#anyway i might go blind 😭😭😭😭😭

[guinevereslancelot]

trying not to worry too much until i see the cornea specialist but just thinking abt not being able to see my kitty's sweet little face anymore is so heartbreaking 😭

[cerulean-sims]

the lovestruck pack is the most fun ive had with sims in ages

[cinnabeat]

i shouldve stopped being stubborn and just looked shit up ages ago tbh

[literaila]

if satoru and reader would have a baby in the future... i cannot imagine the process of them making one 😭 i feel like they'd just sit on their bed, looking at each other awkwardly

"so... what now?"

they are in love you know—

“mmm, no,” you whisper, curling into satoru’s side. your head is a bit light, and your eyes feel… soft, too far gone to come back.

“i’ll be right back,” satoru says, but he makes no effort to unclasp your fingertips from him, or plot an escape.

no, rather, satoru likes it right here. right next to you, with your skin hot enough to keep both of you warm. even without the blankets.

he likes you slightly panting, hair sticking to your head, limbs lithe and immovable.

he loves you so much, it’s almost unbearable. it’s almost painful—too feel this close to another person, to be right with them.

“sleeping.”

“you need some water. and i’m all sticky.”

“who’s fault is that?” you mumble, digging your nose into his arm. it’s not very comfortable, too hard, too muscly.

still, you don’t move away. only burrow yourself even further into him—the muscles make it better, you think, amiss the other love-drunk thoughts.

“not mine.”

“yours.”

“i’ll just be gone a second,” he whispers, rubbing a hand down your side, trailing it back up the slope of your body. his fingers are so smooth, scarily soft for a sorcerer. “you won’t even notice.”

“i’m cold.”

“you’re definitely not cold.”

“you’re supposed to take care of me,” you whine, pushing his hand off.

satoru laughs. “i’m trying. just let me.”

“go to sleep, satoru,” you reach a blind hand up to his head, pushing. “lay down.”

“do you need a snack too? i think we’ve got some cut up fruit. or some crackers? how are you feeling?”

“why are you so annoying?”

“you’re the one who’s always going on and on about aftercare and being considerate and—“

“well, after i don’t care,” you attempt to bite his forearm when he pulls away. “cuddle me.”

“i will. you need to get up and use the bathroom too.”

you feign a snore, rolling over to bury your face in the pillow.

it smells like satoru—sweet and unnerving, somehow—and sweat. you wince and flip over.

when you open one eye. satoru is already staring down at you, rolling his shoulders and messing with his hair.

his smile is sickly. his eyes somehow dimmer, but gleaming right at you.

like you’ve lowered his volume, calmed his soul for just this moment. you’ve tamed the beast.

the thought almost makes you laugh aloud.

“please don’t look at me,” you tell him, closing that very same eye. “it makes me nauseous. especially with your freaky eyes.”

“you’re so beautiful.”

you can feel yourself heating up again, unwilling to be coerced into his schemes. you’ve tamed him—not the other way around. satoru has no saying power here.

you shake your head. “i said, don’t look.”

“can’t help it,” satoru whispers, and he’s leaning over you now, one knee as his support while he hovers over you.

satoru kisses your lips, quick and smooth, soft and completely perfect. you want to sigh into him. you want to breathe every breath with his oxygen, want to fall completely into him until you reach rock bottom.

“seriously,” satoru’s voice is too warm, too comforting. “how are you feeling?”

“tired. sore…” you pause, leaning up to kiss him again. luckily, satoru relents, though you can hear the furrow of his brows. “happy.”

your eyelashes flutter and you can feel his grin. he kisses up the side of your head, humming.

“i’ll bring you some pain tablets. i’ll be right back, okay? and then i’ll walk you to the bathroom.”

“such a gentleman.”

“the gojo clan raised me right,” he goads, and you laugh into the bare skin of his shoulder.

“i raised you right,” you correct, hugging him just like this. you might feel like any sudden movement couls collapse your bodies entire foundation, but satoru has always made you push past your own limits.

you would mold your skin to his if you weren’t so tired. you just might do it anyway.

“you have,” he murmurs, just as love-drunk as you. you can hear it in his voice. “you’re a good teacher.”

“i know.”

“good mom, too.”

you lean back, giving him a soft smile. “yeah?”

“the best,” he kisses the edge of your nose. “you’re going to make the most beautiful baby.”

you try to hide your face in his neck, feeling too close, too hot when he’s right there. but satoru doesn’t let your eyes escape his. “so are you.”

“well, obviously.”

you laugh, and satoru’s teeth almost clash with yours—that’s how hard he’s smiling.

“one second, okay?”

“okay.”

“you’ll wait for me?”

“i’ll wait.”

“don’t fall asleep,” satoru tells you, somewhat of a command. but the three words sound a lot more fond, a lot more intimate to you—

i love you, he says, like he hasn’t already it a dozen times tonight. like it’s more than the hundreds of sweet nothings he already wrote on your skin.

and you wait for him to come back, sore, and tired, and so unbelievably happy.

[mariaxman]

Hello!

Might I request a romantic fluff fanfic for Hank McCoy and a Gender Neutral reader? Maybe just some morning cuddles?

BEAST X READER

Resume: your husband tries to sneak away on his day off. How dare he!

A/N: I Kinda lost track, there’s still cuddle but it’s not only that😭

The soft glow of the early morning sun creep trough the blinds, hitting the back of your head. You were woken up by Hank sloooowly trying to slide out of bed. You hum lowly and curl in on yourself, wrapping an arm over your husband, clinging onto Hank like your life depended on it. It wasn’t even 7 AM yet and he was trying to get out of bed!

‘’Mh.. hon, stay here..’’

You mumble groggily, wrapping your legs around his furry waist

‘’I need to get to work, my dear’’

He whispers in your ear with a peck to the cheek.

‘’Can’t you stay just a while longer? It’s not even 7 yet..’’

You hum against his neck. Hank sighs, wrapping his arms around you in a loving embrace, while you cling to him like a koala.

‘’I guess I can, can’t I?’’

You smile and finally open your tired eyes, resting your chin on his chest to look up at him

‘’Why were you even trying to get up so early anyways? It’s Sunday. You don’t work on Sunday’’

Beast swipes a thumb across your cheek to push away a stray lock of hair.

‘’It is a force of habit I suppose, my love’’ you chuckle and hold his hand, intertwining your fingers together

‘’Well, you’ll need to break it someday’’ he hums and rest his chin atop your head when you nuzzle yours to his chest. You eyes flutter closed with a content sigh

‘’Go to sleep, hon..’’

Your husband mutters in your hair

‘’I will if you promise you won’t sneak away to your lab if I do’’

The man let’s put a chuckle and cuddles you closer.

‘’I promise’’

<33

[etheries1015]

I CANT STOP CACKLING AT LILIA AND THE SILLY STORIES OF HOW HE RAISED SILVER 😭😭 It made me wonder about Lilia raising a child he has with you, and how you react to his parenting tactics...

Lilias dorm card spoilers underneath <3

aldskfjal;siej the way that even sebek looks at Silver like "How..did you make it this far?" And Silver equally as confused as he is. And when he gave the bat milk directly from the jug, it sounds like the bat basically took a bath in it... Something similar happening to Silver. Ugh I love this family, they are so chaotic it's hilarious. How Silver and Sebek know more about the technicalities it's actually amusing, esspecially Silver, who grew up with Lilia's parenting skills... I like to assume MC had no clue this took place, and came in blind to his antics once they decided to have a child of their own...

MC- Lilia.

Lilia- oh isn't our darling baby the cutest?!

MC- Lilia, you cannot spoon-feed her real food yet. W...where did you get that food?

Lilia- I made it while you were bathing!

MC- ...And I see she also needed a diaper change? what's with the..paper towels?

Lilia- Oh, right. It appears we ran out of diapers! I had to improvise. I'm quite proud of myself how it turned out, really!

MC, sighing- We might have to start investing in reusable diapers if this keeps up...

Lilia- Reuseable?

MC- Yes, reus- Lilia! Put the spoon down, she is too little to feed off of solid foods! *mumbling* much less be able to stomach your cooking...

Lilia- It is not solid! It may appear that way, but I was certain to blend it into a milky consistency.

MC, eyeing the food curiously- ...Huh, you're right. Well, you can't feed her this anyway. She should be having milk right now

Lilia- I assure you it's much healthier and more nutritious than milk- ah...do not look at me like that my dear, remember I am a child-rearing veteran! ...

MC- ...

Lilia- ....

Lilia- I will go get the milk~ No need to glare at me as such. You know, raising children shouldn't be so black and white! Sometimes you need to improvise~

MC- ...Uh huh... anyways. I'm going to get changed to go out to the store and grab a few things. Can you handle her?

Lilia- Of course I can! Your questions wound me~ Do not worry your little head. I am well versed in how to raise a human child!

-moments later-

MC- Alright. Why is my baby cover head to toe in milk.

Lilia- Isn't she just the cutest sight to see? I handed her the mug and she practically poured it all over herself! What a silly little girl.

MC- ...Where's her diaper?

Lilia- Ah! The paper towel seems to have dissolved with the amount of milk soiling it... A shame. I was proud of how well It turned out.

MC, sighing and shaking their head with a smile and turning to the kitchen table- Can you keep an eye on them while I go to the store?

Silver, nodding- Of course.

MC- How...how did you manage to make it this far?

Silver- ...often times a mystery to me as well, but I am thankful I am still here.

MC, laughing and turning back to Lilia, who is giving the second mug of milk to his daughter- Ah...what charm you have, my lovely husband. I will return soon.

