#anyway this is smth old that has been on my mind a lot lately

[teddybeartoji]

you always used to hang out here by the sea. it was his favourite place. 

making stupid jokes while sitting on the small concrete wall, playing ball and then nearly screaming your lungs out every time it almost went over the edge. eating popsicles while talking about soccer, about how you both want to be just like his brother.

two halves of one, bound by the silly friendship bracelets you had made with your own hands. although sae teased you for them, neither of you ever even thought about taking them off. 

‘a young boy drowns by the beach, leaving a family completely devastated.’

you still remember his eyes, you see them in your dreams. 

you still remember the splash, and his broken voice. you still remember how he looked at you, how he tried to reach for you. you still remember how cold the water was, how scary it was to go under. you still remember how you kicked and cried. sobbed and wailed. your best friend, gone forever. taken by the sea. 

you wish it had been you instead of him. 

everything is gray and dull now; it has been like this ever since the accident – though it’s been years, you’re still plagued by the nightmares and the guilt. the ‘what if’s’ swim around in your head and your mind rots. the cold breeze nips at your cheeks as you stand on the very same little concrete wall overlooking the sea as you used to and stare at the waves – they’re calm, just like then, and you feel numb. 

it’s weird being back here. it’s weird being back home. 

the town seems emptier than ever, with only tourists roaming the ghostly streets. none of the lights are on in any of the houses you can see and you wonder how long it has been like this. 

did you do this?

“you should get down from there, it’s dangerous.” 

a voice speaks up from behind you and you swallow the sad joke, the bile, that creeps up your throat. you stuff your hands into your pockets as you turn around and—

the eyes. 

rin. 

no— 

the brother. his brother.

the similarity is uncanny. your stomach churns. 

memories flash violently in your mind – how he dropped the popsicle, the same blue one he always got the both of you. how he tried to claw his way through the crowd, through the police and the paramedics, while repeating ‘i’m his brother’ over and over and over again until his voice grew hoarse. how quiet it all got when he finally saw rin’s body. how broken he looked. 

right here, ten years ago, you both lost a piece of yourselves. 

and now you meet again. 

somewhere in the background, seagulls cry as the waves hit the shore. the smell of the sea fills your nose and you despise how comforting it is, despite everything. gnawing on the inside of your cheek, you wait for him to blow up on you. to get angry, to curse you out. to blame it on you, to tell you to leave again.

but nothing comes. he stares at you as if you’re a complete stranger.

without saying another word, he glances at the teal ocean behind you and then keeps on walking. 

you’re not sure he was even talking to you. 

the autumn wind blows by as you watch him leave. 

you still remember how he always ruffled both of your hair as a greeting, how he always took you out for some ice cream after practice. you still remember how he cussed at the old man that bumped into you a bit too hard and you still remember how he bandaged up rin’s forehead after he hit it against the corner of a table. 

you still remember how he bundled you two up inside his own hoodie after your first swim of the year. it was way too early for it, it was so cold – he knew he would get scolded for letting you do it but he was there to keep watch and to warm you both back up, so he didn’t see any harm in it. 

he did warm you up and he did keep watch. he was a good brother.

you know all of that was a lifetime ago, but has he really forgotten you? or did he simply wash you away from his memories? you wouldn’t be mad if he has.

his figure disappears between the houses and your chest grows tight as the weight on it threatens to crush your ribs and your poor, bleeding heart. 

he’s way taller now. his voice is deeper but so are the bags under his eyes. he doesn’t wear his hair down anymore and that on its own makes him look so much more mature. he holds his head up high just like he did back then, so stoic and strong; he always was somebody you looked up to, who you clung to in big crowds. who you sought out for comfort when nothing felt right even though he wasn’t any good with words – but he let you rest your heavy head on his shoulder and that was more than enough. 

you still feel like that child. 

shoulders slumped, you step down from the wall. when you glance over your shoulder, you still see him lying there on the beach – pale and lifeless, friendship bracelet still bound around his wrist.

you miss him, you miss them both.

[danphantom]

oh hey i wanna talk abt smth thats been on my mind both lately and on and off for a while in general. sorry this ended up being a hella long post lol. but i have a lot to say

so...for context, ive been in the phandom for 10 years--since 2014--though it has admittedly been on and off in terms of engagement from me. in 2017 i got into dragon ball and all but dropped danny phantom completely with a few small drawings here and there. it was only like..within the past week that i actually got back into the phandom legitimately again, actively making art and posts about it and engaging with the source material and etc

anyway, i was obsessed with dp from 2014-late 2017 (until i got into dbz). i made lots and lots of fanart, played the gba games like all the damn time (i got to where i could speedrun tue lol), rewatched the show regularly...i was even one of those fans that bought obscure merch and learned useless trivia that ive since forgotten. in 2015 a lot of you may remember that i made @doppelgangercomic, a comic about an au i had where dan got a redemption arc (albeit a bumpy one) and future vlad was there and stuff happened (go read the comic LOL). it got a LOT of love and traction! it made me really happy to see all the positivity around my work like that :) i actually got a lot of positive responses towards my work in general. i had a really great time in the phandom back then

then i changed fandoms and kinda fell out of the phandom space. after being on a hiatus from the phandom until literally a week ago, i honestly have to say ive felt like i kind of...faded into obscurity in the phandom's eyes? basically i feel like old news. people dont generally know what doppelganger is now. they may have seen my art in passing here and there but they dont know who i am anymore. i think the only place people actively still find my old danny phantom art from when i was heavily active is...deviantart lol. i get notifications from favorites literally every day there. but uh anyway--im not saying this to garner pity or tell a sob story or anything! im just expressing some thoughts and feelings ive had for a long time lol.

the reason i bring this ^ up though, is because like...i know its not true? logically, i know that i DID make an impact in the fandom i loved/love so so much. i left my mark on both the fandom in an artistic sense, and also the people in the fandom, and sometimes i forget that because i get significantly less engagement on my posts than i used to. but i know that doesnt mean that people dont like my stuff anymore, or that ive been forgotten.

i actually got a message from someone today--a friend i made kinda recently who approached me bc they liked doppelganger actually. they told me that basically its surreal to them that theyre talking to me as a friend because they remember reading doppelganger when they were younger and looking up to me because of it. and it really reminded me of what i said previously--ive not been forgotten, and people still do appreciate and love what ive put out into the world (specifically about danny phantom in this case). ive made an impact on people's lives even when i dont realize it or see it physically. the message and sentiment made me feel really really good and nice and happy and honestly relieved, because the phandom and danny phantom as a media has been an extremely important and impactful part of my life ever since i got into it ten years ago. i literally changed my name to dan because of it lol. it was the reason i found stephen silver's work and went down that path of my art journey. its the reason i found so many amazing people and friends and artists and continue to do that even now. i owe a lot to danny phantom and the phandom as a whole, and i try to give back in the only ways i know how--mainly thru showing my passion through my art and posts.

anyway erm. yeah. all of this to say i wanted to thank yall--the phandom--for supporting me all this time, whether youve been with me from the beginning or if youre just joining me recently. youve been an absolute delight in my life and i know youll continue to be for a long time. :)

[cleromancy]

What is your opinion on KonTim? I noticed you posting a lot of Kontim lately and I was wondering if you are beginning to like it? Also, since I know you stated you didn't like Kon in the past, are you beginning to change your mind about him?

to be honest my opinions from 12-13 years ago when i was a very angry very opinionated teenager often dont reflect my current opinions. i just want to establish that now.

but for the record my dislike of kon was more of a reflex to the way fandom at the time made him this very flat "aw shucks" kind of cardboard cutout. i only started disliking him when i tried reading more of his comics where he tended to be y'know. more nuanced, he'd be a jerk sometimes, inconsiderate and thoughtless, etc, and then turning around and going on tumblr where the way people talked about him didnt reflect that at all, that was really offputting for me. because i do--and did--love characters who are assholes, but not if thats not... like... acknowledged. and fandom was *aggressively* not acknowledging it, from my perspective. anyway i think when i get around to rereading yj98 ill like him more this time. particularly because i *am* so much older now and will be reading from more of a place of "yeah of course hes a shithead sometimes, hes 16 years old (for a given value of 16 years old)."

as for timkon i wouldn't say i "ship" it. and i would also like to contest the assertion that ive been posting "a lot" of it lately LMAO i think ive posted it like two times in as many weeks, and then maybe 2 more times i rbed smth where they were in the same nonshippy frame or textpost?

but back to the ship itself. to begin with they *are* very good friends whose relationship is important to them both, that changed them both, and that has an impact on characterization. and i dont... think you can read a lot of those old tim comics, if you read him as queer at all, without acknowledging that there was at at least one point something btwn them.

but as far as shipping it goes. first of all i still think most of fandom does it wrong. (if im being serious, theres no "wrong" way to do fandom, but that's also the most succinct way i can put it that i don't vibe with the majority of the stuff thats out there.) second of all i don't... like i dont *want* them to get together, exactly, unless a given writer is doing a really good job at the yarn theyre spinning convincing me otherwise, within the boundaries of that story.

but there *is* something btwn them, romantically speaking, and it has a lot of interesting character/relationship potential to explore for both of them. i am at the moment almost entirely uninterested in exploring it from kons side, which is another reason i dont really ship it, but that might change when i get around to rereading yj98. but i really don't think you can get a full picture of new earth tim drake as a character without admitting he at least had a thing for kon when kon was dead, any other point in time being much more up for interpretation.

so basically! 1. its interesting when its allowed to be interesting and not flattened into featureless fluff 2. i dont ship it AS SUCH but it absolutely was a thing that happened even if they never date or dated, and 3. as for kon himself i think ill be a lot more forgiving now both bc i Am older and bc no one in my fannish circle these days is annoying about him where i see it LMAO

[sw4tch]

a text to a friend i never sent because i know im just not worth it.

.

.

.

sorry. i will.write a lot right now and it will be bad and it will be. a burden.

and im sorry about it.

I keep thinking i havent done enough to earn this as a friend.

That i shouldn't bring these things up with anyone because theyre a burden. something only a therapist should hear because theyre the only ones even remotely ready to handle these things.

I havent tried to get one. because i know i need a psychiatrist instead. but ive always been so scared of it. the diagnosis. the pills. mostly bcus they will mark me as subhuman.

or smth.

i always come back to that factoid that apparently if youre autistic they will never let you become an australian citizen if youre emigrating there.

its a dumb example i guess. as if i even wanted to live in australia. as if i even could.

but it does haunt me.

i dont want to put even more hurdles around me.

im tired of the hurdles. and also too keenly aware how i have nothing to offer the world to make up for anything.

I have nothing and I am no one.

It's a pitiful way of thinking. I know.

But i cant keep wallowing like that.

It's been a tough year. You know how it is. Im so tired from this stupid work i hate. and i feel like im losing my time.

I'm wasting my life away doing something I hate.

But i cant quit.my mother wont let me. she keeps reminding me that i have nothing and i am no one.

That i have to cling to this job as long as i can because the job market is in the gutter, and also im too old now so i will struggle too.

And i cant even say she's wrong.

I pay our rent, did you know? She always says how im the one feeding my cats. she always says things like "i bet your cats are so thankful their mommy has a job that feeds them"

even if it's a good day.

because she knows what she's doing. it's that.

implied threat.

that if i stop working, she won't feed them. she wont spend money on them.

and theyre old cats now.

maybe she would feed them. but i dont wanna take that risk. it scares me.

im so scared of everything. everyday.

it's rambling now, just letting out my frustrations.

i had a fight with her today. bcus.

you know, that job i hate?

theyre trying to see if we'll have a shift on sundays. but one where we'd be forced to go to.

I kept joking that if they made that shift mandatory I'd rather they fire me.

anyway. i was not joking. i hope they fire me if i refuse.

i hope they fire me.

at least then i can say it wasnt my direct fault.

i know it's bcus im weak. my job should be easy for anyone else but i hate having to put on my Worksona and Pretend I Am Capable of taking care of people and what they do and manage 40 people at once.

i hate it. i hate it so much. and everything is getting so difficult at work lately, which does not help.

I need a job where they tell me what to do like the drone I am. I am not qualified for this and yet im here.

I try my best but i dont think my best is enough.

I always was a coward. that's why i cant quit.

i keep reading phrases on the internet of "it's never too late to start again!" but like.

I have cats to feed.

The economy isnt getting better and things might just get worse?

and im alone in this bcus my life is my own and im trapped and my mind just helpfully supplies theres always one ultimate Out of it all.

Also i cant quit.

if i quit.

then that means I'll be vulnerable to every verbal abuse my mother wishes to throw at me again.

she wont do it if she doesnt have an excuse to do it. (she does it anyway. calls me useless and fat and generally reminds me that i am someone that is too childish and irresponsible and too dependent on her)

i pay our rent. since i was 8. why does she always make me want to feel like im a failure?

she says she loves me but her words feel fake since i was 10. she wont even hug me. says because she doesnt like touching people, it doesn't come to her.

that is so valid. wish she had never become a mother though.

i keep. yearning for a hug that will fix anything.

i begged her for a hug but reminded me that she doesnt do hugs.

it almost feels like i dont deserve to be loved. i have no one else to safely ask for that. it feels like no one wants to touch me because im disgusting.

it's just. ive been in a bad mindset. i have to remind myself i do deserve love.

it's hard to believe nowadays.

i had. a bad experience lately.

spent a long time talking with someone that constantly said "i love you! youre wonderful! my sweet angel!! i adore you!!! im so glad i met you! sending you sooo many kisses ♡♡♡"

and.

it made me feel happy. made me feel loved.

and like my feelings for this person would be. returned.???

we kept flirting and saying i love you to each other. it made me happy.

anyway i went "hey i have feelings for you, romantic ones, obviously, and i want to know more about you? i also want you to know more about me???" and then.

well they said they had never had romantic feelings for me, and that they could never have romantic feelings for me or anyone. That we were just friends.

that's. so Valid.

i get it you know. I'm the one that. got the wrong idea.

It hurt me though.

im tired of having people say they love me when they don't really mean it.

I wish people wouldn't play with my feelings. i cant help but feel that the size of my feelings is disgusting.

Im not normal. im something in the shape of a person.

but even things shaped like people want to be loved in the ways theyve always dreamed of.

i keep thinking that im the problem. which is true. bcus I've always thought that finding someone that will love me romantically will finally fix everything.

i will finally be worth something, to someone. the ultimate proof im not broken beyond belief.

that true (romantic) love will save me.

I've always tried to battle that belief. i know true actual love exists bcus I love my friends. and my friends care about me.

i know true love exists bcus my grandpa used to care for me, used to actually care for me like a real family should have.

but now i miss him so much. and i miss my friends.

all i have now is this loneliness and this feeling that I've become a burden to everyone around me.

this is a distorted view of the truth.

i know i feel like this bcus i used to have my friends close, and now i dont. and now i dont even have time to send them a quick good morning message bcus my goddamn work days start at 4am and end at 5pm.

here's the thing. i just want to quit bcus i feel so worthless now. like im wasting my life away in a job i hate in an area I DONT CARE FOR.

i want to do art. i want to do something even vaguely related to ART. something creative.

i dont even draw that much nowadays. bcus i can only really do it on the weekends. so everything i draw looks like shit now.

even when i had nothing, i had my art.

now I've betrayed myself for nothing, and destroyed myself for no one.

i wish i could go back to working on my portfolio.

to actually become better at art. i am so tired of my own mediocrity.

I see my friends thrive in artistic areas and im so proud of them but each time i know, i know im falling behind.

it feels like I'll never catch up.

i dont want to waste my life away knowing i never chased my dreams because i was so scared.

but.

but taking that type of risk is saved for feel good stories. for wonderful one in a lifetime miracles.

statistics are not on my side. if i quit and focus on my art, good chances are i wont make a living out of it. i will struggle. i will just be at the mercy of a mother that hates me and a world that wants to kill me bcus i dont make enough money.

it's so stressful.

and i tired myself out from crying. and writing.

anyway.

fuck.

im so sorry.

i was just so sad and scared that i started writing this for someone.

you. because even now i think youre my best friend and i miss you so much, and im sorry i keep clinging to you.

my mother said she'll send me to the mental hospital. she won't. but she always threatens me with that because she knows it scares me.

even though it's so funny. she should have sent me to therapy when i was 8 and i had just survived something horrific.

but only when i became an adult and a burden to her, did she even consider "helping" my condition. it's always been a threat. Never a genuine desire to help me get better. she doesnt care about that. she doesnt care about me like that. she doesnt love me in a way I'll ever understand. im just a burden to her and i will always be.

im so pathetic. i know. i couldn't even manage to escape from here. and now i will never do so again.

i just wail and cry over my own powerlessness.

as if that would help anyone. as if that would change anything.

anyway. im so sorry. i dont expect anything from you about this.

im dropping a long ass message for you.

one you dont need the stress off.

i just. i just wanted someone to listen.

I love you. and i mean it. im sorry i dont do more to show it properly. i feel like I've only become a subpar friend. that i used to be fun. and now I'm just. There. bringing problems.

but still. know I mean it. I do love you, my dear friend. I miss you terribly, for your presence in my life has made mine better for it.

dont feel obligued to reply anything long or something. this is too much for anyone to handle. but thank you for. putting up with it.

even then. do let me know if you dont want to read this type of thing again.

.

.

.

I'm so tired.

[books-and-catears]

Im actually unsure if ive sent a request already (if i did im sorry i have1 terrible memory T-T;;)

But if not would it be okay to request for an GN! MC who the brothers realize was a big idol back in the human world but they never said that to them? Like maybe they found through magazines or internet or smth?

Hope this is okay and have a good day!!

Awww honey don't apologize! Also thank you so much for the request! You have an amazing day too!

This is such a interesting and hilarious ask!This is going to be super fun to write hehehe :3

(Oh and just a general fact for anyone who comes across my blog I try to always make my MC gender neutral unless a specific gender is requested.)

Lucifer

Lucifer: For some reason there have been a lot of attempts to summon me from the human realm.

MC: Oh? That really works?

Lucifer: Well not always but we occasionally they get it right. But that's the not the issue here.

MC: Oh did they ask for something weird?

Lucifer: I got 22 summons. 18 of them had your name in their demands. And I checked their identities, they are not related to you, in any way. Mind explaining what's going on?

MC: *embarassed* I was slightly drunk on stage one day and might have told the people as a joke that if I ever went missing, they could try asking the devil for me.

Lucifer: Your people? Do you have cult up there?

MC: Well cult is a strong word. Fanbase is the more commonly used term...

Lucifer: How many people?

MC: Um...

Lucifer: How many more times will I be summoned MC?

MC: Um a few million times?

Lucifer: *exasperated dad noises*

Mammon

Mammon: MC what is net worth?

MC: Eh I'm not sure but maybe sum of assets or something

Mammon: YOU HAVE 20 MILLION WORTH OF ASSETS?

MC: Ah well I don't really accept it as mine cause there's a lot of people involved so I signed it over to my parents anyway.

Mammon: BUT HOW DO YOU HAVE THE ASSETS?

MC: 5 years worth of good record and merch sells are enough for it suppose?

Mammon: Records...MC you were a famous singer in the human world?!

MC: Ah well idol is what they called us. We had to dance a lot too.

Mammon: HOW COME NONE OF US KNEW THIS?! MC THIS IS HUGE WE CAN EVEN MARKET YOUR SKILLS HERE AND WE WILL BE RICH!

MC: *sigh*....this is why none of you knew.

Leviathan

Levi: MC can I tell you something strange?

MC: How strange are we talking?

Levi: Like when I saw you for the first time, you looked awfully familiar.

MC: Ah do I resemble some character you like?

Levi: An idol actually. There was this human world group that was a big hit for five years! But then they disbanded two years ago. You look like my favourite one. *Pointing to old poster*

MC: *looks at themself in ridiculous blue hair* Ahahhaa thanks Levi although I gotta admit that is my least favourite look.

Levi: You even have the same name as them it's almost uncanny- wait. Did you say 'MY least favourite look'?

MC: Guilty as charged....

Levi: YOU'RE ACTUALLY MC! THE MC! THE IDOL MC! *falls on the ground*

MC: Levi you okay?! Calm down it's-

Levi: MC IS IN MY ROOM!? MC IS SITTING NEXT TO ME?! MC IS LIVING IN THE SAME HOUSE AS ME!? MC GOES TO MY SCHOOL!? MC IS MY BEST FRIEND?!

MC: Yes Levi...Yes to all of them now calm down please! You're going to have heart attack!

Satan

Satan: MC come here for a minute would you?

MC: Yes, Satan?

Satan: So I tried to procure some human world magazines for Asmo and ended up going through them myself and *flips to a page and pointing towards an old picture of you* by any chance is this you?

MC: Haha didn't expect you to recognize me with that get up.

Satan: So when were you going to tell us you're about your fame in the human world?

MC: Does it even matter? It has been two years since I've last been on stage I'm sure people have forgotten now.

Satan: The recent article disagrees. *Reads from magazine* "MC hasn't been active in any of their social media accounts recently. While they did tend to go on long breaks of inactivity, this hiatus has been stretching for 5 months. They haven't even appeared in any of their fellow member's pictures either. An interview with one of the members said, 'They haven't even been answering texts nor calls. Their parents tell us they've gone away for a while but won't tell us where."

MC: Jesus I leave for six months and they make a whole mystery novel about me.

Satan: Well it's rather fun to keep the people on their toes. I can think of ways to fuel this fire.

MC: Satan no-

Asmodeus

Asmo: *comes running into your room* MC! How could you not tell me!?

MC: Eh? Tell you what?

Asmo: That you had a partner in the human world already?! And that you both are a FAMOUS POWER COUPLE!?

MC: Eh? Who said I was-

Asmo: Don't you lie to me! *holds up an edit playing on his phone* Look at these two people under the same umbrella! You're the one holding it aren't you!? Who are they MC? Do you love them more than me?!

MC: *sigh* No Asmo, they're just a friend who liked to screw with the paparazzi. And the paparazzi was over eager with us cause a lot of people loved shipping us.

