#and to everyone who refuses to leave putting your pets and family at risk fuck you!

[flying-cat]

Two intense hurricanes hitting Florida back to back is fucking insane and like we already know Milton is gonna be category 4 (iirc) when it makes landfall but the fact people were downplaying it when they thought it would be a category 3 is crazy because HURRICANE KATRINA, KNOWN FOR BEING CATASTROPHICALLY DESTRUCTIVE, WAS A CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE (though a lot of its destruction was due to the levees failing in New Orleans). Milton's storm surge is going to be 15-20ft and the fact that anyone at all is CHOOSING to stay is absolutely fucking bonkers. It's one thing about people not being able to leave, which is the majority of people who have not yet/will not evacuate (which is a whole different issue because, by all means, people who are incapable of evacuating for any reason at all SHOULD be receiving help so that they CAN evacuate, but they AREN'T) but choosing not to? Crazy. Insane. Putting you and your family at risk because you want to be a stubborn fucking moron. And the people who are upset about having to cancel their Disney vacations, or people who are REFUSING to cancel their Disney vacations even with the current situation, should be ashamed. Those poor workers have to come to work, worried about their own safety, worried about the safety of their families, and the reason they have to be there is because they're expected to be there by people who don't give a shit about anyone else. What the hell are you going to do at Disney anyway? It's literally going to be raining for DAYS STRAIGHT.

[strawberrysoup]

Pocketful of Posies || Chapter 6

You’d been hiding for years and years now; from your family, from society, from alphas and packs. Suppressants were dangerous but effective and necessary for an omega who refused to be owned—but no suppressants were strong enough to fool the nose of a super soldier, who together with his pack would stop at nothing to bind you to them forever.

pairings: dark!Avengers x reader

word length: 2.9K

chapters: 6/?

warnings: A/B/O dynamics, power imbalances, noncon and dubcon sexual situations, loss of autonomy, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat — this is a dark!fic, read at your own risk. more detailed content warnings are included at the end of the chapter to avoid spoilers, click through the read more, CTRL + F “content warnings”.

notes: slightly shorter than my usual, but i needed to get some stuff fixed up. if ya’ll like my stories please consider donating to my ko-fi— a bitch is poor lmao

Steve swept you up in his arms and turned to deposit you on the landing upstairs, evidently trusting the others to keep you contained for a moment. There was an audible scuffle going on in the den, Bucky would be heard growling from outside—snapping at someone who made the mistake of asking how he’d gotten out there so fast? Tony was growling at Peter who looked seconds away from begging for forgiveness.

“You guys made it safe, I’m happy to see you Nat,” Steve drew the redhaired woman into his arms and sighed in relief, but you couldn’t tell if it was a question or a statement; honestly you were having trouble thinking, your brain clouded with the sudden onset of absolute and uncontrolled panic.

The moment the black-haired man had been pulled away by the delta currently stomping back up the stairs, clarity had returned to you like a slap in the face. The golden fog that obscured your vision immediately dissipated and just as quickly you’d been overwhelmed with gut wrenching fear. You didn’t actually remember kicking Steve in the face or making a break for the stairs, but evidently you had and you cursed your hindbrain for running towards the stairs—you should’ve jumped straight out the window; you had a better chance at out running Bucky and whoever else was down there than the two alpha primes and their surrounding packmates.

Before you could even take a step towards the still wide-open window, the black-haired man appeared with a green flash and wrapped around you tightly. “Shhh , pet, no. No windows for you, darling, come now—back to your nest.”

In a moment of truly unusual harmony, your consciousness and hindbrain agreed that the bed was the last place you wanted to be. That wasn’t your bed, the omega hissed tearfully, you’d never made a nest—that wasn’t yours. It could barely be called a nest, even. There hadn’t been any careful consideration regarding the placement of the pillows and blankets, there were no articles of clothing or soft items that had been scavenged or stolen to elicit a feeling of safety or comfort. Worst of all was the way it smelled. Obviously, it didn’t reek, the mix of individual scents wasn’t a bad conglomeration, but your hindbrain whined at the unfamiliarity. This wasn’t your pack’s scent.

The cohesion was jarring, and you groaned. Regardless of the reasoning, your hindbrain was aware that you didn’t get to have a pack and that reminder always hurt. It desperately desired one, but an omega’s primary objective was survival.

After all, you in all of your fully conscious state knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that you would never have a pack—it wasn’t a matter of wanting or not wanting at this point in your life. You were too old to be regressed into the type of omega that packs wanted, your body too badly reliant on the chemical reactions produced by suppressants after fifteen years to stop taking them. At your age, to be found by a pack meant death.

They would get sick of trying to fix you. You’d die from quitting the suppressants cold turkey. They’d beat you for disobedience until your body gave up. You were nearly thirty and that was ancient for an unbound omega and you couldn’t teach an old dog new tricks. Especially an old dog who was bound and determined not to be taught.

“LOKI!” Bucky bellowed as he stomped past Steve and the redhead on the stairs, looking three shades past furious.

The man holding you let go very quickly after that, spinning you away and moving to intercept the furious delta with an equally unpleasant expression. Why couldn’t you have just fucking kept it together upon meeting Bruce—that blood in the water, shark nosed asshole, if you had reigned in your panic there was no way he could’ve scented you through your suppressants. Steve was a different story, but if you’d been quick and calm you probably could’ve made it.

You scanned the room quickly; Bruce was on the bed, checking on Wanda. Bucky and Loki were on the floor fighting, half entangled with Peter and Sam who were doing their best to put their own fight aside to keep the deltas from killing each other. Steve was still halfway down the stairs with the other redhead, talking to her quietly. Tony was—

“Okay, princess, okay,” Tony was wrapped tightly around you from behind, carefully keeping your head braced between his chin and shoulder when you tried to thrash. “This isn’t fair to you, you’re way too fragile for this right now. Put your head here, breathe with me.”

“Please let me go,” you didn’t realize you were crying until you spoke, words coming out in sobs. “I don’t want to die like this, please—”

“You are not going to die, little love,” Thor sounded so sad from where he came to stand in front of you. “I’m not going to bond you, not while you’re so upset. But the results of the tests Bruce ran showed that you are in danger. I cannot allow that and no matter how angry you are with us, we will not let you suffer needlessly.”

“I’m not suffering! I swear, I swear I’m not suffering I’m, I’m happy! I’m happy living my life the way I have been. Please, let me have the choice, I want to be alone, it makes me happy!”

Trying to explain to a literal God why you deserved personal agency was an exhausting business, especially when said God was as condescending as Thor. His indulgent and sad smile was nearly enough to tip you over the edge, but there really wasn’t a point in getting angry—he obviously couldn’t even fathom the concept that what he was doing was wrong. It’s not like you could do anything anyway, you weren’t built for violence but for running away. Every bone in your body vibrated with rage; the injustice was overwhelming.

For fifteen whole years you’d been just fine. You would’ve continued to be just fine, if it weren’t for some super nosed freaks crossing your path. What were the odds of the only people in the world who could scent you from beneath more than a decade’s worth of suppressant use would have a cabin in Quebec that you happened to clean—and run into said people because they happened to show up early; an incredibly unusual situation.

It made you think about Mrs. Hunt. She’d only called to give you a heads up because of the last time, when the homeowner had tried to assault you even while he’d thought that you were a beta . You wondered how long it would take her to realize something was wrong; it was getting late and you’d yet to return her cart despite telling her you’d be there shortly.

The real question would be whether she tried to help or not once she discovered your presentation. She could try to help, try to stick them with omega theft, but they could claim civic duty like Peter had earlier. Besides, that was contingent upon her wanting to help you considering you’d lied to her for so many years.

“You’re so distressed, won’t you let me purr for you?”

“Don’t! Don’t you dare take away—”

“Little love, please—”

“Don’t call me that. You don’t even know me,” you spat, turning to address the room at large. “What kind of fucking superheros are you? Let go of me! Let me go!”

Tony sighed and hefted you up into his arms, one wrapped around your torso while the other hooked under your knees and pinned you carefully across his body. You struggled uselessly against his strong hold; he wasn’t as strong as Thor or Steve, but his bicep was massive next to your head and you could feel his muscles through his clothes as he walked to the bed.

“We can’t, princess,” he murmured into the side of your head as he lowered both of you to the bed, sitting propped against a mass of pillows in the corner. “We’ll never find an unbound omega in your age range again. Plenty of omegas have been offered to us, but they’re all practically children. You’re our last chance—”

“There are plenty! You said plenty! Pick the oldest who wants to be in this fucking shit show and leave me alone!” Everyone tensed when the tone in your voice approached a shriek.

“We’re not taking an omega who’s not even legal to drink—”

“That alpha is like eighteen!” You tried to gesture to Peter, who gaped at you like you’d wounded him, but your arms were still pinned tightly to your sides.

“Peter is twenty-four, actually,” Tony spoke with mirth when Peter jumped onto the bed and crawled until he was pressed against Tony’s side and your back. “And before you ask, Wanda is twenty-six.”

“We’re so lucky to have found you,” the alpha half purred, pressing his nose into the back of your neck. “We’ll make you happy, happier than you are now.”

“It’s gonna be a rough start,” Bruce laid down in the nest a few feet away, welcoming the woman you recognized as the Black Widow into his arms when she slithered into the bed. “We have to balance your hormones, or you will die. You wouldn’t have lasted another year on those suppressants.”

“Death would be a reprieve,” you hissed shortly, freezing when the tone of the room immediately changed.

All attention was suddenly on you, Bruce still making direct eye contact with those sad puppy eyes, “I know that feeling, sweetheart—”

“We will do it another way then,” Thor interrupted, sending Bruce a quieting but loving look. “I said I would not bond you while you are in distress anda I will never break a promise to you. Open your mouth, this will be quick.”

Steve seemed to sigh in response and followed to stand next to the other prime, “I lost my chance. You’ll help her?”

Thor leveled the shorter blond with a careful look before nodding, both showing signs of deference and affection and respect that you did not care for. The rattle of a belt prompted Tony to turn you, setting you carefully between his legs while continuing to hold down your arms with what could appear to be an affectionate bear hug. He even linked his fingers with yours, squeezing gently as you tried to squirm.

“No. No, no no no, that’s disgusting, I won’t—”

“Shhh , I’ll do all the work little love, all you need to do is swallow.”

He was jerking his cock carefully, a flick of his wrist near the head catching your eye. That was a dangerous weapon, the same way you’d come to learn Steve’s was and you had no intention of letting it anywhere near your mouth. You clamped your lips shut, teeth grinding.

“Stubborn,” Peter snorted a laugh and you would’ve snapped at him had his hand not dove between your thighs, fingers gliding through the slick lips of your cunt until he found your clit.

You had to stop yourself from screeching, the head of Thor’s cock directly in front of your face. “Very. Come on now, open up.”

The fingers pinching your nose shut came as a shock, you’d crushed your eyes shut out without realizing it and they snapped open when your face was assaulted. Steve was kneeling on the bed, carefully cutting of your air supply with one hand and stroking your head with the other.

“Come on, precious, you’ve gotta breathe,” he stated softly, smiling when you were forced to pull your lips back to gasp for breath—until he realized your teeth were still locked together. “Really ‘mega?”

The next thing you knew his thumb was shoving against your molars, literally prying your jaw open. There was no way to fight it without hurting yourself, especially once he wedged his thick thumb between your top and bottom teeth. You barely had a second to anticipate the horror before an unnecessarily large cock found it’s way between your lips.

You tried to shriek, your brain finally catching up to the whole series of events, but it was no use. His scent was overwhelming and his dick stretched your lips, your jaw forced completely open. Thor groaned, a triggering noise as he very carefully pressed forward until your mouth was completely full and he was settled against you tongue.

“Suck for me, little love, just a little,” he grunted, just barely working his member between your lips while his huge hand stroked the rest.

It took a surprisingly small amount of time for a massive load of cum to shoot into your mouth. It was thick, and the way that Thor growled immediately made your pupils blow wide like you’d done a line of coke.  

Your body went lax immediately and you swallowed on instinct when a hand gently rubbed your throat. The fuzz in your brain was the result of arousal, a brutal orgasm that rocked your body at the sound in combination with your body’s sheer delight at the taste of alpha cum. Somewhere you realized that was disgusting but the haze in your brain made you more focused on the hand between your thighs rather than the indignity.

“Man, this shit ain’t fair,” Sam complained, panting from the exertion of trying to prevent Loki and Bucky from killing each other. “They get to cuddle and we—Hey!  Quit that, man!”

“All of you stop fighting,” Steve’s alpha order was brutal and effective.

The sounds of scuffling from behind Thor stopped immediately and there were huffs and snarls and low grumbles but the nest started shifting all around you. You were dropped back to lay against Tony’s chest, having inadvertently swallowed the entirety of the god’s massive load.

“She’s so cute,” Wanda cooed from somewhere to your left.

“We’ll need to go over what we’re doing from here,” Steve sighed once everyone had settled, still watching your dazed expression with a small smile. “But let’s just… nest for a bit, okay?”

The word nest triggered something in your half alpha-cum stoned brained and you looked around the den with a displeased expression. It was a terrible nest; all of the pillows and blankets were in weird heaps and the scent was so wrong. You didn’t really want to nest here, your hindbrain grumbled in agreement, but you’d fix the damn thing. You whined and wriggled until Steve gave Tony the go ahead to stop fully restraining you.

The bed was incredibly soft, which was an upside and crawling across it was like sinking your knees into clouds as you collected the soft heaps of blankets and pillows as you went. You wanted everything off so you could start from scratch, brain muddled by the wrongness of the current layout. You wanted to wash the sheets, the pillow cases, the blankets, all of it. The scent wasn’t right.

“Help her.” It was a quiet request from the Black Widow, who’d also started shifting around to remove the items. “She doesn’t like it like this.”

It was easier to get everything pushed away and in neat piles with the packs’ help, everyone immediately moving to help organize the pillows. You only snapped at the blond beta—Hawkeye, your memory supplied— once for putting a soft blanket on the pile with the not soft blankets. He immediately gave an apologetic burr to which your hindbrain purred back instinctually; evidently a good reaction.

“Why does she like Clint? They haven’t even spoken.”

“She doesn’t like him, she snarled at him!”

“She hasn’t purred at anyone else!”

“Shut up, fuckin’ idiot.”

The noise you made was one of discontent and disdain, the arguing deltas immediately quieting. You didn’t argue with the chirping growl that meant displeased omega, not in a real pack where the goal was to keep omegas pleased and docile. Somewhere your brain reminded you that this wasn’t your pack but the alpha hormones filling your blood and confusing you and yet somehow all you could focus on was whining and pushing at pack members to get them out of the way as your rearranged; clicking your teeth grumpily when you were handed a blanket instead of a pillow or vice versa.

You found yourself being corralled back into the corner, where Natasha and Wanda immediately wrapped themselves around you. Thor had found Bruce and settled beside and settled near your feet where you’d built an intricate nest wall of pillows and blankets. Two of the deltas, Tony and Loki seemed to be glaring at each other—even as Tony laid himself completely on top of the other and they both relaxed into comfortable holds.

It was interesting, watching the pack dynamics as they moved between each other. Clint wrapped around Natasha from behind the same way Carol found her way behind Wanda. Peter had weaseled his way into curling against Loki’s side while tossing a leg over the man’s hip, subsequently laying it over the backs of Tony’s thighs. Sam, Bucky and Steve all found their way into a neat grouping on the bed closest to the stairs, piled as close to the subsequent piles of superheros as possible.

There was some sort of pattern beginning to form in the back of your brain but you were still too confused, too sucked into your own omega hindbrain by the overwhelming introduction of alpha hormone to your system. Instead of following the thought through to the end, you found yourself warm and comfortable and full and falling asleep tucked between the groupings of presentations as if it wasn’t totally, 100% against your will.

 content warnings: forced cum eating, chemical manipulation, dead dove: do not eat

[much-obliged-timothy]

Heirs

I almost didn’t post this because I really just wrote it on a whim after my Dad Tim & Uncle Rhys shorts made me wonder what it’d be like for Tim if Jack had another kid. So, here’s a snapshot take on that idea! 

Tim wondered when the bizarre life he was living had become normal to him.

There was the whole being a doppelganger working for the world’s biggest psychopath part of it, of course. But if you’d told him years ago he was going to be, essentially, a nanny for the psychopath he was a doppelganger of, he would’ve laughed in your face.

Now, he just scooped the beer he’d been drinking off the coffee table and tossed it up on the counter where kids couldn’t reach. He kicked his dirty laundry under his bed and took a quick look around to make sure nothing of imminent danger was left lying about. 

He’d been horrified when Jack accidentally got Nisha pregnant. Even more horrified when Nisha decided to keep the kid. The last thing the galaxy needed was a mini Jack/Nisha running around.

The horror had grown to an overwhelming amount when Jack decided to use Tim to look after the kid when he was too busy to do it himself. 

Tim had absolutely dreaded it, waiting for the kid to get old enough to use him as a punching bag or torment him the way Jack did. No way the offspring of Handsome Jack and Nisha Kadam would ever have a kind bone in their body. 

There was a knock on the door and Tim called out a lazy, “Come in.”

The door opened and in bound a small boy who was a disturbing mix of Jack and Nisha. His tutor followed behind him.

“His homework,” the tutor said, handing a folder to Tim. “I had permission to take him on a bit of a field trip today, so he never napped. I’d either let him sleep an hour now, or else start that homework early and let him go to bed earlier than usual.”

“Jack’s got him for bedtime,” Tim said, taking the folder. “If he’s cranky by then, it’s not my problem.”

The tutor shrugged and left Tim’s apartment. Tim tossed the folder down.

“Liam!” he called as the boy took off for the kitchen. “Come start your homework.”

It was a minute before Liam reappeared with a juice box and a small bag of chips. He shook his head at Tim, thick black hair tumbling across his forehead.

“Nu-uh, Uncle Timmy! I gotta see Angel! I gotta!” He shot Tim his wide-eyed look, which seemed to work on every adult except Tim. “Please. I gotta.”

Tim pointed. “Homework. Or it’s my ass your dad will beat.”

He abandoned the wide-eyed look and instead settled for an imitation of Jack’s stern look. “I gotta see Angel.”

“Nah, kid,” Tim said. “You gotta do your homework.”

“I’ll bring it,” he tried. “Please, Uncle Timmy!”

Tim sighed heavily. But Liam didn’t get to see his sister often, and he knew Angel was probably his only sane family member.

“Fine. But you don’t get to throw a fit later when you’re tired and you have to finish your work,” Tim said, snatching the folder up, knowing full well that Liam wouldn’t touch it while they were visiting Angel but needing to try anyways. “Let’s go.”

A bright smile broke out on Liam’s face, so happy and pure. Tim hated that he still held out hope that the kid would be better than his parents someday. 

But Liam launched forward, throwing his little arms as far around Tim’s waist as he could. “You’re the best, Uncle Timmy!” 

“Yea, yea,” Tim said, taking his hand and leading him out of the apartment.

They went to the nearest fast travel station. Tim set it for the Bunker, being one of the only people authorized to fast travel there now that he was so often in charge of Liam.

It had been horrifying to learn Jack was going to have a child. Even more so to learn that his baby with Nisha wouldn’t be his first. 

But Tim had adjusted slowly to Angel. As they flashed inside her chamber, he was heartbroken but used to the sight of her and the Eridium injectors hooked into her body.

This poor girl. Tim tightened his hold on Liam’s hand, wondering if he could secure a better fate for Jack’s second child.

“Timothy,” she said in surprise. “Liam.”

“Angel!” Liam released Tim’s hand to run forward. “Angel, I went on a field trip today!”

“Did you?” she said, so easily able to hide the jealousy she no doubt felt. She was trapped here, doomed to die without Eridium, while her little brother got to experience the world. 

Liam nodded eagerly. “Uh-huh. We went to see skags! But they were, um, they were...d...d...d-something.”

“Domesticated?” Tim offered.

“Yea!” Liam was nodding eagerly again. “I got to see all kinds’a skags and stuff. And- And there was this one guy and one of the skags bit him.” He laughed at the thought, Tim and Angel sharing a look. The signs that Jack and Nisha were getting to him were glaringly obvious at times. “He started cryin’, like a baby.”

“Well, it probably hurt,” Angel said. “You shouldn’t laugh at people when they get hurt. It’s mean.”

He ignored that, still laughing. “I petted one! They felt all weird and gross.”

“You pet one,” Tim said. “‘Petted’ isn’t a word, kid. This is why you need to do your homework.”

Liam ignored that, too. “And there were baby skags! Mr. Wilson let me name one!”

“What’d you call it?” Angel said.

He was basically vibrating with excitement. “Angel! I named her Angel!” 

Tim and Angel shared another look. He could tell she still held out hope for him, too.

“That was really nice of you, Liam,” she said softly. Tim couldn’t quite read the expression on her face; it might’ve been pain, or sadness, or love. Maybe it was all of them. He looked away rather than suffer trying to interpret it.

“They made her a collar with her name on it!” Liam said. “I’m gonna ask daddy to give her a bodyguard so she’s always safe.”

Tim closed his eyes, clenching his fists. He hated his own hope. He hated it so much, because he knew this boy’s kindness would never survive.

Angel had to take a moment before speaking again. “I hope she gets to grow up strong and see the whole world.”

“I’m gonna take a picture next time we see her. Mr. Wilson said I can see her again!” he said. “I’ll show you the picture.” He hesitated, looking anxious. “And maybe daddy will let you come see her. I’m gonna tell him she’s named after you. So maybe he’ll let you come with me next time.”

“I would love that,” Angel said, because it was honest and it was kinder than the reality of telling him why she couldn’t. “I really would, Liam.” 

He pressed his hand to the chamber enclosing her. She pressed hers to it as well, so little separating them, so much separating them. His hand was so tiny, swallowed up by the image of hers against it. His bright blue eyes met hers, their most striking shared feature they’d inherited from the man who kept them apart. 

“Tell me more about your trip,” she said, only the faintest tremor to her words. “I want to hear everything.”

His smile was huge. He went on and on about his trip and everything he saw, sometimes getting so excited that he’d repeat himself. But Angel never pointed it out, and neither did Tim. They let him carry on, swooping in with questions when he seemed ready to stop talking.

Finally, though, his lack of a nap caught up with him. Tim was sitting on the ground, and Liam went over, crawling into Tim’s lap as his yawns grew more frequent. It wasn’t long before he fell asleep.

“Please, Timothy,” Angel said quietly, her eyes fixed on her brother. “I have no chance. But he does. Look out for him.”

“I’m trying,” Tim said, looking down at the small child in his lap. 

“When dad told me Nisha had a boy, I was so happy. It meant he would never share my fate,” Angel said, looking away from them both. “But he can use Liam in other ways.”

“Angel,” Tim said. “Did you pick his name?”

Angel nodded. “Yes. Dad let me pick his name.” She gave a weak smile. “He hated what I chose. But I just...It means ‘protector’. I want...I want him to be a force of good in the world, Timothy.”

She could’ve been, too. But Jack had locked her away and used her for his own selfish gain.

“I’ll do everything I can to keep him from being the fucking nightmare his parents are,” Tim promised.

That earned a surprised laugh from Angel. “Thank you. I wish I could take care of him myself. I’m glad Jack chose to trust you with him. You’re a good man.”

“That’s debatable these days, but I’m at least a better man than Jack,” Tim said. He bit his lip. “I can, uh, bring him here more often. If you want.”

That look in her eyes he couldn’t read again. “Yes. Thank you, Timothy. I would like that a lot.” 

They fell silent after that. Angel watched her brother sleep. Tim thought about how unfair the world was.

He’d seen Jack interact with both his children. Tim believed Jack did love both of them. But Tim also believed that when Jack loved something, he felt compelled to break its will so he could control it. After all, a thing could never leave him if he shackled it to him.

Tim and Angel did not wake Liam, even when Tim’s legs fell asleep from the position the little boy was in, and even when Jack called to see where they were. Waking him meant bringing him back to Helios, back to everyone who had a plan for him, who wanted to chip away at his kindness to make way for cunning and cruelty. 

Angel wanted to tell Tim everything, but she refused to put him at risk. She knew it would all be over soon; she would betray her father and help the Crimson Raiders defeat him. Jack would die, and so would she. She only hoped Tim fled with Liam and raised him.

Handsome Jack had stolen freedom and any hope of a normal life from Angel. She would not let him do the same to her brother.

So they sat in silence. It was the calm before the storm, and they knew it. But there was nothing to do now, so Tim stayed beside Angel’s prison and let Liam sleep, the only comfort he could offer the children Jack had damned. 

[popculturebuffet]

Amphibia Reviews: The First Temple or Bessie and Joe: The New OTP

Hello all you happy people! Amphibia season 2 moves right a long and it’s time for some video game shenanigans as we enter The First Temple! Family drama, snail on bird action, and outhouses await you under the cut with a recap/review with full spoilers. 

So we open with the Plantars having chocopillbug pancakes. Ironically my mom offered me chocolate chip pancakes after this and thank god for that. This is a rare treat to the point Anne didn’t even know they had choclate, and is suprisingly not strangling Hop Pop over this. Unsuprisingly he broke out the good stuff to try and make up for hiding the box and things are still VERY awkward between the two, with Hop Pop walking on Egghshells around Anne and Anne doing the same when he brings it up with both desperatley trying to avoid the subject and Sprig not helping by bringing it up a bunch. 

I like this a lot and didn’t really think about the series continuting any tension over his decision.. but should have. Partly because this is a modern animated show and most of this wonderful new wave of shows have a LOT of emotional nuance. ANd partly because this show dosen’t forget things even most nuanced shows forget: the fact the characters cause chaos and learn life lesons is outright RECOGNZIED by the show as a pattern and brought up quite often, as are the patterns that lead to it, like mostly being sprig and anne, anne’s impulsivness that sort of thing. It’s the kind of thing you just gloss over in most shows but this one lampshades to hell and back for funsies so when something THIS important happens, you’d better belivie it’s not just going to disappear. 

