#at least at the end of next week i wont have to worry about it anymore

[letjohnnysayfuck]

man nobody tells you how much it sucks to put in a resignation letter

[fanfics-i-find-here]

Do I know you?

Jason Todd X Reader

Synopsis: In the aftermath of a brief Kidnapping, Red Hood seems to think your important and wont stop hanging around your apartment.

Or in other terms, Jason got scared you were gonna die and doesn’t want to leave you alone

Notes: Reader is a waitress at a local bookstore/coffee shop that Jason frequents and he has grown very fond of her. They are vague acquaintances And she does not know that Jason is Red Hood. This is literally my first-ever attempt at a fanfic and Jason Todd has been rattling around in my brain. I might attempt to make this like a short series or something. Anyway, I hope it's enjoyed!!

“I think I have a new favorite stalker,” you say loudly out your open window.

 Keeping your window open in Gotham was probably the worst idea you could ever have but your curiosity got the better of you when started to notice the fleeting red hanging out across the street and occasionally on your fire escape over the past two weeks. At first you were worried considering your recent encounter with Scarecrow as an attempted research rat.

However, the longer the red stayed near the easier it became to recognize. His helmet was shiny, which is what made it so easy to spot him. How that was helpful to a vigilante you didn’t know. Red hood was watching you and you had a feeling it was to make sure you were okay. You had heard of other bats checking on Civilians after traumatic incidents when they could, but every night for two weeks seems a bit excessive and he hasn’t actually talked to you. So what was he doing?

With no response to your jab, you lean out your window and repeat yourself, making a point to stare at the red helmet on the building across the street.

“I said I think I have a new favorite stalker!” You continue to stare him down.

Even in the minimal street lighting you can see his body tense, ready to run.

“Maybe he’d like to chat?” you tilt your head in questioning. You don’t why you asked. You were bad at keeping a regular conversation. If he came over and did, in fact, decide to chat, it might end up a short conversation. 

A clattered thud pulls you from your thoughts and you gaze turns from the opposite roof top to the very large man now standing on your fire escape next to your window. You can’t help but stare at him. 6” something and built like a brick wall. Intimidating even leaning against the building.

Was he this big when he saved me?

“Hi?” is the only response you could muster. The urge to slam the window closed and shut your curtains itches at your finger tips. He stares at you, or at least you assume as much, the helmets white eyes giving away nothing. No wonder people were terrified of Red Hood. You haven’t even done anything wrong and you could wet yourself  right here and now.

“Hi” You don’t know why your shocked to hear the modulated voice. He had talked to when he saved you from Scarecrow but it was still strange to hear. Slightly robotic but definitely a person underneath.

You realize that, maybe, you’ve been staring for too long.

“Tea?” you back away from the window and head for the kitchen expecting him to follow, as well as taking a moment to breath.

You just invited a good/bad vigilante into your home! What is wrong with you?  Your mind is a swirling, anxious debate as you fill your kettle.

“I only have Green tea, I hope you don’t mind.” you yell from the kitchen, unsure if he was even in the apartment.

“Not at all” His voice is close then you anticipated, assuming he stay close to the window.

Instead you turn to find him sitting comfortably at your dining room table, watching you move about the kitchen. He looks out of place in your soft warm toned home. His brown leather jacket the only thing that could blend in. The harsh red bat on his chest sticking out like a sore thumb. Your gaze lingers a moment at the holsters on his thighs, suddenly realizing that if he wanted to do something to you, you were screwed. You turn back to your cabinets and pull out a couple of mugs, pushing away the thoughts. Red Hood was good guy, despite what previous attempts at bad he had in the past. You stand at the counter and stare at your kettle, willing it to heat faster. After a moment, You hear a distorted sigh.

“You wanted to talk?” Red Hood asks

You shrug your shoulders without turning, not entirely prepared for a conversation just yet. Red Hood doesn’t push you. The kettle begins to whistle, and you pour the two mugs, settling tea bags into them. You pick them up and set one in front of red hood, and settle into the seat opposite his, blowing on your tea. You take a sip and promptly burn your tongue, hissing in pain.

