#anyway enjoy yet another vague au from me~

[yanderes-galore]

Can I request a short scenario about Gojo falling in love with Sukuna’s favorite lover? They got unsealed first & was discovered by Gojo. Darling tried to escape one problem only to acquire an even worse one

Darling is gender neutral and it’s Romantic Yandere Gojo

~Anon~

The plot was a bit complicated yet vague so I hope the idea I came up with works ^^; I don't know much about the Heian Era so I am guessing. AU where Jujutsu High is actually Jujutsu University for the sake of ages and plot.

This deviates from the request a bit but I hope you enjoy it anyways :) The end is a bit butchered as I had no ideas :( The yandere behavior is vaguely implied, I wish this was executed better but I was working with what I had. Constructive feedback is appreciated.

Possible Manga Spoilers, Please read with caution.

One Long Century

Yandere! Satoru Gojo Story (Ft. Sukuna)

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Manipulation, Violence, Possessive behavior, Slight rivalry themes, Jealousy, Stalking, Darling hates relationships, Themes of toxicity in relationships, Delusional behavior, Forced relationship.

The Heian Era was known as a legendary time for Jujutsu Sorcerers. After all, this era was where Sukuna and Kenjaku originated from. Speaking of which, there was another Sorcerer that history recorded who dealt with these two.

You were Sukuna's favorite lover, out of all the partners the King of Curses had, you were his best. You were experienced in utilizing Curse energy, which made you a favorite. However, you never wanted to be tied to the monster.

Sukuna took you as a partner due to your abilities as a Sorcerer. While you were originally his enemy, he broke you in due to his strength. You were never stronger than him but he liked your potential. Truthfully, your plan was to die trying to take him out.

You never got such an easy fate.

No, instead Sukuna contacted Kenjaku to speak of immortality. You understood Sukuna wished to live forever, but you fully expected to die here. Unfortunately... Sukuna didn't want to waste such a good partner.

"Make them a cursed object, too. I want them to follow me eternally."

You were never like Sukuna. No, your morals were more pure than his. You had the morals of more modern Jujutsu Sorcerers.

Protect the weak... For you are strong.

Against your will you were made into a sealed cursed object. You reluctantly lay in wait for a time where you can awaken. With the body of a host... you can be reborn.

Even if you didn't wish it.

---

For a century your cursed object was passed around and stored. Legends and rumors told of your relationship with the King of Curses. It was often said that you could calm the King of Curses if things ever got out of hand.

Eventually, like some of Sukuna's fingers, you found your way into the protection of Jujutsu University in their Cursed Warehouse.

You weren't chosen to be reborn until enough of Sukuna's fingers were collected. Higher-ups realized that if something goes wrong they should have you ready. Which lead to a host being chosen...

And you being reborn.

It felt... strange to be reborn in the modern age. Everything was so different, from the amount of Sorcerers to even the clothes and buildings. You were brought back for a reason it seemed.

You feel like you're being judged.

You can't blame these modern Sorcerers for suspecting you. Sukuna was known for sadism and being known as his favorite lover didn't help. However, you did your best to prove your true allegiance.

Any side fighting Sukuna works for you.

You didn't meet Satoru Gojo until you were allowed to be "used". Their wording disturbed you, yet you try not to judge in turn. They have their reasons to be worried.

Unfortunately... meeting Satoru Gojo comes with reuniting with... Sukuna.

You were told that Sukuna had taken host in a student named Yuji Itadori. Satoru Gojo was given the job of being his teacher and being a handler. Your job?

Stick by them both... and keep Sukuna under control.

You loathed the idea... but you hated the idea of Sukuna going unchecked more. As a result, you comply with the order. This makes you part of Gojo's group.

It also gets you involved with Gojo and Sukuna... the blights of your life.

---

As expected, being in the group started uncomfortable for you. Gojo was curious of an ancient Sorcerer such as you. One who wasn't malevolent... but kept alive for some reason.

Admittedly you weren't as strong as Gojo... but you were up there.

You then met the younger students who accompanied him. Yuji (Sukuna's vessel, according to your intel), Nobara, and Megumi. They were all quite interesting and powerful in their own right... and over time you found yourself attached to them.

Then there was Sukuna, the King of Curses and your supposed lover. He festered within Yuji, much to your disgust. You dreaded whenever he took control.

You could never have a normal conversation with Yuji without Sukuna popping in to taunt you. He was unfortunately still flirtatious, seeing you as his lover. He didn't care if you hated him... just like all those years ago.

You wished you could just stay enemies with him.

You wished you weren't brought back.

Arguments often occurred between you and Sukuna. It was usually verbal as Gojo was around to prevent physical fights. For the sake of everyone around you.

Speaking of Gojo, you often spoke with him. You both often acted as mentors and guardians to your group. Originally, the air between you was tense.

Then Gojo realized he could get along with a strong Sorcerer such as you from ancient times.

You don't mind Gojo at first. He helps you adapt to modern times now that you're able to be out and about around other people. You two even bond well in battle against Curses.

Sukuna often mocks the fact Gojo is so close to you. The King of Curses is still possessive of his remaining lover. You often hear Sukuna vowing to take you back once he takes full control of his vessel, Yuji.

You plan on preventing that with Gojo.

You help Gojo train his students. For the most part you stay out of the way of other activities unless it's Sukuna related. Occasionally you even help with Kenjaku issues once those become known.

Soon months begin to pass and Gojo grows more... intrigued. He knew attachments could be dangerous, especially with an individual as mysterious as you. However...

It didn't stop Gojo from falling for someone he shouldn't have.

Gojo's obsession with you doesn't go unnoticed by Sukuna. In fact, he often acts out more around Gojo. Which leads to more work for you.

You begin to notice things when Gojo leaves your side less. He often excuses his actions as the higher-ups just wanting to keep you monitored. You believe it since Gojo is technically monitoring two dangerous Sorcerers.

In reality, Gojo can't keep his eyes off you.

He originally didn't want to think of the idea of being in love with you. Yet despite the difference in your eras and origins, Gojo still managed to be playful and interested in you. You even played along.

If anyone was worthy of Satoru Gojo...

It was you.

---

Gojo is really your only guide to getting around this new age. You have power, but without him you could've been misguided. At least, Gojo seems to think so.

As you work with Jujutsu University, Gojo only seems to grow closer to you. He often asks how you manage to get Sukuna under control and what you've learned throughout the ages. If anything, you're the most valuable asset he and the rest of the Sorcerers has other than Yuji/Sukuna himself.

Gojo's strange behavior doesn't get better as you work with him. It perplexes you. After all, you aren't that much of a threat. So why is he so close at all times?

If only you knew the true extent to his feelings.

You haven't thought much of romantic relationships due to your circumstances. After all, Sukuna is still around and he's turned you off to such relationships. Which is why it disturbs you when you notice Gojo's... obsession.

It's fitting that the strongest craves the strong, no matter how forbidden it is.

However, when you see the signs, you're reminded of how you were treated all those years ago. The possessive glares, then hostility towards those who don't accept you... it's familiar.

Gojo's much nicer and more playful than Sukuna...

But it appears they're both their own type of monster.

Whenever Gojo pulls you into an embrace, you shove him away. Whenever he playfully teases you, you go cold. You don't wish to be trapped again....

Yet Gojo never stops to consider his actions....

His hold on you is always tight. His confession for you was rather sudden once he did say it. When you tried to refuse, his behavior didn't change.

In fact he only seemed more violent towards those you fought against... Including Sukuna.

"We're good partners, aren't we?" He asked you, a smile on his face. "So wouldn't we be good... romantically?"

You hate that you still persist even now.

Even now, when you just want to rest, Gojo's there. You begin to dislike company of any type by this point. Yet you're forced to endure as a Jujutsu Sorcerer.

Originally you could deal with him being overly affectionate. The hugs were even originally comforting. You kept telling him you didn't like him romantically, but he seemed to ignore such a thought. You were tired of him constantly being by your side no matter where you go.

Although, snapping would only bring you trouble.

If you snapped, the higher-ups would order you exorcised and their control over Sukuna would falter. That or Gojo himself would seal you so you're harmless. As much as you hated it...

A century ago you told yourself serving Sukuna was your duty. Now, in modern times, you tell yourself that serving alongside Gojo is your duty. It didn't matter what happened as long as the weak were protected....

It was once again your duty to please.

Gojo was so focused on you two being strong together, he never thought about what you think. In his eyes, the strong belong together. No matter what.

Instead of piercing red eyes, you're met with glowing blue ones. Instead of the King of Curses, it's the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer. There may be differences...

But in the end you're still left with a monster...

A monster that has so much more power over you... A monster that claims to love you... Just to take everything you have all over again.

A long century has passed... and nothing has changed.

"We'll be unstoppable, won't we, baby?"

[kkolg]

Hi there! I recently was recommend your Abyss animatic on YouTube and was like… whoa…. WHAT IS THIS I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS AU‼️I’ve been scrolling through your tumbler for several days just soaking in everything about The New Dawn and I was curios what’s happening in this world. are they in an apocalypse of some sort? Either I didn’t scroll far enough on your Tumbler to know more or you just haven’t revealed yet 💀 . Don’t spill anything you don’t want to, I am here for it all.

Trust me you are NOT ALONE 😭😭, I probably should’ve mentioned that I’m super bad at writing down my thoughts when it comes to storytelling in general BUT IM HERE TO CLEAR THINGS UP NOW I SWEAR‼️‼️ The New Dawn AU summary will be under the cut as it might be a bit long lol ANYWAYS THANKS FOR BEING SO INTERESTED IN THE STORY THAT YOU ASKED AND I APOLOGIZE FOR ALL THE CONFUSION 🙏🧎‍♀️also disclaimer because I’m writing this before the season finale some things may change to be in further line with the show which is another reason I didn’t write out the story before BUT ANYWAYS ENJOY‼️‼️

So basically after the events of the show N and Uzi defeat the solver with the power of friendship (also V’s back idk) and they go back to outpost 3 and are like “YIPEEEE WEVE FINALLY DEFEATED THE ABSOLUTE SOLVER WITH THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP ALSO DO I HEAR A SONG COMING ON???” And then they all start dancing and Uzi is essentially the new leader of the colony (if you couldn’t tell this part of the story is not that important but you can interpret what I said here as fully cannon in the au if you want lol)

Not too long after that N is like “hey can we try to like reform the disassembly drones and let them into the colony?” And Uzis like “wait that’s an amazing idea” and then they make out but that’s not important- so they go out and start telling all the disassemblys they can find that the solver is gone and can’t spread anymore and that living with the workers is actually pretty lit. A good lot of them are like “woah I didn’t know you were chill like that” and most of them go to live in outpost 3, a few of them are skeptical and still wanna eat workers so not all of the disassembly are chill but most of them are.

While doing this they come across a disassembly drone named A and he’s like “sure I’ll join” and he does…..but he’s not a very cool guy- I plan to make a comic about this so I’m gonna be vague and just say turns out he’s insane and N basically exiled him from the colony.

Fast forward like a month from that incident and Kim is created, finally, and the Doorman’s live happily ever af- WRONG turns out A ganged up with all of the other mean disassembly drones and try’s to just OBLITERATE the colony during a raid and whoopdeedo Thad dies but I’ll make a comic about that later so I won’t get too detailed. OH YEAH KIM IS ALSO ABSOLUTELY TRAUMATIZED SO THATS GREAT-

Fast forward a few years and now we’re in the current time of where most of my comics/drawings take place. Kim is older and looks in the forbidden trauma closet that N and Uzi said never to look in but rebellious child I guess, and he finds stuff about the solver. Getting curious he pulls an Uzi to leave the colony and try to find out what the fuck this thing is and OH NO X JUMPSCARE, again another thing I’ll probably make a comic about but they fight, X says that a certain guy she knows might know about the solver thingy, they become buddies, C-1 is also there- weird visions start to make Kim have a robot seizures, and that’s kinda where we’re at rn

I hope this cleared up a lot of questions you guys may have had and I’ll be adding a link to this post on my pinned in case you ever need to refer back to this‼️‼️

anyways byeeeeeee

[morphean42]

Working on my soulmate WIP diligently, it’s 10k words already and it’s sort of all over the place (I have too many ideas and might need to just take some parts out and write another fic with them) but here’s a preview of what’s to come

I wanted to explore a world where soulmates are less of a “true love” sort of thing and more “someone who will be important to you in some way”. Of course, society treats the idea of soulmates as a strictly romantic thing (especially in Edwin’s time) and many people use their apparent soul bond as an excuse to harm others.