The tensions thankfully broken by a new arrival, as a massive sparrow shows up in the yard. “It’s a giant bird with.. books on it’s back.. what. “ Great delivery from bill there. Naturally it’s Marcy! 

I missed this little goober. Such a joy to be around, and she of course marvels over the Plantar’s house before getting back on track: She’s found the first temple.. even though she sent a letter saying that and it’s not commented on that she did. It set off the whole previous episode Marcy... you okay Mar-Mar?

That aside though it’s time for the first temple and Marcy asks for the Box, with Sprig trying to make a joke about how good thing she didn’t ask for it a week ago. 

Polly rightly punches him in the ribs... do frogs have ribs? Hold on.. okay here we go

Huh.. so they do not You learn something new every day. Well lack of ribs or no our heroes are ready.. while Marcy’s sparrow Joe is also ready TO GET IT ON. Yes really, he does a mating dance for Bessie, complete with an intersumental version of “Sylvia” from last season. God damn that bird’s got game. The only time i’ve seen more game is THIS. 

 Marcy tells him to knock it off. Look marcy your a pet owner now and as a pet owner, it’s your responsiblity.. to let your giant bird do horrifying things with a slightly smaller but still giant snail. it’s what nature intended. Nature was doing a lot of cocaine that day but we still honor her wishes. 

But anyways Marcy’s figure out something intresting about the box.. by winding it just right the gems pop out, which allows her to take one, we later find out it’s the green one, to use in the temple. So off we go with Marcy and the rest of the kids up top and Hop Pop.. screaming in Joe Sparrows claws. He’s fine. 

So while they get ready, Anne worries about the amount of puzzles and hazzards Marcy’s hyping for this but Marcy shurgs it off and gives her own big boast about how may RTS she’s beaten.. suspciously like Yuaan as one post on here pointed out. Not a huge suprise though, to Marcy she’d just be the grand hero out of one of her rpg’s and not think of how many people she probably killed or who she’s working for.. though you’d THNK given all the RPG’s both tapetop and on her switch she’s played, that Marcy would see that “the benevolent king turns out to be the big bad” trope coming. 

But Anne’s worry is not on the big bad of the show but on Marcy who has a tendency to get so in the zone she ignores the world around her, which goes from focusing on her game while helping anne get softserve leading to a mess, not letting Anne down in a play and.. Anne catching Marcy on tv as all the snakes escape from the zoo. 

Regardless our heroes arrive and while the awkwardness between anne and hop pop continues, they find a majestic temple.. and what appears to be an outhouse. Hey we all gotta poop sometimes, even people making a majestic temple.  If you don’t it comes out like this. 

So they head in and we get our first puzzle, a mysterious cube that lifts you into the air and allows you to tilt the thing around. 

Those of you wondering why I have such a strong reaction have ever never played breath of the wild or played it with a pro controller, i.e. NOT having to tilt the very thing your screen is on because Nintendo has failed to grasp that MAYBE people don’t like that, that it takes you out of the experince and that it’s really hard to focus on your screen while having to move the fucking system about. And the plantar’s getting horribly jostled around as she moves it is EXACTLY how it feels to play a puzzle requring that shit. 

Next is a color based tile dungeon leftover from Link’s Awakening DX. As marcy figures out the reds do fire and the blues do crushing... but she reads the language (And as she put earlier “Guess who learned an entire dead language?” God she’s precious. ) and finds a green with envy pun (Which Hop Pop takes offense to.. several of his friends are green.). Which is curious as given several citzens of amphibia are green.. why would they make a green pun? So she gets on one tile and Hop Pop plans to take the risk of getting on the other green tile, but Anne does it instead.. and things get heated between the two as Anne reveals she no longe feels like family since he did what he did for polly and sprig and hop pop takes offense as she IS. Even if he screwed up with her. But Anne’s near death experince activates the tile. 

The final challnge switches us from Zelda.. to Harry Freaking Potter. 

Now I used to love Harry Potter, with all of my heart. Then JK Rowling turned out to be a transphobic piece of shit who thinks she’s an ally, but is really a bigot who wants to “accept” trans people without giving them any rights. So yeah while I still love the starkid musicals, ore more accuratley the music from them, and own a copy of lego harry potter I got as a gift recently as both parties had no idea she was a monster when this stuff was made. Still a sore subject though, but if I didn’t bring up the similiarties I wouldn’t be doing my job as a critic and this was likely thought up long before JK outed herself as well...

No no the great mighty poo respects all peoples.. and wants to take their heads and ram it up his butt. He’s an equal opportunity butt rammer. 

Anyways this is the frog equivlent of chess flipfrog, and just like with Wizard chess, our heroes end up as the pieces minus marcy.. and in a nice twist on that scene, Anne ends up on the other side. Marcy is a grandmaster at it though so after an hour or so of play she almost wins.. only for the king equilvent to refuse to be taken and the automatic board she’s up against to send Anne against hop pop, and with our heroes magically restrained and given stone weapons, this can’t end well. Eventually though Anne’s forced to hit HOp Pop multiple times and while he says “well isn’t this what you wanted”, she says no.. she didn’t want to phsyically hurt him it’s just complicated. So we get one heck of an emotioinal scene as Hop Pop just wants to help and wants this to stop and dosen’t knoow how to fix this which as someone who desperatlyt ries to fix most emotional situations right away this hit very hard.. and her response of needing time hit harder. The two while not reconciled, ar ecloser to it and Marcy realizes what she’s done getting so obessed with winning and forfits for thier benifit. Our heroes leave, seemingly having lost.. only to find glowing arrows to the crap hole, which turns out to be the pedistal. The temple wasn’t just an intellegence test but empathy.. and the temples are clearly built to specifically test each of the chosen three, our heroines, specifically. Marcy’s tested her intellegence.. but also her willingness to let go of cold clyincal thought to do the right thing. That earns her her gem recharged and a flash in her eyes and her gem starts pointing to the next. She needs time to triangulate and hop pop and anne are back on workable footing... though our heroes offer to take a break instead of going to the next temple. 

Back in Newtopia, Yuaan reports on the toads gathering.. but dosen’t get to mentioning sasha before Marcy’s letter interrupts and Andridas oddly and aburbly dimisses her.. and goes to talk to a watcher with a thousand eyes, his “master” who has plans to undo the prophcey and get their revenge. 

Final Thoughts: This was a damn fine episode that gave Marcy some much needed character development, and gave the reveals of last episode some more emotiional fallout.  It also had some really great jokes as always. Top notch stuf. 

Next Time: Marcy tries to win everyone over through science and we FINALLY get an episode with the Frog Robot apparently. Horay

Next on this Blog: We go into final space yo! It’s unexpected births, ho yay, and horrifying zombie gary’s galore! 

Until then if you liked this review, follow me for more, join my patreon, comission a review if you please and i’ll see you at the next rainbow. Play us out jeff... and I haven’t done THAT bit in a while but eh. This song was too perfect. 

[soldierswar]

Feel Something - Chapter 4

Bucky x Reader

Angst, fluff

Chapter synopsis: New developments come forward when it comes to defeating one of your biggest threats. Meanwhile, your relationship, and feelings toward Bucky grow stronger after the events of the previous night. 

                                        .............................................

“So you’re meaning to tell me that she’s operating in a hidden base here in New York?” “Something like that,” Steve replied. “We tried to get a hold of you last night but you wouldn’t answer.” With everything in your power, you tried not to blush. Neither you nor Bucky were checking your phones until morning spending the entire night enjoying each other’s company, which only resulted in about 3 hours of sleep. When you had woken up, both of you realized that you had missed multiple calls. “I was spending time away from my phone,” you stated. It technically wasn’t a lie. Bucky who was on the other side of the workstation softly, but awkwardly cleared his throat. And now you were both trying not to laugh. Natasha narrowed her eyes, and you tried to imagine a world where she didn’t just figure out what was going on and imagined not having a conversation about it.  

Steve shrugged and continued. “By what we were able to dig up, she and her team have been operating on a base somewhere in South America. We also found records of her and associates trying to negotiate for weapons.” “Weapons?” you echoed as your breath hitched. “A lot of them,” Natasha added. “But…Nobody was willing to supply her demands.” Not even realizing that you had been holding your breath, you let out a silent but long exhale. “That’s good news,” you said, staring at the screen that had a multitude of files on her open. “So why don’t we just go get her? Do you know where her hideout is?” By the serious expression that remained on everyone’s faces, you knew that that was just the tip of the iceberg. “We’re pretty sure that she’s planning on breaking into one of the armories upstate. Specifically this one.” Natasha waved her hand around in front of the holographic screen to pull up the location and blew up the image for emphasis. Within an instant, you felt your hands go cold, and your face go white. Bucky, who was now in the background leaning backward against a began moving forward to get a better look. “That’s not—" “Yeah,” Natasha interrupted. “It is.” What they were pointing to was an old underground warehouse that held a huge collection of discontinued Stark weaponry. The weapons in that facility were much bigger than fancy rifles, and grenades. They were serious weapons of mass destruction that could wipe a whole city out in seconds. When Stark announced that he would no longer be mass producing warfare equipment, they had built that place just to store all of the things completed, but never to be sold. Tony was the only one that had the authority to disarm them and refused the request to do so. From what Natasha had disclosed with you, it seemed as though keeping them still viable to use was a little bit of a threat. Kind of like his way of saying, “I still have these, so don’t fuck with me.” Everyone in the room knew that he’d never use them, but anyone who would dare threaten him didn’t. “She has a team of underground experts that are master experts in heists like these. Some of the largest losses in stolen weapons in history was all them. There’s a chance that they could figure out a way to succeed.” “Do you really think that could happen?” “No,” Natasha snorted. “There’s more safety measures than humanly imaginable in there. They might get in, but nothing is coming out with them.” You started to feel a little bit relieved.   “So,” Steve continued. “Since we know where they’re going to try to be, we can catch them from the inside when they least expect it.” You turned to Bucky who was already matching your stare. You were ready. … You had been hiding in the facility for 5 days waiting for their estimated break-in. When formulating the plans you realized that you could not risk them catching you getting into the facility while they tried to break in at the same time. They needed eyes on the inside. And much to everyone’s surprise, you were the first to volunteer. The thing about the break-in was that Stark had to make it easier to break in than it would have actually been. With Starks’ full security measures, it would have been nearly impossible for them to get in at all. But, they couldn’t make it too easy so that they wouldn’t get suspicious and run off. The plan depended on them getting into the facility so that at least the biggest targets couldn’t run off into the woods as soon as your team showed up to arrest them. The building was basically a mousetrap. Soon they would break in while you hid in the ceiling until the rest of your team entered in tow. Soon, Sin would be locked behind bars, and out of your life forever. You knew that while scouting for Sin’s team, Bucky was always nearby hiding behind or even up in the tree branches of the woods that surrounded the isolated building. During that time, he constantly checked on you through your coms. But you knew that he just enjoyed keeping conversation with you for hours on end. It definitely helped with the occasional bouts of loneliness that hit you. You couldn’t wait to at the very least just be near him once this whole thing was over. “Y/N…Y/N?” he said in the middle of day 5. “Hm?” you answered groggily waking up from a midday slumber. You had to admit, you had been working so much and so hard for the past few months that you appreciated the extra time you had to nap. “There’s a whole team out there analyzing the area. They seem to have pretty high-tech gear. They may get in within the hour. I notified everyone else. They’ll be here in less than 20.” You took a nervous deep breath and got up to get all of your gear ready. You had your guns, taser, and an assortment of knives all hidden in different pockets. Now all there was left to do was wait for them to break in. … Bucky was right. It did take about an hour and a half for them to get in. They had found a way to get the steel entrance door unlocked and disable the already modified security alarm. As you hid above the ceiling, you observed some of the guys trickling in still unsuspecting of the upcoming ambush. You were hidden looking through a vent that looked so opaque that there was no way that they could spot you. The room that you were in was the way into a corridor to the other side of the armory. So, it gave you good leverage to see who was where. Natasha was now talking to you through your earpiece sending play by play updates so that you knew when it was safe to come out and join them. You watched down below through the vents men coming and going through the room that you had spent most of your time inside and leaving when they realized that there was nothing useful there.   “Okay, I think you’re safe to come out,” Natasha finally whispered. You let out a sigh of relief, and after double-checking your weapon filled pockets, you began to climb down to join everyone. But suddenly, as soon as your feet touched the ground you realized by the sound of footsteps that you weren’t entirely safe anymore.   You recognized those footsteps from anywhere. The smooth, cocky, footsteps of none other than Sin. “Well, well, well,” she snickered at the sight of you in. She was seemingly amused by this new predicament of hers. “If it isn’t little miss Y/N.” “Cynthia,” you chimed mockingly. Her snide smile dropped in an instant at the sound of her real name. It felt good to know that you could still get under her skin. “South American tan does you well. You ever thought of staying there, I don’t know…Forever?” She scoffed. “And here I was thinking that this would be a happy little family reunion.” You rolled your eyes. “You do realize that you’re not getting out of here a free woman, right?” you stated. She narrowed her eyes, intensifying her naturally cold stare. “Awww,” she coed.   “I was really hoping to take that offer.” You shrugged. “Not if I have anything to do with it. Sorry.” She accompanied the cold stare with a bone-chilling smirk. “Is our little overachieving boss’s pet going to get the job done again?” “At least I could get my jobs done.” “Until I put you out of commission for almost 3 months,” she pointed out, making you remember the scar on your torso that you showed Bucky not even a week ago. You mentally recounted the time you two spent yelling at each other about who had messed up during a mission that you both were on. After a not so pleasant comment on your part, Sin, whose face was inches away from yours stabbed you in a sudden burst of anger. Before she got sent away to another unit across the world while you were in the hospital, she had sneakily left a note that you had later found on your bed that said nothing else but, “Well, how else was I going to calm down?” “I bet I could put you out of commission for much longer,” she sneered. Within half a second after that statement, you both simultaneously pulled your guns out and pointed them at each other. “Y/N? we have almost everyone except Sin. Do you have eyes on her?” asked Natasha through your earpiece.   Sin noticed your momentary change of expression at the sound of Nat’s voice as she took in the sight of your earpiece. “Don’t you dare answer that,” she ordered. “Throw it across the room, and I might let you live.” Bucky’s voice followed Natasha’s question. “Y/N? Are you there?” But you couldn’t answer. You did what she said, and threw it across the room. “Good girl.” “Now what to do? What to do?” Sin huffed tapping her thumb against the safety trigger of her gun matching your stance. Just as you were, she scanning you trying to figure out where, when, how, or even if she’d shoot you. She knew that if she did, there was a chance that your reflexes were just as fast as hers. And you knew that that little possibility scared her. In that very situation, she probably didn’t even care that her plans were obliterated. She probably didn’t even if her crew would go to prison, or even get killed. The only thing that Sin cared about was Sin. As long as her skin was saved and she got out of there, she’d be fine.   “They’re going to find me soon, you know,” you said calmly trying to reason with her. “Listen, you put the gun down and I’ll let you go. Give you a head start at least.” “Fat chance, Y/L/N. We both know how that would go,” she snorted.

You raised an eyebrow playing dumb. “How?” “Like this,” she said using that split second where your guard was down to shoot at you 3 times. When she did, you fired two shots at her. At first, it seemed as though you had both missed your shots at each other. But it made you wonder why it was that you had taken such terrible aim. At least…that was what you were thinking before you looked down in shock; unable to do anything but look at the holes in your shirt begin to spill blood. In that moment of shock, your limbs failed you, and your body crashed against the cold, hard concrete floor. “It was nice seeing you again!” Sin exclaimed as her footsteps began to fade into oblivion. After she was presumably long gone, you turned in the direction of your earpiece and attempted to crawl towards it to call for help. But it was seemingly too late. You were getting weaker by the second. You looked down, and more blood pulsed out of you than you had ever seen in your life. With presumably one functioning lung, your body wasn’t strong enough to let you push yourself forward. “Help,” you croaked barely making a sound. You attempted to call again even louder, but you failed letting out nothing but a pathetic whimper using the last ounce of strength you had left in your body. The last bit of sensation you had in your limbs seemed to drift away, and your vision began to blur. In fact, you began to feel as though you were fading into oblivion. Except, you didn’t feel dread anymore. You felt blurry. Maybe even peaceful as though you were fading into a beautiful, and peaceful dream. Before you let it take over you, the last thing you thought about was Bucky. “I’m sorry,” was your last thought before you drifted away.

[lowkeyaesthvtic]

Evil Karma - Chapter 14

Chapter 1 - Chapter 13

Word Count: 4,007

Summary: Now that the group has everything they need for the magic elixir, how will they react to giving the Isle of the Lost a little taste of magic?

Pairings: Harry x OC, Uma x OC, Harry x Uma x OC, platonic!Gil x OC, a little bit of platonic!Gil x Harry, past!OC x OC in a flashback scene

Rating: T

Warnings: Mild profanity, descriptive threats of murder, a flashback scene that kind of shines a light on how much of a dick Sofi’s dad was and how much she deserved better, also a little bit of sexual tension at the beginning but honestly not much

Tags: I honestly feel like people have stopped paying attention to this fic so I’m gonna stop with the tags for now but I’ll start them again if enough people ask.

Author’s Note: I am really sorry about the long pause, it’s been kind of hard writing for this fandom when the content for it has started to dwindle. I’m going to try my best to keep the Descendants fandom alive since I really love it but considering it’s been almost a year since the last movie came out, it’s going to be hard.

“How do we know the Doctor’s not going to flake out on us? He’s done it before.” Harry asked as he shifted into the sofa. The four of us, now permanently deciding to include Gil on our plan, had gone back to the room where the plan first became set in stone. I had sent out a sort of distress call to the Doctor himself telling him that the hairs were ready to be mixed into the elixir, which was incredibly hard without any magic, but somewhat possible nonetheless. I looked over to Harry and leaned my head on his shoulder as a small, bored yawn escaped my lips. 

“He won’t flake on me. Dr Facilier has worked with my family before. He’s well aware of how powerful my father was; and, if I am anything like my father, he’ll know I’m not a force to mess with either. Unfortunately, my father and I have more in common than I’d like to admit.” I ran a thin finger through his black, matted locks as the four of us sat and waited not so patiently for the doctor to arrive. Noticing my physical affection towards Harry, Uma moved closer next to me and leaned in to whisper to me.

“You know, you’ve been latching onto Harry a lot today, you two didn’t play without me, did you?” Due to our vicinity, both Harry and I heard her words. A small shiver ran up my spine as her voice sent warm air across my skin. 

“Of course not, Captain. If a game is what you want, though, I’m sure the two of us would be happy to oblige.” Harry smirked, interjecting the tension between Uma and I. The two looked as if their lips were about to lock when they were both blocked by a lock of blonde hair. 

“Not to interrupt, guys, but I hear footsteps.” He was definitely interrupting. But, it was for good reason. Harry, Uma and I moved slightly farther apart as Harry quickly grabbed his hook and I readied my hand on my dagger, prepared in case it was some unwanted visitor walking through the door. 

“Will you put your hook down, pirate boy? It’s just me. Sorry if I’m late, but I had a bit of a run in with one of Cruella’s goons.” My eyes quickly widened as I stood and ran towards him like a wild, hungry tiger.

“What the fuck, Doc! What did you tell them? You didn’t see Cruella, did you?” Before I could get close enough for the Doctor to feel the steam from my ears, Uma and Harry interjected the space between. Harry put an arm out to block Facilier from defending himself as Uma moved closer to me in an attempt to calm my anger.

“Relax, babygirl,” Uma calmly spoke, using the pet name that seemed to work on me like a magic spell every time. Yet it only worked when it slipped from her lips. “Cruella’s been indisposed since she saw Maleficent get turned into a lizard at Ben’s coronation. Jafar’s been hiding from the embarrassment of his son becoming a good kid and the Evil Queen...Well I don’t know what’s happened with her. Rumor has it she changed her name to Regina and drank a potion transporting her to some different dimension where Auradon doesn’t even exist. Wherever she is, she’s not here. None of them care about themselves anymore to worry about some little trinkets getting stolen.” With a deep inhale, I took a step back and watched as Uma turned toward the Doctor. She somehow seemed so confident, so professional, no matter the circumstances. I very rarely let somebody else dominate me both in and out of sensual situations. But with Uma, it was like disobeying her meant taking away every ounce of oxygen in my body. I needed her like a fish needs water. “I’m sure they were taken care of? Tell me, Doc, how’d you do it? Choke them until their faces turned blue? Slashed them across their necks and watched as their blood spewed like a fountain? Then again, I guess that would’ve messed up your clothes.”

“I left them unharmed.” Facilier replied after a slight hesitation. This must have been his first time meeting Uma. Otherwise he would’ve been prepared for her high-handed attitude and body language. “Getting my hands dirty would have perked some ears around the Isle. I assume you want this plan to remain secret until the time is right?” Uma nodded her head and turned around, leading the two of us back to the sofa we sat on before. She fixed her eyes on the black, still cauldron in front of us. 

“You’d assume correctly. Now, do you have the ingredients or not?” Facilier stood still, looking through his large, black satchel for what we were hoping were the ingredients. Uma, however, was not going to accept silence as an answer. “Now, Doctor. We mustn't lurk in doorways...it’s rude.” She chuckled as she watched Facilier hesitantly walk into the room and towards the cauldron. Then, like a child tentatively unwrapping a present, he started to take the ingredients out of his satchel and placed them on a nearby rickety desk. 

“I know you said enough for two gulps. But, I figured it’d be best to take everything instead of leaving some behind and risk getting caught. Should be enough for five elixirs. One for each of you kids...and an extra in case things go sideways.” It was laid out like a buffet. Eight dog bones, a large bowl of dust from Jafar’s stolen lamp,  and five apples with exactly one bite taken out of each. “How many hairs did you get?”

“Ten. The recipe called for five but...I may have gotten carried away. There’s something succulent about hearing his pain, especially since he deserves every single bit of it.” I stated, keeping my voice and face as blank as possible. Despite the Doctor knowing what Ben had done to the boys on Neverland, I refused to let him see me emotional or otherwise affected by it. 

“Showing any kind of emotion, especially towards men, is weakness. The second a boy or man sees a tear fall down that wretched face of yours, they’ll know what I’ve known since the day you were born. You could never be a leader.” I heard my own father’s voice echo in my head. I couldn’t help but feel my surroundings grow fuzzy and mute as I only heard his voice. “If you can’t stand up to a measly wolf cub, how could you ever lead these boys in the case of battle?” His one remark to me when I came to him with bite marks and gruesome scratches. He’d sent me into the jungle to hunt for dinner. While walking back to camp with some fox meat, a couple of baby wolves had attacked me and stolen the meat. I came to my father looking for comfort, or at least some kind of potion that would heal the wounds. The only thing I was given was ridicule and mockery. In a way, he was right. The entire island was ransacked, murdered, ruthlessly slaughtered. I couldn’t save them. I can’t bring them back either. Maybe this wasn’t Ben’s fault, or even Mal’s. Maybe it was mine.

“Hey, kid. You still with us?” A dark hand waving in front of my face brought me back to reality. Uma, Harry and Gil had all sat on the sofa while I still stood, my eyes locked on the table of ingredients. “You having second thoughts?” I looked back up at him and quickly shook my head. Was I lying? A little. If I couldn’t help my boys back then, how am I going to help them now? They’re already gone, and there’s no magic in this entire realm that could bring them back. But, this far into the plan, I’m starting to realize that this plan isn’t just for me anymore. It may have started that way. I may have befriended Uma and Harry for the sake of numbers and people that share a common enemy. But, I know now that these people can have some serious potential if they had enough power. This elixir and the succession of this plan could give them that potential. “Alright then, let’s get this started! This elixir ain’t gonna make itself!”

One by one the ingredients slipped into the cauldron. The boiling water shifted colors as each bone was dunked, as each fingerful of dust was sprinkled in, as each apple slice was slowly dropped in. By the time nearly all the ingredients were mixed together, the bubbling water had changed from clear to a murky, dirty dark brown. Harry looked up in confusion, nearly disgusted by the color despite being surrounded by it. “Isn’t the elixir supposed to be gold? Or green? Or...something not so disgusting?” 

“It’s because we haven’t put in the key ingredient.” Uma replied, everybody’s eyes shifting towards me. I took the vial out of my pocket and watched as the hairs glimmered gold.

“Wow, and people say Rapunzel has magic hair.” Gil chuckled, amazed by the sparkling shimmer inside the glass vial. As I go to open the vial, Gil interjects with his voice once more. “Wait, um...Doctor F?”

“Facilier, it’s Doctor Facilier.”

“You said there’d be enough of this potion thing for the four of us to drink it but..Harry and I don’t have magic. What’s going to happen to us?” Everyone paused where they stood. For once, Gil had actually made a good point. This was only my third time making this elixir, the past two times making them for some sick fairies who needed the extra push to fly again. I had never tested them on people not Neverland native, much less a person not born with or capable of magic. 

“Well, if you really think about it...magic is basically taking your strongest traits and making them unstoppable. Even without my abilities, I’ve always had a good read on people, making it easy to manipulate their opinions and emotions. Uma’s never been able to use her mother’s magic, but she still feels better when she’s close to water. Don’t you, Captain?” Uma shrugged and nodded her head. “So, maybe you’ll be strong enough to lift the whole ship with just one arm. Imagine how cool that’d be.” Gil gasped and smiled, surely encaptured in that concept. I looked to the cork on the vial, then back at everyone else. “So, shall we?” Everyone nodded eagerly and I could hear a small cackle of excitement from Harry as I opened the cork and dropped the royal hairs in one by one. By the time all ten hairs were mixed in, the potion had turned a glimmery, sparkling gold just as we thought it would. Uma grabbed a ladle she had snatched from the Chip Shoppe’s kitchen and scooped enough to fill the glass vial to the top. 

“So, who’s drinking first?” There was a small silence in the room. Whether it was from fear or from not wanting to sound too selfish, nobody vocally volunteered themselves to take the first sip of the elixir.

“You should, Uma. You are the Captain, after all.” Harry mumbled, a hint of his sincere admiration and affection peeking through a small smile. Uma looked to me, as if wanting my consent to be the first to indulge in this magic elixir.