Lilia gives you a kiss and you head off, with a bright smile on your lips. What a silly fae...but you know things will turn out alright.

[maxlarens]

okay i’m feeling especially crazy about this concept but imagine like reader having her pr relationship going on and being pissed at george and during qualifying or free practice or even a race, george is halfway through telling her something (maybe telling her something about pace, or what max had been complaining about on the track) and she just goes “no radio!” and cuts him off. i just KNOW george would be so offended cause why would you do that?? i’m supposed to help you why would you do that

ugh yes eve. i love when they're messy it's too good too perfect. okay let's say free practice because i imagine that they have like clear cut rules about arguing during quali especially. and during races they keep it to arguing about race strategy only no petty disagreements allowed😭 but free practice is a free for all and reader takes full advantage of that.

like please they've just had a weird fight/argument where nothing has actually been said, but george is bothered by her pr boyfriend hanging around hospitality and she's annoyed having to pretend she likes her pr boyfriend. and when she gets in the car they're not making eye contact or doing any of their standard pre track rituals. so everyone can tell somethings up😭

and hmm okay, not gonna write a full drabble but here's a little bit of something. not exactly exactly what u were saying because i didn't want to just repeat it. hope u like it tho🥰

The car is shit. The car is so shit.

The wheel is pulling whenever you take a corner and you feel like you're on a roller coaster with the way it's rattling. At this point, it feels like the floor might just drop out from under you. Land on the track and cause a red flag.

You wouldn't be surprised, honestly. It might even be helpful, might stop the rest of the grid from getting valuable practice time in⏤

You veer into the gravel as you take a corner, swear loudly to yourself and force the car back onto asphalt. It takes far more effort than it should, you're fighting the car. It shouldn't be like this. It should glide. It should be smooth. It has been smooth.

You're not sure what's going on.

The garage need to know... George needs to know.

Ugh. George.

Plainly, you're annoyed at him.

George and his loaded looks and pointed comments about safety and that head of prince curls and a line of straight white teeth⏤ okay, you're not supposed to be letting your thoughts go there⏤ it's just difficult to stop them, even if he's being a total arse about your not-boyfriend. Who the fuck is George to say that you're not allowed personal guests? You're the driver! He's your engineer.

Derek can go wherever he pleases as far as you're concerned. Just as long as it's not too close to you.

The car pulls. You swear.

The radio crackles, startling you just as you get the car off gravel.

"Verstappen says you were impeding."

You laugh, sharp, short, humourless at the sound of George's clipped voice, at the irony of you impeding anyone but yourself right now, "Impeding. Ha! Good one."

"It was through turn⏤"

"The car's a piece of shit," you bite, cutting him off, "I can't get it out of the gravel, never mind stop myself from impeding Verstappen."

"Keep that off the radio," he scolds.

You roll your eyes, wrangle a turn like you're wrangling a wild bull, then snap,

"Okay! No radio!", and lean forward, flick the switch to turn the radio firmly off.

It's stiff, unused. There's no rule per se that says you can't turn the radio off whenever you'd like to. But it's frowned upon. You're blind if there's an emergency, a red flag, if they want you into the pits where you're heading anyway. George will be angry. Spewing.

Good.

Exactly how you want him.

i need to make one of those radio graphics that u make for them omg. anyway thank u for this eve!! ur mind!!!!

[genshinluvr]

The Star that Enchants

Pairings: Various Honkai Star Rail Men x Isekai'd!Reader

Summary: Ever since Nanook decided to tag along on your journey across the stars, the men have been tensed around the Aeon of Destruction. Nanook notices the men have taken an interest in you and have decided to test their patience and show them who you belong to. Can they blame you? It's not your fault you unknowingly enchant people easily.

Note: Man, I did not plan for this fic to be posted so late 😭 It's almost 7 AM, and the fic is finally here! I didn't fall asleep or abandon this fic. I was just easily distracted (and also had to drive my mom to work). Anyway, the fic is finally here! I hope you guys like this one despite me typing it out with no sleep at all! ;v; There are important links down below for those who want to vote regarding smuts and for those who want to be tagged in the next HSR fics :> I don't post anywhere else but on Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and on AO3 (Aaliah_exo).

Warnings: None that I know of 🤔

Word Count: 7.4k

You bury your face into your pillow, squeezing your body pillow with all your might. Oddly enough, your body pillow is very hard and not as soft as you remembered. It rumbles underneath you, causing you to groan softly, bury your face into the soft fabric of the pillowcase, and attempt to go back to sleep. Why does the pillowcase smell so good? Something brushes your hair back, rubbing your back. You furrow your eyebrows and crack your eyes open. You slowly remove yourself from your body pillow to see someone lying beside you. You rub your eyes, letting your vision adjust to the darkness of your room. 

Glowing gold eyes gaze at you with mirth. The Aeon smiles at you and brushes your messy hair away from your face. You blink at Nanook sleepily before sitting up and stretching your arms in the air while yawning. Nanook props himself up with one arm, gazing at you fondly. You let your hands fall onto your lap, staring into the dark. “Should I wake up? Or should I go back to sleep?” Who knew that Nanook was very comfortable to snuggle against.

You plop beside Nanook, turning to face the Aeon. Nanook rests his head on the pillow and caresses your face, gently brushing his thumb against the apples of your cheeks. You place your hand over his and close your eyes, fighting back another yawn. You subconsciously scoot closer to the Aeon of Destruction, burying your face into the nook of his neck. Nanook wraps his muscular arms around your waist and covers both your bodies with the blanket.

“You’re going back to sleep?” Nanook asks, running his hands up and down your back.

You nod sleepily. “The bed is comfortable, and I’m snuggling with you. It’s hard to wake up when you’re so comfortable,” you reply.

You throw your arm over his shoulder and sigh with contentment. Nanook was (reluctantly) offered a room on the Astral Express, and as you can see, Nanook decided not to stay in his room. His room was at the end of the hallway of the Passenger Cabin, which was far from where your room is located. Nanook wasn’t too pleased about it but went along with it. 

Now, every night, Nanook would sneak into your room while you were asleep just to be around you. No one knows about it, and Nanook doesn’t intend to let them know about it. Nanook would rather have them walk in on you two snuggling than him informing them about your night escapades. It’s not like you and Nanook were doing something sinful behind their backs. Nanook is just a clingy Aeon who has to be around you, or else he’ll feel like he’s going to die if you’re not near him.

Just when you’re about to fall asleep, the door to your bedroom slams open, startling you. You jolt up and look at the door to see March standing at the entrance with her hands on her hips. March steps into your room and flicks the light on. The light floods your room, blinding you and Nanook momentarily.

“Dammit, Caelus was right,” March curses.

"What do you talking about, March? Did you and Caelus have a bet over something again?" You ask, rubbing your eyes before pulling your legs to your chest. 

Nanook raises his eyebrows at March, who's sulking. Nanook turns to look at you, propping himself up on his arms. When Nanook sits up, March lets out a strained gasp, pointing at you and Nanook in horror. You weren't sure why March was pointing and looking at the both of you in horror. March blinks rapidly, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hands so hard she sees dots in her vision. March lets her hands fall to her side, trying to adjust her vision. March sighs in relief, pressing her hand against her chest.

"Whew! I thought Nanook was shirtless for a moment! It's a good thing Nanook wasn't shirtless! Or else I would've been assuming that...." March trails off, laughing sheepishly.

You raise your eyebrows at March. "Assume what, March?" You tilt your head to the side.

March clears her throat and rubs her neck with a sheepish smile. "Oh, nothing! A-Anyway! I think you two should get up now! Everyone is waiting for you two," says March.

She steps out of your room, ready to slide the door close. When you call out to her, March slides the door halfway closed and looks at you curiously as you're getting out of your bed. You straighten your clothes and walk over to the pink-haired girl, who peeks over your shoulders and narrows her eyes at the Aeon of Destruction. March quickly fixes her composure and smiles at you when you stop in front of her.

"What's up, [Y/N]?" March asks, propping her hands on her hips while leaning on one leg.

You rub your arm. "You never answered my question earlier," you say.

March stares at you blankly, her mouth agape. March tries to go through the conversations not long ago, trying to recall the question you asked her. March presses her lips into a thin line and smiles at you sheepishly.

"Can you repeat that question for me? I don't remember what you asked me," says March.

The bed behind you creaks, and footsteps get close to where you and March are standing. You turn to see Nanook, who stops behind you and grabs the door frame above you, gazing down at you and March curiously. Your face flushes at how close Nanook is standing to you. He's so close that you can feel his body heat radiating from his body. March stares at the Aeon blankly before turning to look at you.

"I was wondering if you and Caelus had a bet or something because you said something along the lines of 'dammit, Caelus was right,'" You reply, crossing your arms over your chest.

March's eyes light up, and she nods. "Ah, yes! That! Uh, well, it wasn't necessarily a bet! Caelus mentioned how he peeked into Nanook's bedroom only to see that it was empty. Caelus assumed that Nanook went to your bedroom overnight," March trails off, taking a quick look at the Aeon towering above both you and her.

You raise an eyebrow at the pink-haired girl before you. "I'm sensing a but after that sentence," you say.

March opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by chattering in the distance. You, March, and Nanook peek from your bedroom to see the trio approaching your bedroom. You sigh and close your eyes, resting your head on the door frame. You just want to go back to sleep, but your peaceful slumber is interrupted by March slamming your bedroom door open. Technically, you were already awake before March barged into your room, but you were about to go back to sleep! 

Caelus's eyes land on you, and he smiles. "Good morning, [Y/N]! How was your sleep?" asks Caelus, stopping beside March.

