#and it’s specially irking because I know what they are trying to do with her because I too normally overplan social situations like she does

[slyvieselkie]

Sweet As Apple - Fushiguro Toji

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˖◛⁺⑅♡Lᵒᵛᵉᵧₒᵤ♡⑅⁺◛˖⁺⑅♡Lᵒᵛᵉᵧₒᵤ♡⑅⁺◛

When Toji first met you, you were as plain as an apple.

Just a regular girl that would never catch his attention on the street. The only reason why he even looked your way was because you were neighbours with the two things that he helped create.

You kept to yourself, never making life difficult for the two but also never going out of your way to help them. At least that's what he saw every now and then, across the street from the rundown apartment building.

So you can imagine his shock when he sneaks inside the place only to find you seated in the middle of the tiny room, carefully darning Megumi's shirt. Despite him not making a single rustle, your head turns to the unlocked door. Your eyes lock with the giant black haired man, and Toji watches as your expression becomes sour like a bad apple.

"Huh, so you're the deadbeat father? Don't even think about stealing money, they don't have any thanks to some one", you sneer.

And he shouldn't be like this, because you were a nobody, but a deep anger flares up in his stomach. How dare you look down on him like those bastards did, even though you were the one living in a moldy box? Toji never got a chance to express his fury because a mug flies to his head and he catches it with a scowl.

You're still on the tatami floor darning like a good mother, "Get out, find a ditch and rot in it."

What a bad apple, don't you know who is standing before you? He could kill you in a flash, tear you to shreds, crush your neck like it was nothing. Green eyes stare down at you and imagine your face distorting into fear, horror, desperation. And to his shock...he couldn't see it.

"Ow fuck!", he was too caught up with his thoughts to dodge the rusty alarm clock, "Fuck off, shithead! Next time its a knife!"

Toji leaves, not because of your threat, hell no! It was because he wouldn't know what he'd do if he were to stay any longer. Irked at losing to a plain apple, he goes off to relieve his stress. Maybe grab a hot chick or hide away in a casino...he doesn't have any money though, shit.

....

"We're home!", you turn to two children busy taking off their shoes, "Welcome back Tsumiki, Megumi", you answer softly.

Tsumiki beams and runs into your arms, Megumi trails behind and latches onto your side. You chuckle, use a sugary apple tone telling them to wash their hands before eating dinner. It was nothing special, some cheap meat stir fry and vegetable soup with white rice, but they eat it up like its the best meal on Earth. Afterwards, you coo at Megumi to bathe while helping Tsumiki with her homework. When they switch, the little boy sits in your lap and finishes his grammar homework with his tongue poking out.

A giant shadow watches you like a creep, with a strange feeling swirling inside. Apple sweetness seeps out of you for the children to soak up, children that had no relation to you. Tsumiki and Megumi looks at you like you were the perfect apple, just the right amount of sweetness and crisp along with that fresh aroma. They cling to you and try to take as much as they could possible get.

You rock them to sleep even though they should be old enough to sleep by themselves, humming a soft lullaby. They're tucked into bed and snoring away by the time you sneak back to your apartment. You stop at the entrance because he was inside, sitting in the middle like it was his house.

"I knew you'd come back", you sigh and head inside flicking the lights on.

He's covered in blood and dirt, piercing green eyes stare at you behind the grimy and red mess. Toji sees your face turn sour and he suddenly feels a dread, that's not what you're supposed to do. You didn't with them when Tsumiki spills the soy sauce all over your dress, when Megumi walked in completely covered in mud, when they fling food everywhere whilst trying to speak.

"Oi, at least use my shower if you're going to sneak in. Look at the mess you've made", you click your tongue and point to the shower.

You meet the pair of glowing green eyes, lighthouses looking for the right direction, "Go, I'll heat up some leftovers for you."

Toji stands in the bath allowing the water to turn a copper colour, he could stay there forever. But you would grumble about the waste, so the man gets out and wraps himself with the fluffy towel. He was about to go out bare when green eyes noticed the folded clothes next to the sink. Somehow in that time, you've already washed and dried his clothes.

Toji exits the bathroom and sees you watching something on that ancient TV, a little grainy with sound that glitches every now and then. Next to you was a small wooden table and food, steaming white rice with slices of egg rolls and a side of soup. He understands why the children eat the way they do, Toji finishes everything in minutes and for once feels full even though he could eat three more servings.

Green eyes finally glances up at you, to see you watching with a soft smile. The black haired man visualises the nectar leaking out of your cracks. And he wonders what a girl like you was doing in this part of town, why an apple sweet heart was living in this garbage area. The dishes are cleared and the giant sits there, amused and embarrassed by the way his fingers fiddle. What does he do now? Get lost and find somewhere else to sleep? Does he repay you with sex?

"Just sleep, dumb ass", you flick his forehead and he jolts spinning around.

Oh, you've already showered and the lights have been turned off. That's a no for sex then.

Slipping underneath the blanket, you snuggle into your futon. Toji casually just lies back and rests his head on his arm, this tatami has nothing on the other floor he's had to sleep on. In fact, this was on the better side of things.

You giggle, "Idiot, come here", the man turns over to find you holding the blanket to reveal the empty space on the futon, "Why would I make sleep like that?"

He gets drawn in by the pretty smile you have on, and carefully lie down beside you. How odd, Toji was known as 'sex on legs' and yet he was here barely breathing so he wouldn't annoy you. Straight as a plank so you two would never touch. He'll probably just stay up to make sure your hands don't graze.

....

It's been a week since that night. You woke up the next morning to find that he's vanished, you shrug it off since that was expected.

Life goes on without him, you get busy as travel season arrives and people start booking you for tours around the city. While its tiring and stressful, the money is completely worth it and the photos you bring back for the children always makes it better. On the days where you could be out from early morning to nightfall, you let the children into your place where they can microwave food. You tell them to go back to their apartment, but the two always says that they can't sleep without you.

It was on a rare free day, you spin the pen while calculating your expenses. You grin seeing the remaining zeros in your bank, maybe you'll take the two out to the zoo and some barbecue afterwards. Then the door clicks open and your head snaps towards it, a robbery in broad daylight?

"...I'm sorry, when did you start living here?"

The black haired man smirks, strolling in with a bag swung over his shoulder, "Miss me much?", you raise an eyebrow, "Shook off the prude act did you?", he scowls at the reminder, "Shut up."

Sitting across from you, he throws the bag onto the table and you hear the heavy thud. You narrow your eyes at him but Toji only motions you to open it with a smug look. Carefully unzipping the bag, you peak inside to see the stacks of bills. Your sweetness grows sour and rotten.

"Where did you get this money from?", "Working?", he frowns because why are you scowling, "Working as what? A thief, a drug dealer, an underground fighter, a porn star, tell me!"

Green eyes sharpen, "Don't raise your voice at me", you laugh and sneer, "Don't tell me a murderer...fuck off", you shove the bag his way, "Fuck off and don't come back, don't ever show your face back here!"

You stand up and he follows, towering over your figure, "What's your problem? I just gave you five times the amount you made this week, you should be thanking me", he growled and you glare back, "Did I tell you to do that? To kill someone and bring me the money? No, I didn't, so don't justify this shit using me! You're a killer, a lowlife, worthless shit!"

In an instant, there's a tight grip around your throat and he leans in hissing, "Don't fucking test me, I can kill you in a blink of an eye."

But you smile like you've won, "Like I said, worthless piece of shit. Is that something you should be proud of, brag to me? That you can easily kill someone? That's the kind of person, the adult, the man you want to be?"

Your eyes widen as you make him falter, "You're nothing, less than the dirt you sleep with. No love, no family, no true friends, you're a completely pathetic loner. Just a clump of muscle to die alone...is that what you want to be?"

Before Toji knows it, he's out of that place holding the bag of money and remembering your last words, "If you want to keep living like that, then do those kids a favour and plan your own funeral."

....

The days pass as you and Toji think about what happens now.

Like last time, life goes on for you. There are bills to pay, food to put on the table, someone else's kids to take care of. But he's always lingering in the back on your mind, the defeated expression haunting your sleeps. Maybe you went too far, pushed him over the edge and now another life has been wasted. Those two never got to know their mothers, and now they'll never see their father.

Toji on the other hand had been cooped up in some temporary hideout, wondering what the hell he should do. He knew you were right, that you hit every weak point without a twitch of a finger. However...he's too far in, has done too much, has made too many enemies, has too many scars to forget. Toji wasn't meant to stay by your side, because he would only sour you into a bad apple.

But he also can't forget that night. How good it felt to take a warm shower, have clean clothes, eat a home cooked meal, sleep on a soft mattress and fluffy pillow. To not be alone and miserable. It's been so long since Toji has felt this weak, all he wants to do is fall asleep next to you.

So he sneaks into your place in the middle of the night, and sees your sleeping figure under the blanket. He first sits down beside you, observing your peaceful expression. It was so delicate, too fragile to be around him.

"Are you just going to sit there and watch me?"

You blink waiting for him to do something, but he's frozen and stuck to the floor. So you take your chance and pounce on him, too little compared to Toji to even make him budge. You end up curled in his lap, the blanket loosely thrown around him. Perfect.

Your voice comes out in a soft tone, "Give it a go. This world is your oyster as long as you take the chance. Just try to live a better life, for your children, for the ghosts around you, for yourself. "

Toji never responded, but you got your answer from the way his arms wrapped around you tightly. He drifts off to sleep with his face buried in your neck and feels the tension leave his body. Maybe this could work out, if its you.

....

"What are you doing here, you deadbeat man?"

He looks up from the ground to see Megumi glaring at him, "Oi, I still have it in me to give you a good spanking", his younger clone snorts, "When did you ever have it in you?"

He hates how right the kid is. Even if Megumi were to swear at him like an Irish man, Toji would only go and sulk to you. It probably has something to do with him not being there for Megumi since he came into this world.

"What are you doing here?", Toji smirks and pushes himself off the Bentley, "What do you mean, I'm just a good father here to pick up his lovely son~", the latter gives him a disgusted look, "Like hell you'd do that."

It's absolutely true, as if he'd go out of his way to pick the ungrateful brat up from high school. Plus, its tiring the way he has to ignore all of the housewives drooling over his muscles. They're not even trying to be discreet, evening making their children befriend Megumi to reach him. Those brats also have their own motives, always asking Toji to get a signature from the A-lists he stunt doubles for. But it was your orders, something about picking the kid up and go clothes shopping for a family dinner.

"Come on, let's get out of here before their panties get wetter", the boy feels queasy and Toji cackles, "I'm telling Mum!"

As he drives off, the black haired man feels his heart flutter at the way the children refers to you. It's perfect family, you're the perfect couple with two gorgeous children on their way to becoming adults. Of course, it wasn't accomplished overnight. While Tsumiki had no problem calling you two her parents, Megumi was different.

He resented Toji for a long time. For abandoning him when he was only a small boy, for leeching onto you...for bringing her presence into the house. The small photo frame of his real mother haunts him, it's a constant reminder that you could leave him any moment because there was no obligation. Toji gave up after a week, hiding her away in his wallet. But you made him put it back up despite all of the boy's tears.

"B-But don't you hate it?", "What do I hate, love?", he sniffles as giant tears fall down, "T-That I'm not yours, that t-the deadbeat cares about her?"

A chuckle escapes you as Megumi hides away in your arms, "Didn't I tell you not to call him that?", "...He deserves it."

Letting out a sigh, you reach out to caress the young lady inside the frame, "Your mum seems like a wonderful woman, I'm not surprised Toji loves her...I imagine if she was still alive, your dad would've stayed on the right track. She would've been a loving mother and wife, it would be disrespectful of me to let her beauty rot away just so I could feel secure."

You pull away and nuzzle into his hair, "Besides, I'm getting a little too old to be playing games with ghosts. Maybe in my teens, but I have bigger things to worry about now. If Toji can't see me without remembering her, then I have no reason to entertain him. But you'll always be my Megumi, my adorable boy, my child."

In that moment, you were the apple of his eye. A gift from the world that he thought abandoned him. And somewhere in his heart, he feels the same as Megumi. He should've met you first, long ago before anyone else. You two should've been together and happier years ago, Tsumiki and Megumi should've been born from you. You would've set him straight ages ago, turn him into the responsible father he is today.

But he learns to let it go, you taught him that. To move on from his past, to accept his flaws, to feel compassion and love, to cry and bleed, to smile and laugh.

"Dad, Megumi!", the exact copies wearing matching black suits see a blue ball of fluff bouncing about in front of the restaurant.

It's Tsumiki and whatever that thing she decided to wear. You place a hand on her shoulder to calm her down and Toji's breath hitches when he fully takes you in. It was really nothing extravagant, just a pretty apple red dress and the cheap earrings he bought you with his first check.

But it's you, so he falls in love all over again for the sweetest apple.

Hi Lovelies, hoped you guys enjoyed this!

Even though I think Toji might be a little too out of character, I always imagined him to be this confused giant when it comes to receiving affection and love. I hope the apple metaphor and motif wasn't too annoying, it felt a little...cringe in some areas but I just thought apple and couldn't look back!

Anyways, see ya again ‿୨♡୧‿

[urf1lterr]

lovesick | pedro pascal [2]

"and on this night and in this light i think im falling, im falling for you."

next chapter: [3] previous chapter: [1] series masterlist

summary: in which a 1975-obsessed film student accidentally falls in love with an older man she can't have.

pairing: actor!pedro x intern!reader

genre: acting world!au, big age-gap!, strangers to friends- maybe lovers?? au | angst, mature, awkward, love- eventually

word count: 6.7k

status: in progress

author's note: this chapter was for fun- i have the 1975 on repeat so i had to lmao. i kinda wanna do a slow burn because i don't want to make anything happen so fast. and pedro was at the oscars a few hours ago so why not post another chapter for him :) not edited.

You hated working weekends.

Something about waking up extremely early on a day that was supposed to be your day off irks you. Why have a scheduled rest day if you're just going to be scheduled to come in? It made zero sense, especially since you were only given a two hour notice before while sleeping.

No pay, clothes, gifts could ever make you happy after being called in at 5am for a 7am shift-

"Venti iced white chocolate mocha with oat milk, vanilla sweet cold foam, caramel drizzle, and light ice as always," Pedro listed as he handed you the coffee.

"Oh my god, I think I love you," you blurted out, staring at the cup in awe.

"That was fast, I see now why you're single," Pedro replied, giving you the side eye. "And soon diabetic."

Rolling your eyes, you take a sip of the coffee before shaking your head. "Not like that, you moron," you scoffed as he glared at you. "I love coffee too much- and who says I'm single."

"Think of it as your reward for waking up to the call," he joked as you just stared at him annoyed. The one time you turn off your do not disturb and this happens. "Your loneliness says otherwise."

"I am not lonely!" you gasp as he shrugs. "I'll have you know I am dating-"

"If you dare say Matty Healy I will personally push you in a bush-," Pedro declares, stopping you as you try to interject. "-and won't help you back up."

Huffing, you cross your arms as he laughs at the sight of your defeat. He knows you too well considering the fact you only met two months ago.

In fact, these two months were probably the best ones you have had all year. Not only did you experience some awesome moments you're sure you'll never get to witness again, but you got along with a lot of special people.

What made things even better was the fact that you got along with your boss because who knows where you would've ended up if Finn was a total douche- which he wasn't. But he did have his moments where he took your kindness for weakness- like asking you to come in for shift on a Saturday.

One thing that definitely advanced would have to be your relationship with Pedro. Nearly best friends is what you two were typically called on a normal day on set by how close you've become.

The nearly part added because nothing could ever come between his relationship with Bella, or Bellie in his own words. And because Jules always made sure to tell the jokesters that she was not giving up her position just yet.

But when it came to work, Pedro was always there for you. Considering he's been in the industry since before you were even born, which he yelled at you once when you joked, he was the best support.

He would even ask you what you were assigned to do and tell you specifically what was wanted without you even asking- even finding ways to physically assist before being caught and sent back to his actual job.

There were also the constant times where he would spam you with iMessage game requests to 8 ball and ignore you after beating him three times in a row, claiming his phone died despite your messages being sent through.

The only thing that made today better was that he was here because who knows how boring the day would have been if you were spent hanging with the technicians who; in fact, did not appreciate the countless times you dropped a mic.

"Why didn't Jules get called in?" you questioned as he turned up the computer brightness you were using. "That girl never wakes up early but I kid you not, she was playing minecraft on her computer when I was leaving."

"I love minecraft," Pedro sighed.

"I do too, but Jules always sends the creepers to my house," you complain. "They always destroy my garden."

"I could only imagine the devastation in your eyes," he dramatically exhales as you nudge him. "But I think it's because you're more...attentive? Not saying that she isn't, but she sure loves to talk about Jersey Shore in between takes."

"She's been binge-watching all the seasons after work."

The conversation ended once he was caught again by one of the producers and lured out of the office you were in. Initially, he searched around the studio and found you to gift the coffee, but he stayed because he did not want to sit on the makeup chair for another round of a drastic look being applied to his face- especially if you weren't there to pester him.

As for you, once clocked in Finn managed to have you scan after emails as a way to apologize for the call in. Apparently, one of his assistants called out so he decided to use you as their replacement since he couldn't find the time to sit down in a cozy office and do so.

But you were totally not complaining.

That only lasted you about two hours before you were finished and terribly bored.

Throwing the empty cup of coffee in the trash, you decided to walk around in hopes of finding something better to do or else you would've fallen asleep on the desk.