Asmo: And why were you shipped with them?! I'm clearly a better match!

MC: *scratches head* Ah probably I used to pull too many pranks with them on stage and we were given a lot of duets and dances together.

Asmo: Stage? Duets? Dances? MC ...were you an IDOL?!

MC: ....yes?

Asmo: *squealing* WAIT TILL I MAKE YOU BECOME AN IDOL HERE TOO ALONG WITH ME SO PEOPLE WILL SHIP US INSTEAD!

Beelzebub

Beel: MC I heard from the others that you used to be a famous idol.

MC: Ah they told you too? Atleast your reaction is much calmer.

Beel: I heard famous people get lots of gifts from fans! Including snacks and candy!

MC: Haha we did. Only we weren't allowed to eat them.

Beel: ...but it's your gift. Of course you're allowed to eat them?!

MC: *sigh* Being in a idol group meant having to maintain your looks at all times. And weight was a big issue. I remember during tours we only had to live off apples, cucumbers and pea soup for a week.

Beel: That doesn't sound nice at all. *sad Beel noises* Here MC. *gives you half his sandwich* You can eat as much as you like here!

MC: Thank you so much, Beel.

Belphegor

Belphie: Did you get enough sleep being an idol and all? Beel told me you used to be one.

MC: Between late night practices and early morning workouts? I managed on three hours of sleep.

Belphie: That's less than half the ideal amount for humans.

MC: Ah well all of us needed to be perfect with the performance or we'd be screamed at or worse suspended.

Belphie: Performance for people who only need to see your face to start screaming. So much wasted energy. It's good that you left. Adoration from a bunch of strangers isn't worth losing sleep.

MC: I know right? It is nice to have a lot of people love you maybe but if I can't even be awake enough to appreciate them... what's the point?

Belphie: Come here. *wraps you up in his blanket* I help you catch up on the years of sleep you've missed.

MC; Thanks, Belphie.

[shotorozu]

you wear fish nets

characters : ushijima wakatoshi, kageyama tobio, rintaro suna

legend : [Y/N = your name] f!reader, s/o with thick thighs.

fic type : headcanons [spicy asf] timeskip au!

notes : i’m gonna do a haikyuu dump rq so i can finally make my masterlist (WHICH I KNOW IS GONNA BE A PAIN :,)) this is self indulgent btw, and i might close my requests soon so i could finish up all of my requests. still new to writing haikyuu so bear with me

mild stoner! suna but it’s only in 2 bullets

≿————-　❈　————-≾

ushijima wakatoshi

he’s not very vocal about it, but trust me— man is staring respectfully.

seeing your thighs dressed with stockings is one thing, but fishnets!

oh my, you’re gonna make him run laps around the house for SURE.

you usually don’t wear fishnets because one— they rip a LOT

and two— with your thighs, they can’t just.. slip off with ease. it’s difficult.

but you figured you’d give your dear old boyfriend a treat since he’s been gone for a while.

man has two things on his mind, volleyball, a little bit of farming, and you.

and you get it! man’s out there busting his ass constantly, him and his seggsy ushi self

anyways! he comes home, and he’s surprised to not see you practically running to him

but rather, he is surprised by the FISH NETS!!

he’s there like 🧍 but inside he’s actually like

😳 that’s sexy.

“welcome home, ‘toshi!” you smile at him, and when you cross your thighs— he has to hold back a groan

the soft skin of your thighs pressing against each hole of the stockings were.. enticing

he walks over to you, and observes your thighs— immediately pulling you on his lap to feel your thighs (despite your protest.)

“waka—”

“they’re nice.” he says, his large hands caressing your thighs— fingers running over each hole in the fish net stockings

“very nice,” he says firmly, patting his hand on your thigh, making you shiver effectively.

in short, this gets him very riled up :) and he likes them a lot more than he expected.

kageyama tobio

very flustered, yet the most that’ll show on his face is a dusted pink blush on his cheeks and ears

while looking away bashfully because he feels like he shouldn’t stare too hard

but wHAT DO YOU MEAN KAGS? YOU’RE DATING THEM!

he comes home one day late, not only to see you getting a glass of water

but also.. wearing FISH NETS!!

why are you wearing them so late though? were you waiting for him? that’s too kind

but that’s not the main issue here, you’re wearing something so.. enticing! and so sexy.

he’s staring too much, and you gradually notice how you feel a pair of eyes staring at you

“you like them, tobio?” you lift your thigh up to give him a better view, and he visibly gulps.

“y-yes.” his face is SO red please help him, and he’s almost reluctant to even look so directly, now that you are aware of his presence

you’ve blessed him with the sight of the cutie that is Y/N, walking around the place with those fish nets.

kags strikes me as a tiddy man BUT boy does he love fish nets on his s/o’s thighs!

runs his setter fingers over the soft flesh of your thighs, tracing shapes over the exposed skin.

wants to badly bury his face in between your thighs— take it as you will, nsfw or not, but the fishnet texture fascinates him

it would be weird, but you’ve grown to accept kageyama’s weird habit of being observant.

please wear them more, and if you wear his clothes (like his shirts) while you’re at it— he’ll just stop working WNDNSKD

suna rintarou

the problem with liking suna is that there aren’t much timeskip panels i can use 💀

oh my this is a trip in itself.

imagine this!

he’s taken 2 joints of weed so far, and it has already kicked in for him

puffing out a smoke cloud, he watches you from afar— observing your figure

and then that’s when he notices the fish nets, and oh myy he’s about to bust or smth

you + fish nets? NENDJWSJ

it doesn’t help at all that he’s stoned out, like woah— you look even more appealing to him (not that you weren’t appealing to him before that.)

now he’s behind you, tracing your legs from the bottom to the top, latching his hands on your hips

“mmh, look at you go,” he huffs, pressing his head on your neck “so pretty, very pretty, especially with these” he says while playing the material of the fish nets

he kinda wants to bend you down in those but we won’t dwell on them rn

he doesn’t give you much to speak, before pulling you over— and sitting you on his lap

he loves it, he just loves the fish nets.

especially if you wear fishnets with pink accents, he’ll be over the moon.

watching you move around the room while wearing them is the best,

you can be doing whatever— could be jamming to music, or just cleaning the room

it won’t be long before he pulls you over towards him, a hand on the back of your neck while he kisses you with meaning

if you wear them in public, watch out— because his hands won’t ever leave your thighs :))

so yeah, i’d say this is a A+ experience :)

≿————-　❈　————-≾

likes and reblogs are appreciated, thanks for reading

i do not own haikyuu and it’s characters, haikyuu belongs to haruichi furudate. i only own the writing

do not plagiarize my work :))

[omarscurls]

Simon X Vaccines

Inspired by Omar’s old tweet about being able to take the COVID vaccine without his mom, featuring my old fear of shots, and lots of Wilmon fluff :))

A bit Simon-centred, at least in the beginning

TWs: Shots, sort of hospital environment? Anxiety, probably swearing

A/Ns looks like this

Enjoy!

• Simon is not scared.

• Sure his hand is shaking a little, so his hides it underneath the table. But he’s not scared.

• The school nurse stops talking and starts handing out papers that your guardians need to sign, if you’re getting the vaccine.

• The lesson goes on and everyone seems to have forgotten about the papers. Totally Simon too. Maybe not really.

• It takes Wilhelm gently touching his arm and asking a question about whatever they were working on for him to calm down.

• The week of the vaccines are ages away anyways, it’s fine.

• The thing is, Simon does not like getting shots. He has hated it ever since he was little.

• Which is why Linda sends him a concerned look when he asks her to sign the paper.

• He tells her that he’ll be fine. It’s stupid to still be scared of shots.

• His mom decides to drop it and hands him back the paper.

•He hates the feeling in his stomach when he puts the paper in his backpack.

What am I writing again?

• A couple of weeks later, and Simon had just woken up before school.

• Oh yeah and he’s a bit late, but if he skips breakfast and just runs to the bus there’s a chance he might still be on time.

Don’t mind where Sara is, she’s sick or smth. It’s not relevant and complicates things haha

• So when Simon arrives to the first lesson a bit out of breath he doesn’t realise what week and day it is.

• It feels like someone poured a bucket of cold water over him when the teacher starts reading the list of people that can start going to the school nurse, and she says his name.

• The people that were called starts moving, and that’s when Simon notices that Wilhelm is going with him. The Prince seems unbothered about all this, and talks about how it’s nice to miss some of the lesson.

• Simon just nods along, but he can feel the knot in his stomach coming back, and he tries to not start to cry.

• Wille seems to notice that something is up, so when Simon really does get tears in his eyes, he pulls him in behind a corner and lets the rest of the group walk ahead.

• He gently pulls Simon in for a hug, while asking what’s wrong. Simon mumbles a “nothing, I’m fine” at first and hides his face further in Wilhelm’s neck.

• A minute or so later, Simon continues “... it’s just... like...I don’t like shots. I thought I would be ok, but I don’t know, I had forgotten about it, and then I was just like not ready when we had to leave”.

• Wille smiles a little despite it all, his beautiful brave boyfriend, who is never scared of anything and always the one comforting people in situations like this, is scared of shots.

• Simon also looks very adorable in his big hoodie and still gently holding on to his boyfriend.

• Eventually he has calmed down enough that they decide to continue to the nurse’s room.

• Wilhelm holds his hand all the way through the corridor, and he doesn’t seem to care about the fact that some people are staring at them and whispering.

• There’s only one person left of their group when they arrive at the waiting area.

• They thankfully don’t pay much attention to Simon and Wilhelm and pretty soon the nurse opens the door, another student walks out and the last student walks in, so now they’re alone.

• Wilhelm puts an arm gently around Simon, and tells him again that it’ll be okay.

• The nurse comes out to get the next person a couple of minutes later. But when she asks them who wants to go first, Wilhelm asks if they can go together instead.

• She seems to consider it for a second, but notices that Simon has been crying and that he’s still subtly clinging a little to Wilhelm.

• They are both allowed inside, and Simon tenses just seeing the chair standing in the middle of the room.

• He absolutely hates the way these rooms look. All the sterile equipment laying around and the white yellowish walls.

• Simon pointedly does not look at all the ready shots laying in a plastic box on a table.

• The nurse asks for their names, even though you could see her clearly recognising the crown Prince.

• Then she asks who wants to go first, and you can see the fear in Simon’s eyes. But before he even manages to get eye contact with Wille, had his boyfriend already said “I’ll go first” and squeezed Simon’s hand gently.

It’s too late to give the nurse a name now, I just have to work with it

• If Wilhelm is nervous, Simon really can’t see it (and it is kind of his thing to notice what the boy was really feeling underneath all of the princely stuff)

• Wilhelm doesn’t say anything when Simon squeezes his hand even harder as he gets the vaccine.

• The nurse turns around to prepare for Simon, so Wilhelm gives Simon a quick hug as they switch places on the chair.

• He wants to pull away when he sees that the nurse is ready. But Simon just holds on to Wilhelm’s hand even harder and looks quickly into his boyfriends eyes. The comfort Wille’s eyes bring him makes him relax a little bit.

• Enough so that when the nurse asks if he’s ready, he nods and focuses of the feeling of Wilhelm’s hand in his.

• It’s over in a few seconds and Simon is surprised over how little it actually hurt, even though his arm is starting to feel a bit sore.

• She makes them sit in the waiting area for a few minutes just to make sure they are okay and not getting any weird reactions to the vaccine.

• Wilhelm is kissing Simon’s face all over and telling him just how brave he was.

Reference to when Simon calls Wille brave in episode 6

• Simon seems very relieved and just giggles when Wilhelm kisses his cheek and pulls him closer to him.

• Eventually they go back to class.

• And it all made Simon’s fear of shots way way better, but even years later he still brings Wilhelm along almost every time he needs to get a shot.

Ok so I thank you for reading! I feel like this was a mess to write haha

And just so you know I based this of my experience with how we do this in Sweden, so please ask if it doesn’t make sense to you. The vaccine in the story isn’t or doesn’t have to be the COVID vaccine, idk I choose not to label it.

[mortimer-writes-sometimes]

Idk if this is a good prompt but im always a sucker for clothes swap fluff so 👉👈 smth with grillby wearing sans’ jacket maybe?

This is so freaking cute. I might have to write like, three alternate versions of this.

Once again, I think I strayed a bit from expectation writing this one. Also, it’s entirely off-season. And I think I got a bit sloppy at the end, so I apologize for that. If you can’t tell, I don’t think very highly of my own writing. In any case, here’s the one-shot that nearly turned into multiple chapters!

Grillby Looks Good In Blue

Word count: 4961 Summary: When it’s revealed that Grillby doesn’t have a Halloween costume, Frisk comes up with a great idea.

Grillby had never been particularly festive. Even after opening his new bar on the surface, the ‘holiday spirit’ people talked about continued to elude him. The older members of his family didn’t celebrate many holidays, and what celebrations they did have were never more than another family gathering. He enjoyed them, of course. Any opportunity to see his brothers and niece was a welcome one! But he’d never decorated his bar or hosted any sort of seasonally themed party. So, when he learned about the human holiday of ‘Halloween’, he didn’t plan to come up with a costume.

(He planned to close early and hand out candy, of course. He had a soft spot for children.)

The night before Halloween, Grillby’s bar was lively with excited monsters and humans alike. The anticipation for the big night was palpable as people chattered among themselves, talking about their costumes, the best places to get candy, and parties that were going to be held. The sun had only just started to set when the bell above the door rang, a familiar family of monsters entering with a single human child.

“Welcome back,” Grillby greeted with a small smile. The whole gang was there- Toriel, Frisk, Alphys, Undyne, Papyrus, Sans… even Asgore was there. Sans and Frisk made a beeline for the bar while the rest of the group discussed seating arrangements. Grillby started pouring a glass of apple juice for Frisk automatically, placing it in front of them as the child struggled up onto a barstool. “It’s good to see you all again. What’s the occasion?”

Sans shrugged and hopped up into his usual seat. “Well, we’re gonna have a little All Hallows Eve Eve party while we put the finishing touches on everyone’s costumes. Thought that since we’re all here, it’d be nice to go out to eat together. It was mostly Frisk’s idea.”

Grillby chuckled. “Well, I think it was an excellent idea. Now, what can I get the two of you started with?”

The night wore on with plenty of food, drinks, and laughter as everyone caught up with each other. Frisk and Sans went back to sit with the others during dinner, but when it was time for dessert, Frisk was right back up at the bar to talk with Grillby. They were excited to tell him about their costume. “Guess what I’m going as for Halloween!” they demanded, bouncing on their stool.

Grillby set a piece of cake in front of Frisk as he carefully monitored the stool’s stability. “I don’t know, what?”

“Nooooo,” Frisk whined, “That’s not how it works! You have to guess!”

“Alright, alright.” He pretended to think for a moment, tapping his chin. “You’re going to be… adorable,” he teased, ruffling their hair.

Frisk laughed, pushing his hand away. “No, I’m not! I’m going to be scary!”

Grillby shook his head. “Forgive me for being unable to imagine that. What scary thing are you going as, then?”

Frisk was unable to contain their excitement any longer, jumping up on the stool. “I’m going to be a zombie!” they yelled. As they did, the stool teetered beneath them.

Ding! You’re blue now!

Grillby had reached out and grabbed Frisk by the shoulders at the same time Sans turned them blue and levitated them, the unbalanced stool the child was sitting on hitting the floor. Sans walked up to the bar and righted the stool, chuckling as he found a seat of his own. “Careful, kid. Don’t want you partying too hard now.”

Frisk gave both of them a sheepish grin as they were set back on their stool, looking up at Grillby. “Sorry. Anyway, as I was saying, I’m going to be a zombie for Halloween. It was Sans’s idea!” They shoveled a big bite of chocolate cake in their mouth as they looked at the skeleton.

“Yeah,” Sans said with a shrug. “I mean, a supernatural being that keeps coming back to life no matter how many times you’ve killed it? It seems appropriate.”

Grillby wasn’t sure what Sans meant by that, but at that point, he was used to it enough to not bother asking. He turned to Frisk and poured them a glass of milk to go with their dessert. “Well, make sure Sans sends me a picture. I’m sure it will look great.”

Frisk nodded eagerly, taking the glass of milk and drinking half of it in one go. Grillby offered them a napkin before they could wipe their mouth on their sleeve. Frisk took it, scrubbing at their face and smiling up at him. “So,” they asked, “What’s your Halloween costume gonna be?”

“Oh, I’m not really doing anything for Halloween,” Grillby responded as he moved to wipe some crumbs from his bar. “I will be handing out candy, though, if you’d like to stop by.”

“You don’t have a costume?!” Apparently, in Frisk’s mind, this was a horrible tragedy. “But everyone put a costume together! Even Sans made one!”

Papyrus, overhearing this, looked up from where he’d been enjoying a plate of pasta with chocolate sauce. “Wait, Sans, you actually made a costume?! I thought you said you were just going to buy one!”

Sans shrugged. “Yeah, well, everyone else was making their own. Besides, the costume I came up with is a piece of art. You can’t get that at a store.”

Frisk didn’t look impressed. “Sans, your costume is literally a shirt with the word ‘life’ written on it and a bowl of lemon drops.”

“Well, I didn’t really have much to work with. You know what they say- when life gives you lemons…”

Papyrus groaned. “SANS THAT DOESN’T COUNT AS A COSTUME AT ALL!”

Grillby chuckled from behind the bar, fond. “I think it sounds very you, Sans.”

Sans grinned up at him. “Heh, at least someone appreciates my talents. Anyway, Grillbz, the kid is right. It’s our first Halloween on the surface. You gotta do something more than just hand out candy.”

Apparently, everyone was listening at that point, because that was when Alphys stood up. “O-Oh! If, um, if you still n-need a costume, I, uh… w-well I have some material l-leftover from making mine and Undyne’s! I’m sure we can- um- c-come up with some ideas, haha…”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Toriel chimed in. “You should join us for our costume-making party tonight, Grillby. Then you can accompany Frisk with us for trick-or-treating.”

Grillby adjusted his glasses, a bit flustered by all the sudden attention. “I-i wouldn’t want to intrude…”

Undyne laughed, getting up. “Too late, fire dude! If Frisk says you need a costume, then that’s that. Now let’s close this joint and get going already!”

As Undyne and Papyrus began rounding people up and making them go home so Grillby could close the bar, the fire monster chuckled to himself. Maybe, just this once, he could have a little more fun with a holiday.

It felt odd, being in Toriel’s house. Grillby considered the others his friends, but he’d never actually hung out with any of them outside the bar before. Everyone was gathered in the living room, where multiple old bedsheets had been spread on the floor and furniture. The group spread out around the living room as they helped each put finishing touches on their designs with hot glue and paint. “The bedsheets are a clever idea,” Grillby commented lightly as he took a cup of tea from Toriel (he didn’t have the heart to tell her that he usually didn’t drink tea. It was basically just hot flavored water).

The motherly monster smiled, sitting in an armchair and watching the scene in front of her with a fond look in her eye. “Dr. Alphys suggested it. She’s very good at arts and crafts!”

“Speaking of arts and crafts,” Sans interjected from his spot on the couch, “It’s time to figure out what Grillby’s costume is going to be.”

Alphys had a lot of ideas. “Oh! Y-you could go as a gender-bent v-version of Sailor Mars! Or maybe, um, if you c-can burn blue for- for the evening you could go a-a-as Rin Okumura from Blue Exorcist! Oh, I b-bet you could m-make a great Kyoya! Uh, from O-ouran Highschool Host Club?”

...Grillby didn’t understand what she said, but was flattered anyway. Kind of.

Sans decided to step in and rescue Grillby before Alphys put him in cat ears. “While those are all good ideas,” he said thoughtfully, “Maybe we should think of something that we can, y’know, throw together overnight? Plus I’m pretty sure all those characters wear like fancy clothes and stuff. That’s what Grillby wears already. Hardly counts as a costume.”

Papyrus stood up specifically so he could put his hands on his hips. “Well the whole point of a costume is to dress up for the evening! What is Grillby supposed to do? Dress down?”

That gave Frisk an idea. They got up, walking over to Grillby and pulling on his arms to make him stand up. “Come here for a second!” Then, they went and grabbed Sans, pulling him to stand next to Grillby. Frisk took a couple of steps back, rubbing their chin in thought as they inspected the two side-by-side. Apparently, they liked what they saw, because they smiled. “Hey Sans, do you mind if I change your costume a bit?”

“Uhhh, what are we talking about when we say ‘a bit’?” Sans asked, unsure of where Frisk was going with this.

Alphys seemed to catch on, because anyone who has read lots and lots of fanfiction can guess where this is going. “Ohhhh, that’s g-genius, Frisk! But, u-um, Grillby’s a lot taller than Sans.”

Frisk’s smile only widened, the plan coming together in their mind. “Sans’s jacket is big enough! And I’m sure we can find him a white T-shirt that’s big enough!”

The skeleton waved a hand at them, interrupting. “Sans’s jacket is big enough for what?”

Frisk and Alphys shared a mischievous look. Sans looked up at Grillby (who was still confused and clueless) and came to a terrible realization.

He was going to have to tie his shoes for once.

 “Do I really have to keep the shirt tucked in?”

“Yes! Grillby always has his shirt tucked in!”

“A-and don’t- don’t slouch. You have to, um, g-get into character!”

“When did this go from a Halloween costume to full-on cosplay?”

Sans tugged at his suspenders as he inspected the completed outfit. Somehow, Frisk and Alphys had managed to find a white button-up, dress pants, and dress shoes to fit Sans. Grillby’s suspenders could be adjusted down to fit Sans, and bowties tended to be one-size-fits-all, so Sans got to wear the real deal in those departments. Finally, Toriel had taken the lenses out of an old pair of reading glasses she didn’t use and set the frames on Sans’s skull (Frisk taped the sides since Sans didn’t have ears).