I’ve always been interested in soulmate AUs, how they would affect the society and way relationships form, and I thought DBD would be a fun fandom to explore that in. So yeah, Edwin and Charles aren’t soulmates in this, because they aren’t supposed to meet. How wonderfully romantic it is to fall in love anyway?

(Please if you enjoy this at all let me know, as I said my Google doc is a mess right now and I need motivation to edit and finish it)

It is in the summer of his 16th year that Edwin Payne meets his soulmate. It is July and he would quite literally like to be anywhere else, the heat is oppressive even indoors as he sits stiffly on the chaise longue beside his betrothed.

She wears a respectable pale blue dress that flares out at her ankles, her blonde hair is neatly tied up, and she never once smiles with her teeth. In fact, they do not so much as look at one other during their conversation, opting to stare out the bay window across the room.

“You seem like a very lovely young lady,” Edwin says, because he has no clue what else to say. She nods once at the compliment and does not seem offended by the lack of emotion he holds towards her.

“I look forward to our continued courtship.” In the corner of the room Edwin can feel the heavy stare of his soulmate’s governess. He knows this is utterly wrong (they are soulmates, the woman should have to beat them away from each other. Yet, the idea of trying to kiss this girl sends a shudder through him), but he does not know how to fix it.

They met the way offspring of the rich often do; parents having hired a professional soulmate tracker. After a month of worrying (what if she was lower class or, god forbid, not English. If his soulmate was of lesser stock, obviously it meant he was too and his parents would not hesitate to send him away for good) he finally received the notice— Miss Eliza Geralds had been located.

So, here he sits. She is of noble blood, the match will be beneficial for both of their families. Edwin tries, as he looks at her, to imagine all the things he should feel; the overwhelming love, the feeling of two puzzle pieces snapping together. The problem is he doesn’t feel anything of the sort— just vaguely sweaty.

The whole soulmate business was something he never quite got, after all. Here they were, the intangible red string that proclaimed them to be the perfect match for each other laying neatly between them, and he felt nothing. Yes, objectively he could say she was pretty. Yes, objectively he would say she was smart. In fact, as they met and talked and he realized this was the woman he would be married to in just a few years, Edwin could not say he minded her being his soulmate. If it had to be someone, he would take her.

But, and there is always a but where he is concerned, he does not love her. While he is not an enjoyer of romance novels (preferring detective stories in which the mystery overshadowed any relationships) he knew the basics of how this was supposed to go. Man meets woman, they are soulmates, they fall madly in love at first sight. He doesn’t feel anything except slightly uncomfortable as the future Mrs. Payne smiles (tightly, showing no teeth) and says he is ‘not as bad as he could be’ (Sherlock Holmes had a point when he said “the motives of women were inscrutible”, because what the devil could that mean?) as their initial meeting draws to a close.

When he goes to bed that night he runs a finger over the red string that sits upon his wrist. It is more a curse than ever, tying him to a life he wanted to escape. There’s a war on, they say it will be over soon enough (they have been saying that for two years now), and Edwin knows if it lasts much longer he will be sent off with the rest of his class. He will be sent off with his class to drown in mud and bullets and gas, and when he returns (will he ever return?) there will still be no escape, for Eliza will be waiting and he will be responsible for her.

His future is mapped out and crystal clear. Fight for England (try not to die). Go to law school (graduate early, do not be there longer than he has to). Marry the girl (the wedding will be small and he will practice in the mirror until he looks in love enough as to not break her heart). Have children (he will try to love them, better than his parents did for him, but he will mess it up of course. He only hopes they turn out more like their mother). Die (It will be nice to finally rest away from the expectations that weight down his every step. He can only hope it will be quick). He tugs the string that chains him down and felt a distant thrum of unease mingle with his own anxiety. Eliza is just as doubtful as he, it seems.

The thing about a soulmate is that they were truly nothing but a wild guess, a stab in the dark, an attempt at unconditional love. Edwin knew of soulmates who could never imagine life without the other. Edwin knew of soulmates who fought violently and spewed hateful words. Edwin had heard of a man and woman who were soulmates, the man murdering the woman in the middle of a crowded street. So, soulmates. Was your supposed other half your better or your worse?

Fight in the war (don’t die). Go to law school (do it quickly). Marry the girl (learn to fake it well). Have children (they will be the best part of him). Die (quick, in his sleep, no suffering).

Five months later Edwin accomplishes the last one. He was right, the actual dying bit is very quick. There is suffering, though. He suffers more in those last seconds than all his years on earth. He doesn’t notice the string fade to gray and slip from his wrist as his body is disintegrated and dragged to Hell. There is no comfort in Hell, after all, not even from a girl he could only teach himself to love.

[casual-praxis]

“Alternatively many ranchers recommend running away with their arms waving, and screaming.”

The fabled Alt-Vio makes his appearance!

He’s certainly..a character. More specifically, he’s a branching path from True-Vio that occurred very early on in the timeline.

CW: Mentions of Murder and general death!

Due to some influencer shenanigans Shadow got into, it resulted in a corral catching on fire, and, depending on the timeline, a few of Red’s (pink) slimes burned up in it. This was early enough that the trio hadn’t really gotten very close yet, and this caused immediate conflict between them all.

In the true timeline, the slimes were rescued and Shadow immediately set about making it up to Red for almost unintentionally killing his slimes for views on his stream. Vio found the whole situation to be a waste of time and resources, but as Shadow made more of an effort to be aware of his roommates, he let it slide.

In the alt-timeline, the slimes died, Shadow doubled down that it wasn’t his fault (they were pink slimes anyway, there's some literally right outside the gate), Red became even more distraught, and Alt-Vio decided that Shadow was going to be a hindrance and not worth keeping around. So he downed him in the slime sea. Like a Tarr.

He “justifies” it as being for science purposes, but it really wasn’t. Nothing was learned from it, except that people dying on the range wasn’t immediately suspected as foul play. Also, murder tends to have awful repercussions on your mental health.

Alt-Vio isn’t very sane in the slightest, as you might could tell. He actually does enjoy tormenting people, namely Red, but I won’t go into details (unless y’all are curious for some reason). He dresses the whole notion up as "scientific study", but it's really closer to torture if not just actual torture.

Also, let it be known that True-Vio would not enjoy murder. He jokes about it, has thought about it, and has no issues pushing Puddle and Fire slimes together to see what it do, but he does not want to actually harm real people.

Alt-Vio is an anomaly of the more extreme variety, and should not be looked directly at.

More notes below the cut if you’re interested!

But warnings first! It gets kinda dark. Feel free to skip over this one if dark themes aren't your thing, or if you'd like to keep them separate from the AU at large. Alt-Vio has a very minimal role in the narrative outside making Vio question his morality, so you don't have to acknowledge him, really. That's Vio's role anyway.

+ As seen above, Alt-Vio has some funky traits to him. His split tongue is unique to him, True-Vio doesn’t have one, though he does have the tongue piercing. Alt-Vio also doesn’t have the whole quantum slime stuff goin’ on, rather he was more enamored with the Tarr after axing Shadow.

As a result of their influence, Alt-Vio is more aggressive and prone to lashing out. His intelligence remains mostly in tact, but is slowly deteriorating as his nature becomes less human and more instinctive.

+ True-Vio encountered Alt-Vio while (unintentionally) phasing in his sleep. It seems that while unconscious, there’s a chance to link up with another universe briefly, and interact with the Vio there so long as they’re able to perceive him.

Alt-Vio, by that point, had been caught and was being transported back to earth (forced to remain awake for the whole year as a small punishment, considering all he did). He had no problems “regaling” True-Vio of all the things he did to his former roommates, especially once he found out True-Vio was fairly close to his.

True-Vio woke up abruptly before finding out what actually happened to Red, but Alt-Vio specifically kept it vague as to torment True-Vio with all the many what-if situations (“you have to know Red’s secret by now, hm? He trusts you, right? Just like he trusted me? He’s so cute when—”).

Note: the secret in question could be anything, Red has told Vio several secrets at this point. This is why it messes with Vio so bad - he doesn't know which one Alt-Vio exploited, if any. And truthfully, it wasn't any of them. That whole bit was entirely a non-sequitur Alt-Vio brought up specifically to fuck with True-Vio's head, as he knew it would.

True-Vio never found out what happened to Green or Blue before waking up, but Green met a similarly violent end (involving Dervish Slimes, if that tells you anything), whereas Blue was the reason Alt-Vio got caught.

+ I don’t actually remember where the idea for Alt-Vio came from. I think the reality-warping aspect just made me wonder what Vio would do if he encountered the literal worst version of himself.

+True-Vio has only told one person about his run in with Alt-Vio, and that person is Green. He probably wouldn’t have told anyone had Green not followed him outside to check on him after waking up.

Green was the first to reassure him that Shadow trusts him (and finds enjoyment in being tossed ((not held down, Vio's never even tried that)) into the sea, hence why he keeps approaching Vio), as well as how Vio would never do anything to intentionally harm Red or any of them.

If Vio were going to turn out like Alt-Vio, he would have already.

Alt-Vio doesn't change how any of them see him.

Alt-Vio isn't their Vio.

Bonus: bloody version of the picture + easier to see variants.

[possibilistfanfiction]

lilith

[obsessed with this ask, first of all. second of all, lilith pov from footy au for @unicyclehippo.]

//

you meet beatrice for the first time when you’re fourteen, and she’s thirteen. you’re in different club academies but you vaguely, before this, had heard of her: girls around you talk, hushed, when she walks in, because she’s the youngest and everyone is already saying she’s the best, a generational talent — beatrice xin, the next great center midfielder, the future of football. that’s what you want to be, so badly you can taste it, so badly that when you miss an easy tap in the first day of camp you bite the inside of your cheek so hard you draw blood.

it’s not your first time at national team camp, but it is hers. maybe because you’re serious and driven, or maybe because you don’t find enjoyment in the pranks other girls like to play, and you don’t eat the junk food they sneak in in tampon boxes, they have her room with you. you were the youngest once; you remember.

you’re both reserved and careful, not particularly friendly, but beatrice’s stems from awkwardness, from a split second of figuring out how to read social cues around her while everyone else laughs. she’s thin and kind of small, her face full and young. she has freckles and braces and little wisps of her hair escape her bun; she unpacks efficiently into the little dresser on her side of the room: simple underwear, sports bras, joggers, hoodies. she pulls out a little leatherbound journal and a book in a language you don’t know and a pen and lines them up with military precision on the desk. she sets her little shower caddy on top of the dresser and neatly places her toiletries in it: acne cream, shampoo and conditioner, a fresh bar of lavender soap, lotion, sunscreen. ‘i’m going to freshen up before dinner,’ she says, impossibly formal and a little funny, honestly, but it doesn’t seem kind — not yet, anyway — to tease her about it.

you wait for her to come out of the bathroom at the end of the hall and back to your room. her black hair is in a neat braid, the wet ends darkening her t-shirt, which she’s tucked into a pair of joggers, which, for some reason, hurts you a little bit. 

‘ready?’

she seems surprised when you’re still there; you’re in a hoodie and shorts and slides, and you wait for her to neatly tie a pair of — admittedly, very cool — sneakers and then nod. ‘lilith,’ she says, gently and tentatively touching your elbow, ‘thank you.’

‘for what?’

‘for waiting for me.’ i’m used to being alone, she means, and she’s quiet throughout all of dinner, only adding into the conversation when someone brings up a type of bird they saw this morning, which she knows the latin name for and all of its characteristics, and she eats with the most exacting bites you’ve ever seen.

i’m used to being alone, she means, as you both settle in your small, twin beds later — ‘goodnight, beatrice,’ you say. you’re not alone, and neither is she.