You would've if you weren't scared of the thought of a director finding and; consequently, firing you.

Hearing a loud noise, you quickly averted your eyes where your ears were signaling where the noise came from. Lightly jogging behind a curtain, your eyes widened to a sight of a desk on its side and a man hovering over it.

"Joon?!" you exclaim, running over to find him lowly panting, trying to remain his coolness as you began inspecting him to find any injuries.

"I'm fine," he calmly replied, using his dimpled smile as a way to reassure this but you didn't believe him. That was a loud drop.

"Why in the world are you lifting a desk that surely isn't less than 30 pounds?" you glare as he chuckles at the fake anger you poorly tried displaying.

"One of the technicians asked me to bring it out."

"And did you forget that your back would disagree?"

He shuts his mouth for a second, loss for words at your comeback. "I couldn't say no," he shyly replied. "I didn't want to have to pull out my medical forms explaining why I can't lift a table."

Feeling your face sink, you helped him stand straight as he glanced down at the fallen table. "You should have called for help then- everybody would need help for a gigantic table like this."

He only nodded in response, making you feel bad. You felt like you were lecturing him, technically you were, but you didn't want to find out in the future the reason he stopped attending work was because he pulled his back again.

"I'll drag this out," you declare as he tried slapping you hands away from it.

"It's too heavy for you!" he argued.

"Which is why I said drag," you countered back, ignoring his pleas as you somehow managed to lift the table back to its standing positioning.

Walking around it, you bent your back as you began pushing it around the curtain as Joon followed your position, crouching next to you for the extra support.

If it wasn't for the film crew being around the floor, you were sure you would have passed out right then and there. But you couldn't let them know how weak you were.

"And that's how teamwork makes the dream work," you announce, causing Joon to giggle before giving you a high-five as the two of you stand up from your bent posture.

Joon was another person you got along with incredibly well. For one, you guys were the duo out of all the interns. Every job you had that included another person, he was always there.

There was also the many times the two of you, and Jules of course, would carpool together to get home. It turned out Joon was also friends with some of your college classmates so he was always the only person from work who joined you guys for the random nights of cheesy movies and boring games while eating takeout with your other friends.

Despite hanging out for so long, you felt dense when someone called him Namjoon one time, even turning your head around for this Namjoon, completely oblivious to the fact that Joon was connected to Namjoon.

To be fair, he never went by his full name claiming that his nickname sounded more 'chill,' or whatever that meant.

Other than that, you were sure he was your other best friend. Well, after Jules and maybe Pedro. They were probably on the same level if you had to arrange them- not that friends had to ranked.

"Are you ready for this afternoon?" Joon called out as the two of you walked off the stage back to the curtains.

"For what?"

He sent you a surprised look, scaring you because is there something crazy happening that you had to prepare for? "Do you have your phone?"

Patting your back pocket, you shook your head. "I think I left it in my bag. Why? I'm about to cry if you don't tell me," you impatiently whine.

"What kind of fan you are," he simply responds, causing you to widen you eyes.

Immediately jumping on him, you shake his shoulders repeatedly. "What is the 1975 doing?! You must tell me or I swear to the gods I will bust your kneecaps and make you crawl for help."

He bursts out laughing at your threatening begs, trying to calm down your jumps by grabbing your shoulders to hold you. "You're violent."

"And you'll need surgery if you don't hurry it up."

Tapping your shoulder to calm down, you slowly do so. "3 o'clock is when their tickets go on sale for their upcoming tour, one of the dates being in New York City."

You could have sworn you were about to faint if it weren't for Joon pulling out his phone to show you you still had time to mentally prepare for the combat you were about to enter.

That's what ticketmaster was, a war zone.

"How was I not aware of this?!" you cry out, internally panicking about what you were going to do. You can't miss out on this concert, you just had to see these British people in person in order for your life to be complete.

"They did just post the news half an hour ago," he admitted. "Good for you for not being addicted to your phone."

Scowling at him, he quickly closed his mouth as you went over all the things you needed to do to prepare. "Wait, can we go together? None of my guy friends like them."

If you weren't in your own world mentally planning how you were going to beat all these teenage girls online, you would have noticed Pedro walking up to the two to you. But you didn't because your mind couldn't stop thinking about Matty Healy singing 'She's American' because you were indeed American.

"Why does she look deranged?" Pedro questioned, standing a few feet away from you. "Oh no, did Matty Healy die?"

Glaring at him, you ignore his irrelevant comment and face back to Joon. "You and me, my place straight after work. Got it?"

He nods, already in game mode because he knows how bad the two of you need to witness this concert.

Pedro exchanged a crazed look between the two of you, assuming his own ideas as to what you meant. "You're having a party and didn't invite me?" he tried joking to understand the conversation a bit more.

"No time for fooling around, Pedro," you state, grabbing Joon by his arm and making your way back to the office to search for your phone. "We have important business to settle, see you around!"

He watched the way Joon and you walk away hurriedly and wonders if you have a thing for the boy. It would make sense right? Joon was around the same age and he saw you guys work together all the time.

Shaking his head, he walks back to the stage trying to not overthink whatever was flowing in his head. But he couldn't help but question why he was never invited to your place? He instantly rejected that idea, he was twice your age. There's no way that was realistically appropriate.

However, you were friends- so wasn't it hypothetically okay?

No, there was no way he was really debating this. It's completely understandable why he didn't need to be invited over and Joon could.

But how many times did Joon come over?

Stop. His thoughts were confusing him and he needed a distraction. He wasn't going to let another man make him envy of where his friendship stood with you because there is no way he's jealous Joon might take his close friend status.

Because that's who you were to him, a close friend.

After another hour of working with Joon secretly about the tickets while emailing more people who Finn ordered, you two were finally cut for the day.

And luckily you still had two hours before the tickets went on sale.

"I need to grab my coat I left backstage, meet me outside?" Joon asked and you nodded, waving him off as you put on your own coat and bag.

Sprinting out of the office, you didn't expect to fall on the floor by the the person who ran into you. Well, the person fell to the floor while you comfortably landed on top of them, their arms wrapping around you.

"If you missed me that much you should've just texted me sooner to drop by," you heard the culprit chuckle, immediately making you shake their secured hands off your waist to stand.

"That was definitely not the case," you laugh, sticking a hand out to help him get up.

He raises a brow while staring at your hand before taking it, instantly pulling you back down with him. Falling over again, you slowly slip into his arms before finding your balance and giving up on helping him.

"How adorable of you to think you can lift me up," he grins, pulling his own weight up.

"I would love to stay and chat," you start, before looking past him and back again. "But I have something very important to do."

Trying to move around him, he stops you by grabbing your shoulder. "That's why I came to be a generous person and offer you a ride- so you can be home faster and do whatever you needed to do with Josh."

"His name's Joon."

"That's what I said," he ignores you're doubtful glance. "I can take you guys to your apartment."

Thinking it over, it would make it easier and faster to get home and prepare for the sale. If you would've taken a cab and subway it would have been an hour, with him it'll be half that.

"Fine," you spit out and watch as his face lights up. "But I am not owing you anything, you offered."

"Love how two months ago you would've begged the world for me," he placed a hand over his heart. "Oh how comfortable you've gotten with me."

"I don't want to hear it," you shun him, walking past him as he makes a silly face behind your back. "I can feel that!" He immediately stops, surprised you sensed it.

Maybe the two of you gotten a long too well.

"He's gonna drive us to my place, it'll be faster," you quickly explain to Joon who just nods, happily smiling at Pedro who sends him a fast greeting.

Right as you walk through the parking garage and see the familiar black car, Pedro unlocks it before quickly pushing you into the passenger seat, ignoring your protests and slamming the door before you could slip out.

"Not cool," you utter once he buckles inside the driver's seat.

"Don't make me cry," he fake cries before pulling the car out and hitting the road back to your place.

Due to it being the weekend and everybody wanting to be social and outside for some reason, the streets were packed.

It didn't help that Pedro thought starting a deep conversation with Joon about why electric cars annoyed him, knowing damn well Joon loved the environment, was a good idea.

And Pedro's defense being because he loved the smell of gas made you want to slap him.

As if the heavens felt your annoyance, your wish was granted. You were finally in the front of your apartment complex with Pedro pulling up along the red curb. You would've fought him, but you were desperate to get inside as you barely had an hour left.

"Thanks, see you Monday!" you exclaim, jumping out of the car and slamming the door shut. "Let's go, Joon!"

Barely stepping a foot out, you heard Pedro begin talking. "Wait, what are you guys gonna do?"

"Very intense work," Joon stated before turning to you. "But we got this in the bag."

Pedro squints his eyes, curiously scanning your body language because he does not know what this very intense work meant.

Working out? Making out? What the hell was it?

"Of course we do, love has no limits," you declare, making Pedro cough as you grabbed Joon's arm. "Now, let's go!"

"What are you two going to eat?!" Pedro called out, making you heavily sigh and turn back around.

Faking a smile, you gritted your teeth. "Don't know. Maybe we'll cook or make Jules' grab food as we work."

He makes a face, not convinced he wants to let you guys leave. Now that he was here and his day was over with, he didn't want to be alone.

But he also didn't want to tell you he wanted to stay. He wanted you to invite him- but you weren't getting the hint. Or maybe you were, but you couldn't have him in the room while working with Joon.

"That's cool, did you know I make a killer chicken alfredo?" he speaks out, making you pull an interested face as you were very much not. "Especially with garlic bread."

"Make sure to make that once you get home, safe travels," you wave, trying to turn away but was once again stopped by his voice.

You could feel your kindness slowly leaving your body. Was this the day you would be arrested and charged for murder?

"You know what's the secret with making the pasta?" Pedro questions as Joon replies back a curious, "What?"

"The sauce!" he exclaims as you try to control yourself. He was definitely pushing your buttons but you had to stay calm- you had to.

Joon was too interested in the conversation Pedro was beginning, trying to ask what was in this mysterious sauce. You knew you had to interject or you would both be ticketless.

"Maybe you can tell us about this secretive sauce on Monday, when we next see you," you force a laugh, trying to slowly take a few steps back to inch towards the entrance doors. "We really have to g-"

"Why wait till Monday when I can tell you now?" he claps, getting reading to explain his recipe. "For starters, you need a thick, sauce that can sp-"

"Oh my god!" you squeal, causing both men to jump and stare at you in shock as you rambled on. "The parking structure is around the block, my number is 912- just park and come up! Let's go, Joon!"

With that, Joon and you ran inside and Pedro smiled to himself. His planned worked. He guessed the only way to get to you was by speaking nonsense until you gave in- he'll remember that in the future.

Rushing through your door, you took your coat off as Joon pulled his laptop out if his backpack and set it next to your desk.

You looked at it confusingly before asking, "you carry your laptop with you to work?"

"Duh, an intern should always be prepared for computer work," he replies as if it was the obvious rule we should all know.

Shrugging, you turned on your PC and immediately went to ticketmaster, finding that the tickets weren't going on sale until 35 minutes from now. "We still have time to breathe." That was until you heard light knocks on your door. "Spoke too soon."

Walking up to your door, you see that no one was out there.

That was until Pedro decided to jump out from the side and scare the living shit out of you.

"I'm not doing this," you glare, trying to slam the door on his face, but he forced his way in while laughing at the scream you exhaled before.

You stared at him with no expression as he fell to the floor, continuing to laugh as if your fear was the funniest thing in the world. Joon was even silently giggling in the corner, stopping when you made eye-contact with him.

Trying to find a bowl to fill with water so you could throw at him, your plans were interrupted when you heard your roommate's voice boom across the room.

"Who the fuck is making so much noise?! Some of us are trying to sleep- ah! Why is Mr. Boss here?" Jules' gasps, jumping behind the hallway wall and peeking only her head out, too embarrassed to show off her hello kitty pajamas.

"He's gonna make us some pasta with his secret sauce," Joon happily states as she just gives him a confused look.

"Plus, it's almost 3 in the afternoon...," Pedro adds, giving her a baffled look as to why she is barely waking up.

She just gives him an awkward glance before running back to her room, shutting the door. Saturday's were her day off, of course waking up after 5pm was normal.

"The time limit just turned green! Refresh to join the waiting room-" Joon began screeching, doing so on his computer as you jumped around Pedro to do the same on your PC.

Slowly walking up to where Joon was, Pedro began examining the situation you two were in. Reading over your computer screen, his face fell. "The 1975 2022 World Tour...were you guys seriously trying to buy concert tickets this whole time?!"

Joon and you exchanged innocent glances to one another, not sure if he was judging you for your dedication.

"No, we still are trying to buy tickets," you simply reply, pushing him away from your computer.

His negativity was bad luck.

"This is why you were rushing to get home? All for-"

"Be gone, pessimist. Your energy is not it," you frown, moving your game chair to block his view from your screen. "Joon, block your computer, we can't afford his cynical attitude to ruin our chances of making out with Matty Healy."

"Making out with Matty Healy? You still want that? How is he gonna notice you?" Pedro asks, trying hard not to laugh in your face.

You were quiet for a minute. It was just a crazy thing you said because of all the videos you had seen online whenever it was somebody's birthday or they were just a lucky fan in the front.

You weren't actually dedicated to kissing him, but you did wish.

Joon slowly raised his finger, pointing at Pedro. "You're famous, right? Maybe if you went he'll notice us?"

Eyes widening, Pedro quickly shook his head as you placed your hand over your mouth. He was right, maybe he wouldn't kiss you, but he would for sure meet you if he found out a famous actor with over a million followers on Instagram attended his show.

"Not a chance," Pedro declared, ignoring your puppy dog gaze as you just hoped doing it for long would make him so uncomfortable he would give in.

Nudging Joon, he followed your actions with the sad stare, the two of you in front of the poor actor, leaving him really no choice. You were even thinking about calling Jules out to help, but she probably wouldn't appreciate it by her state of looking homeless.

But if it were on a work day she would totally be in.

"You just look like a deformed bull terrier," he says, pulling a disgusted face. "It's kind of unattractive."

"What is that?" you urge, watching Joon hold a laugh.

"The target dog," Joon answers for you.

Shrieking, you smack Pedro in the arm. "My god, woman! You always hit me."

"You're coming with us to the concert," you announce, watching him roll his eyes. Before he could reject your demand, you beat him to it, "if you don't I'm never talking to you again."

"Please, I've been wishing for that for weeks now," he cheers. "Plus, I'm pretty sure I am busy the day they come."

Pulling yourself close to the computer, you check to see the day they were arriving. "So you're saying you aren't free November 7th?"

"Kid, that's basically a year from now. I can't guarantee anything."

"Damn, you're right," you frown, your mood going down. Joon's idea was pretty amazing, but just wrong timing since the concert was so far away. "You can leave now."

"And what about that famous chicken alfredo?" Pedro chuckled, finding your change in demeanor amusing. You must really love these indie boys.

You were about to reply when Joon intervened. "Oh my god! We are in the queue!"

Twisting your head, you could see the clock had hit 3 o'clock exactly. How did time go by that fast?

"Holy shit! Everybody disconnect from the house wifi on your phones! We can not have anything disturbing us!"

Pulling out your phone, you did what you ranted on and made sure Joon did the same. You even ran to Jules' door and banged on it until she confirmed she did so.

Running back to the computer, you could see there was still 983 people in front of you while Joon had 754. "Why is your computer going faster?"

"This laptop-," he sheepishly smiled. "-cost a fortune, but works like a charm."

Turning back to the screen, you saw the purple line move closer. Not even three minutes in and you only had 534 people left while Joon had 312.

You don't know what you did, but God was certainly rewarding you.

"You're honestly really weird," Pedro confessed, staring at your computer screen. "And sad."

"You would be if you were about to buy tickets to see the love of your life."

"I wouldn't pay anything, money can't buy love," Pedro insists, pulling a chair from your table and placing it in between Joon and you.

"That's very romantic," you swipe an imaginary tear from your cheek. "Save it for the cameras."

His jaw drops as you return back to your computer. In a few moments you were about to be inside the room and you were beyond scared. If you did not get these tickets you don't know how much longer you'll have to live.

"I'm in!" Joon shouts, causing you to jump to his screen.

Great, the two of you were going together anyway so it works out.

"Fuck, what's the presale code?!"

Placing your hands on your head as he begins to panic, you die inside. What the fuck were you going to do now? "Go on Twitter and check!"

To say Pedro was not intrigued would be a lie. It was very fascinating seeing how strongly engaged you were just for a damn ticket. To be honest, he thinks you would be great on a reality tv show- your expressions were just off the roof. He wonders if other people genuinely acted like you.

"It's probably something super simple, try 'thesound,'" you exclaim, watching as he typed right away but frowning when it denied it. "try 'somebodyelse.'"

After each attempt of every famous song they had, it was still wrong. What pissed you off even more was that fans were gatekeeping the code no matter how many times Joon and you tweeted for help.

Greedy little shits.

Eventually, your screen allowed you into the room as well. It was no use, you didn't have the code. "I think I'm going to have a panic attack," you clutch your chest as you felt your lips quiver from sadness. "We were so close."

Pedro just stared at you not believing how miserable you suddenly became. Is this how easily young people let concerts take over themselves? Do people really idolize artists that much to the point where they feel depressed if they don't get tickets?

He shivered imagining how BTS fans dealt with this pressure.

"Let me try," Pedro speaks up, pushing you to the side as he began typing away on your keyboard.

It never hurts to try, right?

Innocently clicking away, your face fell as the check mark appeared, unlocking the room for you. "He got in!"