The skeleton couldn’t help chuckling. “Man, no wonder Grillby is pretty fit. Getting dressed in this stuff is a whole workout.” It didn’t look bad, though. He glanced upstairs, where Papyrus and Toriel had whisked Grillby away for his ‘transformation’. Sans had already managed to get fully dressed, and his usual outfit was way simpler than Grillby’s. What was taking so long?

The others seemingly had the same thought. Undyne crossed her arms, walking to the base of the stairs. “HEY PAPYRUS! WHAT’S THE HOLD UP?!” she yelled through the house.

Papyrus cracked the door to Toriel’s room open for a moment. “JUST BE PATIENT, UNDYNE!”

Toriel pushed the door the rest of the way open, sighing. “Please, both of you, no shouting in the house. We… had a minor issue with finding a T-shirt, is all. Grillby is changing in my bathroom, he’ll be down in a moment.”

Just then, Papyrus spotted Sans, eyesockets widening. “OH MY GOD! Sans, you actually have style for once!”

“Heh, thanks, I guess…” Sans felt nervous, for some reason. What if Grillby thought he looked dumb? What if Grillby got really uncomfortable with this idea? What if he got mad? Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to force him to-

The door to Toriel’s room opened again, a warm light filling the hall. If Sans could have blushed, he would have.

Sans’s shorts were wide enough around the waist to fit Grillby, although they didn’t quite go down to his knees. The old white shirt Toriel had found him was a bit more form-fitting than the ones Sans usually wore, clinging near his waist and the center of his chest. Amusingly, Sans’s slippers were a bit too big on the fire monster, if the way he had to shuffle in them to get them to stay on was any indication. What got Sans, though, was the jacket.

Sans’s hoodie fit Grillby perfectly. 

Grillby had shot Papyrus a questioning look when he was handed Sans’s jacket, still unsure about the whole thing. “Will this even fit me?” he asked skeptically. “I’m quite a bit taller than Sans.”

“Well, it’s very big on Sans,” Toriel pointed out. “Just try it on. I’m sure we can go find a cheap blue hoodie in the morning to complete the look if that doesn’t fit.”

Papyrus nodded. “Or if it smells too much like ketchup for you to bear!”

The bartender still wasn’t sure, but it couldn’t hurt to just try it on, right? Blushing a bit under the attention the other two were giving him, he shrugged on the blue jacket. Papyrus was right, it did smell a little like ketchup. But…

As the weight of the fabric settled around his shoulders, something in Grillby relaxed. The fabric that lined the inside of Sans’s jacket was surprisingly soft, and the sleeves were just long enough that if Grillby wanted to, he could pull them over his hands. The fire monster’s face grew hotter, a bright blush spreading across his cheeks. He was wearing Sans’s clothes. He was wearing Sans’s jacket. He wrapped his arms around himself without thinking, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. When he opened them again, he found that Toriel and Papyrus were both staring at him. He shifted a bit, fiddling with the hoodie strings. “...wh-what? Is something wrong?”

After a long moment, Toriel smiled, raising a hand to her mouth in an attempt to hold back laughter. Papyrus tilted his head, entirely bemused. “Grillby, why did you turn blue? Is it that overwhelming? I told Sans he needed to wash that old thing more often!”

Toriel lost her composure, laughing softly. “That’s not what it means when a fire monster turns blue, Papyrus.”

“W-wait, I’m what-?!” Grillby ran back into Toriel’s bathroom. Sure enough, the blush on his cheeks had turned a vibrant blue, along with some of the flames that made up his hair. “Oh. Oh no.”

“‘Oh no’ what?! I don’t understand! Ms. Toriel, why are you laughing?!” Papyrus frowned, unhappy at being left out of the loop. 

Toriel was all too happy to clarify. “Fire monsters blush differently than other monsters. The flames that make up their faces change temperature depending on the emotion. When they’re embarrassed, they may turn red. When flustered, a brighter orange. The most dazzling display, though, is when a fire monster is-”

“You can’t tell Sans!” Grillby suddenly cried out, nearly shouting it. He went back into the bedroom, willing himself to calm down. “Fuck, I can’t let him see me like this…!”

Toriel decided to let the language slide, focusing on calming Grillby down. “It’s alright,” she said soothingly, “We won’t tell him. You should tell him yourself.”

Grillby shook his head. “No, no no no no no. Sans can’t know about this. It’s entirely inappropriate, and it would ruin everything we already have-”

Toriel held up a hand to stop him. She tilted her head a bit, concerned. “Now why would it be inappropriate? You’re adults. If you both consent to a relationship, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Don’t phrase it like that,” Grillby groaned. “It’s- I’m a fire elemental and he’s a skeleton. We’re not going to be compatible.”

Toriel frowned at that. “Now that’s an outdated mindset and you know it,” she huffed. “You like him, don’t you? I’m sure even if he didn’t like you that way, you could still be friends after telling him.”

“Like him in what way?!?!” The Great Papyrus interrupted, starting to get irritated that the author seemed to keep forgetting he was there.

Toriel looked at Papyrus, then sighed, smiling a bit as she looked back at Grillby. Grillby groaned again, hanging his head in defeat. “Fire monsters turn blue,” he mumbled, “When they’re in love.”

Papyrus took a moment to process that. Grillby was in love… he’d turned blue when he put Sans’s jacket on… Oh! The pieces clicked in his skull. “HOLY FU-”

“LANGUAGE!”

Grillby took a deep breath as he walked down the stairs, trying to stay calm and, more importantly, stay cold. Sans would probably say I just need to ‘chill out’. Or be ‘cool’, Grillby thought to himself, his awkward smile becoming a bit more genuine in amusement. He stepped into the living room, holding his arms out in a sort of ‘Ta-da!’ motion. Frisk started clapping while Alphys took pictures, both of them far more excited about the outfit change than they should have been.

“Well if it isn’t the ‘hottest’ new fashion trend, Grillby casual.”

Sans caught Grillby’s attention, the fire monster turning to look at him. “Ha, funny, Sans,” is what he said on the outside. On the inside, he was screaming. Stay chill stay chill stay chill stay chill god damn it now that terrible joke is stuck in my head holy shit just stay chill! 

“Y-you look nice,” Grillby managed to stammer out. “I never thought I’d see you wear a tie that wasn’t printed on the shirt.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Sans replied with a wink. “So I guess it’s decided then? We’re going as each other for Halloween?”

Grillby nodded, barely trusting himself to speak. “I suppose so…”

Frisk jumped up on the couch. “WHICH MEANS YOU HAVE TO GO TRICK OR TREATING WITH US!!”

The next several minutes were filled with Toriel lecturing Frisk about jumping on furniture and yelling in the house.

The next day, the whole group met at Grillby’s to get ready, taking advantage of the fact that the restaurant had a total of four bathroom stalls. Grillby volunteered to put his costume on last, soul thrumming with anxiety. He was sure that the evening was going to be the hardest evening of his life (oh, the things he put himself through for Frisk’s sake).

Grillby was far from unaware of his feelings for Sans. He’d had a bit of a crush for a long time, and in the time since they’d been released from the Underground, that affection had only grown. There was just something about the skeleton that made him want to sit and talk with him forever. It would never work out, though. Relationships were complicated, and Grillby didn’t want to mess up what he already had. If he made a move and it didn’t work out, it would be hard to go back to just being friends. Needless to say, Sans’s new ability to turn Grillby’s flames blue without even being in the room was a huge problem.

“Hey fire dude, your turn!” Undyne pulled Grillby from his thoughts, thrusting the bartender’s costume into his arms. “Hurry up and get changed! It’s almost time to get going!”

Grillby nodded, a bit overwhelmed all of a sudden. “R-right. I’ll be back in a moment.”

He took his time getting dressed, carefully monitoring his temperature. For the most part, he was fine. He could forget that he was dressed as his favorite skeleton, even be amused by it. There was no problem at all… until he got to the jacket.

Slipping on Sans’s hoodie, Grillby felt his temperature immediately rise. He was never cold, but he could still appreciate that the jacket was comfortably warm. Between the smell and the weight, if he closed his eyes he could almost imagine Sans had his arms around him. 

Oh god, there was no way he was going to make it through this night.

Cautiously stepping out of the bathroom stall, Grillby looked in the mirror and confirmed what he already suspected. That bright blue tint had returned to his face. He took a deep breath, willing it away, but some of the flames that formed his hair and cheeks wouldn’t cool off. The traitorous streaks of heat flickered and Grillby felt like he was being mocked. 

The door to the bathroom suddenly opened and Grillby panicked, pulling up the hood of the and ducking his head to hide his face. Glancing to the side, he wanted to scream. Of course, it was Sans.

Sans looked worried, dress shoes clicking on the tile floor as he walked over. “You okay, Grillbz? You’ve been in here for a while. I was starting to get worried.”

“I-i’m fine,” Grillby stammered, turning to look at the wall, the counter, anywhere but at Sans. “I’m just nervous. It’s the first time I’ve participated in something like this.”

Sans chuckled, a gentle sound that soothed some of Grillby’s nerves. “C’mon, you can’t mess up Halloween. Just ‘chill’ out and enjoy yourself.”

Sans was right. There wasn’t any reason to be this worked up. So long as he focused on the festivities, Grillby didn’t run any risk of being flustered again. “Alright. I’ll be out in a moment.” He straightened up, looking in the mirror again and sighing in relief. For now, the blush was gone.

Later that evening, the Halloween festivities were in full swing. Monster and human children alike were wandering up and down the streets with their parents, laughing and playing as their buckets and bags slowly filled with sweets. Frisk insisted on dragging as many people as they could up to each door with them, insisting that, “Larger groups of people get more candy!” 

Of course, being a pretty big group of monsters, they couldn’t all fit on a doorstep at once. Instead, they all took turns. Two people would go with Frisk at a time, and the rest of them would just wave from the street.

Sans put his hands in his pockets as he watched Grillby and Asgore walk Frisk to the door of the next house, chuckling a bit as the former king stopped to admire the flowerbeds. His gaze drifted to Grillby. He’d been worried that the bartender would feel a little out of place, but he seemed to be enjoying himself, holding Frisk’s hand as the child cheered, “Trick or treat!”

The couple at the door stopped to ask about their costumes like any other house, putting a few pieces of candy in Frisk’s bag. Sans couldn’t hear what was said, but when Grillby explained his costume, whatever the couple said made him laugh. Sans smiled to himself, fond. 

Undyne elbowed Sans, arching an eyebrow at him. “Dude, you’re staring again.”

Sans rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah, well, he’s being really cute. Besides, anyone could appreciate a guy that hot.”

Undyne groaned. “Okay, but being serious, why don’t you just talk to him already? The guy obviously has a thing for you. Nobody would let you rack up a tab like yours if they didn’t want to cook for you all the time.”

“I know,” Sans admitted, “But he can be kinda shy. I don’t wanna scare him off by making the first move.”

She just rolled her eyes. “If he’s shy, he’s never gonna confess to you. Just go for it, man!”

Sans looked back at Grillby. In the time they’d been talking, the fire monster had picked Frisk up and put them on his shoulders, smiling as Frisk declared which house they should go to next. He was so good with the kid. He let Frisk hang out at the bar after school all the time, and he’d even helped them with their homework once or twice. The bartender was one of the sweetest guys Sans had ever met. How could the skeleton not like him? And Sans had to admit, he was getting a little impatient. “You know what? Fine,” he said, looking back at Undyne. “I’m gonna tell him.”

Undyne looked genuinely surprised. “Really?”

“Yup.”

“Tonight?”

“Right now.”

“Oh my god.” Undyne whipped out her phone, pulling up her camera. “Fucking finally. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this. Alphys! Alphys, it’s finally happening, come help me film this!”

Sans laughed, pulling his hands out of his pockets to fidget with his suspenders. “Thanks for the enthusiasm, but this is something I kinda want to do alone? Grillby’s a private guy. You’ll make him nervous.”

Undyne groaned. “Fine, but you better tell me how it goes!”

Sans gave her a thumbs-up. “Sure thing, captain.”

“I mean it!” she emphasized, jabbing a finger at his chest. “I want every detail.”

Sans chuckled. “I’ll make sure to ‘burn’ the moment in my memory. Now get out of here, they’re coming back.”

Grillby and Asgore rejoined the group, Grillby handing Frisk off to Toriel. “I believe it’s your turn, You Majesty.”

Toriel smiled a bit. “Now what have I told you about that? It’s just Toriel now.” She turned to the others. “Sans? Would you like to come as well?”

“I’ll c-come!” Alphys quickly interjected. “We sh-should all go! Except Sans and Grillby! G-Grillby just went, and, u-um… Sans, well…”

“I’m too lazy to go all the way up to the door,” Sans finished for her. “I’ll hang back here with Grillby. You all go on ahead.”

Toriel tilted her head, trying to figure out what Sans was planning before understanding hit her. She smiled a bit and nodded. “Alright, you two. Don’t fall too far behind.”

“This won’t take very long,” Sans assured her, waving them off. Frisk lead the way, and pretty soon it was just Sans and Grillby, walking side by side in the cool autumn evening.

Grillby adjusted his glasses, glancing curiously at Sans. “...alright. What is this all about? I can tell you’re plotting something.”

Sans chuckled. “Yeah, you’ve always been able to read me pretty well.” And somehow the bartender was still totally oblivious. “I just wanted to talk with you for a minute. Just you and me.” He stopped walking, looking Grillby up and down. “...y’know, you don’t look half bad in my jacket.”

Oh god. The fear of blushing and tipping Sans off returned at full force, Grillby swallowing hard. “Th-thank you? Um, I think you look nice, too. Dressed up, I mean.”

“Eh, you pull it off better.” Sans shrugged. “You know, you’ve been kinda quiet this evening. You doing okay?”

“I’m fine,” Grillby answered too quickly. He’d honestly been avoiding talking to Sans too much. Sans was far too good at flustering him and making him laugh. “Why do you ask?”

Sans huffed, fond as he tilted his head. “Well, I’ve been thinking. Hanging out with everybody is great and all, but I’d kinda like to spend more time with just you, y’know?” He rubbed the back of his neck, a little nervous. He didn’t want to make Grillby uncomfortable by being too direct, but he couldn’t be too subtle. Otherwise, it would go over the fire monster’s head. He took a deep breath and braced himself. “I was wondering if maybe you’d like to go get breakfast or something sometime?”

Grillby nearly choked. What was Sans trying to say? Surely he wasn’t asking what Grillby wanted him to thought he might be asking. He felt his temperature rise without his permission and reflectively pulled up the hood of the jacket, covering his face with his sleeves. If anything, remembering that he was hiding in Sans’s jacket just made it worse. He tried to say something, but to his dismay, all he could get out was a flustered squeak.

That was about the reaction Sans was expecting. “Grillby? You okay?” Sans asked gently. He stepped closer, trying to move into the bartender’s field of vision.

“F-f-fine…!” Grillby managed. He was dead. He was going to die. This was a disaster.

“Heh, sure,” Sans mumbled, giving him a small smile. “Alright, if you’re gonna be shy about it, let’s try this a different way.” The skeleton reached up and gently took Grillby’s hands in his own, pulling them away. Grillby’s face was burning with beautiful shades of red, orange, and blue, all mixing together. Sans chuckled a bit, putting his hands on the bartender’s shoulders and making him lean over. “Come here, you dork.” He stood up on his toes, pulling the fire monster’s hood down as he did.

The light show when Sans kissed him was spectacular.

Papyrus, who had been watching the whole time, jumped out of the bushes. “OH MY GOD, SANS!” He was shortly followed by Undyne, Alphys, and Frisk, who were all rewatching the scene from Frisk’s phone.

“That was s-so cute!” Alphys gushed. “You’re so adorable t-together! I think it’s my new OTP.”

Grillby groaned, covering his face with one hand as Sans laughed. “I hate all of you.” He stopped as a hand slipped into his own, looking down at Sans.

Sans smiled up at him, still chuckling a bit. His gaze softened a bit as he ran his thumb over Grillby’s knuckles. “So,” he said quietly, “What do you say, firefly? Coffee this Saturday.”

Grillby smiled, finally letting himself blush without panicking. He laced their fingers together and gave the skeleton a gentle nod. “That sounds lovely.”

Thank you for reading! I hope you liked it! If you did, consider leaving me a comment to tell me your favorite part. If you want to send me a prompt, my asks are open!

[luckhound]

— if you can’t stand the heat.

pairing.  yoosung/gender neutral reader (mc)

genre.  fluff

description.  yoosung tries to cook for you. tries being the operative word, seeing as you’re so intent on stopping him. not that he actually minds.

warning.  brief suggestive content.

note.  writing has been like pulling teeth lately, so i decided to dust off an old mysme fic of mine and post it. how has my writing gotten worse over the years smh. here’s hoping i’ll finish writing smth new soon mskfjdk

“H-Hey, stop it...I’m gonna burn the food if you keep this up...” Despite Yoosung’s protests, he doesn’t pull himself away from your wandering hands. If anything, he moves closer, eliminating the already scant distance between the two of you.

You hook your fingers in the elastic of his sweats, crowding him against the kitchen counter. “I can’t help it,” you say, in between the kisses you plant on his mouth, “you’re just so adorable.”

“You think so?” Yoosung sounds as awed by the compliment as he had the first time you’d given him one, when he was just words on a screen and a voice in your ear. It’s like he still can’t believe you’re interested in him, even now. It’s endearing and maddening all at once. “I’m glad you do, but...can’t you say sexy or something? Men aren’t supposed to be adorable.”

“I’m just calling it like it is.” You pepper kisses wherever you can reach; his cheeks, his chin, his neck. You can feel him shake from flustered laughter, you’re pressed so close—and yet you want to be closer still. Like you want to burrow into him, or glue yourself to his side so you never have to be apart from him. “Stop being so cute and maybe I’ll think about it.”

Yoosung laughs against your mouth, his hand cupping the side of your neck. His thumb rubs along your jawline in a movement that can only be read as fond. “Ah, what to do? I really like it when you say I’m cute...I like it a lot, actually...”

“Then you should just take the compliment,” you say, pulling back momentarily to do so, then kiss the tip of his nose. “I don’t care if men are supposed to be sexy or whatever, anyway. I love you because you’re adorable.”

“Just because of that?” He’s just fishing for compliments now, but you don’t mind indulging him.

“Mm, not just that.” You wind your arms around his waist and rest your chin on his chest. “I love you because you’re kind.” You kiss his sternum. “I love you because you’re thoughtful.” You kiss his Adam’s apple, which bobs shortly after. “I love you because you’re a goofball.” You kiss the slight dip in his chin. “And a hundred other reasons. I could go on for forever if you wanted—or I could just show you.” You kiss his lips last, as if to demonstrate. Before you can even think of pulling back, Yoosung leans forward to deepen it.

You all but melt into him, your hands curling along the nape of his neck to play with the tiny hairs there. He responds with equal fervour, humming contentedly. Things quickly grow heated; Yoosung’s knee slots itself between your thighs, and you shudder when it presses against where you need him most. He’s much more confident than he used to be months ago, when just brushing up against you would have him jolting back with a startled yelp, apologies tripping from his mouth.

As the kiss continues, his free hand ghosts under your shirt, spindly fingers tracing skin he’s kissed a hundred times before and, if he has anything to say about it, is likely to kiss again soon enough. Yoosung seems to be growing hot just thinking about it. Then he realizes that, no, he isn’t thinking he’s getting hot, he is hot.

He sidesteps away from you, prompting you to whine at him. “Ack! The food!” He dodges your grabby hands and rushes to salvage what he can of the meal, but it’s already been blackened to a crisp.

“Oops.” You wince as you peek over his shoulder, your nose twitching at the acrid smell of smoke. “Uh. Sorry?”

In the end, the two of you dine on ramen, which you argue tastes better than usual due to his cooking skills, even though he begs to differ. He has you promise you won’t distract him from cooking again, but both of you know it’s an empty promise.

Yoosung finds he doesn’t mind at all. In fact, he’s almost looking forward to it...

[stiltonbasket]

but ALSO okay so first of all thank you so much for the ficlets so far they are Adorable and i love them so much. second of all i am so glad you opened prompts again bcuz. i have. smth ive been wanting to read for a WHILE. so. prompt: junior generation post-canon, they all have super high standards for romantic partners cuz they spend time with Super Lovey Dovey WangXian. not like jiang cheng's List but smth a la Tenille Arts's Somebody Like That iykwim

i hope its not too late to insert a detail to my prompt!!! (i ran outta chara space in the og prompt message and then forgot ^^" ) but theres just one thing!! i really wanna see!!!! in the wangxian spoiling each other bit!!!!! (and the juniors being all That is Love Why Should We Settle For Less) -- i want lan zhan walkin around at one point with his hair in a braid and flowers braided in!!! and if asked he gets all soft and looks at it and is like "wei ying did it" ahhh i love the image <3

can anybody find me (somebody to love)

by stiltonbasket

“Wei-qianbei, we’re getting old enough to go courting now,” Jingyi says eagerly; but he’s a horrible liar who lies, because he and Sizhui are only nineteen, and Jin Ling doesn’t come of age until early winter. “What do you think we should put on our list of requirements?” 

(Or, the one where Jin Rulan visits the Cloud Recesses, contemplates his love life, and gets a new point of view on the Lan sect's taxation policy.)

Jin Ling is seventeen the year his dajiu marries Hanguang-jun, and finally gives Jin Ling the right to call Lan Sizhui his cousin. Sizhui’s always been his cousin, of course—they’ve been cousins since Jin Ling was born, even if neither of them knew it—but he couldn’t say so, because that would mean telling everyone that Sizhui was born a Wen. And telling everyone that Sizhui was a Wen would lead to terrible things, so Jin Ling keeps his mouth shut until after his dajiu’s wedding.

“You could just say that he was born to us during the Sunshot Campaign!” Wei Wuxian laughed, when he finally heard why Jin Ling wanted him to hurry up and take his three bows with Hanguang-jun. “Half the cultivation world already thinks he’s ours, anyway.”