‘sleep well, lilith.’

/

beatrice is, you can admit by the time you’re sixteen, the best in the world. maybe not yet — although, some days, when you play with her and watch her beat players twice her age without breaking a sweat, one after another through the midfield, or in a tight space around the 18, or even on the touchline if she drifts for a give and go — you think maybe she already is. 

her time on youth sides is running out, you know, because she is a generational talent, because everyone wants her already. she seems, mostly, unfazed by it all, still stoic and focused and brilliant. she gets her high school diploma at fifteen; she tells you, quietly while you juggle together in the courtyard of the hotel you’re at one tournament when neither of you can sleep, that she’s enrolled in online college classes and has enjoyed the challenge so far: she’s learning german, and she’s taking a revolutionary chinese history course, and her favorite is calculus iii. she’s kind of bizarre, but you’re fond of her. sometimes she texts you pictures of her cat between camps, and you send her any meme that makes you laugh privately.

you’re a little surprised when she’s on the u-20 world cup squad with you, mostly because you had honestly thought she might get pulled into the senior squad, at least for some friendlies, but you’re glad she’s here: you’re nervous, and restless. when you had told your mother that you’d gotten called up, tamping down any expectations for excitement as hard as you could, she had said, ‘as we expected of you,’ and continued on with her day.

‘do you have a boyfriend?’ you ask into the dark. 

you hear her roll around in bed for a few moments, probably turning to face toward you, and then she says, ‘when would i have time to have a boyfriend?’

you shrug. ‘i don’t know; seo-jun and nora have boyfriends.’

‘i guess.’

‘so that’s a no, from you.’

she laughs. ‘do you have a boyfriend?’

‘ew, no. have you met sixteen year old boys?’

‘i know. disgusting. i don’t know what the point is of boys, anyway. i’m too busy with football.’

you understand the point of boys, in a way: you like looking at mohammed’s arms when you’re training together, the way they press and cut when you’re doing push-ups. you’ve kissed him; you kiss him often. ‘yeah,’ you say, because it’s not your truth to name for her. ‘gross.’

/

it’s unsurprising to you when you get signed to the same club team beatrice debuted for two years ago, when she was sixteen. they’re building a franchise around her, bringing in young talent and trading for the world’s best veterans. she’d been on loan abroad for a spell, came back even more lethal, even more deadly — she’s taller, now, and still thin enough trainers are always on her to put on muscle. she spends extra time in the weight room — she spends extra time doing everything — and you’d never tell, but beatrice is the best in the world because she doesn’t allow herself anything else, even when she’s hurting and exhausted.

you have nothing better to do, and you’ve, admittedly, missed her, so you agree to spot her while she does more squats. when you see the weight she racks up you’re glad for the state of the art recovery facilities they have, and for the rest day you have tomorrow. 

she pushes through her first set, her face turning red but her expression perfectly calm, her quarterzip neatly tucked in, and it’s kind of terrifying. ‘you’re kind of terrifying.’

she racks the bar and steps out from under it, takes a big deep breath, shakes out her shoulders. ‘i’m small.’

‘you’re eighteen.’

she considers it. ‘i have to get bigger.’

it’s a razor’s edge, football and greatness: beatrice will train until she can’t; beatrice will eat exactly what she’s supposed to; beatrice will run until she throws up; beatrice will sleep exactly as she’s supposed to, and take all of her recovery seriously, and —

‘after this set, do you want to get a drink?’

‘a drink?’

you laugh at her indignation. ‘yeah, one drink. dinner, maybe? i don’t know any good spots around yet.’

‘oh,’ she says, ‘i don’t really go out, and i don’t drink. but —‘ it takes her a moment — ‘yes, we can. mary and shannon like a place across from the grounds.’

‘is it quinoa bowls?’

she blushes, steps back under the bar. 

‘i want a burger and a cocktail, beatrice. please.’

she does her other set, straining for the last two, unable to keep it off her face. ‘fine,’ she says, out of breath once she finishes, ‘fine.’

/

you’re twenty-one, at a celebration after a championship, and you’re drunk. beatrice is laughing, her hair somehow pulled out of its bun; she’d won the golden ball, which, since the first touch of preseason, seemed inevitable: she is, very concretely, the best in the world. 

‘come dance!’ ashante says, tugs on her hands, and she shakes her head but when you say, ‘yeah, beatrice, come on,’ she sighs and follows you out onto the dance floor. there are plenty of hot boys, and beatrice is beautiful, you can easily admit. she’s weird and a huge nerd — she has a bachelor’s degree in ecological anthropology, which she’d worked on for fun — but you love her. she’s your friend, and you want to celebrate with her. she hasn’t been drinking, so she’s stiff and awkward, even more than usual, in loose slacks and a collarless button down which she lets you unbutton down to the middle of her chest without any fanfare. a few guys walk up to you — beatrice xin, holy shit — and then you’re dancing. it’s easy, after a few shots, to close your eyes and let everything drift away around you. 

but then you hear beatrice say, ‘stop,’ and the guy she was dancing with doesn’t, not quick enough, not immediately, and you see red.

you get kicked out, which only avoids the media because the bouncers let you leave through the back. beatrice clenches her jaw and her hands and your knuckles smart, already bruising.

‘i can handle myself,’ she says, although you see the way her body is trembling.

‘i know,’ you say, because you do. ‘but you don’t have to, not all the time.’

you wait in the alley, shivering, for a car; it’s silent and just after a spurt of rain, and, after a beat, she laughs. ‘did we get into a bar fight?’

you grin over at her. ‘who says we don’t know how to have fun, huh?’

/

‘are you gonna do the pride thing?’

beatrice looks far too calm for being in an ice bath. ’no, not publicly.’

‘yeah, that’s cool,’ you say. ‘mary and shannon are, like, the couple, anyway. marketing has an easy out there.’

she snorts. ‘easy out.’

you roll your eyes. 

‘i’m —‘ she takes a deep breath — ‘i’m a lesbian.’

‘okay,’ you say, and fight the desperate urge to laugh and say yes, beatrice, everyone and their mother knows, that’s why i asked if you were going to be in the pride campaign. ‘obviously, that’s cool with me.’

horrifyingly, she starts to cry. ‘i’ve never said it out loud before.’

she’s twenty-one, so, fair, you guess, but it also makes you so sad. ‘well, now you have. in an ice bath, no less.’

‘yes.’ she sounds a little in awe of herself. ‘i have.’

‘do you, like, want me to hug you?’

she wrinkles her nose. ‘no. but, thank you.’

‘anytime.’ you pause, then try your luck, ‘so can we find you a girlfriend now, or —‘

she splashes you with a flick of water and you could kill her, you really could.

/

‘beatrice!’ you shout into her intercom. ‘let me in!’

it takes about a minute, and you’re about to, like, scale her giant fence or something, but then the gate opens and you drive through. it’s not that you care about her — she makes it hard; you make it hard right back — but she’s your captain and you’re not going to win a fucking world cup if she’s not recovering from surgery.

‘lilith,’ she says, dry, even though it’s a little slurred and she looks wobbly on her crutches.

‘mary and shannon sent me.’ you hold up a bag of food, stupid healthy shit she insists on eating, even when she’s on pain meds. ‘i can knock you over, right now, so you have to let me in.’

‘fine,’ she says, lacking its usual precise clip. you follow her to her kitchen, slowly, while she carefully crutches, exactly how a physical therapist showed her, you’re sure. she’s exhausted, you can tell, her hair down and a little messy, her hoodie crooked on her shoulders, just in a pair of tight nike boxers and a sock on the foot opposite her cast, as if you’d woken her up from a nap.

‘were you sleeping?’

‘i’m on — a lot of medication.’

‘you can go back to sleep, if you want. i can put the food in the fridge and warm it up in a bit?’

she seems to weigh her options, slowly, but her eyes are drifting closed and she sways a little. ‘okay. you can watch anything you want. or leave, if you don’t want to wait.’

‘oh, i’m fully taking advantage of your gorgeous house and your giant tv. i’m not crazy.’

she had ankle surgery two days ago, so you know she really is exhausted. disgustingly, she was watching what looks to be like game film on her tv. ‘disgusting,’ you tell her, and she doesn’t seem to really pay you much mind because she situates her casted ankle on top of a few pillows and then pulls a soft blanket over herself and snuggles down into the couch. she’s asleep almost immediately, and you put on schitt’s creek, just in case she drifts in and out and wakes up. she doesn’t; you have to shake her awake two hours later at a normal dinner time. you warm up her food for her, as promised, and eat your bowl beside her, then get her water and her next dose of pain medication.

‘we’re signing ava silva,’ she says, marginally more awake for a good five minutes. 

ava silva, wunderkind with the worst injury you’ve ever seen; a 9 too. ‘i thought i was replacing shannon.’

‘i’m sure you will,’ beatrice assures you. ‘we need a sub, at least.’

‘you think she’ll be good.’

‘we both know she’s good, lilith.’

she settles back into the couch. ‘you think she’ll be great.’

she smiles a little absently, but genuine all the same. ‘let’s hope so.’

eventually, you wake her up and help her to bed, despite the fact that she tries to do it herself, even up her steep stairs. i’m used to being alone, you understand still. 

she gets situated in her giant, gorgeous bed in her perfect house, all gossamer curtains fluttering in the salt breeze off the ocean. ‘thanks, lilith.’

‘sleep well, beatrice.’

/

(and ava silva, it turns out, is great, although you’d rather die than say it out loud. beatrice stands in front of the full length mirror in the fitting room and smooths down the non-existent wrinkles in her traditional chinese wedding outfit, bright red and embroidered in gold. it’s probably the most incredible piece of clothing you’d ever seen.

‘what do you think?’

it’s an insane question, really. ‘you look… you look really beautiful, beatrice.’

she smiles, shyly; you’re thirty, now, old enough to be able to feel an easy fondness. ‘thank you.’

‘you owe me a burger and many, many cocktails after this, though.’

‘sure, sure.’

if you cry at their wedding while ava stands in a wispy, open-backed dress and smiles so big her eyes almost close and, with steady hands, promises everything to beatrice, to, maybe, your first friend — well, no one says a word.)

[27dragons]

New Year Countdown: Dec 24

And we're back to Winteriron for a Rockstar AU!

Dec 24 - Winteriron - Rockstar AU - Eggnog

“The thing is,” Tony said, “it feels stupid to complain. Like I don’t appreciate all the amazing things in my life.”

“And yet, you’re going to complain anyway,” Natasha said, but she looked vaguely amused, so that was probably all right. It had taken Tony a while to understand that his lead guitarist and second vocalist hid her affection behind sarcasm, and her concern behind fierceness. He knew how to read her now, though.

“I’m going to complain anyway,” he agreed. “Not that I expect you to agree. Your snugglebunny is traveling with us.”

“Sam is part of the band, so it would be difficult to have a tour without him,” she agreed solemnly.

“Why did I agree to a tour over Christmas?” Tony wondered.

“Because it’s the time of year when everyone is digging a little deeper into their pockets?” Natasha guessed. She reached over the table to snare his glass. She rolled the liquor around, watching the way it clung to the glass, and then helped herself to a swallow. “You could’ve dated someone in the band, too, you know. Steve is right there.”

Tony made a face. “Dating in the band leads to band drama,” he said morosely. “And trust me, if I dated Steve, there would be nothing but drama.”

“That’s true,” Natasha conceded. “The world’s finest songwriting duo, but as soon as he steps away from the keyboard, you’re at each other’s throats.” She grinned. “It would be fantastic publicity.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “But here I am, on Christmas Eve, drinking alone in an empty hotel bar.”

“What am I, the Ghost of Christmas Past?”

Tony waved a hand dismissively. “You’re just waiting for Sam to get back from the roadies’ Christmas party and then you’ll go back to your room and have wild monkey sex while wearing nothing but a mistletoe headband and a pair of socks with jingle bells sews into them.”