Hurriedly jumping to the screen, Joon urged Pedro to do the same as you began searching through the seats. Instantly clicking on the floor, you hit the continue button for 2 seats.

Feeling your nerves kick in, your hands begin to shake as you typed in the needed information in order to complete your order. But once you pressed 'place your order," your world stopped.

Ignoring your surroundings, you only focused on the screen. Quietly praying, you're sure Joon and Pedro could hear your desperate requests to the ruler of the universe to grant you your biggest wish: these tickets.

You Got The Tickets To The 1975!

Feeling weightless, you screamed so loud you were sure your neighbors were going to call the cops. Joon looked over, doing the same cheers once he realized you two were set for the show.

Jumping out of your chair, you practically tackled Pedro to the ground as you wrapped your arms around his neck and planted him numerous kisses all over his cheeks.

For once, you were happy you managed to outlast his annoying-self.

"I will forever be grateful for your existence!" you cheer, squeezing his poor body in your arms as he tried to remain in balance, laughing at how nice you suddenly became.

Planting a big kiss on his forehead, you turn to Joon and jump together in happiness. You couldn't believe you managed to score tickets, especially floor seats.

"Wait, what was the code?" Joon asked, pulling away from you and turning to Pedro who tried containing his grin.

"The 1975."

You dropped you arms, feeling incredibly stupid. How could you not write their name as a code attempt? It was shorter than 'it's not living if it's not with you.'

"Joon, we are officially the two dumbest people in New York City," you confess as he slowly nods before stopping.

"Not dumber than Jules though."

You heard her door open before her loud yelling appeared, "Well fuck you too!"

Ignoring her, you jump to Pedro who had his gaze on you already. "Welp! Since we got that out of the way, why don't you make some of that chicken alfredo with your sauce."

He smiled before realizing what you were asking. "What sauce?"

You roll your eyes before hitting his side. "The secretive one you were bothering us about."

Pedro bounces up once he understands what he had mentioned earlier. "Oh, right. That one," he chuckles. "I was kidding, I just wanted to see what you guys were dong."

Your face falls as Joon lets out a sad sigh. "Man, I really wanted to taste how thick and creamy that sauce was."

Pedro just tilts his head to Joon before pointing at the door. "It was great hanging with you guys though! Hey, at least we all worked together for those tickets! I'm gonna head out now, have a good rest of your evening!"

With that, he awkwardly backs away and opens the door, quickly running out before you could argue why he would lie about such a thing.

Before you could process what had just happened, he quickly opens the door again and peeps his head inside. "By the way, you don't actually like a deformed bull terrier," he clarifies. "I was kidding, maybe a cavalier king charles spaniel, those are precious."

And again, he runs out. This time, your face was pretty noticeable when it came to how much redness was present. You cringed to yourself, the littlest of compliments always made you blush- it made you sick.

Joon and you exchanged confused looks to each other. Pedro was a very interesting man.

"What is a cavalier king charles spaniel?" you lightly question.

"The dog in the arms of an angel commercial," Joon simply replies.

Reaching his car, Pedro quickly unlocked the door before jumping in. He felt his heart beating fast, not sure why it was doing so.

Was it because he adored how committed you were for those damn tickets? Maybe. Or how your eyes sparkled once you realized you got the right code? Possibly.

How you kissed him and pulled him in close? Most definitely.

But he would never reveal such a thing to anyone. People would take it wrong and believe he had feelings for you. All he had were feelings one would have for another close friend like you.

His heart was beating because he was excited for you, that's all.

Walking around the studio Monday morning was exhausting. Not only did you pull an all-nighter Saturday night because you were too happy to fall asleep, but you only managed to gain a few hours of sleep on Sunday as you were too busy trying to finish homework due that same night.

"Are you alright? Do you need water?" you heard Bella worriedly ask as you pulled a hoodie over your head and walked near the snacks table.

"I need a pill that can wake me up."

"That could be arranged," she joked, stopping when you sent her a serious look. "Not by me, of course."

Bella managed to wake you up a little once she suddenly pulled out her phone and turned the flash on, flashing it all around your face. "Are you trying to make me blind?!"

"It's supposed to wake you up, is it working?" she grinned, still shoving her phone up your face.

Grabbing her wrist, she stops. "No."

"Damn, that sucks."

Somehow you managed to pull yourself together, walking to where the rest of the interns were once you heard all the directors call out for an urgent meeting.

Probably wanting one of you to run to the coffee shop for coffee as usual.

Seeing Pedro waving at you from the side of his cast's group, you smiled and returned it. He then proceeded to make a confused face, wondering why there was an emergency meeting being held.

You sent the same look, adding a shrug because you were feeling the same. You weren't aware about what was going on, but noticing how many people were present- it must be a big deal.

Finn walked in and stood near the director, sending you a smile that didn't look natural.

If anything it looked fake and...sad?

"A lot of you are probably wondering why I called everyone down here on this early morning," you hear one of the directors begin, making some people nod while others just patiently waited for him to continue. "Starting with wonderful news, we have just been given access to explore our visuals and proceed to try out different surroundings in regards to our planned perception for the series."

Hearing a few people clap, you do the same. You were glad that the set was upgrading, but what did they have to do with everyone?

"Unfortunately," you heard him begin, causing your breathe to hitch. "with locations being held in various places like Canada, we are going to have to make cuts."

Feeling your heart drop, you already knew who he was planning to remove. A big series like this can't send interns they don't care about out of the country for help and you sure as hell couldn't afford to pay for the travels yourself if it came down to it.

You didn't want to make eye-contact with Bella or Pedro and feel their condolences through their expressions. All you wanted to do was be cut already so you could go home and cry at home.

To cry over a job was pathetic, but considering how much you learned and loved to manage it for the past couple months, it was sad to let it go.

As the director went down the list of small departments he planned on letting go, he finally made it to yours. "As for the interns, we are especially grateful for the hard work you brought to this set and trying to fill not only our needs but the casts. If we have any open positions in the near future we will make sure to grant you priority, and if you ever need letters of recommendations for your future activities, I am sure Finn would be able to handle that behind closed doors..."

You zoned out after that, not really caring what else was being said. It was the typical its not us excuse, claiming the company couldn't provide for all of their workers yet were able to spend millions of dollars on each location and its visuals.

The meeting was over when you noticed the directors and producers giving a final sympathetic look to the crowd, bowing their heads before walking back to where their offices were located.

"I feel like crying," you heard Jules sniffle, patting her under eye with her sweater. "But I took time on my eye makeup so I can't!"

Rubbing her shoulder, you tried to distract her from her tears coming out as Joon stood next to you guys, telling her funny spongebob jokes that she did not understand.

"Uh oh, Mr. Boss is coming. He's gonna make me cry, I can't hear his sorrow," Jules' explained, turning her back the other way.

"Hey, kids," you heard Pedro lightly say.

"The tears are coming out!" Jules' exclaimed, running away to the nearest bathroom while Joon and you looked at each other, feeling extremely bad for her.

"Sorry about that," Pedro awkwardly started, continuing once you shook off his unnecessary apology. "I just wanted to talk, see how you guys are handling the unfortunate news."

Joon was the first to speak, sounding surprisingly calm for someone who just lost his internship. "It sucks, but at least it was for an understandable reason. Traveling costs money. Plus, we go to school here, we can't just leave."

You nodded, agreeing with what he said. It was true, you should have known this job would've ended sooner than later, there was only so much you could have done inside a film studio.

The series was an apocalypse that needed feature more outside and environmental sets that looked deadly than a building that was only useful for inside takes.

"How about you?" He questions, sincere eyes following yours as you shrug.

"I am sad but that's the industry," you force out a small chuckle. "If you aren't cut at least once, you aren't gaining the full experience."

Right after you said that, you felt tears lining around the inner corner of your eyes. Looking down, you tru to contain yourself. "I'm going to go check up on Jules."

Reaching out for you, Pedro tries to console you but you were out of his reach in seconds. He hated the tears in your eyes and his job being the reason behind it.

He felt as if it were his fault for your departure when he knows he shouldn't.

It also didn't make him feel any better that Joon followed straight after you once you walked away. He knew he had to do something but he wasn't sure.

All he knew was that he would rather see you smile than cry.

[thewritingmagician2022]

Have you seen those videos of the people using buttons to teacher their dogs how to talk? (If not look up Bunny the dog on TikTok)

Can I request a reader who’s been teaching Cerberus how to talk with those buttons and the brothers reactions to it? Or at least Lucifer and Diavolo’s reactions since they are basically dog dads

SO, fun fact, I actually taught my dog some of those buttons as well. Unsurprisingly, the only one that she knows well and uses is “hungry” so I’ll feed her. She’s got a one track mind. Anyway, yes, this is a year later and you may not even care about this anymore but I’ve had it sitting in my drafts for ages and I’m finally back on this blog after some serious health issues and falling out of the fandom for a while. Now onto the actual request! 

Lucifer is unimpressed when you first tell him about teaching Cerberus the buttons. He doesn’t see the point - Cerberus has a job and it requires very little communication on his part, other than attacking intruders and defending the hamily. However, Lucifer has to admit that the buttons do have their uses because now he always knows what Cerberus wants and he actually orders you to teach Cerberus more buttons that he thinks would be useful - something for if Cerberus is not feeling well or if there’s a warning that he wants to pass along, or even buttons to praise Lucifer for being such a good owner. However, Cerberus seems to much prefer the buttons you’ve trained him on, like “park” and “fetch” and “hug”, compared to the buttons Lucifer commissioned. It doesn’t exactly bolster Lucifer’s tough reputation when he introduces Cerberus to someone as a scare tactic and the large dog is repeatedly hitting “nap” or “belly rub”. Lucifer has taken to hiding those buttons to avoid any more embarrassing situations (though he absolutely provides those belly rubs in secret after). 

Though he pretends not to be mostly ambivalent to the button situation, he is incredibly touched when he realizes that you’ve created a “Dad” button as well and Cerberus happily smacks the button whenever Lucifer walks into the room. It’s beyond endearing and, while he’d never admit to it, he definitely feels his connection with Cerberus is even stronger now. With that in mind, Lucifer takes everything he’s learned from watching you train Cerberus to teach him the “love you” button in relation to you. Seeing your face light up the first time Cerberus hits that button upon you walking into the room makes this entire endeavor completely worth it.

Diavolo is so incredibly pleased by this development, both because it shows just how smart Cerberus is - he’s learned so many different buttons - and by how clever you are for teaching Cerberus such a skill. Diavolo is someone who definitely loves those kinds of videos on TikTok and he finds great joy in finding the more obscure kind of buttons, including things like “please” and “no”. The first time he sees Cerberus use the “bitch” button (that Satan and Belphie created) on Lucifer he nearly cracks a rib with laugher (Lucifer would love to do more than just crack his rib for teaching Cerberus that button). It’s also not unusual for Cerberus to hit the “dad” button when Diavolo comes to visit which irks Lucifer more than a little so of course you have to teach Cerberus “mom” so he can hit that when Diavolo is around instead. However, Cerberus seems to have his own opinions on this because he still hits “dad” for Diavolo and hits “mom” when Lucifer is around instead. As you can imagine, only one of those demons is happy with this new development. 

As a special mention, Satan, Belphie, and Mammon absolutely love that you’ve taught Cerberus buttons. They make it their goal to create as many annoying and rude buttons as possible, including but not limited to swear words, why, and go away. They spend hours trying to convince Cerberus to use the rude buttons in relation to Lucifer to no avail. It’s a bit of loss but at least Cerberus has taken to some of the other buttons that they know will annoy Lucifer so it’s worth the punishment they get when Lucifer discovers this little trick of theirs after he brings a dignitary to meet Cerberus and the dog hits a button the loudly yells "fuck off". (They never learn that their lessons actually worked and Lucifer now has to deal with a very judgmental Cerberus who fights with him in private via button, much to Lucifer’s disbelief.)

[pluminosity]

how do you move forward when someone important hurts you?

for me, i am always on my toes. i can be vulnerable but not let my guard down. and over the years this has been something previous partners have talked to me about.

“i feel like i know you but you aren’t letting me experience all of you.”

yeah. like duh. when you’ve been hurt so many times there is no way to fully give yourself to someone unless there is a guarantee that you will be with them for a long time. or that they won’t hurt you. and none of those can be true.

if you are with someone for a long time they will hurt you. over and over again. it’s your choice to continue dealing with their specific actions but feeling hurt by them is inevitable.

( of course, cheating is something you should never put up with. so don’t do that. is it something your future husband would do? if your daughter told you that her boyfriend was cheating, would you tell her to stay with him? is that lustful character what you want for the father of your children?

if he cheats on you, leave immediately. block him on everything and never talk to him again. smile and thank God for showing you his true Self. )

although, there are fleeting moments i find myself building crystal castles in my mind. i put these people in a special section of my heart. treading carefully, they get to see an extra side of me.

and of course, they always do something to remind me that they are just like everybody else. and that’s why detachment is so important. you only have yourself. if you put your trust in other people, you will always be disappointed. nobody is different, as much as you want it to be true -

it’s not.

it’s hard to stay grounded when something irks you so much. but i try. at times, my emotions get the best of me and i give them a big reaction. but only because i care. the better part of me would like to just stay quiet. smile. forgive (if they deserve it). and of course, more than anything -

continue keeping them at a distance.

but at times i wonder if this time - this person could be different. perhaps he will protect my heart at all costs. and keep his love pure. and true.

alas, lust and selfishness will always pierce the veil men struggle so hard to keep. the lack of regard leaves me quite wounded. and disappointed.

so now when someone shatters the castles i’ve built in my mind, i am thankful.

thank you for bringing me back to reality.

yes - you are just like everyone else. there’s no reason to risk putting my trust in you or anyone else. thank you for reminding me. thank you.

and its so nice to know - if you think you know me, you don’t. in fact, you don’t deserve that pleasure. i will forgive you, but you can stay out here! <3

[toomuchracket]

okay so basically after i sent the scruff one where i briefly talked about d word matty help shave you :,) i sent in one on it.. so it’s the first time you’ve showered where you’ve gone to shave underneath the bump and it’s gotten too big where you can’t reach underneath anymore. which leaves you to some teary frustration and just overwhelmed and emotional because (1. hormones) but also you’re just a bit embarrassed because you’ve gotten a bit hairy. so you do everything else and wrap yourself up in a towel and exit the bathroom and meet matty in your bedroom, and you are still a bit flushed and sniffly and he will not let go asking you what’s wrong. “are you alright love? did something happen? tell me, baba” and then you finally tell him what happened and he just holds your face and kisses your tears away and goes “oh, baby… i can run a warm bath for you and help you out, yeah? all the special treatment for my sweet girl, and her hardworking body” and so that’s what he does. you settle yourself in the tub and he’s sat on the outside of it telling you stories to make you giggle and giving you sweet affirmations, ever so gently lathering soap up your legs, running the tool along your one leg while soothingly rubbing the other, not even to mention how gentle he gets when it’s time to take care of your v <3😭😭 not that you ever thought he’d even have a problem with hair, it was just never something you ran into before since you always stayed on top of it, so it flushed you a little bit. but he was so, so beyond sweet about it. :,)

oh yeah i think you getting irked by physically not being able to do things and matty being like "hey, it's alright, i've got you" happens a LOT while you're pregnant lmfao. he ties your shoelaces for you anyway at all times (what can he say? he likes getting on his knees for you lol), and firmly says "don't you even try doing this yourself, sweetheart. i know what you're like - don't need you dislocating your hip trying to get your converse on with the bump, yeah?" when your baby grows so much that it gets really quite difficult to do alone. but re. the shaving - you're weirdly apologetic about the whole thing, him having to do this, and matty's like "baby, you shave my face all the time. what's the difference?", and you're like "well. your arsehole isn't in frame while i'm doing it. or your dick", and matty just smirks like "it's fine i've spent enough time with everything down here to not be fazed". you cringe, but it makes you laugh and relaxes you enough that you let matty finish doing what he's doing calmly. once he's done, he kisses the bump, then your inner thigh, and says "there you go. bald", and after you both giggle he's like "although you look cute either way. my beautiful girl" and kisses the bump again. sweetie pie <3

[secondratefiction]

head cannon, Bella's older sister and Carlisle has feelings for you. (No Esme)

Ok, this is completely unrelated to your actual request, but I fell down a rabbit hole last night trying to fact check a couple things... I did not realize there was a wiki for twilight fanon, and suddenly there were multiple Swan children that I had never freaking heard of before; and I honest to God thought I was having a stroke.

I figured it out eventually, but for a few moments there I was legitimately worried I'd finally lost it.

Anyway! On to what we're actually interested in:

-.-

- Technically, you're Bella's half-sibling, the child of Charlie and his high school sweetheart. Teenage hormones and all that fun stuff...

- To his credit, Charlie wanted to do the right thing, but your mother was pretty steadfast that a baby wasn't enough reason to get married. They stayed friends, and it worked out for the best as he met Renee when you were about 4.

- Charlie was good dad, super involved in your life, especially since your mother never moved away.

- You and Bella were close-ish, as close as you could expect to be with 5 years and over 1500 miles between you.

- Growing up, you'd wanted to help people, like your dad, and in pursuit of that you ended up in the nursing program at Washington State.

- You're not exactly sure what drew you back to forks - Lord know most of your friends couldn't wait to get out and never look back - but you were lucky enough to get an offer at the hospital that let you move back home.

- And that's where you met him.

- Doctor Cullen had moved to Forks with his family just about a year before you got back. Your father had always spoken highly of him the few times he'd come up in conversation. You're mother seemed quite fond of him too... in ways that seemed to irk your stepfather whenever he over heard her gushing about him to you.