“Go on, Captain. Don’t worry, if it tastes anything like the Neverland elixir, it should be easy to swallow.” I slowly took the empty ladle from her hand and placed it on the empty desk that once held the elixir’s ingredients. I held onto her empty hand with both of mine and let my fingers caress over her skin. After a deep inhalation, Uma chugged down the sparkling potion and swallowed it whole. A few seconds of silence and slight fear went by before Uma took in a quick gasp, gripping tighter onto my hand to keep herself balanced. I could see her eyes flash a bright, ocean blue for just a moment before returning to their near charcoal shade. Harry and Gil immediately stood up from the sofa and rushed to her side, ready to lift her up if she were to feel faint.

“Uma? Are you okay? What happened?” Harry asked, leaning in to make sure the look on her face wasn’t too pale or otherwise sickly. A second of silence scared everyone else in the room, but after she started to let out her infamously wicked and alluring snicker, we knew she was okay.

“I’ve never felt more exhilarated in my entire life! Nothing was happening at first and then, it felt like my entire body was this massive tidal wave crashing onto shore. And now, I feel like there’s something different going through me. Not blood or thoughts but, something more.” I smiled and helped Uma stand up fully, taking both her hands in mine.

“That’s how magic is supposed to feel. Here, I’ll pour the next one. Go ahead and sit down, you may feel a bit woozy if you stand too long.” As Gil led her down to the sofa, I took the ladle and scooped yet another vial full of the delectable potion. “Does anyone want the next one?” Again, there was silence. As I was about to take the second swig myself, I felt a strong hand take the vial out of mine. I looked up to see Gil holding the potion in his hand, eyeing it in a longing sort of way. “Go ahead, Gil. I promise we won’t let anything bad happen to you.” Gil took a quick nod, certain of our promise, and downed the potion in a single gulp. 

This time, Harry and I waited more in excitement then in fear. Gil’s reaction wasn’t as huge as Uma’s but there definitely was one. One second, Gil was standing with the empty vial in his hand. The next he jumped high and shook away a bunch of energy coursing through his body, as if he had just taken his first shot in a long night of drinking. “Holy shit, that was awesome! You really think I could lift the ship, Sofi?”

“Easy there, Gil. Save the strength for tomorrow, okay?” I laughed as he started to roughhouse a bit with Harry. The two had a relatively short round of horseplay before Gil suddenly had Harry over his shoulder. Considering the two boys’ relatively similar weight and muscle mass, we never thought that was possible. Then, we had realized that my theory had turned out to be correct. Gil’s new spout of magic had brought a whole new meaning to him being ‘the muscle’ of the group. 

“Okay, okay, okay, now I want some of this action. Pour it up, duckling!” Harry near shouted like an excited child on Christmas morning. I grabbed the ladle and poured a third portion of the elixir into the glass vial. With no hesitation, Harry took the vial and lifted it high as he poured the potion down his throat, letting the last drop linger on his tongue. He felt a rush immediately, but from what I could see, there was little to no physical change showing that he now had magic. He was potentially on a rush of adrenaline, meaning whether the elixir had given him magic or not, he definitely felt a physical rush of change. There was only one way to know for sure if the potion had worked on him.

“I guess it’s my turn.” I quietly huffed as I poured another portion of the elixir into the empty vial. A part of me was fearful of the outcome. I knew the potion would work correctly, but I had no idea the effect it would have on me. These past three months were the first time I had ever gone without using my magic. Three months of no magic after who knows how many years of near constant magic was wild enough. But taking all that magic back in at once? I was diving into the ocean without knowing whether or not I’d drown. But, if it would help my Uma take Mal down and claim the leadership she deserves, that’s a risk I’d be willing to take. I slowly tilted my head back and let the elixir slide down my tongue. The taste was oddly familiar. Tangy like a fresh orange with a hint of something herby and earthy. It tasted like home. As the elixir was wholly consumed, I laid the vial and ladle aside as I put my hands on the nearby desk for support in case of any sudden dizziness. 

What I felt next was both euphoric and catastrophic. The thoughts of others didn’t slowly slip in through my ears. They rushed inside my brain, nearly knocking me out with their speed and intensity. I could feel my eyes burning with an emerald flame, something only the kids on Neverland had seen. By the time it was all over, I was electrified with the magic I had once called my home. 

“Is she okay? She looks a little faint. Maybe I should check on her? Should I ask Uma to check on her?”

“Wow, that looked like a lot. I wonder if she felt everything I felt when I drank it. Or maybe she felt more since she’s used her magic before? Maybe Harry and I should check on her.”

“These damn crazy kids. I wouldn’t be doing all of this if those Auradon bastards didn’t kill my boy. But nobody messes with my kids. If they even lay a finger on Celia I’ll have all their heads.”

“Can you really curl your hair with your finger? I see Uma and Sofi do it all the time...maybe it’s just a girl thing.”

Their thoughts began to slow down enough for me to thoroughly listen to them. “You guys don’t need to check on me, I’m fine. I’m more than fine.” I stood up straight and wiped some dust off my shoulders before sitting next to Gil and Uma on the sofa. “Also, Gil, Uma and I don’t curl our hair with our fingers. Our hair is just naturally curly. If you wanna curl your hair so badly, I can give you a ride to Lady Tremaine’s.” Gil’s perked up, confused brow caused a small rise of laughs throughout the room. The thoughts in the room began to quiet down as I slowly gained control over my magic again, putting the minds of others in the background of my brain. As we all grew adjusted to the elixir and its effects, Facilier poured the final scoop of the elixir into the vial and corked it shut as he handed it to Uma. 

“Keep this close with you. The elixir ain’t permanent. You may need this if those Auradon bastards come at you with something strong.” As he saw Uma slip it into her jacket pocket, he walked over to me and glared at me sincerely. “I don’t know what kind of second thoughts you may be having, but you’re going through with this. If not for me, then for Mateo. He would’ve wanted you to keep going.” 

I thought back to the moment that I knew Mateo was going to be a really close friend. It was the same day I had gotten attacked by the wolf cub. I sat alone in my tent, attempting to dress my wounds with palm leaves and hold back the pained sobs when those attempts had failed. Suddenly, I heard the flap of my tent wave open. “I heard someone’s got some new battle scars..can I see them?” I kept my mouth shut and attempted to close him off, knowing that the second I said a word, tears would rush down my face. “I brought something from the med tent that may take the edge off. Do you want it?” I turned and nodded my head, still keeping quiet to keep too much ‘weakness’ from peeking through.

As Mateo dressed the wounds correctly and sprinkled on some healing pixie dust, the pain from the wounds began to subside excluding a small sting from the pixie dust. But the emotional pain, the ping in my chest from my own father telling me I could never be a leader, that’s what was hurting me the most. “Mateo...do you think I made a mistake?”

“Made a mistake? Doing what?”

“Choosing to age, to grow up. I thought it would help me become stronger, faster, smarter. But I don’t think it’s doing any of that. I couldn’t keep a wolf cub off of me!” A shred of my anger began to shine through as everything my father had said came rushing back.

“Well, to be fair, your hands were a little full with all of that fox meat. Pan probably should’ve sent someone out with you.” Mateo chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood as he always did.

“It’s not funny! I couldn’t fight off a wolf cub, my swordfighting is total shit, this new magic I’ve been developing lately is completely out of control...I can’t do anything! What if my dad is right? What if I’m just not fit to be a leader?” As Mateo dressed the last bite mark, he shifted closer to me and wrapped his arm around me, pulling me in for comfort.

“Okay, your swordfighting isn’t the best. And yeah, you’ve got some new powers that you don’t really know how to control yet. But, who threw a dagger so far and so well that it pushed an apple off of Reggie’s head and into a tree?”

“...I did.”

“And who taught Felix how to use the tidal waves to tell if a storm was coming?”

“...I did.”

“And who saved a Lost Boy’s life by catching an arrow that was heading straight for them with her bare hand?” That Lost Boy was him. My dad was angry and drunk and thought killing him would be a good way to piss off Facilier and get a good bloodbath going. But something in my gut clicked fast enough to move Mateo out of the way and catch the arrow to prevent it from hitting anybody else. It could’ve killed me, but I didn’t care.

“I did.”

“So you have some things you need to improve on. That’s fine. But do you know what you’re best at, Sofi? Your strongest skill is helping the other boys. Whether you’re keeping them happy, keeping them safe, or helping them grow in the areas that they need improvement. You never back down on an opportunity to help the Lost Boys. If that’s not a sign of a good leader, I don’t know what is.” 

As my mind came back to the present day, I realized that I shouldn’t be having any sort of second thoughts about this plan. Succeeding in making Mal suffer and taking over Auradon would not only be giving the Lost Revenge crew the potential and inclusion they deserve, but it would be avenging the deaths of everyone I’ve ever cared about. It’d be another instance of me not backing down on an opportunity to help those I loved. This plan will prove that I am, in fact, a good leader. As I watched Facilier pack up his satchel and begin to leave the room, I stood and shouted towards him. “I’m going to make him proud, Doc. I promise.” At the sudden yell, Harry, Uma and Gil all stood to listen. “We were all brutally wronged by Auradon. Their system has been suppressing us, starving us, killing us for far too long! Tomorrow, we will take Auradon into our hands and give every single kid on this Isle the chance they deserve! If we have to spill some blood to do it...then let the blood spill. Rest up, everyone. Because tomorrow, we fight!”

[yarbafecirtaeb]

March Madness | PARA

Who- Beatrice and Arin Where- Frannie’s basement When- Nightime.

Bea stared down at her phone, her sisters "Why?" threatening her. Why did she and Blaine date when he was so obviously gay? She knows they know what their father will do to make the perfect couple but that didn't explain the actual relationship she and Blaine had. The parts that made it feel serious and real even though they had no real say in the matter. Maybe she did love him and that has her responding before she can even stop herself, phone smashing to the concrete floor as tears welled up in her eyes.

Arin had been walking by the door to the stairs that led down into the basement when she heard what definitely sounded like something breaking. Normally, she wouldn't have thought anything of it, but with the way Bea had been, she wasn't really sure she could let it go. Ever since Bea had come into the house she'd been weird, distant, and bitchy. Granted, Arin didn't know her all that well, but even the encounters they'd had, had been really not-good, for either of them. There was something that was bugging Arin about it and without a second thought, she opened the door and headed down to the second door. She knocked once and then tried the door, finding it unlocked, she entered, closing it and locking it behind her. She caught sight of Bea's phone on the ground and raised an eyebrow. "Care to tell me why there's a shattered phone on the ground?"

Bea just stares at Arin wide eyed, before looking down to the phone. "I threw it." And she's quick to kneel down to try and gather bigger pieces of the shattered screen.

"Obviously. And why?" Arin really wasn't sure what had brought it on, but she wanted to know. The younger woman's energy was really effecting people, she'd seen it with Quinn, she'd seen it with Frannie, and there had definitely been issues with Sugar and even Blaine on game night. It was getting to a point where it needed explaining.

Bea doesn't look up at Arin, she just stares at the ground and her hands that held remnants of her phone. "I didn't want to answer it."

"Answer what?" Arin really didn't know what to do with the way Bea was reacting. With most people she'd approach, but things weren't feeling right to her.

"I didn't want to answer a message. Why does it matter. I need to clean it up."

"Because you've been off since the day you fucking got here. And this is just one more thing in a long list of things that makes me wonder if Frannie was right to let you live here." Arin crossed her arms over her chest. She hated to admit it, but as much good as Liv had been doing for Frannie, having to worry about Bea and Quinn to worry about was only going to make things go backwards for Frannie.

"If Frannie wants me to leave she can just say so!" She can't help but clench her hands. "I didn't even want to come here. I never should have."

Arin scoffed. "You think Frannie would fucking turn you away? That woman cares more about you and Quinn than she does herself. And if you don't want to fucking be here, then don't be here. You're an adult. You can make your own choices. If you don't want to be here, you don't have to be. But stop taking it out on everyone else."

"No. She'd have you do it for her." Bea stands up, she doesn't mean it but it won't hurt if she doesn't admit she enjoyed her time so far. Even if it didn't seem like it. "It was Daddy's idea I come. He thought I'd find something out." She had no intentions of ever seeking out information but the chance to leave him was a chance she couldn't say no to.

Arin rolled her eyes. It was the biggest lie on the planet. As much as Frannie loved her, Arin knew, at the end of the day, she'd be the one to leave, not Beatrice. However, it was Beatrice said next that had Arin's jaw clenching. "You're playing spy for that fucking bastard? Really? You'd betray your sister's trust like that? How fucking pathetic are you?"

"I didn't. I never was going to. I just thought I could keep saying there was nothing to say and he'd give up."

Arin scoffed. "You think that bastard would give up? Really? How fucking dumb are you?" She shook her head. "And what are you going to do when he doesn't give up? When he decides that you're lying to him? Because it'll happen. I've seen it. I do business with that bastard on the regular."

"Stop calling him that!" Bea is pacing, furiously in circles. "I don't know, okay? I don't know. I just needed to get out and harvard would keep him happy."

"No, I won't. Because that's what he is." Arin raised an eyebrow as Beatrice paced. "Why the fuck do you need to keep him happy? You're an adult."

“Frannie and Quinn left him. I’m all he has left.” She can feel herself panicking but just continues to walk in circles. “It doesn’t matter. If Frannie wants me to leave I’ll go. I’ll figure something out.”

"Do you know why your sisters left? Do you? Have you ever asked?" Arin growled. Frannie and Quinn were, in a lot of ways, her world. The Fabrays were the closest things she's ever had to siblings and she wasn't going to leave them undefended. "You know nothing about your older sisters, do you? Frannie would kick me out long before she even thought about telling you to leave, no matter how uncomfortable you were to make her."

"I don't need to know. I don't want to know." She's heard things. She knows he wasn't hurting them the way he's hurting her because Bea knows Frannie wouldn't have left her to endure that. "I don't want to make her uncomfortable."

"Well you fucking should. Because believe me, if you knew the kind of shit he did, you wouldn't be so inclined to be his little fucking pet." Arin all but spat, her own anger rising. Arin knew their stories like the back of her hand. Knew things about them that no one else knew. "Yeah, well being a little bitch all the fucking time? She might not say it, but you are."

Bea stops in place. "You think I want to be?" She releases the pieces of her phone from her hands unsure on what to do next. This conversation is already putting her at risk of saying too much and she feels herself shutting down at the thought. It's clear she's not okay but pretending it is nothing had stopped working long before now. "I was being selfish but I can't stop."(edited)

"You're a fucking adult, Beatrice. You can easily cut that bastard off. But you don't want to. So you take it out on everyone else. You make living with you like walking on fucking eggshells. And personally, I'm fucking tired of it. I have seen both your sisters in the deepest parts of their fucking trauma and never have I felt like I have to worry about getting my head taken off the way I have with you." Arin rolled her neck a little.

When she'd left to dance is when she learned just how messed up she really was. It had been easy to hide because she made it hard for the others to get close to her the same way she was doing now. Except these people actually care. They aren't going to push her down stairs, or use what their father had done as a way to get ahead. But she can't say it. The thought of it has her sick to her stomach. "I didn't think it would be like this. I thought they'd be like me. I shouldn't have thought this would work."(edited)

"What do you mean, you thought they'd be like you?" Arin narrowed her eyes at Beatrice. Whatever the younger woman was thinking was fucked up, and honestly Arin was growing sicker of it by the minute.

"Forget it, okay? I just need to sit down." And she does, sitting in the corner, holding her knees to her chest. "I thought no one would care, okay? And no one really does. Frannie does because she's too nice not to but that hardly counts because she has you to make it clear how the whole world is feeling. I should have thought about Blaine."

Arin scoffed. "It's incredibly hard to care about someone who treats you like shit. Frannie does it because you're family. And I have fucking tried to care. But all you've done is acted like a little bitch. Start shit just to fuck off." Arin breathed out through her nose. "What does you being a little bitch have to do with Blaine? What's your fucking thing with him?"

"Blaine didn't expect to see me. The last time I saw him I slapped him and we haven't spoken sinse. That's the issue. Okay?" And really that's only half of it. "I didn't come here trying to start anything but it's not going to stop."

"So that explains one night. And only one night." She glared at Beatrice. "So you're just not going to deal with whatever shit has you being a bitch? You're just going to put Frannie through that? Having to deal with you being a bitch and caring about no one but yourself despite the fact that she is letting you live in her home, rent free? Despite the fact she's being beyond kind to you?" Arin scoffed. "Selfish fucking  bitch, you are. Frannie deserves better than you as a sister, if that's the kind of shit you're willing to put her through."

It's not really what she wants, but she doesn't know what to do. "There is no excuse, okay? I'm just a bitch." She's just staring at the wall in front of her, fingers tapping on top of her knees. "I thought I'd be able to live the way I had when I left home but everything here just reminds me what I was trying to get away from. What I can't use anymore. Can you just go already?"

"No, because I want fucking answers. I want to know why you think you can be such a little bitch to the very people who are trying to support you. Because Frannie deserves those answers and since she's too nice, and too afraid of becoming someone she isn't to get them, that leaves me. I refuse to have you live here and be a bitch without explanation. Especially if you want some sort of fucking dynamic with me. Because I refuse to be in a dynamic with someone who refuses to be an adult even part of the time."

"I never asked for support. I never even needed help until I got here." Bea begins rocking a bit trying to calm herself down. "Forget it. I don't want anything. Not with you. Not with anyone. I'll figure something out so I don't need to be here upsetting everyone." The only place she really has to go is home though and she begins holding her knees tighter.

"All I'm hearing is that because you refuse to be an adult you're making everyone else fucking miserable. Because you refuse to take responsibility for yourself and your actions, because you chose to come here. You asked Frannie for a place to stay. And now you're punishing all of us because you don't want to be here, despite being the one to make those choices. Frannie doesn't want you to leave, gods, I don't necessarily want you to leave. What I want, is for you to grow the hell up and accept responsibility for your shit. Whatever you've been through, whatever has you like this, you can fucking  get help for it. Fuck knows everyone else has."

"That's it. I refuse to be an adult because I don't need help for something that didn't happen." Bea closes her eyes, humming to herself quietly in hopes of calming herself down. She feels ready to explode and she doesn't know how to handle that.

"Bull fucking shit, Beatrice!" Arin shouted, she didn't mean to, but she did. "I know damn fucking well the way that bastard treated you girls. I don't know what he did to you, but I know what he did to your sisters. I know the kind of pain and trauma he caused. I have nursed both of them back to reality so many times. You cannot tell me you don't have shit you need to deal with. Because it's clear as fucking day you are fucked up."

“Please leave. Please.” She’s pleading, rocking in her spot. “I just want to see Blaine and not want to throw up. I want to be able to sit here and not feel like I’m going to explode any second. But I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.”

"Then get fucking help! For fucks sake it's actually that easy! Do what the rest of us have had to do, and go to fucking therapy!"

“I’d rather pretend it’s not real then get him in trouble or tell someone else’s secret.”

Arin groaned pinching the bridge of her nose. "Stay the fuck away from me then. Because I can't deal with someone who refuses to get the help they need to stop treating other people like shit. And if you so much as upset Frannie, in anyway, because you refuse to get help, I will find a way to get rid of you. Because I refuse to watch my best friend backslide after she worked for YEARS to get to where she is now. I refuse to watch her suffer at the hands of a little bitch like you." Arin turned and made her way to the door.

“I won’t bother her. You don’t need to worry about it.”

[trollhuntersshardborn]

Forged in Darkness summary

Forged In Darkness was going to be two backstories that I felt couldn’t be squeezed into Act 2. And because these backstories are important and FiD is short, we’ll start with that before jumping into Act 2.

The first backstory is Alora’s, because in original planning of this story, Alora was going to be the main character. 

So, a girl was born to two peasant folk in the year 1000 AD. The mother died of childbirth, and the father had no money to feed him and the baby. So he sold the baby to the nearest castle for coins to feed himself, convinced that a life of servitude would leave her housed, fed, protected and cherished. Well, he was right about the first two. The girl, who grew up with no name, was made the scullery maid of the castle kitchen, where she did dishes and the cleaning and made sure there was always hot water available. The kitchen cook would routinely check if the water was hot enough by dousing her with it, overtime leaving her with severe scars on her back. The girl was resentful and bitter, but powerless to even speak her frustrations else she become further abused or worse kicked out of the castle.

Her fortunes took a turn for the better and worse eighteen years later, when gumm-gumms took down the castle, killing and/or eating everyone inside. The girl was found and eaten by Gunmar himself. Then she woke up in his own castle keep twenty four hours later. Turns out she’s a Shard, resurrected by her now immortal soul. Yay? Well, now that Gunmar has himself a Shard to craft a massive army, he’d be able to take over the surface lands much faster now. But before that, he requests from her a son. It takes the girl time to get used to the idea that this is her life now, but she accepts this under the condition that she be treated better than when she was in the human castle (exact wording: “Don’t give me kindness and be cruel. Don’t give me cruelty and be kind. Be consistent with your treatment. Do not deceive me.” “Is that all? You don’t ask for much.”). Two months and two days of intense magical labor later, the Maiden has given Gunmar his son, Bular. The child is very small and weak, practically a runt, and while Gunmar is overjoyed to finally have kin, he’s apprehensive of the child surviving at all. Turns out that Maiden’s Life Magic is not particularly strong and it’s doubtful that she can churn out an army quickly. This would make her pretty useless, but since the other option is to toss her out and potentially give the enemy a Shard of their own, the gumm gumms opt to keep her. If only to raise the child.

Maiden loved Bular dearly, but having never cared for children and being a human raising a troll, she couldn’t give him a good upbringing. And terrified that he could be killed easily, once he started getting the hunger for battle, she tried to toughen him up and train him herself. Which meant she needed to be trained to fight as well. But a soft, fleshy human doesn’t last long in a sparring match with a troll. She was killed often, and soon brought back to life. She also eventually discovers the power to summon the swords she was training herself to use whenever she gets extremely pissed off or overprotective of Bular. These two discoveries cement that Maiden was immortal, and couldn’t die no matter what, which gave her the now trademark smart mouth, fiery temper and ignorance of high risks and deadly situations. The Maiden is now stricken with Deadpool Syndrome and quickly gets on the nerves of everyone in the Keep, including Gunmar. But again, they can’t toss out the firecracker or else she could become the enemy’s Shard. Also, Bular is rather attached to his completely erratic and insane mother, and she’s become rather good at fighting.

Determined to now become her own person and stand by Gunmar and Bular’s side as someone to be respected and feared, she goes to Gunmar and demands a rite of passage. All trolls go through a rite of passage to be considered adults, and once complete have the opportunity to choose a new name for themselves (this practice is now out dated and trolls in the modern day don’t really do this anymore). Gunmar is reluctant, but when she challenges him with a rite that “even Gunmar would not be able to do,” he tells her to go slay a Nyarlagroth Queen and bring back its skull. It takes her a goddamn MONTH, but she does it. Now, while she’s gone, a couple of changelings are putting a strategy in motion to keep themselves alive a little longer as well as put Maiden to better use when she comes back. They convince Gunmar that the Maiden will get stronger and stronger willed and possibly revolt against him, and if she does, Bular will most likely follow her. This isn’t good for anyone, so they convince Gunmar that the best and fastest way to tame her is to tie her down with the one thing that ropes in humans: love. “Give her what she wants most,” Corvis tells Gunmar, “a family.” Gunmar reluctantly agrees to play along, if only to keep civility and to reign in his own son. So when the Maiden comes back, and chooses the name Alora Darren (a combination of two troll queens from the past), Gunmar greets her with what will be a pet phrase to come:

“Alora. My wife. My queen. My one true love.”

This... works. Its awkward for the two of them at first, but now believing she’s won Gunmar’s adoration, she feels officially a gumm gumm and part of the pack. And it is so for three hundred years. Alora soon makes her name as a fieresome, deadly general among both trolls and humans. The trolls call her “Gunmar’s concubine” or “Gunmar’s human whore” while the humans call her “the wife of the devil himself.” But despite the new status, she’s still at the bottom of the family totem poll. And still as arrogant and wild as ever. Gunmar often sighs and groans at her antics, but there’s little else he can really do. She’s as reigned in as can be, but overtime, she does grow on him as his mischievous other half, though he rarely supports her schenaniganary. 

This backstory actually ends just before the end of Act 1. Having lost the survivors of Royal Troll market, everyone is moving to head out to China to track down this Heartstone growing there. Alora is rather salty after her battle with Nakrik but won’t say why. This is when her own right hand, Skeeziel, who had been by her side as basically her only friend and supporter, admits that he’s been madly in love with her this whole time and goes to embrace her. She quickly pushes him away, not sure what’s caused this confession and not feeling the same way. However, Gunmar has seen this, and he calls Skeeziel to him, and promptly beheads the wizard troll. Alora is... devastated by these turns of events and it leads to a massive fight with Gunmar. This is basically going back on the agreement of giving kindness and being cruel. It then comes out that Gunmar didn’t even love Alora back then and was just doing this to reign in her wild side. Both are hurt and heartbroken, Alora so much so that she just... sits down and refuses to move. Gunmar won’t stay for any temper tantrum she may have and calls his armies to march east immediately.

Bular goes to his mom’s side, not having seen this fight at all, to urge her to come with them. It takes all of her energy to bring him close and touch foreheads, eyes heavy with tears, trying hard not to cry in front of her son. Bular catches on that something is wrong, and wants to stay with her, but she urges him to go with his father, scared of what would happen if Bular was no longer on Gunmar’s side. Bular reluctantly goes, angry with his mother staying behind and follows Gunmar east.

And so falls the Gumm gumm queen, into mortal despair. We’ll come back to this scene in Act 2.

The second story in Forged In Darkness is called Paika, and it follows the villain to be introduced in Act 2.