“That is a disturbingly specific mental image,” Natasha said, stealing another sip of his whiskey. “You’re not usually this down after a show. Did something go wrong?”

The show itself had been great. The hall had been sold out, the fans had been beside themselves with excitement, and they’d rounded out the set lit and encores with some holiday tunes that they’d reworked into the Avengers’ signature style, which had been a huge hit. Tony would normally have still been riding the high, but— “Bucky didn’t text me before the show.”

“That’s odd,” Natasha admitted. “Is he okay?”

“Yeah, he sent one a bit later. I got it while we were breaking down.”

“So?”

“So it’s Christmas Eve and I’m stuck in a hotel twelve hundred miles from my boyfriend and I don’t even have any of his eggnog to keep me warm.”

“Bucky does make the best eggnog,” Natasha said. “I can never go back to the crappy stuff out of a carton.” She made a show of looking at her wrist, which didn’t have a watch on it. “And it’s Christmas Day, by now.”

“Thanks, that makes it all better,” Tony snarked. 

Natasha glanced past Tony, toward the bar door. “Sam’s back,” she said, standing up. “Time to go have wild monkey sex.”

“Don’t forget the socks,” Tony said, rallying enough to give her a quick smile. “Thanks for letting me complain.”

“You owe me,” Natasha said, giving him the small, secretive smile that was ten times more genuine than the wide, cheerful one she reserved for the stage and the fans.

“What else is new? Go on, have fun. I don’t want to see or hear either of you until we’re loading the bus on the 26th. Enjoy your day off.”

“I intend to. You too.”

Tony snorted and took a slow sip of his whiskey so he wouldn’t be tempted to turn around and watch her walk away.

“Merry Christmas, baby,” said Bucky, and Tony turned around so fast he got dizzy and nearly knocked over his chair.

“Bucky?” Tony’s boyfriend was standing there, a thickly-stuffed backpack over one shoulder. “What the— How the hell did you get here?”

“Airplane,” Bucky said with a grin, and offered Tony a thermos. “Couldn’t stand the thought of you having to drink crappy carton eggnog on Christmas.”

Tony took the thermos and immediately set it aside, then flung himself into Bucky’s arms, laughing. “Oh, god, I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I was supposed to be in time for the show,” Bucky said, “but the flight got delayed.” He buried his face against Tony’s neck, squeezing tight. His nose was cold, and Tony didn’t care at all. “Missed you, doll.”

“I missed you, too,” Tony sighed. “Merry Christmas.”

[just-a-dinosaur-i-guess]

tell about ur aus,,, go on

HELLO TY FOR THIS ASK

i have so fucking many aus so i'll ramble about a few

my latest one takes inspiration from this post and it's basically, dazai takes in atsushi and the akutagawa siblings, but realizing he can't really find a job to support all of them at once, he decides to go and (try to) reopen odasaku's favorite curry place. there are a few issues.

he is Not a great cook

atsushi can only make chazuke

aku and gin don't know how to cook

the place is kind of a mess

so eventually he goes and calls up chuuya and he's like "hey, you know how to cook, can you help me" problem is, chuuya's pissed at him bc THIS is when he calls him again and it's not an explanation of why he left, not a "sorry for blowing up ur car", not any of that, it's just another favor. so his immediate response is "fuck you, no" and dazai has to nag him into coming and helping, this being via taking some random pm member for hostage and specifically requesting that chuuya come pick him up

chuuya does indeed arrive, but he also breaks dazai's nose, so dazai ends up vaguely explaining with an ice pack on his face lmfao. this bit is what i have planned most vividly and is hopefully? gonna be a fic i publish. but also, later, ranpo ends up at the curry place and is like "damn you live like this" and dazai replies just kinda, "either order or get out" but ranpo offers him a better job (that being working at the ada), and while he hesitantly agrees, it's only a part time thing for the first bit. also although i haven't decided yet i think he might also end up finding kyouka before the pm gets to her and tachihara before the hunting dogs find him bc i am weak to 1. found family 2. BIG found families.

chuuya is absolutely fucking baffled when he runs into dazai during an ada job, btw.

"i thought you ran a fucking curry shop" "i do that too" "?? what the fuck" "it's called being a PART TIMER chibi" "i'm gonna break your nose again"

anyway next au!!

cowboy au (btw, they still have abilities) where nathaniel is a travellng priest looking for a doctor to cure margaret who's deathly sick, and he hasn't really been having any luck (he's been searching for months to no avail), and eventually at this one town it's like.. it's late at night, nathaniel's thirsty, he heads to the bar to get some water. nikolai promptly swaps their drinks, nathaniel drinks something really strong and passes the fuck out, wakes up to being in an inn room (with noteably less money) and storms the hell out of the building just to find nikolai petting his horse and acting all innocent about doing anything. nathaniel just tries to leave, nikolai follows, and they travel like that for a bit (occasionally trying to kill each other) before they get the third member of their dysfunctional little party

do you remember that one kid fyodor killed?

this little guy (karma), is a pickpocket who steals nathaniel's bible in the hopes of selling it to get food. the two find him, both kinda realize his situation and while nathaniel is about to point him in the direction of the town's local church nikolai goes "fuck that" and just straight up kidnaps him, and they keep traveling. nathaniel and nikolai are mutually, regrettably, falling for one another, but this just manifests as more murder attempts, to the point that one night, nathaniel tries to strangle nikolai, nikolai wakes up and strangles him back, and when nathaniel passes out he fucking dreams about nikolai and is HORRIFIED. things only get worse and gayer from there and i also think they go on a train at some point.

karma's enjoying the horse rides at least, and there's some other characters that show up though tbh idk who besides this one dazai scene and gin at one point

okay this other au is shorter, but basically: ada kajii. this is built off of SO many headcanons, but essentially kajii's backstory is just the lemon short story. except that kajii never found lemons, bc instead kunikida (his old friend/school friend that fell out of contact with him) reaches out, they become friends again, and so when kunikida joins the ada, so does kajii. kajii works as a clerk bc, like, he doesn't. know he has an ability. Oh Boy Does He Get A Surprise during dead apple

okay i was gonna talk about my eternal winter au but that would be an essay /lh

SO instead!! shiburan au, an au i never. properly named beyond that it's a shibusawa x ranpo focused au. also co owned with my bestie @feralshadowdemon <33

basically, yokohama is a smaller, calmer seaside town, no abilities or anything. shibusawa moves in, working at the pet shop across the street from this coffee shop that's connected to a bookstore. the coffee shop is run by (most of) the ada, and the bookstore is run by yokomizo; mushitaro and poe work there. the members of the ada who work at the coffee shop are fukuzawa (he owns it), ranpo, kunikida, and yosano. dazai is fukuzawa's newest adopted kid, and ran away from home. (he was living with mori (and elise) before) yosano Understands his situation, having done the same years before.

ranpo starts going over to the pet shop a lot, both bc he's running errands (fukuzawa owns three cats) and bc he likes talking to shibusawa. they eventually exchange phone numbers and start texting. in the background of this, btw, is soukoku: they had a messy breakup years ago, they act like they don't like each other, etc etc normal skk things. the flags are a biker gang who are alive and well here, and chuuya hangs out with them a lot. dazai is a bit jealous of them, ranpo knows this, and so when chuuya starts volunteering at the pet shop, ranpo brings dazai along on an errand run so the two run into each other again. they start talking again, slowly bonding again by virtue of wingmaning shiburan

also misc details

dazai and aku are just. they are just friends here :)

aku and tachi are friends!! also higugin is real

the akutagawa siblings live with hirotsu

fukuchi is the hunting dogs' dad; except for tetchou, who's jouno's boyfriend. he has stricter parents.

fukuchi here is a retired military veteran AND ex movie star. his movies are awful /aff

shibusawa has a pet cornsnake named draconia

odango is engaged here but oda travels a lot so they haven't got married yet

ango works in an office in the big city, but he visits dazai sometimes. they are friends

bramcraft is married, they adopted aya

kyouka and kenji also live with fukuzawa!! twincoded tbh

kyouka has narcolepsy

there is so much more but i have been writing this post for an hour SO just shoot me (another) ask if you're curious :D

and yeah that's some of my aus!! i have a masterpost of all of them slowly being built in my drafts hehe

[alchemistc]

Fic Writers Q&A

tagged by @cliophilyra

How many wips do you have currently?

Less than twenty but significantly more than three.

Which one are you finding the hardest to finish? Why do you think that is?

It's not necessarily that I'm finding it difficult, it's just that I am well aware of my issues with finishing WIP's, and now that I've started posting the hockey au I am physically restraining myself from getting into a different writing headspace with any other fic writing until Goon is completed.

What does it usually look like when inspiration strikes for you?

Towel wrapped around me, perched on the toilet with conditioner still in my hair and my notes app open to type out a line that came to me during Shower Thoughts -- laying in bed with Campfire open because I started daydreaming about my fic and couldn't sleep but I'm not willing to give up the illusion quite yet that this is gonna consume my mind long enough to make sleeping an issues -- desperately repeating a line of dialogue/ exchange of dialogue/specific description over and over while I'm driving so I don't lose the EXACT order of the words I want to use... I mean there are a million different ways but those are a few.

Do you curate playlists for each fic or is your process different?

I really enjoy doing this, but this is another thing that distracts from the actual "I need to be in a certain headspace to write this" bit and I end up losing the desire to finish it because in my mind, the playlist ends up telling the story anyway. Moodboards and playlists are the killer of WIPs for this particular ADHD brain.

Do you go balls to the wall and write as you go or are you more organised?

Occasionally I will outline, but for the most part I get a vague shadowy image of the fic in my head, followed by a few very distinct scenes, and possibly maybe a glimmer of an ending, and I just sit down and see what comes out. Very stream of consciousness, very little time to let myself (once again) get out of the headspace that spawned the idea in the first place.

tagging @epiphainie, @liminalmemories21, @cecilyv

[saphscorner]

going to start ahasbands posting on the regular i think! they kinda just rotate around my head 24/7 and i like doing something creative with that energy. anyways, here's another silly little drabble, kind of just based on my own college/end of semester vibes :)

word count: 652 pairing(s): martyn/mumbo warnings: none general tags & vibes: college au, developing relationship, summer

The semester was coming to a close. A chilly spring was giving way to warmer days of the early summer, with the promise of more to come with the conclusion of finals. Finally, it was really beginning to feel like the end. 

To celebrate the end of the semester, students were camped out on the central green, sprawled in the grass under a sunset sky. Live music played from up at the front of the field – some student-led cover band – and somewhere off by the tree line, a joint was discretely being passed around, filling the air with a notably less discrete smell. 

Sitting in the middle of the lawn, Mumbo was just taking it all in. He sat cross-legged vaguely tapping his foot to the rhythm of the music, content to just coexist with the energy of the place. He turned, however, as someone approached him. 

“Martyn,” he greeted with a bit of a smile, gazing up at him from where he sat. 

“Mumbo,” Martyn greeted back. Matching his friend’s smile, he plopped down beside him on Mumbo’s blanket. “Enjoying yourself?” 

“I am,” Mumbo said. “Good change of scenery. You know, I studied for six hours today.” 

Martyn let out an impressed little whistle. “Statistics?” He asked. 

“Statistics,” Mumbo confirmed. 

“Impressive.” 

Mumbo hummed in agreement. 

“Definitely a good way to take a break,” Martyn agreed. “Have you made the rounds yet?” 

“Sort of,” said Mumbo. “I don’t know, I kind of just like being here for the energy of it,” he gestured vaguely around at the other students. The longer he looked, it seemed the more there was to see. Some were playing lawn games, standing in circles kicking around a hacky sack, others were playing card games, some dancing, some chatting, and others, like himself, were just lying down and seeming to bask in the atmosphere of it all.

“Feels like summer,” Martyn commented. 

“It does,” said Mumbo. 

“Can you believe it’s the end already?” 

“It’s a little surreal.” 

“Right?” Martyn smiled, leaning back on his hands to support his weight. “I don’t know, I kind of can’t believe this is it. First year of uni, completely done.” 