You smile at the silver-haired man before covering your mouth and yawning. "I slept okay! It would be nice to go back to sleep, but you know March! She will do anything to prevent me from sleeping in," you joke.

Caelus, Dan Heng, and Mr. Yang chuckle in response. March huffs and crosses her arms over her chest, sticking her nose up in the air. Knowing March and the three men, you excused yourself to get ready for the day. Nanook pushes himself off the door frame and follows after you without sparing March, Dan Heng, Caelus, and Mr. Yang a glance. The tension between them was apparent, and the five of them decided not to say anything to each other.

Mr. Yang clears his throat. "Nanook, I believe you should give [Y/N] some privacy while they change and get ready. You can get ready in your room and meet the five of us at the Parlor Car," says Mr. Yang.

Nanook turns to look at the brown-haired man, crossing his muscular arms over his chest. The Aeon doesn't reply to Mr. Yang. Instead, he looks over in your direction as you're pulling clothes out from your closet. The sudden silence caused you to look at the door with curiosity. None of them say anything to each other. They all stand there in silence, looking anywhere but at each other, aside from Nanook, who's staring at you.

You clear your throat, smiling at the quintet. "You guys can wait for me in the Parlor Car! I'll be out as soon as possible, I promise," you say, walking toward the bathroom connected to your room. 

Nanook hums aloud, grabbing your attention. "What if I want to keep you company while you're getting ready? I don't want you to be alone," Nanook says, approaching you.

Dan Heng lets out an exasperated sigh, crossing his arms over his chest and rolling his eyes at Nanook's comment. Dan Heng is no expert, but he has a feeling that Nanook is hoping to get a little intimate with you after they (he, Mr. Yang, March, and Caelus) leave your room to go to the Parlor Car. Ever since Nanook has decided to keep you and the others company during your journey across the universe, things have been tense.

Nanook has made it clear that you belong to him and only him. The Aeon of Destruction is very possessive of you, and it doesn't surprise anyone because, after all, Nanook is the one that brought you into their universe. Nanook stops before you and wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you to his chest and resting his chin on your head. He leans down and rests his head on your shoulders, peppering kisses on your neck.

"Are you two just going to stand there, or are you guys going to get ready? Sampo, Gepard, Luka, Luocha, Blade, and Jing Yuan are stopping by today," Dan Heng speaks up, narrowing his eyes at Nanook. "Let's not waste time."

Nanook slowly pulls away from you and turns to look at the visibly annoyed black-haired man. The two men stare at each other, not saying a word. You sigh and pat Nanook's arms before going to the bathroom to change. Once the bathroom door closes behind you, the quartet turns to look at one another. Nanook goes to your bed and begins organizing your bed. From fixing the pillowcases to the blankets, Nanook is distracting himself from the stares. He can feel four pairs of eyes staring holes into the back of his head as he organizes your bed. 

"Is there anything I can help you with? If not, I believe you all can wait for me and [Y/N] in the Parlor Car," Nanook says, continuing to organize and straighten your bed.

Mr. Yang clears his throat, keeping his eyes trained on the Aeon of Destruction. "We wondered what drew you toward [Y/N]. You are the reason why they're in our universe, and there has to be a reason why they're here," says Mr. Yang.

Mr. Yang was right. Nanook is the reason why you're in their universe currently. It wasn't like there was this magical portal that you stepped through, and it transported you to another dimension. Nanook fluffs your pillow and turns to look at the quartet before sitting on the edge of your bed.

"There's no explanation needed. I like [Y/N], and I want them to be with me. I can't stand being far from them. I wasn't pleased with the barrier between me and [Y/N], so I had to take it into my own hands and bring them into our world so they can be with me," Nanook replies nonchalantly, leaning back on his arms with a sigh.

Caelus purses his lips, tapping his fingers on his thighs while debating whether he should ask a particular question he has in mind or not. Seeing the Aeon of Destruction sitting on the edge of your bed after organizing your bed and fluffing your pillow was something Caelus never imagined he would witness. Nanook stares at Caelus as the silver-haired man continues to tap his fingers on his thighs, looking around the room to make sure he isn't staring at the Aeon mindlessly. 

"We know you have these strong feelings toward [Y/N], and we were wondering what you would do if there were other people that take an interest in them," Caelus says slowly.

Now looking at the Aeon of Destruction, Caelus can't help but gulp with anxiousness as the white-haired Aeon leans forward and rests his elbow on his knees. Nanook knows there are other people who have taken an interest in you, and while it would bother him, he doesn't feel jealousy in the slightest. It may be because none of these men have tried to pull something with you. Other than giving you endearing nicknames, Nanook knows he is still at an advantage compared to the other men who have feelings for you. Although this one person, in particular, is a little bit too comfortable around you.

Sampo Koski, a merchant from the underworld on Jarilo-VI. The indigo-haired man is too bold for Nanook's liking, and being in the same room as someone bold enough to touch you is something Nanook is not looking forward to dealing with. But since Nanook is with you in person, he doesn't have to worry about it as much as he would when he wasn't physically present. 

Nanook chuckles. "I have nothing to worry about. While I don't mind sharing, I believe this is the only time I won't be sharing," Nanook says.

Dan Heng scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. "And what if [Y/N]'s not interested in dating the Aeon of Destruction?" asks Dan Heng.

Nanook smirks, sizing Dan Heng up. If you weren't interested, you would've expressed it a while ago. If you weren't interested, you would've demanded the Aeon of Destruction to return you to your world. But you have yet to do any of those things. You snuggled against him and let him devour your lips when the two of you saw each other in your dreams. Heck, you woke up beside him on your bed not long ago! If you weren't interested, would you be doing any of these things with Nanook?

"If they're not interested, then they're not interested. I'm not going to force them into something they don't want to be a part of," Nanook says, looking over at the closed bathroom door. "If [Y/N] wasn't interested, then why would they be okay with waking up next to me? Wouldn't they kick me out of their room a long time ago?"

March purses her lips and looks at the three men beside her. None of them answer Nanook's question and continue to stare at the white-haired Aeon. The brown-haired man sighs, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Let's talk about this later. The Astral Express is expecting visitors very soon, and we must prepare for their presence. Let's not act up in front of our guests," Mr. Yang says, exiting your bedroom. Mr. Yang stops in his tracks and turns to look at Nanook, who's watching them blankly. "You should get ready as well. We want you to look presentable in front of the General of the Xianzhou Luofu and the Captain of the Silvermane Guard."

Nanook doesn't reply. Mr. Yang, March, Dan Heng, and Caelus walks away from your bedroom and toward the Parlor Car. Nanook lets out an exasperated sigh, gets up from your bed, and slides the door close. Once the door closes, the door to your bathroom opens, and you step out. You smile at Nanook, who sighs in relief and makes his way toward you. Nanook throws his arms over your shoulders, pulling you against his chest before kissing the top of your head. You poke Nanook's chest to grab his attention. Nanook peeks down at you while you stare at the towering Aeon.

"Are you going to change your clothes? Jing Yuan, Blade, Luocha, Sampo, Luka, and Gepard are going to be at the Astral Express soon," you say.

Nanook continues to stare at you, slowly pushing you away from him while still holding onto your hand. You look breathtaking, and Nanook can't help but feel envious. He's not envious of you. He's envious that other men will see you. You're dressed for the occasion, and Nanook doesn't want other men to ogle you like a piece of steak.

"You look beautiful, little one," Nanook murmurs, twirling you into his arms.

You giggle and wrap your arms around his waist, standing on the tip of your toes and planting a kiss on his jawlines. Nanook smiles and kisses your forehead, rubbing the small of your back. 

You snuggle against Nanook, rubbing your thumb against the fabric of Nanook's shirt. "Thank you. And you, Mister Aeon, need to get dressed and ready!" You say, poking him in the chest with a teasing smile.

Nanook lets out a fake frustrated sigh, chewing on his bottom lip. Does he have to get ready and meet the other men that have feelings for you? Nanook refuses to share you with other men. Unless they can prove that they can protect you, make you happy, and keep you safe from harm, then he will reconsider. But for now, after what had happened, Nanook doesn't think he can trust the nine men that have evident feelings for you.

You look at Nanook pleadingly, telling him to get ready. Nanook sighs and finally gives in. You and Nanook part ways at your door— you walk to the Parlor Car while Nanook goes to his room to get ready. You want to tag along with Nanook, but knowing Sampo, the indigo-haired man will track you down if he doesn't see you. You step into the Parlor Car to see the ten people waiting for your arrival.

"Gumdrop! It's good to see you again!" Sampo sobs, getting up from his seat and sprinting in your direction.

You smile at Sampo, waving at the indigo-haired man as he comes at you at rapid speed. "Hi, Sampo! It's good to see you again! How's business going—" Your sentences are cut off when the tall man tackles you into a tight hug before spinning you around.

Caelus quickly gets up from his seat and runs to where you and Sampo are standing. Caelus places his hand on Sampo's shoulders, laughing nervously while giving you an apologetic smile. Sampo puts you down after a few minutes, rubbing his neck with a cat-like smile.

Caelus clears his throat. "I know you're excited to see [Y/N] again, but please be careful. You could knock them off their feet with one swift motion," Caelus scolds the merchant.

Sampo snorts. "I think you mean ‘sweep them off their feet’! I'm pretty good at doing that," Sampo boasts, winking in your direction.

You, Sampo, and Caelus walk over to where the others are sitting. Blade, Luocha, Luka, Gepard, and Jing Yuan wave at you when you arrive at where they're sitting. You sit at an empty chair beside March and wave back at them, pulling in your seat. You made sure to save a seat for Nanook, but you weren't sure if Nanook planned on staying the entire time. Nanook wasn’t fond of being around the other nine men, and the nine men felt the same way.