The story takes place in Bulgaria (because GODDAMN IT RICHARD ASHLEY HAMILTON WHY DAMN IT WHY FUCKING GOD DAMN IT ALL!),circa 1121 AD, in a tiny village called Anka, which sits on a mountain. This village is a combination village where humans and trolls lived together side by side in peace. And Gunmar’s conquering and rampages are driving trolls to seek solace in places he would have trouble reaching or not bother with, including this very out of the way village. Making their way here is a group of refugees hoping to find safety for themselves and several orphans they picked up along the way. One of these orphans catches the eyes of the human elder of the village, Kohsena Radulova. She spies a troll toddler born with no eyes and is a species of troll she’s never seen before. Taking pity on this little one, she takes him in personally and through magic, gives him his own eyes to see the world through. He says his name is Paika and she raises and loves on him as a son of her own.

Now, Kohsena isn’t your average hedge wizard, she’s also a Shard (whoa!)! She was born in the year 1000 AD, and had no idea of her powers until she passed away in her old age at seventy. Having come back to life, she discovered she can retain any and all knowledge she learns and uses it to memorize books of magic the trolls have on hand, easily harnesses the power of magic and brought stability to the harsh mountain they live on. She went on to continue being a granny to her kids, grandkids and great grandkids as they grew, and is the undisputed wise woman of Anka. When she adopts Paika, she quickly notices his talent for magic and takes him as her apprentice to pass on her teachings.

Paika is incredibly gifted in magic, using it in ways never seen before. But he’s a rather small troll, so he’s often bullied by both the troll and human kids growing up. But he’s also rather fast and limber, so he’s able to outrun, out jump, out climb, and stay hidden from any trying to pick on him. Noting how he navigates around the village and nearby forest with ease, one of Kohsena’s grandsons teaches Paika how to hunt and he’s rather good at that too. He seems as in tune to the mountain as Kohsena and has good potential to be a village elder. It’s not long after Paika reaches adulthood that he accepts his rite of passage. It comes in two stages: to make a tool he will use for the rest of his life, and to bring back a rare flower that grows inside the mountain. Paika makes a hardy hunting knife and uses his own talents to bring the flower back. Now an adult troll by rite, he can chose a new name. He decides to name himself after this troublesome flower, the Ingoret, which is a poisonous flower but when used correctly can be a life saving medicine. The name Ingoret is a troll word for “the very fine line between life and death.” But Paika has never been able to pronounce this word, so his official adult name is Angor Rot.

Skip to 1297 AD, Gunmar and his troops are making their way up the mountain. There is almost nowhere else for the people living on Anka to flee. Some are preparing to fight, and Kohsena promises to protect her home to the best of her ability. But Angor believes they aren’t enough and wants to go search for help. When asked who could possibly help, he says the witch in the black sea. In the least, she can grant him greater magic than he can wield on his own. Kohsena viciously shuts this idea down, since the witch is extremely dangerous and fickle. But Angor doesn’t see any other way to fight off Gunmar and keep his home. He sneaks away to the rocks in the sea to strike a deal with Morgana. We all know how that went.

Angor, sans one soul, instead of going off to fight Trollhunters rushes home to mom, hoping maybe she could fix this. He comes back to a village in ruins and the mountain barren of life. Gunmar, Alora, and the gumm gumm armies have laid waste to it all. Kohsena clings to life by the village center tree, unwilling to move in her grief, and seeing Angor return after selling his soul for magic makes the grief worse. She tells him that some of the villagers had escaped and she did what she could to protect the village but almost everything is gone. Angor insists that she come with him to find the others, but she refuses. She’s heartbroken that he left, but she says outloud “I’m glad you did. If you stayed, you would have been killed.” And this cuts him deep. He leaves her behind to pack what little of their things survived, and when he comes back, he sees that she’s died. Figuring that she’ll wake up on the way, he starts to take her body down the mountain. After several days, she doesn’t wake. An immortal Shard has permanently died. Angor, devastated, takes her back to the village and buries her. And now, with no emotional tethers, becomes a hunter to all Merlin had created. This also includes Shards, creatures of Merlin’s creation.

((Side note: Nadia was born the exact moment Kohsena died. Coincidence? To be addressed in Act 2))

In 1300 AD, Angor locates another Shard. This one is a rather young woman who’s ability is seeing the future, and her title is the Blind Seer (I think I had a name for her, but it’s lost to time). She had evacuated the troll village she lived in, prepared for Angor to come here. He came seeking knowledge of how a Shard can permanently die, and she was willing to give it to him. Why? “Because I have seen this moment. You come. I tell you the secret. You kill me, and go on to kill the other Shards. This is both our destinies, and there is nothing to be done to stop it.” With this, she tells him:

A Shard is only immortal when she wants to be. When she decides she no longer wants to live, the soul becomes mortal for as long as this wish is present. And the Seer, knowing this is her final moment alive, accepts this and relinquishes her will to live. And so Angor kills her to test this theory, and it is so. She never revives. And now, with this knowledge, he gains a title other than Hunter of Hunters. He’s also the Shardkiller.

Aaaaaand, that’s Forged in Darkness. I had thought of giving Grim a backstory here too since so little is written about him, but I honestly don’t have a good backstory to tell about him.

[onepdumpsterfire]

Disclaimer: These stories are based ‘loosely’ on the game Obey me shall we date. The major stuff will be the same, but here and there the story will be changed or embellished. It is just an AU and I do not own the game the characters, from both One Piece or Obey Me, nor do I own One Piece in general. It would be cool though…

Warning: The characters will mostly be ooc and for the most part will not have the same background as in the anime/manga. The reader’s age will be above consent; the exact number is up to you.

Seven Heavenly Virtues

Devildom!AU

(pt9/?)

Various Characters X Reader

The boys were homesick. Three days away and more than a hundred human lifetimes in the house of lamentation goes down the drain. They all moaned their loss as soon as they walked in through the door. Imploring the unknown future to let them rest in their safe haven. 

Gathering in the kitchen, the first thing they did was prepare a nice lunch, having left before they could eat anything. Inviting you to join in with them, you all laughed and played in the newly finished kitchen that none of you have yet to test out. Reminiscing on your stay in the palace. Poking fun at the small fights and the constant visits to the underground labyrinth. Law sniveled over his lost pet while Sanji proudly pronounced the new pact he’d made.

All throughout the meal, the chatter continued. Even as it ended and the table was cleared, the conversation didn’t end. It just moved on to the living room, all sitting around each other to better listen. The stories didn’t stop at the retreat. Bringing up past stories, and mementos that they’ve all kept. Your shenanigans with the siblings being a popular topic of conversation. Sabo leading the cheerful atmosphere to a more subdued one. 

“Y/n, you’ve already made pacts with four of my brothers, what’s your end goal?” He didn’t beat around the bush. He needed to know the truth and so did his brothers. All of them deserved to know.

“A-ah well you see…” There was a pressure in the room that was palpable, different from when the demon brothers showed their true forms. It wasn’t suffocating, so to say, but it was dizzying having to think of a lie. You were doing this for Zoro, so he could make up with Sabo. At first, when you first told him you’d do it, it was because you pitied him. He seemed so desolate. Then you got closer to the brothers. There was this undeniably human urge to help them. You wanted to make their family whole like it was before the war. Before the protest. Before the heartbreak of losing someone they loved. It was a human cliche to want to fix a broken person, but this was more than one single person. It was a whole family being held together by lies and deceit. They were grief-stricken. Grasping at whatever they could so that their last remaining strands of normalcy stayed. It wasn’t a lie you wanted to help them all. It wasn’t just for Zoro anymore. So you told the truth, for the first time. Albeit, leaving out a few details.

“I’ve seen how well you all seem to get along… but there’s this underlying… how should I put this…” You put a balled hand up to your chin, thinking of a way to say this without being rude. “I don’t mean to step out of line…. But you all seem sad. There are times where you all seclude yourselves and I don’t know.” You ran your hand through your hair. Looking anywhere but them, you distracted yourself from the embarrassing statement. “Maybe it’s because I’m human, but I want to see you all get along.” The brothers were confused, they thought they had been getting along. Sure they had their sad days, but who didn’t? “I know that you guys have your times when you do, but there are other times when you all can barely hang out together?” you knew how this was sounding. You didn’t mean it like that! Waving your hands in front of you, you tried to fix your mistake. “I-i mean there’s just a coldness in the room… I uh….” Blood rushed to your face, you were making a fool of yourself. You should just wrap it up. “I just wanna see you guys hang out comfortably all the time because even if you don’t I see you all as friends!” Your face was hot, and your hands shook. It was embarrassing to admit this, but you needed to say something. “Oh Y/n, I love how much you care for us!” Sanji swooned over to you, taking your hand in his, he leaned in close. Dropping his voice lower, he murmured in your ear, “and It’s so cute how flustered you got.”

Law and Luffy thanked you for looking out for their family while Kid fought with Sanji. He wanted him to let go of you, but the other didn’t relent. You all lost yourselves in your own little bubble; maybe if you had paid more attention you would have noticed the suspicious look Sabo sent you. He was skeptical of your intentions. He believed you wanted to help. He just didn’t think that what you said was the whole truth. Ace noticed it too. He might be tempestuous and distant, but he was also smart. He too knew you were hiding something. And he knew how much it irked Sabo to not know the full truth. Ace liked to irritate Sabo, and if you were hell-bent on getting them to grow closer. The answer was one in the same. Out of the spite he had, he’d make an offer. One you couldn’t refuse. 

“Y/n.” You pulled away from Kid and Sanji who were still grumbling about not letting the other lay a hand on you. “Yeah?” 

“You’ll need my pact too, right? I’m willing.” He seemed smug. He knew how mad Sabo would get if he offered himself without a thought. They argued back and forth, about how he wasn’t doing this because he wanted to make a pact. Ace was doing it because he liked to rile him up. Back and forth they went. It was close to physical at some point, but the others separated them. Telling them to go to their rooms to cool off.

There it was again. A constricting force in the room. Ace and Sabo fought all the time, usually it was yelling. If it leads to anything more physical one of the brothers would tell them to go to their corners. It made you wonder what could have happened to turn their relationship so sour. Right now wasn’t a good time, you’ll wait for later that night and ask one of the brothers you had a pact with. Kid or Law, they were the most likely to give out information. 

After everyone left for their rooms for the night you felt it safe to poke at the conflict the two brothers seemed to share. You texted the group chat you had with Kid and Law, asking if they could provide some answers or if it would be best to speak to Ace in person. They both spammed you with messages saying that you shouldn’t bring it up to him, ESPECIALLY not in person. Law offered to fill you in on what happened at the cost that you come over. It was a small risk, but a risk nonetheless. Sabo didn’t like you wandering around late at night. Though you wanted to know the truth more than you feared the reprimand you would get if you were caught. So you went over with Kid tagging along. Obviously he would, for ‘help with the storytelling,’ as he put it.

Law’s room hadn’t changed since the last time you were here. Papers were still strewn around on his desk; comic books and books alike were still piled high on the coffee table, the floor, his bed, any surface really. His beloved series is still center stage in this whole mess. It was probably the only thing that looked like it wasn’t in disarray, Law included. He had dark bags under his eyes and seemed to only change between the same three outfits. Always adorning it with his beloved long coat. 

“Can’t believe you live in this mess.” It looks like Sabo wasn’t the only one scolding Law for the state of his room. Kid pushed books off of Law’s bed to make way for himself, all the while continuing to grumble about the mess. “At least it’s not a scrap pile like yours.” Angrily, Law collected the books from the floor and stacked them in a pile by the bed. “I have them organized! And I use them, unlike you who reads the book once and never picks it up again.” Kid grabbed a book of the pile next to him, “I mean, come on. Med books? Who’d read these in the first place!” Kid tossed it back onto the floor. “I read them! And study them! If you’ve forgotten I’m a licensed surgeon.”

“Surgeon my ass. The only reason that you’re allowed to do any of your sadistic testings on people is that the people at the hospitals are too afraid to tell you to fuck off!” sparks were flying between the both of them, you needed to end this now. “Will you both stop! Two brothers fighting in one night is enough!” Law turns to you, still simmering in the heat of the moment, “Is that an order, master? Gonna keep telling us what to do?” How could he think that! You would never abuse your power over them. “No, it’s not. But the fighting is getting us nowhere.” The tension in the room is thick, both of them not wanting to let the other have the last word. It soon dissipated as Law decided it was time to get the point of this meeting. “Well… about why Ace hates Sabo. He doesn’t really hate him per se.” Law kept his eye on Kid, who continued to move his things around. “How should I put this… the more alike two people are the more they hate each other?” Kid scoffed, “why don’t you start from the beginning. You’re just gonna confuse her.”

Law crossed his arms, “if you’re so great at telling stories, why don’t you?” Still fighting, really? “Fine, I will. Sit down pee-squeak, I’ll try to make it short.” he patted the spot next to him. Making himself right at home, isn’t he. “You know what we are, right? The seven deadly sins,” He answers his own question, classy. “We only became that after we started to revolt against our father, god”

“Before we became that we were the seven heavenly virtues. Chastity, abstinence, liberality, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility.” Law noticed Kid settling down, deciding that he wasn’t gonna move anymore of his stuff, he sat at his desk. “Ace was the first of us to fully change,” Law continued the story from his new spot, “the civil war in Heaven fueled his anger. It was like a punishment from falling from Heaven. Straying from the path of righteousness,” 

“Ace was all rage and frustration when we first got here.”Kid breathed out heavily from beside you. He remembered the bout of anger his brother had. It wasn’t easy to see one’s own family be consumed by such an emotion. There was the hate for the war and towards his brothers. Hate towards himself. Ace couldn’t help it, he was just so angry all the time now. They all had to go through that with him. “We had to keep reassuring him. Teaching him how to cope.” Law rubbed at his face, insomnia finally letting his shoulder droop in tiredness. “Sabo doted on him. He felt guilty for making us fall out of grace.”

“But it wasn’t his fault,” Kid interjected, “we CHOSE to follow. We saw how corrupted it was getting in Heaven too.” you’ve heard from Luffy that it was, but just what was it that made Heaven corrupted? “If you don’t mind me asking, how was it corrupted?”

“That’s a whole other story, sweetheart.” Law said, “short version, there was gonna be a war between Heaven and Hell. Demons were amassing an army, but it’s so hard to be good these days.” Law’s eyes widen as he raises his hands, feigning shock. “Heaven didn’t have many soldiers so they had to get some.”

“A war between Heaven and Hell?”

“Yes, that was with the old king, but rules around here are different. If you can defeat the king you get to rule.” That’s why Shanks is in office right now… erm palace. That also explains why after all this time and fighting, Hell wanted the three realms to get along.

“Ahem,” Kid clears his throat, “back to the story, Sabo doted on Ace. They got close for a while, but soon after we found out Sabo swore his loyalty to Shanks.” Law followed him up, “It wasn’t just that he swore his loyalty to brand new king. It was that he tried to hide it.” That must have made Ace feel betrayed. His loyalty to his father was terminated in such a disastrous way. He wouldn’t have wanted to pledge his loyalty so soon, nor would he have wanted his brothers too. After Ace and Sabo had gotten close, to have the newfound avatar of pride throw his dignity away and swear his loyalty. It must have been a hard blow. One that must have broken Ace’s trust even more. Cracking their bond as brothers. Sabo didn’t just put his pride away for this, he put doubt in the strength the brothers held. This thought must have festered until Ace just found himself hating Sabo.

*Author’s note: I changed how wrath got was birthed or whatever to this to go into more depth. (In truth I forgot about the circumstances of his birth so I decided to just roll with this.) (Later I did find out but decided to keep it this way.) Also, I changed the scene to only envy and avarice because too many characters in one scene make me stressed out.😓*

[kiruuuuu]

Doc/Lion oneshot in which a secret comes out which Lion would much rather have kept from the rest of Rainbow. (Rating T, angst + happy ending, ~2.4k words) - written for @big-r6s-fan!! Thank you very much again for commissioning me 💗 I enjoyed myself writing this :)

.

Lion was 15 when lying became a necessity.

Before, it had been a fancy, a brief display of power: he could deceive people if he wanted, but it was no more than a trump card he was never forced to play. When he went out with his friends, his parents hardly showed enough interest or worry, making a lie redundant, and his peers didn’t really care either about his religious upbringing or other interests. He felt being the younger sibling keenly, and Sophie oftentimes reminded him of all the things she wasn’t allowed to do at his age, unaware of how much he actually took advantage of this freedom.

Many things happened at 15 which interfered with this dynamic, deeply disturbed his relationship not only with his family but also his friends. He stole his dad’s car for a joyride and ended up getting caught. The parent of an ex-friend he long ditched for being a teacher’s pet saw him drinking together with older kids. He snuck into the school’s chapel and pissed in the holy water. He started smoking, lost his virginity, and shoplifted. His parents didn’t find out about all of it, but they did find out about enough, gathered clues from half-hearted responses and all the details he omitted, saw it in his face. He had to get better at lying, if only to trick their system of regular texts and calls, checking homework, rigid curfew.

Not only that, he learnt to keep secrets to prevent ridicule. Just like most of his friends, he claimed to be an atheist since they were the loudest group and often harassed others for believing – in truth, he doubted yet hadn’t faltered. Church involvement repelled him as did the strict moral code, but he never fully gave up the idea of a higher power. He kept quiet about liking some of the catchy songs on the radio, about his crush on the prettiest girl in his class, about enjoying some of his classes, about his reading habits. He didn’t want to be uncool, so he went along with his peers, easily agreeing and keeping most of the things he truly held dear close to his heart instead of on his sleeve.

It resulted in fewer problems. His parents thought him converted, his friends thought him amiable and he started to enjoy telling lies.

One of his friends was already 18, owned a car and lived alone – in Lion’s eyes, he was the pinnacle of maturity, something to strive towards. It didn’t matter his vehicle was on the verge of falling apart and that his flat stunk of stale weed and had no wallpaper and that he worked in a supermarket; he could stay up whenever he wanted, had his own money, and could go wherever he pleased. Not only that, he also never took no for an answer. No matter how hare-brained the plan, he was on board, no matter how unachievable the dream, he gave support and encouragement. The little word which Lion had heard one too many times from his parents lately was missing from his vocabulary.

At some point, his friend told him to take his clothes off. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. This, too, Lion never disclosed to anyone.

Just like the fact that he liked it.

.

Years took their toll on him. One of the very few things he kept from his adolescence is his taste in music which he doesn’t readily share with others from his church. He doesn’t speak about his faith with his colleagues. The extent of his escapades has never reached his parents’ ears. Not once has he told any of his girlfriends about the men with whom he fooled around. At times, it eats at him, every little secret, every little lie another bite out of his conscience, and though he’s trying his best to follow the commandments, it’s a habit he simply can’t kick. It spares him so many intrusive, difficult questions that it’s just not worth giving up.

There’s one man in particular who seems keen on testing his limits, however. There’s no reaction from him when Lion attempts to change the topic, every excuse merely makes him dig deeper, every wall that’s thrown up causes him to redouble his efforts of scaling it – once he’s identified an issue, he refuses to let go until he’s received a satisfactory response and his bluntness frankly intimidates Lion. He has trouble dealing with it, walked off a couple of times instead of opening up but with time realised that judgement never followed. That his concessions were never met with disdain. That his bareness was reciprocated in kind.

It’s hard to accept that the one person who carefully dismantles the web of lies, half-truths and excuses he weaves as protection used to be his enemy.

But by now, he’s starving for affirmation and takes what he can gets without seeming desperate, and when Doc refuses to back down even when confronted with some of Lion’s unsavoury past, he eventually gives in. Hands himself over. Allows Doc to rummage through the myriad of memories he usually keeps under wraps, and watches helplessly as the other man treats it more like a historical museum than contemporary art – he reassures Lion that while all of it contributed to his personality, he’s greater than the sum of its parts. He sees something in Lion no one else does, and so he fiercely, jealously guards the emotions shared between them from the rest of the world. This is his. He will not risk ridicule. He will not let it wither in sunlight where it flourishes in darkness.

Which is why he’s overcome with dizzying nausea when Dokkaebi walks in on them.

They were cautious, both of them averse to endangering this fragile understanding between them, and though they began living in each other’s skin outside of work, they avoided each other in Hereford. Not obvious enough to draw suspicion but rigorous enough to resist temptation. This day, it just so happened that Lion had lab results to drop off at the end of his shift, and Doc was still around, and so they exchanged a few words. Maybe stood a little too close. Doc said something soothing, Lion reacted with a rare smile, and warm fingers found his own, lips neared his.

A quick peck. No more. But Dokkaebi bursts in just then and clearly realises what’s going on and though Lion scrambles to revert back to the persona which can lie like it breathes, he’s gotten used to not needing it in Doc’s presence and is therefore too slow.

Awkwardness settles in his bones, guides Dokkaebi’s stilted words and stiff movements, laces Doc’s curt response, causes Lion’s face to burn and him to take an unnecessary step backwards. It squeezes his heart until it desperately pumps against the iron grip, blackening the outside of his vision, and with a formal excuse, he leaves. He nearly misses the doorknob on the way out due to shaking fingers.

She knows.

And if she knows, so will everyone else the next day. His and Doc’s feud spread like wildfire the moment he joined Rainbow and there’s no doubt this tasty bite of news will do the same. They will all know.

His phone starts buzzing before he’s even home. Composure is a virtue and he thanks the Lord for gracing him with it or else he might’ve swerved his car into a ditch. Teeth chattering, he stops by the side of the road and turns the device off – he doesn’t need this unconditional compassion right now, even if he’s unsure what else he needs. All he knows is that he’d break down if the calm voice on the other end asked him whether he’s alright.

Intrusive thoughts haunt him almost like a badly edited narration over a bleak independent film. You don’t deserve him, and he’s fairly sure he’s hungry, so he puts a slice of bread into the toaster. Doesn’t it contradict your faith? He hasn’t even taken off his shoes, so he unlaces them by the couch, leaves them lying in the way. Believe me, you two aren’t gonna last. Coffee sounds good right about now, even if all he has is instant. Fucking coward, hasn’t even come out and probably blackmails Doc. Kettle, water, cup, spoon, powder. The metal in his hands feels too smooth. Wasn’t his kitchen a little bigger? He could’ve sworn it wasn’t dark out when he arrived. He’s still an arrogant twat. Great, his toast is cold now.

The voices of the people he’s forced to interact with every day are merciless.

It’s like he’s run a marathon and, despite being wholly drained, the residual adrenaline fires up his mind in uncomfortable bursts. Sitting down for longer than ten minutes is impossible and he finds himself going through his qualifications at one point. He’s good at his job. He’s sure he can find another one elsewhere.

Now and then, faces flash before him. The priest he told to go fuck himself when he tried to talk to young Lion about responsibilities. His parents after being informed about his fatherhood. Claire when she realised he was serious about the abortion. His own son upon seeing him the first time. And, lastly, Doc. The day his colleagues’ blood added to the crusty mess already on Lion’s hands.

He won’t be able to bear more. He’ll break if the rest of Rainbow adds to this embarrassingly long list of shocked, appalled, disgusted expressions, especially since it’d be over something so dear to him. So crucial to his survival. He can’t stand them shunning him for having found his heart’s desire.

Already resigned to a night of no sleep, he jolts upright at the sound of his doorbell. Sits there, motionless, paralysed in indecision. He should let him in. He doesn’t want to.

It still rings now and then five minutes later, every noise running marrow-deep. He trusts Doc fully, but he doesn’t trust himself.

For once, his mind comes up with a reasonable objection: isn’t he a little old to be self-sabotaging like this?

Doc doesn’t mention the wait once he’s crossed the threshold. He won’t get it, not with how supportive his family has been, not with how popular he is, not with how little he encountered rejection in his life. And yet simply seeing him helps.

“I don’t want to lose you”, Lion breathes into his hair and the reassurances convince him that his lover genuinely doesn’t understand – he whispers the words which usually soothe Lion, promises him to stay by his side and remains unaware of the real problem. It matters not that he’s loyal when no one will talk to them. It’s irrelevant how supportive he is when open hostility will make coordinated teamwork unachievable. The tension will carry over until it either permeates their entire relationship, leaves them irritated and frustrated with each other, or until Lion is reassigned. Or potentially leaves of his own accord.

Both would be the end of them.

In exposing their feelings, they have killed them. And though Doc’s fingers will eventually grow tired of brushing away wet streaks, there will always be more tears.

.

Needle pricks in his back. He feels them wherever he goes, head held high and seemingly impervious – but the gazes riddle him, erode his self-control and he’s sure that eventually, there’ll be more holes than substance. Wandering through the base is nightmarish, an omnipresent sense of dread unshakeable. None of the people around him dare to speak anywhere but in their minds, and so he’s powerless to defend himself. They all know.

Every smile is malicious, every bout of laughter directed at him. Today, the universe has assembled to judge over the mockery that is his life and finds it lacking.

Doc’s words are etched into the back of his brain, not as encouragement but as a reminder of how naive his lover is. Doc desperately holds onto this fundamental trust towards humanity, ignorant of his privilege, ignorant of how revered he is, how the seas part for him, how no one dares to speak ill of him. He blindly assumes his experiences are universal. It’s easy for him to confuse his own brightness reflected back at him with another source of light.

Lion isn’t so lucky.

Whenever anyone approaches him, he expects the worst, flinches pre-emptively and stumbles his way through conversations which should’ve gone a lot smoother. They shoot him more and more odd looks the further the day progresses, and it’s not just the albatross around his neck they see. A glance in the mirror confirms he looks like death.

Montagne is a good friend and Lion values his opinion, yet conversing with him is like nails dragging over a chalkboard. He inquires about Lion’s well-being and lies like this one hardly count anymore. The brief talk has him sit down or else he might’ve started swaying, and the deafening roar of his thoughts almost makes him miss Montagne’s parting statement: “I’m happy for you and Gustave. I wish you two all the best.”

He -

He can’t mean it, can he?

A day later, in passing, Buck says with a smile: “You’ve snagged a good one. Don’t let him get away, eh?”

And Ash, at the end of the week: “I’m very glad it’s working out with you and Doc.”

Lion has never received this many friendly words. Most of the team captains send him on errands which carry him past Doc’s office. Hibana assigns him and Doc together for an exercise without a second thought. Twitch begins buying one coffee more each morning.