- Not with out reason mind you... Carlisle Cullen was quite handsome, you had to give your mother that much. But he was also amazing at his work; not to mention incredibly kind and polite any time you had the opportunity to speak or work with him.

- Which was becoming a more and more common occurrence. Some of the other - jealous - nurses swore up and down he was making up excuses to see you, and special requesting you be part of his team for xyz, because he was either trying to sleep with you or already was.

- You liked to think you were standing on your own merits, and had just proven yourself good at your job.

- Partly because you were. But mostly because there was no way Dr. Cullen would need to work that hard to pursue someone he was interested in.

- Nurse Doris could keep her opinions to herself.

- For a brief moment you thought there might have been something there, but as soon as the signs started they quickly went away.

- Strangely enough that all happened to coincide with the time your sister moved back to live with your dad.

- Though you were still very close with the good Doctor, and - much to Doris's distress - his go to nurse.

- After the Cullen family's rather abrupt departure, you were more concerned with your sister and her failing mental health than whatever your coworkers were speculating about this offer from a hospital in San Diego.

- As much as it pained you, you were the one to first suggest to your dad that he send Bella to live with her mother. Clearly being in Forks with so many memories wasn't helping her.

- That went over like a lead balloon.

- Started doing suspiciously better after the beginning of the year, and you wanted to be cautious, but you also didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth.

- Turns out you should have. Maybe then you wouldn't have gotten a panicked call from Jacob about Bella and a bike accident, and have your sister begging you to "don't tell Charlie"

- Which is exactly what you should have done. Maybe then you wouldn't have gotten a panicked call from Jacob about Bella jumping off a cliff and then fleeing the county half an hour later.

- You were going to skin the girl alive the minute she set foot back in Forks.

- Good news was she did make it back alive and in one piece.

- Bad news was she came back with Edward in tow, and as much as you wanted to, you couldn't punch the little bastard in the face for the living hell he'd put your sister though.

- Like it or not, he was seventeen and you were a whole-ass adult.

- Well... at least there was one sort of silver lining...

- After a week of settling back in, Carlisle asked you to go to dinner.

- He said he'd made a grave mistake in trying to ignore his feelings about you, and he didn't realize how important to him you were until you were out of his reach. And he didn't want to waste any more time.

- Well... At least now the other nurses will have a reason to gossip.

(Ok, that's where we're going to call it, because this seriously got away from me. If you want a part two feel free to let me know!)

((pt 2))

[anonymousewrites]

There's a Will; There's a Way Halloween Special 2023

Dazai Osamu x Fem! Reader

Chuuya Nakahara x OC

            “Happy Halloween, everyone!” said Dazai as he damn near threw the door of the Agency open.

            “Be careful, Dazai! You could have hit someone!” admonished Kunikida stiffly.

            Dazai snickered. “What are you dressed as?”

            Kunikida huffed and crossed his arms. “I’m a scientist, of course!” Sure enough, he was basically wearing his usual outfit just with a white jacket overtop.

            “You look great, Kunikida,” said (Y/N), stepping inside before Dazai could create any more trouble.

            “Thank you,” said Kunikida, nodding to her.

            “Wow! What a great costume, (Y/N),” said Atsushi, smiling at her.

            “You and Dazai are matching. How cute,” said Yosano.

            (Y/N) laughed and linked her arm with Dazai. He smiled at her happy face and nodded.

            “We thought it fit us,” said Dazai.

            He wore an all-black outfit of a turtleneck and trousers with devil horns in a crown on his head. (Y/N) stood beside him in a floaty white dress, gold laurel-leaf crown, heels, and angel wings. They were an angel and demon couple together.

            “We had fun picking it out,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “Ah! You look so cute!” A blur of black grabbed (Y/N) and hugged her tightly.

            “Akira!” said (Y/N) happily, hugging her back.

            “Hey~!” said Akira, grinning at her. “Angel, huh? That’s such a good costume for you.”

            “I helped pick it out!” said Dazai.

            Akira turned a glare on him. “Yeah, well, (Y/N)’s the one wearing it.”

            “Okay, you two,” said (Y/N), rolling her eyes.

Both wanted to prove they were more important to (Y/N). Akira was (Y/N)’s best friend, basically her sister, and Dazai was her boyfriend, the love of her life. They were both important, but that didn’t stop them from “competing.” Honestly, it was amusing most of the time.

            “A couple’s costume, Mackerel?” A familiar voice appeared in the conversation.

            “Aha, Chuuya!” said Dazai, turning on his old teammate. “At least I have a good costume!”

            (Y/N) groaned. Five minutes into the party, and there was already chaos. She was not going to get any peace.

            “What are you supposed to be? A dog?” said Dazai teasingly.

            An irk mark appeared on Chuuya’s head. “I’m the big bad wolf, asshole.”

            “I’m surprised you’re not Little Red,” said (Y/N) in amusement to Akira.

            “I thought a Reaper fit me more,” said Akira, shrugging in her black vest and pants. A cloak hung around her shoulders, and she had a scythe in her hands.

            “You do look good,” said (Y/N), nodding.

            “Thanks,” said Akira, winking at her. “Honestly, we should match next year.”

            “No stealing (Y/N)!” said Dazai. “Go and match with Chuuya!”

            Akira stuck out her tongue. “Match with him yourself.”

            “That would actually be pretty fun,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            Dazai looked extremely disappointed into (Y/N). “My light…how could you suggest that?”

            (Y/N) rolled her eyes. “I know damn well you two get along. Don’t try lying to me.”

            “Me? Get along with him?” said Chuuya.

            “Yes,” said (Y/N) plainly. “Otherwise one of you would be dead.”

            “Don’t try to lie to her. She’s good at the feelings stuff,” said Akira, whispering conspiratorially.

            “Unlike you three, I actually pay attention to my heart,” said (Y/N), smiling in amusement. “You guys ignore everything and get into trouble.”

            “Yeah, but you always save the day,” said Akira brightly.

            “Because you’re just that strong, my love,” said Dazai.

            “Why do they both always compliment you but are rude to me?” muttered Chuuya.

            (Y/N) laughed and patted his shoulder. “It’s how they show they care. Pay it no mind.”

            “Trust me, I ignore them most of the time,” said Chuuya.

            “You couldn’t ignore me if you tried,” said Akira teasingly, putting an arm around Chuuya and pecking him on the cheek.

            Chuuya huffed but blushed and refused to respond to that. “Yeah, yeah. I’m going to go get a drink.” He turned and stalked off.

            Akira chuckled and winked at (Y/N). “I’ll see you later, darling. We’re definitely dancing together.”

            “Of course,” said (Y/N), squeezing her best friend’s hand.

            “And you’re dancing with me, of course,” said Dazai, winding his arms around her waist.

            “I wouldn’t dream of missing it,” said (Y/N), leaning into him. She gave him a quick kiss, and he kissed back.

            “I’m glad you’re back,” murmured (Y/N).

            “I’m glad to be back with you,” said Dazai honestly. “I know you’re strong, but I was worried about you.”

            “I did get pretty beat up,” admitted (Y/N), chuckling.

            Dazai pulled her closer and rested his forehead against hers. “Would you stop risking yourself if I asked you to?”

            (Y/N) smiled. “You know I wouldn’t. I want to help people, and if that means I get hurt, it’s worth it.”

            Dazai sighed. “Your heart is too big, my love.”

            “Perhaps,” said (Y/N). “But I’d rather feel heartache than feel nothing at all.”

            “You’re my heart,” said Dazai fondly. He leaned in and kissed her.

            (Y/N) kissed him back happily. This was everything she needed. Her heart and soul whole with the people she loved.

[variousqueerthings]

Just the old favourites...

AND IT'S THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR! there's four "of the doctor" titles in a row at the end of this, which I will forgive, because the specials back in what 2008? 2009? were also basically about the Doctor, and this is the end of Eleven's era (one episode left after this and we meet Twelve!!!) so yeah, go on, make it a bit Doctor-centric I gueeeess (but maybe a little less?)

anyway, how do we do with the whole... Doctor thing?

sexism rank objectification (female character is ogled/harassed/turned into a sex joke by the doctor and/or a lead we’re supposed to root for and/or the camera): 6/10

sexism rank plot-point (lead female character is only there to serve plot, not to have her emotional interiority explored, or given agency to her emotional interiority): 3/10

interesting complex or pointlessly complex (does the complexity serve the narrative or does it just serve to be confusing as a stand-in for smart, this includes visually): 5/10

furthers character and/or lore and/or plot development (broader question that ties into the previous ones, at least two of these, ideally three should be fulfilled): 10/10

companion matters (the companion doesn’t always have to be there, but if the companion is there, can they function without the doctor– and overall per season how often is the companion the focus or POV of the story): 4/10

the doctor is more than just “godlike” (examines the doctor’s flaws and limitations, doesn’t solve a plot by having it revolve entirely around the doctor’s existence): 2/10

doesn’t look down on previous doctor who (by erasing or mocking its importance, by redoing and “bettering” previous beloved plotpoints or characters, etc.): 5/10

isn’t trying to insert hamfisted sexiness (m*ffat famously talked a lot about how dw should be sexier multiple times, he sucks at writing it): 4/10

internal world has consistency (characters have backgrounds, feel rooted in a place with other people, generally feel like they have Lives): 5/10

Politics (how conservative is the story): 3/10

FULL RATING: 48/100 (if I can count….)

it's got... some points. I am a big fan of Gallifrey being back on the map! I am really into the final bit from Tom Baker appearing until the last little speech. but I don't think most of this hangs together as a coherent narrative, as such. let us peruse

OBJECTIFICATION: considering how many female characters are in this episode, Osgood, Clara, Kate Stewart, Bad Wolf Interface, and Queen Elizabeth, it does remarkably well for a M*ffat penned episode. however. you can guess who suffers a bit -- surprisingly not as much as I'd remember: It's Queen Liz of course (although actually her issues come up more related to this eras ongoing Stuff around authority, and how she interacts with the Doctor)

Elizabeth, you see, is in Looooove with the Doctor, which is the thing that's going to be the single most annoying pervasive plotpoint in RTD's era. she's kind of ditzy about it, even though she's actually capable elsewhere in the episode, and she's introduced in this sort of romantic outing with the Doctor (who's doing it to out her as an alien, which she isn't)

it's not the worst, considering how this character has been described throughout nu!who, but it's also very eye-rollery

BUT WAIT! there's also the Bad Wolf Interface, played by Billie Piper, whom I'd technically be happy to see, and who does pretty well with what she's given, but...

The War Doctor, burning his hand: The interface, it’s hot Bad Wolf Interface: Well I do my best

this isn't massive, I know I know. and technically this is neither Rose nor The Bad Wolf, however... never were these characters portrayed doing this kind of dialogue. the Bad Wolf is kind of a manic pixie dream girl at times, and it irks a bit. it's not massive. but it irks.

PLOT-POINT: Clara is doing plot shit, and not much else. Queen Liz is a joke B-plot point really. Kate Stewart, noooow ok she's got some opinions on things, some things I want to circle back to, but not on this point (but the main gist is, to what extent is Kate Stewart actually an antagonist). Osgood, I'd say, comes out of this the best, she's got a neat little arc with her Zygon self, which I believe carries on into later episodes

and then there's the Bad Wolf/Moment. I quite like the Moment, actually. I think the Moment as a being + a weapon is interesting. Dunno if that much is done with it on the whole (but that's the next point down). I acknowledge that because the Interface has the face of Rose Tyler/The Bad Wolf, I'm treating it like a female character, which may be flawed thinking, but fuckit, onwards, the Moment is a plot device/Macguffin type, because the Moment has no motivations, it just is, and was introduced in this episode in order to give an object around which the Doctor could make choices. and happens to look like the Bad Wolf, but strangely even that doesn't really matter (we'll get to that)

COMPLEXITY: sOOOooo this plot is kind of a series of best-ofs smooshed together. remember the Queen Liz jokes? well, here's the story behind that. remember the fez? Allons-y, Geronimo, making fun of appearances and quirks, check check, Tom Baker (being fabulous), Billie Piper, and... it's a 50th anniversary, it's fine, I get it, but I wish it wasn't so "this happens and then this happens because this is what we need to happen and then this happens..."

and I do like the ending, even though getting to it is very messy

I kind of wish a few elements had been stripped back or entirely away, so one could zero in on some emotional depth, because while there are some great moments (Ten being the Doctor who's always counting deaths, and Eleven being the Doctor who refuses to look at them is a highlight), it moves too fast for you to breathe and take a lot of it in

take, the Moment as Bad Wolf, love it, and they do timey-wimey handwavey you'll forget all of this, so it doesn't totally fuck around with Rose just being an ordinary girl that the Doctor met, but there's this bit where The War Doctor says "oh bad wolf girl I could kiss you!" and she says something to the effect of "you're going to" and Ten goes something like "I'm sorry did you say Bad Wolf!????"... and then we move on

not that this is Ten's episode, but you brought back Billie Piper and not a single little emotional beat of Ten realising that the Bad Wolf in some way is still looking out for them (or hell, Eleven having that beat too, it's not like they're not the same character)

the Time War is the big sufferer of this though. I know it's described in books in a truly terrifying time-fucked-up Eldritch Gods type way, and what we get is a handful of scenes of explosions and screaming citizens (are they Time Lords or just locals? I don't know enough lore to know the details on how many were Time Lords), and this recurring shot of laughing kids around a maypole. what's with the maypole, idk, it's like a symbol for childhood innocence or something in this

if it had made a choice to not actually show details of the Time War, for example, a lot of that could have been left to the imagination and there could have been a different - more affecting - way of portraying the Doctor's Choice. I'm a big fan of the counting the dead as concept, for example, it says something about both Ten and Eleven

also not sold on every single Doctor suddenly beaming away Gallifrey, it's doing a lot of heavy lifting without much explanation about why it should work. a lot of rushedness to get to one single point

CHARACTERS/LORE/PLOT: ohhh well this is the gamechanger for the plot, the shift in gears. no longer a story about someone who carries the guilt of an entire dead civilisation, it's now the story of someone trying to find their way home

it's very much a Doctor story, the Doctor interacting with the Doctor

however there is also UNIT. we've reintroduced UNIT this season with Kate Stewart (daughter of Lethbridge-Stewart), and a "science first" approach. IIIII am not so sure about it all, considering she was ready to Blow Up London, and yeah, that was halted for a second, but for now there's been no follow-up on that first intention

since I'm watching Classic!Who next to it, I notice that the Third Doctor isn't working with UNIT so much as he needs to be there, because there's nowhere else to go, and is frequently trying to curb their worst instinct, and the Brigadier is frequently the face of conservative reactions to the unknown. the Doctor at this point likes him (and also insults him), and I'm sure they'll be going through some relationship stuff in the future

but crucially UNIT's a delicate balance, and maybe kiiiind of in this iteration to, considering Kate Stewart's "blowing shit up" plan. I'm kind of wary of UNIT as uncomplicated good guys, which they weren't at that point, and could be delved into much more. also UNIT feels very... British, in a colonialist sense. there's discomfort there

COMPANIONS MATTER: Clara helps them out a couple of times, but she takes a backseat in this one, untiiiil she basically drives the moment to change Time War History. I feel so bad for her as actress playing a character, because we're given so little, but she's presented as 1. knowing all of Doctor history due to being in their timestream and being "born to save him" and 2. saving Gallifrey from destruction by talking the Doctor out of it???? it's so left-field and not really connected to who she is in the narrative (that is, the narrative struggles to place her in it unless it suddenly needs her). I really like Clara, I don't like what the narrative does with her

“GODLIKE” DOCTOR: this has soooooo much handwavey "the Doctor does stuff because the Doctor can," and in a way it's something I'm like "fine because I also want that narrative of returning to Gallifrey and everything that comes with it" but... I do think there's a version of this story that could have done more to complicate the Doctor, but of course that's a lot to ask of a M*ffat type of Doctor Who

the depictions of Time Lord society are also... look I just don't think M*ffat knows how to do epic particularly well. he tries and it's mostly a bit silly. lot of talking and "trust me this is so cool"

PREVIOUS DOCTOR WHO: oof, this one is... hard to parse. some of this is great. some of this annoys the hell out of me, it really depends on where you land on super special girl of all time the Doctor <- when portrayed as such -- I personally wish that something would complicate this story a little bit, and not just pull classic!who back in order to recontextualise it for new canon that I'm not sure is good enough for it

I really liked the Tom Baker cameo, but I just am not a fan of making previous Doctor Who actually about this Doctor Who. it's a thin thin line to cross over, and not one that can be done by smashing it with a hammer, and M*ffat is a hammer-smasher

that being said that last speech, with all the Doctors, big fan!

ALSO they played both Rose's theme and Martha's for some reason. why would you do me like this???!

“SEXINESS”: well, you know what everyone really missed with Ten? it was a woman grabbing his face and kissing him without his consent, because it's very funny and he's clearly uncomfortable. this happens Three times with the same character (queen Elizabeth)

also a bunch of hints from Eleven at Ten that this is all so very sexy and the like bla bla

there's also a screwdriver-comparing dick joke between Ten and Eleven.... Ten I'm sorry you would never!