"You know, Sampo, you're quite bold when it comes to [Y/N]," Luka comments, leaning back in his seat while gazing at you and Sampo with amusement.

There's no denying that out of all nine men sitting at the same table, Sampo is the only person who's bold enough to show his affection toward you. Sampo gives you a pet name and the public display of affection he shows toward you when he sees you. The man isn't afraid to express his feelings toward you, and the others weren't sure if you were entertaining Sampo by letting him be shameless about his feelings for you or if you feel the same way.

You yawn and rest your head on the top rail of the chair and close your eyes. You woke up way too soon, and now it's starting to catch up to you despite you waking up not long ago. Maybe now is the best time to ask Himeko to make you one of her coffee combinations to wake you up. The stronger, the better; you're not much of a coffee person.

"Did you not get enough sleep last night?" Gepard asks, resting his arm on the table while gazing at you worriedly. 

You open your eyes, yawn into the palm of your hands. "Not really. Plus, I woke up a little earlier before March could slam the door open to wake me up," you reply, looking over at the blond man sitting across from you.

"You look lovely today. Is there an occasion?" Jing Yuan asks, smiling at you,

Heat rushes to your face at Jing Yuan's sudden compliment. You clear your throat, smiling shyly at the General of the Xianzhou Luofu. You rub your neck, sitting up in your seat, and not going to lie, you did dress to impress. But the question is: who are you dressing up for, and who are you trying to impress exactly? 

You reply, "I thought it'd be nice to dress a little differently today. I sort of assumed once everyone arrives, we're going to stop by somewhere for breakfast."

Blade laughs aloud, crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh, did you now? I thought you prettied yourself up for a certain someone," Blade says, quirking an eyebrow at you.

Aeons. The way Blade is staring at you with his red eyes sends chills down your spine. You can't help but feel like Blade has something against you. Well, maybe not that, but there's this unspoken tension between you and Blade. You weren't sure if it was because of the first impression not long ago or if it was because Nanook favors you. Whatever the answer and reason is, you don't want to feel tense around the dark-haired man. 

Luocha glares at Blade from the other side of Jing Yuan before looking at you with a small smile. "Don't mind him, [Y/N]. Kafka chewed him out the other day. He won't say why, but it has something to do with his fellow Stellaron Hunter," says Luocha, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ah, right. Kafka. How could you forget about the stunning woman? You smile at Luocha and look away briefly with a sigh. The mood quickly died down because of the tension between you and Blade. You lean in your seat, looking elsewhere. Maybe you're just sensitive today because of your lack of sleep. Arms cage you into your seat as someone looms over your figure.

"I know I said this already, but you look beautiful today, little one," Nanook whispers, leaning in to kiss your cheeks.

You turn to look at Nanook, whose face is a few centimeters from yours. You smile at the Aeon shyly and pat the spot beside you. Before pulling the seat out beside you, Nanook glances at the other occupants from the corner of his eyes before kissing your forehead. Now sitting beside you, Nanook grabs your seat and pulls you to sit closer to him. He then drapes his arms over your shoulders, leaning back in his seat and gazing at the nine men (and March) with scrutiny.

Jing Yuan clears his throat, nodding at the Aeon of Destruction. "Nanook, it's a pleasure to meet you in person," Jing Yuan says, breaking the silence that once loomed over everyone in the Parlor Car.

Nanook grunts, nodding to the General of the Xianzhou Luofu. The nine men stare at Nanook, their gaze subconsciously darting to where Nanook has his arms draping over your shoulders. You lean against the Aeon, closing your eyes. Seeing how.... close... you are to the Aeon of Destruction left a bad taste in the nine men's mouths. Are you and Nanook possibly together by any chance?

"So, you and [Y/N] seem close! Have you two always been this close with one another since [Y/N]'s arrival to our universe?" Luocha asks, gesturing between you and Nanook.

March snorts, shaking her head. March wondered why these men were asking the questions they knew the answers to. Nanook communicated with you through your dreams. Nanook is the reason why you're in their universe at this very moment. While you are unconscious, the first being you see when out cold is Nanook. Nanook this, Nanook that. March lets out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head while slapping her forehead lightly.

"You guys are so obvious that it's painful to watch!" March exclaims. "I'm starting to get secondhand embarrassment," March sulks.

The men look away from March, their cheeks flushing to a bright red. Nanook narrows his eyes at the men sitting before you and him, shaking his head. Nanook runs his fingers through your hair, relishing the fact that he can touch you while the others can't. The thought almost brought a smile to his face. 

Nanook grabs you by your chin, tilts your head up. You open your eyes and look into Nanook's golden eyes as he stares into yours. Nanook strokes your chin with his thumb, a small smile appearing. You can feel the gaze burning holes into your body as Nanook continues to stroke your chin.

Gepard clears his throat. "Pardon my interruption, but are you two dating by any chance?" Gepard asks.

You can hear a slight strain in his voice when he asks that question. Nanook chuckles and turns to look at the silently fuming men before him, shaking his head. Nanook leans in his seat, letting his hand fall on your shoulders. Nanook nudges you to answer Gepard's question, making you jolt. You look at the men like a deer caught in headlights, tucking your hair behind your ears shyly.

You swallow the lump in your throat and shake your head. "Uh, no, we're not dating," you reply.

Luka scoffs. "Yet," says Luka. He turns to Gepard and Sampo, muttering, "That bastard claimed [Y/N] before any of us got to!"

"Anyway! What are we going to have for breakfast? Are we going to dine on the Astral Express, or are we going somewhere to have breakfast?" You ask.

Nanook chuckles beside you and rubs your arm. The nine men's eyes zeroed in on Nanook's hands, watching the Aeon display affection in front of them. The audacity. How dare the Aeon of Destruction get to show you public affection when they can't do it? Nanook has known you for as long as the nine men have, yet here he is, touching you as if you two are couples. None of the men reply, only continuing to look at Nanook's hands.

You sigh, rubbing your throbbing temples and closing your eyes. "I'm assuming we'll be having breakfast on the Astral Express then!" You say.

March laughs nervously, nodding in response. "Yep! It looks like it! Hey, [Y/N]! Do you want to get coffee with me and Himeko? You did wake up before I could enter your room!" March says, getting up from her seat.

You nod wordlessly, getting up from your seat. The men look at you and March curiously as you two get begin walking off. Before you and March can leave the Parlor Car, Pom-Pom waddles into the Parlor Car. Pom-Pom's eyes light up when he sees you before waddling toward you as fast as he possibly can.

"[Y/N]! My favorite passenger! How have you been?" Pom-Pom asks, bouncing with excitement.

You smile at Pom-Pom and pat the train conductor's head. "It's good to see you too, Pom-Pom! I've been well! How have you been, conductor?"

You, Pom-Pom, and March walk to the Passenger Cabin together, leaving the ten men alone in the Parlor Car. The tension is at an all-time high as the ten men look around the Parlor Car, trying to avoid making eye contact with each other. Who knows what will happen between these men without you and March present other than awkward stares and thick tension? Blade crosses his arms over his chest before looking at Nanook while leaning back in his seat. Bade lets out an amused hum, the corner of his lips curving up into an amused smile.

"So, Nanook, Aeon of Destruction, care to explain how a feeble mortal such as [Y/N] captured your attention?" asks Blade. "How do you become aware of their presence through a computer screen?"

Nanook stares at Blade, not saying a word. Just when the ten men didn't think the tension could get worse, it was just even more tense after Blade's question. 

Jing Yuan clears his throat, lifts his teacup to his lips, and sips. "I believe now is not a good time to interrogate the Aeon of Destruction, Blade," says Jing Yuan.

Caelus buries his face into his hands, groaning quietly. "[Y/N] and March had the worst timing in getting coffee from Himeko," mutters Caelus, peeking between his fingers.

After a few minutes of sitting in tense, awkward silence, the door of the Parlor Carbin opens, revealing you, Himeko, March, and Pom-Pom with coffee in your hands. Pom-Pom is latching to your side while you're sipping from the glass mug, commenting something to Himeko and March, making the two ladies burst out laughing. You sit beside Nanook while Himeko and March take their seats around the table.

Himeko leans in her seat, crossing her right leg over the other leg, stirring her coffee. "What did you gentlemen chat about while we were gone?" asks Himeko, tapping the spoon on the rim of the cup before sipping her coffee. 

Sampo clears his throat, looking around at the others, whose looking around the Parlor Car. Sampo props his arms on the table, smiling at the redhead. "Oh, nothing interesting! We all sat in silence and.... enjoyed each other's presence," Sampo says, giving you, Himeko, March, and Pom-Pom a fake smile.

"Oh? Is that so? How interesting," Pom-Pom says. "While you all enjoy your breakfast, I have duties to tend to as the conductor of the Astral Express," Pom-Pom says, walking off before waving you all goodbye.

Once Pom-Pom has left the Parlor Car, the room is plunged into the same awkward silence. You quickly excuse yourself to go to the Phonograph to find music that will fit the setting. Plus, you wanted to find a way to escape the awkward tension between the men while sipping your coffee in peace. While you're flipping through the options, Gepard approaches you and taps your shoulders to grab your attention. You look up from the Phonograph and turn to the Captian of the Silvermane Guards. 

You smile at the blond. "Hey, Gepard! Anything I can help you with?"

Gepard clears his throat, his cheeks dusting pink. "I was wondering how you're doing. I know I asked you about it earlier, but genuinely, how do you feel physically and mentally?" Gepard asks, leaning against the wall beside the Phonograph.