Mumbo dipped his head in agreement. 

A comfortable silence hung between them for a moment. Familiar as it was for them, there seemed something different this time around, like the air between them held the tension of words that went unspoken. 

Martyn gazed at him for a moment. He opened his mouth like he did want to say something, but shut it as if deciding against it. The song came to an end, the crowd applauding and cheering, and it seemed that was enough to break the quiet moment, and finally, Martyn spoke up. 

“You should come see me this summer,” he said. “I live out by this lake, it’s a really pretty place and I know you’d like it.” 

Mumbo blinked. “Is that a genuine offer?” 

“Why wouldn’t it be?” 

“I don’t know. Sounds too good to be true.”

“I just think I’ll miss you too much if I don’t see you for three months,” Martyn admitted candidly.

Mumbo’s cheeks went a little red. “I’ve been thinking about that. It’s gonna be weird not seeing you around everyday.”

Martyn shouldered him playfully. “I know, I honestly don’t want to spend a whole summer without you!” Though his tone was light, almost a little teasing, his shoulder lingered against Mumbo for a moment longer, wordlessly conveying the sincerity behind his words.

Mumbo’s voice went a little quieter. “...I wouldn’t mind a visit. I’d like that a lot, really.” 

Another song ended, and Martyn applauded. He let out a whoop as others around him cheered, and Mumbo’s gaze came to rest on him. He smiled idly, not catching himself just admiring his friend. 

After a moment, Martyn turned back to him, meeting his gaze with a genuine little smile. 

“Come see me then?”

[twistedwonderlandshenanigans]

Lilia's Backstory - Monster AU

Monster: Naga Word Count: 0.68K Relationships Mentioned: Silver, his birth mother TW: Child abandonment, brief PTSD moment --------------------------------------

Who would be foolish enough to leave their child unattended in the woods? The babes cry hadn't ceased for nearly an hour. Normally, Lilia preferred a challenge when it came to food. Not only that, but he enjoyed watching children play and have fun from his refuge in the trees. He found them rather endearing, and thrived off how lively they could be. But this one sounded much younger than the ones he would watch play. And it didn't seem to stop crying, peaking both his interest and concern. It didn't take him long to find the source of the sobbing, draping himself comfortably across sturdy tree limbs as he peered down at the small wicker basket on the ground. There was a bag next to it, with a piece of paper attached to the side. The basket, upon closer inspection, had the child inside of it bundled nicely in a soft, blue fabric. It's crying was starting to slow, easing into ragged, tired sounding whimpers. It wasn't until Lilia was sure the tiny being was asleep that he let himself fall to the ground and slither closer to investigate. The child had fine, silvery hair and rosy cheeks from having cried so much. Lilia felt a moment of regret for not having come checked sooner, reaching out to gently wipe the child's tears away. However, the moment he came into contact with him, he recoiled as if he'd been shot. Images flashed in his mind of times best left forgotten; memories he had repressed. It took him a moment to collect himself, before wiping at tears he hadn't realized he'd shed. He glanced at the child, stunned and almost afraid. He wracked his memory for any sort of monster that was capable of such a thing, but the ability draw up old memories was too vague to really come up with something. He debated leaving the child - clearly he wasn't equipped to care for it- but chided himself when he looked back at the babies face. It wasn't the child's fault. His eyes finally settled on the paper on the bag next to him, cautiously approaching it before unfolding it and reading the note. I didn't want to do this, I never wanted to do this. If you're reading this, I hope you understand. I would tell you everything if I could. Bear to you my whole story, how it came to this. But I don't have time. All I can ask is that you'll forgive me for asking this of you. This is was? my son. He's six months old and hasn't got a name yet. I was terrified to call him by anything in the event he passed early, or if I was caught with him. This bag has the beginnings of what you'll need to take care of him. Diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, blankets, clothes, anything I could shove inside. I never wanted to part with him, but now that I must, I hope that some kindly monster will take him in as their own. Please. This is likely my dying wish. I know you don't owe me anything...but he's just a baby. And I have no other options. So if you answer this desperate mother's plea, thank you. Thank you and may you know a life of riches and happiness and health. There was another paragraph haphazardly scribbled, but she had crossed it out. Lilia folded the note back up and peered into the bag, curious and taking note that everything she had listed, and then some, was inside. He looked back to the now peacefully sleeping child, very carefully using a clawed finger to pull the blanket down from his face. He noticed there were no repercussions, easing his nerves and making the decision easier for him. He would learn to take care of this monster, whatever he was, and raise him as his own. Warmth sparked inside of him as he slung the bag over his shoulder and held the basket carefully, rocking it slightly as he slithered back to his home. -------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: I hate writing endings I fucking suck at them lmaooo anyways. if you made it here, you might want to check out my other Twstober works here, or if you're looking for some fluff after that fic, you can check out my main masterlist here. Ask box is open if you have any questions! Thanks for reading!

[the-teapot-hatter]

Okey this is for pure comedy and nothing else since this would never happen BUT-

In the Off Script AU what if MC gets a little taken of the Saintess?? Like a puppy love crush or maybe MC is just nicer to them then everyone else (aka the suitors who are trying to win over MC heart-)

Because you said in the ask about Saintess that the only characters who will be "Taken over" by them are characters that either don't affect the plot that much or at all and MC originally meant nothing to the plot (I think they still don't matter but that could have been changed)

This is great and honestly the perfect request for this AU, since it's kinda pure crack already--

Anyway, here's the ask, I hope that you enjoy! And If this isn't what you wanted, or you would like to see this with a different character, feel free to let me know and I'll make sure to write it. ^^

Malleus had a hard time keeping himself from twitching. As the Crown Prince, he couldn't afford to have a bad relationship with the Saintess. And truly, he didn't dislike Cersei. In fact, she was one of the few people he had an applicable relationship with. She was like a little sister. As such, Malleus thinks she was taking to her job of the annoying little sister a little too well.

Currently, she was feeding both (Y/n) and Grimm some of the sweets only nobles could attain, a delicacy afforded to her by her status. Maybe it wouldn't have been such a big deal, if it hadn't been for the fact that Malleus had tried to do the same thing and was denied. (Y/n) had shown no interest in him at all, yet they had no problem with Cersei cooing over them as if they were a small puppy. What exactly was he doing wrong?

"Something wrong, Malleus?" Cersei asked, a look that was much to smug settling across her features. She knew exactly what she was doing. And while Malleus was grateful that Cersei didn't have any romantic affections for (Y/n), he was still a little annoyed with the ease of which she could get close with (Y/n). At least, Malleus didn't think Cersei liked (Y/n) romantically.

"Of course not, though I am curious as to when you got so close to (Y/n) and Sir Grimm." Malleus casually spoke. (Y/n) glanced up at him with judgmental eyes, as if they could tell what he was thinking and wasn't caring for it. Malleus wasn't so sure they actually knew what he was thinking. At times, they could be incredibly perceptive, and others, they remained oblivious. In particular, they didn't seem to understand, or willfully ignored, when others had any sort of romantic interest.

"Oh! They helped fix an old tool of mine. They're incredibly smart!" Cersei cheered. Clapping her hands together. Grimm nodded, looking particularly smug.

"Thafts rifpht! I'ff fe Grutest!" Grimm spoke with food still in his mouth, but vaguely Malleus could make out an 'That's right! I'm the Greatest!'.

Contemplating to himself, Malleus wondered if (Y/n) just wasn't interested in men but rather, preferred woman. Well, there were such transformation potions that would do the work, but he isn't so sure if that would be the best political move. Hmmm.... A prospect to consider at another time.

"I've heard that (Y/n)'s skills are to be revered." Malleus lightly fibbed. While Idia had said that (Y/n) had potential, it wasn't anything that a certified professional couldn't do. But Malleus had also heard plenty of people praise (Y/n) in such a way that his Fea roots didn't stop the light fib from leaving his lips. "In fact, I would be most interested in offering you a position as one of the Palace's handyman, if you would allow (Y/n)."

(Y/n) certainly had more manners than Grimm, waiting to finish their food before speaking.

"I'm afraid I'll have to decline your gracious offer, your Highness." (Y/n) rejected, as they had many others before. Malleus couldn't help the pout that settled across his lips. And to make matters worse, Cersei jumped in with her own offer.

"I'm sure the temple could offer you a position of a handyman! None of the Priest, or Priestesses around here no what to do with most of the magical tools or anything similar." Cersei suggested. Instead of the instant rejection that Malleus had gotten, (Y/n) had paused and seemed to be considering the offer.

"I'll think about it." (Y/n) finally responded. Cersei squealed and jumped onto (Y/n) with exuberance unbefitting of a lady such as herself.

"Won't you!? Then we'll get to see each other more often!" Cersei cheered, awkwardly (Y/n) wrapped their own arms around Cersei not seeming to know what to do. A crackle of thunder roared from outside. Yes, maybe Malleus should see if that transformation potion would get him a different response.

[dorylinae-supremacy]

Almost 3am and I physically cannot stop thinking about dark fluffy fae AU’s

Fae au… save me.. Fae au Save me fae au

I have decided that this is my chance to ramble about all the fae WIPS I have noted down so read all that under the break! It’s very very long so enjoy!

First concept is Phil being vaguely magic and then falling in love with Kristin and them having 3 half fae children who are just weird and wonderful.

They’re not human so they don’t entirely understand things (which can lead to them just being fucked up sometimes) but they still go out and spread their magic.

Techno toys with crops, using his gifts of magic for both good and evil while Wilbur weaved his own magic into his words and form. He can convince anyone of anything if he works hard enough.

Tommy would be a chaotic bundle that just shoots out spells at random, causing mayhem wherever he goes.

Another concept is a fairy au where the seelie have butterfly wings while unseelie have either moth or other insect wings I can’t decide. Techno, a seelie Prince, is given off to the other court as a sign of good will.

From my silly little notes he basically has to put off a massive performance for them to save his branch of the fae family tree. Problem is his parents are assholes.

Obviously shenanigans ensue where Wilbur decides to scope out this other Prince and ends up deciding that he’s brother materiel.

Queue him using a bit of madness magic to make Techno go a bit off his rocker and begin to get violent. It all would end in the big performance where he dances and dances and by the time he’s done he realises he killed all the others and then gets adopted.

I also have another AU where fae!Wilbur is pushed into having his own circle far too young and ends up trapped in a deal with human!SBI because of it.

General vibes of that one is that he’s way too young to be making deals of that kind but he gets forced into it anyway and now he has to try and trick people.

Techno comes across him since they set Wilbur up in the palace garden and immediately spots how bad he is at being a fae after Wil fails horribly at tricking him.

Obviously since Techno is incapable of being normal he starts to obsess because Wil took a similar appearance to him since he was the first person he saw. He’s ofc very very interested and now keeps visiting him.

Eventually after a bunch of visits Techno figures out Wils name and steals him away. He reassured Wil that he doesn’t wanna actually do anything bad, he just kinda wants to keep him as a brother and Wil can’t decide if that’s better or worse.

Ofc Techno has to show his new surprise brother to the rest of the family and they’re all not normal about it at all. Phil is probably like “aww what do you have there?” as if Techno didn’t just bring a magical fucking being into the castle.

They bind him in more deals probably. I think Wil would try and be like “I’ll give you whatever you want just let me go” and parentsduo try and let him down softly that he’s literally never going back to the fae realm.

And now I must reveal to you my Sweeter Than Honey brainrot that I hoard away.

First one is very very soft. It’s just a vague outline of Phil deciding to teach Techno how to bake and it’s everything Tech deserves and more. That boy deserves the absolute world.

There’s a small bump in the road where he’s not careful and kinda burns himself but it heals very quickly and he gets cuddles in the nest for it.

My next 2 centre around parties because I think fae have lots of them.

Yet again we have another silly one. It’s the first party that they’ve really had after Techno became a fae and he ends up getting swooped up between different groups of fae. He actually does end up making a few genuine friends and it’s yet again everything he deserves.

He heads out into a garden area with his new besties for a bit and forgets how bad the Prince going missing looks and comes back to Phil freaking out.