The burden lifts. The queasy feeling dissipates. His future brightens. It’s an incredible experience, and the more he adapts, the warmer the others receive him. It’s a mutual thing, glowing and strengthening his confidence, and eventually he even admits Doc was right from the beginning.

“They don’t treat me any worse”, he adds when sharing his observations with a wholly relieved Doc, loose and content and not at all shy with his displays of affection.

“Of course not”, comes the gentle reply. “Everyone deserves happiness, Olivier. It’s time you start believing it.”

Lion has to concede that here, by Doc’s side, looking forward to a good night’s sleep and a challenging job with supportive co-workers, it’s a lot easier to trust in these words.

[naughtyxstories]

Werewolf (ABO) Universe

OOC Notes:

this universe has a lot of specific structural elements so feel free to message to discuss variations to our muses’ specific (aka - the one we are playing in)

all of my muses are available for this universe but it is noteworthy that even my female muses are Alphas.

all genders welcome

MODERN VERSE

To make it clean, I will set everything in the fictional city of Blackrock, on the west coast of North America

Variable is whether the entire world is comprised of shifters and wolves or whether there are still regular humans completely unaware of these dynamics going on.

Blackrock is populated by the Werewolves (either wholly or primarily) of the Pack

Being an Omega is biological and they are the only ones capable of bearing young

Both Alphas and Betas can breed with Omegas

In this modern world, all claims and mating pairs are supposed to be consensual.

However, there is still abusive partners and families and so forth.

Pairings could be any organizational structure. Therefore it isn’t uncommon for anyone to be paired or grouped into 3-4 people

Scent gives everything away but scent blockers do exist.

Alphas experience rut but generally chemically block themselves from going through it. Still at least once a year, they are supposed to experience it. Some put it off longer. The longer you put it off, the worse the rut is when you finally experience it. (for example, instead of two or three days, it’ll last a week and be much harder to maintain control)

Omegas can only block their heat for a maximum of one year or they will damage their ability to bear pups. Blocking it has no impact on the severity of their next heat. They are always extreme. Young Omegas tend to have irregular cycles, which means they have to be extra careful.

Courtship rituals, gifting and so forth are all still a part of society but an Alpha may be bold and just declare their intentions toward an Omega. They run the risk of scaring off their intended however.

Betas tend to court the most diplomatically, aware that they are culturally perceived as lesser but they tend to be more rational and do not experience the rut so therefore may be appealing to an Omega. They have to work a little hard to assist their Omega through their heat but they can do it.

Historical

A/B/O is biological. Alphas are the leaders and soldiers. Betas run all the businesses and manage the money. Given the rise to the top pits Alpha against Alpha, there are not that many of them. They will literally fight to the death.

In general historical societies, Omegas are treated as mere property and permitted to own nothing or control their own resources and bodies.

I would push this all the way back to Vikings era so that one of the pushes for the raiding is to find Omegas for breeding purposes.

Once claimed and mated, the Northmen tended to be very respectful of their Omegas and it was considered shameful to abuse your Omega. They were also permitted to manage money and could even keep their children if there was a petition to sever the mating bond. Omegas could petition their Jarl or King/Queen to sever the mating bond if they are unhappy with their mate. This was a great shame to the mate.

This puts the Northmen as unusually progressive for their time-period but most outside their communities would have no idea.

The Northmen are, as a whole, extremely protective of their Omegas and pups.

Fuck with them and the Northmen will fuck you up.

RULES OF COURTSHIP FOR THE MODERN BLACKROCK VERSES

[under the cut]

Overview

failure to abide by these Rules can result in the Alpha being expelled from the pack or even executed if the breach is egregious or results in permanent harm to an Omega

the ritual is specific but there may be differences between the arrogant/foolish pack members and those who have given their courtship a great deal of thought.

at any stage, the Omega may reject or refuse the Alpha. at the beginning this is just refusing to accept a gift or returning the item. as the courtship progresses, the refusal must be more specific and direct. the law will intervene if an Omega reports they are afraid to refuse an Alpha

after being refused, an Alpha is not permitted to renew their Courtship.

Stage One

it begins with gifts

the gift is intended to be personal and have meaning

arrogant Alphas may only gift money or a hank of freshly caught game

thoughtful Alphas will try to offer symbolic items or items they think will catch the Omega’s interest (ie a book, flowers, fresh food, a blanket which carries their scent)

cooking for the Omega is usually the next step and intended to demonstrate that the Alpha has the means to provide for their mate and pups

an arrogant or foolish Alpha will take the Omega to a restaurant or provide the Omega food prepared by another. Only an immature Omega would not find such behaviour offensive

anything more than ‘polite’ touches or kisses would be considered an insult to the Omega (polite would be touches to the hand or arm, kisses on the cheek and similar)

Stage Two

increasingly intimate dates starting with public occasions or where other family are present

public or chaperoned dates are followed by personal dates, alone in their homes or in some other setting allowing more privacy and increased intimacy

the gifts and offerings also become more intimate (such as clothing, underwear and jewellery)

the Omega may take to wearing or keeping with them an item carrying the Alpha’s scent

intimacies and touching may increase but it would be considered insulting to go beyond ‘making out’ or a sort of heavy petting

Stage Three

the bond is starting to really form between Omega and Alpha

they will crave each other’s presence and feel bereft if too much time passes without seeing one another

an Omega may lose their ability to reach orgasm without the presence of the Alpha, as if their body is already tied to their Alpha. this can feel strange or even make an Omega feel upset or uncomfortable and can be a challenge for the pair to overcome. it is the first true loss of control to a specific Alpha. it can result in a split or end of the courtship if the Omega does not deal with it well.

there is still no penetration but they may have been quite otherwise intimate, touching, caressing and even oral sex

the gifts will continue as well as other caregiving exercises, fixing up things for them, or even planning for a future ahead, meeting friends and family, presenting themselves as a couple in public and so forth

Accept or Refuse

an Omega’s scent changes usually approximately a week before their heat will commence

an immature or younger Omega will have a shorter window (48 - 72 hours rather than a full week) and their heat can be triggered by someone they know going into heat

at this stage, the Alpha will offer himself to their selected Omega and the Omega must decide to accept or reject that Alpha.

if rejected, the Alpha must leave and will seek the assistance of friends and family to calm themselves and frequently go through a rather harsh rut for getting so close and then being rejected. it is personally devastating but there are no social consequences for either Omega or Alpha.

everyone understands that when down to the final choice, the Omega has a right to decide and therefore refuse the Alpha

Heat / Rut

if accepted, the Omega and the Alpha will go through all the soft furnishings they possess and set up their mating nest, usually in the Alpha’s home

as the Omega’s heat starts to build, the Alpha will get more protective, quite literally stockpiling supplies in the home and loathing being separated from their chosen mate.

the heat may trigger the Alpha’s rut and this is considered the most primal and intense of bonds.

the heat usually lasts for just under three days (or about 65-70 hours) where the pair will have periods of rest but will not wish to be separated.

during the mating, the Alpha may knot and do so more than once within his mate. it is not mandatory though, although a pregnancy is unlikely to result if there is no knotting

the Alpha will not wish to be parted and will take great pleasure in preparing food for the Omega, bathing and maintaining physical contact

any interference by a third party will result in violence. sometimes a family member or members will stand guard outside the Alpha’s home to ensure the pair are not disturbed

the mating usually takes about a week, sometimes just under, sometimes just over before the mated pair will tolerate being separated from one another.

the period of time after the heat but during the mating is often sweet, silly, playful and gentle. sex continues but it has lost the urgency. for some this is their favourite part of their mating.

Claiming

Following the mating there is a claiming ceremony

the ceremony is more for show -  a public demonstration of what was already privately settled.

it forms a legal bond between the pair and gives the Alpha legal rights to any pups that resulted from the mating.

without the claiming ceremony, the Alpha has no legal right to the pups and paternity may be denied

it is a vulnerable time for an Alpha

between the mating and the claiming ceremony, an omega still has the right to change their mind

to do so would be considered humiliating for the Alpha

sometimes a spiteful Omega will deliberately lure an Alpha to this point in order to humiliate them and permanently spoil their chances. Once a refusal has become common knowledge at this stage between mating and the ceremony, the Alpha is unlikely to ever be accepted by another Omega.

THE EXCEPTIONS

There are only two acceptable exceptions to the above Rules of Courtship that will not result in severe consequences for the Alpha who has breached said Rules. These exceptions are mandated and any Omega signed up for them has done so voluntarily.

The Offering

An unusual ritual and only reserved for high ranking or particularly honoured Alpha Wolves that have performed a great service for the Pack. Omegas who are interested in being claimed by the Alpha may present themselves at a great celebration. Fancy gowns and fine suits are worn. Music, dance and fine food are offered.

At the culmination of the evening, the Omegas are presented and the Alpha may select whichever one has caught the Alpha’s interest. It is considered a great insult if no Omega is deemed satisfactory.

The Omega’s heat is deliberately triggered, usually through chemical means, and the Alpha may take the Omega home. The Offering takes the place of both the mating and the claiming ceremony, although many still have a claiming ceremony at a later date.

The Hunt

The spring is the season of the heat, when Omegas are more likely to go into heat. As such, Omegas will, more often, permit themselves to actually go through their heat and not use chemical blockers. It feels safe as there are so many enduring their heat at the same time. Betas will often assist the Omegas through their heat.

At this time of year, an Omega may sign up for The Hunt. An old-fashioned ritual harking back to the original days of the Pack. A group of Omegas, all on the verge of their heat, will sign up. The Alphas then also register. The Omegas are set free first, able to run (in either form) through the woods. An hour later, the Alphas are set free to chase them, following the scent of the Omega of preference.

Surrounding the acre of forest are a series of small cabins. Once captured, an Omega will be brought to the cabin by their new Alpha. It is unusual for an Omega to leave the grounds without becoming pregnant. It is a very intense and primal mating ritual that produces a strong bond between the mated pair. Something about the Hunt pulls at the Wolf part of them in a very primal way, which they have never managed to work out of their society.

Claiming ceremonies thereafter are optional.

[vixxscifiwritings]

half of my heart has a grip on the situation (half of my heart takes time)

Characters - Jaehwan x OC, VIXX

AU - Gang VIXX

Genre - romance (longing)

Length - 1300+ words

Warnings - brief description of violence

Summary -  The middle of a gang war is hardly the correct time to fall in love and Jaehwan knows this. But his mind has no control on the way his heart feels.

-

It's seven pm on a Friday night and everyone is at the headquarters. The gang travels in groups and pairs now so that they can minimize the risk of being attacked.

Tensions run high in Uiseong. While the conflict has been years in the making, it precipitates faster than anyone had anticipated and leaves ugly consequences for everyone involved.

It's turf war. It always is. The rich landowners versus the poorer community that has been pushed out to  Uiseong and is now is in danger of losing it. There is truly no end to human greed and no lack of gruesome means to achieve ends.

Hakyeon is in a pensive mood, poring over the map of Uiseong that Jaehwan knows like the back of his hand now. Wonshik and Taekwoon are taking turns cleaning their guns while Hongbin and Sanghyuk are out on protection detail for a supply run along with Hyungwon and Minhyuk.

Jaehwan and Hakyeon both start when there is a knock on the door. Jaehwan walks towards the door cautiously while everyone gets to their feet. He looks around to make sure that everyone is alert and opens the door.

It's just Sooyeon and everyone relaxes visibly.

“I needed some help” she says by the way of an explanation.

Jaehwan looks at Hakyeon who nods and Jaehwan follows Sooyeon. The headquarters are essentially Hakyeon's family garage and Sooyeon's presence isn't unnatural since she is his sister. But everyone is on edge till Sanghyuk and Hongbin return and they know for a fact that their youngest are safe.

Jaehwan steps into the kitchen and spots Hwemi dozing in the crib in the corner. The rice cooker is on and running and stew cooking away on the stove.

“The box of plates on the top” Sooyeon says, pointing to the box next to the long chimney pipe that rests on top of the kitchen cupboards. “I couldn't reach it and I couldn't find the step ladder.”

Jaehwan nods, not wanting to tell her that Hakyeon used the step ladder as a defense against a rival gang member and the pieces were burned along with the body to hide the evidence. It's not the kind of thing one tells little sisters anyways.

He stretches his hand out and reaches the box with minimal difficulty. It's heavy but he manages to get it down and set it on the table. The loud clunk of china wakes Hwemi up and she starts to cry.

Jaehwan looks apologetically at Sooyeon who only waves him off and picks her daughter up. She pats her back and rocks her while consoling her with baby sounds. The crying stops and coughs and sniffing remains.

Jaehwan has taken to thinking about Hwemi's father. Sooyeon turned up at Hakyeon's doorstep a year ago, alone and four months pregnant and terrified for her life. She refuses till date to talk about specifics and it drives Hakyeon up the wall.

To Jaehwan who was in love with her before she left years ago, it's confusing as fuck. He doesn't know how to feel about it. Sooyeon never talks about the father. Is he dead? Is he alive? Was it someone who loved her but went missing in the violence? Or was it some bastard who left her because he didn't want to shoulder the responsibility?

Hwemi gurgles when Sooyeon plays with her, pretending to steal her nose. She is a good mother and Hwemi is a good child. She deserves a father who will protect her.

Sooyeon puts Hwemi down and hands her a green dinosaur toy that once belonged to Sanghyuk as a child. It will keep her busy while she cooks.

The role of the group's primary caregiver is something that Sooyeon falls into naturally. Perhaps her newfound motherly instincts extend to the boys despite being younger than most of them. She cooks and cleans, helps treat their injuries and takes care of Hwemi.

Jaehwan catches the brief expression of sadness and loneliness that passes by Sooyeon's face when she pets Hwemi's hair. His heart sinks further. She isn't happy and it doesn't look like there is anything he can do to help.

Sooyeon doesn't linger on the thought and returns to the stove to check on the stew.

“Do you need some help?” Jaehwan asks.

Sooyeon shakes her head in response. “Do you know if we are expecting more people for dinner?”

“Probably Minhyuk and Hyungwon” Jaehwan speculates. It would be inhuman to send them back out now that it's dark. Hakyeon will inevitably ask them to stay and Hyunwoo will permit them, being as much as a worrying leader as Hakyeon.

“Did you feed Hwemi already?”

“Yeah. Half an hour ago. She dozed off after that.”

Jaehwan nods. He busies himself in taking out plates from the box on the table and unwrapping them from the newspaper. They work in silence and only stop to look up when they hear a car pull into the driveway. Jaehwan hears Hongbin before he sees the group getting out of the car at the window.

“They are just in time” Sooyeon says as she turns off the rice cooker. The stew finished a few minutes ago and is cool enough to transfer it to the table. She puts it on the table and pushes a lock of stray hair away from her forehead.

Jaehwan laughs as it results in her smearing some of the creamy broth on her head. He grabs a tissue and dabs it away, cupping her face with his free hand. Sooyeon turns pink out of embarrassment and he can feel her cheeks heat up.

Have her eyes always been dark brown?

Have her lips always been so glossy or is it her lip balm? Is it still raspberry flavoured like it used to be when they were teenagers fooling around in the shed behind the railroad tracks?

Jaehwan pulls away. His heart beat is racing and anyone could walk in at any time and find them like this. God forbid it be Hakyeon. He doesn't know how to explain what this is.

He watches as Sooyeon's face falls as well. He doesn't know how to explain what just happened to her either.

“Can you call everyone for dinner?” Sooyeon asks stepping away from him. She doesn't look at him when she speaks and he doesn't look at her when he nods in reply.

He thinks about it all the way down to the garage. He walks in and sees Sanghyuk and Hongbin briefing Hakyeon on the happenings of the night. Minhyuk and Hyungwon are predictably staying. There was an altercation five blocks over and Hakyeon isn't taking any chances.

Jaehwan clears his head out. This is dangerous. His lifestyle is dangerous. He can't afford to worry about what he feels for Sooyeon. He has to focus on keeping her safe first. And with no end to the war in sight, this is a near impossible task.

There is also no guarantee that any of the people in the room will make it through unharmed. He can't die and leave her alone again. Can he raise her hopes and then leave her alone again, that feeling of loneliness from earlier settling into her soul permanently?

It's better if he says nothing at all.

“Your sister wanted to call everyone for dinner” he announces once the briefing is done. Jaehwan avoids even her name lest his treacherous heart acts up.

“We'll set up a place to sleep for both of you after dinner” Hakyeon tells them. Minhyuk and Hyungwon nod gratefully and the group devolves into small talk as they step out.

“Are you coming?” Wonshik asks, noticing Jaehwan linger.

“Yeah just give me a minute” Jaehwan tells him. Wonshik nods and leaves, giving him the space he needs.

Jaehwan steps out eventually, composure extending only to his mind and outer appearance but not his heart.

[ourhappylies]

Reggie Mantle Fluffy Alphabet (Riverdale)

Author: Cherry🍒 Requested: Anonymous. (I’m so sorry for how long this took!)

A = Attractive. What do they find attractive about the other?

Reggie finds your wit, sarcasm and sassiness to be attractive. He loves it when you get feisty and fight back to anyone and everyone who deserves it.

B = Baby. Do they want a family? Why/Why not?

Reggie isn’t a particularly large fan of children so he's never had the desire to have his own. As Reggie grows older and mature, he’d start to grow fond of having a child.

C = Cuddle. How do they cuddle?

Reggie likes to pull you close and sometimes lay on top of you a little bit. He’ll nuzzle his head into your neck, tickling you a wee bit.

D = Dates. What are dates with them like?

Reggie wants to make you happy so he’ll take you wherever you want to go. If you want to go to a fancy restaurant, consider it done. Or if you want to chill at the library and read together, he’s down for it. Your happiness is his happiness. But, Reggie loves to invite you over to his house and he’ll try cooking dinner for you. Try. It usually doesn’t work out very well and the fire alarm starts beeping quite often but it always makes the both of you laugh. The nights will normally end with takeaways and old movies.

E = Everything. You are my ____ (e.g. my life, my world…)

“Y/N, you’re my whole world,” Reggie sighed against your neck, inhaling the intoxicating scent of your perfume. “I refuse to lose you.”

F = Feelings. When did they know they were falling in love?

Reggie knew you were special from the first moment he laid eyes on you so it was no surprise to him when he realised he was falling in love. He knew when he didn’t want to be the guy who “got around” or “could have any girl he wants”. He wanted to be with you forever and never risk losing you.

G = Gentle. Are they gentle? If so, how?

Reggie treats you perfectly, he’s never too rough but he’s also not overly gentle. He knows how to put passion into everything, especially when he’s kissing you. Reggie also loves to leave hickeys littered all over your body.

H = Holding Hands. How do they like to hold hands?

Reggie's warm hand engulfs your own when he holds hands with you. He’ll give your hand a light squeeze every now and then, especially when he wants your attention.

I = Impression. First impression/s?

Reggie was gob-smacked when he first met you. He was consumed with intrigue when he first saw you. He heard you chatting with one of your friends, the witty comments you made entertained him from where he stood. He watched the way your eyes glimmered and your hair shined in the bright sunlight. He introduced himself first chance he got.

J = Joker. Are they into pulling pranks?

Reggie loves to joke around and pull a few pranks here and there. He would never take it too far to the point where you or anyone else gets hurt. But he does love to have a good laugh, especially if you’re in on the joke.

K = Kiss. How do they kiss?

Reggie knows what he’s doing when he kisses. He’s passionate and intense. He’ll leave you breathless and be wanting to pull him in again. But, Reggie will also kiss you lovingly to show you how he feels.

L = Love. Who says ‘I love you’ first?

Reggie did when he was half asleep. He was staying the night over at your house. He felt you lay down next to him and press a gentle kiss to his smooth cheek. That’s when the words slipped out unintentionally and woke him up from his sleepy state. Reggie was about to try and cover it up when you said “I love you too” back to him, calming his nerves immediately.

M = Memory. What’s their favourite memory together?

Your laugh bounced off the surfaces of the kitchen as you walked in and saw the state of the room. All sorts of food and liquid covered the benches and the tiled floors, there was even some on the walls and ceiling.

Reggie looked up at you from next to the sink, he had a white powder covering a majority of his face and in his hair. He wore a similar expression to that of a kicked puppy. Reggie looked around the room, taking in the sight of it and he rolled his eyes. It was your six month anniversary and he had wanted to cook you your favourite food… except that’s not what happened.

“Oh, Reggie…” you giggled as you navigated your way around the messy kitchen. “Let me help you clean this… mess.”

Reggie sighed deeply, “I’m sorry, Dollface. I… tried to cook for you but fucked it up, dammit.”

“It’s okay, Reggie! Let’s clean and get something delivered, okay?” The feeling of your soft lips colliding with his calmed the stress he felt from cooking.

An hour later, you were tucked up against him, nibbling on the takeaway and laughing at a silly comedy. The evening was still perfect to him despite his failed attempts at impressing you with his cooking abilities.

Reggie realised at this moment that everything would work out perfectly, especially when it came to you. Even such a simple evening could become the best memory he had with you.

N = Nickel. Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?

Reggie will buy you whatever you want, within reason. He treats you like his princess but he’s also not made of money. He loves to shower you with gifts and make you feel like a million bucks without making himself broke.

O = Orange. What colour reminds them of their other half?

Dark blue. Reggie lets you wear his sports letterman jacket whenever you feel like it. Since you started doing so, he always thinks of you when he sees the jacket and a dark blue.

P = Petnames. What petnames do they use?

It’s no secret that Reggie is a big flirt, he’ll call you by all sorts of names that range from sweet and cute to flirty and suggestive; “Baby”, “My love”, “Kitten”, “Sweet Cheeks”, “Princess”, “Foxy”, and “Dollface”.

Q = Quaint. What is their favourite non-modern thing?

Reggie owns and loves an antique leather jacket that he found one say as he was passing an Op Shop. He saw it and purchased it immediately.

R = Rainy Day. What do they like to do on a rainy day?

Reggie likes to watch horror movies. He thinks a rainy day sets the perfect mood for a horror movie, especially if there are some thunder and lightning too. Reggie will enjoy the feeling of you cuddling up to him at every jump scare and at terrifying scenes. Reggie likes to watch old horror movies that aren’t particularly scary.

S = Sad. How do they cheer themselves/others up?

Reggie will never admit that he’s feeling sad but it’s obvious to you just from observing his behaviour. His once boisterous and lively attitude becomes sullen and cheerless. Reggie will watch your favourite TV show with you. He’ll usually watch your reactions to the show and that always cheers him up. Your excitement and happiness when seeing the characters appear always helps to ease his worries and sadness, even if it’s just for a little while.

T = Talking. What do they like to talk about?

Reggie loves to talk about his sports and any upcoming games/matches. He likes to brag and show off to you, he also knows how proud of him you are when he tells you how good he’s doing. Reggie also likes to talk about your hobbies and he encourages you to embrace them more just like how he embraced his.

U = Unencumbered. What helps them relax?

Reggie always finds that a massage from you relaxes him. Despite his cool and charming exterior, he gets very stressed and tense. He’ll ask you to give him a massage every now and then to work out the stress and this always helps him to feel relaxed.

V = Vaunt. What do they like to show off? What are they proud of?

His physique. He’s a cocky teenage boy who is in peak physical condition so he obvs loves to show off how ripped he is. Reggie always feels a bit cockier when he notices you checking him out. He’ll flex a more and send a wink your way just so he can see you blush.

W = Wedding. When, how, where do they propose?

Reggie proposed to you at Pops. He ordered your favourite shake and gave Pop the ring when you weren’t looking. Pop places the kind around the straw and rested it against the top of the glass so it wouldn’t fall in. As he placed it on the table in front of you, Reggie watched as your eyes widened in shock and excitement.

Reggie grabbed your hand and stared deeply into your eyes as he asked if you would make him the happiest man to exist.

X = Xylophone. What’s their song?

‘Do I Wanna Know?’ by Arctic Monkeys. Reggie likes the rhythm, lyrics and pretty much everything about this song. It’s his go-to song for Karaoke.

Y = You. You are the ___ to my ___ (e.g. the cookies to my milk, the macaroni to my cheese)

“You, Y/N, are the lolly to my pop,” Reggie grabs at the lollypop from between your lips and sticking it in his mouth and darting off before you can scold him.

Z = Zebra. If they wanted a pet, what would they get?

Reggie would get a Guppy. He loves the look of the tropical fish and he thinks it would suit his home nicely.

[trashmammal-lee]

okay, so here’s a commission I wrote for @novaspeaks! they requested some egobang with roller coasters and some panic attacks, so HERE WE GO.

(psst, if you like what ya see, consider commissioning me!)

Being back home was a good time for Dan. He took it to relax after months of Grumping and touring, and to spend some well-deserved time with his family.

Having Arin there didn’t change it by much, but it did occupy most of the family time he had hoped for.

“Yo, babe, we should go to an amusement park.” Arin poked Dan in the side as they laid opposite each other in Dan’s childhood room. Dan looked away from his phone to focus on Arin, whose eyes were wide with wonder.

“You mean the place with all the death traps and the few kiddie rides that still go way too fast to be considered child-friendly?”

“Exactly.”

“I think not.” Dan goes back to scrolling through Instagram before he’s interrupted by Arin draping himself over him.

“But Daaaan,” he whined, “We’ve been here for like, 3 days, and we’ve done nothing fun.” Dan cocks an eyebrow at him. “Sex doesn’t count.”

“Wow, so sex with me isn’t fun anymore?” Dan spoke with feign offense.

“It’s always fun, but it’s not Six Flags fun.” Arin waggles his eyebrows at him. Dan sighs as he puts his phone beside his head and begins to pet his boyfriend’s hair. Arin leaned into the touch and Dan sighed again. He couldn’t just deny Arin of some fun.

“Alright, we’ll go.” Arin’s smile widens and he leans forward to plant a kiss on Dan’s lips.

“Yay! Thank you, Danny.”

“But, we’ll go tomorrow. That way we have extra time for you to do some extra…” Dan rolls over and he’s on top of Arin, looking down at him with a heated look, “Convincing.”