You pause and prop one hand on your hip while leaning on your left leg. "Mentally, I'm doing well! Physically, I'm also well. However, I do get phantom pain sometimes. A random spot on my body would hurt all of a sudden, and it would stop as if it never happened," you reply.

"Have you spoken to Luocha about it? As much as I would love to help you, it's out of my field of work," Gepard says, sighing softly.

You smile at the blond mand and shake your head. After what happened, you haven't seen Luocha, Jing Yuan, Blade, Gepard, Sampo, and Luka since you regained consciousness. Everyone had business to tend to back on Jarilo-VI and the Xianzhou Luofu, and the Astral Express docked at the Herta Express for the time being until you have healed.

That meant you weren't allowed to leave the Astral Express for an amount of time, but it didn't mean you weren't allowed to roam the Astral Express and Herta Space Station freely. Of course, you did need to have someone with you at all times. Since Nanook has decided to be present around you and your traveling companions, everyone has decided to keep their eyes on the Aeon of Destruction. The Aeon of Destruction refuses to leave your side. It's like he's attached to your hips at all times, aside from when you're using the bathroom or taking a shower.

 "I heard my name being mentioned in this area, so I had to come and see what the gossip was about," Luocha jokes, stopping before you and Gepard with Luka by his side. Luocha looks at you and smiles. "I heard you mentioned phantom pain?"

You sigh, nodding. "Yes, I had phantom pain every now and then. It's not as often, which I'm grateful for, but it hurts when I do get them. Almost like these injuries were fresh," you answer.

Luka frowns and gazes at you from head to toe. What Blade said earlier, he wasn't wrong, how you're prettied up and not dressing like how you usually would. Luka doesn't think Blade meant it negatively because you do look beautiful. You look breathtaking and effortlessly beautiful. There are faint scars on your body, but according to Luocha, the scars should go away after two years. This does sound like a while from now, but the scars on your body don't make you any less beautiful than you already are.

"I thought phantom pain was only for those who lost a limb," Luka comments, raising his prosthetic arm and waving it around.

You nod. "It is, but every time I think back to that day, I can still feel the knives slicing my skin like a paper shredder," you reply, shuddering.

You turn to the Phonograph and select something that best fits the atmosphere. You take a sip of your coffee and gesture for the three men to follow you back to the table where the others are waiting for your return. Gepard, Luka, and Luocha were genuinely shocked to see that Nanook didn't follow you to the Phonograph. After all, the Aeon of Destruction is very attached to you, and if he were to be far away from you for a short time, Nanook would become restless.

You place your coffee on the table and sit beside Nanook. Nanook automatically wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you close to him. Himeko and March snicker behind their hands while you rest your head on Nanook's shoulders. Blade stares at you and Nanook, tapping his fingers on the table.

"I'm having a hard time believing you two aren't a couple," Blade comments, leaning back in his seat.

You ignore Blade's comment and point at the servers bringing food out for everyone to eat. "Oh, look! Breakfast is finally here," you say.

You have no idea what time it is, but the morning felt like it was being dragged out, and it was. The tension, the stares, the whispers, and the snide comments made it feel like time was slowing down. It was almost excruciating, to say the least. While cutting and chewing on your pancake, you notice Mr. Yang staring at his phone with intensity. Staring is an understatement. The man was glaring at his phone.

You clear your throat to grab the older man's attention, only for it to go unheard. "Mr. Yang, what's wrong?" You whisper loudly among the quiet chatter.

Mr. Yang continues to stare at his phone, his eyebrows furrowing with focus and confusion. You turn to look at Dan Heng, whose looking at you quizzically. You gesture to the brown-haired man. Dan Heng nods, turns to Mr. Yang, and taps on his arms to grab the man's attention.

Dan Heng clears his throat. "Mr. Yang, [Y/N] has something to ask you," says Dan Heng, pointing over in your direction.

Mr. Yang looks up, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Yes, [Y/N]? Is there something you need?" asks Mr. Yang.

You rest your arm on the table, resting your chin in the palm of your hand. "You were staring at your phone for so long that it made me wonder what you're doing over there that's causing you to glare at the screen like that," you say.

Mr. Yang straightens up in his seat, clearing his throat. Caelus peeks over at Mr. Yang's phone, but the older man sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I was trying to figure out how to change my icon," replies Mr. Yang.

Oh, right. You nearly forgot about how Mr. Yang doesn't know how to change his profile picture. It was cute and a little bit funny, but in an endearing way. You cracked a smile and stood up, walking over to the older man. You hold your hand out, gesturing for him to give you his phone. Mr. Yang hands you his phone, and you kneel beside his chair to show him how to change his icon to whatever picture he desires.

Sampo leans over to Gepard and Luka, whispering, "Does he actually not know how to change his profile picture? How old is Mr. Yang again?" 

Gepard shrugs. "I don't think asking how old someone is is appropriate, Sampo. Besides, I don't blame Mr. Yang for not knowing how to change the icon. Sometimes it can be confusing, and the options are barely visible," Gepard mutters.

"And there you have it! A new icon! Do you want me to show you how to do it again, just in case?" You ask, turning to look at the brown-haired man.

Mr. Yang doesn't reply. Instead, he's staring at his phone and then looks at you. You can't put your finger on it, but his expression was hard to read. Heat rushes to your face, and you clear your throat, poking the man lightly. Mr. Yang blinks and looks at his phone, pursing his lips while gazing at his phone. You're guessing that's a yes. You snort and begin showing Mr. Yang step-by-step how you changed his icon picture to the one he wanted. According to Mr. Yang, Caelus didn't know how to change the icon. You turn to look at Caelus, who smiles at you sheepishly.

"Well, now your profile picture has been changed! If you need any more assistance with customizing anything, I'm your go-to person!" You say, propping your hands on your hips with a proud smile. 

Luka looks at you curiously. "How do you know so much about customizing things when you've been in our world for less than three months?" Luka asks.

You rub the back of your neck. You're a total slut for all things customization. From cars to avatars in a video game to social media profiles and custom computer backgrounds. If you cannot customize things to your liking, you're not interested in whatever the game and product is trying to sell. 

"I'm really into customizing things!" You reply. “Plus, it’s easy to change icon pictures.” 

Jing Yuan leans to Luocha, tapping him on the arm subtly. "Is it just me, or is Mr. Yang looking at [Y/N] like they hung the stars and the moon in the sky?" Jing Yuan murmurs, gesturing over to the brunette. 

Luocha chuckles, sipping his drink. "I'm quite certain that [Y/N] is the star that's hanging in the sky. And might I add the brightest star in the sky?" Luocha murmurs. 

From the corner of Jing Yuan's eyes, you're cheering and clapping your hands when you have the older man change his icon to see if he's able to remember what you showed him. Everyone around you chuckles, watching you throw your arms around Mr. Yang's shoulders and patting his head happily. Mr. Yang's cheeks are almost as red as Himeko's hair as he pats your head while you congratulate the man for being able to change his icon.

It's silly, but you're glad Mr. Yang was able to change his icon without having to ask for assistance. Maybe if he needs help with customizing his phone background, you'd be happy to help him! After all, you're a slut for customization. Before you returned to your seat beside Nanook, you pat Mr. Yang's head again with a wide smile.

"I'm proud of you, Mr. Yang! You did good!" You say before sitting beside Nanook, resting your head on the Aeon's shoulders.

You assumed that after breakfast, everyone would relax on the Astral Express and maybe take a nap. But you were wrong because, to your surprise, the Astral Express stopped at the Xianzhou Luofu. Everyone got off the Astral Express and began roaming around the Xianzhou Luofu in groups, chatting and catching up with what's been happening. You lean against the railing and stare at the bustling crowd below.

You close your eyes, sighing. As much as you love the Astral Express, traversing through space, and visiting other fleets and planets in the universe, you miss being in a place you can call home. A place where you can explore and roam around without having to worry about missing the Astral Express and having to go from planet to planet, solving problems and dealing with dangerous situations.

Caelus pokes your cheek, pulling you out of your thoughts. "What's on your mind? You seem distracted," Caelus murmurs, leaning on the railing beside you while looking at you curiously.

You turn to Caelus, huffing softly. "I'm thinking about how I'll never be able to find a secure place to live in this world. How I'll forever be traversing through space, searching for my destiny, and never getting married and having kids," you sigh dramatically.

"Is that a bad thing? Also, what's wrong with traversing through space? I thought you enjoyed it?" March interjects, popping up beside you with a pout.

You hum thoughtfully, leaning against the railing while contemplating. You do enjoy traversing through space on the Astral Express with your traveling companions. How can you not enjoy it when you get to see the stars in the universe? You get to visit many places you've never thought to have existed in your traveling companion's universe, but they exist and intrigue you.

You sulk. "Don't get me wrong! I love the life I have on the Astral Express! But do you see those stars in the universe? They're free and just existing in space!" You say,

Dan Heng blinks at you. "You're kind of doing the same thing, if you think about it," Dan Heng comments. 

Nanook cages you against the railing, his chest pressing against your back as he rests his chin on your head. You turn around in Nanook's arms and wrap your arms around his waist, closing your eyes, yawning. Despite not dating Nanook, you can't help but feel very attached to the Aeon of Destruction. 

While you're distracted with Nanook, you don't notice the look the other nine men are giving you and Nanook. Sensing the awkwardness and emerging tension, March runs off to fetch Diting. You hear a soft bark, making you open your eyes to see what is barking. March runs toward you with Diting in her arms, smiling from ear to ear. 