After the old man is done having a heart attack it’s time to wrap up and he gets excited to see his friends again sometime soon. He gets all tucked into the nest and dozes off a bit before Phil / Kristin ask him if he enjoyed it.

He kinda mumbles that it’s the first time he’s ever enjoyed a party and thanks them for bringing him to it. He gets a little kiss on the head and falls back asleep.

My final one and what I think is my fav from my STH brainrot chronicles is this one. It’s based off an ask where lenn explained that the masks on the ferry would turn the wearer into the animal it presented.

I think you all know where this is going.

So by now his wings are more grown in, maybe it’s an anniversary of his yoinking who knows, and they’re celebrating on the ferry that brought him over to fae lands as a symbolism thing.

Technos exploring the ship again since it’s changed up appearance a little and ends up finding the mask room again. He makes not the smartest decision and decides to try on a pig mask.

Ofc he turns into a pig and then shenanigans ensue. Probably Bad and Skeppy figuring out that Techno is now a pig and instead of telling Kristin and Phil they kinda just chase him around. It’s a whole situation.

Either way parentsduo figure out that their kid is missing. Again. They flip their shit but try to keep it on the downlow a little. For now.

Obviously they eventually spot Skeppy and Bad chasing around a pig on the boat and connect the dots. They kinda fawn over pignoblade for a while before Kristin reverses the spell.

Fun thing about the ferry though is that it has a sense of humour. One that carries into its magic as well. This apparently includes having Techno keep some of those pig features even after the spell.

He gets some pointy ears, tusks and a tail for his troubles and ends up a bit self conscious about it. Since he feels dumb for falling for the mask and also now he has all these pig features.

Kristin and Phil obviously won’t allow that and let him know just how cute they think his new features are. He feels a bit better after they maybe imitate the traits onto themselves as well.

After that they return to the nest and he falls asleep with his little tail wagging because that’s what he deserves.

I also have a vague idea for a Wilbur centric fae fic but that’s long and I’ve spent like 30 mins just rambling on this post already.

If there’s weird spellings, words or autocorrect then I’m sorry I literally typed this all on phone. I will maybe probably go fix it later if I remember.

Until then, enjoy my delusions o7

[claudiajcregg]

i'd love to hear any behind the scenes you have on 'say it's here where our pieces fall in place' bc i read it and loved it and i want to know about it 💜

Welp, I've been thinking about this since you sent it and I feel I won't do it justice! I feel like I could say a lot if I went chapter by chapter, but many tabs of unread fics stare back at me. I'll skim and try to say something, though.

Some commentary on say it's here where our pieces fall in place under the cut! I am sick and rambly. And lbr I can never shut up anyway, but this might be too incoherent even for me. (Original ask post here)

It was sort of an unofficial NaNoWriMo project, in that I set myself a goal to tackle “longer fics” or ideas I wanted to cover but hadn't. From my notes, I had this idea to write a ficlet per year because I always enjoy this kind of story, and I know I'd tried to approach different ones in the past. I started writing in late October/finished in Nov 2021. (The other fic I started was never finished, even if dammit, it hits.) I posted it in January, so it wasn't that bad, considering I'll often take months.

It's maybe important to note that I had only finished writing “The Monster (affectionate)” (aka the 148k-ish word IM AU) in early September and I felt a bit burned out after spending five months writing that (would’ve been less but the struggle was real for the last third of the story. Oddly reminiscing of you-know-what story these days). This arbitrary deadline helped me get back into writing. Granted, I wrote a couple of fics in those five months, but I wanted to try another multichapter.

Anyway. I picked some random, perhaps not obvious choices for the vignettes. It was partly to avoid writing something I might have potentially covered at one point, and also a challenge. Some are also strange (the dream!), but I kinda loved it? (Fun fact: the fic references the Sherry-Netherland, whose exterior is the establishing shot in Internal Displacement. I swear there is some thought put into my writing.) And as the A/N I wrote to myself, I definitely wrote and rewrote bits and pieces of this on my way to and from therapy, haha.

Let me find a fun fact about each of the chapters, if I can think of any.

1998: actually repurposed some campaign fic idea I distinctly remember writing in spring 2018, while I was still in uni. It also has GLOVES. I live for that.

1999: I like the idea of exploring Danny and Abbey's relationship! They presumably have a good one and yet, I don't think we ever see them interact. (And god. Danny's recent, pre-campaign breakup is a recurring theme in my campaign stories too, loool.)

2000: Danny and Josh are an underrated friendship, and I like the references to Rosslyn. There was so much in those months in Midterms that we didn't see, and I like thinking Danny visited his friend.

We also got two back-to-back chapters focused on Danny - I remember trying to make it even, so that the focus was more or less evenly split.

2001: the Manchester fuckup! And it's one of the dream chapters! There were two of them? (We're 3 out of 4 in which I was surprised by the focus, but now I kinda want to re-read it all properly?) I'll say that I can see some vague, unconscious inspo from Freefall by KadeeFalls in this chapter (esp since I was just talking to you about it)... But I'm mostly obsessed with the magical realism (there's another term that my foggy brain cannot think of rn) of dreams, and how it can help us clear our heads.

2002: I remembered this was set after Simon! I know it's probably an odd, controversial choice but they both tried to move on (at least, we know CJ did), and it felt disingenuous not to include it. There are moments when she almost admits to her previous (?) feelings for Danny, but stops.

As with most thus far, there were fluffier and probably better choices for 2002 (Christmas!!), but... My brain wanted it to appear like CJ couldn't really bring herself to think about Danny.

2003: Aw, the specialty store is inspired by a franchise over here that had Goldfish (not many flavors) and I took a dramatic license and added it over there. I also added a small flashback because I love thinking Danny doesn't think they're all that but likes them. (But will tease CJ about it.) Plus, some more resolution to moving on!

2004: Yeah, the formatting is weird. (This is one I'd have to go back and do a blockquote or something.) Danny winning a Pulitzer for the Shareef stuff is a mostly accepted headcanon. CJ seeing his picture on the paper and having feels is just something I love, especially if he mentions someone else. (Look. I'm all for letting him pine, but he deserves to move on and fail too.) Plus Josh teasing her!

2005: The Sherry-Netherland! fwiw, I'm sure I had finally figured out this was the place and decided it would be so cheeky to add it here. I'm so sMaRt. Flowers when she gets promoted! And my spin (in this story) of CJ vaguely shunning him. This is the angst before the fluff.

2006: I remembered this one was a dream at some restaurant! (Again the formatting is not great, but I didn't want to tip my obvious hand.) The same way I think CJ's dream in 2001 was about her wondering how Danny would have reacted, this is about Danny realizing he needs to reach out to her... But with the added family ~tale~. Def inspired by that lyric in "Sad Beautiful Tragic."

2007: I feel like having it at some random dinner with Josh and Donna was an odd choice, but I loved the idea of a double date! The scarf scene is just so! And the chaos siblings energy is great. It was a reprieve from the angst.

Meeting at LAX was right there! I had written a story or two trying to do it justice, so I'm guessing that's why it's not. And fwiw the airport story I wrote shortly after that is the one being posted ~soon~. (A rewritten, slightly expanded version.)

2008: Pregnancy mood swings! It hurt to make them fight, but it's so fluffy otherwise. From what I remember, it has various references to things that happen in the story (particularly from the first two chapters) but it still manages to close it rather nicely, showing how strong their marriage is. I hope.

Okay. This has gotten way too long and it's probably useless.

I've always said I could have written another 11 chapters using different scenes, because there are just so many, even outside the obvious ones... Though I feel I wouldn't be able to recapture the magic.

I do definitely want to reread this for real. As with many fics, it's one of those I used to reread often before posting it (especially the last quarter/third) and then just ignored after. See some other recent examples, such as memoir fic, Portland fic.

Thank you for asking, Ally! God, I used to be a good writer. What happened?!??!

[legrandefungus]

More fungus EoS AU

I'm on a roll here! I underestimated my ability to write EoS in a vaguely chronological order.

The first song is extended in this one, mostly because it's a ~47 second loop.

…I’m exhausted. But I must go on.

There’s always something left to do. And I haven’t even reached the critical spot yet. It seems that my partner scored a good 100 poke while I was working with the Kecleon Brothers a second time. It looks like this is going to be how Chatot makes me take a break. Then…

“I think I overheard Chatot saying something about allowing us use of the outlaw board recently?”

We already had it explained to us a while back by Bidoof.

“That was meant to be a surprise. Thank you for that, Ennil.”

“M-Mr. Chatot!”

“Even if the surprise is ruined... That’s correct! We’ve decided to open the outlaw board to you two. Ennil, this means that you’ll have to go slower or take more breaks. Bringing in criminals is tiring work, and injury is much more likely.”

“I understand.”

I don’t. Is he telling me this expecting hesitation? It’s a job I need to do, nothing more. Sure, they’re fellow pokemon, but there’s an actual reason to apprehend them. Especially Drowzee.

“!”

“ENNIL! L-look! Right there!”

“…Ah.”

An indescribable look flashed across Ennil’s face. What was that?

“Cmon! We have no time to waste!”

If it’s for your own gain, if it only means you profit. I won’t give even an inch. Azurill is real, and so very scared.

“Right!”

…

“Wow! Your enthusiasm paid off! These mon are easier to fight than I expected!”

“That’s the point, Shal! If we’re strong, we can beat all the bad guys!”

I’m glad you’re getting confidence in yourself. You’ll need it.

…

“H-h-h…HELP!”

“Stop right there!”

“Huh? How’d you find… Wait! I recognize you!”

What? What do you mean by that?

“You’re that klutz that stumbled into me earlier! What, stumble your way into here too?”

“H-hey! Don’t speak to my friend like that! We’re an exploration team, here to take you down!”

“Then you’re the saddest looking team I’ve ever laid eyes on!”

You’re trembling, Shalvy. Here, let me help. I put my paw on his, giving a brief smile.

Right. He has to stay strong for his friend!

“No! We’ll take you down for sure!”

“Alright theaA-”

Quick attack forward, circle around to give Shalvy an opening.

Huh? Oh, right! Cmon! Gotta be brave! He quickly grabbed a rock and threw it at Drowzee, bashing him on the head!

Capitalize, the back is wide open. He looks destabilized. Flamethrower.

Drowzee screamed, the fire tearing across his form. What the hell was with these... Kids.... Damnit.....

He fell over. Is that it?

“E-Ennil? You’ve been staring at Drowzee for a while now. We should go and check on Azurill!”

I’m not in the correct state of mind. Too easy to scare the kid.

“You go ahead, Shalvy. I’ll sit here and make sure the criminal doesn’t get away.”

…

“Hey, why don’t you want to talk to them? What’s wrong?”

“We have to get Drowzee handed in, don’t we? If it means I can keep everyone safe, I don’t mind waiting!”

“Alright!”

I’ll ask them if they can plan a surprise! Ennil’s been working really hard. It’s inspiring!

“Whisper, whisper…”

…

We handed Drowzee over to the Magnezone, who showed up not long after. It was uneventful, save for Shalvy looking very proud of himself.

…

And Ennil didn’t complain about the guild rate for outlaws, either. Goodness, if more members were like this, the guild would be much more successful!

Hmm. I don’t think it’d be safe for me to do another run of a dungeon today.

“Now, Ennil, I know you might be still coming off from the high of your first capture but remember what I said.”

“Of course, Chatot! I wasn’t planning on doing another expedition today anyways.”

…

It’s storming. I quite enjoy the noise.

“Hey, Ennil?”

“What is it?”

“Do you… remember anything from your past yet?”

…Well. Things have already deviated, so if I just loosely follow the guidelines, I could still make it. And, it'd be nice to confide in someone just a bit. Even still...

“A few. But none of them are good.”

“Well, do you wanna talk about it?”

Please, this is just going to hurt even more when I have to do something regrettable.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Shalvy. It’s a dark concept.”

“You helped me find bravery today, I’ll listen to whatever you have to say, it’s the least I could do!”

“…Alright. I remember…”

…

Sure enough, the kid was terrified of my vague descriptions of the future world.

