#and my mom commented on it in more of a neutral way so like whatever

[francisforever2014]

i hate when people comment on my body like even though it’s in a positive way and i’m grateful for that it makes me so uncomfortable when people are like omg you’re so skinny or whatever like thanks it’s the extreme lack of appetite due to mental illness 👍

[ventismacchiato]

O4 stuck with you — screaming and fighting !

scaramouche x gender neutral reader

You and Scaramouche were dragged backstage and away from prying eyes, faces flushed and chests rising as the adrenaline from the argument on stage had yet to wear off. The dressing room was still, only filled with you both throwing insults at one another. The rest of your group members shared sheepish looks with one another, deciding to let you both get it out of your system.

As soon as the door was tightly shut you whirled around to face Scara.

“You just always have to get the last word, don’t you?” you asked, stepping closer to him.

“You’re the one who started yelling at me, I was just defending myself,” Scaramouche replied, his tone equally heated, but his posture was much more composed than you. 

“You’re the one who told me to give up,” you accused. 

“Yeah, give up the trophy so I could hold it,” Scara sighed.

“Yeah, as if you deserve to hold it.”

“Now that you mention it, I do deserve it more than you.” 

“You don’t know what it’s like to actually work for something,” you glared, voice laced with contempt, “You probably get everything handed to you by your mom.”

He glanced away, abruptly uncomfortable. “You shouldn’t talk. Your voice is even more unpleasant when you’re whining.” 

Naturally, you kept talking

“That’s the only reason you’re even here with the rest of us,” you continued, letting your jealousy cloud your senses, “I can’t be the only one who thinks that.”

Scaramouche’s face hardened. He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Whatever," he muttered, shoving his way past you to leave the dressing room before turning around one last time.

“Nobody even knew she was my mother until I became a trainee. I used a different name on the application forms. But if hanging onto that little fact makes you feel better about being so pathetic then be my fucking guest.” 

And with that he slammed the door behind him.

You hated the way he could make you inexplicably self-conscious. It used to be a foreign sensation, one left behind long ago in insecure adolescence.

You stood there, breathing heavily, as the door swung shut. The room was silent, everyone stunned by the intensity of the confrontation.

Lumine stepped up and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, slowly guiding you outside to cool off. 

“We’re also gonna head back,” Aether awkwardly laughed, grabbing Childe and Kazuha by their collars and dragging them out.

“So, that just happened.”

“Shut up, Venti.”

“We really need to broaden your vocabulary, Y/n. Your insults could be better.”

“You too, Fischl! Zip it!”

stuck with you!

masterlist — prev | next

begging u guys to let me use ur usernames as fans in this au pls let me make u a crazy stantwt user xx but pls comment on the masterlist so i see it

also everyone saying scara keeps eating yn up w insults is sending me 😭😭

title from the way i loved you by ts it suits scarayn so well

synopsis — after the disaster that was the live award show, where you and scaramouche got into an argument on stage after both of your groups got a tie for top artists, your guys' PR teams have been in shambles trying to scrape up your mess. that's when the idea to send you both off with some other idols to a remote location for a survival dating show to mend your public image comes up. before you know it your bags are packed and you’re on a plane to a remote island. the only obligation is you need to end up with scaramouche at the end of the show, whether you end up liking him or not doesn’t matter to your managers as long as the show’s ratings stay high. whatever you do in between to get there is up to you!

notes — 👍 leave me comments and asks instead of begging for updates pleek i need motivation to post more

taglist — @na1lea @cindywasneverhere @lunavixia @aestherin @mlaakai @camvrin @retiredmommylover @iheartpieck @jangyung @cartierfiles @loveariel @silly-ez @mochipls @pomeiu @chuuismylife @flowerypesky @creammpuff @justanothertiredreader @boxdisappeared @kissmiere @kissingkzuha @webbywill @kazusboyfriend @s3xpistolss @pjsucks @bunns-wonderland @lordbugs @localgirlywithnolife @kosumos @danfelions @featuredtofu @pinxeajin @herebyaccident0 @haeunoo @scaradooche @pglt19 @chemiru @childesbabygirl @simonisferal @shutingstar @vxcmx @domimiki @ttalgi @esuz @tokkishouse @kitsuvil @scarasmood @ihearttori @nomurahayami @starringyau @androxphobic

[thehorrorsoftheblackbunnymask]

Paid Internship (Part 2)(Prison AU)

Author's Note: This is a Prison AU that the viewers of my blog seem to be pretty fond of. The main focuses for the romance parts will differ depending on the part. The reader is gender neutral and uses She/He stuff, but sometimes depending on what's going on I'll use stuff like Tits. Also, Sully will be in the fic, but I won't use his name. Pay attention to how Liu talks.

Author's Note 2: If you wanna be tagged for part three, leave a comment, or reblog.

Series Summary: Welcome to your paid internship at Roosevelt Federal Prison. After being seen for your potential and skills by your instructor at the Academy, he decided to give you opportunity of working in the US' most dangerous prison despite the disapproval and rejection from the higher ups. However, due to miscommunication and faulty paperwork, you're gonna up working with some of America's most danger serial killers for the semester.

Warnings: Implied Non-con, Murder, Lying, Deception, Descriptions of crimes, Perversion, Manipulation, Gaslighting, Gore, Sadism, Violence, Implied Nudity, Mocking, Humilation, Threats, Mood Swings, PTSD, Alcohol, Mental Illness, Dealings, Attempted Murder, Cursing, Sleep Deprived Workers, Stress, Agression, and More. This AU is not for the faint of heart.

Links: {Part 1} {Masterlist} {Series Concept}

"Oh god, what would Gibbons think of me if he saw me doing this," You said, rubbing you eyes as you stood infront of the door separating you from the inmates.

Liu didn't even tell you what Jeff stole from him, for all you know this could be some sick set up to get you hurt. However, you were slowly growing desperate. Toby's implication that Abbie Grace was still alive was filling you up with concern, she could be alive and out there, terrified, alone, probably hurt. Liu promised to tell you what he knew about Abbie if you gave him whatever Jeff stole.

Getting into solitary wasn't going to be easy. When you were first brought in, you saw a large line of men running into the ward. Based on this, your best assumption was that mostly security personnel were allowed in the ward, and if officers were let in, it was most likely with some kind of clearance. (A clearance you didn't have.)

"Ok Y/N, think, think. What are the pros of doing this... you get info from Liu, but he's already on your roster, meaning you'll be interviewing him some time down the road. But, he seems stubborn, so he won't tell me anything easily. You get to explore solitary! But, there's an extremely high risk that you'll get caught, expelled from the academy, fired from your internship, and most likely get charges placed against you."

You almost took back the deal. Almost.

"But if you don't fuck up, if you do everything right, if you solve this case, you'll be legend. You'll...get praise from Gibbons, from mom, from...," You paused, looking up with a shine in your eyes. "From...dad. I'm doing this."

Walking away from the inmates quarters, you made your way back to the little office Mandel assigned you. Closing the door as you entered, you looked at the little map posted up against the wall, looking for any security storage rooms.

Your plan may seem crazy, but it could work. Your plan was to somehow sneak into a security room, put on a uniform, grab some gear, find a keycard, and get into solitary. You'd be lucky if you even found the security room. The map was hard to understand, nothing was written in words, instead they used symbols as labels for rooms. You assumed that the orange coat for a symbol for some kind of inmate section.

"What would a symbol for the security room look like?" You asked yourself as you looked at the map.

Suddenly, you flinched at the sound of knocking coming from your door.

"INTERN! YOU IN THERE?" A masculine voice yelled from the other side.

Taking a deep breath, you made your way to the door. You couldn't but admit that you were a little on edge. What if they caught you sneaking into the inmate quarters through the cameras (But now do you think about it, where there any cameras to begin with?). That idea sent you into a panic, but you did your best to keep a neutral composure.

Opening the door, you were greeted by a large man. If you had the guess, he was probably was around 6'3, 6'4. You didn't take note of his appearance however, because you were more distracted by the large gun in his hand, and the large word "SECURITY" written on his chest.

"Um, can I help you?"

"Do you have a TV in here? We're checking all offices and rooms."

"...Yeah, why you ask?"

Without saying another word, the man pushed you to the side and grabbed the large TV from the corner.

"Hey! Dude! I need that," You stated, Marching towards the man as he lifted up the TV.

"Don't know if you got the news, intern, but any technology is strictly forbidden on prison grounds."

"...A prison...with no tech? How the hell is this legal, hell, how is this safe?"

The guard didn't say another word, walking off with the TV as you chased after him.

"If it's not allowed, why did I get it in the first place, hm?"

"From some dumbass I bet. Now, leave me alone; I have more bullshit I gotta deal with for the night."

Giving up on trying to get information from the security guard, you watched as he walked off into the distance. But, what he failed to notice was the fact that you were able to steal his keycard from his pocket. One of you cousins was a notorious thief back where you grew up, and he taught you a thing or two about pickpocketing.

"Never knew that dumbass' methods would work," You joked to yourself before quickly making your way to your office.

Opening the door, you took one last look at the map. After a few seconds of quick skimming, you saw the security room wasn't too far from the inmates quarters. It was a few doors down from the entrance to solitary, a pretty smart and convenient spot to hold the room.

Doing a quick check of your surroundings, you locked the door to your office and casually made your way to the security desk. You learned from when you snuck into the inmates' quarters. Even though you were an intern, looking scared and nervous drew attention, making you look suspicious, but if you kept a casual and calm expression, no one would suspect a thing!

"Just stay calm. Stay. Calm," You mumbled to yourself as you used the stolen keycard to open the door leading to the office area you saw when you first walked into the pasta section of the prison.

Taking a left, you did another skim of your surroundings before opening the security door and quietly making your way in. However, the first thing you were met with was the strong smell of sweat and iron.

"Shit...it smells like a high school locker room," You groaned as you pinched your nose. "Jesus...never heard of deodorant."

The security room was set up like a locker room. A few random uniforms were hanged against the wall with various numbers indicating their sizes placed above them. Some were hanged neatly, while others looked like they were placed in a rush. On the opposite side of the room, locked up in a glass container, where various guns, cuffs, shields, and batons. Even though the weapons were placed behind, hopefully, bullet proof glass, you couldn't help but feel like the glass wasn't going to prevent anything from being stolen. One thing you didn't notice at first was how dim the lighting in the room was. It wasn't so dark you couldn't see, but it was dark enough for some things to be barley noticeable. The last thing you cared enough to note was on the wall directly infront of you, a few lockers had their locks still open, meaning either someone was going to be back soon to get something, or someone forgot to close it, either way, you didn't want to stay long enough to find out.

Grabbing the uniform that looked like it would fit you best, you quickly changed into the security uniform. Looking at yourself in the mirror, the uniform was practically riot gear. Using the keycard to open the glass, you grabbed one of the guns from off the wall.

Walking out of the room, you took a deep breath before quickly making your way to solitary.

Opening the door, you instantly felt a shift in the atmosphere. Outside of solitary, there was always some kind of noise. May it be the sound of people walking, the noise the lights made, or just random white noise, there was always something. But here, here it was dead quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. For some reason, you felt terrified to even make a single noise, to take a single step, hell, to even take a single breath. You felt regret hit you like a bus, you could feel your body begging you to go back, to take off the uniform, to figure out Abby'a case without Liu's advice, to do anything but fucking continue in solitary, but the idea of getting praise from Gibbons for solving such a hard cause, the idea of making your parents proud, the idea to prove to everyone at the Academy that you were capable of handling this internship blinded you from your body's judgment. So, as if your body went on autopilot, you started your journey down the halls.

The sound of the heavy boots of the uniform echoed throughout the hallway. Solitary was very bright and clean, walls perfectly white, and the lights lacked the ugly yellow tint the other parts of the prison had. It was such a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the prison. Not only that, but you haven't seen a single prisoner yet. All the rooms you walked past were either empty or locked, none of them had a single sign of life in there. So, it left you wondering, was anyone even supervising the prisoners? None of the rooms were labeled, none of them. No signs telling you were to go, nothing. So, if someone found you wondering around like a duckling without its mother, you'd be caught red handed.

"Hey! You!"

Flinching at the loud and sudden noise, you slowly turned around as you saw a woman dressed as a nurse power walking towards you.

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to dealing with Jeffery."

"Jeffery?"

"Yes! Ever since he's came back from his interview with that intern he's been out of control. He bit a chunk out of Elisa's arm when she tried to give him his medication. And his behavior starting to get...Ben relied up, and we can't have that! I refuse to deal with that fucking freak again."

"Oh shit... Where's Jeffery right now?"

"In his room left of here, just follow the noise."

"Ok."

"Thanks. Now I have to deal with a few injured prisoners in the normal section, have Goosemen radio me if things get bad."

As the nurse walked off, or more so ran off, you quickly took a left and followed the faint noise of screams and laughter.

What you saw made a chill go down your spine.

Jeff was running around his room with three security personnel chasing him as a nurse yelled for Jeff to calm down. Unlike earlier, Jeff's mouth was bleeding, his shirt tied around his waist as he ran around, revealing the fresh scratches all around his arm and chest, and for a quick second, you saw the flash of something shiny on his back.

"Jeffery! Please sit down and take you medicine! Afterwards you'll be left alone for the night, ok!?" The nurse yelled as she waved a bottle a pill in the air. "We've been at this for hours...tasers don't work, pepper spray don't work, and we can't shoot him nor use fear..."

"Is this common?" You asked, catching the nurse's attention.

"When he first got here it was, but he hasn't acted like this in years. Even when he didn't take his medicine, he wouldn't act like this."

"Maybe he's getting bored," A guard commented, causing the nurse to nod her head in consideration.

"Maybe, or maybe it was that intern. I don't know what happened when they spoke, but maybe they said something to cause him to act like this," The nurse said, a look of annoyance written on her face.

The nurse's statement made your blood run cold. After all the events that happened in the past few hours, you were starting to accept the fact you weren't the most liked by the staff.

"What did I even do?" You thought, a look of hurt and confusion in your eyes. "They don't even know what I look like!"

"I'm going to talk to Mandel about getting them off this case, or even out of this section in general. I don't know what Gibbons sees in them, but things where running as smoothly as they can run until they showed up, and now all the prisoners are acting up."

"Fresh meat," The guard added, causing the nurse to chuckle.

"Fresh meat in deed, sharks they are."

"Hey, it's their first day, give the kid some slack. Once the prisoners get used to their presence they'll simmer down," You said, shifting your gaze over to the various cells in the hallway.

"I hope you're right."

As you looked at the various cells, one cell in particular stood out. It was at the very end of the hallway, the light right above it flickering rapidly. Not only was it locked with a different kind of door, instead having the ones with a simple hole with a few metal bars to peek through and a small hole to slide food in, the entire thing was closed, no one could peek in or out. It was also kept shut with a wheel, and alongside the wheel was a bunch of chains, each tie holding a different lock. Whatever the hell was in there, nobody wanted it getting out.

Suddenly, the sound of a large thump drew your attention away from the door. Lying down on the floor, Jeff was being pinned down by the three guards that were chasing him previously.

"Ugh...I'm tired," Jeff said as he let out a yawn.

Taking out the knife from the back of Jeff's waistband, one of the guards slide it over to the guard you were talking to prior, who then placed it in a zip lock bag.

"OK Jeff, just take these and we'll be done," The nurse said softly, trying her best to hide her agitation.

Based on the nurse's appearance, she was exhausted, not only physically, but mentally as well. Her eyes had dark purple bags, her hair was a mess, and her uniform as practically in shambles.

"Fine," Jeff mumbled before swallowing the two pills.

"Finally," The nurse said under her breath. "OK boys, get out."

As everyone cleared out the room, you made sure to be the very last person to leave. Once everyone turned the corner, you quickly made your way back to Jeff's cell. Peeking through the small section of bars, you watched as Jeff spat out the pills he just "swallowed."

"Airheaded bitch," Jeff joked as he let out a chuckle.

"Jeff," You whisper-yelled, causing Jeff to turn his head.

"Awww, you missed me," Jeff teased before making his ways to the bars.

"No. You got something of Liu's, give it."

"Took him long enough."

"Huh?"

"I took that idiot's scarf a week ago and now he wants it back? Is he slow?"

Walking over to his bed, Jeff lifted up the mattress and pulled out a black and grey scarf.

"Here, and tell him that he owes me big time," Jeff said before hitting the door two times, causing the sound to echo throughout the halls.

"Ok."

As you walked off, you heard Jeff burst into laughter.

"How crazy is he?" You thought.

Howver, you froze in your tracks at the sound of chains hitting the floor. Turning around ever so slowly, you saw a pile of chains and locks sitting infront of the door at the end of the hall.

You knew not to go knew it, your brain was sending you all the alarms.

"Leave it be," "Go back," "It has nothing to do with you."