“it’s hot”

Your eyes fly up to Red Hood. You choke out a thanks, Having not realized he had taken off his Helmet. You let eye linger across his face, very handsome. A scar on his lips, that rests in a smirk, and another across his cheek. As you eye move up you let out a startled laugh, Another mask keeps his eyes hidden.

“What?” He asks, The smirk on his lips grows.

As your laughing fit slows, you pause to breath.

“You wear two masks.” You pause waiting for him to laugh. All he does is furrow his brows.

“it’s funny” you insist but he doesn’t respond. You settle down again. Well as much as you can considering the man in front of you, staring at your mug, slightly embarrassed

“So I’m your favorite stalker? You got a few?” Red's voice rings out in the silence. It’s rough and deep, like he’d been yelling.

A flush creeps up your face. If you were embarrassed before, you were definitely embarrassed now. It had taken you all day to come up with the throw away comment. You thought It was funny. You also didn’t think you would get this far in your interaction with Red Hood.

“Not really, just the one I hope” you chance a glance at him to find him still unsettlingly staring at you as a he takes a sip of his tea, now cooled. Your mind searches for what else to say.

“That’s good, I wouldn’t want that either” Jason finally breaks eye contact with you, looking around your apartment.

With his stare no longer on you, you take the opportunity to really take him in. Despite the scars on his face, there was kindness there. And despite his intimidating stature, he seemed to pull himself in, like he was afraid to take up space. His forearms exposed through his suit. What a weird design. Not that you were complaining. Overall, Red Hood was hot. You flush at the thought.

“Thank you, by the way” you rush out, “for saving me… it really means a lot”

Jason turns his gaze back to you. You brave up and hold his stare. Suddenly thinking, he looks familiar. You furrow your brows for a moment.

“Do I know you?” You ask before you can stop yourself. You physically cringe and try to back track.

“I mean, obviously I know you, you saved my life and all but I mean like I know your face? Maybe, not that it matters. Course you wouldn’t tell me if I did know your civilian identity because then it wouldn’t be a secret. I just think I know your face but that doesn’t mean that I want you to tell me. And maybe you just have one of those faces…” you continue to ramble some more. Jason watches you carefully and finishes his tea. You pause to breath in your rant and he jumps in.

“Thanks for the tea” he grabs his Helmet, sliding it on before continuing, voice changed, “and your welcome, for saving you.”

You watches as he walks back toward the window, frozen and unsure what to do. As climbs out onto the fire escape you yell out.

“Your welcome and you don’t have to hide outside, you can come in next time.”

He’s gone before even finish the sentence. You sink back in your chair.

What is wrong with you? Why are you so awkward? That was terrible!

You try to push the interaction from your mind as you close the window and go about spot cleaning your apartment. Once done your anxious thoughts return.

This is going to be a long night. You think as you turn into bed.

[emeraldoodles]

The Master Post from Serizawa Week 2024

I had lots of fun participating! Mine are little snapshots from the week, linking one day to the next.

If you would like more story read below.

Thanks @ygodmyy20 & @acermp100 for letting me bound ideas off you the whole week. Also, @yu-artist for sharing the Seriweek prompts!

Monday, March 25th - Friends

Serizawa made going back to school look so fun Minegishi decided to join. Sometimes Dimple/Yoshioka likes to stop by and say hello. Today he was a distraction to Serizawa, so he had trouble paying attention and listening to the homework assignment.

Tuesday, March 26th - School

Poor Serizawa, having to stay up late to finish an assignment. At least he's not alone. The cat's name is Gizmo! Thanks @acermp100 for the cat name suggestion. @secretagent9 I really love the idea of a Gundam name, but not being a fan I didn't know what to choose.

Wednesday, March 27th - Outfit

Reigen and Serizawa were hired to exorcise mischievous spirits that kept harassing the maids at a cafe. Serizawa was very tired from yesterday's school assignment and not on his A-game today.