INTERNAL WORLD: eehhh bit all over the place, but not as much as has been in M*ffat stuff before, which may just be that most of it has been set up before. there's UNIT, there's the Time War/Gallifrey (if very simplistically portrayed), and Elizabethan Timez. could be worse, could be better

POLITICS: Someone! Take! Authority! Figures! Away! From! Doctor! Who! by this I mean the continued glorification of Monarchy and Churchill and military we've had throughout this era, fuckn stop!

make these stories about people that matter! I note in this episode how little of it focuses on people doing shit, and is just about so-called Important People Doing Shit. the most we get to an ordinary person with real stakes in this is Osgood, who is also UNIT (and has Kate Stewart's phone no-less). yes Clara is... there, but she's there to witness the important shit

it takes the Doctor away from the sphere where we actually relate to them, and into the "actually I only worry about the hobnobs and the important things, the little picture the little person is not the Point"

I think that's what this episode suffers from the most. it's floating away in a balloon with nary a character, setting, or Theme to properly ground it, with the exception of that final bit: "At last I know where I’m going, where I’ve always been going. Home, the long way around."

FULL RATING: 48/100 (if I can count….)

and here we are, one episode from the end of Eleven's era, and it's an average M*ffat rating. bit of a mess, but with an actual good teaser at the end there for once!

I like Osgood, think UNIT has the promise to be compelling if handled correctly, and of course I'm into the Classic!Doctors fanservice. I think Ten is written somewhat to the left of actual Ten, there's some bullshit political stuff as a continuation from M*ffat's bullshit political stuff, and the Time War is presented as a bit... simple on the whole

gosh I didn't even mention John Hurt??? JOHN HURT!!!!! he's really good actually, he sells the weariness excellently and brings the Doctor down a peg from All Awe-Inspiring Heroic Being to just some guy in a bad position. John Hurt also had two of my favourite lines, first mistaking Ten and Eleven for companions (they get younger all the time lol) and then when realising they're the Doctor: "You’re my future selves? Am I having a midlife crisis?"

the interaction between the three Doctors is often very good. Eleven about Ten's Tardis: "It’s his grunge phase. He grows out of it"

ANYWAY

we're nearly there folks!

[tirkdi]

It irked her — she wished it didn't, because she knew that was why he'd said it. "I'm chaining you to me. With magic."

An eyebrow lifted. "To what end?"

"You want me with you? Here I am. But I'm not going to be tricked into disappearing only for you to vanish on me, with a head start on whatever havoc you've decided to wreak. I'm not going to let you leave my sight. So you can hold out your wrist right now, or I'll follow those trees back to find Nikolai, and we'll finish this war." She raised her head and held his gaze, daring him to take her up on the challenge.

He didn't, of course. His expression shifted, more curious than anything, and he held his left hand out to her, palm up.

She grabbed his wrist, ignoring the rush that she felt at the contact of his skin on hers, and pushed up his sleeve, settling the cuff into position on his forearm. A deep inhale — on the exhale she focused, calling on all her practice, and formed a tiny, shining merzost monster in the air between them. The creature vibrated with movement, bright enough that she squinted her eyes. She directed the light-monster into the hollow of the cuff before pushing the two ends together, grabbing the vial David had given her, pulling out the cork with her teeth, and pouring the purple liquid where the edges of the cuff met.

The liquid bubbled and fizzed where it touched the golden material, and when it fell on the Darkling's skin, she heard a swift intake of breath. After a minute, the liquid had disappeared and the cuff had melded together, the seam invisible. Alina blinked hard and wiped at the wetness on her cheek with the back of her hand, smearing the blood that had leaked from her eyes. Her shoulders sagged in exhaustion. Such a small amount of merzost — the physical ramifications caught her by surprise every time.

He twisted his wrist in front of his face, examining the cuff. "What's the point of this?"

"Your nichevo'ya can't go far from your side," she replied. "A mile, maybe? We saw their limit when we escaped with the Sea Whip and when …" She paused, the orphan in her deciding better than to continue. "This one is smaller, so has a tighter radius." She started backing up, keeping her eye on him, thinking about the tests she'd done with David. When she started feeling a tug on her powers, she looked up, and the Darkling's wrist had lifted towards her — her own monster in the cuff unwilling to leave her side.

"Let's call it forty feet," she said, walking back towards him. Enough for some privacy, not enough to start a war.

"David made this special for you, you know." She traced a fingertip along the edge, could feel the slight warmth of her monster humming inside. "It can't be dissolved or broken other than with a special formula that he left only one copy of, in a location no one but me knows." She smiled, not kindly. "If you do manage to break it, though, know that this special bit of merzost has a taste for flesh; it will burrow into your veins and eat you from the inside out."

He looked at her for a long moment, an island of composure in the wild of the forest. "Intriguing," he murmured.

A wind picked up, and Alina felt a part of herself lifting with it, trying to run from the savage, hungry part of her. Trying to run from what she'd done, what she would have to do.

Then, all at once, those feelings she had kept at bay came crashing back through her like a wave. This was it — it was done, the bargain sealed, the sacrifice made. This was her life now. She looked up at the man in front of her — her prison, her prisoner — and wiped her cheek again, expecting blood, but finding only tears.

"What are you crying for, Alina?" he asked. When she didn't answer, he amended: "Or is it a who?"

She would not dignify him with a response. She pressed the heels of her palms to her eyes and shook her head, willing the tears to stop. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"To a house I keep."

She dropped her hands and sniffled. "And where is that?"

"Does it matter?"

for this writing meme

This is a fun passage! This is very much the crux of the fic switching from backstory to something else. I'd had an idea of where I had wanted this story to go post-trilogy, but I hadn't really been sure how to get a setup that would work. On a reread of S&S I realized that this was the perfect way to keep them together: a trick that Alina could use to ensure everyone else's safety, something she'd be confident enough in to agree to his demands. Ok! I'll put the text below, my comments in bold *

It irked her — she wished it didn't, because she knew that was why he'd said it. Getting what he wants does not make him less of a jerk. "I'm chaining you to me. With magic."

An eyebrow lifted. "To what end?"

"You want me with you? Here I am. But I'm not going to be tricked into disappearing only for you to vanish on me, with a head start on whatever havoc you've decided to wreak. I'm not going to let you leave my sight. So you can hold out your wrist right now, or I'll follow those trees back to find Nikolai, and we'll finish this war." She raised her head and held his gaze, daring him to take her up on the challenge. She's capitulating but she's not scared of him.

He didn't, of course. His expression shifted, more curious than anything, and he held his left hand out to her, palm up. What's happening in this part becomes, I think, more obvious in the later chapters. We don't get his perspective here (writing a piece with different POVs was so fun and allowed a lot of leeway!) but later on we realize how unconcerned he was about this whole thing. Here, you can see that a bit – he's curious where she'll go with it, but not afraid of a real consequence.

She grabbed his wrist, ignoring the rush that she felt at the contact of his skin on hers, (girl, pull it together) and pushed up his sleeve, settling the cuff into position on his forearm. A deep inhale — on the exhale she focused, calling on all her practice, and formed a tiny, shining merzost monster in the air between them. The creature vibrated with movement, bright enough that she squinted her eyes. She directed the light-monster into the hollow of the cuff before pushing the two ends together, grabbing the vial David had given her, pulling out the cork with her teeth, and pouring the purple liquid where the edges of the cuff met.

The liquid bubbled and fizzed where it touched the golden material, and when it fell on the Darkling's skin, she heard a swift intake of breath. After a minute, the liquid had disappeared and the cuff had melded together, the seam invisible. Alina blinked hard and wiped at the wetness on her cheek with the back of her hand, smearing the blood that had leaked from her eyes. Her shoulders sagged in exhaustion. Such a small amount of merzost — the physical ramifications caught her by surprise every time. Knowing that merzost would be a big part of the story meant that I needed to set up a structure for exactly how it worked, the cost paid for it, and what it meant. Here we see the initial differential in their capacities for merzost, and her initial reaction to the physical toll.

He twisted his wrist in front of his face, examining the cuff. I was trying to figure out what to call it. Since Alina's necklace and bracelets are a "collar" and "fetter," I figured his should be "cuff." "What's the point of this?"

"Your nichevo'ya can't go far from your side," she replied. "A mile, maybe? We saw their limit when we escaped with the Sea Whip and when …" She paused, the orphan in her deciding better than to continue. I always read Baghra taking the nichevo'ya with her as a way to ensure he came down the mountain, too. "This one is smaller, so has a tighter radius." She started backing up, keeping her eye on him, thinking about the tests she'd done with David. When she started feeling a tug on her powers, she looked up, and the Darkling's wrist had lifted towards her — her own monster in the cuff unwilling to leave her side.

"Let's call it forty feet," she said, walking back towards him. Enough for some privacy, not enough to start a war. The two big considerations when picking a roommate.

"David made this special for you, you know." She traced a fingertip along the edge, could feel the slight warmth of her monster humming inside. It's mentioned later on, but I thought a lot about how for the next hundred years he has a warm, vibrating piece of Alina strapped around his wrist. I mean. For real. "It can't be dissolved or broken other than with a special formula that he left only one copy of, in a location no one but me knows." She smiled, not kindly. "If you do manage to break it, though, know that this special bit of merzost has a taste for flesh; it will burrow into your veins and eat you from the inside out."

He looked at her for a long moment, an island of composure in the wild of the forest. "Intriguing," he murmured. We find out later just how little he believes of this, even at the time. He's right about the flesh-eating part being a bluff (and he could probably handle a tiny merzost monster without a problem anyway), but here he's learning about the limitations in her own knowledge, and learning her assumptions about his knowledge. He has discovered an important way she has underestimated him. And, as always, he believes he is the only one being underestimated in this scenario.

A wind picked up, and Alina felt a part of herself lifting with it, trying to run from the savage, hungry part of her. Trying to run from what she'd done, what she would have to do.

Then, all at once, those feelings she had kept at bay came crashing back through her like a wave. This was it — it was done, the bargain sealed, the sacrifice made. This was her life now. She looked up at the man in front of her — her prison, her prisoner — and wiped her cheek again, expecting blood, but finding only tears. Alina's relationship to her feelings has always been interesting to me. A little dissociation followed by immediate overwhelm felt right for her.

"What are you crying for, Alina?" he asked. What could you possibly be upset about, asks man who has given woman one million reasons to be upset. When she didn't answer, he amended: "Or is it a who?" Also, he's a jerk.

She would not dignify him with a response. She pressed the heels of her palms to her eyes and shook her head, willing the tears to stop. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"To a house I keep."

She dropped her hands and sniffled. "And where is that?"

"Does it matter?" The absolute hopelessness of her situation. It literally does not matter where he takes her – everything will be the same.

[iforgotwhaticalledthis]

You wished to discuss the school of good and evil my liege?

(Dunno where that came from srry)

slamming my fitst on table oh boy do i. Im just gonna ramble about the difference betwwn the books and the movies because it always irks me

So firstly they made Sophie so much nicer?? LIKE NO. SHES A BITCH. and we love an unapologetic bitch in this household. They cut out the whole "she's only friends with Agatha because its her Good Deed", an all the other bullshit Sophie odes to try and get into good. In the books that begining bit is so good because Sophies doing all these good actions but her narration shows like the motivation and its such a good bit of characterization. Also in the books only agatha was an outcast, making them both outcasts makes Sophie seem much more genuine but she wasn't!! Sure i think her and Agatha's friendship meant a lot to Sophie, she was still such a bitch to her!! meanwhile Agatha is completly ride or died for Sophie, even though she gets treated like shit.

Next is how the movie has no one know about the school. Like why??? people knew that shit was going on. Why the fuck would they remove it. I like that they made Lady Lesso a Reader though, i dont remember if the y did that in the books, but it was good character stuff. fleshed her out a bit more. Made the parallels to Sophie *exist* honestly.

Love in the movie how theres the big fight scene with "Toxic" playing absolutely iconic. Loveh ow in the book the wolf toutched her hair and then she fucking killed that guy. iconic of her also. in the movie they added the character that Agatha became friends with, it was goo way for the movie to show the whole deal with what happened to failed students. excpet in the book they turned into the wolf/fairy servants. and the Trial of talents or whatever its called was so good in the book. why did they delete it from the movie?

and then the whole making the wodds fight thing something special? like no those bitches go rabid and kill each other every year!! its tradition

also agatha transforming into a coackraoch and helping sophie, therefore making her top of her class, while also tryign to stay to p of her own clas?? LIKE AGATHA GIRL!! shes an icon shes a legend. And the mirror scene- oh my god. the self hatred agatha holds for herself in her heart smh.

ANd tedros. where do i begin with tedros. slightly upset he wasnt blonde. but man he is the Guy. hes got bot mommy issues AND daddy issues and Weird Wiard Grandfather? issues and he just slays mkay? hes so down bad when he realises who he actually lies, and hes a pompous ass before that.

and then they go home and agathas like wait!!! im fucking miserable here!!!! i miss tedros!!! meanwhile sophies like "yay homesweet home i cnat believe i was evil lol" and meanwhile tedros is like "woman when they love eachother <- Yes i stole that line from cantripped (but theyre actually sisters. its weird. lets not talk baout it.)

Speaking of the ending, the movie having tedros and agatha have that moment of understanding totally messes up the next book but whatever its not like they were ever gonna do a sequel.

ok thats me ranting over thanks for the ask i needed to get this out my system

[dynmghts]

SHIPPING INFO. Answer the following for your muse(s) so people know how shipping works on your blog.

What's your OTP for your muse(s)?

I think it's a little obvious that bkdk kind of takes a lot of precedent for me... But krbk is literally right on its heels, followed by kacchako. Those are my big three.

Realistically, I'm a shipper of Katsuki with happiness.

What are you willing to RP when it comes to shipping?

Barring my hard nos in my rules... Well, my strong preference lays in exploring the dynamic specific to two characters - I also THRIVE in re-exploring that dynamic in AUs, seeing how it might change in the absence or inclusion of certain factors. I love delving into the complexity of a bond and seeing how it fares against personal trials between two characters. I also love anything resulting in angst. Not at all contradicting my Katsuki + happiness thing...

How large does the age gap have to be to make it uncomfortable?

For Katsuki, anything outside of a year on each side irks me. That's because I focus very heavily on his high school years... In a Pro Hero setting, I'm not too inclined to alter that, even though I actually don't mind age gaps in general - I just ain't fucking with it when it comes to Katsuki.

Are you selective when shipping?

Honestly, yeah, quite a bit. I've admittedly explored multiple romantic dynamics of the same characters with different muns, and I found that I click better with some than others, and the way I envision a bond will be with a specific rendition. Like with Charlie's Kirishima! I have been shipping krbk with Charlie for so long and their Kiri is the only one that I can see writing a ship with. (Nothing against other Kiris ofc! I absolutely adore them - I'm just very attached to what Charlie and I have developed over the past few years on-and-off.)

Then bkdk is a special case in which I have two partners; Bella with her Izuku is deeply rooted in my main verse (and we've written bkdk since 2021, so it's a very fleshed out dynamic), while what I have with Pon's Izuku is specifically an AU that's been invested into with like... A 10+ year timeline attached to it.

Even if my partners aren't super active on Tumblr (which, lol, neither am I sometimes, so I'm not too bothered), I almost always have our ships in my mind. My selectivity is not because I don't want a specific ship - because I'm a multishipper and rarepair connoisseur, where I have recently discovered a small following for RodyBaku - but because I'm very established in some of the ships I have.

How far do steamy moments have to go before they’re considered NSFW?

Side eyes this question... Not very far. Besides, I'll never write even suggestive content here. It just feels so... Eugh. You get me?

Who are other muses you ship your muse with?

Do you want a list? Okay well say less.

Main ships: bkdk, krbk, kacchako.

Ships I really really enjoy: tdbk, monobaku, bakumina. izukacchako.

The rarer variety: bakumomo, bakujirou, rodybaku, bakuiida, bakukami, bakusero, shinbaku, setsugou... Very tentatively including bakutoga here.

Most of the ships I have down are more like, "oh, this would be a cute dynamic", but generally (very quickly) removed from canon context. They're also mostly ones I wouldn't think too hard about unless discussed with someone who is interested in exploring that specifically. Again, I'm just here for Katsuki having happiness.

Also very cool with canon x oc stuff, like my ship with Aleera's oc, Hana.

Does one have to ask to ship with you?

Please. Please do. I will be so dumb to suggested shipping context and I'm actually kind of really fucking dense, so my ass will not pick up subtle cues to bring up "oh hey, what if we ship this", UNLESS I've known you for a while... And sometimes not even that. Because I'm a nervous wreck.

Are you multiship?

... Gestures to my list of ships above. Take a wild guess.

Are you ship obsessed or ship more-or-less?

I try not to make shipping a big deal on here, because a ship is not the be-all end-all for interactions and there are SO many other dynamics that can be explored... But that being said... I do tend to develop ship brainrot very, very fast. Sometimes they just be infesting my brain guys.

What is your favorite ship in your current fandom?

You can't just ask me that maaaaaaan, I'm such a strong multishipper and therefore can't pick just ONE. Besides, my ships with my friends matter most to me.

Finally, how does one ship with you?

Literally just. Ask. Gimme a nudge. Be like "hey, so, Katsuki and [muse]: yay or nay". Maybe it'll end up just being a platonic ship rather than romantic, because despite my multishipping heart, Katsuki is the most stubborn muse I've ever had and doesn't go for a whole lot of romance - but it literally does not hurt to shoot your shot. I promise I don't bite. I'm just a little guy. I'm very silly. Given the chance to yap about Katsuki and his potential dynamics with characters, I will literally not shut up.

tagged by: @resolutepath (thank u charlie! ily <3) tagging: stares at u so so intensely from across the ocean-

[ragnar0c]

Hana and Enid brainrot...