But regardless of whether he could call Sizhui his biao-ge in public, Sizhui is first and foremost a very dear friend; and so are Lan Jingyi and A-Qing and Ouyang Zizhen, though Jin Ling’s best friend is probably Zizhen, just like Sizhui’s is Jingyi. He visits them in Gusu as often as he can, since all of them save Zizhen live there, and even Zizhen hangs around the Cloud Recesses more often than not. 

“Don’t you have a clan of your own?” Jin Ling frowns, when he visits his dajiu around midsummer to find the younger boy eating xiaolongbao in the jingshi’s new kitchen. “How come you’re still here, A-Zhen? The lectures ended weeks ago!”

“I’m almost sixteen,” Zizhen yawns, reaching for a shallow dish of black vinegar and soaking a salted mushroom in it. “Father says I’m old enough to go where I like, and Lan-xiansheng said I could keep studying with the Lan disciples as long as I stayed.”

“You’re just here for the food,” grumbles Jin Ling. His dajiu is a good cook when he doesn’t cover everything in chili peppers, and Jiujiu once told him in confidence that Wei-dajiu’s food was the closest Jin Ling would ever get to having his mother’s. But a steaming plate of xiaolongbao lands in front of Jin Ling before he can really start thinking about that, and then his baby cousin crawls into his lap and steals one of the soup dumplings.

“Ling-gege pays taxes,” three-year-old Lan Yu says serenely, poking a hole in the xiaolongbao and sucking out the broth. “Xiao-Yu can have one more?”

“Taxes?” Jin Ling stares at him. “What in the world does he mean?”

Wei Wuxian laughs and comes back over to give him another succulent soup dumpling to replace the one Xiao-Yu stole. “He’s pretending to be the sect leader,” he explains, ruffling Jin Ling’s hair on his way back to the stove. “And he found out about tax management this morning, since Lan Zhan and Xichen-ge are thinking about lifting the luxury tax on goods from some of the minor sects. But A-Yu thinks taxes are presents for the sect leader, so…”

“One more bao tax for xiao-Lan-zongzhu!” Xiao-Yu says imperiously, holding out his chubby hands. “Ling-gege give, please?”

“That is not polite, Xiao-Yu,” Hanguang-jun scolds, sweeping into the kitchen with A-Yuan and Jingyi behind him and A-Qing bringing up the rear. He lifts Xiao-Yu into his arms and sits him down on the bench next to Zizhen, and then he reaches up for a stack of patterned bowls and passes them around to the others. 

Jin Ling still hasn’t gotten used to eating at the Chief Cultivator’s table, even if Hanguang-jun is technically his uncle now. Sometimes Hanguang-jun even does the cooking, and feeds Wei-dajiu with his own chopsticks while everyone else watches, and then Jin Ling tries to choke himself to death on the bamboo shoots in his yan du xian before deciding that Lanling can’t afford to lose the first decent zongzhu it’s had since his great-grandfather’s time. 

“I wish I was married,” Ouyang Zizhen sighs dreamily, resting his cheek on his hand as Xiao-Yu tries to steal his dumplings next. On his other side, A-Qing’s cheeks flush crimson, and she stares resolutely down at her hands while Hanguang-jun offers her a plate of savory vegetables. “It looks so nice, Wei-qianbei.”

“It is nice,” Wei-dajiui winks—and oh, gross, because Hanguang-jun is blushing now, and staring at Wei Wuxian as if he’s the most amazing thing in the world. “Marrying Lan Zhan is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“Mm,” Hanguang-jun says quietly, putting a heaping spoonful of potato congee into his husband’s bowl. “Wei Ying is the best thing that happened to me, too.”

Ouyang Zizhen wails. 

“Wei-qianbei, we’re getting old enough to go courting now,” Jingyi says eagerly; but he’s a horrible liar who lies, because he and Sizhui are only nineteen, and Jin Ling doesn’t come of age until early winter. “What do you think we should put on our list of requirements?”

“What, you want an arranged marriage?” Wei-dajiu frowns. “ I never went through the process myself—” and Hanguang-jun reaches out and squeezes Wei-dajiu’s waist, as if even thinking about Wei-dajiu seeing a matchmaker was too much— “and I don’t really know anyone who did, since Yunmeng’s a lot freer about these things. Are you sure, Jingyi?”

“I’m not asking for a matchmaker,” Jingyi says, tossing his long ponytail over his shoulder. “I want to know what to look for if my love of a lifetime comes along. So what were you looking for?”

“Nothing when I was your age, A-Yi. I thought I would spend my whole life at Lotus Pier, and marry one of the shijies or shimeis who liked me. But then I met Lan Zhan, and…”

And then his ideal became Hanguang-jun, Jin Ling finishes, chewing on a mouthful of mustard greens. Everyone knows that, Jingyi!

Unfortunately, the conversation doesn’t end there. It goes on for the better part of an hour, and all through the course of coconut pudding Hanguang-jun made for dessert, and Jin Ling can’t even leave because that would be rude, and the food is too good to pass up even if Ouyang Zizhen wants to ask about kissing now.

“How old is old enough to have your first kiss?” he inquires, while Lan Sizhui giggles into his hands and elbows Zizhen to make him stop. “I’m sixteen, so is that too young?”

“I was thirty-eight when I first kissed Wei Ying,” Hanguang-jun says dryly. “I would advise patience, unless Ouyang-gongzi already has a beloved one in mind.”

Jin Ling wants to die. Why is his extended family like this?

“Pudding tax,” Xiao-Yu announces from his lap. “Ling-gege, can A-Yu have a bite?”

“I’m Sect Leader Jin, though. I don’t have to pay you taxes.”

Xiao-Yu gives him a serious little nod before turning to Sizhui. “Yuan-gege, pay pudding taxes.”

“You’ve had enough pudding,” Sizhui scolds; and indeed, the dishes are mostly empty now, except for the serving bowls in the middle of the table. “Come on, A-Yu. Let’s go visit the rabbits.”

They end up at the rabbit field about ten minutes later, after Jingyi and Sizhui help Hanguang-jun with the dishes. Jin Ling thinks it must make a very strange picture: after all, one doesn’t often see three Lan juniors, one Ouyang sect heir, one Jin sect leader, and one Lan baby lying in the grass with bunnies climbing over them. But the peace and quiet is beautifully welcome after the political unrest in Lanling and the dog food in Wei-dajiu’s tiny kitchen, so Jin Ling closes his eyes and settles down for a nap with a small white rabbit on his chest. 

“I think Shufu was right,” he hears A-Qing say. “There’s no point in having a list of requirements. Look at what happened to Jiang-zongzhu.”

“His first list was terrible, though,” Zizhen objects. “And he’s going to be married by next spring, so it worked for him in the end. After he fixed his requirements, I mean.”

“Gossipping is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses,” Sizhui says tranquilly. “And what Father meant was that having a list means you might miss your fated one when they come along, so it’s best to think about what you want, instead of what your beloved should be.”

“I’d like it if my wife liked to eat my cooking,” sighs Zizhen—he’s an excellent cook, too, and Jin Ling knows for a fact that A-Qing’s favorite food is the shrimp and water spinach Zizhen’s mother taught him to make. “Then I could cook, and she could wash our children’s hands and bring them to the kitchen when I was done, and we would all eat together.”

“I think I’d like a husband who knew how to do my hair,” A-Qing says, not even trying to be subtle. Jin Ling has seen the combs Zizhen keeps giving her, even if they’re far too young for a courtship, and Zizhen is always the first to offer assistance whenever A-Qing’s hair falls out of its bun. “Even a plain bun is too hard for me, since my hair’s so bushy.”

Zizhen nearly drops his rabbit. “Oh,” he whispers, blushing so hard that his neck turns red. “That’s good!”

Jin Ling wants to die. He can’t stand visiting Lotus Pier because his jiujiu is obviously courting, even if he won’t say he is, and now he’s going to have to watch A-Qing and Zizhen flirt until Zewu-jun and Ouyang-zongzhu give them permission to get married. 

“What about you, Jingyi?”

“Huh? Oh, I want to marry someone who won’t mind how loud I am,” Jingyi shrugs. “Or someone even louder than me, so we can make trouble together. A-Yuan?”

“I haven’t really thought about it, actually,” Sizhui sighs. “I’m Zewu-jun’s heir, so I have to get married, but I’m not sure if I want to.”

A moment of silence. 

“Then you won’t have to,” Jin Ling says. Everyone stares at him. “Zewu-jun didn’t get married, and Hanguang-jun wouldn’t have if Wei-dajiu didn’t come back to life. You can just choose an heir born to one of your cousins, since Jingyi was going to inherit the sect before Hanguang-jun adopted you.”

The others swoop in to assure Sizhui that no one’s going to make him get married, and Jin Ling folds his arms behind his head and wonders if his biao-ge could possibly be like Zewu-jun: a yi xin yi shen, whole in heart and body, who eschewed marriage in favor of cultivation. It would explain a lot, Jin Ling thinks, because even he knows what it feels like when someone makes his heart beat fast and his face turn pink, and Sizhui’s never felt that way. 

(Jin Ling tries not to think of Nie-zongzhu’s hot-tempered archivist, who knocked him into the dust with her saber the last time he visited Qinghe and then told him he had pretty eyes. Nie Shiyong is a few years older than him, and he usually ends up nursing several new bruises each time he meets her, but Jin Ling is man enough to admit to himself that he likes her. Maybe.)

“Xiao-Yu is sleepy,” little A-Yu says, interrupting his embarrassing train of thought before it can go any further. “Yuan-gege, I have a nap?”

“You can just sleep here,” Jingyi suggests. “The grass is soft enough, right? And you can use one of us for a pillow.”

“Jingyi,” Sizhui chides, and Jin Ling hears the long grass rustling as his cousin gets to his feet. “Come on, A-Yu. I’ll take you home to A-Niang.”

“No need,” someone else says; and that’s Hanguang-jun’s voice, coming up the hill from the direction of the jingshi. “I am here. A-Yu, come.”

Jin Ling scrambles up to greet his uncle by marriage (sect leader or not, jiujiu would kill him if he greeted the Chief Cultivator from the ground) and then he reels back and blinks in surprise, because Hanguang-jun’s hair is up in a loose braid instead of a half-topknot, and somebody seems to have decorated the braid with a row of half-bloomed lotus flowers. 

“Wei Ying did it,” Hanguang-jun says, with a small, soft smile that makes Sizhui and the others gasp. “He will do the same for your hair, too, if you ask.”

And then he lifts Xiao-Yu up into his arms and carries him away, leaving Jin Ling still frozen mid-bow with Jingyi and Zizhen gaping behind him.

“I think what Hanguang-jun meant is that the first requirement for marriage is love,” Lan Sizhui remarks, when Jin Ling finally snaps his mouth shut. “And that no matter what we want, or think we want, we shouldn’t settle for less.”

(Jin Ling is the first of his friends to marry, and he never forgets his biao-ge’s advice until the end of his days.)

[lupinlongbottom]

Friend in Spirit

Ghost!Cedric Diggory x Reader

Summary: (Y/N) (L/N) is alone, entirely alone in the halls of Hogwarts castle. That is, until a silver friend comes to greet her. 

Prompt: I was wondering if you could do a Ghost!Cedric x reader where he finds her upset and then they become friends and possibly smth more. Aha ha...unless? Thanks! - Anon

Word Count: 5.5k

Warnings: Death (obviously), maybe a swear

A/N: I really liked this prompt! I had a lot of fun with it! Something about Cedric Diggory really just inspires me, you know?

__

She knew it was a bad idea, to be running through the halls so late at night, she wasn’t thick. However, like the tears clouding her vision, her mind was a bit hazy. (Y/N) let her feet be her guide, the castle hallways etched into her memory like the lyrics of her favorite song, constant and relentless.

Finding herself to be alone, (Y/N) slid herself against the wall, falling flat onto the floor, knees pinned to her chin. The tears were salty, finding their way past her lips. She hated the taste.

“Are you alright?” A voice bellowed, as if from above. 

(Y/N) froze for a moment. Perhaps a Prefect had found her outside her dorm this late into the evening, or worse, a professor. (Y/N) didn’t dare look up, afraid she’d lose herself a heaping of House points. Maybe, if she stayed still, they’d pity her. 

“I’m not a Professor,” the voice admitted, almost sensing her worries, “or a Prefect.”

(Y/N)’s eyes glanced upward, only to be met with a hazy figure, glowing silver like the moonlight. Tell-tale appearance of a ghost. However, this figure looked nothing like the ghosts (Y/N) had been accustomed to in her years at Hogwarts, finding solace in the almost laughable appearances of the House ghosts, each a character in their own right. This one looked to be a boy, around her age.

“Who are you?” (Y/N) said, pressing her knees closer to herself, trying to seem as small as possible. 

“A friend,” the silver ghost responded, smiling, “seems like you could use one right about now, no?”

“I suppose,” (Y/N) sniffled, her hand running across the bottom of her nose rather unceremoniously.

“Sorry if I frightened you,” the ghost continued, floating down onto the ground, sitting crosslegged. “I sometimes forget that I can—uh—that this can have that effect on people.”

“Takes a bit more than a ghost to frighten me,” (Y/N) said, loosening her grip against herself, just a bit. The ghost, his name still a mystery, looked kind, almost gentle. How had she not come across this ghost before?

“Good to know,” the ghost said, his shoulders relaxing. “I would imagine that someone like you would need to have a bit of nerve to be running through the castle so late, unafraid of the consequences.”

“It’s not a habit of mine,” (Y/N) said, “but I needed to get out of there, anyway I could.”

“Get out of where?”

“My dorm,” (Y/N) said plainly, “my roommates, they…” She couldn’t bring herself to finish her thought. “Never mind that, just know that I had to get away, spend some time,” she glanced at the silver boy, “alone.”

“Well,” the boy laughed, floating a few inches off the ground, his posture not changing. “I’ve found it quite difficult to be alone, especially at this castle no doubt,” he sighed, as if to let out a breath. Could ghosts even breathe? Or was it a habit from his previous life? (Y/N) couldn’t recall a time she saw one of the House ghosts breathing.

“No kidding,” (Y/N) said, burying her face back into her knees.

“If you’d really like to be left alone, I can go,” he said, floating a bit higher. He turned his gaze back to (Y/N). “But, I find you quite good company, and I’d feel awful to let you go that easily.”

“Good company?” (Y/N) asked, “You don’t even know my name.”

“Alright,” he smiled, “what’s your name?”

“Cheeky,” (Y/N) laughed lightly, feeling herself smile just a bit. “(Y/N). (Y/N) (L/N).”

“(Y/N)…” he repeated, the sound filling the air. “It’s a nice name. Pretty.”

(Y/N) felt her face heat up, the compliment hitting her square in the chest. How silly it was, to allow the words of a ghost to affect her so bad. She shook her head a bit. 

“Well?” (Y/N) said, giving the ghost a pointed look. “Don’t you have a name?”

“Oh, right,” the ghost laughed, “been a while since anyone’s asked for that,” he glanced at the ground, as if he had to think about it. “It’s—uh—Amos.”

“Have a last name, Amos?” (Y/N) asked, allowing herself to let go of her knees, the position growing rather taxing.

“Seems that I’ve—well, you know how these things are—I’ve forgotten,” Amos laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ghosts sometimes have a tough time recalling details, you see. Our past life sort’ve dwindles away…”

“Does it?” (Y/N) asked, growing curious. “That’s awfully sad…”

“It’s not so bad,” Amos shrugged. “I can still remember quite a lot, my parents, my time here at school, what House I was in—”

“What House?” (Y/N) asked quickly, as if it were the most important question she’d ever had asked. “I’m in (Y/H).”

“Hufflepuff,” Amos said, his chest puffing just a bit. “Proud about it. Looked rather good in yellow, too,” he laughed.

“I can imagine,” (Y/N) said, feeling herself smiling at his joke, her legs falling flat against the floor. 

“There,” Amos said, “you’re not crying anymore. Knew it would take only a moment.”

“Was that why you came here?” (Y/N) asked, “To try and get me to stop crying?”

“Felt rude not to,” Amos said honestly. “It seems rather rude to let a lady sob her eyes out.”

“A lady?” (Y/N) scoffed. “How old-fashioned. How old are you? Eighty?”

“Nope. Seventeen. Well, I was seventeen. I think I’m a bit older now,” Amos said, his face fallen. As if sprung back in an instant, his smile returned. “At least I get to be seventeen forever, right? No scraggly beard or wrinkles to worry about.”

“You were only seventeen?” (Y/N) asked, her own worries set aside. “That’s horrible! You were so young and—”

“Young forever,” Amos smiled, unbroken. “I know how sad it must seem, to see such a young ghost, but honestly, don’t mind yourself about it,” he waved his hand as if it were nothing, “I’ve had a bit of time to reflect on myself and my state, no need to worry a beautiful girl about it, either.”

(Y/N) was certain that her cheeks were shining brighter than the night sky. He had called her beautiful, something she wasn’t quite used to hearing. It didn’t help that the ghost in question was unequivocally handsome, albeit, still a ghost.

“Why haven’t I seen you around the castle?” (Y/N) asked finally, the question nagging at the back of her mind. “I’ve run into nearly every other ghost— the House ghosts, Myrtle, even that other boy Duncan—but not you, Amos. Why?”

“Blimey, you’ve even come across Duncan?” Amos laughed, propelling himself higher into the air. “That bloke is harder to pin down than a Cornish Pixie,” he turned back to (Y/N), who looked nearly unimpressed. “Well, to tell you the truth… I’m not exactly keen on being seen.”

“Obviously,” (Y/N) said plainly, “otherwise I’d have at least heard of you before.”

“I suppose I had gotten enough of the attention and fanfare when I was alive,” Amos shrugged, allowing himself to float through the pillar to his left, as if to prove he indeed was not alive. “Thought I could quiet things down for a few years—decades maybe—before I jumped back into things.”

“You’ve been here for decades?” (Y/N) felt her heart nearly drop.

“Oh!” Amos shook his head quickly, dropping back to the ground, legs crossed. “No, only a couple of years. Well, I reckon it’s been close to a decade, anyway…”

“Being alone for such a long time…” (Y/N) said, her voice barely a whisper. “That must be just dreadful.”

“Weren’t you the one who was just going on about how you’d like to be left alone?” Amos smirked, trying to lighten the mood.

“You know what I mean,” (Y/N) said almost annoyed. “I’m sorry that you’ve had to be alone, no one should be alone for such a long time…”

“Alright,” Amos said, flying to his feet. “Then I won’t,” he pointed at (Y/N), “come visit me, then.”

“You say it like I can just waltz around this castle on a dime—”

“Didn’t stop you tonight,” Amos said, his hands on his hips. (Y/N) looked rather unimpressed. “Look, I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t mean it. I rather fancy your company,” he smiled, “frankly, this is the most contact I’ve had with another person in years. You’d make a fine friend.”

“I just…” (Y/N) sat for a moment, mulling her options over. Not everyday did a ghost—one who quite tickled her fancy—ask to be in contact with you. Certainly she never turned down the opportunity for a new friend, even if he was dead. The risks were high, but the payoff seemed to be worth it. “Alright.”

“Alright?” Amos’ eyes lit up, his dazzling grin shining bright against the moonlight. 

“Once a week,” (Y/N) concluded, pushing herself up the wall, back onto her feet. “I don’t think I can manage much more than that, I’d run out of excuses as to why I was out of my dorm so late at night—you do want to meet at night, right?”

“Well we certainly can’t meet while you’re in class, can we?” Amos smirked, his posture softening. 

“Cheeky,” (Y/N) laughed, holding her hand out. “Alright, it’s a deal. Once a week,” she stiffened her arm, “well? What’re you—oh,” (Y/N) felt her fat grow hot with embarrassment. Amos tipped his head to the side, almost in confusion. 

“Ah, I suppose you’d like to shake on it, hm?” Amos asked, resulting in a rather meek nod from (Y/N). He smiled, reaching his own silver arm out to meet hers, but missing her hand by an inch. “Alright, let’s shake on it, then.”

(Y/N) hesitantly moved her hand, reaching out to touch Amos’ silver one, almost expecting to feel nothing at all. What she didn’t anticipate was the cold. The air in which would hypothetically contain the boy’s hand was as cold as a winter’s night. But, it didn’t alarm her in the slightest. While the cold was a bit jarring, she could still feel his presence—or what she assumed was his presence—he felt like he was real, or real enough in the moment before his fingers managed to poke through her hand.

“Whoops,” Amos laughed, retreating his hand back to his side. “Sorry about that, I’ve never tried—”

“It’s fine,” (Y/N) said, shaking her head. She quickly rubbed her eyes, feeling the stiffness in her eyelids fall. Talking with Amos had indeed calmed her down, as she had grown finally tired enough for sleep. “I’ll see you around?”

“Next week,” Amos nodded, watching (Y/N) turn towards the empty corridor.

“See you then, Amos,” (Y/N) said, waving lightly before entering into the darkness, prepared to return to her dorm, ready to face her roommates—a part of her hoping they had also gone to sleep.

__

(Y/N) found solace in her new friend. True to her word, Amos and (Y/N) met once a week in the corridor, late into the evening. They had met like that for a few months now and (Y/N) was finding herself wanting to chat with Amos more and more. So, they compromised to meet as needed, with (Y/N) coming to their corridor at the time she needed and Amos would be there to listen. It was nice, to have a friend that would listen and actually care for their wellbeing.

Of course, being friends with a ghost had its challenges. For one, (Y/N) kept Amos a secret, per his wishes, so it was always odd to mention something her ‘friend’ had said in passing. Many would press to know who that ‘friend’ was, but thought nothing of it, as (Y/N) liked to keep to herself anyway. She also found it difficult when she would accidentally offer Amos a snack, mostly out of habit. It was the little things, she knew, that they took for granted in this unorthodox situation.

When the Easter break had passed and school was coming back into session, (Y/N) was quick to realize her growing sour mood over the break was from the lack of time she had with Amos. It was only a little over a week, but (Y/N) understood that her dear friend was someone she could confide in almost anything with, something she sought so desperately to find. It was that night, a night in the middle of June, weeks now caught back up, that she finally felt back to normal.