Reigen volunteered to lure out the ghost by wearing a maid's outfit, but maybe he just wanted to wear it. Serizawa is wearing his cute butler outfit! The maids were very excited to dress him up, not so much Reigen

Reigen: Those brats! Wont even help me tie my apron. Grumble. *struggles to reach behind*

Serizawa: Here, let me. *zips up and hooks Reigen's dress and ties the apron*

Reigen: *many hand gestures* Competition, that's what is is Serizawa! I'm competition because of how good I look.

Serizawa: *chuckles* You do look good sir. Very pretty, very cute.

Reigen: R-really? *blush* I-I er, I mean of course! Now! Let's get to work!

Poor Reigen, he got ice water dumped on him several times that day. He wasn't feel great before the exorcism, but was wiped out by the end the assignment.

Thursday, March 28th - Food

Mrs. Serizawa is teaching Kastuya how to cook, so he can stop living off instant noodles. Today is a hearty beef & leak stew!

Mrs. Serizawa: Remember, the leaks need to be thoroughly washed.

Kastuya: Nods, Nods!

Mrs. Serizawa: Also, the more passion and enjoyment you put into your cooking will reflect in the final dish. So, relax and take it slow and your love will shine through.

Serizawa is learning how to make tonjiru soup. He wants to make it for someone "special" this week.

Friday, March 29th - Spring

Dimple: I don't get it. If you're worried about Reigen go check up on him.

Serizawa: I don't want to intrude on his privacy.

Dimple: Ugh, you two are impossible.

It was an unusual day. Reigen didn't show up for work and Serizawa just got a message from him saying "I n68 sick".

Saturday, March 30th - Comfort/Bravery

Serizawa: Reigen, please eat a little more.

Reigen: No, I feel so sick.

Serizawa: But you've not eaten since Thursday. Here, let me get you just some broth.

Reigen: Kastuya...

Serizawa: Y-Yes?

Reigen: I.... I... Bucket. I need the bucket.

Reigen proceeded to dry heave into the bucket while saliva and tears fell in. Serizawa rubbed his back while he continued to convulse for several minutes.

Sunday, March 31st - Birthday

Serizawa went over to check on Reigen, who surprised him by throwing a little birthday celebration. It was just the two of them, but Reigen originally had planned something bigger. Luckily, the present, a multiplayer game, arrived on time, so they could play together.

Reigen was still sick, and drugged up, and making bad decisions. But Serizawa didn't mind. A love confession from Reigen made this the best birthday.

[taintedtort]

hey hey hey~y guess who again?you made it perfectly clear with how happy you are and it makes me even happier that you reacted that way!ehe~e.

i promise i will wait for every one of your works, but i suddenly got an idea while reading one of your works!one about sleeping headcanons.and the idea is, maybe you will be interested to write how reader and characters do each others hairs?like, reader making a character some sort of hairstyle/adding accesory to them and character does so in return.hope my description makes any sense.and as for characters, with Aether, Albedo, Ayaka and Shenhe???

and if its hard to write this request for you, then dont worry!but can you imagine how nice it would be to braid Aether's hairs???and Ayaka being separeted from worlds simplest pleasures certainly deserves little "girl time".no???also i wish you goodest of lucks!

- 🦊 anon

prompt ✧ doing their hair

characters ✧ aether, shenhe, ayaka, xiao, kazuha, wanderer

warnings ✧ gn!reader, none!

a/n ✧ hello again! i added a few more characters if that’s alr? (i also saw your sweet words in my inbox, thank you) ALSO ALSO i’m writing a part 2 for them doing your hair so if you wanna look for that it’ll be up a few days after this

AETHER

✧ he loves letting you do his hair. honestly his arms get tired after a while because it’s so long, but when you do it he just gets to sit back and relax. he wont ask you to do it first, but if you insist you want to he‘ll let you. doesn’t mind going out of his usual hairstyle either, he just lets you play around with it. do whatever you want: high ponytail, claw clip, flowers, colorful clips, etc.