"I don't think you've met this little guy before! [Y/N], meet Diting!" March says, holding Diting up to your face,

You and Diting stare at one another for a moment. You reach up and pet Diting, who barks happily in response. You squeal softly and take Diting from March's hands, holding the adorable bionic dog up to your face. You put Diting down and begin running off while the small bionic dog chases after you while barking happily. Caelus clears his throat, takes his phone from his pocket, and snaps a quick picture of you running with Diting after your tail.

Satisfied with how the picture turned out, Caelus puts his phone away and turns to talk to Dan Heng, only to see the others were doing the same thing he was doing prior. Caelus looks at Nanook, who leans against the railing of the Xianzhou Luofu, smiling at the sight of you running and laughing while Diting chases after you. 

March snorts, shaking her head. "Who knew a star could enchant so many people," March hums, quickly taking a picture of you and Diting, making a mental note to herself to give you the picture when you all return to the Astral Express.

Note: I was hoping to get this fic posted before 6 AM, but uh it's almost 7 AM for me because my mind kept blanking out while I was trying to type something. So, if you guys see any errors, ignore them. I haven't slept yet, and I'm hoping to sleep once I get this posted on AO3. I kind of like how this fic turned out :> hopefully, next time, I'll write a fic that's not Nanook-centered (sorry Nanook lovers, but the others need at least one chance with the reader). I'm hoping to write smut for HSR soon, so continue voting for who you want to be the first one to get a smut [HSR smut poll]! ^^ If you want to be on the HSR series taglist, the taglist is also right here [HSR series taglist]. The previous week's discord link has now expired, so for those who want to pop into my discord and lurk or chat with other server members, here is a new (and temporary) server link to [Zhongli's Abode]. To my new and/or returning readers, please keep in mind that I ONLY post on my Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and my AO3 (Aaliah_exo)! Nowhere else except Tumblr and AO3!

Taglist for the HSR one-shot series: @ashwasherelol, @mompt2, @elegantnightblaze, @lunavixia, @jadedist, @pinksaiyans, @n8mareee, @aurelia-xyt, @ssunset0, @starrry-angel, @kaoyamamegami, @kodzuvk, @for3very0urs, @a-cosmicdawn, @g3n0dtt, (Accounts that I was unable to tag are not tagged in this fic. Remember to check your settings if you're allowing people to mention you/tag you in posts or not)

Read more of my works on my Masterlist | Maybe support me by tipping me on Ko-Fi or by reblogging my fanfics! ^^ I will also be posting exclusive fanfics on Ko-Fi as well very soon! I might post all of my stories on there too, but who knows. You can also tip me on Tumblr if you'd like as a way to show support! ^^

[diorgirl444]

seven minutes of hell or dallas winston and his soc! rival are stuck playing seven minutes of heaven together

warnings: bad writing! (girlies i’ve never kissed anyone or flirted so my expression only comes from writing fanfiction so it may not be the most realistic i’m afraid), fem! reader, very self indulgent, i’m also aware that realistically socs and greasers probably wouldn’t be round the curtis brothers house together but like if you wanted realism you wouldn’t be be reading dallas winston fanfiction would you considering he’s canonically dead lol 😭, weak ending, 903 words <3

you’re going to strangle Cherry Valance after this. when she invited you and your other friends out for the evening not once did she think to mention that you were going to that side of town…

not that you have anything wrong with the Curtis brothers, they’re all lovely and very nice-looking. nor do you have a problem with any of their other friends who despite what you might think are all very sweet apart from the insufferable Dallas Winston. and you suppose it makes sense because if she had said that he was going then you would have spent another night reading shitty romance books alone in your bedroom. but still, there is no one you can’t stand more than Dallas Winston. he’s snarky and callous and violent - and beautiful.

yes, you’re not blind even you can recognize that he’s exactly your type but he pushed your buttons like nothing else with the way he patronizingly calls you “princess” and takes every opportunity to drive you absolutely up the wall. you two bicker like night and day whenever you cross paths so you honestly don’t know what Cherry was thinking. and despite that, you assumed it couldn’t get any worse. what could be worse than a party with the boy who makes you red in the face and with a desperate urge to wrap your arms around his neck and - let's not go there?

well, you were wrong anyway it can get worse and it did. because as Daryl’s taking Ponyboy to bed some wise guy (two-bit) suggests that the rest of you play seven minutes of heaven. it is quite possibly the most juvenile thing you’ve ever done and you and every intention of sitting out till surprise, surprise Dallas makes a snarky comment.

“what too good to kiss a greaser is that it princess?”

you flush angrily clearly the fact that you’re at this stupid get-together should prove that you don’t harbour any of that foolish class nonsense. you roll your eyes as you take a seat. fine, you’ll play one stupid round of this silly game you think as you spin the bottle hoping to get it over and done with. with any luck, you’ll get Johnny or something who won’t want to do anything but talk.

but no that would just be so easy so instead the Coca-Cola bottle reaches its final spot right in front of the worst person it could ever be. even he has the decency to look embarrassed with the tips of his ears tinging themselves red and taking a long swig of his beer.

“I can spin again” you shrug awkwardly not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

“you can’t cheat the bottle girly” he tells you as he sets his drink down and stands up expecting you to follow after him. you can feel everyone’s gaze on your neck as you silently walk into the small cupboard with him. you hear the click of the lock and you're plunged into total darkness. your back presses up against the wall and his tall frame awkwardly clashes against yours. you can hear him muttering various expletives under his breath. god, you’re not that bad surely. the silence is loud and awkward. you swallow heavily before speaking.

“Why do you hate me?” you ask softly before you think it through. cheeks flushing so you’re grateful for the dark.

he scoffs “You think I hate you…” he says it as if it’s the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard.

you feel insecure as you speak again, voice small and weak as you try to explain why. “well like you call me stupid things and you make fun of me and-“

he interrupts you before you continue “I call you princess 'cause you remind me of one. I wind you up because it means you look at me and you get this cute little flush on your cheeks. I don’t hate you and man I hate all that sappy stuff but I do seriously like you doll”

“wow” is all you can manage, taking in what he’s saying.

”you know this is the point where you say that you like me too sweetheart” he teases you but you’re sure theres a small twinge of insecurity in his voice and you haven’t heard a more wonderful thing in your life. he likes you.

you kiss him of course. you pull him down by the collar of his leather jacket and press your lips against his and it’s perfect. his hands wrap around your waist and he tastes like the beer and it’s perfect. you want to stay like that forever. you can hear the beach boys playing on the record play in the other room and idly you wonder why it sounds like it’s getting louder and why the room seems to have gotten brighter.

”seven minutes is up lovebirds” you hear Soda’s teasing voice ring out.

immediately you jump out of Dallas's grip like you’ve been burnt.

all your friends are gathered by the doors and are watching as Two-bit hands a dollar over to Cherry who is saying “told you they wouldn’t be able to keep their hands off each other”

before you can say anything else Dallas snaps at them that the games are over and he shuts the door plunging you into two obscurity again as he pulls you in.

“eager are we?” you say laughing against his lips.

“very” he says faux seriously before kissing you again.

you decide that you’re eager too.

hope you like it! xoxo, flo <3

[armandsfangs]

this not now kitten gifset just brought to mind for me all the fics that feature daniel (old daniel especially god bless) calling daniel baby or babe and armand just melts like you get the occasional did he just call ME a 514 year old ancient vampire baby?? but mostly he eats it up and i just need that to happen on the show asap

(this is the gifset in question)

I'm not a big pet name person but I've seen this fanon so much that I've internalized it too 😭

Have young and old Daniel calling Armand babe:

---

1976

"What did you just say?"

Heat rushes to Daniel's cheeks, and suddenly he wants to bury his head in the ground. It had slipped out so naturally he didn't realise until his handsome vampiric stalker raised a sardonic eyebrow and questioned him in that stupidly silky voice.

Daniel runs a hand through his tangled curls, trying to casually hide his reddened face behind his arm. "I said, uh, do you wanna go to the movies tonight? You're always following me anyways, so might as well go together, right?" he rambles.

A shadow of malicious glee flits over Armand's angelic face. "No, that's not all that you said. Repeat it exactly."

Daniel thinks he would rather Armand just kill him right now and put him out of his misery.

"Don't be stupid, Daniel. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it long ago. Now, speak."

The humiliation increases tenfold when a shiver runs down Daniel's spine at being commanded like a dog. The wicked glint in Armand's eyes confirms that he has noticed this and will be using this information to further his evil plot against Daniel's chastity.

Daniel mumbles, "Do you wanna go to the movies tonight... babe?"

Armand's terrible smile widens. It's almost blinding in its brilliance. But Daniel can't look away even if he wanted to. Armand is magnetic, the way he draws Daniel closer until the unnaturally cool huff of laughter from Armand's lips ghosts across his own. He shivers again.

Armand whispers like he's imparting a profound secret, "I would love to, beloved."

The endearment melts sweetly on his tongue.

2024

"Check this out, babe!"

It slips out of Daniel so smoothly that it takes Armand by complete surprise. His breath catches. Citrine eyes flick toward the younger vampire's glowing expression before quickly casting their gaze down to where a phone was being held in front of his face. For a moment, Armand is too conscious of the warmth creeping up his cheeks to pay attention to what Daniel is showing him.

His silence prompts Daniel to peer at him, his eyebrows knitting together.

"Babe? You alright? It's fine if you're not interested," Daniel says, a tad sheepishly. As if he's not making Armand's long dead nervous system go into overdrive.

It's an advertisement for a drive-in theatre showing 80s horror films, Armand realises faintly.