“Amos?” (Y/N) asked, her back pressed against the floor. She had been laying just right—good enough to see the stars through the window—Amos floating in the air above her.

“Yeah?” Amos answered, only letting a beat pass between them, almost a hesitation.

“I never told you—never shared why I was here all those months ago, did I?” (Y/N) said, pushing herself upward, weight on her hands. Amos shook his head, the silver mop of hair falling into his eyes, a sight that (Y/N) felt enchanted by. 

“You mentioned it was something to do with your roommates. I didn’t press you about it then—I don’t want to press you about it now, if you don’t want to talk about it,” Amos said decidedly.

“I want to talk about it,” (Y/N) said, fully sitting up, “on my own accord, for me. I guess? I don’t know. It feels odd to have kept that from you, when I’ve been so open and honest about everything else.” 

“Oh…” Amos said, glancing down. “Right.”

“It’s nothing big!” (Y/N) said hurriedly, almost afraid she had struck a nerve with her silver friend. “Actually it’s pretty sad when you take a look back at it, I would say I was overreacting, just a bit…” (Y/N) twiddled her thumbs, “Honestly, the reason I was running through the halls that night is because my roommates were making jokes about me—”

“To your face?” Amos said, cutting (Y/N) off. “That’s nothing to scoff at, (Y/N)!”

“No!” (Y/N) laughed, waving her hands. “I overheard it before coming into our room. Not to my face—”

“Still, they were making jokes?” Amos looked worried, his eyebrows nearly touching. “Again, that’s not nothing, (Y/N)—”

“Okay, so it’s not nothing,” (Y/N) agreed, feeling her smile fade. “But, I’m not hurt by it anymore. My roommates and I have had the chance to talk it out—thanks to you, you know.”

“To me?” Amos asked, his face relaxing.

“Yeah,” (Y/N) nodded, her smile growing again. “Chatting with you made me realize that I don’t and shouldn’t care about what other people say about me,” she turned to Amos, “especially if I don’t really fancy their opinion of me anyway.”

“I don’t reckon I ever said anything along those lines…” Amos said.

“You didn’t,” (Y/N) said, shaking her head. “But, after hanging with you so often, it made me realize that there’s only a few people who I really care for,” her eyes flicked to the ground, “at least, a few people who’s opinions of me that I’d actually care for…”

“I guess that makes sense,” Amos said, floating nearly in circles around (Y/N), his hand plastered to his chin in thought. “Though, may I ask…?” He trailed for a moment, floating in one spot, (Y/N)’s gaze lifting directly upward, their eyes meeting. “Who’s opinions would you actually care for?”

“Oh—uhm—that’s…” (Y/N) knew her face was at the very least two shades darker than before, a feat she grew used to feeling. A soft sigh escaped her lips. “I mean, I suppose… it would be you, Amos—maybe my mum or dad—but I meant you, when I said that.”

“Oh…” Amos said, floating down to the ground, disappearing nearly into the floor beneath (Y/N)’s feet.

“Goodness, it feels like a weight has just been lifted off my chest!” (Y/N) nearly sang, closing her eyes lightly. She flicked them open to glance back up at her silver friend.“ I’m glad that we don’t have any more secrets—uh, Amos?” (Y/N) said, noticing and kneeling down to the head on the floor, his face tuned away from her. “Are you alright?”

“Perfectly fine,” Amos said, not turning around, his voice almost muffled.

“Amos?” (Y/N) said, gently tiptoeing around his head, hoping to make eye contact. He continued to turn. “Amos…” (Y/N) said, a bit more pointedly this time. “Stop spinning!” 

He stopped.

“Amos, what’s gotten into you?” (Y/N) asked, watching her friend rise from the floor. 

“Nothing,” Amos lied, crossing his arms. “Look, you don’t want to be late for your assembly, right?”

“But that’s not for another hour at least—”

“Still, you should probably meet with your Head of House and get ready… black robes and whatnot…” Amos said, his voice dropping low.

“It’s the same assembly every year, Amos,” (Y/N) said, trying to reach out to him, her hand passing through his arm effortlessly. “Always on the 24th of June—surely you’ve gone, right? Almost all the House ghosts are there…”

“The 24th of June isn’t a day I like to remember,” Amos mumbled, floating down the hall, further away from (Y/N).

“What?” (Y/N) said, skipping after the floating boy. “Amos?”

“Look,” Amos turned around quickly, his face hardened. “Just go get ready for your assembly—don’t expect me to be here when you get back—”

“Amos? What on earth are you going on about?!” (Y/N) nearly screamed, her voice trailing through the empty corridor. Their corridor. “Not be here when I get back?” 

“Look, (Y/N),” Amos said plainly, “I haven’t… been exactly truthful to you either…��� Amos turned back around. “After today—the assembly—you’ll… understand…”

“What do you mean? You’re still not making any sense—just, tell me what you need to, I don’t mind that you kept—”

“It’s not exactly something as easy as bluffing about why you cried,” Amos said, his voice low. “I just think it’s best to stop this—us meeting—you won’t be able to look at me the same way after the assembly.”

“Amos—”

“It’s… for the best,” he said, floating down the hallway, a sadness laced through his voice. He left (Y/N) standing alone, disappearing through the nearest wall, never to see her again.

(Y/N) felt inclined to think so too.

__

Diggory Day—the title coined by the father of the fallen—was to remember the life of Cedric Diggory, Hogwarts Champion and role model to many. The assembly was a tradition instilled the same year as Remembrance Day—the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts—a feat accomplished by one Harry Potter, inclined to not only remember those fallen on the second of May, 1998, but also a dear friend on the day he had fallen too.

Normally, (Y/N) found the assembly dull, Cedric Diggory had passed more than 10 years ago, the Battle of Hogwarts nearly as long. It was the same schtick every year, a foreword by the Headmistress—usually about how inspiring Diggory had been—a testament to the school. As long as (Y/N) had attended Hogwarts, his father had attended too, to share memories of his son, to engulf the minds of the young students and inspire them to do greater. It was the norm for most students to take the afternoon hour to catch a kip or completely zone out. If (Y/N) was honest with herself, she found it easier and easier to catch a kip as each year passed. This afternoon, however, she was determined to stay awake—to understand why Amos felt the need to cut her out of his life—by any means necessary.

Black school robes were required, no different than Remembrance Day, the entire Great Hall was flooded with darkness. Gold banners adorned the walls—a nod to the fallen’s House. (Y/N) found her seat next to her roommates, the look of boredom already sunken into their features. The Headmistress took to the podium, silencing any idle chatter that lingered throughout the hall. Her speech was no different than years prior, same deal. However, the saddened man—no older than 50—tucked away to the side, his face pale. He looked no different than (Y/N) remembered him, the pain in his eyes was hard to forget.  

“…now, I believe Mr. Diggory has a few words,” Headmistress McGonagall finished, gesturing her hand over to the man in the corner. “Amos, if you would.”

Amos?

“Thank you Minerva,” the man—Amos, presumably—said, pushing himself up from his seat. His steps to the podium were slow in pace, almost as if his sadness had weighed him down. “Thank you, students of Hogwarts, for allowing me to speak yet again.”

“Amos…” (Y/N) mumbled under her breath, repeating the speaker’s name once again. “But…”

As if like lightening had struck, the pieces of the puzzle all clicked into place. (Y/N)’s friend, the one she had grown to care deeply for—perhaps even love—wasn’t just any student at all, but the son of the speaker before her.

Cedric Diggory.

The room almost felt still, the noise around her blanking out, her focus entirely on her racing mind. All the mumbling about today, how he’d rather forget it all, the reasons Cedric had to lie to her about who he was—nothing was comforting to ease her thoughts. He had chosen to go by his father’s name, that couldn’t be a coincidence, right? Actively using a name that meant something so dear to him, something entirely other than his own—means something in the grand scheme of their interactions. Had everything else been a lie? No, that was something (Y/N) was sure of. Amos—Cedric—was not one to lie to her, at least, beside the obvious.

“…my son was a courageous young man, bright beyond his years,” Mr. Diggory said, holding a sniffle back. “He was my pride and joy, a testament to what a student, no, a son, should be. Honest, caring and loyal, the traits of his House flowed through him. Hufflepuff was a fine fit for my boy…”

The rest of the assembly finished as it always had, with a hymn sung by the Hogwarts Frog choir—apparently a favorite of Cedric’s. The students rose from their seats, eager to enjoy the rest of their day off from studies and classes. Should she approach Amos—the real Amos? Ask him about his son? Before she made up her mind, her hand was pulling at the back of the older man’s robes.

“Oh,” Mr. Diggory turned around, his brows nearly touching his receding hairline. “Hello…”

“Mr. Diggory,” (Y/N) said, releasing her grip, her hands twisting between themselves. “You don’t know me, but I’m (Y/N) (L/N) and—”

“Miss. (L/N), would you please follow your fellow students back to your common room? Mr. Diggory has a prior engagement,” Headmistress McGonagall said, her eyes stern.

“Oh, Minerva, I’m sure she’ll only be a moment,” Mr. Diggory said, waving her away dismissively. The Headmistress paused for a moment, mulling over her options, but proceeded to engage in a conversation with the Herbology Professor, Professor Longbottom, instead.

“Mr. Diggory, I’ve heard you speak for a couple of years now,” (Y/N) restarted, feeling slightly more sure of herself. “But this year, your words really resonated with me—”

“I’m glad an old man like myself could enlighten a bright mind like yours, Miss. (L/N),” Mr. Diggory smiled, a warmth softening his features. “May I ask why this year resonated with you versus the years prior?”

“I have this… new friend, you see,” (Y/N) said, planning to be vague. “I didn’t understand him as deeply as I thought, but when you talked so truthfully and lovingly about your son, Cedric, I just… it made sense, I guess. He’s an… awful lot like him,” (Y/N) said honestly.

“Well, he sounds like a fine young man,” Mr. Diggory said, his smile not fading.

“He had recently lied to me, about something big…” (Y/N) took a deep breath, unsure of her next words. “I’m having a hard time understanding why he did what he did…”

“Oh,” Mr. Diggory said quietly. “Well, I’m sure he had his reasons, most people do.”

“Even if they’re honest about everything else?”

“In my experience, those who are honest at heart tend to protect those whom they love, or what they love, even if it means lying,” Mr. Diggory said thoughtfully, his hand resting on his coat pocket.

“I see,” (Y/N) said, her eyes downcast.

“But,” Mr. Diggory continued, his gaze locked on the young student before him. She glanced back up. “I’m sure with an open heart and mind, you can find it in yourself to forgive him for his choices,” he smiled yet again, “maybe he’ll find it in himself to forgive himself too.”

“I’m not so sure,” (Y/N) said, her hand gripping the sleeve of her robes tightly. “He was very clear about… not talking to me again.”

“He just may be misguided,” Mr. Diggory said plainly, his hand grasping around a gold pocket watch. “Ah, I’m so sorry, but I have to cut our conversation short, but that prior engagement is coming up shortly,” he smiled again, “I do hope your friend comes around, Miss.(L/N), you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders.”

“Thank you, Mr. Diggory,” (Y/N) said, feeling herself bow forward a bit. “I appreciate it.” With another sad smile, Mr. Diggory exited the Great Hall, (Y/N) taking another second to regain herself.

__

She sat in the corridor for what seemed like hours, watching the sun set beyond the horizon. Her robe was long but forgotten against the floor beside her feet, seated tightly against the wall.

“Cedric…” (Y/N) mumbled into her knees, gripping herself against her chest tightly.

As if on command, what seemed to be a silver wisp blew past her eyes, quickly and almost uncertainly. She glanced up, her eyes meeting with the silvery ones of her dear friend.

“So…” Cedric said, hovering above (Y/N). “You know…”

“Cedric, look—”

“I don’t need your pity,” Cedric said, turning around. “I lied to you, about who I was…” he settled onto the ground, mimicking (Y/N)’s posture and seating. “It’s… horrific.”

“No!” (Y/N) said far too quickly, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. “I-I mean, no, Cedric,” she took a breath, “look, you lied—yeah that’s a fact—but you only really lied about your name.”

“So?”

“So,” (Y/N) repeated, “you’re still you, Cedric, name change be damned. You’re not suddenly a murderer or deranged psychopath, right?”

Cedric smiled lightly. “No, I suppose not.”

“You had your reasons,” (Y/N) said simply, “reasons that maybe I’ll never understand, but you did it to protect yourself, right?” Cedric nodded. “I mean, it’s been over 10 years since you’ve… left. I bet you haven’t exactly had a friend in all those years…”

“What gave that away? My knack for social skills?” Cedric smiled, crossing his arms.

“Perhaps,” (Y/N) grinned lightly, feeling a bit lighter at Cedric’s joking tone. “But you know what I mean. I forgive you, Cedric, I do.”

Cedric looked to stop floating, his feet nearly touching the ground. Besides the silver hue of his entire body, he looked nearly alive, nearly and entirely human. His face twisted in confusion for just a moment, before relaxing entirely. A sliver of silver ran down his cheek—a single tear. 

“I shouldn’t be forgiven—not by you, not by anyone,” Cedric said, bringing his jumper sleeve up to his cheek, wiping the tear away. “You have a bigger heart than I do—”

“By anyone? Cedric, of course you deserve to be forgiven!” (Y/N) said, reaching forward, balancing her hands above his shoulders—it wasn’t the same, but it was something. “Everyone makes mistakes—”

“It wasn’t a mistake!” Cedric screamed, flying backwards, his face distorted. “I died, (Y/N)!” He pulled his arms to his chest, heaving forward—almost in pain. “I died, (Y/N)…” Cedric repeated, his voice a whisper, “I died and I didn’t even get to say goodbye…”

“Say goodbye…?” (Y/N) let her hands to fall at her sides, trying to make sense of her friend’s words. “You don’t mean—”

“My father was there, when Harry brought back my body,” Cedric said softly, “I saw the whole thing. The anguish, the sadness in his eyes…” He took a deep breath. “I didn’t understand, I knew I died, I saw the green blast—how could I see and hear the sadness in my father?” Cedric asked, almost to himself. “I looked down and saw myself floating high above the crowd—a ghost.”

“You didn’t…choose to be a ghost?”

“Not on purpose,” Cedric shook his head, “I guess my ‘unfinished business’ was greater than the great beyond—so to speak.”

“Saying goodbye to your father?” (Y/N) asked, nearly a second later she realized it was a stupid observation.

“Year after year I sat in this castle,” Cedric floated to the window, gazing at the setting sun. “Watching my father come and speak to students—the pain still fresh in his words—I can’t bring myself to face him. I couldn’t even bring myself to show my face to anyone…”

“Until me…?”

“Until you.”

“Why me?” (Y/N) asked plainly, her voice almost broken.

“When I saw you that night, the pain in your face—the anguish—I couldn’t just sit idly by and let you deal with that. Not when you were still alive,” Cedric shook his head, “alive and far too pure to be dealing with that pain.”

“So, if I were a ghost, it’d be okay to deal with it?” (Y/N) felt her tone grow more accusatory, her arms crossing. “Pain is pain, Cedric—alive or not—you feel it regardless—”

“Regardless, sure,” Cedric said, waving his hand, “but I deserve the pain—”

“No one deserves that pain!” (Y/N) finally shouted. “You died—a horrific and terrible fate—but just because you feel like you deserve it, doesn’t make it so!” Her face felt flushed, the anger rising within her, tears pricking her eyes. “You’re kind, caring and loyal—”

“I was—”

“Hate to break it to you, Cedric, but I didn’t know you when you were alive, yeah?” (Y/N) spat. “I only know you now, and that’s what you still are, especially to me…” she glanced down at her feet, “my greatest friend…”

“Great friend I am…” Cedric mumbled, tapping his foot. “I abandoned you—”

“I love you!” (Y/N) exclaimed, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I love you, Cedric, and you left me because you thought it was right,” she wiped the tear away. “Your father loves you, Cedric, so deeply. But you just sit up here like—like a coward!” Cedric’s face was almost like stone, unchanging and unmoving. “You have this chance to make it right—say goodbye to your father—but you don’t. You’re hurting yourself more than the people who love you.”

“He could never forgive me—”

“I forgave you,” (Y/N) shrugged, “and your father loves you more than anyone in this world or otherwise—of course he’ll forgive you Cedric.”

“It’s foolish, you know?” Cedric said. “To love a ghost?”

“I don’t care,” (Y/N) shook her head. “Romantic—platonic—whatever. I care about you, Cedric, so deeply,” once more, she reached out to touch his shoulder. “I’ll help you get to that place, to get to the right place to see your father—wether that be next year or the next—I’ll do it, Cedric.”

“You…” Cedric said, his chest heaving in silent sobs. He allowed his head to fall forward. “Thank you, (Y/N),” a silver hand reached up to cover (Y/N)’s, “thank you…”

The touch felt cool—like that familiar winter’s night. The sensation only a reminder of the worlds between the two, a constant in their relationship and partnership. Alive or gone, they were together and ready to take on the world. One day, Cedric would find it in himself to approach his father, but today? Today he confided in the comfort of a friend, and maybe that was enough.  

__

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Cedric Diggory Tag List: @freaking-nix

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[tartagliaxx]

hi. i only got to play in inazuma today so here's me live reacting to the archon quest. it's a lil out of context tho so have fun trying to figure out which parts im talking abt. also, this is the only time i'm going to be talking abt spoilers for at least one week so... 🤷‍♀️

swordfish ii? cute.

Jesus Christ. and here i thought it was my lowest settings that made his hair grey… this poor kid. teppei i admire your determination but no… just no...

SCARAMOUCHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

IF EVIL WHY SO HOT

you know.... scaramouche could stand still and the air would get electrified. and yknow,,, that's p... that's p attractive

ugh im disgusting myself. and here i thought i still had an inch of sanity left in me.

of all people it had to be this little jerk

scaramouche is so fucking evil. i’d like ten of him, please.

man,, they expect me to dodge this shit? that’s the biggest l i’ve heard today. none of that shit. i’m bringing out my zhong and my sweet madames skrrt

sayu is adorable… i remember when i had hopes of growing up too… alas, it has come to this.

OH MY GOD AYATO CRUMBS. I AM LICKING THAT SHIT UP. PLEASE— HE HAS A SECRET UNIT. THATS SO HOT WTF. AYATO MY DEAR, PLEASE DONT BE A REGULAR ICKY NPC BUT WHITE HAIRED…

SNEAKY SNEAK. SNEAKY SNEAK.

THOMA OH MY GOD MY MALEWIFE. HOW HAVE YOU BEEN? also, sayu’s sleeping again. this girl’s got talent. is her circadian rhythm okay?

pains me to be the bearer of all bad news and no good news…

WAIT THOMA IS LEAVING NO DONT LEAVE YET I WANT TO LOOK AT YOU MORE

oh nvm he’s still in the background.

EYY WHATS UP AYAKA. YOU’RE AS FINE AS EVER.

i… i don’t like where this is going… i refuse to be the bait. i’m too hot for that. so spicy they’ll spit me right out

DONT VOLUNTEER YOURSELF LUMINE— GIVE ME AN OPTION OR AT LEAST AN ‘OH SHIT HERE WE GO AGAIN’ LINE

YES FIREWORKS THAT WOULD WORK RIGHT? PLEASE TELL ME THAT WOULD WORK-

oh thank god… wait... they… they wouldn’t ask me to be the one to set off the fireworks right?

UNFORTUNATELY NO. AFTER YOU BECOME A FREE MAN, YOU’RE IMMEDIATELY MARRYING ME THOMA ANJKFHAIGHLANGKLAHOFJLKAB

oh crap… i’m… i’m in deep.

HE’S BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING US AGAIN EVERY DAY SINCE HE GOT THERE ANFLaglvbajlfblabvljabefva;bfalLJBLJDABVBAALSNADL tumblr user @tartagliaxx is broken. she is now irreparable. she has no regrets. goodbye.

ehem… what if… you and i… and hotsprings… together?? JUST KIDDING. PG-13 OVER HERE. NOTHING INDECENT WHATSOEVER MOVE ALONG NOW

poor thoma,,,

oh come on ayaka… cut us some slack… i just watched lumine wheeze bc of evil purple mist only to be dragged into 2 timeskips and an entire training arc. dont let her be yet another traumatized shounen manga protagonist… altho, it might be uh… too late for that…

oh dear… is thoma going to get another round of diarrhea?

OF COURSE. OF COURSE IT’S ME DOING ALL THE WORK. OF COURSE IT’S ME WHO’S RISKING MY LIFE ALL OVER AGAIN. GOD! GIVE LUMINE A BREAK. BEING A TRAVELER DOES NOT MEAN IT’S FREE REAL ESTATE.

hello yoimiya… still looking as bomb as ever i see……… mhm… gonna see myself out rn…

HELP MY SHITTY GRAPHICS COMPLETELY ERADICATED HER BROWS

oh god… are we dying because of fireworks? forget getting caught by the patrol… we’re about to light up an untested firework that was made to be a billion times more explosive….

NO. SHE SAID IT. SHE SAID THE CURSED SENTENCE. WHATS THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN? IDK YOU TELL ME. YOU JUST SENTENCED US TO DEATH YOIMIYA GREAT GOING still love you tho.

man… these patrol guards aint shit… i literally walked an inch behind their backs and they did nothing… its a surprise the rebellion still hasn’t won when they place guards like this in their ranks………. ok that was kinda mean i’ll apologize in a bit.

SAYU OMG… DONT WORRY I’LL SNEAK YOU OUT AND RISK MY LIFE willingly JUST TO RESCUE YOU. ILYSM HONEY YOU’RE DOING SO WELL

no, paimon. it’s not but we’re doing it anyway 🤡

NO ONE TOLD ME WE’RE GOING TO RUN. I WENT COMPLETELY OFF COURSE. first try tho 😏

HELLO THOMA. HELLO AYAKA.