🧡+❤

Some spoilers.

Enid's and Hana's relationship to each other is different than all the guildmates.

Remember where I said Alope used to be very aggressive old fic? There are times she is, but in newer drafts, she and Hana sort things out faster thanks to the older cast around them.

Enid however. Enid takes the spot old Alope did. The one guild member who is irked by Hana. Not because they don't understand her. They do understand her very well. But cannot fathom why she acts the way she does even with this understanding.

How do you get visions about the future and do nothing about them? What's the point of having cosmic wisdom if not to share it with others?

With Alope, it's just a general misunderstanding, but with Enid it's a literal clash of beliefs. But still. They have to learn to trust each other.

Enid doesn't HATE Hana. Just like old fic Alope didn't. But every interaction is like. Odd. Not awkwardly staring at each other. Something else. Enid isn't sure if they can trust Hana, but has to. Hana isn't sure she can control Enid's reactions but has to try. They are one of the most important pieces to her premonitions in most cases.

That aside. They do like. Care about each other. Not much at first but there's a part where Enid has to heal Hana... and I think after that they feel close in an indescribable sense. Getting healed by Enid just does something to Enid and whoever is getting healed. Made Enid realize how tiny Hana is, and the qi transfer allowed Hana to feel that Enid has a healing side. (That Enid does really care)

A special thing I've notices when I draw Hana and Enid like being close is that Hana gets... embarrassed. Like she blushes and doesn't know what to do for a bit whenever Enid praises her. She can tell she makes them uneasy and gets excited whenever they feel comfortable around her.... "using my guild as pawns" my ass, Hana. She loves making Enid feel safe and comfortable just like how she loves understanding Alope in her own special way... just like how she loves when Ignis pampers her...... and she loves spending nights studying ancient tech with Tank.

[jameswyerford]

I woke up early today to watch the last twinkmelon ep and tbh i don’t quite know how I feel about it kasjsjsh. for starters I agree with what you said about it. secondly I was SURE that the time travel would happen in the beginning of the ep and then we’d see scenes of the present intertwined with the past but they did the past sooo dirty. NO CHEONGAH GOODBYE???? when her father was like I’m taking her abroad I started to panic and didn’t stop until the very end about what that’d mean for her. just in general the lack of closure with the characters from the past feels sooo gaping. also I didn’t see anyone mentioning it but the family being rich in the future irks me out somewhat. I knew the present would change & having cheongah’s father around means money but that big empty house and family portrait and paparazzi around just added to the lack of closeness between eungyeol’s family that I could feel in the first eps. and why would cheongah want to leave in this place where she had a horrid childhood. their small flat with painted walls felt sooo much more homey and warm :( idk. eungyeol’s reunion with yichan also felt rushed and I kind of wanted them to meet at a similar point they left on in the present so they could reconnect but come from the place of a different perspective especially eungyeol. why do the go back to your father and explain his feelings to him yichan speech if it’s not even relevant anymore in the present!!!!! there are some other things but I guess I’ll leave it at this. as a side note I’m not trying to be negative but the characters and the concept of the story are sooooo good I just feel like they deserved a much better resolution. there are so many things this story could’ve done to be absolutely beautiful them going in a different direction leaves a bitter aftertaste

i think the problem with the drastic change in the new timeline is that we didnt get any scene of family together in the end,, everything felt so cold and distant i just wanted to see them in their house doing domestic stuff? like we didnt need that fancy ending to understand theyre rich and successful now (good for them btw #deserved) i just wanted to see them being... a family (?)

also i agree i hated how they made the family stay at cheongah's house as if it wasnt a traumatizing place for her like they could have put them in a new mansion idk akshksb

and i got nothing else to say tbh you made very good points, specially in the end because it is true that if only the writers had handled things better it could have been a perfect kdrama

[kiddoryder]

V Trap

Sonya and her friends try to rob the Vees and things sure do happen!

Commission for @dustinlaughlin

Hardy and Sophie McKnight belong to @loli-momo1908

Hardy Wiley and Crimson Minx belong to @dustinlaughlin

Another typical day in the Hazbin Hotel has come and gone. Everyone just finished Charlie's rehab activity for the day, so they were free to do whatever they wished for the rest of the evening, as long as it remained appropriate and not destructive, as Hardy had already fixed the wall three times in a row today.

Hardy - *take a breath* “Okay that should do it for now. Hopefully this stays like this.”

Niffty - “I can help with the cleaning Hardy *manic giggled* I love it when you work and show your strong muscles.”

Hardy - *uncomfortable* “Uhhh, yeah, thanks Niffty.” *nervously chuckled*

Charlie - *smiles* “Thank you so much for all your hard work, Hardy. I don't think the hotel would still be standing without you.”

Hardy - *smiles* “My pleasure, Charlie. Now all I need is for this wall to not be destroyed until tomorrow because I used up the rest of our renovation resources. Anyone in this hotel who makes another big hole in this wall will have to stay up standing guard tonight so that we don't get any trespassers.”

Angel - “Relax hottie, no stupid idiot is fucking dumb enough to break down that wall.”

Blitz - *deadpanned* “I wouldn’t jinx it dude.”

Hardy - *yawns* “Well, with that out of the way, I'm going to my room and rest up. Good night everyone.”

Hardy began to go upstairs to his room. Then the TV was on and it was Vox introducing a new show.

Vox - “Hey folks at home! Today new show is How I Fuck Your Brother is having a sequel: How I Am Still Fucking Your Brother. Also other news, if you see radio it just a remind how the radio demon is a coward who prefer to live in the old time like a fucking loser caveman instead of embracing the future.”

Blitz - *groans and mutters to himself* “Again with this fucker. *outloud* Just what is with this asshole's problem with Alastor? I mean, I get that he's a fucking psycho and all, but this is just getting annoying. Just how deep can this bastard hold a grudge, anyways?”

Vaggie - “Oh trust me, people like Vox can hold grudges for a really long time.”

Blitz - “Well, in any case, what kind of dumbass would watch a sequel to that series? The previous series was already brain-rotting in a very bad way. The jokes were weak, the characters were nowhere near charming or memorable, and the plots of each episode were predictable and repetitive.”

Husk - *cleans a bottle* “Basically shows that these shitty shows are basically network fucking cash cows. They wanna milk that fucking cow until it dried.”

Alastor - *smug* “It just goes to show that the picture show is not as entertaining as radio is.”

Blitz: *scoffs* “Whatever, old man. Like your taste in entertainment is any better than his. And you just let him throw his baby tantrum like if it funny.”

Angel - *to Alastor* “Ya know, I been meaning to ask you this, why you and flathead hate each other in the first place?”

Alastor - “Oh, nothing special. I simply declined his request to join his little club. Since then, he's been mildly inconveniencing me by gloating at how successful he is, like some toxic fan who got rejected by his favorite star and would instantly turn into a toxic hater.”

Charlie - “It doesn’t bother you that he always insults and trying to make you look bad?”

Alastor - *dismisses* “Oh please, that pompous buffoon couldn't even get a raise out of me, let alone my attention. Although I do admit it is rather fun to irk him.”

Blitz - *sarcastically* “Oh yeah, it's a real blast to get him all riled up and cause a major black out throughout all of Pentagram City. *sighs* I swear, one of these days, Alastor, you're going to make him cause a black out through the entire Pride Ring.”

Alastor - “As fun as that may sound, even I know he's not that powerful to cause such a thing.”

Angel - *annoyed* “Hey it had happened before.”

Charlie - “It took hours for all the lights to come back on.”

Blitz - “Hardy and I had spend all those hours standing guard because of you. We stood there no matter how tired we were.”

Sophie - “It was spooky being in the dark.”

Alastor - *dissmives* “Oh come now, everyone. What are the chances of it happening again?”

Husk - “Careful, Al, you might jinx it.”

Vox - *on the commercial* “You know we should ban radio because it old as shit and nobody use it anymore am I right?”

Blitz - *groans at the commercial* “Ah jeez, will you just SHUT UP already?! Show off your hate boner on your own time, will ya?!”

Husk - “Sometimes I think that fucker is in love with Alastor.”

Alastor's eyes turned into radio dials for a moment after hearing Husk making that assumption.

Alastor - “Aha ha ha ha! Would you good people excuse me?”

Alastor walks off to what everyone believes is going to his radio station.

Vaggie - *shakes her head* “Oh great another battle between radio and tv.”

Blitz - “Well, you know what this means?”

Husk - *sighs* “I’ll get the candles and lanterns.”

Blitz - “And I'll move the food in the fridge into the cold compartment so they don't go bad.”

Then they saw the lights flickering on and off.

Alastor - *on radio* “Salutation sinners. It is I: Alastor. I came on to talk about how how insure Vox is. He claim he can make these great things and can even protect you from danger. But I highly doubt that he knows if they work or not or if they are even safe.”

Hardy was in his room while this was happening when he sees his bedroom lights flickering.

Hardy - *facepalms* “Oh no, not again Al. Of all the times he has to go do one of his spats with Vox, it had to be tonight. And I just said that I used up all our renovation resources.”

Vox - *furious* “YOU SON OF A BITCH ILL DESTROY-“

Vox began to glitch and then the lights went out in all of the city. The loud sounds of the light going off scared Sophie and hug Blitz. Fat Nuggets got scared, ran and crawled up Angel’s tux.

Angel - *comforting and cooing* “Aww it’s okay baby. It’s okay I’m here. Don’t be scared.”

Charlie - *cries out* “ALASTOR!!

()()()()()()()()

Meanwhile, at Sonya and Liz's place, Sonya was in her bedroom reading one of her favorite stories: Willow the Winja Warrior. A girl who is not only a ninja, but is a witch as well. She travels to fight people and protect weaklings. Her twin sister Liz was looking bored since she wanted to do something fun.

Liz - *groans* “How long ya going to be reading that book? I wanna go out.”

Sonya - “Shush, I'm getting to the best part. - Man who knew a witch can be a ninja at the same time?”

Just then, her bedroom lights went out.

Sonya - *whines* “Oh, come on!”

Liz - “Guess Flat Face blew up again.”

Azarel - *calling out* “Sonya! We need your help putting out the lanterns!”

Sonya - *calling out* “Alright Dad!”

Sonya closes her book and goes to help her parents.

Sonya was putting up the candles downstairs and then Went upstairs to put up the candles. Then she heard small rocks being thrown at her window. She went to her window and saw her friends Raina, Frostbite, and Rimfire.

Sonya - “Oh hey guys!”

Rimfire - “Hey Sonya, did your house lose power too?”

Sonya - *nods* “Yep power out.”

Rimfire - “Ours too. We were thinking of taking advantage of this and cause some mischief. Wanna come?”

Liz - *excited* “Oh heck ya!”

Sonya - “But what about helping mom and dad?”

Liz - *scoff* “Ah, they can handle it without us. Come on, let's have some fun!”

Sonya - “Eh…Yeah why not? When the next time something like this happens.”

Sonya climbs out of the window and joins up with her friends.

Raina - “Being in the dark isn’t so bad. It’s reminds me of the forest but with less trees.”

Frostbite - “I got something for us.”

He show them bandanas and domino masks.

Rimfire - “Why these things?”

Frostbite - “Cause they are cool and we would look cool wearing them.”

Sonya - “So what are we going to do?”

Rimfire - “I suggest we do some looting around town.”

Raina - “Yeah! Nobody would tell. I did that a lot when I was alive. It was survival of the fitness.”

Sonya - “I don't know. Won't we get into trouble? And I don't mean with the stealees, but with our parents. Especially with Charlie. Like if we get caught we would be so grounded.”

Rimfire - *smiles* “Not if they see us. *nudges her elbow* Eh? Eh? Get what I am saying?”

Sonya - *realize what Raina meant* “Oh my spell book! Yeah there are some invisibility spells that we can use.”

Liz - “It should be easy for you. I mean you have been studying a lot lately. You need a break and have fun.”

Sonya - “I guess you're right. *pulls out her spellbook* Let's see, I think invisibility of spells were in page 35. *found it* Okay I found it! One of the invisible spells involve holding our breath.”

Rimfire - *shakes her head* “We can’t do that that’s too much pressure.”

Sonya - “There another one where we have to be quiet or else it will wear off. We can still talk to each other though but not too loud.”

Frostbite - “That sounds simple enough.”

Sonya - “Alright let do this!”

Sonya starts chanting in an eldritch-like language as magical circles appeared beneath her and her friends' feet, causing it to shine really bright.

Raina - *amazed* “Whoa…The sun came down here!”

Frostbite - *chuckles* “No Rainy, we are about to turn invisible by magic.”

Then with a flash of light, everyone turn into invisible outlines.

Frostbite - *amazed* “Whoa this is so cool!”

Rimfire - *impressed* “If I knew something like this it could of been good for my hunting.”

Sonya - “Don't forget everyone, we have to be very quiet or else the effects will go off. So don't make any sudden loud noises.”

All - “Right!”

Sonya - “So, what place should we loot first?”

Liz - “How about a bank?”

Sonya - *shake her head* “No, too cliche.”

Frostbite - “But we could get a lot of money though.”

Raina - “How about a flower shop? They took some of my plant friends.”

Sonya - “Raina, you know I can always ask my cousin Charlie to buy them back.”

Rimfire - “Now, now, guys. I know just the perfect place for us to loot.”

Sonya - “Where?”

()()()()()()()()

Sonya got her answer as they were all standing in front of the V Tower, the Three V's main headquarters.

Sonya - *shocked* “The V Tower?! We're going to loot the V Tower?!”

Raina - “I bet they have a ton of cool stuff!”

Frostbite - “Yeah they could have cool weapons.”

Rimfire - “Personally, I want to check out this so-called "Angelic Security" that Vox mentioned and see if it's a real thing or not, like that Electric Car that he promised years ago.”

Sonya - *calming down a bit* “Well I guess looting them won’t hurt. Maybe Vox has some cool movies and video games.”

Rimfire - “Yeah, and hopefully something that isn't a porno made by that Val douchebag.”

Raina - *confused* “What’s a porno?”

Sonya - *frantic* “Nothing! Nothing important! Forget what she said! *nervously chuckles and then glares at Rimfire* Dont. Ever. Bring that up again.”

Rimfire - *chuckles* “Right. I forgot Raina is sensitive to that stuff.”

Sonya - *whispers* “She’s still getting the hang of modern stuff.”

Liz - “Remember when she thought TV was a light box that trapped people?”

Frostbite - *impatient* “Well, are we just gonna stand here and talk all night or are we going to loot the heck out of this place? Let's go!”

()()()()()()()()()

They saw people going into the V tower and the kids got inside. They first went to Velvette’s room and saw bunch of clothes, money, etc and took some of the money and clothes. Then they went to Vox room and was amazed on the technogoly he got. They look around and grabbed plenty of the latest technology that Vox have.Then they went to the elevator and finally talk and the spell wore off once they were laughing loud and bragging.

Sonya - “Man this is a great heist!”

Liz - “I haven’t had this much fun since Wild Cherri took me for my first bar fight!”

Rimfire - “Yeah the stuff we got were amazing!”

Frostbite - “We will be so popular in school. Alright let’s get out here.”

Unfortunately instead of going down, the elevator went up and it went to Valentino floor. The kids weren’t paying attention and got out the floor and once they realized were they were, the elevator already left. The kids began to look around Valentino’s floor.

Liz - “Man…Look at all this stuff. Some of the stuff actually look kind of cool yet weird at the same time.”

Raina - *grabs a mask* “Is he an actor?”

Sonya - *awkwardly* “Uhhh, something like that... *realizes* Oh shoot, the spell wore off!”

Frostbite - *dismissive* “Don’t worry nobody is here so we don’t have nothing to worry about.”

Rimfire - “Maybe he actually have something that worth stealing.”

Frostbite - *sees the whips* “Never realize he has so many weapons. He doesn’t seem much of a fighter to me.”

Sonya - “Yeah, but why just whips? Surely, he has to have something else that's more effective.”

Liz - “Like a gun or something?”

Rimfire - “He has these board things *picks up a paddle* maybe they can knock people out?”

Sonya - “I think those are Cricket Bats. My dad told me about this sport called Cricket, which is sort of like British Baseball with it's own set of rules.”

Liz - “Oh yeah he would always play with Uncle Luci. Dad swears sometimes Uncle Luci cheats.”

Raina - “Who knew a guy like Val like sports.”

Frostbite - “Hey, I found some balls in here! *picks up a ballgag* Why does it have belts conjoined to them?”

Sonya - “Maybe it’s Vel’s new sense of style?”

Then they heard footsteps coming. The kids began to freak out.

Rimfire - *freaking out* “Uh-oh, someone's coming! Sonya, reactivate the spell!”

Sonya - “It'll take too long, just run and hide!”

They all began to hide in different places so they wouldn’t get caught. The opened and it was Val with two sinner girls. One sinner girl was a cat and another girl was a lamb.

Val - *sleezly* “I’m so glad you both decided to join me.”

Sinner Cat Girl - “Oh no, we are happy that you invited us, Mr. Valentino.”

Sinner Lamb Girl - “Oh yeah we heard so much about you *giggled* we always wanted to work with you.”

Valentino - *chuckles* “So glad to hear that mi armor.”

Val kisses one of them. Both Sonya and Liz made a gag look. They never liked kissy mushy stuff.

Valentino - “Now then, why don't we get down to business, shall we?”

Sinner Girls - *simultaneously* “You got it, Mr. V.”