"No - that sounds lovely - we should go." The words tumble out of his mouth as he shifts his weight back to put some distance between them for fear of Daniel noticing the way his pulse quickens from the little endearment.

It's far too late. Daniel's shrewd green eyes morph into keen orange.

"You're turned on," he says bluntly. "It better not be from that picture of Freddy Krueger."

Armand lets out a snort. "You wound me, Daniel."

"Then..." A predatory smirk slowly spreads across Daniel's face. "What is it, babe?"

"Insolent brat," Armand says, without any bite. His cheeks are burning. Why did he feed so recently?

"Come on, baby, tell me what's wrong." Daniel is full on grinning as he leans forward, taking Armand's hand in his and dropping light kisses on each of his fingertips. "I'll take care of it for you, babe."

Armand's stomach flutters like a swarm of locusts.

"Such impertinence toward your maker," he says fondly, as Daniel moves on to pawing at his waist. He allows himself to be pulled onto Daniel's lap and melts into his arms with a contented sigh. "I am four centuries your elder, yet you insist on calling me 'babe'. Doesn't it sound ridiculous?"

Daniel shakes his head. "Who cares, as long as you like it? It's not about age. When you're a thousand years old and I'm five hundred and something, I'll still call you 'babe' and I'll still ask you to go to the movies with me. You know, like... Like our first date."

Armand stares at him, at the earnestness in Daniel's upturned face, at the way Daniel's cheeks still redden under his scrutiny.

Daniel shifts nervously. "H-Hey, don't just stare at me like that, say something, babe."

Clasping Daniel's face in his hands, Armand says, "Beloved, I'm going to make you come so hard you see God."

Daniel's eyes widen.

[guinevereslancelot]

this eye care routine is a lot

[ghostsarepeopletoo-2]

My Live DRDT episode 16 reaction

HERE WE GO CHATT

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT

“Are we all ready to vote?” It’s so Aceover

how much you wanna bet David voted for Teruko

“Congratulations!” ITS ACEOVER 😭

“I’m proud of us-!” Can he stfu already

“What do you have to say in your defense?” Can SHE stfu already I’m sorry Hu fans but at this point she makes me want to punch the wall

“I killed her. And if you never forgive me for that, then there’s nothing I can say.” THE NICO PARALLELS?!?!! THE FOILS OF ALL TIME

“This… This all could have been prevented, couldn’t it?” YES THANK YOU EDEN

of course Eden would be the one to point that out first…

“It’s just… misfortune.” Yeah you would know a thing or two about that wouldn’t you

I actually see this line as Teruko refusing to accept either blame or the idea that she could turn out like Ace

“So we can’t possibly blame ourselves…” Hu. HU.

This time I KNOW she’s refusing to accept blame. It’s become a theme in her character, that she refuses to take criticism or herself or those she cares about. It’s a very interesting character trait and I really love her as a character but oh my GOD does she make me mad-

I guess I should specify that while it’s technically everyone’s fault that Ace committed the murder, it’s Ace’s fault most of all for making himself so unapproachable in the first place. I’m not gonna ignore that just because he’s my fav, I’m not gonna do the same thing I literally just criticized Hu for. However, it was Nico’s botched murder attempt that led to Ace finalizing his murder plan, and Hu’s blind defense of Nico didn’t help matters. Out of everyone she might be one of the people who made him want to kill the most.

“… He was happier, and he trusted people more.” “Like adding stones one a pane of glass… until eventually, the glass cracks.” Okay nvm you guys really did ruin him didn’t you

“Nico’s attempted murder isn’t a cause, it’s just a symptom…” Maybe I was wrong okay I’m sorry Hu

“Whatever. Whatever!” Uh oh

“Did you all get the Veronika virus or what?” “You all are wrong, so shut up!” I was gonna say, it’s pretty rude to talk about him like he’s not there 😭

“I didn’t want to die. That’s all.” My boy… my boy you are cooked

“Don’t think that I forgot about your secret, you damn murderer!” Man I was so sad about everything else I almost forgot about Acevi. Almost.

“It’s really funny in hindsight how you acted all betrayed when you found out Levi was a murderer, as if you were unaware that you yourself had killed someone.” I fucking hate him but fair.

I’m not gonna quote anything else David says unless it’s important because I hate him with a burning passion

“But still, I-! I don’t care what it was! I don’t care if it made me a hypocrite!” Acevi is gonna kill me dead just fyi

“I just needed a reason to stay mad at you…!” This yaoi is so doomed I’m gonna kms/j

“I can’t understand you, no matter how hard I try.”

“I need you to do a favor for me right now. It might just save your life.” Huh???? Wha??? Teruko what’re you cooking

is she gonna ask Ace to dropkick Monotv omg

“The whole reason this killing game keeps going on is because we’re all forced to follow MonoTV’s rules.” HOLY SHIT SHE IS

I wanna see a cg of Ace vs. Monotv so bad ngl

“Yeah, more murder! Wait, what??” I love this stupid cat. Rip Monotv you will be missed

“I can’t…do it.” What is wrong with him/genuine concern

“I don’t wanna die. I can’t do that-” my brother in Christ you are cooked anyway. Go out in a blaze of glory

OH MY GOD A WHOLE ENTIRE FUCKING ANIMATION!?!?!! AND HE GOT MONOTV, ITS MONOVER

I FUCKING KNEW THAT WOULDN’T WORK THERE’S NO WAY- wait did that say XF-TURE?!?!?!!

XF-TURE IS BEHIND THIS, OR AT LEAST CREATED MONOTV

Help ain’t no way Ace’s about to get cooked by a default personality 😭

“Sorry, Ace.” Help 😭

“To run this killing game until the death of every participant.” WHAT

okay lore drops this episode: XF is behind, or at the very least heavily involved in, the game. The game is designed to run until every participant is dead, implying that the mastermind wants every participant dead- possibly including themself. If that’s true it puts major points for people such as Hu, David, or maybe Whit to be the mastermind as they have been shown to have suicidal ideation. (Whit not so much but I can assume)

“I will pass the punishment for breaking the rules to the one who made that decision.” ITS TEROVER. wait but she’s the ultimate lucky so she’s probably gonna survive

imagine it becomes a running “joke” that Teruko has a near death experience in every chapter lol

ITS TEROVER- does she not gaf 😭 maybe Teruko could be up there with our suicidal peeps

she really doesn’t gaf 😭

this is so wild she doesn’t care bc she’s lucky and her life sucks and-

“I was perfectly willing to get shot.” Was???

ITS LEVIOVER NOOOOOOOO

MY POSITIVE ASPD REP 😭

ACEVI BOTH DOWN IN ONE CHAPTER WE ARE SO COOKED

“LEVI!!” Oh so you do care. Okay. Okay. A single tear rolls down my cheek

oh yeah I forgot about Charles’s whole thing. Thanks for being a good bf Whit

“His injuries are not fatal.” PRAISE THE LORD HALLELUJAH

YOU CAN’T TAKE HIM TO THE INFIRMARY YOU HAVE TO WATCH ACE GET COOKED- wait YO IS THAT A SAD WHIT SPRITE??? Isn’t that one of the harbingers of the apocalypse or smthn

Ace is gonna die not knowing if Levi survived… oghgh

Ace speeding up his own death to save Levi 😭 I’m gonna 😭

“Stop saying you can’t do it, because you can!” Maybe with the power of belief, anything is possible

Ace is gonna die and Arturo’s gonna be like “yeah Levi’s dead” like immediately

ARTURO HAVING A MOMENT THATS NOT ABOUT HIM SUCKING HELL YEAH

not Ace calling him a coward 😭 stones in glass houses looking ass

here we go boys/gn… it’s Aceover

HES COOOKED

NOT A THANATOPHOBIA THEMED EXECUTION I QUIIIIT

the last ones gonna be death by horses just watch

DID HE DIE OF FEAR???? IM KILLING MYSELF

THERES NO FUCKING WAY THAT HORSES WEREN’T EVEN MENTIONED

Teruko what’s your deal

“I’m a hypocrite” chewing on her. Grrr grrr

“I have no choice…” there is no way drdt is out here trying to give depth to the MONOKUMA equivalent, of all things. I’m out

she blames herself… honey no…

the. the ending. I’m killing myself I quit I can’t-

ace has hand trauma too??? You know what sure at this point

you don’t get any final thoughts bc I’m tired. Have a nice day

[soodoonimin]

I tried to screen record this scene so I could talk about BUT god help me, does Apple hate me. Anyway.

I just really wanted to point how much I love the way that Logan’s face goes from blind anger while he’s ranting at Wade (right before the Honda fight) to this sudden drop and even little eyebrow crease, and slight look away (like he’s ashamed) after he says “ You got nothing to say, Mouth?” Because he realized he might have actually gone too far 😭 but the second Wade answered with “I’m going to fight you now” Logan laughs.

And like after watching this movie (this was the 5th time) again I don’t think it was a condescending laugh I think it was a laugh of relief. Like he might have thought Wade was joking sure but he was also just so damn relieved that Wade was talking to him and I bet that fight was less him getting out his anger and more him also expressing that relief. Like yeah I’m sure he was pissed he got punched in the nose but somewhere in the middle of that fight he’s just having so much fun and you can tell just by the way the look on his face changes.

[n3ptoonz]

May I request headcanons of the MK1 Earthrealm Champions watching the reader practicing a dance she choreographed herself in a dance studio?