Those words rung in your head over and over again, but your body started to move on its own. It was as if the door had a magnetic field to it that caused you to get closer and closer, your mind was begging for you to go back, but your body was consumed with curiosity.

Every day you wish you never took a step near that fucking door.

Picking up the chains, you examined the material. Pretty standard chains, amazing quality, but still standard.

As you looked up at the door, you felt your mind begin to fog up. As if you were a puppet on strings, your hands reached towards the wheel, and before you could process what was happening, the door was already open.

There was a single light bulb in the room, dangling from the ceiling. As the light bulb flashed, you could make out the figure of someone tied to a chair. However, the moment your body took a step into the room, closing the door behind you, the lights stilled, and you could control your body once more.

"What...?" You said, turning behind you.

Sitting in the chair was a man, couldn't be older than 25. His head was facing the floor, his blonde hair hiding his features, but it couldn't hide his pointed ears. Heavy chains were keeping him bound to the chair. There was no bed, no sink, no toilet, no trays, nothing. The room was completely bare, the only things taking up space was you, the chair, and him.

As if he could sense your fear, the man slowly lifted his head, his head remaining tilted to side as he looked at you. His bright green eyes bored into your soul. The chill that went down your spine was indescribable. And that smile. It was something you could never forget. The dilated pupils, his wide, sinister smile, and the crazed look on his face. It still gives you nightmares.

"What...are you."

You didn't even think about your words. Whoever he was, he wasn't human.

CRACK!

You flinched as the sound of chains hit the floor once more. He broke off his chains.

Gibbons never trained you for a situation like this, saying that they would teach you once you got a job in a prison. So, all you could do was stare, pushing yourself as far back against the wall as you could.

As he made his way towards you, you felt your life flash before your eyes. The only thing you could think about was never being able to show your parents your certificate from the academy, how they'd never see you walk across the stage, and the sight of them seeing you body in a casket.

As he stared down at you, all you could do was cry. But then, all you heard was...

Laughter?

Looking up, all you saw was him throwing his head back in laughter, clapping his hands as he did.

"YOU SHOULD SEE YOUR FACE!" The man yelled as he sat down in front of you, holding his stomach.

All fear you had was traded with confusion.

"...What?"

"You're, you're that intern, right?"

"Uh, no?"

"Liar," The man said before booking your nose. "You're hot for an intern."

"..."

Standing up, the man reached his hand out towards you. "Name's Ben."

You swore you had heard that name before, but you couldn't place your hands on where.

Taking his hand, Ben pulled you up with a suprising amount of strength. Due to the how hard he pulled you, you ended up stumbling into his arms, causing his to wrap his arms around your waist.

You knew better than to think this, but you couldn't ignore how attractive, or more so how cute he was. Despite being in prison, his hair was relatively neat, and his smile and freckles were adorable.

If only you knew...

"I, uh... I didn't mean to come in here."

"I know!"

"...How?"

"You got a phone in your, left, no, right back pocket, along with a keycard that you stole," Ben said before leaning in, a teasing but flirtous look in his eyes, "Pretty illegal Little Miss/Mr. Intern."

Oh my god you could die right now. You were never one to fall so easily for someone's advances, but the way he spoke, the look in his eyes, and the way his arms wrapped around your waist made you melt.

"Can I see your phone?"

"O-Ok."

You didn't even think twice.

What was he doing to you? You were always reasonable, you rarely allowed yourself to fall into such emotions.

It didn't matter how he made you feel or react, he's a criminal, and if his room was this this locked up, that meant he was dangerous from the rest. Despite how fogged up your mind was, that was the one thing that you could think straightly about.

While you were distracted by your conflicting emotions, Ben was quickly slipped your phone into the pockets of his pants.

"Why don't we take this off," Ben said before pulling the helmet off your head.

Now that he had a good look at your face, Ben could feel his smile only growing wider. Thoughts raced through his head as he looked at you.

Disgusting.

Suddenly, he kissed you. You wanted to push him away, tell him that you couldn't put this opportunity at risk, but you just couldn't. Instead, you leaned into it, your body moving on its own.

"No, no we can't...I can't lose this," You said as you pulled away from the kiss.

"No one's going go find out " Ben responded, pulling you closer. "No one comes in here anyways."

You shouldn't believe his words, he's a criminal, you know better. Don't let every Gibbons taught you be all for nothing.

"...ok."

As Ben kissed you again, much rougher this time, you felt your mind go blank. As his tongue slipped into your mouth, his hands taking off the guard uniform, your hands made their way under his shirt.

Stop. Stop now. Go back. Leave.

The two of you then sunk to the floor, you straddling his hips as he gripped your hair.

As his hands pulled down your pants, you felt as if none of this mattered. The internship you worked months to get. It just, didn't matter anymore. Your mind was blank.

The room then went black, the only thing you could see was his eyes. All you could feel was his hands roaming your body touching every last bit of you. All you could remember was you straddling his lap, one of his hands holding your arms back as his other gripped your hair, forcing you into a kiss. You felt everything. And it all felt sooooo...painfully good.

"M-Mh fuck baby~ I ain't ever gonna stop..."

-------------------------------------------------------------

You never hated yourself more.

The entire event was a blur. Your mind and body weren't even on the same page, hell, they weren't even reading the same book. You didn't even feel like yourself during the whole endevour, it felt as if someone was wearing your skin, acting as you while you watched from the outside.

You had the power to stop it, you were an officer afterall. But the look he gave you, the touches, the words of reassurance, it was all intoxicating and so painfully mind numbing.

Did you even want it? You didn't even know. Moments before, when you felt in control of yourself, all you could feel was fear. He wasn't safe, he wanted to hurt you, but why didn't he? You were right there.

You didn't want to see him again, not at all. He was fucking with your head. You can't trust him, but anytime he's around it's as if all logic and sense leaves your body. You were completely at his will and he barely had to try.

But, something about him made him addicting. The way he's making you feel isn't normal, the way you so blindly opened the door wasn't normal, the patchy memories weren't normal. HE WASN'T NORMAL. He's doing this to you, but how?

"Y/N!"

Shooting up, you were no longer in solitary, but instead you were back in your office. Liu's scarf was placed neatly on you lap, and on your desk was you phone.

Standing at the desk was a very tired, but concerned Mandel.

"Ma'am?"

"I came in to check on you two hours ago, but you weren't here. Came back an hour ago, still not here. Came back five minutes ago, still not here. But when I come back now, FAST ASLEEP. Where. Were. You."

"...I was...I... I was trying to get my TV back from a guard..."

"One, for two hours? And two, who gave you one to begin with?"

"Um...Yeah, and I don't know..." "...Ugh...Wait, why the hell do you have a phone?" "Why wouldn't I?"

"Our prison doesn't allow tech due to a certain inmate."

"Why?" You asked, your blood going cold.

"He's able to control any kind of technology in a twenty-five mile radius. He's able to travel from tech to tech, he's one of our nonhuman inmates."

"What is he?"

Mandel looked around in the hallway before fully entering the room.

"We're not allowed to talk about him...but I'll tell you," Mandel said before taking a seat in front of you. "I won't say names, but he's a ghost. He was sacraficed by a cult, and came back as a vengeful spirt. He died relatively young based off what he told us, but he seems to be aging even as ghost. The longer we keep him, the harder it is to keep him under control. Not only that, but he's getting stronger too."

"...Will I be interacting with him at all?"

"What?! No! Are you crazy? You may be handling the Abbie Grace case, but he is far too dangerous for you. He's already on death row, Y/N, have you noticed that no one else is despite their crimes? I want you to focus on this case and nothing else. I don't want you interacting with inmates outside of the ones I assign you," Mandel said before leaning into your face, her eyes glaring into yours. "And I'll know if you do."

"...Y-Yes ma'am."

Picking up a file on the table, Mandel skimmed through the folder before speaking to you. "How did Toby's interview go?"

"Ma'am, have any of you guys thought of the possibility that Abbie still might be alive?"

Mandel's posture immediately straightened as she looked up at you, the atmosphere of the room changing into a more serious tone. Lowering the file, Mandel spoke, "What happened?"

"Getting Tobias to talk was a challenge. He kept teasing and refused to corporate. I asked him a few questions just to get a rough idea on his personality and patterns, just to get to know him better," You replied, sitting up straight as you played with the hair tie that was wrapped around your wrist. "When I bought up Jeff he finally started talking. Gibbons taught me to look into the way someone spoke, and when Tobias was talking about Abbie, he was talking about her in the present tense. When I asked him if she was dead, he said that he never said she wasn't."

Mandel's eyes widened in shock after you spoke. You neve saw Mandel so expressive due to her face being caught in constant exhaustion. "Never... We never found her body so we assumed she was dead. But, I'm not sure if we can take his word for it."

"How so?"

"He may not look like it, but Toby is a pretty good liar, anything he says we take with a grain of salt."

"Who else if involved in the case?"

"Jeff, Toby, and this Boss character from what we know."

"What if we get someone besides Toby to tell us if she's dead or not?"

"Hm... Jeff might, but his awnsers really depends on his mood."

"What about this Boss guy?"

"Here's the thing, we don't know who he is."

"What? What do you mean?"

"We've caught every pasta we know of, except for the guy they call Boss. But, there's also the possibility that the Boss isn't just one guy. Based off what we know about the proxies, one of their bosses is a man known as Slenderman, but we don't even know if he's real. He's only a legend, there's no picture of him, nor has he committed any acts himself. But, when Timothy and Brian first got here, they heavily implied that there way another boss. They didn't say any names, but that's what they implied. We also don't know if they're all working for the same boss. When Jeff calls someone the Boss, he can be talking about a completely different person than Toby," Mandel stated before hiding her face in her hands. "This case in so confusing..."

"Tell me about it," You said before looking up at Mandel. "So, what should we do?"

"Hm?"

"I mean, if Toby's right, this changes how we'll go about the case. It wouldn't be a murder case anymore but instead a missing person's."

"How we'll go about it isn't much of your concern. As you have interviews with the suspects, we're also having interviews with them as well, just to compare and contrast statements and behaviors. Keep in mind, you're still in training, and this is an internship afterall. Don't get ahead of yourself."

"I knowww, but this is such an exciting experience! I've been trusted to work with the worst criminals in the country, it's truly an honor."

"It's an honor til your working 22 hour shifts," Mandel stated bluntly before opening a redbull that she pulled out of her pockets. "I'm going to leave you to your devices."

"Is their anything you want me to do in particular?"

"Hmmm... Ask Chief Salloum for some evidence we collected on Abbie's case, I want you to look into and see if there's one, any clues on where she can be if she's still alive, and two, just look for anything you think is important. In the mean time, I'll try to get you an interview with Jeffery by the end of the week."

"OK Ma'am. Also, um, where can I find Chief Salloum?'

"Salloum is next to Banklin's Office. Salloum is leading the investigation while Banklin is handling the officers, he might have some information, but I'm not entirely sure," Mandel stated as she opened the door, "Good luck, Kiddo."

As the door closes after Mandel, you didn't even notice how long you were holding your breath for. What Mandel said about this ghost inmate really sent your mind into a frenzy. Whoever he was, they clearly wanted to keep him a secret.

"OK. Should I meet up with Liu or Salloum?" You asked yourself as you looked down at Liu's scarf.

After interacting wuth the Woods brothers, you couldn't help but notice how different they were from each other. Jeff was loud, perverted, sadistic, playful, and emotional, while Liu was more quiet and reserved, but his behavior was flipping. When you first met Liu, he was playful and painfully teasing, but when you met with him again at the cells, he was quiet and acted like he didn't want to speak with you at all. To be honest, you didn't know what was scarier, Jeff's weird unapologetic personality, or Liu's bipolar one.

"Liu."

Standing up from your desk, you wasted no time as you made your way back to the inmate quarters.

Checking the time in your phone, you noticed that it was 2AM. When you got here with Gibbons, it was around 6 or 7, and based on the waiver and contract Gibbons had you sign, you wouldn't be let out til 7AM.

As you walked towards the door of the quarters, you flinched at the sound of banging on the glass. Turning your head, you felt yourself ease up as you made eye contact with a pair of dark green eyes.

Raising up the scarf, you could feel Liu smile from beyond the glass. Liu's smile was different from everyone else's, it was soft, it was genuine.

Entering the quarters, Liu was waiting for you on the other side. Handing him the scarf, he stared at it for a bit before putting it on.

"Fucking asshole."

"Sorry it took so long, stuff came up."

Liu only glanced at you before rolling his eyes.

"This isn't even all of it," Liu said bluntly.

"What? This is all Jeff gave me. What else does he have"

"My gun."

"...oh... So uh, deals off?"

Liu didn't say another word as he grabbed your wrist, dragging you towards a cell.

"...ugh," A voice from the top bunk said.

Looking up, all you saw was the top half of Toby's body dangling from the top bunk.

"Are you drunk?" Liu asked honestly, poking at the man's face.

"Maybeeeee," Toby said before reaching out to Liu, making kissing noises as he did.

"Go to bed, Tobias," Liu said, pushing Toby's body back onto his bed. "Got any more?"

"Under the desk," Toby said as he face planted into his pillow.

Picking up the bottle, Liu sat down on the bed as he opened it. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything you know."

"Pretty vague to be honest."

"Alright then... What did you do to Abbie?"

"Even more vague."

"How?!"

"Cause I said so," Liu said before taking a sip of his alcohol, hiding his amusement as Toby giggled.

"He ain't telling you shit!" Toby yelled before bursting out into laughter.

"Shut up, Ticci," Liu said.

"Don't call me that," Toby slurred.

"Whatever."

"Enough! I don't have time for this. Where is Abbie?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know."

"I wasn't the last one to have her."

"Last one?! How many people was she with?"

"Too vague."

This man was going to be the death of you.

Groaning into your hands, you thought about your most important question.

"Is he awake?" You asked, pointing to Toby.

Peeking over the bunk, Toby was sound asleep, snoring into his pillow as he did.

"No."

"...Is Abbie Grace alive?"

That was the first time you saw a reaction from Liu. The best you could describe his face was stumped.

"Why you ask?"

"Just awnser the question."

Liu's face went back to his numb expression before glancing upwards.

Without saying another word, Liu nodded his head. That was all the conformation you needed.

"Where is she, Liu."

"I don't know, and this isn't an interview, so I have no obligation to anwser."

"How would you feel if I told the head of this side that you have a gun in your possession?"

"One, you don't even know who that is, two, I don't have it, Jeff does, and three, how would you feel if I told Mandel that not only did you sneak into here, did a favor for a prisoner, but you also slept with one as well?" Liu said, leaning in so close to your face that your noses were just barely touching. "That's pretty punishable."

You felt your blood run cold, and he could see it on your face.

"Yeah, that's what I thought," Liu said before pushing himself against the wall. "Don't talk all big when your small, sweetie."

"How did you know..."

"Know what?"

"W-What you just said."

"I didn't say anything."

Both of you knew what he said; you could see the amusement in his eyes.

"Ooooo, what'll happen if Banklin finds out that the intern slept with dear old Benjamin...Intership go bye bye," Liu joked, waving his hand before laughing. "Don't worry, I won't tell if you don't. Secret safe."

You never thought you'd be blackmailed by a prisoner, but today was already full of surprises.

"Now, is that all, princess/princie?"

"...Yeah."

"Don't be so sad," Liu said before grabbing your face with his hands, his touch being painfully soft. "You're the only one."

You felt sick to your stomach.

Standing up as fast as you could, you quickly made your way out of the room; Liu's giggles echoing throughout the halls.

You were so dumb.

You were supposed to logical, practical, and you normally were, but ever since you stepped into to this hell hole it was as if a switch was flipped in your head. You would never be making these many mistakes. Gibbons would kill you if he found out, but you just wanted to make him proud, he's worked his ass off to get you here, you didn't want to waste it.

"What's wrong with me?"

"OW!"

You were so caught up in your train of thought that you failed to notice the man in front of you.

"Oh I, I'm sorry. Let me help you," You said, quickly bending down to help the man pick up his files.

Pushing up his glasses, the man revealed a soft smile.

"No no, it's ok. You're the intern, correct?"

"Um, yes!"

"What's your name, kiddo?" The man asked as he started to walk towards the offices.

"Y/N L/N, sir."

"Call me Salloum. I'm one of the leaders of the case we're having you look into. How is that going?"

"It's been a Rollercoaster to say the least."

Salloum pulled a key out of his pocket as he opened the door to his office. "Hm... How so?"

"I thought I had the case figured out. But, when I was interviewing Tobias he said something interesting. "

Sitting down at his desk, Salloum pulled out a small notebook as he leaned back into his chair, placing his feet on desk in the process. His tired, empty eyes stared into your young, stressed ones as he looked at you and his notebook. "I'm listening."