Sonya and Liz then noticed one of the windows had a balcony with a ladder with it. Sonya began to signals the others to leave by the window she’s pointing too. Rimfire, Raina and Frostbite slowly crawled to the windows. However Raina’s tail causes a lamp to fall and break getting Valentino and the sinner girls' attention.

()()()()()()()()

Meanwhile back at the hotel, Hardy and Blitz were finishing putting up the candle and lanterns.

Hardy - “There, that's the last candle. Now all we have to worry about is standing guard until the power comes back...Again.”

Blitz - *annoyed sigh* “I swear Hardy, one of these days, I'm gonna kill that son of a bitch, Alastor.”

Hardy - “I settle for knocking out his daylights.”

Blitz - *shakes his head* “I can’t believe my parents were ever friends with that guy. *to his sister* you okay Sophie?”

Sophie was sitting on the couch next to Angel and Fat Nuggets who was on Angel’s lap napping after calming down.

Sophie - “Yes I’m okay. Angel and Nuggies are keeping me company.”

Angel - *flirty* “There’s room for one more.”

Blitz - *annoyed* “Don’t push it.”

Charlie - “Do you guys need any help?”

Hardy - “No need, Charlie. We're all finished. All we have to worry about now is preventing any rioters or burglars from attacking and raiding this hotel.”

Then all of a sudden they saw a portal on the ceiling opening. Rimfire, Raina and Frostbite fell on the ground with the stuff they stole. Raina began to notice that the portal was slowly closing.

Raina - *yelling* “Sonya! Liz! The portal is closing! Come down now!”

However, all that came down was Sonya’s sweater and hat. Then the portal closes. Her friends looked in horror that Sonya and Liz didn’t come down from the portal.

Blitz: *surprised* What in the Pride Ring is going on here?! Where did you guys come from?!

Charlie - *realize something* “Wait a second, I know you three. You kids are Sonya and Liz's friends.”

Niffty - “Ooh! The young hazbins!”

Raina - *confused* “Uh…Yes we are?”

Angel - *walking by* “What’s going on- *see Sonya and Liz friends* Hey, you're the little shrimp’s buddy.”

Vaggie - *confused* “Wait where is Sonya and Liz?”

Rimfire - *nervously* “W-We don’t know.”

Blitz - *suspicious* “What do you mean you don’t know?”

Frostbite - “W-We lost them”

Charlie - *shocked* “Lost them?! What do you mean lost them?!”

Angel - *gasps when they saw the stuff they looted* “Where did you get those stuff?”

Raina - “We-We looted!”

Angel - *picked her up* Who did you loot?!

Raina - *scared* “Valentino! And the other Vees!”

Angel Dust - *panic* “YOU WHAT?!?!?!?!?! *shakes Raina violently* ARE YOU INSANE?! NO ONE STEALS FROM THE THREE VEES ALIVE, ESPECIALLY FROM VAL!!!!! HE SHOWS NO MERCY TO ANYONE WHO WRONGS HIM IN ANY WAY, NO MATTER HOW TRIVIAL IT IS!!!!!”

Hardy - *stops Angel Dust from shaking Raina* “Angel, quit it! You're gonna give her shaken baby syndrome or something!”

Charlie - *realize and panics* “Wait, if Sonya's hat and sweater are only here then that means….”

Everybody called Sonya and Liz’s name in the hotel hoping she made another portal and was at the hotel but it sadly proved false.

()()()()()()()()

Back at the Vee tower, Valentino was holding a scared shaken Sonya upside by her ankle showing her to Vox and Velvet. They were surprised to see a child in their tower. They never allowed children to come to their place since it’s not a place for them.

Valentino - *sinisterly smiles* “Well, well, well, what have we here? Looks like we got ourselves a little burglar, and it's royalty, no less.”

Vox - “So, Lucifer's little niece thought that she could just sneak into our tower and steal from us, huh?”

Velvet - “It also the same with these royal fucks. Think they can take whatever they want from us and not give a shit.”

Vox - *serious* “You honestly believed that you would get away with stealing from us, hmmmm?”

Sonya - *trying not to be scared* “Umm…It was just a joke?”

Velvette - *sarcastically smiles* “Oh, it was all just a joke. *scowls venomously* Well I'm NOT laughing, ya little shitty tosser!”

Sonya - *scared* “Ah! I’m sorry!”

Velvette - “Any ideas to punish the brat?”

Valentino - “Oh, I have so many ideas, but I honestly cannot choose.”

Vox - “Let's throw her in a cage until we all decide what to do with her.”

Valentino - “Good idea babe. Good thing I still got that cage from Angel’s last movie.”

Valentino roughly threw Sonya in a pink cage and locked it. Luckily it was still big enough for Sonya to have room, and able to stand. Sonya ran up to Valentino and shook the cage door.

Sonya - “Hey! I’m not a dog!”

Vox - “No, you're right. Dogs are way cuter than you. You're vermin.”

Sonya growls in anger as Vox walks away with the other Vees. Sonya tried maybe ways to get the cage open, but it was not used. It was even magic proof cause the spells she remembers couldn’t open the cage and the lock was a combination lock.

Sonya - *distress* “Man…I can’t believe this is happening. I should've known looting the Vee Tower was a bad idea! Why didn't I talk myself and my friends out of it?!”

Liz - *to Sonya* “Because we get caught up in the heat of the moment?”

Sonya sadly sighs and slumps to the floor. Feeling bad for her sister, Liz put her hands on Sonya’s shoulders.

Liz - *comforting* “Hey don’t worry we can get out of here.”

Sonya - “How? They took our phones, your scissors, and my book. And this cage is like impossible to get out of.”

Just then, they hear some sounds coming from one of the air vents. The air vent cover from above fell on the floor and a long strand of rope falls down. Then, they see someone sliding down the rope like a professional. It was an extremely beautiful female sinner that resembles a pink and white-furred mink and is dressed in a matching red trench coat and fedora. The female sinner turns around and spots Sonya.

Female Sinner - *surprised* “Well, here's something I didn't expect to find in here.”

Sonya - “Who are you?”

Sinner - “The name's Crimson, Crimson Minx. And you are?”

Sonya - “Sonya. Sonya Morningstar.”

Liz - “And I’m Liz Morningstar her twin sister.”

Crimson Minx - *interested* “Gemini Twins, huh? Now this is a real surprise. And here, I thought it was a simple legend.”

Sonya - *happy* “Yeah! You’re one of the few that believe in that. So thanks for that.”

Liz - “Ya think you can help us out? Scratch our back and you can scratch ours?”

Crimson Minx - “I could, but what's in it for me?”

Sonya - “We're cousins with the princess of Hell, Charlie. We can tell her to give you a reward, or maybe even a royal favor. Hell, we can even ask our uncle who the king of Hell for the royal favor.”

Crimson Minx - *intrigued* “The princess, and king huh? Hmmmm, okay then.

Crimson Minx kneels to the finger-scanning lock and uses her make-up kit to open it. Sonya and Liz were amazed at how she managed to get it opened.

Crimson Minx - “Now then, since I got you out, how's about you do me a favor by pulling a distraction? I don’t want those wannabes overlords to be suspious over this.”

Sonya - *nods* “Oh, I certainly would love to. But just out of curiosity, why? Are you some sort-of master thief or something?”

Crimson Minx - “Got it in one, little lady. *gently boops her nose* While you keep the Vees busy, there's something I need to pick up. You think you can keep them busy?”

Liz - *scoff* “Oh please we are the master of busy.”

Crimson Minx - *chuckles* “Now stay here and act like you are trapped.”

Sonya - “Got it!”

Crimson Minx quietly began to walk away. Then Sonya and Liz saw the Vees coming back. Sonya sat back down looking sad and annoyed.

Val - *annoyed* “You better hope those lights are going back on Vox! Do you know how many movies I gotta do?”

Vox - *rolls his eyes* “Relax, it will be back on soon. It wasn’t my fault that radio fucker insulted me.”

Sonya - “You know for a guy who hates Alastor so much, you sure love to talk about him a lot.”

Vox - *annoyed* “What's your point, ya brat?”

Sonya - *mocking* “Ya sure you’re not in love with him?”

Liz - *chuckles* “I bet he want to make out with him! *make kissing noises*

Both Sonya and Liz laugh. Even Val laughed a little but Vox was getting mad but Velvette stop him from losing his temper.

Velvette - “Don’t listen to her. She is just a little tasteless brat. I mean look what she’s wearing! It look like something you see a homeless fucker wears.”

Sonya - *scoff* “You’re the one to talk lady.”

Velvette - *insulted* “Excuse me?!”

Sonya - “You go around acting like you’re all cool with your fashion and media stuff but in reality, it’s boring! You post stuff that people already know or don’t care about. And also, your design and your hairstyle is tacky!”

Hearing those words made Velvette turn red. Vox and Val actually had to restrain her from ripping Sonya to shreds. They are both aware of Velvette’s temper. Especially when it comes to her appearance.

Velvette - *angry and waving her arms* “Let me at her!! I’m gonna make sure her face is tacky and won’t be shown again!!”

Valentino - *struggling* “Velvette, how about you take your own advice and cool it!”

Sonya - *disgusted* “Oh, and then there's you, Val.”

Valentino - *confused* “What? What about me?”

Sonya - “Acting like you’re better than everybody being like an Ozzie wannabe but you’re NOTHING like him. You’re nothing but a pathetic bully with bad vision and even see three dollars in front of him. That’s why Angel is popular not because of you but because he’s literally better than you!”

Valentino blankly stared at her with wide-open rage-filled eyes and a trembling lower lip.

Valentino - *furious* “YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR SAYING THAT BIG TIME YOU LITTLE BRAT!”

The three Vees were now enraged and were about to kill her, until Sonya bashes the cage open right into their faces, leaving red marks of the cage's bars on their faces.

Sonya - *laughs* “See ya!”

Sonya began to run away in the hallway. They kept running hoping they could find Crimson Minx. Or at least an exit door that they can escape from.

Liz - “I hope that Crimson Minx can help us!”

Sonya - “I just hope she didn’t betray us!”

()()()()()()()()

Deep inside the Vee Tower's secret facility, Crimson Minx walks inside and places a pocket flash drive into one of the ports. She then fiddled with the keyboard and began downloading data into her flash drive until it was complete.

Crimson Minx - *smiles confidently* “Like taking candy from a baby. Now for that little Gemini girls.”

But when she turned around, two demon security guards were aiming their handguns at her. However, she was unphased and kept smiling confidently.

Crimson Minx - “Hello boys. I'd love to stick around and dance, but I've got some kids to pick up from the daycare.”

Crimson Minx leaps in the air and before the guards can shoot her, she split kicks them both in the faces.

Crimson Minx - “Hm hope it serve you right on pointing a gun at a lady.”

Crimson Minx runs off to find Sonya and Liz.

()()()()()()()()()

As for Sonya and Liz, they were still running from the Three Vees. Sonya was surprised that can actually run and not send someone else to do their dirty work for them.

Liz - “Geez I never saw them so mad.”

Sonya - *running* “Yeah, we need to find a way to lose them. Any ideas?”

Liz - “We can set traps or distract them with different doors. Like in the cartoons we watch. They always work.”

Sonya - “Perfect! Cartoons are the best teachers.”

As they ran, they found themselves in what looked like a kitchen.

Sonya - “Hey, I have an idea. Follow my lead.”

The Three Vees entered the kitchen when suddenly Velvette got hit in the face with a pie. There, they find Sonya and Liz throwing pies at them.

Sonya - “Eat pie sucker!!”

They continue throwing pies at them, getting them all covered in crust and filling.

Velvette - *furious* “You bloody little knob, this is one of my best dresses! Now you're gonna get it!”

But as she runs closer to the twins, Liz starts pulling cork bottles in the champagne rack and they fire at the Vees like a machine gun barrage.

Liz - “Ha! I knew it was good for something.”

Valentino - *mad* “Hey! Do you have any idea how expensive and hard to find they are?!”

But then, a cork bottle hits Valentino in the eye, leaving a large black eye.

Liz - *mockingly* “Here's mud in your eye, ya fly!”

Sonya - “Ha! Good one dude.”

They high five each other. The Three Vees attempted to reach her, but they were slipping and falling from the wet alcohol all over the kitchen floor. As they struggle and continue slip over, Sonya slides her way out of the kitchen and then pulls out a cardbox filled with mousetraps. She scatters the mousetraps all over the kitchen floor, causing the Three Vees to get snapped by them all over their bodies. One even snapped on one of Valentino's nipples.

Valentino - *in pain* “MY NIPS!!”

Sonya couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Even Liz burst out laughing as well. Unfortunately, Vox was getting very mad as his face starts glitch again.

Vox - *furious* “You had played us for the last time!!”

Using his demonic powers, Vox controls electrical devices around the area, despite the power outage.

Sonya - *shocked* “Whoa! How are you doing that!? There’s a huge blackout with no electricity!”

Vox - “Bitch, not even an outage can limit my powers! I AM the power!

Controlling the electronics, Vox has Sonya caught in metallic coils. Even Liz felt trapped as well.

Sonya - *struggles* “Let me go!!”

Vox - *darkly* “Oh, I don't think so, you little monster! Now, as for your punishment, we're going to have you as our lab rat for my latest device: A mind-controlling chip that will make you obedient and helpless to our will.”

Sonya - *scared* “N-No! Please no!!”

Valentino - *mockingly* “Aww look who’s scared now.”

Velvette - “Oh relax, kid. You won't feel it anymore once you have it on. Hell, you won't feel anything for that matter.”

*laughs*

Sonya was struggling to break free but it was no use. The coils wrapped her even tighter.

Vox - *thinking aloud* “You know, since you are that Gemini shit, you are actually worth millions of dollars for being so rare. So maybe you'll be of use for us by making a fortune. It's the least you can do after all the property that you and your little friends stole, and for the expensive champagne bottles that you wasted on us.”

Sonya - *tearing up* “No please!”

Just then, a flashbang rolled in beneath the Three Vees' feet and exploded, causing everyone's vision to white out temporarily blind them and their ears to ring like crazy. During this, Crimson Minx comes in and pulls Sonya out of the coils. She carries her in her arms as breaks through the glass window and falls out of the tower. But while falling, Crimson Minx activated a hidden paraglider and they glided safely to the ground.

As Sonya's vision and ears were clearing up, she saw Crimson Minx holding her with a smile.

Crimson Minx - “Sorry I'm late. I have a flair for the dramatic.”

Sonya - *amazed* “Wow! Thanks!!”

Liz - *amazed* “You were awesome!”

??? - “Sonya! Liz!”

Crimson Minx and the twins turn to see Charlie and the others racing toward her.

Sonya - *gasps* “Cousin Charlie!”

Liz - “Cuz!!”

Charlie tightly hugged Sonya and Liz. They were so relieved that their baby cousins were alive and well.

Charlie - *relief* “Thank goodness you are both okay. *looks for injuries* Are you hurt? Did they try anything on you two?”

Sonya - “Don’t worry we are fine.”

Liz - “Yeah we are okay.”

Angel - “That's good. Now, moving on from that point, *angrily picks them up and yells* WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU TWO THINKING OF STEALING FROM THE VEE TOWER?! DO YOU HAVE A DOUBLE-DEATH WISH OR SOMETHING?! Every sane person in Hell knows that you should never - NEVER - steal from the Three Vees, especially with someone that is unpredictable, apathetic, and remorseless as my boss, Valentino. If we haven't hired Crimson Minx to rescue you, you two could have been their latest money-making play thing, and NEITHER OF US would want that!”

Rimfire - “Hey dude ease up on them!”

Frostbite - “Yeah it was our fault because we led them into looting.”

Raina - “And it was an accident.”

Sonya - “And you guys hired Crimson Minx to save us?”

Charlie - “It’s a long story.”

Flashback

Angel - *frantic and pacing around* “How could you let this happened!? Do you have any ideas how dangerous this is?!”

Raina - “I’m sorry! I honestly didn’t think Sonya would sacrifice herself for me.”

Vaggie - “Wait, she did what?”

Raina - “When we got caught, Sonya opened the portal with a magic spell. I almost didn’t make it inside because Valentino grabbed my tail. But Sonya quickly grabbed me and threw me in the portal. It showed that she actually does care about me…I’m so used of people betraying me at certain situation like this…”

Charlie - “I can understand that. But I’m marching down to that tower and getting my baby cousins back!”

Vaggie - *worried* “Charlie! You know what the Vees can do.”

Charlie - *determined* “I don’t care! My baby cousins are in danger right now! I’ll even commit murder if I have to do in order to save them!”

Hardy - “Whoa! Whoa! Charlie, I understand you want to save them but you can’t just march there. They know you and who knows what the traps they can do and stuff.”

Charlie - “Well I’m not sitting by and letting those assholes hurt or even kill my baby cousins!”

Hardy - “I can send somebody who is able to save them without getting caught.”

Blitz - “It’s better not be Alastor. You know how Sonya is afraid of him.”

Hardy - “No it’s somebody else. Trust me. They are an expert on not getting caught. Beside, they owe me a favor.”

()()()()()()()()

Liz - “Wow…Well we are grateful Madame Bond here, was able to save us.”

Angel - “Yeah, well, be thankful that you three managed to make it out unscathed, because they would have done the same thing to you three if they caught you.”

Hardy - *sternly* “Seriously girls, you two were very fortunate that I found Crimson Minx walking by while I was racing off to rescue you.”

Sonya - “You two know each other?”