If you need music for the vibe of her dance, I got you:

sure can!

mk1 hcs: earthrealm champions with a choreographer girlfriend

no warnings, pre-blind kenshi, lowkey self indulgent as a dancer myself hehehe

Raiden

loves to just sit and watch you work. the intense focus on your face as you start and stop again when you change your mind or try to rework a move was so fascinating to him

when he watches you dance he sometimes relates it to how he trains. he finds similarities and differences when it comes to doing something properly or fixing an error

once he sees you fully get everything right and the way you wanted it to be executed, he's so proud of you. weeks, sometimes a month's work finally paying off had him grinning ear to ear FOR you. if you look close enough in the mirror, you might even see him doing some of the moves very slightly in his seat

Kung Lao

is so excited that you let him sit in and watch you. surprisingly he wasn't so distracting even while loudly hyping you up over the music, it really just fueled you more

dude thinks he's on the team, expect him to be like "wait isn't it this?" every 15 minutes. it takes one good glare to get him to shut it up 😭 but now he just hesitantly raises his hand like a scolded child when he wants to help

little did you know every time he went back home, he lowkey couldn't stop memorizing some of your moves. even the ones he suggested/helped correct. so when you fully go over it he's in the corner halfway in sync but still determined to do what you do since he admires your determination to be the best you can be. just like him!

Kenshi Takahashi

with how intensely focused he is watching you, you'd think you're boring him, but it's quite the opposite. he's so captivated and drawn in by how your body moves so cohesively. if you felt unsure about this and asked him what he thought so far, without thinking he's just like "you look amazing" but was that really the question? 🤔

i have a hc that he's only good at slow dancing and/or traditional dancing but otherwise the man's got two left feet. so he wouldn't be dancing along, but most definitely singing along. in and outside of your studio. like you'd be out at lunch and he's humming the entire song w/o realizing

when it's all done he cannot wait to see the full thing. i'm talking like his hands are clasped together and he has a full grin on his face, and when you start it melts right back into intense focus. anybody outside looking in would easily think he's hypnotized (he definitely is)

Johnny Cage

silly goose, did you think he wasn't gonna join you?? he simply cannot sit and watch you be cool as fuck. he could also use some pointers anyway. and he might wanna include something like this in a film (he definitely wants to)

he's more focused than you are. he actually contributed one and a half some moves himself! all the dramatics you could possibly imagine him doing, he's doing exactly that. "1 and 2 and- POW! Uh!" like okay chronic theatre kid syndrome is in full effect!

you have to try to manage to outshine HIM once it's all finished. he's been going full out since you were still figuring out the first eight count. he'd be dancing circles around you if you weren't such a professional, otherwise...let's just say does hollywood even need a newest star?!

[tiredeg]

What is LaTeX? I’m working so hard on this like… LAnce/Toto/alEX? LANdo/pierre gasly number TEn/maX?

Oh God nooooo LaTeX is a scientific typesetting software, when I said niche I meant niche 😭😭

This is a Max/Daniel fic that I occasionally add to where they're both in academia... People take LaTeX really seriously, like it's cool when you start using it for stuff and then it's so flexible and nice looking that some people use it for everything, like I've received wedding invitations written using TeX (which was so cute)

You can set templates and most people I know use the same template for most things, like I still use the article template I got from someone my first year of undergrad, and the presentation template a girl from the year above me gave me during my masters etc etc

In my au, Daniel is a postdoc in the lab where Max does his undergrad capstone thesis, so they're working together a lot and they really click, like they immediately get on and really enjoy working together. It's a 10 week thing so they get quite close and Max is very obviously into Daniel and Daniel's not technically his Boss™ but he is senior and has like soft power over Max and it would be bad to date an undergrad no matter how weirdly obsessed he is with Max. BUT by the time Daniel realises all of this, they've been flirting for like 2 months and he's accidentally an asshole about it because he just switches it off and flips a switch and starts acting different around Max and it's disorienting and accidentally gaslighting and unpleasant for Max

Max has to write up a dissertation and at the start of this Daniel had shared his own template with Max, so he uses this even though he feels weird now but it reminds him of when it was better

ANYWAY Max is a really good researcher obviously and applies to a PhD in this lab, let's call it the Horner Lab, and gets funding and is excited to start and get to work with Daniel again and maybe they can get back to where they were and it can be good again and he can ask Daniel out now BUT oh no Daniel has been courted away and accepted a position in another university that seems to have a better grant, lets call it the Renault lab

Max is really disappointed at this but he did like the work too so he tries to put it out of his mind, works hard, and generally excels... He definitely bumps into Daniel at a few conferences and they slip back into their same rapport and Max loves those weeks, always tries to drop hints to Horner to send his work to conferences that might overlap with Daniel's topic... They get drunk and kiss one time in the hotel after the conference dinner but Daniel isn't in a great place, has accepted an assistant prof job in a department that he's really not clicking in and doesn't think they'll keep him on past his current contract even though it's tenure track and his work is good, let's call them, um, McLaren. And Max is doing SO WELL, like his research niche has exploded and he's been right at the cusp of some really cutting edge stuff, it's so impressive, and they only ever see each other at these events and Max is always winning poster prizes and talk awards, and Daniel doesn't feel like he can deal with this right now

Max, of course, is using Daniel's template to make every presentation and to draft every paper, and it makes him feel warm every time he creates a new file by making a new copy of the template file called "from_daniel.tex". He still has the original email Daniel sent him with the template, he emails it to his personal email just in case his institutional email ever gets deactivated. He's a bit sick of Daniel going hot and cold on him but he doesn't know why or how to fix it (Max is perhaps a bit blind to other people's career worries, especially because Daniel is still doing good work so it's not obvious from the outside what's going on). Mainly he thinks that if they got to spend more than two weeks a year together and weren't constantly surrounded by their coworkers, they might have a chance to properly talk.

Fast forward a few years, Max is a postdoc now still at the same university (bro go get some experience elsewhere, I know I know but this is for the narrative!) and Daniel comes BACK! He gets hired to fill in for someone really last minute and takes the role and it's tenure track and he's really excited about it but also really nervous about working around Max again... Especially because his last job went so badly for interpersonal reasons, not competency, so he's scared that he fucked things up with Max who is obviously the one in this lab with the clout, so if he acts cold to Daniel the rest will too. And Max is a bit absent for the first while, he also doesn't know how to act, from his perspective they kissed and Daniel ghosted him and it reminds him of their first time around working together, BUT Max fundamentally just likes Daniel so one time Daniel catches him hiding away somewhere making a presentation, and notices Max is using his template still from all those years ago, and he tries to break the ice by asking about it but Max is so tired he just straight up admits to it. They actually talk and realize that they're on the same page and they're both scared for different reasons but they both want the same thing and then they kiss about it and maybe have sex in the bathroom about it, who knows, they're academics, they're both working late

THEN they co-author a paper together and it's a brilliant piece of work that starts a partnership that they keep up forever and they get tenure track positions together at a different university and they write their wedding invitations in LaTeX using Daniel's template and they live happily ever after

[bananasbyler]

(Fuck it, I’m not getting sleep anyway. OKAY so regarding my last post, I forgot the first episode is called The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler. Also pigtails… I’m an idiot sometimes.

Also, I haven’t been in the ST loop in a while because the fandom was so dead a few months ago 😭 I didn’t even know about the Holly recast or teasers or whatever.)

ANYWAY let’s get into it:

Holly’s delivering a box of some sort in Vecna’s mailbox? My first thought was her being a girl scout but it doesn’t seem like the right outfit.

He’s looking normal, which must mean it’s a mind trick, deception, or upside down related of some sort since we know what happened to him physically in s4.

He’s wearing clothes typically worn in the 50s, when he was a kid, but in the role of an adult man or working father now. Again, another reason why this must be a “vision” or a new (?) power.

*I’d like to note the Poltergeist 2 nod as well, which is even more compelling.

Why is she seen at a U.S. military base (?) with Mike and Will. Is it some sort of Hawkins or California protection for people who know more (like Will, Hopper, Joyce, etc. with Dr. Owens)?

Or something to do with Holly’s package? Possibly a school project, which is why Mike and Will accompany her? They all seemingly came from school, considering the backpacks. How do they go from all 3 of them at the military base to her being alone with Vecna?

Mike and Will could have an argument, leaving Holly to go off on her own while they’re not watching. Mike could also pull the older sibling threatens younger sibling to stay put/go away/keep a secret but the younger sibling doesn’t and goes off and gets into trouble trope. I’m not sure if that’s really his character, but he is pretty whiny and Nancy did the same to him.

*Side note: their arm bands read MP, idk if that’s important.

Also, Mike is wearing the same outfit for the Holly scene and the one-on-one scene with El where he doesn’t seem upset or distressed. Meaning this is before or during when she disappears.

The bricks of the buildings look similar but not completely the same in the El photos and military photos. Top of the military base maybe? Or the radio station photos where the bricks seem closer in matching, and more weathered looking?

————————————————————————

FINAL THOUGHTS

My best guess is Mike is already meeting up with El, (maybe at the base or station?) he tells Holly to stay with Will, then Will loses Holly somehow (maybe he’s blinded by a vision or feeling. Or just simply loses her?), Holly talks with Vecna and disappears, all the while Mike is having his talk with El. He might blame himself or… unfortunately… Will. Thus creating a weird full circle of the one who disappeared (The Vanishing of Will Byers) lost the new one who disappeared (The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler)

Alternative: He blames Holly? (Doubt)

Alternative: Will and Mike both go to see El, Will leaves earlier than Mike, Mike loses Holly.

Alternative: these events take place throughout the day rather than a sequence.

Alternative: the events of this storyline take place over a number of episodes but probably ends the first episode with showing Holly going missing.

Alternative: They’re all meeting up with the party at the radio place.

Alternative: ??? Tell me some theories in the replies bc I’m seriously interested :] :3