"He implied that Abbie Grace is still alive."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"He implied-"

"No I know I know! It's just. Fuck! How could we miss that, how could we overlook that? How could I overlook that?"

"Um, Salloum..."

"Not now kid, just. Ugh. Thank you for bring this to my attention, but I need you to leave now. There's a lot of stuff I need to get done."

"Yes, yes, of course, of course."

Once you got back to your office, all you did was sit down and think. It was all so overwhelming.

However, all you could feel were hands roaming all of your body as you zoned out entirely. Faded whispered slowly growing louder and louder as your body went limp.

You don't even know.

Such a good girl/boy you are.

You're mine now...

My perfect little whore.

You're so pathetic.

Stupid.

Dumbass.

Useless.

Useless..

Useless...

USELESS!

What did he do to you. It wasn't natural. You weren't in control. You were a puppet. He controlled you. But why? Why you? For what reason? Why does he have your phone? Should you tell Mandel? Why are you crying? Why are you shaking? Why is the world spinning?

BEN. The most dangerous inmate in the entire prison. His power: technological manipulation.

You were so stupid. Did you really forget, or did his control fog your mind? But if he did control you, how?

You couldn't take it anymore. You needed to go home for the night. Now. You needed to leave now. He couldn’t reach you if you left, right? He couldn't touch you again, he couldn’t control you again, he can't hurt you again if you leave. You'll come back tomorrow with a fresh mind and be ready for work. Yes. Yes. Just, leave.

"Miss," You said as you walked into Mandel's office.

"Yes?" Mandel responded, not looking up from her paperwork.

"I need to go home."

"What? Now? Your shift isn't even..."

As Mandel looked up at you, her words froze. You looked tired. Traumatized. Souless. You looked done.

"Kid what happen?" Mandel asked, standing up as she made your way towards you.

"I need to go home for the night."

"Look at me kid, what happened."

"...home... I want to go home," You stuttered out as you burst out into tears. "I'll be back tomorrow I promise but I need to go home."

Mandel just stared at you before nodding in approval. She got you an Uber and you were able to get a ride back to your dormitory at the Academy.

"Hey! You're back early, how'd it go?" Your roommate asked as you walked in.

However, you just walked past them, closing the door to your room as you plopped down onto your bed.

You were exhausted to say the least. You didn't even notice you fell asleep. But, for some reason you woke up in the middle of the night. You were still kind of sleepy so you weren't fully aware of your surroundings, but after some complicating of whether or not you should get out of bed, you slowly became aware to the sound of a TV.

Looking at your clock you saw that it was 4:45 AM.

"Lillian's never up this late," You grumbled as you stood up.

Your position on the bed was kind of awkward. Your upper body was laying on the bed while your legs dangled onto the floor.

"Lillian, can you turn it down please?" You asked as you rubbed your eyes, standing infront of your door as you faced the TV.

But, much to your suprise, no one was there. The TV was the only source of light in the entire room, and playing on it was just static.

"...I'm too tired for this," You mumbled before grabbing the remote.

But, the TV wouldn't turn off. No matter how many times you slammed down on the button the static would just continue.

"Are the batteries dead or something?" You asked yourself as you examined the remote.

In the back of your head you knew something was wrong. But, all you wanted was to get a normal night's rest and in the morning you could go back to work like nothing happened.

In what little time you were at the prison for you were able to deduce one thing. That place was full of secrets. Secrets that everyone knew but were never brave enough to discuss. Everyone you interacted with just held this vibe of uncertainty, anxiety, fear. It was like everyone knew that this place wasn't secure, and it didn't look like it either. What kind of prison doesn't have cameras? Or evenbetter, what kind of prison holds some of Americas most dangerous serial killers all in the same prison, in the block, knowing damn well that all of them are acquainted with one another.

If you were any other intern you would've just quit the moment this happened, but you were just any other intern. There was a reason on why there were here, a deeper reason. A reason that surpassed even government control. Maybe you were better off being a detective. Maybe you wouldn't be where you are now.

Rotting away. With Mom and Pa staring at you from the other side.

I should've quit.

"Nope, nothing wrong with the remote," You said before setting it back down. "Imma just put my headphones in."

But, as you turned around, you felt your blood run cold as you heard an all too familiar voice come from the TV.

"Baby~"

That glitchy, raunchy, mocking voice. You didn't dare turn around.

"Awwww, don't be scared."

Footsteps.

How? How the hell did he get here? How did he escape without anyone noticing?

Hands....hands. You felt his arms wrap around your waist as you leaned onto you. It felt as if he was towering over you.

"I ain't gonna hurt you," Ben said before placing something in your hand. "Just wanted to return this."

Your phone. A part of you just wanted to throw it out of your dorm window, something about it just didn't feel right, but, you stopped yourself. You didn't have the money to just buy a new one, and this was the only way you can communicate with your parents.

"How'd you get out...?" You asked.

"Oh, I'm not here. You see, I can travel a little bit of my soul to anywhere I want within my technological reach. I'm like a little hallucination while my body remains in my cell. I could come here right now if you want."

That voice. That feeling. Your world started spinning.

Not again.

"Have a little fun," Ben whispered, rubbing your arm as he talked. "We could do way more here than out there... You'll be fucking screaming."

Stop.

Your mind and body was fogged up. You couldn't think, you couldn't move.

But suddenly, you felt normal again. All of a sudden you came back to your senses and pushed him off you.

"No! I don't want any of this. Go back before I file a report that you escaped."

"What is that going to do? I can just report that you had sex with an inmate. That's pretty immoral, Y/N."

He wasn't wrong. But, Liu told you this wasn't the first time something like this happened, so maybe you'd have a chance at saving your career.

"I'm not the immoral one. Go. I don't want to see you again, you hear me?"

All he did was laugh. That glitchy, high pitched laugh...

"Loud and clear!"

You watched as Ben floated back into the TV, causing it to shut off completely.

Exhausted, you made your way back to your bed. As you laid down in your bed all you could think about was Abbie. Despite the Rollercoaster you had today all you could think about was her. She was out there somewhere. Sad, scared, alone. You had to look into it more tomorrow. You had to get a sit down with Toby and break him. Maybe you could look more into his file and figure out some weaknesses you could exploit. Out of everyone you talked to, he seemed like he'd be the most easy to crack. Jeff is too violent, trying to crack him would probably leave you with a cracked skull. Liu is way too unpredictable. Sometimes he's wacky, sometimes he's quiet, sometimes he's cold, sometimes he's compliant, sometimes he wants to just fuck with you point blank.

Plus, Toby was pretty interesting to talk to. A little manic, a little unhinged, but he had a surprising amount of life and personality to him. Charming? No. Chaotic and fun? Definitely. Maybe a talk with him can lighten up your mood. You still had to figure out how to talk to him. He was the inmate you wanted to have a bond with. An inmate who trusted you and would be honest with you. An inmate you could rely on.

You made up your mind. You were going to talk with Toby.

-------------------------

"Feeling better, kid?" Mandel asked as you walked into her office.

"Much better," You said as you sat down in front of her. "Ma'am, I'd like to have a meeting with Toby today."

"Why?"

"I talked it over with Salloum and I'm pretty sure I got the go to dig into deeper."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

No you were not.

"OK, I'll have him ready by 10."

You knew lying to Mandel was going to bite you in the ass later, but you had to do what you had to do. Some of the best officers are considered the best because they did things differently, or at least that's what Gibbons taught you.

You spent the next three hours analyzing your interview with Toby. You analyzed his awnsers and behavior in order to come up with a solid approach.

You were able to come up with a series of questions that weren't too obvious in showing your motives. One thing you learned about Toby was that he was stubborn, and you had to navigate through that. Was it going to be easy, of course not! This man is the definition of a maniac.

Back to room 111.

You sat there anxiously as you heard footsteps slowly approaching.

"Don't make me regret this, don't make me regret this," You mumbled to yourself.

Rule number 1.

As the door opened, your breath hitched as you met the manic gaze of Tobias Erin Rogers. As he eagerly took a seat in front of you, you watched as the door closed behind you.

Now it was just you and Toby.

Always take what Toby says with a grain of salt.

"How are you doing Toby?" You asked, organizing your question paper as he talked.

"Pretty shitty *WOWIE* until I heard I was talking to you today," He said with grin on his face, leaning into the palm of his hand as he looked at you with admiration.

Hell, don't even consider it.

"That's good I suppose. Now, you want to get straight to it or would you like to talk about your night first?"

"...Straight to it."

No matter how believable he seems.

"OK, so."

Because he's always five steps ahead.

--------------------

Tags: @fexthehetalialover @asimpforlife134 @my-jukebox @ch3rrydr34ms @crejia @mspoisoncoil @bruhimsoinlove @imwallysdarling @idkisimptoomuch @noclue-0 @chexrybloss0m @refrigeranteborbulhante @tak0truc @br-que-ama-yanderes @bruhimsoinlove @constantine559 @jamja @srt-buu2 @ghostwriter54 @elevenbts @officaljackmiles

[fairy-writes]

hi! if its no trouble for u, could i request an edward elric/reader fluff with a lot of pining coming from him?? i adore your fma fics so much!! <333

TOUCHY

Reblogs and Comments are greatly appreciated!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Fandom(s): Fullmetal Alchemist

Pairing(s): Edward Elric x Reader

Word Count: 2.4k

Genre(s)/Tag(s): Gender Neutral!Reader, Fluff, Pining, Kind of Oblivious!Edward?

Notes: Thank you for liking my silly little FMA fics! I adore writing them!!

__________________________________________________________________________

You were always touchy. 

Not in a creepy or perverse way. But in the way that you’d always hold Edward’s hand when out traveling. You’d play with his hair whenever he allowed you to. When you’d make dinner, you’d brush your hand across his shoulders as if reassuring yourself that he was still there as he sat at the kitchen table and rambled about alchemy. 

All of which happened more than he liked to admit. 

But he couldn’t bring himself to care. 

1904

It started when you were young.

His mother had just baked an apple pie, but for whatever reason, wouldn’t let him eat some. Nor Alphonse, who was still just a tiny child at only four years old. Ed himself was five, but that wasn’t the point. 

The point was that he couldn’t have any apple pie!

“Get your shoes on, Ed. We’re going out.” His mother called from the kitchen, where she was lacing up Al’s shoes. Ed grumbled but sat down by the front door and obediently started tying his shoes. He looped the bunny ears around one another and tied a sloppy knot, but that didn’t matter. 

Maybe his mother would let him have some of that apple pie when they were done getting back from whatever they were doing! 

His stomach rumbled at the thought, and his mouth watered, but he pushed on and carefully held his little brother’s hand as his mother carried the pie in one hand and held Al’s free hand in the other. 

They stopped at a little house just down the street. Ed frowned and looked up at his mom, but she was watching the people file in and out with armfuls of boxes. 

Maybe someone was moving in? 

She eventually headed up the three steps to the front door and knocked. Al let go of Ed’s hand and clung to her dress. Ed stood a little behind and jumped as the front door opened. It was an older woman, Ed didn’t know her age as he had never seen her before. Her face split into a polite smile, 

“Can I help you?” She asked. Her voice reminded Ed of Granny Pinako’s: kind and welcoming with just a touch of sternness. His mom smiled that winning smile of hers, and she held out the apple pie. 

What was she doing?!

“My name is Trisha Elric. These are my sons Edward and Alphonse. We just wanted to welcome you into the neighborhood.” She said, and the woman’s face warmed like a sunrise. She took the pie gratefully and knelt to greet the two boys. Ed scowled. He didn’t like this lady. She got their apple pie!

“My name is Agnes, but everyone calls me Grammy. It’s nice to meet you both.” She said kindly, and Al peeked his head from where he had been hiding it in the fabric of their mother’s dress. 

“‘m Al.” He mumbled, and at his mother’s insistence, Ed jabbed a finger at his chest. 

“I’m Ed!” He said, still a bit miffed at the idea of not getting any apple pie. Agnes looked behind her and called a name before turning back to the Elric brothers. 

“I have a grandchild about your age. I think you’ll like them.” She said cryptically, and you appeared from around the side of the house. 

You were dressed in a pair of dirt-covered overalls and carried a bug net over your shoulder. You had a grin decorating your features that put Winry’s to shame as you scampered up the steps.

“Grammy! What’s that?!” You chirped, and your grandmother gestured to the boys and their mother. 

“These are the Elric’s. They brought us a pie to welcome us to our new home. Can you say hello?” She said gently, and you turned, dropping your bug net and throwing your arms around Ed and Al with a cheer. 

“Thank you for the pie!”

Ed pushed you off stubbornly, and Al froze stiffly. You stumbled a bit from his push, but your smile didn’t disappear in the slightest. You turned to Agnes and pointed at them, 

“Can they come in and have some pie, Grammy?” You asked, and Ed perked up the slightest bit. (Not that he’d admit it.) 

Agnes hemmed and hawed before looking to their mother. 

“Would it be alright? I don’t want to keep you if you’re busy.” She said, and their mother looked down at the two young children. 

“What do you think, boys?” She asked, and before Al could even get a word in, Ed piped up.

“Yes!” He said, and his mom raised an eyebrow. He deflated slightly at the look. “Yes, please.” He mumbled, and she smiled. 

“If it isn’t too much trouble, we’d love to share some with you.”

And that kickstarted your friendship.

1905

“Ed! Al! There you are!” Your voice carries up the hill where the brothers are reading under a tree. Ed looks up and scowls when he sees you tromping up the hill with a basket in one hand and your ever-trusty bug net in the other. 

He didn’t want to see you right now.

You’d just pull them away from their research. 

From however close they were to bringing their mother back to life.

You made it to the top of the hill and flopped down next to them, swinging your legs over Ed’s as you dug through the basket. Al sat up immediately, his stomach rumbling already as you begin to pull out sandwiches and thermoses of something to drink.

“Granny Pinako said you guys hadn’t eaten yet, so Grammy made you lunch!” You said and tried to hand Ed a sandwich. He pushed it away. 

“We aren’t hungry.” He snapped and looked over to where Al was already stuffing his face with a sandwich. You raised an eyebrow as his own stomach groaned and his face flushed pink. 

Ed angrily took a sandwich and unwrapped it, shoving half in his mouth to your surprised squawk. 

“You’ll choke!” 

“I’m fine!” He garbled out through his mouthful and chewed, stubbornly refusing to look at you. You had adjusted in a half-circle to lay your head in his lap, gently pushing the book he had been reading out of the way. However, you carefully saved his spot with the scrap of paper he had used as a bookmark before pushing it aside. 

At least you didn’t dogear the page. 

“What are you guys working on?” You asked, and Al shut his book quickly before you could get a peek. 

“It’s a secret!” He said quickly, and you frowned, reaching up to poke Ed’s nose. He swatted your hand away. 

“Alright… I won’t pry. It’s probably alchemy anyway, and that stuff makes my head hurt. Just… Don’t get hurt, okay?” You say seriously, and Ed blinks. You weren’t going to pry? You were one of the nosiest people he knew! You were always asking questions, dumb or not. It was one of the reasons he liked hanging around you. 

1910

When Ed opened his eyes, he was met with a familiar ceiling. 

What? 

The last thing he remembered was… What was the last thing he remembered?

A white room.

A set of stone doors. 

Oh… Right…

“You’re awake!” Comes your voice, and he turns to the left to see you sitting at his bedside, a book in your lap and an empty glass of water on the bedside table. You smiled at him, shut your book, and set it aside. 

“Where am I?” He asked, his voice cracking from disuse. How long had he been unconscious? 

“At Granny Pinako’s. It’s been two days. Al brought you here after…” You trailed off, and your expression saddened. 

Al! 

Where was his little brother?!

You must’ve noticed the panic on his face and put a hand on his to keep him from freaking out. It worked better than he would’ve liked to admit. 

“Al’s okay. He’s helping Granny Pinako in the kitchen. I can go fetch him if you’d like.” Ed nodded, and you smiled once again, patting his hand before leaving the room. 

Al tumbled in soon after, the relief evident in his new tinny armored voice. 

“Brother! You’re awake!” He exclaimed. Ed simply grinned, suddenly feeling very exhausted despite having just woken up. He slumped back against his pillows, feeling almost… empty, as memories rushed back to him. 

Human Transmutation. 

Their mother. Or rather what was supposed to be their mother. 

The Truth.

Losing his limbs.

Losing his limbs.

He looked down, spotting where his right arm and left leg used to be. They were really gone…

“Y’know, they stayed by your side the entire time.” Al’s voice breaks him from his reverie. He looked over at his brother with a frown. 

“Who?” Al chuckles and jerks his head toward the door where you had left them. He was mature for a ten-year-old, but then again, he had to be. 

“They didn’t leave your side the entire two days you were sleeping. They even held your hand, too!” He said.

Ed squirmed in his bed, cheeks flushed pink, and avoided his teasing younger brother’s gaze. Al’s tone of voice indicated that he was having fun teasing Ed. He always had way too much fun teasing him when it came to you. 