"you want to do my hair? sure, why not."

SHENHE

✧ her hair is very long and sometimes she doesn’t feel like managing it, so that’s where you come in. you gladly offer to brush out and rebraid her hair. she wouldn’t stray far from her original hairstyle, but she may let you do something different with it— no guarantee she‘ll wear it out though. not a fan of clips, her hair is too thick for them anyway. she does very much enjoy your fingers running across her scalp though.

"you’ll brush my hair for me? if you insist."

AYAKA

✧ she thought she wouldn’t like it at first because ayato used to do her hair when they were younger, but she soon figured out that was because he wasn’t gentle. your fingers carefully swept through her hair while pulling it up in her usual ponytail. she ended up closing her eyes without even realizing. when you finished you could tell she was disappointed, so you just continued to play with it. she sat there feeling like she was in heaven. you end up having to do her hair at least once a week.

"would you mind playing with my hair again? please."

XIAO

✧ was reluctant at first. his hair is short so he doesn’t bother doing anything with it and he doesn’t understand why you would want to play with it. you’d have to explain that you think his hair is super soft and that’d it’d be relaxing for him before he agrees. once he feels your nails run across his scalp he’s down. instantly melts against you and might doze off. that gives you the chance to put cute clips in his hair that he’d normally never let you do.

"you think it’s soft? really?"

KAZUHA

✧ he was happy you asked! he had no problem with you putting his hair in braids or adding colorful accessories, he was just glad you were having fun. he wouldn’t get embarrassed when you’d finish one hairstyle before pulling back and snickering a little before starting another. he liked that he was able to make you laugh, even if it was because he looked silly. he’d sit and talk to you, or listen to you talk, and it would overall just be a cute activity.

"having fun?"

WANDERER

✧ you’d have to time your approach right in order for him to let you anywhere near his hair. honestly it was better to not even ask, just run your fingers through his hair after he gets home and flops next to you with a huge, tired sigh. because he’s so tired, the sensation feels heavenly and he’d let himself indulge. if you started tugging at it like you were putting it in a ponytail, he’d pull your hand off, so you have to resist your urges. but i think if you beg enough while he’s in a good mood, he‘ll let you do something with it.

"fine! do as you please. archons, you’re so needy."

[aliceinborderlandsquidgame]

Yandere Sangwoo HCS

Stalking - Manipulation - NSFW at some parts - MDI - AU

Notes: might do a version with him in the games.

Sangwoo its the type of yandere to take his time studying you, making the perfect plan so you fall for him.

He likes to know everything about you. Once he has gatered all the information he needs about you and your inner circle he decides its time to start.

Its a slow process, first he calls you to his office to tell you how your work as been...bad last weeks and offers you his help. That or be fired, but he says the last in a way you are not sure if he is being serious or not.

So with fear of losing your job you accept his help.

It stars with him staying back with you in the Office once everybody went home. Him being too close as both of you check the documents, close enough you can smell him, and god does your boss smell good. This will repeat itself for at least two months. During these times you slowly open more to him. Blame the need for sleep or how comfortable it feels to be around him when he is not stressed over work or looking scary when being in front of the rest of the team.

Then you two start to meet up for Lunch, he takes you to one of your favorite places and when you tell him that he acts suprised by it. You wont ever know it took him some weeks to figure out your favorite place since you change them a lot.

Rumors will start about the two of you. You would end worried and ask to talk to him in private one afternoon. He would tell you to let them talk, that rumors are just rumors and that nothing bad will come from them. And that if anything happens he would protect you.

"Listen. People talk, they think they can use others life to fill their own ones. Let them talk" and when you go to ask what if the president of the company says something he is putting a finger on top of your lips making you blush. "Dont worry about the president, if something happens I will protect you"

Your close Friends start to asks questions, being feed up by the rumors. And when you tell them that no, nothing its going between him and you they start to plague your mind with ideas.