HELLO SAYU. HOW DID IT GO? IM GUESSING IT WENT WELL BC YOU’RE STILL ALIVE?

oh no….. she’s worn herself out…. man,,, this is why you dont make convicts out of kids….

WE ASKED SAYU FOR AN INCH AND SHE GAVE AS TEN THOUSAND MILES. SAYU MY CHILD YOU EXCEED EXPECTATIONS

god, don’t remind me. as hot as the shogun trying to kill us w her blade was, i don’t appreciate almost getting murdered on screen (even if we most certainly have plot armor)

awwww is thoma worried about me uwu owo? dw i have like… a lumine w 6% crit rate by my side

sigh… i dont want to leave yet… cant i just stay by thoma’s side and not go to war for a change?

it was at this moment that tumblr user lei saw the wonders of being a housewife.

oh sara… my stars… i’m so sorry. i feel so bad for you but at the same time… this oddly makes me want to write a song for you ABJFJKABJABCABVABVKA I KNOW JACK SHIT ABT SONGWRITING WHY AM I THINKING LIKE THIS

well… there she goes…

oh…. oh….. yae is stealing my heart. WHAT DO I DO WHAT DO I DO (i have an alt for a reason heehee)

DEAR LORD. PLEASE STEP ON MY NECK SARA.

these guys got guts to say ‘i’m sorry ma’am’ to THE kujou sara.

oh old man… you’re dead. you’re so dead.

man… this old man is a simp? sheesh.

YES. GO TELL EM PAIMON. PREACH THAT SHIT LOUD AND CLEAR.

oh my god… is that dude dead? i probably should’ve uh apologized b4 he flopped down to the ground ig…

MAN,, SARA’S DOWN FOR THE COUNT?? tbf i didnt expect much but…. also, AYE SIGNORA’S SO ICY.

she’s calling me out for being a simp ;-; heart been broke so many times or smth

OH SHIT LUMINE SPOKE. MAN,, WHY IS SHE SO COOL.

oh… i love this part of the vow… im suddenly inspired to write… how about a wedding au? an angsty wedding au?

goddamn… it’s been nice knowing you all…. i dont think i’ll come out of this alive if signora went out like that…

WHATS HAPPENING? ARE YOU SAYING KAZUHA WENT THROUGH THIS BS? IS LUMINE OKAY-

DID THEY REALLY JUST STORM THE ENTIRE FUCKING CAPITAL?? THEY HAVE SOME NERVE.

FUCK OMG KAZUHA AHHAHFHAFHAHGKJABKASBGA IM TEARING UP WTF WHY AM I GETTING EMOTIONAL- HONEY BUN THATS SO HOT OF YOU TO DO

oh… oh it’s time for round two? haha… time to… say my goodbyes….

yo… there are actual tears in my eyes… like… idk why… but that cutscene? shit man… that hit me…

hm… i feel bad for the shogun… ultimately, there is reason behind every act no matter how horrid. no matter how unreasonable, the reason one thinks of is always justified on their end. whatever everyone else thinks pay little effect on whether the act is fulfilled or not. also, her little laugh? i’m extra deceased.

the animation's fire as always wtf

oh but my kokoro... oof... my kokoro... ugh...

I’M SO FUCKING DONE AJKFHAKJBVAK- WE BEAT A HARBINGER AND FOR WHAT? she should’ve just tossed that gnosis into the ocean or smth...

HAH OMG SCARAMOUCHE. WHAT A MAN. I’M- I WAS RIGHT OMG. I HAD A LIL THEORY AND ITS JUST SMTH I HAD IN THE BACK OF MY MIND. I NEVER THOUGHT IT’LL ACTUALLY COME TRUE DEAR LORD. so now ig i have to admit i think abt him a lot and he has a soft spot in my heart 🥺 he’s evil you see and you know what my type is? evil men or at the very least, men with the potential to be evil. ugh so annoying.

scaramouche banner when

bc i sold everything worthy of money in me (read as my organs) for albedo, i'll sell my soul for him how about that?

EYE- makoto huh… well… fuck…

it’s day 400 of being ayato less even if he’s like… teased a million of times (jk it’s like… a grand total of seven but thats still p high)

im so… sigh…

i wonder if i’m still alive by the time sumeru releases… at the very least, i know my brain wouldn’t be.

....we were literally a captain for like... one second. that is so sad.

[dastardlydandelion]

I wish you would write a fic where Susan got to keep her baby for once.

well. hm. what would this look like in my hands. okay, okay, so in this particular scenario, i actually imagine neil was putting 2 + 2 together and finding out susan's preggo right after the move. like, even before susan does. and she's all kinds of alarmed but neil is?? oddly excited?

he's all like, "isn't this great? we get to have a new baby in this new town. what a perfect way to cement our brand new life, huh?"

and susan doesn't want to be hopeful but with neil's positive reaction, she tentatively feels hope anyway. maybe things rly will be different, right?

continues under the cut bc this got fucking long.

yeah, well, neil's good mood lasts until it's actually born and responsibilities ensue. he never had to deal with billy as a baby rly, bc billy's mom took care of that part and also, like. in this 'verse at least, billy was a low-maintenance baby. didn't cry much. maybe he did at first but like, after being dropped on the head a couple times, he just went quiet and didn't rly bother anybody after that. wouldn't get loud again until elementary age. and max didn't come into neil's life until she was even elementary age, so defo past all the baby stuff.

the new infant tho screams like a mofo. everybody in the house is on edge. sleep is hard to come by for the whole household. the care and keeping responsibilities mostly fall on susan but neil holds it against her every. single. time. he has to change a diaper or hold a bottle, as if it's some major failing on susan's part that he should ever have to do anything like this at all.

max tries to help but she can't even hold the baby tbh. it makes her v uncomfortable, she never gets it right and doesn't know what to do when it squirms!! what if she drops it!? plus she thinks baby smells weird even when it's got a clean diaper, an unappealing mashed food and powder combo with a lingering whiff of wet rubber. and billy. is billy. he has to watch it sometimes, naturally. if it's just him and baby at home, he'll blast his stereo to cover up the crying, as long as he knows its other needs have been tended to. like, yk, the "it'll cry itself to sleep eventually," approach. which works actually. metallica becomes the go-to baby lullaby.

but lo and behold, when it's like, let's say 6 months or smth, baby gets an ear infection. like babies do. won't stop wailing. just. will NOT stop. v much in pain and has no other means of communication. neil and max are home. billy is on a date. susan's stuck in a long line at the grocery store. neil had a shitty day at work and he's already aggravated. pacifier isn't working, lil thing just keeps hollering, so. in a burst of frustration, he starts throttling baby. max is in her own room but hears it the second the noises change and hurries to help, blood ice cold.

she stops neil from killing baby sibling but gets a black eye and a bloody nose for her troubles. this is what susan comes home to. i've written a lot of susan kills neil scenarios but i think this is the first one that comes to mind where in this round, it really is out of anger and not fear. both are present, ofc. but the actual act on her part is one of anger. bc she feels stupid that he ever had her the slightest bit convinced a new baby would make anything better. that neil ever made her feel like he'd be better and instead, he chose to be even worse. susan ties him to the bedposts under the guise of a sex thing, convincing neil she wants to treat him to smth special bc he's been oh so stressed out lately. bashes his brains in with a hammer at least 20 times, a la sally challen style.

alas, reality commences and susan goes to prison. ig a long time ago there was this made for tv movie abt this lady killing her abusive husband by setting the bed aflame that gave the public the misconception that women who kill their abusers are typically acquitted, but uh, that's not true. yeah, it was true for the lady whom the movie was based off of, but usually they're convicted and serve unduly harsh sentences for their "crimes." but if i get on that soap box, we gonna be here the whole fucking day, so, moving on now. susan's off to the big house. albeit both baby and max's injuries are documented and considered mitigating circumstances so her charges are reduced from first degree murder to voluntary manslaughter with the potential for early release.

billy's close to 19 so he's an adult, if only technically speaking. has custody of baby and max. i've decided baby in this 'verse is amab but will eventually come out as trans when she's abt ten yrs old. billy tries his best. max tries her best too. baby's nickname is ducky bc the rubber duck?? by far the favorite toy!! baby p much lives in the bathtub, playing with the rubber duck. billy, who would move them back to cali in a heartbeat if it wasn't so far from susan's prison, defo relates. he's also aquatic by nature.

okay, so the move back to cali does happen. over the months of her kids coming to visit her in prison susan can see how exhausted the teenagers are and she's p much just like, 'u guys gotta go. get outta this rural heckhole u hate, stop bringing urselves n my bby to this dismal place.' and they don't think she's serious but the next time they come to visit, she doesn't meet them, so. yup. serious it is. billy, max, n baby take neil's life insurance money and head off to cali.

this is a modern au, okay, inmates sneaking smartphones into the prison n all that. so susan makes deals and friends and does favors, and gets some help from the ones who are good at bitcoin and scams and counterfeiting and what have you. this enables her to do discreet online "shopping." so she gets ducky all kinds of rubber ducks, at least a handful of times a year. the ducks get more unique and less childish as ducky grows. susan apologizes almost every time she talks to the older kids on the phone for like, five yrs. max isn't rly angry with how things ended with neil tho, more so has that residual anger that susan ever got together with neil in the first place. billy doesn't rly know what to feel tbh, accepts the apologies p numbly bc he's too damn exhausted with being the primary caregiver in over his head to even think abt how he feels at the end of the day.

susan gets released on good behavior around the same time ducky comes out, announcing she's a girl. it's an adjustment for billy and max to get used to bc they never rly suspected, but they're 100% supportive. susan is...oddly excited? not for selfless reasons (tho she is earnestly supportive) but bc it's like. not only does that mean trashing the masculine deadname neil had adamantly declared for ducky, but it means all in all, she got out at the perfect time bc she gets to be introduced to the authentic version of her child along w errbody else. makes her feel less left behind, like she didn't miss out on errything despite being put away for a decade. susan moves in with all of them, obvi, in a small house by the seaside filled to the brim with rubber ducks (billy and max also contributed to ducky's collection on birthdays and holidays, the first duck billy ever got has skulls, and the first max ever got is a frankenstein monster duck). home is cluttered, awkward, and tentative but free of fear and ripe with *genuine* new beginnings.

believe me, anonymoose, i am just as surprised as u are at how fuckin long this got.

[catchmewiddershins]

ahh ok ok, it's good !! i'm only halfway thru but mAN, i'm hooked HAHA, and abt the type, mmm i don't really have a preference tbh, i just take a look at the blurb and if it's interesting to me, then i send a message to my mom n she decided whether to buy it or not

as for recs, i've only gotten into reading recently, but i have a few that i've been wanting to read

- agatha christie seems to be pretty popular, and i think she writes on horror, so i'll look into that

- there's also this guy, anthony horowitz, and i'm very interested in reading a book of his, the word is murder (it's out of stock on our local bookstore, so i'm just waiting on it)

- one of us is lying and one of us is next is popular with my friends and classmates, so i'm interested in it as well

but do you have any book recs? i'd like to get more into it, but i haven't been able to find a lot of good ones ; i dont mind the genre, i just get at what seems interesting to me, so feel free to drop your favorites :D

HMMMM IMMA CHECK THAT ONE OUT :DD

ok so what you got sounds good I'll give you some basic recs because I want to explore the genre a bit more myself lol (my sister also really wants to read One of us is Lying lol)

Classics (not old but like... famous):

- an Inspector Calls - a play that's quite famous, it's a script so it's all dialogue and the story is revealed through an interrogation it's a classic for a reason :) - An inspector comes to the house of a rich family in the (oh dear) like mid 1800s? Anyway he claims that they are all guilty of driving a working class woman to suicide and the whole story is slowly revealed it's so GOOD

- Oedipus Rex - ok this is an old classic but :)))) what can I say - it's another play and it's good! Technically it's a tragedy but the plot of the tragedy is Oedipus trying to solve a mystery - chances are you know the ending but that's the point, knowing the ending creates tension as he tries to figure it out and you wonder when the ball is going to drop

- Sherlock Holmes - I... I haven't actually read these but one of my best friends has and she KEEPS bugging me to read them so it's on the list because it's a classic and also my bestie likes them

- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Pretty short! And so so good! You probably recognise the story and it has it's fame for a reason... t's written from the POV of this Judge? I think? I can't remember his career, anyway he becomes involved in these murders and he decides to find out who's doing it and then track the perpetrator down and it's also sci-fi and psychological I believe anyway definite recommendation

Lower level (so like ages 11 - 15? I mean that's the age I was when I read them so):

- The Mysterious Benedict Society series - honestly? I want to reread these because a television adaption is coming out and I'm mad about some of the cuts they made - it's about a group of children recruited to stop someone from brainwashing the world

- the Lady Grace mysteries - definitely around the 11/12 age when I read these so they're quite an easy read but what can I say I still like them and easy reads are good and fun - it's set in the late 1500s and the main character is Grace, goddaughter to Queen Elizabeth the first, and she becomes a private detective for the Queen for various murders happening around court while outwitting the official (male) detective who thinks that her observations are worth pretty much nothing - she also has to keep it a secret from the other Maids of Honour (like ladies in waiting but... nobles)

- Orphan Monster Spy - ok I loved this when I read it at... 13/14/15? Anyway it's about a Jewish girl in WW2 who goes undercover at a school for nazi's children to gather information it is very good

- The murder most unladylike series - OK this I read at 10/11/12 as well but just because books are for younger audiences doesn't mean they aren't gripping and they're often more creative! My sister is reading this atm and she loves it ehe - it's two girls at a boarding school that start solving mysteries together

Higher Level (so like... 15/16/17? When I read or have been recommended and all that jazz):

- Oryx and Crake - This is written by Margaret Atwood which means it's good. The woman is a legend! Handmaid's Tale COULD be considered thriller or smth like it's sci-fi but like... cmon so that's another rec by her. My English teacher and my mum keep recommending me this but I haven't started it yet... general consensus is it's good though!

- Jane Harper - She's an author who's mysteries are apparently pretty good? I have one and they all seem to be popular sooooo a recommendation :)

- The Declaration + sequels - These are written by Gemma Malley and ALL I CAN REMEMBER ABOUT HOW GOOD THEY ARE is that when I was taking my GCSE mocks (I was 15 half of us were 16) we had to do revision in an exam hall and um anyway I read this book and the Resistance instead and did not do any revision I was hooked - not really a mystery or crime technically I don't think but definitely that vibe - Basically it's a future world where children just aren't a thing? The government has designed drugs for longevity and kids born outside of the law become 'surplus' and are all housed together but this girl meets a boy from outside (I cannot for the life of me remember if they get together or not) and they escape and go to investigate the government and where these drugs are coming from

I'll add more if I read them... IDEA! This list will have a tag (#wid's book recs! and #wid's mystery recs!) so I'll add recs to it when I get them so it'll be constantly evolving and I'll do the same for other genres at some point! I had a few more that I wanted to add but I forgot and the cat is being clingy

[2seokfan]

Scarlet & Hazel | Ch. 1

pairings: hoseok x reader x yoongi

genre: fluff, very light angst, smut (future)

word count: 3.6k

chapters: ch.1, ch.2, ch.3, ch.4

summary: 

Just cause you’re living paycheck to paycheck in a tiny apartment even after graduating college doesn’t mean you’re not happy. So what if your best friend is working her dream job making close to six figures every year?  So what if she’s in a loving, committed relationship with her perfect boyfriend that you’re 99% sure is going to propose to her sometime next year? It doesn’t matter that your idea of a perfect relationship is a $9.99 bottle of wine on Friday nights while you binge watch Netflix specials.

Ok so maybe you’re a teensy bit miserable. Maybe you have no idea what you’re doing with your life. Maybe all you need to do is accidentally cross paths with two hybrids who will drastically change that.

Meet “Scarlet” and “Hazel”, two of the most gorgeous hybrid men you have ever laid eyes on. With their help, you learn that life is an adventure, a rollercoaster with ups and downs, and you were too preoccupied with yourself to climb out of your own predicament. And hey, you’re not much of a romantic, but with these two, you just might change your mind.

note: Hi! This is my first fic ever! I don’t even know if anyone’s gonna read this but I’ve had this idea in my head for awhile so fuck it.

You kicked off your shoes and threw your purse on the couch.

“God my back hurts!” 

Honestly with the amount of random bodily aches you experience on a daily business you could pass for being 70 years old. But this time you knew where the pain stemmed from. You just had to fall asleep awkwardly after a night on your phone. And of course today was a work day and you slept past all THREE of your alarms. But you know that feeling when you sleep for a suspiciously long amount of time and something doesn’t feel right? That’s the sixth sense that saved your ass this morning because your internal body clock was like sweetie I think you’re late. 

You only had time to slap on some makeup, hoping it looked semi decent, and throw your greasy hair into a messy, but passable bun because no one wants to see an ugly receptionist. You had to skip your morning Starbucks drive-through routine because you’re about to be LATE, late so you grab your keys and start your car, booking it to work.

You work at a private hybrid clinic which pays a little better than most but that means you also have to deal with a lot of attitude from rich “owners” (you hate that word). And you sat weirdly at work today so that did nOThing to help your back pain. Also how come everybody decided to book an appointment today?? It’s Friday for god's sake why does everyone and their mothers decide it’s time to call the clinic and book a checkup. They get so mad at you when you say this whole month is filled. You can’t change the schedule though?? The calendar’s filled lady either get over it and settle for next month or fuck off (of course you don’t say that out loud cause you’ll get fired). Also someone yelled at you today because they didn’t like the magazine choices in the waiting room.

Anyways your day sucked and you couldn’t be happier being back in your tiny apartment to binge watch netflix stand-up comedies until you collapse. Well you say it’s your apartment but you actually have a roommate. She’s nothing like you though, she’s the epitome of responsibility. You agreed to live with her even though you met her through Craigslist because once you met her in person you deemed her genuine enough, and also found out she’s hardly ever at the apartment but she still pays rent on time?! You really hit the jackpot with her honestly. Cause you can be a little bit messy sometimes but even when she is home she never complains. The only negative side of having her as a roommate is that you never really had time to bond with her cause she’s so busy and over your league that even after a year you two still aren’t anything more than friendly acquaintances.

Alright time to get out of your work clothes and into nothing but your favorite oversized t-shirt with no pants on because that is what you deem home-appropriate attire. But before you turn on netflix your tummy is making “feed me” noises so it’s time to check the fridge. Damn no leftovers. Time to crack open one of those Trader Joe’s frozen meals you have stacked in the freezer. You blindly pick a box. Guess you’re having vegan tikka masala tonight. Not gonna lie though those frozen meals are actually not half bad. Or maybe you’ve been away from good home cooking for so long you’ve become desensitized? Who cares, you’re hungry. Also it’s Friday, so no harm in cracking open a bottle of wine right?

When you’re all settled on the couch with your favorite plush blanket on your legs, a random comedian on tv, and a full tummy, your mind drifts away. It’s Saturday tomorrow and you have the weekends off. Maybe you should do something fun for yourself to make up for the crap you had to deal with today. You text your best friend Karli. You know she’s awake since it’s only 10pm.

You: Hey girl wanna go to the beach or smth tmrw?? <3

Karli: Yaaas ok I don’t work!! What time?

You: and we can walk around all the fancy stores and get coffee from that place we love.

You: hmmm how bout meet there @11??

Karli: Sounds good sweetie want me to pick you up?

You: no its ok ill meet u there i need to buy groceries after

Karli: Kk love ya see you then!!!

You: love ya! night bby

Karli knows that when you say “go to the beach” you really mean walk along the beach and the nearby stores because it’s early June and prime tourist season. That means the sand is packed with people and their kids and the water’s probably filled with pee so you’re not really down for that. Also the expensive shops near the beach are so cute and you love walking around window shopping, pretending like you can actually afford any of the items on display.

The wine is now getting to you cause before you know it you find your eyelids getting heavy. You muster up your last ounce of strength to turn off the tv and force yourself out of the couch cause your poor back doesn’t need another excuse to keep hurting. As much as you don’t want to wash your face and brush your teeth, you have to because you don’t want makeup on your pillowcase tonight. And when you finally crawl into bed you knock out instantly.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

“Oh fuck…”

You forgot that drunk you last night set an alarm today for 9am. Thank you drunk Y/N. 

Why 9am? Because you need to shower and get ready, plus the beach you’re going to is near the north part of the city, which is also the expensive part of the city, meaning it’s a LONG ways from where you live. But the stores are aesthetically pleasing and it contains both you and Karli’s favorite coffee shop so you’re willing to make the 25 minute drive. Karli doesn’t have to worry though because she lives a lot closer than you do. Girl has got her shit together. Honestly you’re just glad she decided to move back after graduate school cause the long distance friend thing sucks balls.

You hop in the shower and rinse yourself awake. The weather is perfect, warm but not too hot. Unlike many people who prefer to dress up for a nice outing, you’re just the opposite. You’ve been forced to dress in nice business attire with a full face of makeup all week. Hell no are you dressing up on your days off too. It’s a sweatpants and tank top kinda day so that’s exactly what you wear. Ever since college you’ve spoiled yourself into only wearing comfy clothes whenever you have the chance and it’s become a minor problem in your life. You have some perfectly nice jeans in the closet but you haven’t worn them in forever. And you’re not gonna wear them today either. And makeup? Who needs makeup? You’ll just go barefaced since you have no one to impress. Actually just kidding maybe a little concealer just to cover up a few rough spots but that’s IT. You’re still a little self conscious and you know you have to work on that but not today.

It’s now 10:15. You grab your purse from the couch, slip on your favorite pair of slides and head to your car. You’re the kind of person who absolutely needs music when you drive so you quickly start blasting your favorite playlist. Before you know it, you’re pulling up to the beach area. Parking is hard to find on the weekend but your lucky ass managed to squeeze into a street parking spot right as someone pulls out. You lock your car and make the trek to Cozy Coffeehouse, your favorite coffee shop hands down.