“But don’t tell anyone.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know how I got here, and someone might be trying to get me!”

The first part is true. I might remember a lot of things, but post-game plot I always skipped through a bit. It’ll still pay well to have an idea of what’s going to happen.

“Then I’ll protect you! That’s what friends are for, right?”

“…Right.”

…

“Hey, Ennil. Are you still awake?”

“Yeah?”

“What you described keeps replaying in my mind. A-and it does scare me, but…”

“I’ll keep going, you don’t have to worry about me.”

“Oh, thanks. Shalvy.”

It was clear by their voice that Ennil wasn’t fully asleep, but not awake either, maybe he could use this opportunity to ask if…

“H-hey, Ennil? It’s a bit embarrassing, but would you mind if we…”

A,, cuddle?? Mmsure, scooch scooch,..,.,,,

They moved over? Great! He meandered over to his exploration partners’ bed and settled in, feeling comfortable.

Yes. Despite being a workaholic, nearly the opposite of Shalvy, they’ve been a really good friend. It’s like having another sibling!

“Goodnight, Ennil.” “Night…”

…

There it is! A time gear!

Alright, He’s got the escape route planned out, he’s gotten everything needed.

It’s the first of many, and it’ll cause a whole lot of pain to the world right now.

But if it means saving the world from the future to come, he’ll have to keep going.

CRACK!

Alright, now to run!

[ravs6709]

Close Your Eyes (You're Safe With Me) - Seolhyuk

Word count: 3.7k words

Read on ao3 here!

*gestures vaguely* 2nd regression seolhyuk! or an attempt at it, at least. been like 3 months since i was able to actually start and finish something, feels so nice to be able to put something out! i originally started this as a The 2nd Regression fic start to finish and then decided partway i didn't feel like doing that anymore so it's just seolhyuk growing closer

also it's a sentinel/guide au because holy shit the potential for intimacy and vulnerability stored in it is SOOOOOO

warnings: nudity (but in a non-sexual way)

Anyways, enjoy!

•~•~•~•~•~•

There were two things in the world that Yoo Joonghyuk knew for a fact. The first was that he was a Regressor: a person granted the ability to restart should anything go wrong. While he only remembered one regression, there had been another life before it. He could feel the lack of memories weighing on him, knowing he had gone through the hellish scenarios before. Those missing memories were simply ignored; Yoo Joonghyuk was a Regressor, and that was all that mattered.

The second was that he was a sentinel. Not just any sentinel, he was a powerful one-- the dokkaebis and even a few weak constellations described him as such. Great battle instincts, superhuman senses; these traits were what allowed him to move on through the scenarios. Yoo Joonghyuk watched as other people envied him, wishing that they had also been born a sentinel like him rather than a guide or nothing at all, or that their instincts were as strong as his.

There was a third thing that Yoo Joonghyuk knew, and it was a weakness. Having senses like his meant that they were harder to control, and fighting in the scenarios where people were dying meant he had to rein himself in, or else he would drop. For Yoo Joonghyuk, dropping was a death sentence. Most sentinels had a guide by their side to help ease them so they could keep fighting.

Yoo Joonghyuk did not have a guide, because he was unable to be guided.

He had tried, but the first guide to try had gotten lost in his head and died. After that, he focused on the guide's mental state and was able to stop the next dozen from losing themselves in the same way. Because of that, not a single guide was able to ease his mind.

So Yoo Joonghyuk learned to keep himself in control. Strong senses kept on a tight leash, he was the epitome of self-control. Everything was kept inside of a box…

…until it was ready to burst.

The scenario was difficult, he had lost Lee Jihye in the scenario before and grief had clawed his heart, scarring it. Still, he had to keep fighting. But that box kept getting scratched, again and again and again, until it could no longer hold back everything he felt.

His senses exploded, all at once, and his body shut down in a drop. He wasn't able to avoid the blade that pierced his heart.

That was the end of Yoo Joonghyuk's first regression.

When Yoo Joonghyuk woke up in the subway car, he covered his ears, still sensitive to the chatter. Similar to the last time, when the scenarios began, he disarmed the terrorist and killed him. The train car quickly became a bloodbath.

Now that he'd gone through the beginning the first time, he would use that routine to reorient himself.

•~•~•~•~•~•

"Captain, watch out!"

He could hear someone calling out to him in the back of his mind, the noises of the world a very faint buzzing. He felt a mild sting in his abdomen, his vision too blurry to see what he was supposed to watch out for.

This sensation was familiar. He remembered feeling like this at the end of his first regression.

"Yoo Joonghyuk."

Perhaps this was the end—

"Yoo Joonghyuk, stay alive."

He felt a pair of his hands slowly grasp his head.

"No," he tried murmuring, the weight of his tongue heavy as lead.

The hands at his temple—they were a guide's. There were no guides on his team, he hadn't met Shin Yoosung in this regression yet. Someone must have found him, and they didn't know that—

"Let go of your mind, Yoo Joonghyuk."

•~•~•~•~•~•

When Yoo Joonghyuk opened his eyes, he wasn't in the subway train. Everything was white around him, but he found that it wasn't as grating to his eyes as he would've expected it to be.

"Yoo Joonghyuk," an unfamiliar voice called out. 

He turned around and was met with an American woman.

"I am Anna Croft," the woman greeted. "I guided your mind."

The name rang familiar. A famous incarnation in the United States, if he recalled correctly. If that was the case, how did she guide—

"I have a skill that allows me to visit someone while they are unconscious."

"You are still in America?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Then—"

"I am like you, Yoo Joonghyuk."

Like him… she was—

"Not a regressor. But like you, I am also aware of what has happened in the previous round. I am capable of gifting my memories to my next self. I am also a prophet, I can see the future."

A prophet. A person who could see the future. 

"You foresaw this meeting?"

"I foresaw your death, so I prevented it."

Someone like her could be useful.

"No one has ever guided me before."

"I know. You are not a very open person, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi. But as a Regressor, you are very important, so I decided to save you.”

“Save me,” he said flatly. 

“You must be wondering about your mind. I’ve guided it, but not completely, since I’m not physically here, this is just your unconsciousness. I hope that it will last you for a while, since I can not afford to use up my power and time wasting it on you.”

A guide who could help him without being physically present? Anna Croft had to be a powerful guide.

He nodded. He nearly said thank you, but realized it was pointless. “I will repay you for saving me.”

“I’ll take you up on that. Pray that we do not need to meet again too soon.”

•~•~•~•~•~•

Whatever Anna Croft had done with his mind, it had worked. His mind was clearer than ever as he began progressing through the scenarios, gathering flags in the fight for the Absolute Throne. Once he sat on it, all the guides gathered before him.

They told him about the Disaster meteorites, and how to best deal with the Disasters. The Disaster of Hellfire, Water, and Ice all went down with relative ease. When he arrived at the meteorite containing the Disaster of Questions, he noticed a small group of eight or so resting nearby it.

"This meteorite contains a Disaster," Yoo Joonghyuk said.

A woman stepped out from the crowd—their leader, most likely. She had pure white hair, just like Kim Namwoon. The hair colour was the biggest similarity between the two: Kim Namwoon was more lean, and didn't carry himself with the same elegance that this woman did.

"We are aware. We intended to fight them ourselves. Just because you are the Ruler, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi, does not mean that only you are entitled to all the scenarios rewards."

Her words and tone were polite, but Yoo Joonghyuk could hear a faint sharpness, a hint of poison.

He activated [Sage's Eye] and read through her information. Lee Seolhwa, her name was. She was a guide. Her sponsor was Guam Divine Doctor. A doctor with the ability to heal, but also able to poison others. Lee Seolhwa was a wild card, with that [Thousand Spirit's Poison].

"I will allow your group to contribute," he said. "But you must follow my instructions."

Lee Seolhwa raised an eyebrow. "Is that an order, Supreme King?"

"The Disaster in there is known as the Disaster of Questions. He gains power by asking questions. There is a way to kill him early, and I am the only one who has the skill necessary to do so."

Lee Seolhwa didn't look convinced. "The Star Stream appears to prioritize people who have dealt the last blow. It is unfair to the rest of us."

"30,000 coins. I'll offer that from the scenario reward." 

"50,000."

"I could order you all to stand down. I could give you nothing," he said coldly.

She didn't back down from his gaze. "You could, but will you?"

…damn it. On one hand, she was getting in his way, and it was better if he just used the order. On the other hand, he was familiar with how it felt to use it. As useful as it was, it was best to use in moderation.

"Fine. 40,000 coins."

"I'll accept that." Lee Seolhwa ordered her group to stand aside, and Yoo Joonghyuk took care of the Disaster.

•~•~•~•~•~•

Knowing what he knew about the sixth scenario, he found that having a healer would be useful.

"In the next scenario, I will be taking myself, Lee Jihye, Kim Namwoon, Lee Hyunsung, Shin Yoosung, and Lee Seolhwa."

The meeting was one for Kings. Lee Seolhwa wasn't a King, but she was resourceful enough to ensure that she'd be present at the meeting regardless, even if it meant temporarily poisoning the guards.

She turned to him with wide eyes. He didn't meet her gaze. There was no point, not when he needed to leave and make preparations. As he exited the tent, a hand caught his arm.

"Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi, what is this?"

"I thought you wanted to be involved more in the scenario."

"Why did you choose me?" 

"Your healing abilities will be useful." He shook his arm out of her grip and left.

•~•~•~•~•~•

Lee Seolhwa was talented. That, she made clear again and again. She had her own group that she helped lead, but as the scenarios passed, she became more integrated into his own group.

Not only that…

Lee Seolhwa's hand rested against the base of his neck, and he could feel some of the tension loosen.

She wasn't like Anna Croft—who, unfortunately, saved his life once more, a debt he could sense building up—and she couldn't stop his drop once it started, but, unlike any other incarnation, she was able to prevent it from getting to that point.

"I've always been told I have a soothing presence," she'd told him, braiding Yoo Mia's hair.

Mia was starting to grow into a Sentinel, and now needed to learn how to control her own senses just as he had. It seemed like she was able to be guided just fine. Perhaps his own inability to be guided by most Guides had something to do with him being a Regressor?

"Or perhaps being a med school graduate contributes to it?" Lee Seolhwa continued. 

He couldn't help but notice that Mia, always picky about who kept her company, had been oddly silent. Her eyes were closed, a relaxed smile on her face. He was sure that she'd start praising 'Seolhwa-unnie' soon enough.

Yoo Joonghyuk turned away from the sight. "Thank you," he'd murmured.

"You get tense easily, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi," she said, her fingers drifting up to rest in his hair. Part of him wanted to tear her hand away, but the other part of him wanted to lean into the cool touch.

A foolish thing to want. He was a Regressor, and someone like him was not allowed to crave comfort like this. The fact that his senses had been more in control lately was a blessing, but it'd be a curse to rely on a Guide too much.

"There is no relaxing when it comes to the scenarios."

•~•~•~•~•~•

Scenario thirty one. He'd managed to make it further than his previous regression. The furthest he'd gotten, and yet, it seemed like this round would end here. Piercing white and yellow light flashed all over the place, and high pitched ringing echoed in his ears. The Star Stream, it was always trying to find the best ways to weaken an incarnation. The strongest of sentinels could only do so much with their sensitivity. Lee Jihye, Kim Namwoon, and Lee Hyunsung had all had to back down because they nearly dropped; Lee Seolhwa and Shin Yoosung were currently trying to calm down. As for Yoo Joonghyuk, he kept fighting.

Hands yanked him sideways, and he hadn't even registered that he'd stopped running. He could feel his body being dragged behind a pillar. “Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi, stay with me,” Lee Seolhwa said, her soft voice loud as bells.

His vision blurred, and yet, he found that his eyes could almost focus on Lee Seolhwa’s form. White… that had always been his least favourite colour. Such a glaring shade, and yet, amongst all the flashing colours, the white of Lee Seolhwa’s hair was possibly the softest thing he’d ever seen.

Cold hands cupped his cheeks, through his hair, down his neck, to his hands, they grasped at every bit of exposed skin.