And Ed could never figure out why. 

1911

“You can’t!” You cried, catching Ed’s arm as he packed his suitcase. He was almost ready. Ready for the State Alchemist’s exam. Ready to get their bodies back. There was only one thing in the way and that was you. 

“Why not?” He snapped back, pulling his automail hand from your grip and shoving his notes in his suitcase. 

“Because you know how I feel about the military! You know what they’ll have you do?! They’ll have you kill people!” You exclaimed, and he scowled down at his folded clothes. 

But he doesn’t say anything. 

Because what can he say? He knew full well how you felt about the military. You had opposed their place in Ishval the moment you knew what was happening, even as a child. You opposed the genocide of the Ishvalan people to the point it would get you in trouble at school. 

Ed knew he wouldn’t be able to refuse if he became a dog of the military. He wouldn’t be able to say no. But this is one of the only chances he has to get Al’s body back. 

So he had to go. 

And in going, he left you behind. 

1911

He did it. 

He was officially a member of the military. 

A State Alchemist. 

A dog.

Ed leaned his head on the train window as he watched the scenery pass by. Resembool was but a few hours away, and then he’d see Al again. See Winry and Pinako. See Grammy. See you. 

Would you hate him for joining the military? He had left early in the morning before you woke up, so he didn’t get to see you one last time before leaving for his exam. Al, Winry, and Pinako had seen him off, and he thought that was good enough. 

So why did his heart ache in his chest?

The ride to Resembool was thankfully uneventful, and soon, he was home. His automail creaked a bit; he had forgotten to maintain it in the few days he had been at Central. But that didn’t matter. He slung his suitcase over his shoulder and made the long walk back to Rockbell Automail. 

Den alerted everyone to his presence by barking. Al came rushing out around the side of the house in excitement as soon as he heard his brother’s voice. Winry peeked her head out her balcony window and waved before ducking back inside to work on whatever project she had been working on. And Granny Pinako came out to greet him.

Ed heard the pattering of feet just as he opened the front door before he was quite literally tackled to the ground. 

It didn’t take much to realize who exactly had tackled him. 

It was you!

He managed to sit up before you were throwing your arms around his neck and nearly knocking him over again. 

“You idiot! You left without saying goodbye!” You whispered, and he just hugged you back in a rare show of affection. 

“Sorry.” That was all he managed. 

You didn’t hate him. 

You still cared. 

And for some reason, that was better than anything else. 

1915

They had done it. 

Father was defeated. 

Al had his body back. Ed had his arm back, but that paled in comparison to the fact that Al had his body back.

Already, his younger brother had quite the appetite but was forced to stick to soups and soft foods while he got used to having a mouth and stomach again. He was supposed to start physical therapy as soon as he was given a clean bill of health. 

There was a knock on their shared hospital door, and he looked up from where Winry was fixing up his automail leg. Who was here? It wasn’t Granny Pinako. She was getting too old to travel now. It wasn’t Grammy. She had passed away last year from an illness. Was it you? Or was it someone from the military?

It was the former. 

You tumbled in with a bouquet of flowers and their names on your lips. 

“Granny said—” You come to a halt when you see Al sitting up in bed, eating slowly with some help from a nurse. Tears well up in your eyes, and the flowers in your hands begin to tremble. 

“You made it!” Winry exclaimed and got up to embrace you. You seemed to be on cloud nine as you gave her a hug, then Al, and then stood before Ed. Your lower lip wobbled, and he vaguely heard Winry and the nurse helping Al out of the room to give you both some privacy. 

“You have your arm back.” You said softly, and he held it up, flexing the nonexistent muscles almost as proof. Your tears welled up once again, and you set the flowers down on the bedside table before you hugged him tightly. He wraps his arms—both of them—tightly around your middle and pulls you almost into his lap. Your head nestles in the crook of his shoulder, and he can hear your sniffles as you cry tears of joy. 

You were always touchy. 

But he didn’t mind it one bit. 

[freak-accident419]

playing cards

Derek Danforth x GN!Reader

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | More parts coming soon

Summary: You and Derek prepare for the party. When the night finally came, it was up to the two of you to impress his mother.

Word Count: 4.3k

Content: gender neutral reader, swearing, shopping yay, Derek’s mommy issues, dancing hrngggg, fun banter

Ao3 Link

(A/n: thank you to everyone’s support! I wouldn’t have been able to do this fic without you all! Please comment if you want to be added to the tag list!! Reblogs, likes, comments, and kudos on Ao3 are highly appreciated! Love you all xx)

-

“Okay, so…” You began, gently chewing on the pen in your hand. “What is our stance on six months?”

“Too long, don’t you think?” Derek replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Hm. Yeah, maybe.”

The next day, you and Derek rejoined at your penthouse, lounging in your bedroom with index cards in your grasp. Together, you were coming up with your ‘backstory’ to make sure that the two of you were on the right page, especially if you were ever met with specific questions regarding your newfound relationship.

“How about just three months?” You finally suggested, looking up from the index cards to glance at Derek.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” he shrugs casually, granting you to write it down.

You quickly scribbled on the notecard, littering the blank space with sloppy, black ink. “Alright, quick rundown,” you say abruptly, covering the thin stack of index cards with your hand. “Go.”

“Okay, uh… Three months ago, on the morning after a huge rager, I got a, um, really bad hangover, as one does. And you, being the best friend you were, took care of me and lectured me about my consequences or some kind of… self-righteous bullshit like that,” he recalled, trying to remember what the two had went over just now. “Uhhh… Soon after, you confessed your feelings for me, I told you they were reciprocated, and now we’re, like, fuckin’ dating or whatever.”

You raise an eyebrow with a slight grin. “Wow, that is actually completely correct. What are you, fuckin’ sober?” you chuckle softly, admittedly impressed with him. You flipped over and went through some of the other index cards until you stopped to stare at a specific one. “First date?” you challenge, looking back up at him.

You watched Derek’s expression turn into deep contemplation, noting how his eyebrows furrowed in uncertainty. “It was, uh… fuck. It was… We… Wine tasting. Yeah. The wine tasting at, uh—”

“No, we actually scrapped that one, remember?” You remarked, shaking your head. “Your mom would never believe that, like, you’re way too immature for that shit—hell, I’m way too immature for that shit.”

“Right,” he huffs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Fuck… Fuck. It was, uhh,” he snapped his fingers suddenly, conveying a triumphant epiphany, “Dinner! It was fuckin’ dinner, down at the, uh… the Mistral. That one restaurant on Columbus Avenue.”

You scoff lightly with a satisfied grin on your face. “Damn, you are a thousand percent correct again! Bonus points for remembering the place too.” You stacked the notecards neatly on the table. “Alright, and so everything from there on is just unscripted, plain bullshit, yeah?”

“Yeah,” he answers, nodding his head. “Okay, yeah. And—fuck—if anyone, like, asks either of us a question and we have to make up random shit on the spot, we have to update the other about it immediately, okay?”

“Well, yeah, I mean, that’s what the index cards are for,” you remark, lifting up the small stack to his view.

“You know, I don’t—I don’t understand, why can’t we just use, like, the fuckin’ Notes app or something?” he scoffs, raising an eyebrow.

“Science says you can memorize things more easily if you write them down,” you shrug with a slight pout.

He rolled his eyes and decided to dismiss it. “Okay, right, uhhh—Hey, what are you going to wear for the party?”

“Oh right, um, here,” you say, walking towards your closet and opening it up. You grabbed the outfit by the hanger, which was covered entirely by plastic after a luxurious dry cleaning, displaying it to Derek. “I was, uh, thinking of this.”

Derek’s expression, however, dropped. “What the hell is that?” He asked bluntly, looking at it with resentment.

“What’s—What’s what?” You ask with a baffled expression.

“You’re seriously not thinking of wearing that,” he huffs, glaring at you in disbelief.

“What—What’s wrong with it, I spent, like, a thousand dollars on it!” You exclaim, taking another glimpse of the clothing in your hand.

“That’s the thing, it’s not enough,” he grumbles, wiping downwards at his face with his palm.

You scoffed in utter confusion. “What?”

“Look, if we’ve been dating for three months, I would’ve already bought you a goddamn plethora of expensive shit. You need to wear something that’s at least, like, five to ten thousand bucks.”

“Seriously? Are you fucking serious?” You scoffed in frustration. “Look, no one’s—No one’s gonna even notice the fucking difference, y—”

“My mom might!” He interjects firmly. “Look, if we want to create the illusion that you and I are dating, we really have to fucking sell it, okay? I wouldn’t date someone who wears shit like… like that,” he gestures bitterly at the attire.

“You know what, fuck you! Are we seriously—?” You groaned, pinching your eyebrows together. “Derek. You literally fuckin’ dress like you’re in a goddamn midlife crisis and you’re not even close to pushing forty! Like, are you colorblind, what—what even is that?” You point towards his outfit, which was the revoltingly mix-matched clothing combo that somehow costed significantly more than your own damn paycheck.

Derek gaped in surprise at your insults as you proceeded on with your rant. “Well, news flash, fuckwad! Your mom also knows me very well, and she knows that I wouldn’t date a fuckin’ clown like you! So how about we both make a deal to improve our own clothing choices? What are—What are you even planning to wear to the party?”

“The uh…” Derek scratched at the back of his neck briefly, raising an eyebrow. “That one sage green suit of mine,” he replied stiffly.

“Hell no.”

“What—”

“Hell no! Are you serious? No!” You exclaim with a dark chuckle.

“Wh—” His face was quite priceless.

“No.”

“Fuck…” he sighs. “Fuck, fine.” Derek eyes your disapproving expression. “Fine. I’ll call the fuckin’ chauffeur and have him take us to Copley.”

***

Later on, the two of you arrived at the Copley Place, the posh Boston shopping center that you would frequently visit for most of your apparel. You were rich, indubitably, but not nearly as rich as Derek, of course. Before, you’ve made your money through several technician occupations in the form of job hopping, and it wasn’t until Derek took over Danforth Enterprises that he hooked you up with a seemingly long-term and high-paying job there. You’d been friends with him ever since your college years, after all. He wasn’t at all hesitant to help out his best friend. He was quite the selfish, greedy man, but he had his moments. Especially with you.

“This one,” Derek says, gesturing to an outfit that he found for you.

“Ew, no,” you grimace, nearly scowling at the sight of it. “It looks fuckin’ stupid.”

“What do you mean, it looks—? It looks great,” he retorted with a baffled expression.

“Well, of course you would say that,” you interject, “your fashion sense is fucking horrendous, it’s like you don’t even have one to begin with.”

Derek groaned impatiently at your tireless insults. “Jesus fuck.”

“You just need a reality check! That’s all I’m saying, dude,” you huff, proceeding to walk around further into the store. Suddenly, your eyes caught sight of a rather pleasing outfit, slightly rushing towards it. “Okay, how about this? I think it looks fine.”

Derek raises an eyebrow, but he doesn’t look so against it. “How much is it?” He asked, eyeing it curiously.

“Uhh… Around six thousand,” you shrug after you had glanced at the label.

“Alright, good. Okay. Yeah, we’ll get it,” he nods in compliance. Finally, god damn.

“Will I get to keep it?” You ask with playful curiosity.

“Uh, if the night goes well, then sure,” he replied, “but if not, I’m returning it.”

You pouted.

Soon enough, the two of you were fishing for clothes for Derek, walking into each and every designer store at the Copley. He was excruciatingly picky and difficult to work with, but then again, it was nothing you weren’t used to.

You eye an elegant three-piece suit, the blackout appearance grabbing your attention. “I like this one,” you hum softly, “It’s all black—simple, classy, it looks nice.”

Derek examined the suit in front of him, raising an eyebrow. “Uh… It’s not really… me, though, is it?”

“Yeah, well… Isn’t that the whole point, though? Being the complete opposite of yourself, a changed person? Yeah, we don’t want you to be you tomorrow night,” you scoffed with a slight chuckle. “I think you should get it. And maybe, you’ll actually look very nice for once.”

“Y/n—”

“C’mon, dude. Isn’t the whole point of this is to impress your mom?” You point out.

“Well, yeah,” he grumbles, scratching lightly at his cheek.

“Then buy the suit, man! None of that fuckin’… crypto bro nonsense that makes her shit her pants,” you urge, chuckling softly.

Derek looks at you with a now serious and inquisitive expression. “Do you really think it’ll impress her?”

You cross your arms, looking at the suit once again. “She would cry tears of fuckin’ joy, man.”

He turned his head and looked at you, genuinely surprised at your answer. “You serious?”

You nodded with a cheeky grin. “I wouldn’t put it past her.”

“Okay, fuck it… I’ll take it.”

***

The next day came by very fast. In the afternoon, you and Derek ‘rehearsed’ a couple of things, ensuring that the two of you were all set for this ridiculous stunt. Then you both went back to your homes to get ready for the party. It was a genuinely classy and elegant event, so you figured you would actually put effort in looking nice and presentable. Plus, you were attending the party in $6,000 clothing that Derek bought for you. You wanted to do it justice.

Later that evening, the two of you would regroup at Derek’s mansion. You met up with him outside of his estate by a black limo. And you found Derek’s expression to be quite curious once he practically gazed upon you; his eyes were wide and his lips were parted slightly in awe.

“Holy shit,” he scoffed amusedly, crossing his arms, “you actually clean up well.” He was shocked, to say the very least. He’s never seen you dress up like this, considering he’s only ever seen you in your casual, day-to-day outfits.

Ultimately, his reaction surprised you, making you pleasantly stunned. “Yeah? I could say the same thing about yourself. It’s nice to see you not wear a fuckin’ eye-straining suit for once,” you chuckle brashly, getting Derek to roll his eyes.

“Yeah?” He went inside of the car through the backseat doors as you followed promptly. “Well, don’t get used to it. I just have to pull off this stunt for one night and once my mom realizes I’m not that much of a reckless asshole, everything will be back to the way it was.”

You groaned with a slight, teasing smile on your face. “God, just at least let me enjoy this while it lasts.”

“You know—I don’t—I don’t fuckin’ get why you’re always being such a fucking hater!” He nearly laughs, mocking an offended tone. “I—All my assistants respect my fashion choices, they’ve said it themselves, you just have no fuckin’ taste!”

“You know, have you ever considered that they’re just saying that because you’re the one paying them?” You smirk playfully.

“You’re a dick,” he chuckles gently, shoving your shoulder lightly. “You’re a fuckin’ dick, you know that?”

Later on, the two of you arrived at the venue. It was a refined and impressively massive establishment, in which you later actually recognized as part-art museum. Exiting the vehicle, you stood beside Derek at the front of the entrance, glancing at all the other wealthy people walking in.

“Hold onto my arm,” he directs in a mutter.

“Ew,” you scoff.

“Y/n.”

You rolled your eyes as you gave in, holding onto his arm as you walked into the building together. It was a bit crowded, occupied with older people in elegant getups; gentlemen in respectable suit and ties, women in sparkly dresses, et cetera, et cetera. The interior of the venue was spacious and exceptionally sophisticated, consisting of dignified architecture with the ceiling littered with expensive chandeliers. It definitely was not Derek’s scene, but it wasn’t even yours either.

“Shit. I forgot how pretentious your mother’s parties were,” you mumbled to him as the two of you walked further into building.

“What, did you forget that she’s the fucking President of the entire country too?” He retorted, which made you punch him lightly in the side with your free hand, making you grin once you saw his pained reaction.

“Dick,” you grumble. “Hey, where’s your mom?” You ask, trying to look past the crowd.

“I don’t know, she’ll turn up eventually,” he says, guiding you to a rather secluded spot against the wall. Suddenly remembering the whole purpose of this event, you weren’t sure when the actual auction would begin. But then again, you weren’t sure if you even cared.

“Oh shit, Nathaniel and Ophelia are here,” Derek interjects, pointing to a familiar pair across the room.

“Huh… Hey, why are you friends with them again? Didn’t you say they were, like, pretentious douchebags?” You remarked, looking at the said couple, who were drinking champagne and chatting at the opposite wall.

“Not friends, just, like… I don’t know, my mom wanted me to be in a good social circle, so she introduced me to them a few months back,” he shrugged. “But they’re just irritating, arrogant fucking pricks.”

“And you’re not?” He glared at you as you smirked. “You know, I don’t know if this is wrong of me to say, but… I really can’t tell if they’re siblings or dating,” you confess, squinting your eyes at them.

“Right? Like, I swear to fucking god, I thought I was the only one!” Derek exclaimed with enthusiasm. “Like, fuck, I’ve met up with them so many times in the past, but I still don’t fucking remember which one it is!”

The two of you cackled together as you observed the pair from across the room. “Oh shit, imagine if it’s just a whole Alabama situation,” you suggested, snickering towards Derek.