Ideas of your boss, of Sangwoo as your boydriend.

And so, you find yourself staring at his closed door office, waiting to get a glipse of him. You start to notice how handsome he is, how big his hands are in comparation with yours. How them take yours when you two are walking outside during lunch to not lose you in the crowd. How tall he is, how he helps you take files that are too high, trapping you against the wall and his body. How the smell of smoke does not bother you that much as it used to.

And of course Sangwoo notices your change towards him. How flustered you get when you two are alone. Its cute, he wants to pull you away and kiss you till you are begging for air.

Sangwoo would have some time taunting you. Flirting with you but never taking a full step to be in a relationship with you.

"Oh let me help you" Sangwoo whispers behind you. He extends his arm up to reach a file you have been trying to get. His body presses against yours, you can feel how he leans in. He takes a extra moment then gives you the file and acts as if nothing has happened.

But he knows, he would smirk to himself seeing your blushing face.

The day he decides to ask you out he does when you two are once again working together alone at night.

And of course you say yes!! You dont notice how he is controlling the small talk you two are having. How he says he knows your family has been worried about you for not having a husband yet. Or how your mother wants you to have babies. Sangwoo promises to make your dreams (and his) come true.

Dating Sangwoo feels right. Because he knows everything about you. As time passes he will start to insolate you. Its a small step after step, first you end fired from your job, why? You got no idea. But it was Sangwoo doing. Next your Friends stop taking to you. You dont know why, but they just called you a "liar bitch".

And so, you end living 24/7 with Sangwoo who knows you hate being a housewife since you keep looking for a New job.

So, he decides he needs to fuck you nice and raw so you end with his baby!! He will be a loving father he promises and since it would look bad if you two are not married by the end of the pregnancy he uses this chance to ask for your hand.

How sweet! You now have a husband and a baby in the way.

[blkkizzat]

It's sheet changing day and is this adulthood? Being excited by getting to change your sheets? Thinking of the jjk men sleeping in your bed for a week straight and finding out your little cleaning quirks.

Gojo, when he finds out you do your dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher cause you don't trust it. At first he's exasperated cause why are you over there cleaning when you could be in his arms. Then he kinda likes it and starts doing the dishes with you cause he's needy and likes being in your space.

Geto, when he finds out you clean your own tub instead of hiring a maid. You make more than enough to hire one at least once a week. Why do something so demeaning. But he gets to stare at your ass while you do it. So who is he to complain?

Nanami finding out you change your sheets every 2-3 days. He's confused cause didn't you just change your sheets on Monday? It's only Wednesday. And you're so diligent about it. He thinks at first it's him. That you're uncomfortable sharing your space but he soon learns you just like the feeling of clean sheets fresh after a shower. Especially on days where you shave.

- 🧠

🧠 nonnyyyyy seeing u is always a treat babe 🥹🥹

EDUIHFIAHDSFKUHSD omg the situation with gojo is definitely me because the dishwasher is to SANITIZE not to clean!!!!! it irks the essence of my soul when food clumps be left on plates and shit going in there because theres always specs of it still on. LOL i was about to say if this man isnt doing dishes right next to me theres going to be problems djhkskfhds.

Geto, LOL nah I'm with him I hate bathroom cleaning so I'd definitely hire a maid (tbh id get one now but i also feel its a waste of money when i could just stop being lazy fdhfkdjhfdsj) but if he was paying for it then FUCK YESSS! LOL I'll bend over for him in the bedroom while the maid cleans the tub fjhdksbfjskhfas.

ooh the Nanami one, ideally I'd like to do this too at least twice a week but it ends up being a week because im lazy djkhsfkjfhsd.

hmmm lemme seee....