"Lee Seolhwa," he rasped out, "you won't be able to…"

"Do not underestimate me," she said, and he could feel her prodding in his mind.

All Yoo Joonghyuk could do was close his eyes and lean into her embrace.

•~•~•~•~•~•

When Yoo Joonghyuk opened his eyes, he was in a hospital bed. Lee Seolhwa was slumped in a chair, her hand holding his, warmth flowing from his hand, to his heart, dulling any sense of worry.

She looked uncomfortable, hair messy around her face in a way that wasn't common. She tended to correct Kim Namwoon on his posture, and yet at the moment, hers was worse.

"Lee Seolhwa," he called out, rubbing his thumb along her wrist, feeling her pulse.

Slow and steady, a soothing beat that he learned to become familiar with. He let his senses tune everything else out, vaguely read over any scenario details. It'd been completed, and it seemed that his team had been able to recover enough to land the killing blow on the monster.

"Lee Seolhwa," he called out again, gently stirring her awake.

(If he happened to continue clinging on to her touch, that was only to stabilize himself.)

"Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi," she murmured, her eyes fluttering open. He watched as awareness sunk in, her gaze darting to their joined hands. 

"Ah, sorry, I must have fallen asleep…" she pulled her hand away, pink dusting her cheeks, but he held on to it.

"It's…" not a problem, it felt nice, "...fine," he finished. "How do you feel?"

"I'm the doctor, I should be asking you that."

"I feel fine," he said, telling the truth. "It must have taken a toll on you." That much was obvious, Lee Seolhwa didn't sleep as much as she tried to convince the others too, and her face was paler than usual. "There was no need to risk yourself."

"You can't rely on Anna Croft-ssi for everything," Lee Seolhwa replied. "I know that my abilities as a Guide do not compare to hers, but I still deem it my responsibility to care for—" she cut herself off, looking away, "my patients. I would hate it, if you died and I didn't even try to save you."

"I…" he trailed off, not knowing what to say in response. The hand that felt cool in his now seemed to burn, but still, he didn't pull away. "I will continue to need you in the future, so do not overwork yourself." Even he couldn't bring himself to look at her.

"I'll take care of myself better, then," Lee Seolhwa murmured, the thrum of her pulse echoing in his ears.

He nodded.

•~•~•~•~•~•

"Captain!" Lee Jihye said, "Kim Namwoon wants a day off!"

"You—" Kim Namwoon shoved Lee Jihye, "you're the one who suggested it!"

"Day off granted," he told them, "You've both worked hard."

They both beamed, high-fiving each other. While they went to go fight each other or whatever it was they planned to do, Yoo Joonghyuk started preparing lunch.

"Need help?" Lee Seolhwa asked, standing beside him and taking hold of a frying pan to toss the vegetables.

He always preferred cooking on his own. "That will be appreciated."

She was silent as she aided him, chopping vegetables as he cooked. Silent and efficient, she didn't make small talk, creating a peaceful atmosphere. 

"Thank you," he said, as he served plates for everyone.

She nodded, smiling softly. He gave a half-smile back. After cleaning up, he took his sword and practiced. As he practiced, he sensed a presence come and sit down on the grass nearby.

"What are you doing?" Yoo Joonghyuk asked Lee Seolhwa.

She was laying down on a picnic blanket. "Don't mind me, you continue. The field is full of flowers I haven't seen, so I'm going to see if I can figure out any medicinal properties."

He nodded, and continued training. Just like earlier, she kept quiet as he trained, occasionally humming a soft tune every once in a while. She tried not to draw attention, yet he found that his senses would hone in on her anyway.

A distraction. She was a distraction. Every once in a while, he could feel her staring at him, her gaze searing his skin. But still… he couldn't find it in him to have her leave.

"Is there something you need?" He asked, once he put his sword away.

"You're as hardworking as always, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi," Lee Seolhwa replied. "Shouldn't you relax like the others? You've worked hard too."

"I cannot afford to let my guard down so easily."

"Don't you think this is why your Drops are so severe?" Lee Seolhwa asked. "If you don't want me to overwork myself guiding you, you have to make sure you don't get in that position in the first place. I don't know much about swordfighting or it's techniques, but even I could tell that your posture had been stiff."

"What are you suggesting?"

"A massage, if you'd like."

"A massage," he said blandly.

"A way to relax. Only if you want to. I have no ulterior intentions."

Obviously, he trusted her to not do something harmful to him. Still, a massage meant laying still, focusing on nothing but the feeling of her hands on him. He was no stranger to her touch when she guided him, hands against his face, but they were always for the express purpose of guiding him.

(He ignored the feeling of having woken up, her hand in his.)

"Where… do you intend to massage me?"

Lee Seolhwa looked at him with an indecipherable look. "However much you wish. I could keep it at just stroking your hair, or I could give you a full body massage, or anywhere in between. I wouldn't go past the boundaries you set."

You've long gone past my boundaries, Yoo Joonghyuk thought. He didn't say those words though, because he found that he didn't mind it when she did.

"Fine. Do what you want."

Her eyes widened. "Oh, like right now?"

"When else?"

He picked up the flowers that she'd been examining earlier while she picked up her notebooks and the blanket she'd been laying on. They went back to their base, and he took a quick shower while she packed her things away.

"You didn't need to put back on your clothes, you know," she said to him when he entered the room. "Won't you be taking them off again anyways?"

He didn't reply, instead he slowly slipped off his trenchcoat, then his shirt. Being shirtless in front of others wasn't an issue, he often trained like that, but his hands hesitated when they reached the belt of his pants.

"You don't have to, you know," she assured him.

He could feel her gaze on him, trying not to push too much, but ironically, it was that that emboldened him to continue. Once his pants were taken off, he laid down on the bed, and he could sense as she sat down, her hands sliding into his hair.

This was for the sake of guiding him, he told himself, but he found himself less and less convinced every time he thought that. He wouldn't have asked this of Anna Croft—the more skilled Guide of the two. His clothes taken off as if he were taking off armor, he exposed every delicate weak point to someone else. This kind of vulnerability, he could only ask of this from Lee Seolhwa. He closed his eyes, barely resisting a shiver when he felt her nails lightly scrape against his scalp.

“Shh, relax, Joonghyuk-ssi.”

Was it her words? Her low, soft tone? Her cool hands drifting to the nape of his neck? Her mental strength slowly chipping away at his mental walls? The fact that she'd omitted his last name? 

Whatever it was, his breath had hitched. If Lee Seolhwa had noticed, she said nothing, and continued on. She pressed down on his shoulder blades, hands gliding across the muscles on his back. She stilled.

"Is this a new scar?" she asked, her finger delicately tracing a line on his back. "I don't recall treating you for an injury here."

"Sub-scenario," he replied. "The injury wasn't that bad."

"You should've come to me, regardless." When he didn't say anything, she continued, "don't assume I'm too busy to treat you."

…he hadn't even said anything, and yet, she could read him so easily.

Her hands moved to his shoulders, his arms, squeezing the tension out of them. She shifted focus to just one arm as they reached his wrist, thumbing against his pulse. Her fingers gently massaged his palm, his fingers, and—

He sucked in a breath. He couldn't see her face, but she could feel a soft warmth against his palm, the feeling of her lips. He could feel the exact moment she froze. 

"I'm so sorry, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi!" she dropped his hand, and he could feel the weight on the bed shift as if we were to get up.

"Lee Seolhwa," he said, and she stilled. "I do not mind." He itched to turn his face and look at hers, but he could feel his own face burn, so he kept his head where it was. "You may… continue."

He could feel her heartbeat, loud in his ears, not in time with his own heartbeat, but joining it, a beautiful melody that he could hear.

"Okay," she breathed, holding his other hand reverently. He could hear her quickening breaths, feel the way her hand trembled.

He let his mind wander, drifting, as it sought out her presence and her presence only, reducing his broad sense of the world to the building, the floor, the room, the two of them. A tiny warmth bloomed in his chest, delicate like a flower, and he knew he wanted to cherish this, keep it.

He'd have to be careful, and fight harder to protect this. But for now?

Yoo Joonghyuk let himself relax.

•~•~•~•~•~•

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[synonymroll648]

Whoops accidentally hit 600 words ah well these things happen. I have decided to snippet you with sophitz (angst? fluff? both??) enjoy :)

Sophie tapped her fingers against her laptop keyboard, trying to figure out the best way to phrase her conclusion. Gerard Way screaming through her headphones was not much helping, but she didn’t have the heart to shut them up. Her mind kept wandering back to Keefe and Fitz and the whole soulmate shenanigan.

She kind of wanted to cut her finger off and forget romance was even a thing. But alas, that would probably hurt, and she sort of liked romance. Just not all the drama that it happened to come with.

Fitz opened her door and stepped into her room. Sophie heard a vague hint of Marella’s voice, and she paused her music (sorry Gerard) and took off her headphones.

“You can’t just come in here,” Sophie said.

“I’ve been knocking for a while,” Fitz said. “Can I come in?”

“You already have,” Marella said. “Let me guess. You want to speak to Sophie alone.”

“If you don’t mind.”

“No one wants me,” she sighed dramatically. Sophie laughed.

“I’m sure your girlfriend wants you, go hang with her,” she said. Marella perked up.

“If I’m not back within an hour assume I’m sitting at her table for dinner,” Marella said, blowing them both a kiss and leaving. Fitz watched her go before turning back to Sophie.

“Before you say anything, do you know how to write a good conclusion?” she asked him.

“Yeah, I’ll give you pointers later.” Fitz sat down on Marella’s bed and looked at the ceiling behind Sophie. “Have you ever been in love?”

Sophie coughed. “Wow. Unexpected. Um. Why?”

He shrugged.

“Do you… think you might be in love with someone?”

Another shrug.

Sophie stared at him. He looked… quite sad. Like he sort of wanted to be anywhere but here. Whether “here” was Sophie’s room or the uni or the world in general.

“…is it Keefe?”

Fitz’s eyes flickered towards her in terror, but moved away again almost as quickly.

“Hey,” Sophie said quietly, standing up and moving closer to comfort him. Fitz’s right arm immediately shot upwards to shield his face, and his entire position adjusted, poised for an incoming attack.

Sophie stepped away immediately, holding up her arms as if in surrender. “Sorry, sorry—“

“Don’t be,” he said. “It’s not your fault—“

“—I don’t want to overstep—“

“—you’re fine, I just—“

“—I can give you some time alone—“

“No, stay.”

Sophie looked at the desperation in Fitz’s eyes.

“Please.”

Sophie nodded. “Do you want me to stay here or sit there or—“

“Here’s fine.”

Sophie sat on Marella’s bed and watched Fitz calm himself down. A barely-heard “thank you” passed his lips.

“You don’t have to talk,” she said quietly. “We can just… sit here. The wall looks especially nice this time of day.”

Fitz smiled, the beauty of his face dampened slightly from the tears leaking out of his closed eyes. He leaned back against the wall and started trying to regulate his breathing.

Sophie wanted to tell him. She and Fitz and Keefe had made that unspoken agreement to talk about the soulmate stuff with each other the moment anything of importance came up, and a fat crush on Fitz was probably something of importance. But this moment… it was perfect. She didn’t want to screw that up.

So she just laced their hands together, closed her eyes, and let her mind go.

dude!!! this is so !!!!!! sophie listening to mcr?? fitz and sophie stumbling super hard in trying to respect each other's boundaries but continuing to try anyway?? the fact that this isn't just sokeefitz but a fucking sokeefitz SOULMATE AU????? YESYESYESYESYES. LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS <333 if you ever post this please tag me omg

-

It’s a shame that Fitz is so pretty it’s tragic. Tragic for Keefe, because he’s the most stubborn person he knows, and yet the way that the muted skies of dawn and glow of the pool lights paint over Keefe’s resistance with adoration. Adoration for how he’d come out here at 5 in the morning to hang out with Keefe, adoration for how he’s clearly tired but trying not to show it, adoration for the curls that are a little more messed up than usual - like he’d just rolled out of bed. Adoration for-