“God, that would be fucking terrible. Though, it would definitely explain the matching blue eyes,” he laughs. “Fuck, I’ve been waiting to find dirt on those two, they are fucking infuriating.”

“Jesus, it’s the whole Toad and Toadette debate all over again,” you chuckle softly.

“What?” He looks back at you curiously.

“What?”

“Toad and Toadette, it’s confirmed they’re dating,” Derek claimed.

Your eyebrows furrowed. “What? No, no, I could’ve sworn I read somewhere that they were siblings.”

“Uh, no, the creator himself said that they were girlfriend-boyfriend,” he remarks.

“Wh—Dude! All this time, I thought they were siblings!” You exclaimed, placing your hands on your head in shock.

“Yeah, well, they aren’t. You said you read it somewhere, what was it, fuckin’ Reddit?” He scoffed brashly with a cheeky grin.

“No. Fuck off,” you retort, frowning. “If anything, you’re the one on fucking Reddit, like, 24/7.”

“What? No—”

“Looking at ‘r/Crypto’ and ‘r/Nudes’, you ‘r/Dickhead’,” you teased, smirking playfully.

“Oh, fuck off—”

“Derek.”

Your pretend boyfriend’s speech freezes and you could see him tense up slightly at the mere voice of his mother. You noticed her in a stunning, carmine dress, her blonde hair pairing very well with it. Red was definitely her color. She glanced at Derek and then at you, a bit surprised. “And Y/n. I didn’t know you’d be joining us this evening.”

She looked back at her son. “You look very nice tonight, Derek, I’m very glad you were able to make it.” She then raises an interrogating eyebrow. “So, will your date be arriving here anytime soon?”

Derek eyes his mother, chuckling awkwardly. You felt like you were going to cringe at his next words, knowing what they would be. “Actually, Mom, uh… The date that I spoke to you on the phone about is actually… my partner, Y/n.”

And you did—inside, at least.

Jessica’s eyes widened as she looks back at you again. She knew you as Derek’s best friend—hell, his best friend since college. You didn’t work at Danforth Enterprises until she made Derek the CEO, resulting in him offering a job to you. But most of all, you and Derek had been strictly platonic friends for years, and it shocked her to her core to find out about this. “Seriously? You and… When did… When did this happen?”

“Well, you see, uh,” you began, playing with your fingers as you tried to recall everything you wrote and memorized on the index cards, “there was always—there was always something there, you know? Don’t you—don’t you think? Well, uh, one day, your son was very, um, hungover, and I stayed to take care of him.”

“They, uh,” Derek interrupted, chiming in. “That was, like, three months ago, right? Three, and um, they confessed their apparent romantic feelings towards me. You—you know, it was a very vulnerable moment, and I reciprocated… and yeah, now we’re dating.” He then stuttered out, “We, uh, we wanted to keep it under wraps for a while, but now, we figured we should… tell everyone now.”

And if it weren’t for that stupid, phony grin on his face, maybe she would have bought it. Though actually, you couldn’t really tell if she was convinced or not. There was a look of curiosity in her expression, paired with deep contemplation. You felt like you could detect doubt, but even that could be mixed up with bewilderment.

“Wow, uh… I wouldn’t say I expected this at all,” she says with a raised eyebrow. Then she looked at you with a small smile. “So you’ve been keeping my son on his toes if I’ve heard correctly, yes?”

You nod, glancing at Derek then back at her. “That’s right, ma’am. Uh, we all know his reputation, but, um… You know, ever since we started dating, he felt the urge to become a better person. And so did—so did I,” you remarked, remembering how Jessica also knew you as quite the trouble maker. After all, she caught the two of you getting high at another party before, similar to the sophistication of this one.

She was intrigued, to say the least. And suddenly, you had an epiphany: you just realized that what you were doing was deceiving the President of the United States. Fuck Derek, man.

“And that trending video of him?” You began, “That was taken, uh, three months ago during a party. It was actually the night before we started dating,” you explained, observing her reaction. “Why is everyone posting it now? Well, you see, uh…”

Fuck.

Fuck, you forgot. Did you seriously forget? Shit. What the hell was the reason?

She was looking at you expectedly. Fuck. What the fuck are you going to say? How did you forget something so simple?

“That video was taken on one of those digital cameras,” Derek butt in immediately. “The storage card was lost for a while, but I guess somebody found it and posted it, and now everybody’s reposting it.”

What. The. Fuck.

You were way more of an organized person than Derek. How the hell did he remember the lie that you wrote down, but you didn’t?

Nevertheless, Jessica nodded, a seemingly neutral expression plastered on her face. “That’s relieving to hear,” she hums softly, “well, I know that you aren’t really into these charity events, Derek, but—”

“Actually,” he began with a charming grin, “I think I will be participating in the auction this evening.” Way to go, Derek.

She looked at him in awe, glancing at you for a while, then back at him. “Seriously?”

“Yeah,” he nods pridefully. “I think this is a great cause, Mom.” Wow, he is killing it.

“O-oh. That’s wonderful of you to say, Derek. Well, this entire event is a gala and charity auction, so feel free to help yourselves in the drinks and food. There’s also dancing, but I know you aren’t—”

“I, uh, actually,” he chimes in once again. Jesus Christ, it was like she was testing him. “I would, uh… love to dance with my partner.” Your eyes widened as you felt the both of you cringe at his own response.

“Oh.” Suddenly, there was a small, genuine smile that creeped up on her lips. And you could tell that Derek noticed it too, because his face had just… softened. “Well, I hope you two enjoy the night.” She cupped Derek’s face with one hand and kissed the top of his head. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Mom,” he mutters softly.

“You look very handsome.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

“I am so proud of you.” Then she walked away to greet other people, disappearing in the tame crowd.

You noticed Derek’s widened eyes and chuckled softly to yourself at the sight.

“Holy shit…” he mumbled before lighting up. “Did you—Did you hear that? She said she was fucking proud of me. She’s never said that in, like, a long fucking time, or ever! Holy—holy fucking shit.”

“Congrats, man,” you grinned warmly. “But like… the dancing thing. I can’t fucking dance. I mean, you know that.”

“It’s easy, don’t worry,” he dismissed, getting two glasses of champagne from a caterer that just walked by, handing one of them to you. “Just copy what I do.”

You took a rather long sip of the champagne. Liquid courage, you figured. “I just… You know, I really don’t want to do it. We can—We can just say I got sick from one of the little gourmet shits and I can’t dance.”

“Y/n—C’mon, you heard my mom. She was proud of me. She’ll be even prouder when she sees me out there, dancing like a sophisticated, pretentious prick, like the other fucks here. Come on, Y/n. Please,” he pleaded, looking at you with utter desperation.

“I—I don’t understand, she did say she was proud of you. I’m sure you won’t have to worry about her cutting you off anymore since she’s seen that you ‘changed’,” you reason, raising an eyebrow.

“No—Y/n, Y/n, I’m hanging on by a fucking thread right now. She sees us dancing, she’ll be a hundred percent sure that I’ve ‘changed for the better’ and won’t take any drastic measures. Y/n, please.” You knew your best friend well. And you knew damn well that this wasn’t just about the money and being cut off. He wanted to please his mother, he needed to.

You groaned, rolling your eyes as you downed the remaining champagne in your glass. You pointed at his face with aggression. “I’m raising the damn price to one thousand, then. You know how much I can’t stand dancing.”

“Yeah, whatever, that’s fine with me,” he shrugs, then eyes you gently. “Thank you.”

It was no surprise to you that you would instantly regret saying yes to him.

“Ow—Fuck—Stop—stop stepping on my fucking toes,” Derek snarled as the two of you were in an embrace, your hands clasped together while your other hand was placed on your shoulder and his on your waist. Sophisticated, slow jazz music played in the background as you were surrounded by other people who, not surprisingly, danced better than the two of you.

“I fuckin’ warned you, didn’t I?” You scoffed in response, trying to move your feet correctly.

“Whatever, just… Is she—Is she watching us?” He mutters, looking at the crowd behind you.

“Umm, I don’t know, I don’t know where she is,” you reply, searching the room for the woman in the red dress.

“Ow—Goddammit, Y/n, keep your fucking feet to yourself!” He winces, giving you an angry glare.

“Fuck! It’s not my fault, dude, I already warned you!” You retort petulantly. “Where—Where did you even learn to dance, huh?”

“When I was younger. I had to take ballroom classes. I came from a rich family, you know, we had status, a reputation to uphold,” he explained, making you roll your eyes.

“Oh shit—I can see her, she’s in the crowd,” you say abruptly.

“Where?” Derek’s eyes suddenly widened as he looked at you with anticipation.

“Like, behind you. I think she’s talking to—Oh shit, she’s watching us now,” you say, glancing at Jessica from far across the room, watching the two of you dance.

“Fuck, okay. Okay… I’m gonna dip you,” he mutters.

What?

“What?!” You exclaimed.

“I’m just gonna dip you, earn us some more brownie points,” he figures.

“No! Fuck! No, no fucking way! Do not—do not fuckin’ dip me!” You warned furiously, feeling your face heat up.

“I’m gonna do it.”

“No! Fuck! Derek, I swear to god, I swear to fucking god, I will—I will put cyanide in your bourbon, you will never see the light of fucking day, I—”

You felt his hand reach towards your back as he kicked at your ankle, making you lose balance and fall back towards his hand. You frown at him as you see his cocky face above you until he brought you back up.

“I hate you,” you murmured.

“It’s not a big deal, dude, it—ow!”

“I did that on purpose,” you huff after you had stepped harshly on his foot.

“How does my mom look?” He asked.

“She’s…” you raise an eyebrow, then looked back at Derek warmly. “She’s crossing her arms and smiling at us. She looks really proud. Jesus, for the first time in her fucking life.”

Derek smiled to himself. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you nodded. “Oh, by the way, just for that little stunt you did back there, I’m raising it to fifteen hundred.”

“Fine with me,” he shrugs, now holding your hand in a looser grip. He guided it above your head, stretching your arm upward to spin you gracefully before bringing you back to him.

“God, I can’t wait to break up with you,” you chuckle softly, your movements more trained and fluid.

“Oh yeah?” He scoffs at your remark, laughing briefly, “Me too.”

[terukosnumberonefan]

Why I Headcanon J As A Trans Man: A DRDT Essay

As you know, I’ve made it absolutely no secret that I headcanon J as a trans man, as you can tell from the title alone. I’ve made at least 2 posts where I made reference to this (one being a joke post where I had J say “I want to be the first transmac absent father” and another saying “Someone give my man J some T and a binder”.) so this essay probably isn’t a shock to you especially since I made a post recently enough saying that I wanted to write an essay about this. However, I do want to delve into more detail on why I have this headcanon in the first place so I can show you my viewpoint since honestly as a trans man myself, I found J to be one of the most relatable characters. This isn’t meant to force you into having my headcanons, you can headcanon whatever you want even if it differs from me (Lesbian J Headcanoners I love you all so much, I love all the content you produce and please continue producing it, I hope your day is filled with your favorite hot drinks and treats and you get to play your favorite video game and watch your favorite show. You are doing the lord's work), but to me, that guy is a trans man and in this essay I’ll be explaining why. Note for the essay, for simplicity, I’ll be using they/them pronouns when referring to J. I usually use he/him when talking about my headcanon, and she/her when talking about them in canon, but I don’t want to confuse people. Especially since before then I didn't know exactly which pronouns TO use for J.

First bit of evidence, I guess we’ll start with their name. Okay this is probably an obvious piece of evidence that everyone expected, but even J themselves admit that they hate their birth name. First we see that they completely try to erase it from their door:

Secondly, we have J straight up admitting it at the start of chapter two. 

Obviously hating your name doesn’t automatically mean you’re trans, hell not even every trans person hates their dead name (for example, I like mine), but you have to admit, it’s not inherently uncommon for a trans person TO hate their dead name as they feel like it doesn’t fit them. We see that J gave themselves a gender neutral nickname too instead of going by Julia (that is even mistaken as a guy's name by Xander in the prologue when he thinks their name is “Jay” as in the bird).

For my next bit of evidence: We also know J changed a lot about themselves to be happy, to the point where they became unrecognizable from “Julia Rosales”.

And what sort of appearance does J decide to take up? When left to their own devices, what appearance does J decide to take?

(Fun fact, this comment is the thing that makes J snap at Arturo, tells him that her mom sucks, and that she hates the name Julia).

Yes, I am aware just because you’re a tomboy doesn’t mean you’re a trans man. I should make that very clear, I do NOT headcanon J as trans just because they’re a tomboy in canon. We know they hate feminine things and femininity because of their mother, and how they were forced into the role of a perfect daughter. But we know even as a KID they hated girly things. If you want some proof, here’s some Kid Art that the creator themselves made.

See how J is angry in that picture? How they were forced to look the way that they never wanted to look? That they were forced to be something they weren’t? That’s an experience that a lot of trans people have as well. We’re forced into the gender roles that we never wanted. People (usually our parents) have expectations for us that we can’t fill because we want to be ourselves and be happy for once. Even J themselves admitted they were forced into femininity their entire life by their overbearing mother.

As we can tell from these screenshots, basically their entire life J was forced into femininity by their mother. We can tell J resents her for it (well, they say it themself they hate their mom) and they resent the femininity that is forced upon them that it results in them hating feminine things in general (and girly girls). It gives her a “I’m Not Like Other Girls” attitude to the point where she straight up REFUSES TO BAKE because of her internalized misogyny. I'm not kidding by the way, for those who forgot: In chapter 1 Eden and Min mention that J refused to join them for baking just because she considered it too girly.

First of all J, what the fuck? It’s BAKING, that’s nowhere near the girliest thing you could do. It’s not like Eden’s gonna grab your hand and give you a manicure and pedicure when you’re WEIGHING INGREDIENTS OUT OR MIXING STUFF TOGETHER. Secondly, no, hating to bake does not mean you’re trans (Evidence: I am a trans man who bakes all the time. Hell it would probably be my DR Ultimate). I am simply using this to show just how bad J’s internalized misogyny got. He hates anything that looks “girly” even if it’s something as simple as baking. We also see throughout their bio that their least favourite colour is pink for "obvious reasons" and that they hate wearing dresses and anything "girly" and that they don't think any girly stuff is "cool".

Honestly, I hate to admit this, but J reminds me a lot of my younger self (I also got kinda pressured into femininity by society, albeit surprisingly my own mom was cool with me being a tomboy (I have my own mommy issues like J but at least I can give my mom that) but you’d be surprised how much the world can affect a kid). I am not generalizing all trans men like this, I’m well aware there are plenty who didn’t have a “Not Like Other Girls” phase, but you’d be surprised (or not) that most girls who did have that phase either end up being queer, neurodivergent or, in some cases, trans men (I ended up being all three). Believe me, I acted a lot like J back when I was 12-13 years old, constantly calling girly girls “bimbos”, thinking I was so much cooler for having guy friends and liking video games instead of makeup, and honestly I was just a huge dick back then, I would have also rejected anything SLIGHTLY “girly” like J did with baking. (Seriously when I first watched DRDT and saw that scene along with the Arei and J Free Time Event, my first thoughts were “Okay who let 12 year old me in here?”)

Luckily I’ve grown out of that mindset (Jenny, if you are somehow reading this I am so sorry I called you a bimbo about a billion times), though it started to tone down when I started exploring my own identity and then officially disappeared when I did realize I was a trans dude and I had all these thoughts because of how all this stuff was forced onto me (ironically after I realized I was trans, I became a lot more feminine). I’m not saying transitioning would help J, or that they’re trans just because they have a lot of internalized misogyny, but I don’t think it’s entirely wrong to say those two can be connected as well.

But yeah, someone let 12 year old me in here. Arei summed us both up in the Arei and J free time event:

SPEAKING OF THE J AND AREI FREE TIME EVENT, OH BOY!

Evidence number three, THE J AND AREI FREE TIME EVENT.

I’ve got at least two scenes that I saw and went “Oh my God you are trans J.” so here they are:

I like how J doesn’t question the boy bit. Honestly I’d be the same if someone called me a “Cool and suave wannabe boy”. Or I’d get dysphoric and anxious if they meant “wannabe boy” as in “You’re a fake boy”. Although Arei does later clarify the “wannabe” bit is for the cool and suave.

But speaking of Arei calling them a boy:

I know you may be thinking “Does that even prove anything?”. But honestly… yes. In my own experiences, I still get very flustered whenever I’m called a boy or when anyone uses male terms for me. And unlike J, quite a few people know I’m trans.

As an example of me getting flustered: Recently I was hanging out with my QPP and she said I was my moms son. You have no idea how flustered I got at that. It’s something I’m not used to. But I liked it. J’s reaction was honestly similar to my (internal) reaction. Also, they seem to be more denying at being flustered than being called a boy.