Karli is already here and she’s hopping up and down, waving at you. She looks super cute today in her little black dress and fishnets. She’s had the same taste since high school and you’re glad that even a Master’s degree hasn’t stopped her from dressing all punk on her days off. You jog over and give her a quick hug.

“Hey girl look at you!! You’re so cute!” You take in her makeup and you swear if she didn’t go the corporate route she definitely should have been a makeup artist. Her eyeshadow is amazing and you’ll never ever have the blending talent that she has, nor could you ever get your eyeliner to look that sharp.

“Aw thanks! You look comfy though I’m kinda jealous now maybe I should’ve dressed down.” 

“No I love your outfits! Besides, someone has to look nice in this relationship.”

You link arms and march into the cafe. It’s located near the fancy designer stores on a large hill overlooking the beach. When you step inside the whole atmosphere screams ‘cozy’, fitting its name perfectly. The interior is littered with mismatched sofas and armchairs but it somehow still looks aesthetically pleasing. Soft piano jazz is playing through speakers and when you step inside the delicious scent of freshly ground coffee beans immediately invades your nostrils.

You glance at their pastry display first. Today must be your lucky day because they have tiramisu and you absolutely love tiramisu but it’s usually sold out. No way in hell are you letting this chance slide, fuck breakfast norms you’re definitely getting a bite of that. Unfortunately you’re not a fan of sugary treats on top of sugary drinks so to balance things out you choose to order their house brew.

After you two order, you find a spot in one of the plush armchairs near the window and sit. You really are lucky today since window seats are usually taken. But not this time! You guys get to enjoy the gorgeous scenery displayed before you. The sun is bright, people are laying on the beach tanning, and kids are splashing each other with water. For the first time in awhile, you feel content with life, if only for a bit. 

Before long your orders are called out and you stand up to retrieve them. Once you’re settled, you break into conversation with Karli, eager to catch up on everything that happened since you two last spoke face-to-face. You talk about work, Karli’s boyfriend Sunny, that new pizza place that opened up near your apartment that actually has really shitty pizza.

“Like seriously how do you fuck up pizza that badly?” you exclaim in between generous bites of tiramisu.

“No I get you,” Karli responds, slurping her iced mocha frappuchino, “everybody knows what pizza is supposed to taste like, I mean it’s gotta take talent to actually fuck it up to the level you’re describing girl.”

“Exactly!!” You wave your arms in the air, wanting to physically demonstrate your frustration at the situation and your passion for good pizza.

“Anyways…” Karli gently sets her drink down and takes on a more serious tone. “How are you though, honestly.”

“Hmm, me?” You swallow your last bite of tiramisu, “I’m doing good. Works ok, life’s ok. You know. Everything’s… ok.”

“I get that everything’s ‘ok’ but you know I want you to be more than ok. I want you to be happy”

You see the genuine concern in her eyes. Bless this girl for being so soft-hearted.

She continues, “And when was the last time you dated? Like, what, 2 years ago??”

Of course she has to mention dating. Karli has always been a romantic. You? Not so much. Your brain tended to err on the logical, practical side, which is not always a good idea since it keeps you away from many potential relationships.

“I date!” You scoff, but you’re not convincing anybody, least of all yourself.

“Oh really?” Her eyes widen in mock surprise, “Tinder one night stands don’t count babe. You know what I mean.”

“Well you didn’t specify…” You mumble, trying to come up with any excuse to defend your pride. You know she’s just being a good friend and that she’s asking because she cares about you, so you don’t let her questions irritate you.

“Sweetie I’m not trying to make you feel bad and I’m sorry if it comes across that way. It’s just… you mean a lot to me and you’re my bestie and I just want to see you be happy.” She takes your hand from across the table and looks you in the eyes. “We don’t get to see each other as much as we used to, so when I do I want to check in on how you’re doing.”

Then she averts her eyes, which you find highly suspicious. “Also I may or may not have found someone who I KNOW will be a perfect match for you.”

“AHA I KNEW you were leading up to something!”

“Wait but hear me out. He’s an accountant and at first I was like hmmm is he too boring for Y/N? But then I realized I was judging him by his job and that’s not cool so I talked to him and he’s, like, actually super cute and super sweet and I think you two will get along so well!” She’s speaking very fast at this point, trying to squeeze out as much information as possible before you can interject. Then she finishes with one of her signature Karli smiles, big and wide and all teeth and she knows you can’t say no to that face.

“Dammit. Fine.” You lost this round. “Alright if he wants to meet up I won’t say no. How bout that?”

“Gee that’s so thoughtful of you Y/N.” Her tone is sarcastic but she’s still smiling so you know she means no harm.

After another half hour of conversation, locked in a heated debate about food again (this time she’s defending her stance that pineapple belongs on pizza), Karli’s phone rings. The sound scares the poor girl half to death, and watching her jump a mile from her couch had you snorting into your coffee mid drink.

She looks at the caller ID, muttering under her breath, “It’s Saturday what do they want?” then glances up with a sad little pout, “Sorry Y/N it’s work gimme a sec…”

From what you can hear on her side of the conversation, something has come up and she has to head to the office right away. 

“Ok I’ll be there in fifteen,” she hangs up and gives an exaggerated “Ughhhhh”. She takes one large gulp, finishing the last of her ultra sweet, ultra whipped frappuccino. “It’s like they can’t do anything when I’m not there.” She looks especially apologetic when her eyes land back on you, “I’m so sorry I have to cut this short…”

“Hey it’s ok! Duty calls ya know,” you give her a reassuring grin, hoping it passes for a smile instead of a grimace. You were really hoping to hang out today.

“No it’s not ok. We didn’t even get to walk around today! And I know how much you like to do that.” She stands up, slipping her purse onto her shoulder, “so next time I’ll plan a day where I guarantee I won’t get interrupted. It’s the least I can do.”

“Mk sounds good babe,” you give her a big hug, “Go get ‘em tiger!”

After she exits the cafe you finish the last bit of your coffee and glance out the window, staring at the people on the beach. Wow it’s really crowded down there today. You zone in on two kids attempting to build a sandcastle, but it’s too close to the water so the waves flatten it in two seconds. But it seems they didn’t learn their lesson because they keep rebuilding the castle in the same spot. Just move it further up little dudes.

You find yourself lost in thought again. Just because Karli’s suddenly busy doesn’t mean you don’t still have a whole day to yourself. You can walk around on your own. Also why not treat yourself to another drink? A fun one this time from their specials menu.

Ten minutes later you find yourself wandering around the various shops, hot hazelnut latte in hand, gazing at display after display of designer clothes and bags. Look, you may not be a huge fashion person, or have any expendable cash, but a girl can still appreciate art, especially when it’s laid out so nicely in front of you. 

Speaking of art, there’s an art gallery coming up that you absolutely love. You’ve always been too afraid to go inside because you’re the type of person who feels obligated to buy something if you enter a local store and you DEFinitely can’t afford anything there. So you opt to loiter outside, like some creep, looking a little too long at the featured art through the window. This time it’s an Impressionist style painting of a ship on hazy waters with a sunset in the background. You’re no artist but you can appreciate good quality work when you see it. The piece is mesmerizing and serene, transfixing you to the spot. Before you know it, you’ve been staring for 15 whole minutes.

While admiring the artist’s use of color on the display piece, you overhear a lady raising her voice not too far away, snapping you out of your trance. It sounds like drama, so being the nosy bitch that you are, you’re definitely gonna check it out, if only to satisfy your curiosity.

“What do you mean ‘no’?! You’ll be perfect for each other!! Where’s your owner I bet he’ll listen!” At this point the lady’s voice is sounding downright aggressive.

As you shuffle closer to the scene of the noise, you spot a middle-aged, blonde lady pointing her finger at two hybrid men, almost jabbing one of them in the chest with her sharp, ruby nails. Behind her stands a gorgeous female arctic fox hybrid who clearly belongs to her as she pats her owner’s shoulders, trying to calm her down.

“I’m sorry miss but we just aren’t interested.” The taller of the two hybrids with orange hair speaks up, gently pushing the lady’s hands away. “Please leave us alone.” He’s being surprisingly calm, even after getting yelled at in public.

“Yeah lady get out of our faces,” the other white and grey haired hybrid is definitely more agitated, crossing his arms as he huffs in annoyance. You don’t blame him since the blonde lady is being ridiculously rude.

You can’t really make out the two males’ faces, since they’re turned away from you, but they are obviously hybrids. Both having incredibly bushy, soft-looking tails and tall, pointy ears sticking out of their heads.

Even if you can’t see their expressions, you can tell they’re uncomfortable with the harassment. Since you’re still somewhat unaware of the context, you stay out of the argument but decide to keep an eye on the situation in case the lady steps out of line. You’re just slightly around the corner, able to stay a safe distance away so that no one, especially the lady, can catch you eavesdropping. Pretending to admire the Gucci purses displayed in front of the shop you’re now standing at, and almost choking at the price, you cautiously side-eye blondie as she refuses to back down from the hybrid boys.

“Listen here you rude little pets, I’m not leaving you alone until I see your owner. My Sylvia here,” she gestures to the fox hybrid behind her, “would make a perfect partner for you.” She pokes the orange haired hybrid again, “I’ve been searching so long for her to find a mate and I’m not giving you up! Now where the hell is your owner!”

What the fuck?! How dare this lady talk to them like that? And in public no less! You now know exactly why she’s yelling at them. Working at a private hybrid clinic has opened your eyes to the harsh world of hybrids, and their selfish, rich owners. It’s not uncommon for owners to negotiate with each other and breed their hybrids. If two pretty hybrids mate, their children can be sold for loads of money. It's cruel and disgusting, with many of the children sold off before they can even get to know their parents. You’re all too familiar with this tradition, often catching owners in the waiting room of your clinic discussing in whispers about buying and selling hybrid children as if they’re livestock.

“Hey what the fuck did you call us?!” The white and grey hybrid is now also raising his voice. “Listen you wrinkly bi…!” He is quickly silenced by the orange hybrid, who abruptly clamps his hand over his buddy’s mouth.

Orange hair clears his throat. “What he means is, we don’t appreciate the tone you’re using with us. Please leave us alone ma’am. We’ll be on our way. Goodbye.” They attempt to brush past her.

“Hey hold on a minute! I’m not done with you!!” This lady even has the balls to grab onto orange hair’s arm. “I demand to speak to your owner!” Then some sort of realization dawns upon her because her eyes go wide, then quickly narrow. “And where are your collars? Aren’t owned hybrids supposed to have collars on? You know I just might have to call Hybrid Services.” 

You can see the boys visibly tense at her words as she sports a satisfied smirk. Poor Sylvia is now gently tugging on her shirt. “Please calm down, miss…” she says desperately trying to remedy the situation.

Before you know it, and without any plan of action, you round the corner and march up to the boys, standing defensively in front of them.

“Um…” You gulp, then clear your throat, speaking in what you hope is a more confident tone. “Sorry I took so long guys! You wouldn’t believe the line at the coffee shop!”

Next

[bladekindeyewear]

HS^2 bloggin’ mainline 2020-12-25

I’m not going to spend time BLOGGING an upd8 on Christmas morning!

...yes I am who the fuck am I kidding.  (Bonus stuff and Hiveswap are still well on hold though.)

So are we gonna follow up on the main ship?  Probably not, right, with that perfect Karkat point to cut away, right?  We’re just going to leave Roxy’s question hanging, as well as makeouts etiquette, and leave while having seen a COUPLE FRAMES of non-possessed canon Jade with only whatever fun fanart was inspired across the internet by the moment to tide us over????

Yeah, probably.

Ugh, more Dirk.  I guess it’s overdue.  :(

> CHAPTER 16. Welcome to my Secret Lair

Oh huh, I guess not?  So... Jane’s, or Rose and Kanaya’s?

Karkat stays for longer than John thought he would. They talk a bit, but mostly they are quiet. Eventually, Karkat gets called away on yet more important war business, leaving John with one final touch on the shoulder. John leans into it in response, though he’s a bit ashamed of chasing down a sliver of physical affection so soon after obliterating Karkat’s evening like he had.

Pretty much, yeah.  Can’t blame either of them.

When Karkat is finally gone, John still doesn’t move. It isn’t as though he has nowhere else to go, since there are quite a few places he might attempt to make himself useful, for better or for worse.

You’re still abandoning the task that was explicitly yours to protect your literal kid and his friends, but, oh well.  Low-point.  Dave dead, house dead, broke news, I get it.

He just doesn’t feel ready for that yet. The remnants of his house are still smoldering, and he can’t stop staring at them. It would make sense, he thinks, to want to root around through the rubble for anything that’s still intact; some half-charred keepsake to claim as the last thing left that’s still his. But he doesn’t want to do it, and he doesn’t want to think about it. And he still can’t move.

Can’t move.  No Breath huh?  What’s going to get him to, then?

> (==>)

Oh boy, that might help.  XD  She’s pretty good at that.

> (==>)

Still with the waistline gap.  And was his phone always yellow like his God-Tier shoes?

ROXY: hey john can u do me a quick solid ROXY: actly idk how quick itll be but its definitely solid ROXY: harry anderson says i just missed u being here but could u skip back on over?

Nice, huh!  No judgment, just a hey-any-chance-you-could-swing-back.  He sort of needs to be needed right now, in a simple, almost everyday non-judgmental way I guess.  (That’s what he NEEDED anyway-- whether he deserved it though is up for debate.)

ROXY: i need help w/smth and yr darling boy is holed up in his room working on some fuckin craft project or other and cant be bothered

YES SEW JOHN A BETTER FITTING FUCKING OUTFIT

ROXY: and now that me and u are freshly on speakin terms again i might as well take advantage of that olive branch and put u to work ROXY: assumin you havent died in an air raid, that is ROXY: which id also be interested in knowin about so if u wld be so kind as to reply instead of leavin me hangin

Heheheh.  Gosh Roxy is always the best.

JOHN: yea yea sorry im here. JOHN: i just had a hard time getting my phone out of these fucking tiny pants.

Hah.

JOHN: and also my house is bombed out so i'm kinda grappling with that. JOHN: but i honestly am not sure how much longer i need to sit around staring at it. trying to align my memories of my youth with whatever is happening right now so JOHN: short version is no i’m not dead, and yeah i can come back over there and help you out. ROXY: oh sweet yr alive and down to do manual labor its a win/win JOHN: see you soon.

Yep!  Pulled away from all the metaphorical, ultra-meaningful bullshit, back to some brass tacks with some easy humor.  Definitely something Roxy can do well.~

> (==>)

EXCUSE ME.  What is that outfit and pose.  Did you--

ROXY: sup ROXY: follow me ROXY: well were just going to my room so i guess technically u know the way JOHN: haha ok.

Did you invite him over for the manual labor of banging you while your son is sewing in the other room

Or maybe the labor is making him a new sibling.  JFC

Is this plan part of why we got the sudden content warning that was mocked or was that mainly for Hiveswap 

John follows, trying to shake the ominous feeling he got from what she’d just said. He’d been in and out of this house a lot in the past few days. Why should this be any different?

I DUNNO JOHN DOES THIS SEEM DIFFERENT TO YOU

> (==>)

Yea this seems like a fucc room.

JOHN: it’s not like i could forget! ROXY: ya i guess u only really saw the living room when you were here the other day but i have changed some stuff up ROXY: done a lil redecoratin here n there

So it’s MORE of a fucc room than previously >__>”

ROXY: may have to do a smidge more if my old bff decides im next on the list for bombing out ROXY: but so far so good

Ah geez.

ROXY: just a coupla exploded cars in the yard from some shenanigans our dear son and his friends were in but u kno it is what it is!!!

Well, that’ll buff out easy.

ROXY: can i get u anything? ROXY: just made some coffee JOHN: no, uh, i’m good.

Of course she has a fancy handled winecoffeeglass  (and the handle does look ridiculous but it’d be too hot to hold otherwise)

Roxy shrugs and swirls her own coffee around in her novelty mug. John looks around. A lot about the room is the same. The family photos, the rug. There’s a lot more cat stuff in there now, though. The bed is new. John feels like he’s about to take a test he hasn’t studied for. He makes himself focus on what she’s saying.

That would be the feeling.

> (==>)

MY GOD.  Roxy is so fucking good at this holy shit

She KNOWS she’s making him squirm and she loves it

JOHN: so uh anyway. JOHN: what was this favor? ROXY: yo why dont u just come rest yr tush for a bit ROXY: take a lil relax next 2 me here JOHN: haha uh. JOHN: roxy i uh. JOHN: im flattered, but i don’t know if that’s really the right step right now. JOHN: don’t get me wrong, everything seems so fucked up right now that when i try to think about what might actually BE the right step, it feels like a huge cartoon question mark might physically manifest over my head. JOHN: but I’m not sure if um rekindling our physical relationship is really the best--

So is Roxy trolling him, about to reveal she wasn’t thinking of sex and was just making things seem sultry?  Or just had “lol jk” as an option-select, maybe.

> (==>)

ROXY: r u kiddin me rn egbert JOHN: i’m not? unless you were, in which case yeah lets say i was also kidding. JOHN: oh my god, i’m sorry, i don’t know why this making me freak out.

OH NOOO NOT THE DISDAAAAIN - CRITICAL HIT D:

ROXY: i remember our past boot knockin with fondness but that is a situation im not interested in revisiting

boot knockin XD

ROXY: look john ROXY: i was trying to be polite about it ROXY: offering u sustenance n rest n all ROXY: but you look like shit ROXY: i just wanted to catch up on the whole heinous war situation were in and maybe check in on e/o before leaping strait to the real n actual nonsexual manual labor favor i have in mind for u JOHN: oh.

Hey, she can’t help looking sexy she’s too good at it.

Is the manual labor moving the crashed cars?  Can’t Roxy pull that off on her own, or... banish the cars to the void or something?  (Oh, but WOULD she want to do it on her own when she can rope in John and bring him down to earth by giving him a useful task?  And admittedly his strength and wallet would make things easier.)

John feels his shoulders unbunch. Of course. Yeah. He’s almost embarrassed by how relieved he feels. So what if his ex wife wanted to hook up? Shouldn’t that be a situation he could navigate? Don’t people like to find solace in human physical connection during dire times? Why did the idea of it make his mind white out in panic more than, say, any number of the traumas he just experienced?

Probably some gender stuff mixed up in there too, June.

He doesn’t know, but he believes Roxy that he must look pretty haggard. He probably feels haggard? Maybe sitting down will feel better.

Just put your feet up yeah

> (==>)

WHAT A CUTE IMAGE

JOHN: sorry. like i said, my "how to react to stuff" meter is completely fucked right now. ROXY: thats fair bud

she’s used to being patient with you don’t worry otherwise you never would’ve gotten this far

ROXY: real fast i do need to do a quick takeback of all that shit i said last time we talked about janey not being literally the most evil person we knew or whatever ROXY: i guess i was hopped up on arguin or somethin since that was before we hit our conversational vibe bc of course u were right and i shoulda listened

Ouch.  Yeah, we saw just lately just how far off the deep end she was.  (Where was that funny upd8 reaction art summarizing the bit where Kanaya was holding Tavros hostage and Jane was transparently debating “hmm do I let my son die?” and Kanaya and Tavros were just looking at each-other flat-mouthed nervous?  I REALLY wanted to share that but I don’t usually want to reblog or put most stuff HS^2 not under a read-more, for spoiler purposes, usually.)

ROXY: im just glad ur ok ROXY: or like alive JOHN: yeah, jury's still out on "ok" but, you know. ROXY: ya ROXY: u said ur house is gone?? JOHN: yep. JOHN: completely. ROXY: jeez ROXY: i would ask how ur feelin but like the answer 2 that has got 2b "prtty bad"

Talk it ouuuut~~  get those feels out there and articulated john

JOHN: yeah. JOHN: i mean. JOHN: no? JOHN: it’s weird. JOHN: it feels like it should be a bigger deal, I guess? JOHN: like it’s my HOUSE. JOHN: but mostly it always felt like my dad’s house? JOHN: and when i started living there after i moved out of here, it was like i crammed myself back into whatever was left of my kid self? JOHN: and it didn’t feel good, but it at least was familiar, you know? JOHN: like living there let me feel closer to my dad, trying to be like the way i remember him, or like how i remember him wanting me to be, or something? JOHN: and i didn’t realize how much i hated doing that until i saw it all go up in flames. JOHN: so i guess i could have used my powers to stop the fire and save whatever was left of the place, but i couldn’t bring myself to do it. JOHN: like some fucked up part of me was glad i got there too late? JOHN: so i just sat there, watching, trying to figure out why watching my house burn down felt like i was being released from prison. JOHN: and even now i keep trying to explain it away, as though it’s because of how fucked up everything else is that it made me feel good. JOHN: but that’s just bullshit. JOHN: it DID feel good. JOHN: i DO feel free. JOHN: sorry.

I was kind of saying some Breath/Blood stuff at the time of him losing his last tie to his stubborn sticking-to-his-kid-self bit?  Except now we’re mixing it in with June Egbert and his gender-identity questions too.

ROXY: no need 2 apologize ROXY: we just delved in2 my whole gender thing last time so it seems fine for u to have a turn JOHN: i didn’t say it was a gender thing.

Oh shit

ROXY: well no i just meant like i did some sharing ROXY: like referrin 2 the topic i brought up when we chatted last ROXY: but like now that u mention it ROXY: *meaningful pause* JOHN: … JOHN: i JOHN: ROXY: lol well we can move on 2 the favor part if youd rather ROXY: stick a lil pin in that topic n come back 2 it when u have had sleep

Are you just INCREDIBLY incisive Roxy or have you and John talked about this before?

ROXY: like i said the other day its not like this shits figureoutable in 1 sitting anyways JOHN: yeah... ROXY: sooooooo ROXY: movin on

It’s just fine for Roxy to slow-roll this yeah, if she’s going to pry open that door a little

ROXY: dont be mad but theres a part of the house u didnt know abt the whole time u lived here JOHN: what? ROXY: yea ROXY: i got a secret lair ROXY: for my sciences

OH FUCK YES SCIENCE LAB, of COURSE Roxy would want a cool science lab basement because she always wants a cool science lab basement

ROXY: and i get to it via a transportalizer underneath our bed ROXY: which is 2 heavy 2 move by my lonesome so i just needed to borrow some o your aforementioned powers of wind

Okay no.  Wait.  What the fuck?