“Damn, I thought my good looks would be enough, now I gotta put my blowjob skills to the test, too?” They both laugh and Dan kisses Arin.

“You most definitely do. Now let’s get started, because my family’s gonna be home soon, and I’m sure Avi doesn’t want to catch his son and his boyfriend making sweet love.”

“Wow, it’s just like being teenagers again.”

“Or like being a 22 year old virgin, sure.” Dan snickers, and Arin pulls him closer.

“We’re wasting precious convincing time. Now kiss me, you fucking idiot.” Dan giggles against Arin’s lips, and the hand that slides into the back of his pants has his giggle turning into a nervous moan. Another kiss to his neck and Dan’s mind slips away as the touches grow more desperate. 

… 

Arin wakes Dan up at 5 in the morning. 

“Dude, the park opens in a few hours, let’s go out and get breakfast beforehand.” Dan groans into his pillow as Arin shakes him awake.

“Arin, it’s like, too early in the morning.”

“It’s just early enough, now get your skinny ass up or I’m leaving you here.” Dan turns his head to the side, seeing that Arin’s in the process of dressing himself. God, was he this dedicated to going to some stupid park?

“Fuck, fine, I’m awake.” Dan yawns, climbing out of bed and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“There’s my special boy,” Arin lifts up Dan’s chin and kisses him softly.

“Gross, you gonna kiss me with my morning breath?”

“You have to deal with my gross everything, I’m sure I can stomach your 5 am dragon breath.” Dan flips him off as he stumbles his way to the bathroom. Arin follows closely behind him, buttoning up his red flannel as Dan steps inside the bathroom and grabs for his toothbrush.

“So, we’re gonna hit up the little waffle house right off the highway, and then we’ll make our way to Six Flags.” Dan nods sleepily as he squeezes toothpaste onto the brush, running it under the water and watching through the mirror as Arin messes with the buttons on his shirt. Arin meets his eyes in the mirror and winks, causing Dan to blush as he continues to brush his teeth.

“You should hop in the shower, too.” Arin nods his head over to the tub, and he gives him a knowing glance.

“Arin, we’re not fucking in the bathroom.” Arin frowns, “At least, not the bathroom here.”

“Are you telling me you’re down to pound in the waffle house bathroom?”

“No, Arin, I’m not.” Dan places his toothbrush down and turns to face Arin, leaning back against the sink, “I’d rather not risk getting arrested in New Jersey, of all places.”

“Even when the risk involves fucking me?”

“Especially if the risk involves fucking you.” Dan ruffles Arin’s hair and shoves him out the bathroom, “Now if you excuse me, I’m gonna take you up on that shower offer.” He shuts the door in Arin’s face, and he can practically feel Arin’s pouting through the door. 

… 

“So, what do we go on first?” Dan asks as they make it through the entrance, Arin’s arm linked with his own.

Arin smiles wickedly at him, and points.

“We go there.” Dan follows Arin’s finger and his blood runs cold at the sight. The rollercoaster was insanely high up, and looking at it just drew intense fear to Dan’s entire body.

“Ha, ha ha.” Dan laughed weakly, “That’s funny, now how about we go on something that doesn’t look like threatening and deadly?”

“Daniel, please, we have to go on it. Sources tell me it’s the tallest one in the world.”

“I refuse to believe that that world’s tallest anything would be in Jersey, of all places.” Arin holds up a finger as he pulls out his phone and hands it to him.

“Read for yourself.” Dan looks over the text of the article Arin has pulled up. Lo and behold, the tallest rollercoaster was in fact in Jersey.

And it was, in fact, the very one that Arin’s trying to get him on.

“You’ve got to be shitting me.”

“Dan, I heard about it like, forever ago, and I wanted to go on it. But I really don’t want to do it alone.” Arin frowns at Dan, giving him a pleading look as Dan looks between Arin and the coaster. On one hand, Dan liked living and breathing and running from the few things in his life that he found frightening. On the other….he didn’t want to let Arin ride this suicide machine by himself.

“Alright, alright,” Arin squeezes Dan’s hand, “But only because I can’t let you die alone.”

“That’s very noble, Daniel,” Arin begins to pull Dan in the direction of the coaster, “and if you die, I’ll make sure to let the fans know that you definitely didn’t die screaming like a little girl.”

“Wow, that’ll make me a legend for sure.” Arin kisses his cheek.

“Hell yeah it will. Now come on, I wanna get there before the line gets ridiculous.” Arin pulls Dan along, and Dan hopes for a long line.

…

Much to Dan’s dismay, there had been very few people in the line. Arin dragged Dan to the ride’s entrance, and a disgruntled teen looks them up and down, scoffing as they noticed Arin holding Dan’s hand.

“Brother’s got you trying out the big kid rides, huh?” they say, smiling at Dan. Dan recognizes this tone. They’re flirting and before Dan can reply, Arin kisses his cheek.

“My boyfriend and I are trying out the big kid rides, thank you very much.” Arin responded. The teen rolls their eyes and unlocks the chain, pulling it aside as Dan and Arin make their way to an empty ride car. Smack dab in the middle, it’s the safest in Dan’s opinion.

“So, you excited?” Arin bounces in his seat as more people board.

“Pumped.” Dan responds weakly. He was less than excited to be on a rollercoaster, let alone the fucking tallest one in the world. He can’t believe he agreed to this. He could get off now, leave Arin to experience this on his own, he could-

The rail locks on him, and he can’t move. Fuck.

The teen who hit on him proceeds to rattle off rules and safety procedures, and then the car is moving. The ride is slow, god, Dan hates this, it’s so slow, and with Dan’s knowledge of rollercoasters, the slowness is always quickly accompanied by unnerving speeds.

The ride up goes on forever, it seems, and Dan grabs for Arin’s hand. He looks around, fuck; he can see the entire park now. He can see the parking lot, god how fucking high up are they? He can spot his own car, fuck, he needs this to end now, he can’t, he can’t, he fucking can’t.

“It’s gonna be okay, Dan, it’ll be over before you know it.” Arin speaks in a reassuring tone, but Dan can’t believe him. They’re so high, the ride could break and the fall down could kill them instantly. His hold on Arin’s hand gets tighter as they reach what he believes is the top. He looks down, and he can barely see people, his vision is blurry, and the ride halts.

“We’re going to die.” Dan whispers, waiting for the drop. He closes his eyes, and waits.

He waits.

He keeps waiting.

Now he’s waiting for an entire minute. The ride’s been moving, but in short bursts, and they haven’t moved from the top. The other passengers begin to complain.

“Arin….why aren’t we dropping?” Dan whispers.

“I...I have no idea, it should have gone by now.” Arin’s just as confused as everyone else.

The ride keeps moving and halting, and it’s becoming aggravating to Dan until a static voice comes through a mini speaker off to the side.

“I’m sorry, folks, we seem to be experiencing some technical difficulties. As it’s very early on in the day, our technician isn’t here yet, so you might be stuck here for a while,” the whole car whines at this, “We’re really sorry for the inconvenience.”

“Oh my fucking God.” Dan whispers, voice full of fear. They’re stuck on a fucking rollercoaster. They’re fucking stuck on the world’s tallest rollercoaster. They could fucking die up here, Dan got a death grip on Arin’s hand now.

“Hey, hey, Dan, dude you alright?” Arin pulls his hand from Dan’s grip, and Dan’s eyes begin to well up with tears. “Babe, wait, what’s wrong?”

“We’re stuck!” Dan cries. The other passengers look back and roll their eyes. Of course no one wants to watch an adult like him cry, especially because of a stupid thing like this.

“I know, but we’re gonna get out soon.”

“How soon is soon, Arin? Fucking hours from now, the ride could easily explode in that time.” Dan’s not making any sense, he knows this, but he’s panicking and he doesn’t care.

“Soon is definitely a few hours, but you gotta have patience, Dan.” Arin’s voice is quiet and calm. He’s attempting to calm Dan down, but Dan’s not responding well.

“I can’t fucking believe you had me get on this stupid fucking ride just so we can get stuck on the fucking top.” Dan babbles, tears streaking down his face.

Arin places his hand in Dan’s hair and begins to pet him, stroking the strands slowly. Dan shakes from his touch, but he leans in anyway.

“Breathe, Dan, breathe,” Arin coos, “I know that we’re in an unfortunate situation, but we’re going to come out of it safely.” Dan continues to cry, but this time he’s quieter. He searches for Arin’s spare hand, which he happily gives him. “We’re safe; I promise you that we’re safe.”

Dan’s breath begins to even out, and Arin takes his hand off the top of his head. “How do you feel?”

“Terrified.” Dan speaks normally.

“Well that’s pretty fucking obvious,” Arin chuckles, “But do you still feel like you’re in panic mode?” Dan shrugs. “That’s a maybe, that’s better than yes.” Dan shrugs again.

“God, this is an awful start to a day.” Dan mutters.

“It could be worse. You could wake up murdered or something.”

“Arin, no one wakes up murdered.”

“That’s what the government wants you to think, but people wake up dead before they die.” Dan sighs, chuckling. Arin’s not making sense, but he never does and he’s grateful for that during moments like this.

“Another worse way would be to like, wake up buried alive.” Arin cringes.

“Eww, don’t even get me started. Like, coffin buried or just straight up surrounded by raw dirt?”

“Raw dirt, they didn’t even give you the satisfaction of having a coffin to protect you.”

“Damn, they must fucking hate you if they want maggots and shit crawling on you,” Arin shivers in disgust, “God, the very thought just makes me want to vom.”

“Please don’t vom on here, you could jinx the ride and you’ll end up falling faster than your vomit. I refuse to get coated in your gross stomach fluids just because you thought about being buried alive.”

“It’s a noble sacrifice.” Arin holds his fist above his heart and Dan rolls his eyes.

“Me getting on this stupid ride was a noble sacrifice, you barfing and me getting covered in it is the fuckin’ devil’s work.” Arin giggled, and Dan followed along with him. God, he’d nearly forgotten where they were in this moment. Talking with Arin always calmed him down, it always gave him a sense of security that he rarely had with anyone he’d dated before. It was nice, pleasant, it was all those stupidly cliché adjectives that couples used to describe times together.

“Our technician has just arrived and is currently working on getting the ride moving again. We appreciate your patience and apologize once more.” The speaker blares. Dan’s nerves are on end again. He’s still going to have to come down...they’re going to have to fall all the way down.

“We got this, Dan.” Arin takes his hand in his and smiles at him. Dan glances at their entwined hands and takes a deep breath.

He could do this.

They could do this.

“If we die, I hope that Suzy knows to let the lovelies know we died valiantly.” Dan tells Arin after several minutes of attempting to calm his racing thoughts.

“Of course, she’ll rep us well.” Arin responds, staring ahead. Dan stares with him, waiting patiently for the ride to begin and for their descent to near death to begin as well.

“Unfortunately, there seems to be a jam in the ride, so we’ll be reversing the cars to bring you back down. We’re sorry that you won’t be able to ride today.” Dan practically feels the tension fall off of both his and Arin’s shoulders as the car begins to reverse. The other passengers are complaining, but Dan stays quiet as he rubs at Arin’s palm with his thumb.

“Thank God we don’t have to do that.” Arin breathes a sigh of relief once they reach the bottom. Dan shoves him playfully as they exit their car.

“You were the most excited to be on there, what changed your mind?” Dan questioned as they walked back to the crowded areas of the park.

“Well, you did.” Arin says simply, throwing his arm around Dan’s shoulder, “You changed my mind about a lot of things.” Dan’s face turned a bright shade of red.

“Arin, that’s...” Dan’s a little breathless at his words, “probably one of the gayest things you’ve said to me.” Arin kissed his temple before he responded.

“That, and seeing you cry like a child made me pity you.” Dan punched Arin in the side, causing him to double over.

“Fuck you, dude” he giggles, snorting. Arin giggles along with him, and then kisses him on the cheek.

“We can do that later, babygirl. For now, let’s enjoy the rest of our day, shall we?”

“Of course, Big Cat.” Dan leans his head on Arin’s shoulder, and they walk together, reveling in the atmosphere of the park and of each other.

[writernotwaiting]

Mis-Matched

Right, so I know I haven’t posted anything on my over-sized WIP since April, but here I am starting another fic that I have absolutely no business getting into. At least this one should be shorter than the other (famous last words). Sorry.

Title: Mis-Matched Rating: M (this is subject to change at the whim of the author’s muses) Characters: Loki, Sigyn, Frigga, Theoric, and various supporting OCs Description: This is an attempt to fill the propmt requested by @someillplanetreigns (and now I can’t even tag you!): “you asked for prompts and pairings - I would like to humbly beg for more Logyn? I don’t have a great prompt, but this odd thought is in my head about a way to make the comic plot about Theoric and the marriage into something about marriage by proxy? Maybe something like Loki has the duty of proxy-marrying Sigyn cos Theoric’s in the army, and totally plays everyone by going the whole hog and appearing as Theoric, but then Sigyn, who thought Theoric was dull as ditchwater and Loki is… well, y’know, Loki.” I’m not sure this is precisely what you wanted, so I apologize in advance for my wayward muses – Loki does what he wants. Chapter: 1 of 2? Acknowledgements: thank you @icybluepenguin for serving as one of my favorite institgaors and sounding boards – you rock!

______________________________________

Mis-Matched, Part 1

Herr Braggison loomed over Sigyn as she slunk down lower into the chair, nose buried deep in her book, brown hands clutching the pages tighter as he moved closer.

“Sigyn — I just received a letter from the All-mother.”

“Mmmhmm.”

“Apparently, the fighting at the front has become entrenched.”

“MmMMMmm.”

“Sigyn!”

“Hmmm?”

“Put the book down and look at me when I speak to you.”

Sigyn abruptly dropped the large hardback with a whack onto the desk, folding her hands demurely as she smiled up angelically at her guardian.

A dark scowl passed over his face before he began again, “I have just received a letter from the All-mother that tells me the fighting has become entrenched at the front. As such, Theoric will not be granted leave to attend your upcoming nuptials.”

“Oh really?” Suddenly Sigyn was all attention, back straight, eyes bright.

Herr Braggison’s scowl deepened. “As you know, there is a limited time during which you must be married, or the contract must be annulled or re-negotiated.” Sigyn nodded and a little smile began to blossom across her face.

“As a result, we will have to fulfill the contract by proxy.”

“WHAT?”

Her guardian flinched, then frowned once more. “Yes. There is a legal provision that allows for marriage by proxy. Thankfully, the All-mother has offered to send a representative from the court who can serve as a stand-in for your intended spouse, after which you will go to court with him to serve the queen until Theoric can return from the hostilities. In this way, the contract will be fulfilled. No fuss. Everything perfectly legal. No re-negotiations necessary. Neither will we be forced to seek out another candidate. You see? Everything is taken care of. In another month, I will have completed my legal obligations as your guardian by providing you with an appropriate husband of suitable political standing, and you will no longer have to endure my presence.”

Sigyn rose out of her chair. “Wait just a minute …”

“No. no. no. You and I have both been anxious to get rid of each other for years, and now here’s your chance. Theoric is a highly-respected officer is His Majesty’s army with excellent political connections. It’s a marriage much better than anything you could have hoped to get had your own family been in charge of the negotiations. I will not put this alliance at risk just because your intended can’t keep a schedule.”

Herr Braggison paused at this point long enough to line up Sigyn’s book precisely with the edge of the table. “You will be married by the end of this month, and go off to live under the protection of the All-mother until your husband gets back from the war. Either way, you will be out of my house! You. Your books. Your seider. Your temper. Your … disorder … your …” And here he looked her up and down waving his hands around in the air before spitting out, “everything! The delegation from court will arrive one week prior to the ceremony. End. Of. Discussion.”

And even as Sigyn drew breath for a reply, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the library, leaving her fuming.

“Ohhhhaaaaahhhhrrrgh! My ‘everything,’ is it? My evil alien outlander contamination, you mean! Go fuck a goat, Iric! I never signed that cursed contract! You think you’re so clever, getting everything lined up a month before my majority so it wasn’t necessary!”

Sigyn flung the chair backwards before she began pacing about the room. “A month! A month and then I’ll be privileged to sit around with the All-mother’s handmaidens doing needlework until my eyes cross and listening to a bunch of insect-brained idiots gossip about big, blond musclebound, testosterone-poisoned bachelors who have rocks for brains. And then, whenever my husband returns triumphant from the battlefield, I will be expected to take up housekeeping like a meek little domestic pet and cater to the whims of my own personal rock-headed Einherjahr! Oh, look at my lovely brown-skinned alien — isn’t she exotic? If I weren’t ready to burn this house down and be rid of you, Iric, I would set fire to those contracts myself! What happened to the spinster option? Why could there not be a clause in the papers for that? Why marriage? And why him? Dearest Norns, he is so boring! And stupid! And … Aesir!”

But the dictates of her father’s will were explicit, Sigyn was the legal ward of her guardian until she was suitably married. Period. There was no spinster clause. No femme sole provision. Only marriage.

When the delegation arrived, she was supposed to be there. “Supposed to,” being the operant phrase. She was not. She was not there to greet them in the grand hall as they entered. She was not there for the state dinner that evening. She did not show for the formal brunch the following morning. Instead, Sigyn went out to an old, disused greenhouse and started target practice, pointing at tiny widows in succession and creating a lovely pattern by throwing runes at individual panes and shattering them. Sigyn filled her lungs with the ozone after-burn of her seider as she went.

K-pish! “That’s for my mother for getting herself knocked off by that stupid wizard!”

K-pish! “That’s for my father for drawing up that ridiculous contract!”

K-pish! “That’s for Herr Braggison for being such a money-grubbing accountant of a negotiator!” She inhaled deeply.

K-pish! “That’s for the All-mother who refuses to nullify that stupid-ass contr-“

“Good morning, Lady Sigyn!”

“Ahhh!” Sigyn jumped a good six inches off the ground and fired off flash of blue seider that was just barely deflected by a green shield thrown up by her visitor.

“Goat’s piss—I’m so sorry!” And then just as quickly she covered her mouth when she realized who he was. “Hel! I mean, Sorry! Shit.” She slapped her forehead. “Oh, your majesty, I so very sorry, are you hurt? You startled me … I mean, I had no idea you were part of the delegation. I didn’t … I’m so very sorry. Are you hurt? Oh Norns, this is terrible.”

Sigyn hastily bent into a deep curtsy and lowered her head. “I’m so sorry!”

She maintained her obeisance for several long moments and grimaced as she thought she heard him make some vague noise of disapproval, but then the noise shifted a bit, and she suddenly realized he was laughing.

She scowled and jerked up her head. “Are you laughing at me?”

He was laughing. It started as an almost silent chuckle as he tried to suppress it, his shoulders shaking ever more violently until he was full-on laughing, smile wide across face. Her scowl deepened for a moment, but then she couldn’t help but smile back, and before long she broke into giggles of her own.

A full minute passed like this before the prince closed the distance between them and reached out to help her off her knees with one hand and wipe his eyes with the other.

“Oh, by all that’s blessed, you should have seen the look on your face! I should have loved to capture that image forever!”

“Your majesty, I really am so sorry. No one has ever followed me out here. I never expected someone to show up, least of all you, and I was, well, preoccupied.”

He looked up at her handiwork. “I can see that. Quite an inventive way to work out your frustrations.”

Sigyn blushed deeply when she remembered what she had said. “Ohhhh! You heard that, didn’t you? Please don’t say anything. I’m already on the verge of … well, I guess I don’t know what Herr Braggison would do to me at this point — permanent confinement until the contract is signed, I suppose, so I don’t embarrass him any farther? And the queen … I know it’s not her fault. A contract is a contract and can’t be unwritten. I’m just. No. I didn’t mean it. It’s fine. Really. It’s all good.” And she folded her hands and smiled a beauty pageant smile that looked very nearly convincing.

Loki nodded slowly. “Well, I won’t mention it, if you like.”

She let out a breath she’d been holding. “That’s very gracious of you, your majesty.” She dipped a tiny curtsey once more and her smile softened into something more natural.

In response, he flashed her a smile that could easily have turned her into a pile of goo had it not been for the words that followed. “Please, call me Loki, after all, we are going to get married next week.”

“Oh yeah, “married”. Ha ha.” Her smile abruptly turned brittle and she sobered considerably, reminding herself, Not flirting. Off the market. Big tag marked SOLD! And Loki backed off with raised hands.

“Sorry.” He raised an eyebrow. “I gather you aren’t thrilled at the prospect?”

The beauty pageant smile returned. “Oh no, it’s a great privilege. Theoric is an excellent match. My guardian has worked very hard to ensure an advantageous contract, and I’m grateful that you’ve agreed to serve as a proxy to ensure the terms are fulfilled.”

A smirk spread over Loki’s face. “Did you memorize that speech?”

Her eyes looked slightly ill at that that, but the smile didn’t waiver and she didn’t answer. Loki inhaled and he backed off once more, pursing his lips as he concluded, “Right. An excellent match.”

An uncomfortable pause followed until Loki finally started up a new topic, “I was unaware, Lady Sigyn, that you practiced seider. Have you studied long?”

“Oh! Well! It’s mostly self-taught. Mother had just started my lessons when she passed away, so I’ve had to rely on the books she left in the library. That’s the one argument I won when father’s estate was cleared out—I managed to keep control of nearly her entire library. I’m afraid I’ll never be a master of the craft like she was, but I’ve managed pretty well, for all that.”

“You have her books? I wonder if you would let me take a look while I’m here.”

“I would be honored Prince Loki.”

“Loki. Just Loki.” And he extended his elbow to escort her back to the house.

She hesitated a second before resting her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Thank you, m’lord. Just Loki, then.”

*******************

Later that night, Loki stood in his room and reached out to draw a set of runes on the mirror, eyes moving deliberately as they followed the green shimmer as it creeped in from the edges of the frame, turned slowly to gold, and then cleared to reveal the face of Frigga, All-mother.

Loki inclined his head, “Good evening, Mother. It is good to see you.”

Frigga offered a wry smile as she replied, “Good evening to you, as well, Loki. How has your ambassadorship fared today? Did you finally manage to greet Theoric’s intended?”

“I did, indeed.” Loki returned her smile. “I found her out in an old greenhouse knocking out window panes with her seider.”

“Really?”

“I barely missed getting winged myself when I startled her.” He snickered. “Why did you not warn me of the danger I would face?”

“I had no idea she practiced seider. She was so young when her mother passed, I assumed that she never trained.”

“Apparently she is self taught. Is that even possible?”

“Not unheard of, I suppose, but certainly rare. How did you find her — will the marriage suit, do you think?”

“Do you wish my honest answer, Mother, or a diplomatic one?”

“Loki,” she chided.

Loki’s face soured. “Frankly, I can’t imagine a more poorly made match. She is bright, well-read, quick-witted, and blunt, whereas Theoric is, well—none of those things. They will make each other perfectly miserable. I can’t imagine why he would seek out such a match, unless she’s  …”

Loki read the warning on his mother’s face immediately, “ahhhh, of course, unless she’s rich.” He paused. “She is, isn’t she? He’s to get a big, fat dowry.”

“Shush, Loki. Everything has already been arranged. If the couple are pleased enough with the match to sign the contract, there is nothing to be done against it.”

“I’m not entirely sure she is. What does she get out of this arrangement?”

“Out of her guardian’s house, I suppose. He has certainly made no secret of the fact that she has been a difficult charge. I believe she is anxious to cut those ties as soon as she can.”

“By marrying Theoric?” He asked dubiously.

“As near as I can remember, the terms of the wardship dictate that she cannot leave her guardian’s care until she marries. It’s an old fashioned arrangement, but it cannot be altered.”

“But … Theoric?”

“Loki—it is not your place to approve or disapprove of the match. You are there only to ensure the contract is fulfilled before the terms are up. There must be mitigating circumstances that lead her guardian to believe that another match might be difficult to attain, or perhaps difficult to attain with such advantageous conditions. Marriage negotiations can be complicated, especially for orphans like Sigyn.”

“Like Sigyn.”

“Yes, like Sigyn.”

“You mean outlanders.”

“Yes. People prefer …” And here Frigga had the decency to hesitate and even blush a bit.

“Their own kind.”

“Well, yes. It’s tricky.”

“Right.” His face had drawn into a deep scowl by that point, but knew she was right. Aesir are insular and slow to accept anything, or anyone, different.  But Theoric! That imbecile. She’s wasted on him.

[harajukuhowell]

losing a life (to gain another)

Summary: Dan’s a ghost and a bit of a cock block but Phil likes him anyways.

Wordcount: 11,200

Genre: Fluff & Angst

Warnings (spoilers): homophobia, brief mentions of child abuse and neglect, cheating

please don’t repost!! :) 

likes and reblogs are appreciated (ᵔᴥᵔ)

Dan hated his parents. They were horrible to him. Ever since he had come back from his best friend, Tammy’s, roller- disco birthday party and had been caught kissing said best friend’s brother, Michael, in his bed, he lost all of his freedom. He was driven too and from school much to his embarrassment (and those who tormented him’s amusement), he wasn't allowed out on the weekends, he wasn't allowed to use the house phone and he definitely wasn't allowed to see Michael. The worst thing for Dan, however, was the new lock on his bed room door and the bars on his bedroom windows. Most teenagers his age would kill to have a lock on their bedroom door; Dan would have as well, if the lock had been normal. The lock wasn't normal, though. His strict Christian parents decided the best way to protect their son from the devil and his misleading ways was to put a lock on his door which locked from the outside. At 8pm every night, his mother would come into his room, ask him if he was normal yet (to which he always replied with an indignant “I’m perfectly normal, I just happen to be gay!”), she would then slam the door and lock it behind her, muttering about how he was the “devils child” and how thankful she was that god gifted her with Dan’s “perfect” and “angelic” little brother.

Dan’s life got completely turned around. The lock and bars on his room were hellish. He could no longer sneak out in the evenings to visit Michael who was the best thing in Dan’s sad, lonely life.

Michael also suffered a lot after they got caught; his father was outraged that his Michael, star of the prestigious school athletics team, was a queer. Even though Dan and Michael could still talk in school, they didn't dare risk it. Their secret relationship was the talk of the town and everyone, friend or foe, felt like spies set against them.