Crimson Minx - “Oh yeah, we've bumped into each other while he was on one of his hero-for-hire cases. We played a nice game of Cops and Robbers, and he impressed me with those skills of his when we got mixed in with a would-be terrorist group of petty and unprofessional miscreants.”

Hardy - “Well I couldn’t let you get hurt or something.”

Crimson Minx - *teasingly* “Aww you care about me Mr. Goody Two Shoes?”

Hardy - *shrugs* “Well sure. You maybe a thief, Miss Minx, but I still care for others' well being.”

Crimson Minx - “Oh, you are such a sweetheart.”

Crimson Minx kisses Hardy, causing him to go stiff and faint on the floor.

Sophie - “Is Hardy okay?”

Crimson Minx - “Oh, don't worry, sweetie. I have that effect on most men.” *giggles*

Sonya - “Well thanks again for saving me.”

Crimson Minx - *ruffles her hair* “You're welcome, little lady. And thank you for being such a big help with my little heist.”

Hardy - *springs back up* “Wait, what little heist?”

Crimson Minx - “Oh, would you look at the time, gotta run!”

Crimson Minx pulls out a grapple gun and launches it, zipping away from the group.

Hardy - *calls out* “Minx wait, what heist were you talking about?!”

But Crimson Minx didn't answer as she already fled the scene. Hardy can't do anything but sigh in defeat.

Hardy - *growls* “That woman…”

Charlie - “Sonya, Liz, are you sure guys hurt in anyway?

Vaggie - “Did they try to do something to you?”

Sonya - “No. me and Liz are okay.”

Angel - “Good, because we're going to inform what happend with your parents! *grabs Sonya by the cheek* Now come on.”

Angel Dust drags Sonya by the cheek as she repeatedly says "Ow!" along the way. Everyone else follows them.

()()()()()()()()

After informing Azarel and Zella what happened. Azarel and Zella were not happy that their daughters were in serious danger.

Azarel - “That was the stupidest! Most dangerous! Stupidest!”

Liz - “You said that already Dad.”

Azarel - “And I’m going to keep saying it young lady!”

Sonya - “Dad please…This was all my idea.”

Zella - *surprised* “You? But this is something you don’t normally do.”

Sonya - *sighs* “I know…”

Liz was shocked that Sonya wanted to take the heat on what they both did. But not wanting her to get in more trouble with their parents, Liz said:

Liz - “Sonya please, don’t cover for me. I was the one who pressure Sonya into going.”

Azarel - “Now that I believe.”

Rimfire - “Wait Mr. Morningstar, don’t be too mad at them.”

Frostbite - “Yeah we pressure her into going saying it would be cool and fun.”

Raina - “And she did save me.”

Azarel and Zella looked at each other. While they were angry at their daughters for doing something this stupid and dangerous, they couldn’t help but feel proud that their friends and Liz owning up to their mistakes. Even how Sonya saved Raina from danger. Even Angel was impressed by it believing he was too hard on them.

()()()()()()()()()

Sonya was in her room reading her book until her phone rang. It was Charlie wanting to FaceTime her. She picked up the phone and saw Charlie.

Charlie - “Hi sweetie! I just wanted to check up on you.”

Sonya - “Don’t worry cousin Charlie I’m okay.”

Angel - *pops in the facetime* “Hey kid, what your jail sentence?”

Liz - “I got grounded for a month with no video games and anime. No turf wars and pranks. And extra chores.”

Sonya - “I got grounded for 2 weeks with no magic, video games, extra chores and going to hang out after school.”

Angel - “Harsh. Look kids, I’m sorry for being to harsh and acting like an alcoholic father. I was just so worried about you two. I mean you guys are like my little sisters.”

Charlie - *touched* “Aw Angel that’s so sweet!”

Angel - *rolls his eyes and teasingly* “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t tell anybody.”

Sonya - *chuckles* “It’s alright Angel. To be honest, Liz and I did deserve to get grounded for doing something like this.”

Liz - “Yeah. I’ll admit it was one of the stupidest things to do.”

Sonya - “Honestly I’m surpsied you covered me. Well sort of.”

Liz - “Hey you’re my sister. We are suppose to have each other back. Beside you suffered enough and don’t deserve to get grounded long like me.”

Charlie - “And it was very mature and brave for your friends to admit their mistake too. Even though it got them grounded too.”

Sonya - “Yeah. Anyway, I gotta go. Have a good one.”

Charlie - “Later!”

Charlie hanged up. Then Sonya saw a message in a group chat of her friends. Frostbite texted “Thanks for saving my sister.” And Rimfire texted “You guys wanna hang out again after our grounding is over?” touched by this, Sonya texted “Sure we love to hang out again.” And “No problem Frost. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Sonya - “It’s great to have friends like them.”

()()()()()()()()()

Meanwhile, on the other side of Pentagram City, Crimson Minx was meeting up with the cilent who hired her to steal data from the V Tower.

Crimson Minx - “Okay got what you needed. Also had to make a pit stop as well.”

“No matter, as long as you got what I requested.”

Crimson Minx hands the flash drive to the cilent and the cilent hands her a briefcase filled with money.

Crimson Minx - “A pleasure doing business with you.”

Crimson Minx walks off with the briefcase. The cilent turns around and walks away. As the figure walks into the light of a street light, it was revealed that the cilent is none other than Lute, the late Adam's former lieutenant and current commander of the exorcists.

The end.

[stickysweetdaydreams]

💭 Capture-Bonded (Boba Fett x Princess!Oc) 💭

(Fanfic Excerpt 1)

*These excerpts will be posted in random order due to me not having everything written in chronological order yet!

*ALSO! this version of Boba Fett is based on his original backstory that existed before the prequels [from the "tales of the bounty hunters" and "bounty hunter wars" EU books.] he is not a clone. headcanon voice is jason wingreen (original VA).

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 

Fett was surprised at the princess's disposition.

Every bounty he had ever brought back to a client alive would beg for their freedom or for some bargain. That's how it always went.

Of course, he would never accept any kind of bribe. As he had told many of his targets in the past, the reason he gets the kind of business and credits that he does is because of the way he conducts himself.

When he is given a job, he completes it, and he does it well. 

Other bounty hunters will accept bribes and things of that nature, but Fett always saw himself as above that sort of thing.

But this princess.

Neph Danae.

She didn't do anything like that.

She simply bowed her head solemnly and spoke with a doleful tone.

"I won't put up any fight. I have spent almost seven months running and hiding, and I am tired now...If this is to be my fate, then so be it,"

The young woman closed her eyes, the veil that draped over her headdress and face were the only thing left to give her some semblance of feeling decent.

It made her feel hidden.

Safe.

"I told myself I would do whatever it took to flee and escape until I was caught...and you've finally got me. So I won't pester you over it. What's fair is fair..."

Her eyes felt heavy with tears despite keeping her voice leveled and unwavering. It felt more honorable to accept this horrible destiny than to outwardly wallow.

Being the first daughter born into her family's lineage after 500 years of only producing son's did not seem as rewarding now as it had in the past.

The way her entire family and planet had fawned over her always felt so warm and comforting. 

She had been praised for being so special for her entire life.

The precious baby girl who would be protected at all costs.

Up until this moment.

Never in her life could she have conjured up the idea that being born a girl would be the thing that gets her killed.

She had pondered over the past seven months if just staying on Mystra under the protection of her guards would have prevented this whole mess, but it was hard to say.

She didn't imagine it would have changed anything. It may have even sped up the excruciating process. Perhaps for the better.

The moment Boba Fett accepted the bounty, it was all over. Her future had been set in stone.

He stood across from her as he watched her sit in the holding cell, her wrists and ankles bound in shackles. Though they seemed pointless after that little display of courage she gave.

She seemed to mean it when she said that she had no interest in trying to run.

'Funny that the first bounty I collect to not plead for its life would be a woman', thought Fett.

Neph shifted uncomfortably, the weight of the chains as well as the silence making her feel restless.

She wanted so badly for the bounty hunter to say something.

A taunt. A threat. A few pitying words.

"All of this will be over soon."

The cool-toned gravely voice sent a little shiver up through her spine in the worst way.

But she sat still.

"I hope so, bounty hunter."

Something about being called 'bounty hunter' by this woman had almost irked Fett.

Almost.

He had imagined it was some attempt at trying to exercise some form of dominance or power.

The princess knew very well who he was. Everyone did. But she didn't seem to want to put a name to his 'face'. 

He was simply a bounty hunter.

The gaze of the T shaped visor felt heavy on Neph's tired body.

She didn't have to look up to know it was there, but she did anyway.

The thin fabric hiding her expression was flush against her face as she stared at him.

It was almost like they were looking in a mirror. 

Two figures in disguise, albeit for different reasons.

Thoughts danced around inside the princess's head as she stared wistfully into the space beyond Boba Fett.

The words that the wise old oracle had told Neph shortly before leaving Mystra had reverberated in her brain ever since she heard them.

But it seemed particularly important at this moment.

'Watch carefully...for a man...Jaster...Mereel...with him you will find...that your fate may be sealed...'

She swallowed hard before speaking, "Do you know the name...Jaster Mereel?"

Never in his life had Boba Fett felt his blood run cold.

Not even back on Concord Dawn when he was exiled as a young man for killing a superior.

Refusing a plea deal as he sat in that prison cell, standing his ground despite all the people who accused him of doing wrong when he knew he had done the universe a favor.

The world was a better place without that man in it, and he got what was coming to him.

But in this moment he did feel his blood finally drop to a temperature that would rival Hoth, before turning red hot.

It was a rare occurrence.

Fett did not usually display his anger, but this got under his skin.

He swung open the door to the cell and grabbed a hold of Neph's headdress, yanking it off and throwing it to the side.

The motions weren't very quick and rash, but more so calculatingly frustrated.

The princess made a poor attempt to skitter away, but Fett crouched down and grabbed her by the face with his gloved hand, making her look into the black T shaped void of his helmet.

"What did you say?"

Neph had been completely startled by this.

She felt her teeth cutting into the soft flesh of her cheeks from how firmly the bounty hunter was grabbing her.

The fabric of the glove was rough against her face, and it smelled like blaster smoke.

She tried to steady her trembling body by taking a shaky inhale, but it didn't seem to change anything.

"I...I..."

Neph was too afraid to repeat herself, knowing she must have said something wrong.

"Repeat the name you just told me."

Her eyes darted around, looking at every little detail on the helmet, taking in every tiny scratch and scuff mark, desperately searching for something else to focus on to ease her nerves.

There was a long silence before she complied.

"Jaster...Mereel."

Fett had now felt like the caged one in this scenario.

Why did she know that name?

How did she know that name?

His old name.

The one given to him in his previous life before he became Boba Fett.

"Do you think you're clever, princess?"

Neph struggled to shake her head, her face still being held in a tight grip.

"I just...I thought...He was the one you were taking me to?" The princess's lips quivered as she struggled to speak.

She truly had no idea why this seemed to strike a chord with the bounty hunter.

Her eyes continued searching the helmet for any sign of what may be going on underneath it, but of course there was nothing.

Fett felt unsure of how to proceed.

He let go of her face, still keeping his focus on her. His stare was enough to keep her from wriggling away.

"Where did you hear that name?"

Neph felt the overwhelming urge to rub her cheeks and ease the throbbing pain, but she opted to just let it alone.

Her hair was very tousled and a few strands of it draped loosely over her face, her bangs having slightly grown out over the time that she had been away from home.

It tickled but she resisted the urge to brush them away.

"Back on my home planet, Mystra...I spoke to an oracle before I left to go into hiding, and she...She gave me that name...She told me to be careful of a man named Jaster Mereel because if I ever came into contact with him then...My fate would be..." The princess trailed off.

Neither of the two moved.

They just let the silence hang in the air once again.

Then the light finally turned on for Neph.

She knew what she had done, and she realized why she had upset her captor so badly.

"Is he the one you're bringing me to...?"

She decided to play coy, being very careful to not let the realization show in her expression.

But Fett still knew.

Things rarely ever slipped by him.

Even small things like subtle changes in a creature's face.

But neither of them needed to acknowledge the sudden epiphany. It was an unspoken conversation that had come and gone.

"Who I am bringing you to doesn't concern you. That's my business. Your business is being careful not to anger me. They said they wanted you alive and intact, but the body can withstand a lot of hurt while still being kept in one piece." 

His voice was cold and harsh as he spoke. Much like the floor Neph was currently sitting on.

She held back a sob as the man in front of her slowly stood up and exited the cell, locking it behind him, and walking away.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 

(Thank u for readin if u read it all ♡ im very invested in these 2...heres another excerpt if youd like to see...)

[novankenn]

Freakshow (5)

/==- Chapters -==/

It took Cinder a good twenty minutes before she felt string enough to stand unassisted. During that time, she was basically ignored by Junior's men, who went about whatever tasks they had been assigned. It irked her that they were so nonchalant about her situation, and she made mental notes to show them all why they should fear her, but first... that bitch.

Pushing off the pallet of kegs, she staggered slightly as she made her way towards the door between the loading dock and the corridors that circled the main public areas of the club. Having to every so often brace herself against the wall as waves of weakness still flowed over her, she made slow progress towards Junior's special rooms.

She knew everything about Junior's operation, well aside from the bomb-shell that Roman had dropped on her almost an hour ago. So she was fairly certain where that little slut had gone. Considering, Junior "asked" for her. Cinder smirked as the sight of a pair of Junior's thugs standing beside a door confirmed what she thought.

Pushing herself off the wall, she straightened her posture and moved forward, putting on an air of importance. The thugs heard and saw her approach. They knew of her, and to be honest after she had "educated" them, they had a healthy fear of her. So they didn't do much of anything when she moved before them and reached for the door handle.

The scent of urine, and sweat, assaulted her sensitive nostrils as she opened the door and walked in. Just past the threshold, she stopped. For the most part, the scene in the room was what she would have thought it would be. A man strapped to a chair in the centre of the rather bare room. Plastic drop cloths covering the floor under him. Junior standing off to one side, his arms crossed over his chest, while Joan stood leaning forward from her waist. Her black painted nails tracing a line along the man's cheek.

Joan(Jaune): Mr Junior wants answers, Reggie, so why don't you just tell him what he wants to know?

Junior looks up from the scene before him and glared at Cinder, who ignored him as she watched the young woman work the man, apparently named Reggie, over.

Reggie: ...

Joan(Jaune): Reggie... come on now. You don't have to be going through this, just tell Junior what he wants to know... (her light tone growing dark and menacing) and I'll stop playing with you.

Reggie: Fuck you, freak! (He snapped right before spitting in Joan's face.)

Cinder's suppressed laugh died instantly at the man's screams as a snarling Joan dug her black painted nails into the flesh of his cheek. A faint golden glow flowed around Joan's hand. The man's whole body convulsed and writhed as Joan maliciously dug her nails into his cheek, drawing blood.

Cinder was not a stranger to torture. She had seen it used, and used it herself when needed. It wasn't a very effective way to get good information, but as a punishment... it was extremely effective.

Junior: Joan!

Cinder blinked as Joan instantly released her hold on Reggie, and then proceeded to sit in the stricken man's lap, like she was some little child and he was a parent. Mucus, and phlegm, dripped from Reggie's nose and mouth as his head lolled forward.

Joan(Jaune): That wasn't very nice, Reggie. In fact, that was down right rude, and I think maybe I should tell Jaune what you did.

Reggie: ...

Joan(Jaune): Should I? Because that will really piss him off, and you wouldn't like what Jaune would do to you.

Reggie: (Whimpering) Please... please... please...

Joan(Jaune): Please what, Reggie?

Junior: I want names, Reggie. Give me the names and it will all stop.

Reggie: I... please...

Junior: (Looks at Cinder, and then back to Reggie) Names Reggie. Who have you told about Mount Glenn?

Cinder stiffened. Mount Glenn was the staging point. A significant portion of her plan hinged on it being ignored and unnoticed. If others knew, then someone might try and go out there and could discover. Cinder snarled, the air about her starting to heat up as she activated her semblance. She would burn the names out of this piece of shit.

Reggie: Morris...

Junior: Morris?

Reggie: Water street.

Junior: Anyone else?

Reggie just limply shook his head.

Junior: What does Morris know?

Reggie: Nothing... just... a big score... out there.

Junior: I see. Joan.

Joan(Jaune): Yes?

Junior: Jaune. Make it painless.

Joan(Jaune): But I wanted to...

Junior: Joan. Do what I tell you.

Joan(Jaune): (Pouting) Okay.

Joan hopped off Reggie's lap, and still pouting closed her eyes. For the second time that day, Cinder watched as, in a burst of light, an individual completely changed genders. Where Joan once stood now was Jaune.

Junior: You know. Get it done.

Cinder watched as Jaune just stepped forward towards Reggie's restrained form. Placing his black nail polished adorned fingers across Reggie's face. There was a bust of light, and Reggie's body convulsed for a second before going completely limp. Blood running from his ears, eyes, and nose.

When Jaune looked up from his handiwork, his eyes narrowed as they settled on Cinder's shocked form. Growling slightly, he took a step forward, and started to reach for her with his hand.

Junior: Jaune!

Jaune stopped, and turned his attention to Junior.

Junior: You and Joan go rest up. I'll deal with her.

Jaune(Joan): But she grabbed Joan.

Junior: Jaune who is keeping you and Joan safe? Who is the person that has taken you in, and made sure no one found about that incident?

Jaune(Joan): You are.

Junior: So that means you listen when I tell the pair of you something. Go get some rest, I'll deal with her.

Jaune(Joan): She needs to apologize.

Junior: She will, after I talk with her.