Toji would definitely have trouble with the no outside shoes on in the house. Even though its common in Japan not to bring outside shoes into the house (every entrance to a home/apt usually having some enclave/foyer to put them) since he'd live alone after his wife he just kinda stopped caring and walked around inside with them, not kicking them off until he was on the sofa. LMFAO you definitely would have to nag him a few times before it sunk in. And he'd NEVER tell you but he thinks the fuzzy matching slippers you for the both of you are super cute.

True form Sukuna doesn't wear shoes so you wouldn't have to worry about him not wearing them in the house but thats the thing, he ain't wearing slippers neither. you cringe when your plush cream moroccan rug is quickly turned a greyish brown from the grime on his feet. his answer to that though is to destroy it entirely saying you wont need the rug nor your silly little apartment because its time for you to move into his palace. in fact, he doesnt even tell you this, he just destroys it and snatches you away... you'd figure it out eventually lol.

Choso is an angel. Yet he has alot of trouble with the no outside clothes on the bed rule. When he gets home late from fighting curses he wants nothing more than to dive into bed with you. But ick! He needs to remove his clothes and take a bath first. You help him out by making sure there is always one hot and ready for when he gets home. And he is so eager to peel off all his clothes and relax with you in the tub. (lol fun fact i didnt know until i studied abroad there that since the japanese technically wash with soap etc, before they get into the bath and the bath is for soaking, that in lots of homes they typically dont dump the bath water until after a few uses. this also was a water conservation tactic back from wwii that just stuck. so because of that most of their bathtubs have a warming feature. so it really would be easy to keep a bath warm for someone until they got home. also omg imagine just being able to sit in there forever too cause the tub keeps the water warm djhksdsdjvsd, i miss those japanese tubs mannnn)

xoxo!

[class-1b-bull]

how would they react to their s/o almost being killed in a fight?

Not proofread we die like men

Awase - he practically jumps on his s/o in their hospital bed when he gets there before he yells at them for making him worried. After that he just kinda plays card games with them in their hospital bed (and he sneaks them some snacks obviously)

Sen - he scolds his s/o for a bit about being careful before he starts trying to hunt down the villain that almost killed them so he can fight them himself lmao.

Kamakiri - he was on the verge of hunting down the villain that almost killed his s/o and killing them himself but he didnt. Instead he stayed with his s/o and grumbled about how they need to be careful and stuff.

Kuroiro - he was so scared, like tears in his eyes shaking a bit level scared and for at least a week after his s/o almost died he refused to leave their side. He wasn't taking any chances.

Kendo - she was so worried when she heard her s/o was hurt. She ended up staying right next to them during their entire recovery and she was almost too soft with them that whole time. She kept them up to date in the school work and what their classmates have been up too.

Kodai - she was really worried but once she actually got to the hospital and saw her s/o was alive she relaxed a bit. During her s/os recovery she brings them snacks and little things to keep them occupied.

Komori - she was so scared and worried for her s/o. When she saw they were alive in the hospital bed she gave them the biggest hug while crying. She told them to never scare her like that again but it was hard to understand her because she was sniffling

Shiozaki - she was a bit worried at first but she calmed down when she saw her s/o was alive and being treated. She did everything she could to keep them comfortable and help their recovery. She even brought them a potted flower to keep them company when she was away

Shishida - he was so worried and honestly a little upset at himself for letting his s/o get hurt and almost killed. He does his best to make sure they have a quick recovery

Shoda - he was so worried and he only became more worried when he saw how hurt his s/o actually was. I mean he was stressed. His s/o keeps insisting that theyre fine but hed to busy blaming himself to listen to them ykyk?

Pony - she was so scared and worried when she heard the news. She was on the verge of tears when she saw her s/o hurt and she did start crying when they said they were okay. She showers them with snacks <3

Tsubaraba - he will be sobbing while telling his s/o to be more careful before he completely does a 180 (after realizing theyre fine) and starts telling them really bad jokes to try and make them feel better.

Tetsutetsu - he was so upset and he mostly blamed himself for letting his s/o get hurt. He spent most of his s/os recovery just rambling about random things his classmates did.