First of all, as funny and MSPaintAdventures-y as furniture being in the way of things is, why would you block it with a bed too heavy to move, but,

Second of all, more importantly, how is a GOD-TIER ROXY not strong enough to lift a heavy bed?!?!?!?  Either she’s lying to get John involved in things or this is a gendered cop-out because these characters are superheroes at the TOP of their echeladders, given obnoxiously powerful video-game strength and athletics only to then have ascended into DEITIES.  God-Tier Roxy could probably have lifted a bed like that when she was SEVENTEEN!  And now she’s an ADULT, out-of-shape or otherwise!  If this were a whole CAR I might be willing to handwave it, but just a heavy BED?!?  And none of the GUYS are going to have this much trouble lifting a bed like this, are they??  This just feels like following classic cartoony gender tropes in the complete absence of these characters’ super powers, what the fuck, and also Roxy if you didn’t make it Transportalizer-only access you could have given it an entrance you could phase through with your fancy powers to get to.  FUCK.

This feels stupid.

ROXY: so if u dont mind woosh away JOHN: uh ok, well... JOHN: a secret science lair, sure, i can deal with that. JOHN: why not! JOHN: it doesn’t work out great when i do the windy thing indoors, though. ROXY: aight then no wind bending just use your mangrit

Roxy flexes, the corner of her mouth pulled up into a familiar grin. John feels his guts, so recently calmed, twist up into knots again. Her eyebrows shoot up and the smile loosens. He must have shown something on his face.

You’re already THIS sensitive about gendertalk?

ROXY: ok or just like push when i push ROXY: we both got sick muscles ROXY: no other adjectives necessary JOHN: yeah ok. ROXY: on 3?

Please, please reinforce the idea that they both have sick strength, because they fucking do and the idea that Roxy actually a hundred percent NEEDED John to do this is BS.

> (==>)

JOHN: holy shit? ROXY: sorry to lop yet another huge scoop onto ur lil brains ice cream revelation sundae JOHN: so wait, if this thing's always been under the bed, how’d you get down here before without me? ROXY: well thats neither here nor there john JOHN: i mean it is kinda. Here. ROXY: fine ok checkmate ROXY: i dont ACTUALLY need ur nerdgrit for this escapade ROXY: like im sorry but i said it ROXY: i mostly just wanted to see you and show u wats down here

THANK FUCKING CHRIST.

If that wasn’t actually just a lie to get him involved I was going to stay SO mad.  Of COURSE Roxy can move a fucking BED no matter how heavy it is.  OF COURSE.

ROXY: and also uve been ~sent for~ JOHN: ok but like ROXY: john i am inviting u 2 my inner sanctum ROXY: i am literally bringing out the word "sanctum" in case u werent already clued in 2 how cool this is ROXY: so do u wanna go into my secret lair or wat JOHN: yeah!? JOHN: yes? i guess? ROXY: aight good

Yes John of course you want to stop fighting it

ROXY: then as they told me in the hospital before lil h a was born ROXY: just push

eyeroll, but yeah, of course

> (==>)

Oh cool, sprite form version of her loungewear.

> (==>)

Sorry for my compulsion to post every full-frame image of Roxy in this awesome outfi-WERE YOU KEEPING CALLIOPE UNDER YOUR BED THIS WHOLE TIME?!?????

That’s like... almost a fucking metaphor isn’t it????  For the relationship you preferred in the other timeline and possibly THIS one TOO or

ROXY: hey callieee i got him ROXY: o damn john sorry i shoulda also told u callies here weve been hangin out again ROXY: 1 more freak for ur bean

Oh huh, so this isn’t an always thing.  And these two can get close in more than one timeline where it would’ve worked out nicely.  :)

JOHN: oh it's ok, my bean feels pretty well adjusted to freakage at this point so keep them coming if you like! ROXY: k cool i will JOHN: do i get to know what that big thing under the sheet is? ROXY: hmmmmmm no JOHN: oh ok. JOHN: are you sure? i mean, it seems like a pretty prominent feature of the room. JOHN: space. JOHN: wherever we are. ROXY: and a totally mysterious n COMPLETELY inconspicuous feature it will have to remain for now ROXY: we r kinda in a hurry here fyi ROXY: and by that i mean ROXY: we are in precisely the amount of hurry that means im excused from having to a that specific q rn JOHN: right, sorry. JOHN: i will pay no attention to the object behind the curtain. ROXY: u catch on fast egbert ROXY: anyway theres more cool info coming so just follow me

I don’t have any big theories.  Is it just the Hiveswap device or something?  If Calliope helped with it it’d help explain the Cherubic theme.

> (==>)

JOHN: so... this is all downstairs? JOHN: it seems like you had a lot of work done. ROXY: well no not x actly ROXY: were in the old meteor JOHN: under the house??? ROXY: ok so ROXY: in hindsight it may have been a bit misleading 2 say like ROXY: "downstairs" ROXY: in reference to a place which is hells of buried underground and may not actually be literally under the house ROXY: but there is no time to explain all that rn john so instead im going to refer u to my adorable little green friend here CALLIOPE: #U_U# ROXY: (hehe) CALLIOPE: *AHEM* CALLIOPE: hi john! CALLIOPE: long time no see. ^u^

Cherubs just really like dark cavelike places full of weird tech don’t they.

> (==>)

THEY’RE SO CUTE

JOHN: oh, uh. hey callie! JOHN: it sure has been a while huh. JOHN: now that i think about it, the last time the three of us hung out like this... CALLIOPE: was when i was aggressively third wheeling yoUr prenUptial coUrtship? CALLIOPE: if yoU dont mind, john, i'd rather not rehash that period of oUr lives. CALLIOPE: it was more than a little painfUl for me. JOHN: oh. JOHN: god, jeez, i'm sorry. i didn't mean to-- CALLIOPE: hee hee john i am only pUlling yoUr leg, don't worry. CALLIOPE: if anything i was personally a little thrilled with how things shook oUt in that respect. CALLIOPE: imagine, if yoU will, a yoUng cherUb raised in solitUde, whose only solace was the convolUted and tUmUltUoUs romantic schemata she projected onto her only friends from another Universe. CALLIOPE: and then fUrther imagine that this yoUng cherUb, throUgh varioUs even *more* convolUted contrivances, ended Up in the company of those selfsafe friends as an eqUal participant in their sphere of social discoUrse! CALLIOPE: it is a joy the like of which yoU possibly cannot fathom. u_u

Reinforcing that things turning out this way was in fact the FANTASY that Calliope was writing over in the Canon timeline.  Just, heavily, HEAVILY implied that the Candy timeline is -- or at least originated as -- Calliope’s fanfiction as a Muse of Space, and its competition for audience interest with canon is the essential conflict between alt!Calliope and Dirk (or Dirk and Andrew Hussie).

CALLIOPE: so to pUt it simply, getting to experience sUch emotional drama myself was an impossibly enriching experience. CALLIOPE: possibly a first for my species! CALLIOPE: it's actUally qUite interesting, if yoU ROXY: *nudge* CALLIOPE: oh, right. yes. i'm getting a little carried away, haha. CALLIOPE: argh, i'm sorry, this is not how i planned to begin this vital conversation.

Vital conversation?  What sorta truth-bombs are coming?

CALLIOPE: but to sUmmarise, what i was trying to say is: CALLIOPE: don't beat yourself Up aboUt it john. CALLIOPE: besides, hUman divorces are even more fascinating than i had ever imagined, and being able to witness yoUrs in motion was an honoUr. CALLIOPE: so i consider Us aboUt even at this point. JOHN: hahaha!!! JOHN: okay, well that's good to know! CALLIOPE: ^u^

Holy SHIT that was savage!  And we’ll NEVER know whether or not she really intended it so savagely, either.~

JOHN: so um... JOHN: i hear that there's this big secret thing you wanna tell me about? CALLIOPE: oh right, yes of course! CALLIOPE: let me jUst say first of all how thrilled i am that yoU're on board. CALLIOPE: i wasn't sUre if yoUr natUral inclinations woUld have preclUded yoUr coming to such a place as this, and yet here yoU are. CALLIOPE: this whole endeavoUr will be *so* mUch easier with yoUr help.

Uh oh.

Hopefully babies aren’t involved.

JOHN: oh! well, shucks. JOHN: not really sure what that means but i'm just glad to be of use somewhere, haha. JOHN: which, speaking of somewhere, CALLIOPE: ah right, right. yoU're probably a little cUrioUs as to where the dickens we are. CALLIOPE: how much do yoU know aboUt black holes? JOHN: um... like, the big space things? CALLIOPE: they aren't always big actUally, and in fact their relative smallness is practically their defining qUality. JOHN: oh. CALLIOPE: bUt okay i think we are on the same page. CALLIOPE: so, what if i told yoU that we are inside of a black hole right now.

Oh dear, we’re getting into the canon/noncanon divide?

JOHN: um... JOHN: like, HERE? JOHN: we just transportalized into a black hole? CALLIOPE: no, i mean, what if oUr whole WORLD was inside a black hole. JOHN: ok.

Yeah, that’s gonna be John’s reaction.  “ok.”  Pretty much inevitable.

CALLIOPE: earth c, or at least oUr version of it, has, from the moment we crossed the victory threshold, been inside a black hole. JOHN: ok. CALLIOPE: and not just any black hole, bUt the very black hole in which the green sUn Ultimately met its demise, allowing oUr victory in the first instance! JOHN: huh! ROXY: ("huh!") ROXY: (rofl my fucking ao egbert) JOHN: (shhhh!)

And Roxy enjoys his non-reaction reactions as much as we do, hehe.

CALLIOPE: bUt, paradoxically, the critical moment which determined its capture within the black hole happened *after* that point. CALLIOPE: i refer of coUrse to yoUr decision not to retUrn to the mediUm and fight my brother. JOHN: wait, wait. JOHN: you mean, the meat and candy thing? JOHN: oh my god. JOHN: you mean i actually DID make a mistake that day. CALLIOPE: well, that's not exactly what that-- JOHN: ugh, i fucking KNEW it! JOHN: i'm so sorry. JOHN: i'm so sorry that i put the earth inside a black hole everyone. ): ROXY: john ROXY: listen ROXY: u have got to get out of this mindset i am begging you JOHN: ):

Yeah shake him out of this shit.

ROXY: your choice literally didnt matter ROXY: the whole thing was symbolic in the first place ROXY: literally symbolic in the case of the picnic i mean come on ROXY: it was just some steak and a plate of candy suckers JOHN: oh. CALLIOPE: i mean, i wouldn't go so far as to say that the meal we shared was unimportant, given the sacred significance of the two options i presented. CALLIOPE: but yes, yoUr choice of snack was infinitely less important than the choice which it presaged. CALLIOPE: and even then, calling it a choice woUld be sorely misleading. CALLIOPE: think of it like a coin flip. CALLIOPE: the series of events that led to Us being trapped beyond the event horizon of an Ubermassive black hole could be considered "tails", while the events which would have occUrred otherwise could be considered "heads". CALLIOPE: since both were possible, and paradox space is the way it is, they actUally both happened. and we jUst "happened" (hee hee) to get tails instead of heads. JOHN: you mean we ended up with the bad possibility. CALLIOPE: not at all! since both possibilities depend on one another's existence, it really doesn't make sense to call them "right" or "wrong". they both just "are". JOHN: o...kay... CALLIOPE: u_u

Yeah, it’s going to take a bit more than that to convince him he didn’t make the “wrong decision”.

CALLIOPE: i realise that this may be a lot to process. CALLIOPE: it's easy to forget that this wasn't obvioUs to everyone from the beginning. CALLIOPE: anyway, the reason i went on this tangent in the first place was to explain that the space we are standing in right now has a special significance, in that it is the location which corresponds to the black hole's singUlarity. JOHN: oh, wow. JOHN: um. JOHN: ok so, sorry if this is a dumb question to ask suddenly, but what does being inside of a black hole actually... mean for us? JOHN: is that bad? JOHN: is it like in movie, um, JOHN: shoot. JOHN: roxy what was that matthew mcconaughey movie from your earth that we watched? ROXY: u mean interstellar JOHN: RIGHT. JOHN: the one with the organ. JOHN: man. i cried at that movie so much. ROXY: lol u can say that again ROXY: iirc at least part of y u got so weepy was the fact that u couldnt believe a version of earth existed where ppl got 2 watch more mcconaughey films than you JOHN: listen. JOHN: i simply don't think you all appreciated the gift you were given. CALLIOPE: i don't believe i'm familiar with this particular film ^u^;; ROXY: oh dont worry cal you didnt miss much JOHN: (gasp)

This is all gold

ROXY: but the important point is that no its not really an interstellar type situation here egbert ROXY: ur not gonna enter a weird time vortex and change the trajectory of a little girls life with the power of love JOHN: aw.

Dammit, now we have to be on the lookout for that possibility.  Or it did sort of already happen more than once to John.  ...Whatever.

CALLIOPE: to go back to your original question, john. CALLIOPE: it's not strictly speaking "bad" for Us to be inside of a black hole, mUch thoUgh that contradicts most of what anyone knows about them. CALLIOPE: of coUrse, if we had fallen into it, that woUld be a whole other kettle of fish. CALLIOPE: the tidal forces woUld have stretched Us all into spaghetti and then ripped us apart! CALLIOPE: bUt the natUre of oUr arrival was more akin to simply "being" here, sUddenly. one moment we were not, and the next moment we were, and somehow always had been. CALLIOPE: in everyday, practical terms, being inside of a black hole has very little bearing on Us. CALLIOPE: i mean, the natUre of space and time is a little finicky in here, bUt for the most part it doesn't seem to be anything too oUt of the ordinary. CALLIOPE: bUt beyond that, it means that we are sealed away from the rest of existence. CALLIOPE: oUr sphere of inflUence is limited to the sphere of the black hole's bounding horizon. CALLIOPE: as far as everyone else is concerned, we might as well not even exist! JOHN: is there no way we could let anyone know that we're in here...? CALLIOPE: almost certainly not!

No?  So this doesn’t have to do with the divide?

CALLIOPE: there are very few ways for anything to escape the kind of predicament that we are in right now. one of them is to be an all-powerfUl being with control over the very fabric of space, with the energy of two Universes at yoUr disposal. CALLIOPE: in which case, escape woUld become rather trivial, if a little Unscientific. JOHN: ok. i am going to assume that we can't just do that. CALLIOPE: yoU've hit the nail on the head, UnfortUnately. U_U CALLIOPE: the method i described was the one employed by my alternate self, who yoU may recall crashed through the event horizon in the body that once belonged to jade harley. CALLIOPE: she departed through a pUnctUre she created in the black hole's surface shortly after consUming my brother, a deed which provided her with the necessary "oomph", and which was frankly rather breathtaking to watch. =u= CALLIOPE: bUt Upon her departUre, the rift closed for good. as far as i can see, there's simply no way for Us to commUnicate with the world oUtside the black hole.

What the heck?  Calliope SAW all this?  Is this her Muse powers at work, letting her observe these things, or was she there?  And John certainly did NOT see ANY of what Calliope just said happen.

CALLIOPE: i woUld certainly be very sUrprised to find oUt that anyone had managed sUch a thing!

So we’re going to find that out if we haven’t already.  Maybe something to do with the way Vrissy just conks out narcoleptically?

JOHN: ...right. JOHN: so... let me just get this straight. JOHN: knowing that we're inside of a black hole... does that actually change anything? JOHN: like, can't we just go on living like normal? CALLIOPE: oh absolUtely not. CALLIOPE: i don't know if yoU've noticed john bUt this world is on the brink of a total cataclysm. JOHN: oh.

Um, what?

CALLIOPE: oUr exclUsion from the overarching coUrse of events which governs all reality means that oUr existence here is liable to dramatic and violent Upheaval. CALLIOPE: to pUt it another way, becaUse nothing in here "matters", we are likely to be sUbjected to things which are a bit bats in the belfry, for no reason other than it's totally insignificant to the wider canon of reality. CALLIOPE: and mUch thoUgh i am personally titillated by some of the conseqUences of this predicament, it is a degrading way for Us to live. u_u JOHN: that's... certainly one way to put it, yeah...

No plot-armor for your entire timeline, I guess, yep.  Outside of canon, we can imagine and write about ANYTHING happening to the characters, or just drop their existence entirely, much like a doomed offshoot timeline.  It’s a plot stability that depended heavily on the threat of Lord English and being trapped in a story, and without it things are bound to see a BIT chaotic (or “degrading” if you view it as subjected to the whims of fanfic writers, certainly).

CALLIOPE: at first, i believed that this was simply necessary. Us playing tails to oUr coUnterparts' heads, the black to their white, and so forth. CALLIOPE: bUt over the years i have come to the conclUsion that this is simply not kosher. ROXY: its total bs is what it is CALLIOPE: right, yes. CALLIOPE: a steaming pile of bUllshite. CALLIOPE: and so we have decided that something needs to be done aboUt it.

Ah fuck.  You’re going to regulate non-canon?  “Canonize” it?  Is the fact that you eventually succeed at whatever it is you’re trying to do part of why we have the story presented to us in this bifurcated structure?

ROXY: this is finally where u come in jegbert ROXY: we gots quests for yous CALLIOPE: hee hee, yes. CALLIOPE: or *a* quest, to be specific. JOHN: oh boy! ROXY: (this fkin nerd i s2g)

Roxy and Calliope setting him on this quest as a Rogue of Void and a Muse of Space feels fitting.

JOHN: i'm not sure how i can go about freeing us from a hellish space prison, but i'm up for giving it a try i guess? JOHN: i have... literally nothing better to be doing at this point. except for maybe hanging out with harry anderson. ROXY: nice save lol

YEAH WE’RE STILL GLOSSING OVER HOW YOU LEFT HIM UNPROTECTED, JERK

ROXY: but u dont need to worry abt busting us outta space jail tbh ROXY: thats not ur problem to fix JOHN: oh. JOHN: i'm... not sure i follow, then. ROXY: i mean yeah ur gonna obvs facilitate it in a sense ROXY: but only by going and busting the person who can actually help us outta normal earth jail CALLIOPE: we need yoU to free vriska from the clUtches of oUr misgUided friend jane, and bring her here, to the singUlarity. ROXY: weve been calling it the plot point CALLIOPE: yes, the plot point is a key part of oUr plan. CALLIOPE: as far as we have been able to sUrmise, the only remaining method for escaping oUr grim confinement depends on leveraging the UniqUe properties of this location to create an event of sUch catalcysmic proportions that it simply cannot be contained within the black hole any more. CALLIOPE: something SO dramatic, so hyper-relevant, that it becomes ontologically impossible for anyone to ignore it. CALLIOPE: for that, we need an individUal of sUfficient narrative cloUt, so to speak. CALLIOPE: and to liberate her, who better than the embodiment of the aspect of freedom itself? CALLIOPE: ... CALLIOPE: phew. okay, i'm finished. CALLIOPE: CALLIOPE: sorry, that took longer than i expected to go throUgh.

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

OOooooh, kay.

Whatever this is, it’s going to be really weird and PROBABLY infuriating and/or shippy, and I’m probably not going to like it.  Plus it seems like it’s some sort of inverse belated canonization of some other black-hole-rescue theories I went on about at some point.  Although, related to that link, “aspect of freedom” if anyone wasn’t paying attention!  That’s a (sorta-)canon mention of the purpose of it!

They’re going to attention-wh-- attention-hog themselves out of the black hole so that they’re “considered canon” too, or close enough.  Huh.

ROXY: what r u talking about cals that was great ROXY: i could listen 2 u plotsplain for years CALLIOPE: oh you >u< ROXY: fyi this was why i wanted u to get a move on eggbread ROXY: so callie could have more time 2 infodump ROXY: thats love bitchhhhhh JOHN: hahaha. JOHN: ok, well, i think i understood all that?

Love with who? Callie, John, both?

In reality, John isn’t sure what most of this means. But on balance, it feels okay? He’s gone back and forth about a hundred times in the last week about where his place in everything is, so he might as well ride this out. Plus, the last time a Lalonde kind of told him to do something, he thinks that he chose not to, and look where that got him. And it’s not like he has other plans. He may as well do this! It’s at least going to get him involved in things again, if nothing else. He turns to go, and then hears a sound. It’s the sound of feet and knocking on doors, echoed through stone and digital static.

Oh shit.  Is Andrew trapped behind some fourth walls behind the curtains.

> (==>)

Oh RIGHT also that DEVICE is where they want to bring Vriska.  Are they going to overturn part of canon itself with a super-retcon thus making this timeline unbelievably relevant or--?  Maybe make all the PESTERQUESTS canon or something?!  I don’t know.  Maybe they’re INTENTIONALLY starting the game like Vriska wanted to??????

Guh, this is something so big that I don’t WANT to theorize about it, do I.

JOHN: did you hear that? ROXY: wha ROXY: oh yeah uh ROXY: i may have messaged rose and kan and jade to check on them too ROXY: so its prob onea them showin up ROXY: they don’t need to know bout all this tho ROXY: we got time to chat with them b4 u go get vriska

No, even if it’s a knock at the somehow-top-level-house-even-under-buried-- oh, right, maybe it’s covering in part a monitoring system that looks up there.  But still, part of that sound was DOUBTLESS these two hiding something, all standing in front of the curtain like that.

JOHN: i’ll go stall em. ROXY: thx babe ROXY: oh is it 2 soon for that joke or JOHN: no, weirdly enough, that one’s fine. ROXY: oh good ok see u up there soon!

How is calling your significant other “babe” not cool REGARDLESS of gender?!  Like wasn’t that always cool? --Oh wait is it because they’re not together or... but... guh, I don’t know.

Anyway, see y’all after the holidays at least.