I know this isn't the universal experience for everyone, but when I saw J's reaction, I saw my reaction. How I felt when I was acknowledged as someone's son for the very first time.

Plus, as we’ve seen from previous screenshots, here we find out that J was forced into femininity by their mother and how they were raised before chapter 2 came along. Which I think a lot of trans men could relate too (not all of course).

There’s one more thing I want to point out, since I think I went over the main evidence on why I think J is trans, but this is something that honestly confirmed it for me and made me want to write this essay: Their hidden message.

As we know, all the characters have a hidden message on their profile pages. A lot of them have something to do with the characters (Example: Levi’s one is “I always believed that a person is defined by their actions alone. But maybe that’s just a poor excuse for my heartlessness.”, Min’s is “I wanted to save you.” and Charles’ is “If you forgot it, then it probably wasn’t important to begin with. None of those memories should ever be kept, anyway.” All of these hidden messages have something to do with the characters and what we learn about them in the story). And what could J’s hidden message possibly be?

“Please don’t call me your daughter ever again.”

Now I’ll be honest, this could mean anything. For all we know, this could mean that J doesn’t want to be associated with Mariabella at all, be her kid, anything. But from the way it’s worded, I honestly believe the daughter bit is the important bit.

There were so many ways to phrase that sentence, “I don’t want to be related to you”, “I’m not your kid”, or something. But the way they picked this particular sentence and worded it… Could J just not want to be her kid… or maybe they just don’t want to be her DAUGHTER?

Maybe instead, they want to be seen as her son? If they choose to be associated with her at all (Which if they don’t I don’t blame them).

Honestly this is just my own interpretation of everything, and it’s okay if you disagree or have a different headcanon from me. But as a trans man myself, I found J to be one of the most relatable characters in the cast with both my younger self (dealing with internalized misogyny, being pressured into femininity at a young age, mommy issues, etc) and my current self (being flustered at being called a boy, not wanting to be called a daughter, going by a name that isn’t a birth name, mommy issues, etc).

That was my essay on J, and I hope you enjoyed reading it and seeing my perspective! Have a good day 🙂

[oneforthemunny]

some sunny day |janitor!eddie munson x teacher!reader|

prompt: eddie takes you to meet his mom. very very angst.

The first time Eddie mentioned his mother, it was just a casual comment. Innocent enough, made in passing about a small plate, decorative from the sixties that you saw at a thrift store.

“My mom used to have that,” Eddie muttered, hand tracing down the small dish. It was a neutral comment, but it was his expression, the way his eyes dropped and lips tightened. “She used to put her wedding band on it when she’d do the dishes.” His gaze was far off and distant, like he wasn’t really with you, he was back in a memory.

“It’s really pretty.” You offered with a small smile, looking at the floral details and gold, chipped trim. "She has good taste."

Eddie just nodded, putting it back on the shelf, shoving his hands in his pockets and waking away. You heart dropped. Eddie was never quiet like he was after that, distant and removed, giving small, forced grins and long stares. That was your first clue, that whatever happened between he and his mother, it wasn’t good.

Mother’s Day came around close to the end of school, but you still liked to do a little activity with the kids in your class. Thumbprint bouquets on ink pads and hand drawn stems, their slanted writing reading a little note. You displayed them on your bulletin board before they took them home for the weekend, proud and smiling at their hard work and how colorful it looked.

Eddie had stopped by, like he always did, smiling sweetly, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips since it was after hours. His eyes lingered on your bulletin board, he always enjoyed seeing what creative thing you made of it. Some teachers simply added test scores, plain and boring, a little dehumanizing for the kids like him who never scored high- never had help with his spelling words. Not you, you made sure everyone’s was displayed, proud and how it was.

His face fell his time, smile dropping around the edges when he looked at it. “Isn’t it cute?” You gushed, arms around his waist, swaying back and forth. “They were so excited to use the ink pads. It was a mess, but worth it. They loved it.”

Eddie swallowed hard, blinking at the countless scribbling of words. “Yeah...it’s cute.” He forced out, choked words that seemed to strangle him.

You pulled back, brows furrowed in confusion when you looked at him. “You ok?” You asked.

Eddie looked down at you, that same distant look back in his eyes. You frowned softly. “What’s wrong?” You asked quietly.

Eddie shook his head. “Nothin’, baby.” He sighed softly, giving you a tiny smile, but still refused to look at the board again. “I think it’s sweet.” He hesitated, teeth gritting like he wanted to say more.

You lifted your brow. “Ed, what? C’mon,” you pushed gently, hand rubbing his back sweetly. “You won’t hurt my feelings, I promise. Did I misspell something again?” You grinned, looking back over at the bulletin board, remembering the time you’d spelled out ‘Valentime’ and proudly shown him. Eddie had laughed, warm and bubbly when he pointed it out to you. You’d blushed but thanked him, saving you from the disruption of your class the next day. Fourth graders thought nothing was funnier than their teacher making a mistake.

Eddie’s lips still pursed, sighing gently. “No, you spelled everything right. It’s…it’s just…” He shook his head. “I mean, this is really sweet, but what about the kids who don’t have moms?”

Your brows furrowed softly. “What?”

Eddie shrugged, closed off and shut down, wiggling out of your grasp gently. His jaw was tight and cheeks red, nearly embarrassed. “I’m just saying, like, are you sure everyone has a mom?” He said, refusing to meet your stare, reaching in to grab the full trash out and tie it off. “Some kids don’t have moms, and shit like this… Sorry, it’s not shit, I-I just mean, these things are nice, b-but not…” He exhaled slow, shaky.

Your heart shattered, breath catching in your throat. You felt dizzy, chest heavy. Eddie shrugged, hoping you didn’t see him swipe at his running nose, hidden under a waterfall of curls. “‘M just sayin’, sometimes this can just be… hurtful. Mother’s Day isn’t always fun for everyone.”

You didn’t push or dig. You knew enough to know that whatever it was- whatever Eddie had gone through with his mother was painful. He was still hurting.

You met Wayne on your six month dating mark. Eddie had been so nervous, palms clammy and leg bouncing in pure nerves. He’d worried himself nearly sick when you went over to the trailer. Worried you snarl or judge him or worse.

You grinned when you met the older man, Eddie’s uncle who raised him. Wayne hugged you tight when you introduced yourself, holding the screen door open to let you in. He hit Eddie on the side of his head when he passed by.

“Don’t you know you open doors for ladies, boy?” Wayne gruffed when Eddie passed by. “Your Mama would be rollin’ in her grave right now if she saw that girl open her own door.”

Your heart skipped, dropping at the comment. You weren’t sure you were supposed to hear it, so you pretended you didn’t-for Eddie’s sake. Scanning the pictures on the walls instead, most of Eddie, the same curly haired boy throughout the year. Wayne had his high school diploma displayed proudly, all three senior year photos next to them. You cooed at them, finger tracing over the school photos, a snaggletoothed, curly headed boy with bright, brown eyes in a slightly worn t-shirt. It made your heart ache, turning and squeezing with that uncomfortable crushing pressure.

Eddie showed you his old room, watching you smirk when you held up a dirty magazine, wedged under the old mattress. You lifted a brow playfully while Eddie blushed hard, a deep red that had you giggling.

“Those are from high school, I swear.” Eddie stammered, holding his hands up.

You lifted a brow, eyes skimming the cover. “Hottest Centerfolds of 1989?” You challenged.

Eddie’s blush deepened, running a hand down his face. You laughed, wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling him in for a sweet kiss.

Wayne had brought you to the common area of the park, the July air hot with a slight breeze. He’d fired up the grill anyways, making Eddie flip the hotdogs while the two of you chatted on the wooden picnic table behind him.

He wiped his brow, bangs matted and sweaty against his forehead. You stood, black hair tie on your wrist, pulling it off and handing it to Eddie. "Here, honey," You cooed sweetly, passing him the band. Eddie blushed, thanking you quietly when he pulled his hair back in a low bun, sweat trickling down his neck.

"Good call," Wayne grinned, winking playfully at you. "No one wants all that hair in their hot dogs anyways."

You giggled, looking over at Eddie with a sweet, playful smile. Eddie scoffed loudly, rolling his eyes. "At least I still have hair, old man."  He jested.

Wayne barked out a laugh. "You better be glad you got your Mama's hair, otherwise you'd be bald like me."

Your heart thumped hard in your chest, palms sweating and not just because of the heat. You saw how Eddie's shoulder's tensed at the mention. Wayne chattered on while Eddie grilled, asking you about your own home life- where you were from, what your folks did, all nice and polite chatter.

You'd passed a photo hanging on the wall before you'd left. A woman with familiar unruly curls, clipped back but blowing in the wind. She sat on a hill, daffodils and tulip in flower beds around her, a small blanket on the ground. She held a baby with the same tuft of curls, chubby cheeks with dimples, and round, brown doe eyes. You knew it was Eddie immediately, smiling at the photo. He was adorable, so similar in some of his features. Your eyes lingered on the photo a bit too long, Wayne catching you.

He stood by you, exhaling slowly. "He looks like her, don't he?" Wayne smiled, sad. "I always told Viola that boy was her twin. Told Ed that too, but..." Wayne didn't finish his sentence, letting it linger in the air between the two of you.

You bit your lip, stopping yourself from asking what you wanted to, the question that rattled around your brain, shaking you from the inside out: what happened to her? No, it wasn't for you to ask. You wouldn't overstep like that. You'd respect Eddie and his decision to tell you when he was ready.

That day didn't come until much later. A cold, rainy day in March, when the winds were whipping and unforgiving, the sky cloudy and gloomy, the perfect bad day. You'd noticed Eddie didn't stop by your classroom that morning, no apple or sweet note. You assumed he'd slept in, the drizzle of the rain always made him so sleepy, snoring heavy and hard. By lunch time, Eddie still wasn't there, didn't join you and Steve in the break room, and you noticed the janitor's closet was still locked.

You climbed the steps to his apartment, a small one bedroom one bath next to the park, knocking on the chipped paint of the green door softly. No one answered. You furrowed your brows, craning your neck towards the parking lot. You could see the van in it's usual spot, the small orange tinted glow from his lamp inside.

You fished your key out of your bag, turning it in the lock softly before letting yourself in. Your stomach turned, a deep and sinking feeling settled in the pit of your tummy. "Ed?" You called softly, shutting the door behind you. "Eddie, it's me. Are you sick, baby?"

No response.

Your shoulders tensed, swallowing the growing lump in your throat, eyes scanning the room. "I tried to call, but..." A muffled yelp, nearly in pain, low and groaning from down the hall startled you.

You padded down the hall, hearing another small clamber from behind the closed door. You knocked gently again. "Eddie, are you alright?"

"Go away." Eddie barked, strained and shaky voice seeping through the door.

You flinched in shock softly, his voice so hard and cold, but mostly hurt. It worried you. "Eddie, please can I come in?" You asked softly, pressing your ear to the door. "If you're sick, I can go get you some medicine, baby. Or I can take you to the doctor if you-"

"No, just-just go!" Eddie yelled, a choked sob following, strangled and bitter.

Your eyes widened, hand turning the knob reactively before you could even comprehend what you were doing. Your breath hitched, heart stopping when you looked in the room. Eddie was lying on the bed, crumpled into the mess of bed sheets. His pillow was a deep blue, tear stained and wet. He clutched a photo in his hands, protective and angry, white knuckled and trembling. His eyes were red as was his nose, blood shot and raw from the tears running down his cheeks.

"I said get out!" Eddie sobbed, turning away from you entirely when you came in. His shoulders shook heavy, rattling with the aftershocks of sobs. "Get out! Go!"

"Eddie," You breathed cautiously, voice even and calm. You held your hand out, approaching him slowly, like a frightened animal, despite the rapid fluttering in your chest.

"No, leave!" Eddie cried, breath hitching and shuddering in his chest. He heaved deep and fast, furiously wiping his eyes with the back of his wrist. "I don't-don't want you to see me-e."

"Eddie, are you ok?" You asked calmly, hand hesitating to touch him. "Do you need me to call someone or-or get you-"

"No," Eddie sobbed, face crumbling. "You can't get me who I want, who I need." He sucked in a breath, pitiful and trembling at the admission. His voice was hoarse with tears.

"Yes, I can, baby. I can. Just tell me who you want, and I'll call them, ok? I'll-"

"You can't call her." Eddie's brown eyes, red rimmed. His shoulder's dropped, lip quivering, snot streaming down his nose. "You can't call her, because she's fuckin' dead. She's dead."

Your heart shattered, hands reaching out to stroke his shoulders, unsure and desperate to comfort him. Your eyes flickered down to the photo, the familiar curly hair- Viola.

Your breath caught, eyes meeting Eddie's, melting sympathetically. "Oh, Eddie," You whispered, stroking his cheek gently. You wished you could say more, do more, knowing nothing could soothe this aching he felt, but wishing you had the right words to help. Instead, your tongue felt large and swollen, choking your words and leaving your breathless and speechless.

Eddie's face crumbled, eyes squeezing and lips pressing together to try and keep the sob from escaping. You pulled him close, hugging him tight to you while he cried. Your hand raking through his hair, soothing and soft coos while he sobbed, heart-wrenching and pitiful.

Your blouse was damp, pressed against your skin when Eddie's breath finally steadied, that same distant glaze over his red-rimmed eyes. You kept him pressed close to you, tight to your chest, hand stroking his curls, peppering kisses to the crown of his head. You hated that you didn't know what to say, how to comfort him to make it better. There was nothing to make this better. What did you say to a grieving son who only wanted his mother?

Eddie told you then about her.

About how she always cared for him, about how she taught him to play guitar, how she taught him to hide when his dad came home angry and drunk. His eyes squeezed shut when he mentioned him, fists balling tight in his hands. You could feel his heart racing, picking back up and breathing ragged.

He told you about how she died, seventeen years ago that day. You tried to swallow back the burning ache in your chest, breathing deep to keep your own tears in. It wasn't about you, you couldn't cry, but how could you not? With the things Eddie was telling you. Horrifying, traumatizing things that he went through as a child; that he still faced today.

You stayed with him through the night, not because he asked but because you knew he needed it. He had never been so thankful for you. How gentle you were with him, not judging and reassuring when he got embarrassed by his emotions. He fell asleep that night practically on top of you, head buried in your torso, long limbs crowded all around you. You didn't mind.

The next morning, Eddie woke up frantic, mumbled apologies and racing thoughts that you quieted and soothed. You could tell her was embarrassed. He never needed to be with you.

Eddie rocked on his heels, fidgeting for a moment like he did when he was anxious. "I-I think I'd like to go see her today." Eddie mumbled, refusing to look up at you.

You nodded slowly. "I think that's a great idea, Ed." You smiled softly towards him, resting your own hand on top of his.

Eddie grabbed your hand tightly, fingers intertwining through yours. "Do you think... Do you think you could maybe come with me?" He asked, eyes rounding hopefully when he looked up at you. You melted, heart swelling so tight you thought you might burst. You wanted to tell him you'd walk through the firing line for him if he asked.

"I-It's ok if you can't. Fuck, that's a lot to ask, 'm sorry. I-I shouldn't have asked that, that's-shit, I can go by myself-" Eddie rumbled, eyes pinching closed, pulling his hand out of your grasp quickly.

"Eddie," You grabbed his hand softly again, squeezing it lightly. "I'll go with you. If you want me to go, I'll go with you. If you want me to drive you and sit in the car, I can do that to. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do. Don't apologize for asking."

Eddie hesitated, eyes frantically scanning your features. He'd grown used to putting other people first, making sure they were happy and content before he was. That they were genuine.

"Are you sure?" He asked weakly, lips pulling tight in a hopeful grimace. You wanted to squeeze him tight to you, hold him until he knew it would be alright; until it was all better.

Instead, you smiled, pressing a light kiss to his dimpled cheek. You pushed a curly tendril behind his ear. "I promise. I would love to meet your mother." You smiled, wide and warm, it made his heart lurch in his chest. His hand squeezed yours, eyes watering all over again.

You stopped by the florist before you went to the cemetery. Eddie hadn't asked you to, but you wanted to. "I can't show up empty handed to meet your mom." You smiled softly towards him.

Eddie took a long, deep, cleansing breath at that, following you in to the shop. You looked around, the aroma of the shop was heavenly, floral and powdery. Eddie relaxed softly.

"What kind of flowers did she like?" You asked gently, looking at the different ones in vases of water, behind cooling glasses to keep them fresh.

"Not roses," Eddie muttered, shaking his head at the various shades of roses they had in water. "Hated them."

You smiled softly. "Ok, no roses." You nodded, moving down the case.

"She liked those," Eddie pointed to the big, pink flowers that sat in a vase; peonies. "She used to grow them. Would cut them and put them on the dinner table to cover the scratch when people came over."