As soon as people found out that Dan and Michael had eyes for each other, they were both outcasted. Dan fell to the very bottom of the social chain and Michael wasn't much higher than him. His best friend, Tammy, tried to keep talking to him but people told her father and he lashed out at her, leaving her with a sore looking black eye. She stopped trying to talk to Dan after that. 

Dan was completely and utterly alone. He tried countless times to talk to his parents but it always ended in either a knock around the head or a recital of some biblical verse. It was no use.

***

Smoke. The unforgivable and undeniable smell of smoke was what awoke Dan. After the smell, he registered the sound of a wailing fire alarm. He coughed and spluttered opening his eyes then immediately closing them again as the pain from the smoke was to great. He reluctantly opened them again seconds later, realising that if smoke was in his room, it probably wasn't the best time to close his eyes. He rushed to the door and rattled the handle but nothing happened. Of course nothing happened, his door was locked from the outside. He then raced to the window, in hopes of climbing out and escaping but no, his windows had bars on them.

It was then that Dan started to really panic.

He was going to die. His house was on fire and there was no escape for him. This was it. Dan ruefully decided to try and open his bed room door one last time in the hope that some sort of miracle would make it open. He reached and tried to turn the doorknob but quickly re coiled thanks to immense heat of. All hope was lost.

His breathing became lighter as he slowly sank to the ground and curled into his knees. Dan tried to listen and see if anyone was coming to save him but the only sounds he was met with were the flames crackling and the fire alarm blaring. Wow Dan thought I knew mum and dad disliked me but letting me burn in a fire? That’s low even for them. He smiled self- deprecatingly. 

His eyes lids began to droop. Distantly he thought he heard someone crying; it sounded vaguely like Michael. Maybe it is Michael! Dan’s drowsy brain supplied. After all, he does live next door… Maybe Michael’s coming to save me! Michael will be my knight in shining armour.  Dan smiled softly. His bedroom door went up in flames.

With the barricade of his door gone the flames became insufferable and Dan slowly felt himself slip from consciousness. Michael’s not coming Dan thought bitterly as he pitifully breathed his final breath.

-40 YEARS LATER-

“Philip, dear! Come and collect your stuff from the van, please!” Mrs Lester called from out side of the car that a grumpy Phil was currently sat in. Fuck his dad. Fuck his stupid promotion. Fuck his new house. Fuck moving.  Fuck-

“Philip! Oh, dear, do take those preposterous earbuds out,” his mother sighed, interrupting his train of thought and opening his car door. “Get up! We’re here!”

“Alright, alright! I’m coming!” he grumbled, clambering out of the car. The smile she sent him was returned with a glare.

“Cheer up, pet. It’s time for a new start. How exciting!” With that she grabbed her suit case and flounced away into the house (not without rubbing Phil’s cheek softly first).

Phil sulked over to the moving van and grabbed his most important suit case (a “take the rest of the stuff up to my room, please” was uttered to the moving men) before he walked up the drive way towards his new house and, consequently, new life.

The house wasn't anything special. It was about the 5th of the size of his old one. The house it self had been built in the 60s but his family had completely re-done the interior thanks to a fire that broke out in the mid 70s. Phil didn't know much about the fire; all he knew was that it had caused a hideous about of damage to the houses interior. It had cost his father a pretty penny to get done up; not that it mattered really, his family could afford it. They weren't rich per say, but they certainly were far from poor.

Phil pulled his suit case up the drive way and made his way into his new house (he refused to say home). His mother was standing in the hall with an awed look on her face and tears in her eyes. “Phil! Look how magnificent it is! It’s exactly as I pictured it; your father couldn't have done a better job.” She smiled but it quickly faded. “Pity he isn't here to see it…”

“Fuck sake, mum! You're acting as if he's dead and not on a bloody business trip.” Phil acted annoyed when in reality he was also upset by his dads absence. He didn't dwell on it.

“Language, Philip,” she reprimanded. “You can go up to your room if you wish. Just go up the stairs at the back of the house, it’s through the door at the top of them.” Phil rolled his eyes when she scolded him but still listened to her none the less and walked to the back of the house to find his room.

The house looked amazing from the inside; incredibly modern. The vibe changed as he got to the back though, he walked into the kitchen and saw the door to the back garden. Just to the right of that door was a stair case. The stair case was straight, long and gave Phil chills. Ignoring the uneasy feeling in his stomach, he walked up the stairs towards his bedroom. The top of the stairs were peculiar. There was nothing more than a door directly at the top of them. Phil cautiously opened it and…

Nothing.

After such suspense, Phil found that opening the door to a perfectly normal room seemed rather… anticlimactic. He was not disappointed with his room though. It was reasonably sized, with a queen sized bed along the wall, a desk, a wardrobe with sliding doors, a sofa and a TV. The only thing that was notable about his new room were the windows. They appeared to have the remains of bars on them. Phil shrugged it off, then dropped his bags by his bed before jumping on it and taking his phone out. No new notifications. Great to know my so called best friends care so much about me Phil thought bitterly. He sighed, laying down and closing his eyes.

**

“Philip!”

Phil groggily opened his eyes at his mothers shrill voice. I must have dozed off  Phil thought. He almost screamed when he started to sit up and saw his mother standing at the bottom of his bed.

“I’ve called your name at least ten times! Dinner’s ready, come and eat with me at the dinner table,” she said firmly.

The black haired boy knew there was no point arguing so he stood up quickly and prepared to follow his mum down the stairs. Once stood up, he swore he saw a figure standing behind his mother but as he tried to get a better look, the figure disappeared. He convinced himself he was just seeing things (thanks to getting up to quickly) and headed down to the kitchen.

The pair sat down and tucked into lamb, mashed sweet potato and carrot and coconut salad. They ate in silence, thinking about what the ‘new start’ would bring them.

After eating, Phil told his mum he was going back to his room and hugged her goodnight. She told him not to stay up to late since he had his first day of school tomorrow. Phil rolled his eyes.

**

It was 2am when Phil’s eyelids finally started to droop and he made the call that he should really get to sleep. He closed his lap top, stood up and stretched. As he stretched he looked into his fully length body mirror and get the fright of his life when he saw someone behind him. He quickly turned to see what it was, only to find nothing there. He turned back to the mirror and saw nothing but his reflection. I definitely need some sleep Phil thought, as he put on his pyjamas and settled down in bed. As he drifted off to sleep he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

**

Phil woke with a start. He looked up and nearly fainted when he saw the unmistakable silhouette of a human. He rushed to turn on his bedroom light, praying that when he turned it on he would see nothing and would be able to deduct that the figure had just been his sleep deprived brain seeing things in the dark. Unfortunately, when Phil turned back around the person was still there. It was a boy around his age with brown hair and golden brown eyes. He looked angry.

“What the fuck are you doing in my room?” Phil asked, terrified. 

“You’re room?” the boy questioned, voice dangerously low.

“Yes. My room. What are you doing in it?” Phil tried to hold his head high and create an air of confidence around him when in reality he was shaking under his covers; fearing for his life.

“This isn't your room.” The boy spoke slowly.

“Yes it is! I just moved in yesterday!” 

“Leave.”

“What? You can’t just expect me to leave; it’s 4 in the morning!”

“I don’t care what fucking time it is, I want you out.” The boy slowly made his from in front of his door to Phil’s bedside. Phil moved as close to wall as possible to get away from him.

“I didn't even want to come here. I wish I could leave as well, trust me, but I can’t so will you please get the fuck out of my house before I call the police.”

At the mention of the police the boy seemed to sober up and decide to back off. Phil watched cautiously as the boy slowly reversed towards his bedroom door, never breaking eye contact; still glaring. 

**

Waking up the next morning was even worse than usual for Phil. Not only was he starting a new school but he had to figure out whether there had actually been a boy in his room last night or if it had been his half awake (or asleep) brain playing tricks on him. The most irritating thing about the situation for Phil was the fact that the night before he was certain there was someone in his room; there was no way I could of made him up he reasoned. Now, however, he wasn't so sure. Maybe it was some sort of anxiety dream? His nerves for his new school expressing themselves in an unusual way? It was better believing it was fake because if it wasn’t, that meant that someone had broken into his room last night and that someone hadn't been happy with Phil. The thought alone made Phil shudder. 

Phil, rather stupidly, decided not to think about the boy. He had more immediate worries. Like school. He hauled himself out of bed and started searching for his new uniform. Whilst he and his mum were eating dinner the night before, their house keeper had unpacked all of their stuff so Phil didn't need to worry about any of it. Once he had found his new sickly green tie, white shirt and black trousers in his wardrobe, he made his way to the bathroom to get washed and dressed.

**

“Philip! It’s time to leave,” his mother called from the bottom of the stairs.

Phil begrudgingly grabbed his black backpack, that hung low on his back, and made his way to the kitchen.

“I’ve made you some toast. You can eat it in the car.”

Phil grabbed the slightly cold, buttered toast and followed his mother through the house and out the front door.

“Your dad sends his love,” Phil’s mum said as she reversed down their drive way. “He’s sorry he couldn't be here but he wishes you luck for your fist day!” She smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Phil hummed to let her know he had heard what she had said. He turned away from her, plugged his headphones, letting the dulcet tones of Brendon Urie’s sweet voice sooth him. His mum was radiating nervous energy and it was getting to him. He just needed some time to try and relax before his actual death he arrived at school. 

**

The school was massive. Much bigger than Phil’s old one. People were staring at him, whispering about him. Phil would kill to just climb back into his mums car and drive back home. Not his new house. His old one; his home. He tried his best to ignore the people watching him and stated walking towards the towering, old fashioned doors of the front entrance. Here goes nothing Phil thought.

Phil opened the door and walked into the reception. There were green tapestries on the wall; all embroidered with the school emblem, green chairs and a green carpet (which also adorned the school emblem). The walls were made of dark oak wood, as was the desk where the receptionist sat. The receptionist looked slightly older than Phil. He had blonde hair, golden skin and striking green eyes. He looked up as Phil approached his desk.

“Are you the new student?” he asked, looking bored. Phil noticed the bags under his eyes and was reminded of his own; at least he wasn't the only one who hadn't gotten any sleep the night before.

“Yes,” Phil replied, nervously.

“Philip Lester?”

Phil nodded affirmative, too shy to explain that it was Phil and not Philip.

“Here’s your time table and map of the school grounds. Classes start in five minutes. If you struggle with anything, ask a pupil or teacher for help, everyones lovely.” Phil doubted that. “Enjoy your first day!”

Phil smiled gratefully before turning around and walking through the door that lead into the school’s main corridor. The corridor was buzzing with noise and full of people. Phil felt even more people staring at him as he briskly made his way to his English classroom. A few people pointed and laughed, Phil blushed and looked away.

Phil didn't think he had ever been happier to walk into a classroom. There were a few people already at desks but none of them seemed interested by his presence; only one of them looked up when he walked in and she simply stared at him blankly for a second before looking away.

“Philip Lester?” Phil startled and turned around to face the woman who had called his name. She was tall with short, curly, brown hair, fair skin and grey eyes. She wasn't wearing school uniform which lead Phil to believe she was his teacher. “I’m Miss Andrews, I’ll be your English teacher.” Bingo. “You can take a seat up the back, no one sits at the desk furthest to the right so you may sit there.”

Phil nodded his thanks and walked to his allotted seat. The desks were put together in rows of two facing the front. Phil tried not to worry about who would be sitting next to him. The class started to get busier as it got closer to starting (people who noticed Phil as they walked in gave him small smiles). Eventually, every seat in the class was occupied apart from the one next to Phil. 

Just as the bell went, a boy walked in. He was tall (possibly even talker than Phil) and had wavy, chocolate brown hair that looked soft to touch. His rosé coloured lips were curled up in a lopsided grin, akin to a smirk. His eyes were the colour of freshly watered soil and had stunning green flecks in them, reminding Phil of the first bloom of a beautiful flower. The green flecks were mixed in with golden ones, similar to sunlight. The boy’s eyes made Phil think of Spring. Just as Spring brought life to so many different creatures, the boys eyes brought life to the classroom. The boy was utterly stunning and Phil was rendered speechless. Phil watched as the chocolate haired god weaved through tables and made his way towards the back of the classroom, towards him. 

“Hey,” the boy said as he reached his desk next to Phil’s.

“Hi,” Phil stuttered, slightly star struck.

“I’m Teddy,” the boy smirked, seemingly noticing the effect he had on Phil.

“Phil.”

“Nice to meet you, Phil. I’m sure you'll fit right in.” Teddy’s smirked widened making Phil blush and look away. Teddy laughed softly, smiling at Phil. Phil dared to look back at him and matched Teddy’s smile. He was even more beautiful up close.

**

“Hey, Phil!” Phil had just left the english classroom and was about to start searching for the gym hall. He turned and looked back into the classroom at the call of his name. It was Teddy. “What have you got next? I’ll walk you to your class.”

His offer brought a smile to Phil’s face. “I’ve got PE.”

Teddy’s smile grew. “Who’s your teacher?”

“Mr. Russell.”

Teddy’s smile grew even wider (Phil didn't think that was possible considering how big it had already been). “Same. Come on, lets go.” 

Teddy walked out of the English classroom and started walking down the corridor, heading the opposite way Phil had been originally going. Phil was quick to follow his so he didn't get lost.

The walk to the PE hall wasn't long; it was at the other end of the corridor and down some stairs. The pair didn't talk on the walk but they did occasionally steal glances at each other and would blush whenever the other caught them looking.

“Boys!” someone shouted as they walked in. “You’re late.” Phil looked up and found an angry looking man in sports uniform; their PE teacher. He was thin but muscly and had a receding hair line. Their class mates watched in delight as they got shouted at. Phil recoiled slightly at the attention.

“Sorry, sir. Phil’s new and I had to help him get to class,” Teddy spoke for them, unaffected by everyones stares.

“You’ve got two minutes to get changed. Any longer than that and your doing laps.”

Teddy grabbed Phil’s wrist and hurriedly dragged him into the changing rooms. The quickly pulled out their PE kits and started getting changed. Phil blushed when Teddy took his top off; he was really fucking toned. Teddy laughed as Phil paused his actions making Phil blush (he felt like all he had done since he met Teddy was blush.)

They ran back into the PE hall giggling with flushed faces causing a few people to raise their eyebrows. Mr. Russell nodded at the boys to acknowledge that he had seen them, before gathering everyone up and instructing them to do four laps of the hall as a warm up.

**

“Fucking, hell,” Phil moaned, sweat dripping form his forehead. “PE’s bloody impossible in this school.” He was walking out of the PE hall with Teddy who was smiling at him. Teddy’s arm was slung around Phil’s neck; apparently he wasn't bothered about Phil being a sweaty mess. They had been doing vigorous fitness and Phil felt like he was about to keel over.

“It’s not that bad,” Teddy laughed. 

“Yeah, okay, Mr. Six Pack.” Phil rolled his eyes, a soft smile adorning his lips.

“Been staring at my abs have you?” Teddy smirked.

Phil blushed and looked away.

“I’m only joking,” Teddy spoke sweetly, nudging Phil and smiling gently. “Come one, lets go get changed.”

** Phil didn't share another classes with Teddy for the rest of the day but he had met up with him at lunch. Phil had also spoken to some people in his other classes but nobody was really memorable or seemed to connect with him; not like Teddy. At the end of the day, Teddy met Phil at the school gates and gave him his phone number before leaving with the promise of seeing him tomorrow. Phil smiled the whole walk back to his house.

Phil’s mum wasn't in when he got back so he headed into the kitchen and got a snack before heading up to his room. He collapsed onto his bed with a thud and took out his phone finding that he had a notification saying he had a text; a rare occurrence for Phil.

He quickly unlocked his phone and felt a smile engulf his face as he saw who the text was from.

hey phil, it’s teddy. is it weird that i miss you already? it probably is. anyway hi!! i hope this is the right number other wise this is gonna be awkward haha. xx

Phil quickly typed out a response.

hi! yeah, this is phil lol. i miss you 2 XD. xx

**

Phil texted Teddy until the early hours of the morning (only stopping to have dinner with his mum; she never allowed phones at the dinner table). Phil finally stopped texting Teddy when Teddy said he had to get to bed. Phil begrudgingly decided he better head off as well.

He stripped down to his boxer shorts and climbed under his bed covers. Phil fell asleep smiling; thoughts of Teddy filling his unconscious mind. The boy from the night before completely forgotten.

**

Phil, once again, woke with a start. A quick glance at his bedside clock told him it was 3:37 AM.

“You're still here?”

Phil jumped at the voice. Just like the night before, there was a boy, the same boy, standing by Phil’s bed. Phil tried to take the situation in his stride. Something about the boy was calming almost, as if he meant no harm. The black haired boy tried to ignore the fact that the boy had most likely broken into his house. Twice.

“Yeah and I wont be leaving any time soon,” Phil replied, Teddy at the forefront of his mind; his newfound reason for staying.

“Damn, I thought last night would have scared you off.” The boy pouted. He looks cute when he doesn’t look like he wants me dead Phil thought What is it with Dawnshire and cute boys?

“Well if it’s any consolation, I was terrified. Mind telling me why you're here and how you got in my room?”

“Hmm, I think that’s a story I’ll save for another day.”

“Right, well I’m going back to sleep now.” Phil lay back down.

“Oh, okay.”

“Goodbye- Sorry I didn't catch your name.”

“Dan. My names Dan.”

“I’m Phil.”

“Well, Phil,” Dan drawled. “Since you aren't leaving, I will. For now at least. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Dan,” Phil yawned, closing his eyes.

**

Phil was quick to get out of bed the next day; he couldn't wait to see more of Teddy. His mum was shocked when she came down to make herself breakfast, only to find Phil already there making breakfast for the pair of them. After eating, they were quick to leave (at Phil’s request).

He texted Teddy on the way to school.

u at school yet? -p.l x

no. I'm on my way tho. be there in 5 -t.h x

sameee, c u soon haha -p.l x

When Phil’s mum rolled up in front of the school gates, Phil saw Teddy already leaning against them. He hastily said goodbye to his mum before jumping out the car and walking over to Teddy.

“Phil!” Teddy said running up to him. “How are you?”

“Hey, Teddy.” Phil smiled. “I’m good. What about you?”

“Fucking tired, man. I stayed up really late texting people.”

“Oh? I thought you said you had to go to bed at, like, 10 last night? That’s when we stopped talking?” Phil asked sceptically.

Teddy looked nervous before he started laughing albeit slightly nervously. “Yeah, that’s late for me. I’m not really a night person.”

Phil had only know Teddy a day, so he couldn't really tell properly, but he was almost positive Teddy was lying. He decided to let it pass, after all, they had only just met and Teddy was in no way obliged to tell Phil anything he didn't want to.

“Come on, let’s get to class.”

**

“How was school?”

“Jesus, Dan!” Phil exclaimed as the brown haired boy surprised him by being in his room. “What are you doing here?!”

“Hmm… Don’t really want to answer that question.” Dan smirked. “How about you answer mine?”

“It was fine, thanks for asking. Now can you please leave?” Phil sounded exasperated, even to his own ears.

“But I’m bored and I can’t go anywhere else.” 

“How about you go home.”

“This is my home,” Dan rebutted, eyebrows furrowed.

“No it isn’t, we’ve been through this.”

“Yes it is, Phil! I literally can’t go anywhere else but here!”

“What, you some sort of ghost or something?”

Dan stayed silent.

“You don't actually expect me to believe that you’re a ghost do you? That’s crazy!”

“Phil, listen-”

“No, you listen. Get out of my house and stop coming back uninvited. This isn't some funny stunt; it’s just annoying. I don't appreciate you-”

Phil’s rant was interrupted by the door slamming. He looked over and found that Dan was scowling over at it.

“This seriously isn't funny, Dan. I don’t know how you did that but I know you should stop. It’s freaking me out.”

Dan’s expression didn't change but his line of vision did. Instead of staring at the door he focused on Phil’s bedside lamp and in seconds the bulb shattered causing Phil to yelp and jump away. Crazy as it may seem, Phil was starting to believe Dan.

“Please, Phil. I may be a ghost but I’m not a liar.”

“How is this possible?” Phil sat down on his bed.

“I died in a fire. In this house, in this room actually. My parents weren't very accepting of the fact that I was gay so they put bars on my bedroom windows and a lock on my door. When the fire started I was done for; I had no way out. Sometimes I’m half convinced that they were the ones who started it. You know, on purpose, to get rid of me. Not that it matters now.”

“Why are you, like, alive then?”

“Charming.” Dan rolled his eyes.

“I didn't mean it like that.” Phil sighed. “Why?” 

Dan shrugged before saying “My death was unjust, I've been given another chance to do the one thing I always wanted to do when I was alive.”

“Oh? And that is?”

“Come on, we’ve had enough questions about my death and why I’m here and shit. How about I show you some my ghost abilities.”

“Abilities?”

“Yes, Phil. Abilities. Come on, keep up.”

“Sorry, I just didn’t think you'd have any.”

“Don’t you think I’ve suffered enough to deserve powers?”

“Sorry.” Phil looked bashful.

“I’m only messing with you, loosen up.” Phil didn’t. “Watch this.” And with that, Dan disappeared.

“Dan where are you?” Phil asked as he got off his bed and started searching for Dan.

“Boo.” Suddenly, Dan appeared right in front of Phil’s face causing Phil the scream and flail before falling to the ground, landing on his butt.

“Dan! You scared me!” Phil announced, outraged.

“Sorry!” Dan said between laughs.

“You’re hilarious,” Phil drawled, as he hauled himself off the ground. 

“Lighten up, Philip!” Dan exclaimed, grabbing Phil’s hands.

“Don’t call me Philip.”

“Sorry, Phildred.” Dan winked.

“What else can you do then?”

“Well, I can walk through walls, control stuff with my mind and apparently I can easily read people but I’ve never tried.”

“How come?”

“You’re the first person to live here since I died.”

“Oh.” There was a slightly awkward silence before Phil asked Dan if he could fly.

“Obviously not. I mean, really, Phil? Be realistic.” Dan smirked at Phil’s exasperated look.

Phil spoke to Dan for the whole evening, only stopping to eat tea. Dan showed Phil more of his abilities and Phil showed Dan some of his video games which Dan was convinced were the work of a witch or some other dark sorcerer.

Dan’s presence was an appreciated one. The pair, ironically, got on like a house on fire. Despite how cliche it sounded, something about Dan made Phil feel like he had know him forever. Phil spent most of the evening smiling, happy to be in Dan’s company. He was so content that he didn't check his phone (which had several missed messages from Teddy on it) once. ** Phil fell into a routine. He would spend his days with Teddy and his evenings with Dan and on the weekends he would either go out with Teddy or stay home watching movies with Dan. He was content. He had made some other friends at school but he only spoke to them in classes that he didn't share with Teddy.

Phil liked his routine. His life at his past school, Somerset School of Fine Arts, had been turbulent and it was difficult to get to grips with everything changing all the time but Phil tried his best to tolerate it never the less. His friends at his Somerset had been unreliable and untrustworthy; nothing like Teddy or Dan. Phil loved how he knew that with Teddy everything would be perfect, no cross words would be said between the two of them and he could just trust him wholly. Phil, however, also loved how he knew that with Dan he could be himself, never stop smiling, exchange small mean comments that were nothing but banter. All that, in it self, was it’s own kind of perfect.

Phil loved his routine, but he was also okay with it changing slightly and that was why he was walking home after school hand in hand with Teddy, both of them giggling their arses off.

“You’re parents aren't home, right?” Teddy asked when their giggling had subsided.

“Mum’s at work and dad’s never home.” Phil smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Perfect,” Teddy whispered in Phil’s ear before kissing his cheek sloppily. Phil picked up the pace, Teddy quickly matching his speed. They both couldn't wait to get back to Phil’s.

**

“Wait out here a sec,” Phil said to Teddy as he stepped into his room and closed the door behind him, leaving Teddy on the small landing between the stairs and his bedroom door.

“Dan?” he called once the door was fully shut behind him.

“Yep,” Dan smirked, appearing behind him.

“I’ve got someone over and you're not allowed to disturb us, okay? Hide in the closet or something.”

“Bit insensitive asking me to hide in a closet,” Dan deadpanned, backing up into the wardrobe as Phil crowded him into it.

“Dan, please. I need you to do this for me.”

“Fine. You know I could just stay invisible-” he started but was cut off when Phil shut the wardrobe door, leaving him in darkness. He sighed. The fucking things I do for him… 

Once the door to the wardrobe was closed Phil bounded over to his bedroom’s main door and flung it open revealing Teddy in all his glory. He looked ever more beautiful than usual. His normally immaculate wavy hair was messy and his cheeks were flushed a light pink colour. Phil couldn't help but kiss him.

He pushed Teddy up against the open door but Teddy quickly moved them to the bed, closing the door behind them. Phil pushed Teddy down onto the bed and climbed on top of him.

“You’re so beautiful,” Phil smiled down at Teddy. Teddy blushed and reattached his their lips.

Things started getting more heated, Phil started kissing along Teddy’s neck as Teddy began pulling at Phil’s shirt and-

“Hello!” The pair sprung apart and turned to look at the intruder. It was Dan.

“Who the fuck are you?” Teddy asked, disgust evident in his voice.

“Daniel Howell, at your service.” Dan glared at Teddy.

“I thought you didn't have any other friends here?” Teddy asked Phil, ignoring Dan.

“Dan’s more of an annoying attachment than a friend.”

“Cheers, mate.” Dan moved his glare for Teddy to Phil but once the pair made eye contact any hate behind the gaze immediately vanished.

An awkward silence fell over them all.

“Well, I better get going. My mum will be wondering where I am,” Teddy stuttered as he got up off the bed and grabbed his bag that had been dropped on the floor in his and Phil’s haste to get in.

“I thought you said your parents were out of town?” Phil questioned, puzzled. Dan stood awkwardly to the side, watching as tension grew between the other two.

“Well, yeah… They will be but they haven't left yet and I should say goodbye to them.” Teddy quickly turned and walked out of Phil’s room shouting a half hearted promise to text Phil behind him.

