybe it was red after all? The color of Max’s hair. Or maybe blue, because it made him think of Dustin’s ridiculous hat. Maybe green, because it was the color of spring and new things, or maybe pink, because it was pretty.

He felt lost in a sea of choices, all surrounding the one, simple, basic, childhood question most children have an answer to by the time they go to school.

Then in walked Eddie Munson.

Eddie changed a lot about his life. He hadn’t expected him to, had sort of expected him to be a blip in his radar; but Eddie is incapable of existing in the peripherals. He sauntered in with the electrifying energy of a leading man on stage, even as he cowered in a boat shed scared out of his mind, and Steve had been unable to look away.

If Robin had asked him about things he liked in the months that followed, he would have been able to confidently say Eddie Munson was among them, and wasn't that a kicker?

It was just that, Eddie was capable of walking into a room and immediately projecting every single thing about himself and what he liked into the space. You couldn’t get away from the impression of exactly who Eddie was just by the very nature of his existence.

Steve wished he were like that.

Wished he could be so self confident that he could decide what he liked without a care for what others think or how they judge him, wished he could wear it as proudly as Eddie did the patches on his vest.

(The same vest Steve still hadn’t returned.)

But he hadn’t just stolen the vest; it had been somewhat of a trade off. He had thrown his sweater at Eddie’s head shortly before diving to the depths of Lover’s Lake, only for it to never be seen again. Part of him had assumed it had just gotten swallowed up when the gate had ruptured through Hawkins.

Then Eddie had walked through the doors of the Family Video, big, dark eyes all wide and his hair piled up on his head, wearing the bright yellow of Steve’s sweater.

Steve had short circuited. Upon reboot, his first thought was, for some reason, It’s yellow. My favorite color is yellow. Yellow yellow yeLLOW YELLOW!

The second was, I like him wearing my things.

The third was, Oh. I like Eddie.

So at age twenty, Steve Harrington knows two whole things about himself: he likes Eddie Munson, and his favorite color is yellow.