You squeezed his hand lightly, requesting two bouquets from the florist. You paid them before Eddie could, ignoring his protests when you took them to the car, laying them delicately in the back seat so they wouldn't get smushed. Eddie didn't tell you, but it meant the world. Seeing how careful you were, how caring you were to him. Watching your hands shake, a little jittery- nervous to meet his mother. Like she was still physically there, and it wasn't just a tomb.

"Do you want me to stay in the car?" You asked, parked on the curb in the empty cemetery.

Eddie shook his head softly, eyes trained on the rows ahead of him. "I-I think I'd like you to come with me." He said, looking over at you carefully. "I want you to meet her."

You smiled, bright back at him. His heart fluttered.

He lead you through the rows of graves, stopping to point out his grandparents, great-grandparents, before he found hers. The headstone was small, a little worn with weather. Viola Luella Jones-Munson - Beloved Daughter, Sister, Wife, and Mother.

Eddie's legs shook when he kneeled down, gripping the bouquet so tight he was sure the stems would break. "Hi, Mom," He whispered, voice cracking in his throat. "I-I'm sorry I haven't been by in a while..."

You pressed your lips together, fighting back a cry of your own. Watching Eddie push the leaves off the headstone, fingers lingering to trace over the etched letters of her name quietly.

"I brought someone to meet you." Eddie whispered, looking over his shoulder at you.

"Hi, Mrs. Munson," You smiled softly. "It's nice to finally meet you." You knelt down next to Eddie, on the soft grass.

"W-We've been dating for a while, Mom. I wanted her to meet you." Eddie breathed, his hand reaching out for yours, squeezing it tightly.

You ran your thumb over his hand, soothing. "Your son is great." You smiled, affectionately looking over at Eddie. "The best. You did an amazing job with him. You should be very proud." Eddie felt his chest swell, throat burning with the threat of tears again.

"He's kind, and funny, and creative, and so, so good to me. A gentleman." You continued, leaning your head softly against his shoulder.

The breeze blew through the trees, wind chimes on the graves tingling to life, while the two of you kneeled in silence.

"Do you think I could have a moment?" Eddie asked after a while, head leaning on top of yours, hand still intertwined. "Just a little bit alone?"

You looked up at him, pressing your lips to his softly, just barely brushing his. He relaxed into your touch, letting you kiss him sweet and gentle. "Take as much time as you need, Eddie. I'll go wait by the car."

You placed the bouquet in front of the headstone, swiping the top off carefully of any fallen blooms from the trees. "It was wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Munson." You whispered, before standing up. You squeezed Eddie's shoulder gently, padding back through the grass towards the car.

Eddie was still for a while. Listening, watching, distant and wrapped up in his own memories. He sighed softly, sitting down on the ground fully.

"She's great, isn't she?" Eddie whispered, smiling softly at the headstone. "I told you when I met the right one I'd bring them to meet you, and-and..." Eddie looked over his shoulder, back towards your car. "She's the one."

Eddie took a deep breath. "She met Wayne a while ago, back in July. He loves her. Told me I better take care of her." Eddie snorted softly. "I do, by the way. Well, I try to as much as I can... She takes care of me, too. Real good, Mom."

Eddie could feel the tears coming, pricking and threatening to spill out the corners of his eyes. "I-I wish you could meet her, Mom." Eddie's lip wobbled, voice cracking at the admission. "God, you'd love her. You two would get along so well, and-and-" Eddie sobbed, broken and spilling out of his chest.

"I miss you." Eddie whispered, tears falling down his cheeks.

He felt like the same eleven year old boy he was years before, kneeling in the freshly laid dirt by her grave, begging and pleading for anyone to bring her back. Screaming and furious that she was taken instead of his dad, instead of him.

"I wish you were here, Mom." Eddie sniffed hard, choking on his own tears. "I really miss you."

Eddie stayed there for a while. His brain screamed at him to get up, but he couldn't. He just wanted a little more time. He knew you wouldn't mind.

He placed a kiss to the headstone, resting his forehead against it until he calmed, chest still heavy and aching, but breathing steady. Eddie placed the peonies next to yours, pretty and bright against the headstone. He knew she'd love them.

When he said goodbye to her, a small, broken whisper into the headstone, he liked to think wherever she was that she heard him. That she sent down the small breeze that wrapped around him, through his hair and through the trees as a sign that she was still with him.

Eddie hugged you for a long time before you got back in the car, tight and desperate, like you might disappear if he didn't. You ran your hand soothingly down his back, letting him bury his nose in your hair, your scent grounding him and keeping his threatening tears at bay.

The ride home was silent, comfortable. Eddie looked out the window, exhausted and drained after the day. His hand held yours over the center console, your thumb still rubbing soothing circles over his knuckles. He didn't tell you that his mom used to do that. He didn't tell you that was the reason the act was so soothing to him, not then anyways. He didn't tell you that you reminded him of her in the best ways. He didn't tell you that he'd never brought anyone, anyone to see her grave. He didn't tell you how much it meant to him that you spoke to her, that you were kind and sweet and genuine to her. He figured you knew.

What he did tell you was how much he loved you. How much he loved you and loved you and loved you and loved you.

And how much his mom would've loved you too. How much she did love you, wherever she was.

[forever-fixating]

RWRB Appreciation Month Bingo: Underrated Moment

For @rwrbsource and @rwrbmovie's RWRB Appreciation Month Bingo: Underrated Moment

Underrated Moment: Alex's immediate "no" when Zahra asked him if it would make any difference if he was asked to not see Henry again

Author's Note: The absolute lack of hesitation in Alex's voice when he answered that question has burrowed into my brain. It's one of my favorite moments. Sure, boys, you're sooooo great at doing casual! There's a little moment inspired by a comment convo I had with @onthewaytosomewhere who made an astute observation about the way Ellen and Zahra talk to Alex, a grown man. Enjoy this little bit of fluff.

As soon as the door slammed shut behind Zahra, Alex and Henry deflated like a couple of balloons. Alex, his mind starting to spiral, looked at his...nope, not ready for that either, Henry and snickered half-heartedly, "Well, now I have a new name to save you under in my phone."

"You're an idiot," Henry said, shaking his head.

They began moving about the room and picking up discarded pieces of clothing. Alex took off his pants to slip on his boxers, not interested in freeballing with a pissed-off Zahra while talking with the press. Fuck, he was going to have to tell his mom about Henry. His bisexuality felt secondary. Not that it wasn't important, but he knew his mom would be okay with that part. But him sleeping with, to borrow Zahra's words, "the heir to the British throne?" During an election year? That part might be a bit harder for her to swallow.

While they got dressed in silence, Alex kept glancing at Henry. His expression was neutral, but that little corner of his mouth told Alex that the blonde's mind was anything but that. Henry sat on the end of the bed, tying his dress shoes. Alex nudged him with his besocked foot and said, "Hey, it's gonna be okay. Don't sweat Zahra. She's all bark, no bite."

Henry smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Alex knelt in front of him and took his hands. Rubbing his thumbs over those smooth knuckles, he said, "Talk to me, baby."

Henry bit his lip, a flash of white sinking into that rosy flesh, before he mumbled, "Did you mean it?"

Alex frowned. "Mean what?"

"When you..." Henry made a noise, a choked little something that made Alex want to comfort him. His eyes were red when he said, "When Zahra asked if it would make a difference if she told you not to see me again...you said no. Did you mean it?"

Oh. Alex stood and sat down next to his transatlantic booty call? sometime lover?, their hands still linked. In that moment, the answer seemed so obvious. While he respected Zahra, he was a grown man now, not a teenager. This was his life and his relationship. If it went down in flames or turned into something more solid, it would be Alex's choice. His mother nor her chief of staff would not make that decision for him.

Alex cupped Henry's cheek and said, "I did."

Alex huffed a laugh when Henry pulled him into a desperate kiss. Henry's hands in his hair and on the small of his back, the little choked moan when Alex parted those plush lips with his tongue...whatever this was, Alex would do anything to keep it.

Unfortunately, even though Alex wanted nothing more than to strip himself and Henry naked for one last tumble in the sheets, he wouldn't put it past Zahra to have a timer set on her phone. He broke their kiss and rubbed his thumb over Henry's spit-slick lips.

"Call me when you get home?"

"I will."

A/N- It's been a hot second since I read the book, but I think at this point, the boys were still operating under the delusion that what they had was casual but mutually exclusive. Silly lads.

Check out this post and join the fun in celebrating the one-year anniversary of our little romcom that could being released!

[inkabelledesigns]

Saw a post about crossdressing this morning and also got a message that warmed my heart, and that got me thinking about a moment where I had some gender related euphoria. So now I'm gonna tell you a story.

So about a year or two ago, my parents were out of town on a trip while I stayed home to care for my brother. And in that time, it snowed. Now, I'm a bit out of practice when it comes to shoveling, we don't get as much where we live now, but I knew I had to go shovel it so the driveway didn't become dangerous. So I went out and took care of our driveway and sidewalk. And I noticed, I was late, everyone else had already done theirs. Everyone, except for myself and my neighbor. My neighbor is an older lady, she can't get around so well. So once I finished our property, thinking I was all alone, I went and got her sidewalk cleaned up.

Well, I was not as stealthy as I'd thought. She ended up coming to the door and called out to me in thanks. And she asked me if I was my father's son. I guess she remembered that her neighbors had a son, but not that they had three daughters as well. We'd never met before, she probably didn't know I existed. Now she does, she sees me taking photos in our yard of my dolls at the very least. But there I was in my winter coat and pajama bottoms, my long hair a mess under my hat, slightly sick with a cough, being mistaken for an eldest son. When my mom called to check up on us, I told her this story, and she laughed and said she was sorry. And I couldn't help but be confused. There was nothing to be sorry for. If anything, I rather liked being mistaken for a gentleman. It likely wasn't a comment on my presentation, it was more likely a case of piecing together information incorrectly and my performing of a task that typically (but not always) a man might do. But I'd like to think maybe I was convincing regardless.

And that was the first time I really came to terms with that for myself. I don't identify as a man in the slightest, but I like being mistaken for a man. I like occasionally dressing in a way that's masculine, hell, I have a character for cosplaying that makes me feel hella handsome whenever I put him on. I aspire to voice more male characters, I have this deep voice for a woman and I want to flex it a little, push it to see what it can do. There's a friend I voice some OCs for that happen to be a couple, a man and a woman, and in this one skit where they're together, so many people don't catch on that I play both characters until they get to the credits. That is such a good feeling! What a funny thing, to be excited that you couldn't identify me as me, but genuinely, I love that just as much as I love being recognized. I have range, baby! I like feeling like a shapeshifter, that I can be anything I want, be that masculine, feminine, neutral, over the top, whatever. I've got the power to do that. There's something really freeing in that. I still feel like a woman, but it's nice to know that being a woman doesn't limit how I can present or how I'm allowed to feel about myself. I can truly be anything.

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Hello, can I request headcanons for Aphrodite and daughter!reader where the reader is heartbroken when she sees Percy together with Annabeth? What would Aphrodite do to comfort her?

Hi Anon! I tried to keep this as neutral as possible so it can be read as the reader having feelings for either Percy or Annabeth. I ended up writing more for this than I thought I would. I hope you like it!

Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Pairing: Aphrodite x daughter! Reader (platonic)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You’re heartbroken seeing Percy and Annabeth together. How does your godly mother, Aphrodite, help you feel better?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You’re happy for them. Of course you are. They’re a wonderful couple and they support each other amazingly.

But it doesn’t make it hurt any less seeing the person you love with someone else.

As a daughter of Aphrodite, you felt a twisted sense of betrayal. Sure, as a daughter of the goddess of love, it was part of your job to make sure other people were getting into relationships. But what about your own happiness? Didn’t your mom care about that?

You couldn’t know it, but Aphrodite was keeping a close eye on you. No child of hers was going to suffer the effects of a broken heart!

That didn’t mean she was going to break apart the happy couple. Of course not! She may care about her daughter but Percy and Annabeth were too much of a power couple for her to in good conscience break up.

But that also didn’t mean she was going to let you suffer in silence.

Aphrodite’s taking a trip down to the mortal world and whisking you off to wherever you want to go. London? Absolutely. Naples? Certainly. Vancouver? She can do that.

And when you’re there, she’s finding the best day spa and spending the whole day with you.

If you want to talk about your love life problems, Aphrodite is absolutely the person to go to. And if you don’t want to talk about it, she’s more than happy to talk about herself.

Absolutely has snacks on standby. Whether she knows exactly what snacks you like or it’s magic you can’t be sure. But whatever you feel like, it’s there.

Self care is important and you’ll walk out of there feeling better, despite yourself. Yes, it’ll still hurt when you see Percy and Annabeth together. But a day of getting everything off your chest has been good.

Aphrodite will absolutely try to set you up on half a dozen blind dates. The best way to get over heartbreak is to get back into the realm of dating after all (according to Aphrodite at least).

It’s up to you whether you go on those dates or not. You never know. You just might find someone who’s perfect for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey, did you enjoy this? If you like my writing, please consider donating to my Ko-Fi page! This will allow me to make some money off my writing, something I enjoy doing.

ko-fi.com/justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms

Important Note: Please only donate if you are financially able to. If you are currently in a position where you can't donate, a like, comment, or reblog will mean just as much.

[hollythevalkyrie]

Gale and Tara holiday party edition.

Warnings:Possible spoilers as all good endings are assumed but nothing directly mentioning them I just want to warn just in case. Tav is also mentioned but is gender neutral and not described.

Summery: Gale and Tara throw a party for the winter solstice however some preparations are harder than anticipated.

“Come on, could you please just work with me here? You’re the one who suggested this,” Gale grumbled out. He was sitting on the ground with Tara in his lap trying to get a sweater onto her. One that matched the one he was already wearing. “You said it would be nice to wear these with everyone around. Why are you making it so difficult?” he asked. They were hosting a winter solstice holiday party for the friend’s Gale made on his adventure.

“I’m not being difficult, I am trying to help,” Tara said, offended he would suggest she was being any less than helpful. She was currently squirming around on his lap as he tried to grab a leg to put in a sleeve.

“Could you at least move a limb for me please?” he asked nicely. He stopped trying to get her into the sweater for a moment when he got hit in the face by one of her wings. He let out a disappointed sigh. “Not that one.”

“You ought to be more specific on which limb you want me to move then Mr. Dekarios,” She pointed out as he returned to grabbing one of her front legs and lifting it up. “Here I’ll stop moving so that way you can do what you need,” she said as she stopped all her squirming. Though she felt herself starting to slide off of his lap.

“How are you leaking off my lap?” Gale asked, confused. He had to rescoop her and put her back on his lap and use one arm to contain her. “It’s like you're grease slipping out of a cracked bottle or something,” he commented.

“Mr. Dekarios if you compare me to grease again it won’t be my wing you’ll have to worry about hitting your face,” she threatened. He nodded and took this as a good time to shut his mouth for once. After using the arm that was containing her to lift her up a little he was able to get her first leg through one of the sleeves and made quick to do the same to the other paw. Then, he rested her down on his lap and made to maneuver her wings through the wing holes in the sweater. This was a slightly harder task especially when it needed both hands and she had gone back to leaking out of his lap. Internally he made a note to get her wings in first before the legs next time. If for whatever reason he blocks out how difficult this was and decides to do it again sometime.

“There you’re all dressed up now,” he announced after quite a while of struggling when he had finally gotten her wings through. Tara then made to jump on a nearby table with a mirror on it to look at herself. A knock at the door pulled Gale’s attention away from trying to get some of Tara’s fur off his sweater.

“Seems our first guest has arrived,” he said as he walked over to the door to open and welcome whoever was on the other side. He was surprised to find not one of his friends but all of them standing on the other side of the door. It was a good surprise to be sure.

“We ran into each other and decided to make our way together,” Tav explained. Gale step slightly out of the way so they could all walk into his house.

“Well no use waiting around out there, come on in,” he said as he stepped to the side so everyone could enter. Once the last person was in he closed the door behind them. “I was a bit preoccupied helping tara get into her sweater ,so unfortunately I’m a little behind on preparations. Nonetheless let’s all try to have some fun,” he said. As if on cue Tara ran into the room and seemed to pose for everyone to show off her clothes.

“Mrs. Dekarios has really outdone herself on the knitting this time,” she commented as she walked around in a circle to show it off to everyone. Astarion chuckled hearing that.

“You’re wearing matching sweaters with your cat that your mom made you?” he asked with a laugh. Tara hissed in response to him clearly not liking what he said or was insinuating.

“How many times do I have to tell you. She’s not a cat she’s a tressym and she’s not my pet she’s my friend,” he corrected. “And yes I am wearing matching sweaters with her that my mother made. She put love into every stitch of them and they look good,” he finished.

“In all our time adventuring I never pegged you as a mama’s boy,” Shadowheart commented trying to restrain her own laugh. Few of the others let out their own chuckles and giggles at that.