The room once again filled with an uncomfortable silence. Phil knew he shouldn't have broken his routine. After all, he followed it for a reason.

“Thanks for that,” Phil said quietly after a while.

“Excuse me?” Dan asked, scandalised.

“You ruined the moment. We were fucking getting somewhere!” Phil pulled his hair in frustration as he moved to the edge of the bed, swung his legs off and sat there, head resting in his hands.

“I was getting a bad vibe from him.”

“Of course you were.” Phil rolled his eyes.

“Phil, please. I said when you first found out I was a ghost that I had that ability. I read him. His aura was dark; he shouldn't be trusted.”

“What do you know, Dan‽ You’re dead.”

Dan immediately recoiled at what Phil said. He knew Phil was upset with him but that was a low blow. Phil seemed to realise what he had said and he quickly tried to back track, his eyes widening.

“Dan, I didn't mean it like that-”

“Save it, Phil.”

“Dan-”

“I said save it,” Dan seethed, walking out the door and slamming it shut behind him. Phil knew Dan well enough to know that the only reason he didn't walk straight through the door, without opening it, was so he could slam it for dramatic effect. That thought lifted Phil’s mood slightly.

Phil flopped back on his bed. Perfect. Now he had not only pissed off his crush, but he had also hurt his best friend. What a cock up.

**

Saying sorry to Dan had been surprisingly easy. Once they had both calmed down, Phil found Dan and apologised profusely; saying he didn't mean a thing he had said and it all just came out in the heat of the moment. Dan was quick to accept the apology, after all, Phil was his only friend and they fell out, they would be forced to awkwardly live together.

After making up, they decided to watch a movie. The pair settled down on Phil’s couch, a bowl of popcorn between them. Their movie of choice was Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. The movie hadn't even started yet and Dan had already eaten more than half of the popcorn.

“You know,” Phil started. “For a ghost, you sure eat a hell of a lot.”

Dan threw a piece of popcorn at Phil’s head, glaring. “If you hadn't eaten in 40 years I think you'd also be making the most of the food you were given.”

“But you don't actually need food.”

“Just because I don't need it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it. Now shut up! I want to hear more about the Dursleys.”

Phil, fondly, rolled his eyes and turned back to the TV. He loved seeing how engrossed Dan got in movies and their plot; he couldn't wait to see Dan’s reaction to Harry and his friend’s magic.

**

By the end of the movie Phil was falling asleep so he decided it was time to call it a night. Dan was reluctant to leave so they compromised and decided to have a sleepover (Dan usually read Phil’s books in the kitchen at night so he didn't disturb Phil; being a ghost he didn't need sleep). Phil gave Dan a pair of pyjamas and the two of them settled down on Phil’s bed.

Phil was out like a light. He fell into a happy, peaceful sleep, subconsciously thinking about how nice it was to have someone sleeping next to him. Phil was contently dreaming when-

“Phil? Are you awake?” a small voice whispered, breaking him out of his sleep.

Phil groaned. “I am now… Fucking ghosts and there lack of need for sleep.”

“Let’s do something!”

“Dan, it’s two in the morning. I have school tomorrow, I really need to sleep.” Phil sighed and turned over to face Dan.

“Sorry. I’ll let you sleep.”

“Thank you. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Phil.” 

Silence fell over the room once again. The quiet was quickly lulling Phil to sleep when-

“Phil?”

“Dan! Please let me sleep.”

“I just wanted to say I appreciate you. I didn't have many friends when I was alive but the ones I did have were amazing. You remind me of Michael. He was really special to me so I hope you know how important you are.”

Phil was blown away. Who knew that Dan could be so lovely? He was quick to tell Dan that he appreciated him as well and in a moment of madness, he moved forward and placed a soft kiss on Dan’s cheek. When he saw smile that spread across Dan’s face, Phil decided that that moment of madness was well worth it.

**

Phil was a wreck the next morning. He grumbled the whole time he was getting ready for school, swatting at a far too energetic Dan every time he came near him. The pair begrudgingly said their goodbyes before Phil made his way downstairs to meet his mum before heading to school.

The enthusiasm he once had for school had completely worn off. Now, he dreaded the car journey coming to its inevitable end because he knew that once he left the cosiness of the vehicle, he would have to make his way through another torturous day of school. Eastwood Grammar School was good, he was happy. Phil was just lazy and would much rather lounge around all day than make an effort to do work and try hard.

His mum pulled up in front of the schools forbidding gates and bid him farewell before shooing him out of the car. Phil spotted Teddy leaning against the gates, headphones in, texting (as usual). Today as he made his way up to him he didn't get the usual rush of excitement, he decided it was because of his fatigue and not from a change in his relationship’s dynamics.

“Hey,” Phil said when he arrived at Teddy’s side.

“Oh, hi. You look tired…” Teddy replied. He was being strange, acting out of character.

“Yeah. I stayed up late with Dan,” Phil responded, cautiously.

“Oh? He was at yours last night? Again?” Teddy looked annoyed. Phil was taken aback. He had never seen this side of Ted, he was usually so kind and compassionate. He certainty had never looked at Phil with a look that could only be described as one thing: hate.

“Yeah…” The look of fury on Teddy’s face intensified. Phil couldn't exactly tell Teddy that Dan was a ghost, and he had no choice but to see him everyday, without Teddy thinking he was certifiably insane so he stuttered out the first excuse that came to mind. “He needed help with… homework. We finished late and decided it would be better if he just stayed. Nothing happened.” Phil the last words made Phil’s stomach plummet with guilt, he tried to reach out for Teddy’s hand to distract himself from the sinking feeling in his stomach but Teddy pulled his hand away, stepping backwards.

“I’m going to class,” he said, glaring at Phil.

“See you later?” Phil asked hopefully.

Teddy ignored him and turned around before walking off into school.

**

Teddy avoided Phil for the rest of the day. At lunch Phil had smiled at him but Teddy didn't smile back. Phil ignored it and made his way over to their usual lunch table where Teddy was sat. As soon as he sat down as well, though, Teddy stood up and walked over to another table.

He didn't see Teddy again until he was leaving school, a small frown adoring his face. Teddy came running up to him a regretful look on his features.

“I’m sorry for being a dick today, Phil. It’s just… I really like you and I got jealous when I heard you were hanging out with Dan. I know thats ridiculous, like, obviously you can have other friends, it just came as a surprise when I actually met one of them,” he uttered sheepishly, looking at the ground.

Phil smiled at the bashful boy, softly grabbing his chin and pulling his head up so he could make eye contact with him.

“It’s okay,” he promised, gently. “I forgive you.” Phil leant down and peck Teddy sweetly on the lips, Teddy’s smiled into the kiss.

“Thanks,” Teddy smiled before kissing Phil again. The beamed at each other. The moment was broken when Teddy’s phone chimed. He quickly pulled away from Phil, whipping his phone out.

“Shit! I need to go. I’ll text you!”

Phil watched as he turned and sprinted in the other direction. Even though Teddy had ran off rather unexpectedly, Phil was still left with a warm feeling in his tummy. Teddy liked him enough to be jealous of another guy who got his attention. Phil ran home, excited to tell Dan the news.

**

“Dan!” Phil exclaimed as he burst through his bedroom door. Dan was lounging on Phil’s sofa, his legs stretched out across it, one of Phil’s comics in his hands.

“Yeah?” Dan questioned, sitting up Phil pushed his legs off of one end of the couch, making room for himself.

“Teddy was really jealous about you staying over!”

“And that’s a good thing because…?”

“It means he likes me, stupid!”

“Great…”

Phil rolled his eyes at Dan’s lack of enthusiasm. Typical.

“Anyway,” Dan drawled pointedly. “Can you paint my nails? It’s just- I’ve always wanted to have them done and I never got a chance to do them when I was alive because no one would do it for me. I mean maybe Michael would have but-”

“Dan!” Phil cut off Dan’s rambling, eyebrows raised. Dan looked at him sheepishly. “Of course I’ll paint your nails. I mean, I can’t promise they’ll be good- In fact, I can guarantee they wont be good but it’s worth a shot, right?”

Dan beamed at Phil before pouncing on him and engulfing him in a bear hug. “Thank you, Phil.” The sincerity in Dan’s voice melted Phil’s heart.

**

“What colour?” Phil asked as he laid out an array of nail polish colours. He had snuck into his mother’s room and had stolen nail polish out of her extensive collection. He had chosen a mix of pinks, blues, purples and greys.

“This one please,” Dan said bashfully as he pointed at a dim grey colour. Dan had been acting sheepish since he had brought up the idea of Phil painting his nails. Phil deduced it to be because of how out of Dan’s comfort zone the situation was. Phil found it incredibly endearing.

The pair of them were sat cross legged facing each other on the couch. Phil picked up the colour Dan wanted and gently took one of his hands and held it in his own.

“Sorry if I completely fuck this up,” Phil laughed.

“I don’t mind,” Dan murmured, a small smile on his face. “I’m just really excited to finally get them done.”

Phil matched Dan’s smile before carefully unscrewed the lid of the nail polish and painting Dan’s first nail. Dan was surprised at how well it turned out and made sure to tell Phil so.

“So am I,” Phil laughed.

A peaceful quiet fell over the room once Phil stopped laughing. Dan decided to turn on the TV. He flicked his wrist and the remote flew through the air from Phil’s bed into his hand.

“Dan!” Phil chastised. “I told you to warn me before you sent things flying around my room; that nearly smashed into my head!”

Dan rolled his eyes. “It wouldn't have; I had perfect control of it.”

“Didn’t look like it,” Phil muttered. Dan kicked him and Phil smudged his nail polish making Dan glare.

“You ruined it!” Dan admonished.

“It’s only a little bit smudged on one finger, Dan! Besides, you were the one who kicked me!”

Dan blushed and apologised before telling Phil to “Hurry the fuck up and pain my nails!”.

**

Phil hated maths. He hated the teacher, the work and just the subject in general really. What made matters worse however, was the sudden announcement that there was going to be an exam tomorrow. Great. Now Phil would have to spend the evening revising instead of watching Pulp Fiction with Dan like he had planned.

“Hey, Phil?” Phil was shocked out of his murderous thoughts on maths by a quiet feminine voice. He turned to see Mel, his friend that he spoke to in maths, looking at him expectantly. Mel was a nice girl; she had shoulder length wavy, red hair and startlingly green eyes. She was stunningly pretty in an a slightly unconditional way. If Phil weren't gay, he knew that Mel would be the kind of girl he would be attracted to.

“Yeah?” Phil replied.

“I don’t really know how to say this… I know it’ll be difficult to hear but please listen. You shouldn’t trust Teddy.”

“What are you on about?” Phil asked, a frown etched on his face.

“He isn't a good person, Phil. Please, listen to me. I’m trying to help.”

“Well it’s not helping!” Phil fumed. “My relationship with Teddy is nothing to do with you so stay out of it!”

The bell rang shortly after Phil’s outburst and he was first out of the class room, pushing past people to get to French and away from Mel.

**

French wasn't any better. Josh, Mel’s best friend and Phil’s French partner, had said something along the same lines as Mel about Teddy. He said that Phil was going to get hurt and he should leave before he gets in to deep. Phil didn't get a chance to tell him he in far too deep already.

Though Phil hated to admit it, all this talk about Teddy, had made him reevaluate a few things. Teddy’d been acting distant lately. He used to reply to all of Phil’s messages in seconds but now Phil was lucky if he got a reply on the same day. And it wasn't as if Teddy just wasn't his phone as often anymore because whenever Phil was with Teddy he was never off it- constantly texting or calling people and when Phil asked who they were, Teddy got defensive or said “you don’t know them”. 

It wasn’t only that though, Teddy and Phil now never saw each other outside of school (the only exception being the time that Dan interrupted the pair of them and Teddy quickly left). Phil was always asking if he wanted to do something at the weekend but Teddy would reject him saying he was busy or he would accept and cancel at the very last minute saying some family stuff came up.

Phil tried to convince himself that he was over reacting and things were fine but some part of Phil’s brain knew things were far from it. For once, Phil was unable to push the unwanted thought out of his mind and it plagued him for the rest of the school day and the whole walk home. He really hoped Dan could cheer him up.

**

Dan did not cheer him up. If fact, if anything, he worsened his mood. He had come home in the hopes of feeling better and walked up into his room only to find Dan with a trouble look on his face.

“Are you alright?” Phil had asked.

“Not really,” Dan had replied. “I sort of need to talk to you.”

“Well? On you go.”

“It’s about Teddy. I think you should break up with him.”

“Not you, too!” Phil threw his hands up in exasperation.

“Listen, when I first met him I got a really bad vibe off him. As if he was… inherently evil or something. I could feel it in my stomach. Like anxiety but different. The sinking feeling was there, but it also hurt not just mentally but physically. I’ve felt it since he left. Not as strongly, obviously, more like a dull ache in the background of everything… but today that changed. The feeling became much stronger. Not only was it now a sinking feeling but a twisting one. I don't know how to explain it to you but I know he’s bad news.”

Phil stared at Dan in astonishment before slowly saying, “What utter bullshit.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Bull. Shit. That’s not true! You’re fucking making stuff up to spite me or something. I bet it’s because your jealous. You're life was shitty and now you can’t bare to see me live mine happily with someone I love and who loves me!

“You think you can just play the ghost card, blame it on some powers that are probably fucking made up because you have nothing better to do?” Dan was on the verge of tears. “You fucking take that back.” His voice was dangerously low. “Take that back Philip Lester.” “No.” “You know what? I don’t need this. I’m trying to be a good friend and warn you that the so called love of your life doesn’t like you and never will. I don’t need you taring shreds into me when I’m only trying to help.”

“I don’t fucking need your help! Last time I checked, I had a boyfriend, a good one at that, and some perfectly good friends, as well!” That wasn't strictly true; Phil was pretty sure that he had lost at least two of those friends today.

“You’re boyfriend is a bad person, Phil! You said your self he was acting strange recently! Why cant you just open your eyes and see him for who he really is!” Tears were slowly pouring down both their faces at this point. The pair had never properly fought so this was a horrible first.

“Leave,” Phil mumbled dejectedly, looking down.

“What?” Dan asked confused.

“I said leave, Dan!” Phil raised his voice again. “I don’t want to see you right now.”

Dan was about to say that he literally couldn't leave, since he was a ghost, but after looking at Phil and seeing how utterly miserable he looked, he made his way to the door before disappearing.

Phil lay down on his bed, curled into a ball, before properly letting himself go. Brutal sobs ripped through his throat as he clutched desperately at his bed covers. Why did everything always fall apart all at once?

**

Phil cried for over an hour. He lay wallowing in self pity and regret until his mum came up to check he was alright. He wasn’t, of course, but somehow he managed to convince his mum that he had just tripped and fallen badly.

All Phil wanted now was to have a relaxing evening but he couldn’t. He still had to revise for his maths test the next day. He shakily got to his feet and got out his revision.

Phil fell asleep shorty after an uncomfortable dinner with his mother. For the first time in a long time, he was happy to escape the cruel clutches of the world and fall into blissfully unaware nothingness.

** Just when he thought things were finally going well, everything fell apart. School was hell; Josh and Mel didn't speak to him anymore and Teddy always seemed to have private tutoring with the teachers (which Phil found unusual because Teddy was incredibly bright and definitely didn't need tutored) at lunchtimes and breaks so he never saw him.

School, though, was heaven compared to home. Dan was gone. But not fully. He was still there but he didn't talk to Phil at all and only made himself visible when absolutely necessary. 

Everything was Phil’s fault. So what if it wasn’t Dan’s place to talk about his and Teddy’s love life? Phil never should have said what he did about Dan and his past. Phil was sure what he did was unforgivable. He’d been such a prick. He would give anything to have Dan back.

**

Things went from bad to worse ridiculously quick. Everything just seemed to snowball and not before long, the snowball was giant and Phil couldn't run away from it fast enough. He was going to get crushed.

**

The snowball crushed him Wednesday lunch time.

He was out looking for Teddy; it was the third time in a row he hadn't shown up to lunch, with no explanation. Phil searched the corridors, the library and the toilets but didn't find Teddy anywhere. He searched some more but still found himself coming up empty handed.

Dejected, embarrassed and slightly heart broken, Phil made his way to his “special bench”. His special bench was situated just outside the front door to the school. He had found it a week or so into attending Eastwood Grammar School and had sat there on numerous occasions since (Phil deemed that a good enough reason for it to be his special bench; he sat on it far more often than he did any other bench in school).

He pushed open the school’s tall, main doors, smiling at the receptionist who, in the time since his first day he had found out, was called Samuel. He looked across to his bench and froze.

Someone was sitting on his bench.

Not just someone; Teddy.

And he wasn’t alone.

And he wasn’t just sitting.

He was kissing someone.

Someone that wasn't Phil.

Phil was too stunned to move. He watched in silence as Teddy, his Teddy, sat straddling another boy who Phil didn't recognise. It felt like an eternity had passed since Phil caught them kissing to when they broke apart. When they did, they stayed as they were, smiling at each other lovingly. Phil thought he might throw up. A strangled sob broke free from Phil’s throat, before he could stop it, attracting the attention of the two other boys.

“Shit!” Teddy exclaimed upon realising who had caught them. He quickly got off the other boys lap and started hobbling over to Phil, hurriedly. Phil tried not to think about why he was limping. Phil turned to go but Teddy grabbed his arm, stopping him. His mystery boy sat stunned on Phil’s Bench “The Bench Where Phil Found Out Everyone Was Right And His Boyfriend Was, In Fact, A Cheating Arsehole”, looking confused.

“Please, Phil. Let me explain,” Teddy tried, a desperate look on his face.

“There’s nothing to explain, Theodor,” Phil seethed, using Teddy’s real name just because he knew he hated it. “I caught you red handed. You- you cheated on me!”

“Cheated?” a voice came from behind Teddy.

Teddy turned around. “Not the best time for your input, Nathan!” Even though Phil couldn't see his face, he could tell Teddy was glaring at the other boy. “Phil, babe, I thought we weren't exclusive.”

“Don’t ‘babe’ me. You knew exactly what we were. Boyfriends. Exclusive ones!” Phil’s anger soared as he stared at the boy he had put so much trust in. The boy who had broken his heart.

“We never asked each other out!” Teddy shouted, frenziedly.

“Because I didn’t see the need to! We were practically together from the very start!”

“But you never said we were boyfriends!”

“Don’t play dumb, Theo! You know it was like an unspoken agreement for us!”

“What do you mean ���unspoken agreement’? If it’s unspoken how the fuck am I supposed to know it exists?!”

“You knew it existed! You said to Dan one of the times when you were over that we were dating!”

“I didn't think the fucking prick would snitch on me!”

“Don’t speak about Dan like that! He’s done nothing wrong! You’re the one who fucked this up!”

“Phil, I’m sorry. Hurting you was never my intention… I’d never want to hurt you.”

“Well guess what, Teddy?” Phil’s hands tugged at his hair harshly, a slightly crazed look in his eye. “You’ve hurt me. So much. People warned me but, of course, I didn't listen. You were perfect, my perfect bear.” Tears pored out of Phil’s eyes so rapidly they blurred his vision. Teddy watched silently. “But no- You’re everything I thought you weren’t! Unreliable, untrustworthy and a cheat.”

“Phil-”

“Don’t. Teddy… Just… Why? Was I not good enough for you?” 

“No! You were so good for me. Too good, Phil. You’re perfect! It’s just…Things were moving so slowly with us…I wanted something quick. He was just a good fuck; something to satisfy me whilst I waited for you. It’s almost romantic if you think about it.”

That made Phil’s blood boil. “Romantic?! You think cheating on me is romantic?!”

“Not cheating, per say. More… occupying myself whilst I waited for you!” Teddy almost looked proud of his quick answer (read: excuse).

“Well, you should stop waiting. Nothing’s going to happen. We’re over!” Phil tried to push past Teddy and leave through the school gates but Teddy put his arm out to stop him, again.

“Phil, don’t go. I love you. Nathan means nothing to me!”

Nathan got up off “The Bench Where Phil Found Out Everyone Was Right And His Boyfriend Was, In Fact, A Cheating Arsehole” and made his way over to the pair of them. Teddy turned to him. Nathan slapped him in the face.

“I’m so sorry, Phil,” Nathan said, placing a comforting hand on Phil’s shoulder. 

“I had no idea Teddy wasn't single. I wouldn't have done anything with him if I had.”

Phil gave Nathan a weak smile before pushing past Teddy. He could hear Teddy calling out for him but he didn't look back. He walked straight out the school gates and started heading home. There was only one person he wanted to see right now. Dan.

**

The walk home was difficult. Phil tried his best to keep his sobs as subtle as possible but his life seemed to have been turned upside down. He wasn't even sure if Dan would be willing to comfort him. He had been a prick to Dan because he thought he had been lying but now Phil knew that wasn't the story at all.

Thinking about how badly he had fucked up with Dan only made the urge to properly cry grow even stronger. He ran the last bit of his journey.

**

Phil dashed through front door, slamming it behind him. He hadn't managed to stop the tears. They were rapidly pouring out of his eyes, flooding his face. He sank to the floor, back against the door, and brought his knees up to his chest before hiding his face in them.

“Phil?” a concerned voice asked. Dan.

“You were right,” Phil wailed. 

“What?” Dan asked, sinking to his knees next to Phil.

“You were right, Dan. Everything you said about Teddy was true. He cheated on me; just like you said. I’m sorry for not believing you.” Phil sobbed harder, the reality of it all was catching up with him more than before and he couldn't handle it.

Dan wrapped his arms around Phil and Phil buried his head in Dan’s chest. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, Phil. You’re so much better than him and he had no right to treat you like that.”

“I’m not, Dan,” Phil sobbed. “If I was better than him I wouldn't have fallen for him.”

“That’s not true and besides, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll find someone else.”

“No, Dan. Everything’s ruined!”

“At least you aren’t dead…” Dan mumbled, quietly.

“Shit! I’m sorry. I’m being so fucking insensitive. You-”

“Phil,” Dan cut in. “It’s fine. I’m hear to listen to all your problems. That’s what best friends are for, right?”

Phil pulled his head back and made eye contact with Dan. “Best friends? So you forgive me? Even after everything I said?”

“Of course I do, Phil. You mean the world to me.”

Phil breathed in shakily, his sobs subsiding slightly. “You really mean that?” He had only now realised that after he lifted his head, he was impossibly close to Dan’s face, only mere centimetres between them.

“Yeah,” Dan exhaled. His eyes drifted down to Phil’s lips before he quickly lifted his gaze back to his eyes. Phil subconsciously licked his lips. “I’m sorry he hurt you, Phil.”

“I’m sorry I let him. It’s just… I really did think he was perfect. I… er…  I thought he was like you.” Phil gave Dan slightly crooked smile.

“Would you be mad if I kissed you right now?” Dan asked shakily. Phil shakily breathed in before smiling and saying, “Not at all.”  and before he new it, Dan’s lips were on his.

Dan’s lips went as quick as they came and in less than a second, Dan was jumping back from Phil, gasping for breath.

“Dan?!” Phil asked worriedly.

Dan didn't say anything, just kept erratically breathing in and out. And that’s when it hit Phil.

Dan was breathing.

Dan was breathing.

“You’re breathing,” Phil uttered, astounded. He moved closer to Dan and grabbed his wrist, only to flinch back, as if Dan was a boiling pan that he had just scolded himself on. But Phil hadn't pulled back because he had been burned, no, Phil had pulled back because he felt a pulse. Dan’s pulse. Dan was alive.

Epilogue

Phil was happy. Truly and wholly happy for the first time in a very, very long time. He loved his house, his school, his friends, but most of all, he loved Daniel James Howell. Dan was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Their friendship had been confusing and dysfunctional and had been completely turned around when Dan’s started breathing again; but Phil wouldn't change any of it for the world. Dan now lived with his brother and his family; courtesy of Phil. He had managed to track down Aidan, Dan’s brother, and had somehow got him to agree to let Dan live with him. At first Aidan had thought Phil was mad and was adamant that there was no way in hell his brother was miraculously alive again after forty years but after, finally, seeing Dan in person (and a lot of tears) he had happily agreed to let him live with him, his six year old daughter, Charlotte, and his wife, Claudine. They had accepted Dan into their lives and he now felt more at home there than he had ever with his real parents.

Dan, now, also attended the same school as Phil. When he was living his first life, he had had dreams of becoming a teacher and was finally getting to pursue them. Phil was working alongside him, with dreams of becoming an optician.

Everything had fallen into place. Teddy was completely out of the picture. In fact, last Dan and Phil heard, he was meant to be moving school. With Teddy gone, Phil got to talk to more people and was able to judge them for who they really were and not who Teddy thought them to be. Phil found that Nathan had lots in common with him and the two found it easy to build a friendship, one Dan later joined in on as well.

**

Dan and Phil had just said their farewells to Nathan and were walking back from school, Phil’s arm wrapped around Dan’s shoulders. They briskly walked through the streets, desperate to get home and become a tangle of limbs on Phil’s bed.

They squeezed through the front door together and made their way up to Phil’s room. Once the door was open, Phil immediately pounced on Dan, pushing him backwards, onto his bad.

“Phil!” Dan shrieked, between giggles.

“Sorry.” Phil smiled sheepishly. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.”

“Fucking sap,” Dan mumbled, smiling to himself. Phil elbowed him in the ribs.

The pair lay in silence, basking in each others quiet breathing and appreciating the solitude Phil’s room provided.

The silence was only broken when Phil spoke. “Dan?” he said.

“Yeah?” Dan replied, lifting his head from Phil’s chest and looking at him.

“You never told me why you got a second chance? At life, I mean. What was the thing you didn't get to do in your other life?” Phil asked, combing his fingers through Dan’s hair carefully.

Dan looked down, before lifting his head once again, a small smile adorning his lips. He took a deep breath in and breathed it out before uttering one one word. One word that changed everything (in the very best of ways). “Love.”

A/N: ahhh i hope you enjoyed!! this is my first fic i’ve posted so let me know what you thought!!