“Come on guys I think it’s sweet that he cares about his mother and that she cares for him,” Karlach defended. Wyll nodded in agreement though his amusement of his friend’s teasing was evident on his face.

“Mr. Dekarios is not a mama’s boy. A mama’s boy would visit more often than he does. He leaves his poor mother alone wondering and worrying about him,” Tara chimed in. This caused Astarion to start laughing once more. Gale noticed out of the corner of his eye that tav seemed to be getting frustrated as they attempted to get his attention.

“Yes Tav what is it?” he asked. Tav then reached over to his hair and pull something out.

“You had a Tara feather in your hair,” they said, holding the feather up so he could see it. He could already tell that this would be a long party, but one filled with fun.

[hughesmedicine]

announcing her| j. hughes

jack hughes x reader( it’s a normal one for once💀)

also I usually do gender neutral names since they’re my absolute favorite so if you don’t like that then don’t read or imagine a different name:)

jackhughes

liked by elblue06,_quinnhughes, lhughes_06 and others

jackhughes: we wanted to wait a while before we announced her but meet sawyer mae hughes❤️

tagged: yourusername

load more comments..

yourusername: my worlds❤️

_quinnhughes: can’t wait to give her a Canucks jersey, she’s gonna look adorable in it🥹

| lhughes_06: she’s already got a Michigan one on the way so step up your game!

| _quinnhughes: yeah whatever🙄

trevorzegras: when do I get to see her again, like can you guys fly here or something??

| yourusername: no we can’t fly but whenever you and jack play against each other!

| trevorzegras: need that game to come faster

elblue6: she’s so precious, can’t wait till I get to hold her again🥹❤️

| yourusername: please come for a visit again! I’ve missed you

| elblue6: miss you too sweetie! I’ll plan a trip soon

lhughes_06: think she’s in need of another umich game!

| yourusername: we’re planning on going to the next one!

| lhughes_06: awesome can’t wait, also the boys are gonna be happy!

| _quinnhughes: okay but I think she’s in need of a canucks game more

| yourusername: when you play against jack you will🫡

| _quinnhughes: no please come early

| yourusername: fine we’ll try

nicohischier: she’s such a cutie but is she coming to practice?

| jackhughes: yes!

| nicohischier: dibs on holding her when you get here

yourusername

liked by jackhughes, _quinnhughes, lhughes_06 and others.

yourusername: little mom and daughter time🤍

tagged: jackhughes

load more comments…

jackhughes: I miss my girls so much❤️

| yourusername: please hurry back, we need cuddles

| jackhughes: two more days

_quinnhughes: you should’ve came, I need those sawyer cuddles

| yourusername: I’m already regretting not going but I had to work

| _quinnhughes: just quit and use jack

| jackhughes: she won’t trust me I’ve tried

| yourusername: sorry I like my job!

colecaufield: about to make a special trip just to hold her🥹

| yourusername: please come to jersey! I’ve missed you bestie

| colecaufield: missed you too y/n! I’ll be there next week!

| jackhughes: do you miss me?

| colecaufield: how do I say this um.. im kidding! yes I miss you bud

| jackhughes: okay good or I would have made you sleep on the couch

| colecaufield: I probably have to sleep there anyways

[this-sapphic-paradise]

Barbie starts dating and Gloria feels jealous, maybe even an eventual love confession

Hope you like it!

And let me know if I should write a follow up!

"Mom," Sasha's exasperated tone makes Gloria's hackles raise before she can even finish her sentence. "You *have* to put yourself out there again. It's been what, a year since you and dad divorced." The teen looked at Barbie for support, but doll-turned-human used her perfect poker face, staring straight ahead to avoid being pulled into the discussion. (One year in the real world had been enough time to learn some social cues.)

"Traitor," Sasha mock-whispered at Barbie.

"It's *only* been a year," Gloria corrected, busying herself with dinner. "I don't hear you nagging Barbie to start dating."

"That's because I am dating," Barbie supplied, hoping to be helpful. (Not *all* cues.)

Gloria almost dropped the pan she was holding in her haste to turn around. "You are?!"

The look of shock and... sadness? in Gloria's eyes confused Barbie. "Should I not be?"

"No, no..." Gloria shook her head and softened her features into a careful neutral face. "Of course you should. You should date as much or as little as you want, just-" a sad smile tugged on her lips, "don't let bad people harden your heart, okay?"

Sasha observed the exchange, looking from her mom to Barbie and then back again. *Okay...* She mouthed to herself, knowing it would go unnoticed by the two women who were staring lovingly at each other.

"Whatever. What's for dinner?"

------

It's not like Gloria hadn't tried to get back into the dating game. She had downloaded all the typical apps—Tinder, Bumble, Hinge—, she had even ventured on Plenty of Fish before she understood the error of her ways and deleted her account immediately. But the apps made her feel like she was shopping for people, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth, and so, she had deleted them.

What was left for her to do? She wondered, still thinking about Sasha's incessant request a week after the incident in the kitchen, getting cozy on the couch under a soft blanket to watch the latest cult documentary (a welcomed change from all the murder true crime shows she watched). She wasn't in her twenties anymore, she didn't want to go out partying every weekend, so where was she supposed to meet men her age? Did men her age even want to date women as old as them??

"You have that look on your face," Barbie commented, joining Gloria on the couch and shimming under the blanket to make herself warm.

"The look of a tired, working mother?"

Barbie grinned, having grown rather fond of Gloria's little sarcastic quips. "No, that look is beautiful," she said earnestly. "The look that something is bothering you."

Gloria shook her head, trying to ignore how Barbie's honest compliments always sank sharp teeth into her heart. She pressed play on the remote and she pretended to pay attention to it simply so she wouldn't have to look into those soul-searching eyes as she spoke. "How has dating been going for you?"

"Hm..." Barbie took a second to think. "I've been on seven dates since last week—"

"What?!?"

Barbie blinked. "One each night, basically."

"How can you afford that??"

She shrugged, "I never have to pay for anything. All the men and women I've seen insisted on paying for me."

Gloria was mid thought of 'Of course they are paying for you,' when it registered that Barbie had said she was going on dates with women too. It should have been obvious, really, that Barbie would see women as perfectly viable companions, but for some reason Gloria had never considered that for herself.

"And... which have you liked best, women or men?"

Barbie scrunched up her nose as she thought about it. "It's difficult to find any man here who is interested in more than my looks and many of them are terrible kissers—though I'm not sure I'm a good one myself-"

"Of course you are," Gloria interrupted without thinking about what she was saying.

"Can you tell just by looking at me?" Barbie asked, wondering if that was another human thing she still had to learn.

"Uh..." Gloria blinked a few times, trying to come up with a good explanation for that intrusive thought at the same time as she tried to comprehend why the thought of Barbie not being a good kisser felt like an affront to her.

"I-I just know that you're very intuitive and kind, and I'm sure someone like that would know how to kiss well," she explained, hoping it sounded like a well-thought-out reason.

Barbie beamed at that, taking Gloria's words at face value.

"So, yeah, I think I'm much more inclined to keep dating women than men. But no girl has invited me nor agreed to go on a second date."

Gloria frowned again. How was that possible?? "Have any of them told you why?"

"They said they couldn't get into another situationship with a woman who's living with her partner and her daughter." Barbie shrugged and continued, "I don't know why that's such a problem for them, but if they see it that way, then I'm better off."

"Barbie..." Gloria tilted her head, her heart melting. "They think you and I are dating, or that we are exes but still live together. That's why they don't want to get involved." She chuckled, but her chest ached a little. "We *are* partners, but not in the way they think."

"Oh! Well... that makes way more sense now," Barbie laughed and got more comfortable on the couch, unbothered by the fact that a misunderstanding might have cost her a few dates.

-----

Rollerblading had been something Gloria and Sasha had taken up as mother-daughter bonding activity and both truly cherished the moments they spent together (even though Sasha still put up a bit of front as it was expected of a teenager).

They were enjoying the breeze as they skated down their regular route when Gloria suddenly blurted out, "Would it be weird if I started seeing women?"

Sasha almost fell flat on her face—not due to the question, but the abruptedness of it. She eyed her mother with an unreadable expression for a few seconds before smirking and asking, "Women or Barbie?"

"What?!? No! I mean-"

"Mom," Sash laughed, grabbing her mother's hand. "Either is totally fine and not weird at all. I mean, it'd be *really* weird to have a real life Barbie as a step-mom, but-" she shrugged, "I've been waiting for you to realize you've been in love with her from the moment you laid eyes on her."

Gloria wanted to deny it, she wanted to say Sasha was mistaken, that she had still been in love with her ex husband when they met Barbie, but she knew she would be lying. All Gloria could do was thank the heavens for the fact that Sasha did not seem to be traumatized by the changes in their family.

"There's no step-mom just yet," Gloria said shyly, choosing to stay away from heavy topics for the time being. "Do you think she would go on a date with me?"

"Are you kidding me?" Sasha scoffed, rolling her eyes at her mom. "I've seen the way you too look at each other. I think it gave me literal cavities. It's disgusting, really."

Laughing at her daughter's dramatics, Gloria sighed and said, "I guess I'll ask her out then." Her heart soared with the possibilities the future held, and she could only hope Barbie would say yes.

[youremyheaven]

I don’t think all venusians are bad but I also had a share of bad experiences with them. I don’t know if I should drag the women or the men first. I’d talk about the women first because they’re in my family and it’s a more neutral point of view than hate or a one time experience. My purva ashada stellium grandmother used to starve her children too and is extremely cheap. Tbh I don’t think she has a bad relationship with her daughters. She seems to get along with them pretty well. However my mom who’s purva phalguni moon has similar behavior as the previous ano. She’s very jealous and envious of other women constantly comparing herself to other women and she needs to be the “best looking” among others. Otherwise she lose her mind. She’s very image conscious and she’s a complete different person with strangers or my friends. She wants to be seen as the cool mom. She also assumes every single man she interacts with has some sort of romantic interest in her. She also says phrases like “you’ll never be as attractive as used to be” like even if It was true and I was a walking troll she shouldn’t be saying this to her daughter ? I also find it weird how every single Venusian woman I talk to is extremely fake ? Like they’re obsessed with status and want to be seen as higher or richer than what they actually are. They love to see people beneath them. They strive to be the best in that way. They’re very superficial and they would definitely befriend someone or be around someone for the aesthetic or for what they could get from them. They would take shamelessly from people without giving back and when you called them out they be like “I didn’t ask you to” when they truly did pressure you into it. I think for men, most Venusian men I met, they would be very polite, kind helpful and try to please me as much as possible. Like they would get interested in my hobbies and try to get close to me with some hidden intention or purpose to it. When I don’t get fooled by their act, it’s almost as their mask drops and I see another version of them that is much cruel and mean ? It’s like they want to “punish” you. They would paint themselves as the victim because you didn’t give them what they wanted or desired from you. Whatever that is. They would tarnish your reputation or come for you in settings. Now, I don’t think I had many Venusian friends (only 2 ) that are woman but they both would lie and act as if they’re “rich” even if they’re not and I already know they’re not and I don’t even care because I never bring such things up.

💀💀💀u have described so many people i know, its crazyyy,, one girl i went to college with who had Saturn in Bharani atmakaraka was just like u described. she was upper middle class at best but she wanted to be seen as rich so bad?? she'd insert random details to make herself sound 🤑🤑she spoke about how much she spent on clothes even tho she always wore the same stuff on repetition?? (im not being a hater, her comments always just made no sense??) she'd talk about how her family only fed their dog specially bought meat and it was just ??? i hated the way she spoke about money and same goes for another Venusian girlie i know, she wont shut up about money and always exaggerates for good effect?? its so cringe to me ngl. theyre also the type of people who want to put others down to feel better about themselves. I think Venusians in general don't like it when someone tries to imply that they're on the same "level" so they always put others down to establish superiority. every Venusian woman I know is arrogant and conceited in some ways. one time the atmakaraka chick told me that her dad bought her a new car and i was like ok good for you? and she always spoke about how its her car when it was actually just a new car for the fam after they disposed off the old one?? lol?

one time my friends and i were eating out and a really cute kid (5-6 yr old girl) and her mom came in, all my friends said that the kid resembled me quite a bit and the Bharani ak girl said "yeah she's chubby like you" 🤡🤡🤡first of all the kid wasn't "chubby" by a long shot, and even if she was who tf says that about a 5yr old??? she just wanted to establish dominance? and did not like the fact that others thought we resembled each other lmao?? what a complete asshole, imagine insulting a literal child and your friend?? Venusian women do not like it when other women seem to have the upper hand in any way. They are not girls girls, i have said this before and i'll say it again Venusians are the OG "im not like other girls" girl.

im so sorry you went through all that anon. i wish you healing and peace<3

[nothorses]

Hi, I'm not sure if this is necessarily something you have advice on, but do you have some advice on talking to parents about being trans? I've already told them that I'm a trans man, but it doesn't seem to have stuck. They don't seem to really understand that I'm a guy, my dad in particular. And it's not even that he or my mom doubt the existence of trans people, or even my transness specifically, so much as they doubt my masculinity? I think that they figure since I'm not a rough and tumble sports meathead type of guy that I'm not fully a guy at all. My dad in particular doesn't really understand why I'd choose to be a guy when gender is a construct that doesn't mean much of anything, which I'm pretty certain has to do with his own baggage that I won't get into. How do I navigate telling my parents that yes, I'm sure I'm a guy, and that using they/them pronouns and referring to me in gender neutral terms is incorrect?

I would really recommend asking questions first, for that sort of thing; since they're actually doing something you can comment on (misgendering you) but seem overall willing to understand and support you, you might just try asking them, like, "I've noticed you use they/them pronouns and a lot of gender neutral language for me, even though I'm a guy. Why is that?"

The purpose is just to get them to self-reflect without making them feel defensive, and to understand where they're coming from and what's feasible/relevant before you start making requests. Maybe they have a well-intentioned reason for it, maybe they don't really understand what you've been trying to convey, or they think gender neutral language is a good "stepping stone" while they "adjust", or maybe there's another reason. Asking first allows them to explain themselves while feeling like you're really interested in their reasoning, and opens up that conversation in a productive way as a result.

Whatever their answer, you can then explain and correct without it being an argument or lecture. You can validate and acknowledge whatever positive intent they had, and then offer something more helpful to you: "thank you for explaining, and for trying to support me. I would actually really prefer it if you could use he/him pronouns for me, because they/them feels like you're still saying I'm not actually a guy, even if that's not what you mean."

Or, if it is that they think it's okay to use that language to "adjust", if nothing else you can ask if they can try to mix in masculine language more often. You can explain that it helps you remember that they're really, honestly trying, in the moments that they do forget.

You can also try asking them more about how they see you and why they feel that need to adjust, and you can ask them how they think it might make you feel, but just be aware that it might also hurt you to hear those answers. Make sure you're asking questions with an honest desire to hear their answers; if you come into it just trying to make them feel guilty, it can often feel more like an attack, and the conversation can easily go in the direction of an argument rather than a genuine dialogue.

That's just one approach, though- I'm sure you'll work it out in a way that suits you. Best of luck!

[ven1mus]

I don't know if anyone else deals with a parent like this but like....my mom is so overwhelming. All she does is nitpick me and point out what I do wrong. She then goes to give me examples of what she would've done better. She then also goes to say that if I just did it her way in the beginning then I wouldn't have fucked up so bad. Any chance she gets when we argue she puts me down, calls me names or insults me, and brings up my therapist any chance she gets and says I just need to see her more because I suck as a person right now because of my anger issues. She constantly nitpicks and fusses over what I could be doing with my son and what I'm doing wrong and that I need to do what she did when she was raising my sisters and I (mind you I am extremely emotionally just fucked because of her and my stepdad). I thought things would be better because I'm an adult now but no. The criticism kind of stopped for a little bit or at least lessened but for some reason now it's back in full force. Any time she comes into my home she has something to say. Even how I take my pan dulce with tea! (She made a disgusted face at me yesterday because I didn't have it with fucking coffee like normal Puerto Rican). I am just at my whits end. After laying into me yesterday, she went to the bathroom and I almost had a breakdown. I don't know how I did it. I thank Ares tbh. All I could hear from him in my head was "Don't give her your tears. She doesn't deserve your anger. Don't give in." So I told a couple deep breaths and scrubbed the stupid saltwater off of my face and I just adopted a neutral, no-feeling shell until after she left. That's the only way I can protect myself from her sometimes is just by shutting it all off but I know that's not healthy either. Idk if she could be labelled as a narcissist parent. I have to talk to my therapist more but if any of you have similar stories or advice please feel free to message or comment or whatever. Thanks for reading this far. I hope all you guys are safe ✨🖤 Happy Mabon to those who celebrate 🍂🍁