Tokage - she was so scared when she was told her s/o was almost killed and hospitalized. She was crying by time she got to the hospital but was okay a little bit after her s/o said they were fine. She asked them to be more careful <3

Manga - he was so scared when he heard his s/o was almost killed but once he saw them and they insisted they were fine he felt a little better. Hes been giving them snacks and if they have any casts he drew all over them to make them match his s/os personality

Honenuki - he felt a weight get taken off of his shoulders when he saw his s/o was okay. During their recovery he rarely left their side and he kept bringing them home cooked meals <3

Bondo - he was so worried and scared but he was fine once his s/o insisted they were okay. He was so sweet and kept bringing his s/o snacks and things while they were recovering

Monoma - he gripes at his s/o for not being careful but its not hard to tell that he was genuinely relieved to see they were alive. He wont admit that out loud though.

Reiko - she was worried when she heard her s/o was almost killed but once she saw them and they said they were okay she was fine. She kept them up to date with classes and helped them with their recovery quite a bit.

Rin - he was stressing out when he found out his s/o was hurt so badly. He almost cried when he made it to the hospital (out of breath from running there) and saw his s/o was alive. He refused to leave their side for a while after that because he didnt want them to get hurt again

Gif anime - dungeon meshi

[anothd]

Tw. Suicide mentioned; calories and ed mentioned

Guess who isn't feeling good and have the biggest stress of life since i got sa'd? YES, MY DUMP ASS! THIS IDIOT OVER HERE. I feel dump, my head is dizzy and fuzzy cause of all this stress. I don't know anymore what to feel, except it's stressful. Maybe i feel worried? Or betrayed? Maybe just sad? Or angry? I don't really know and probably won't know. I'm just tired for now and don't wanna to worry them anymore, yet I know I can't continue living like this. For the whole night i slept not even 3h and woke up scared. Just like i had some nightmare I don't remember anymore. I need to focus on myself cause grandma noticed I slightly tremble. I want to cry and yell for attention and help. Yet I can't. I think I'll go buy some snacks today. I maybe want to loose some weight again and it wont help. Hell with how much i was pissed off when i noticed i ate more than 500 kcal in a day I know it'll sabotage all my progress. Yet maybe something tasty and sweet will help me to calm down. Maybe not chocolate, but an sweet candy soda (if ill get it at my village shop lol. If not then probably monster or black) and crisps. Ngl want to smoke badly, but everyone home so can't. Probably will smoke at night. It helps me to calm down. Maybe I'll buy beer and get drunk again? Last time wasnt good, but at least I wont remember it well again too. I need to calm down. I can't talk now, cause everyone have their problems and is busy, but when we all will ve ready I can't let my emotions control me too much. And now to focus on not puking or loosing consciousness around anyone. I'm so used to the second one i already can feel signs before, so I know I'm close. And well i guess puking in stress like this is common, especially it happened to me once. But oh well, don't want to worry my family. The biggest problem is that I know one of them reads this blog from time to time when worried. I mean i gave them info to check on me if something is wrong. I wanted them to check if they are worried. But not for them to lie they never checked and then send ss and talk about it behind my back. I hoped for confronatation even tho i hate em. I thought if they worry and see something is wrong and they decide to check they'll tell me. That was litteraly the only reason they got the faken info. It was a bad idea. Now idk if I even can trust them? Eh... I already was overstressed and tired from all this fatigue and couldn't do a shit, but oh well my fault. I won't annoy others anymore, i have plan to end it all. But now I'm also worried I'll act like a coward and won't do it. At least before i can do it i have whole week ahead. So I can change my mind, cause won't lie i decided on this way to fast. It will be place withiut much internet (mountains) and I'll only be able to use it in tourist spots and mountain shelters. But if next week after wednesday I won't make any post know I'm not here with you. Or fucking failed and in hospital. I hope they won't see it, and they wont talk about it behind my back and all.

[misty-fandom]

You Left Me Last Night

Miguel fic!!! EXTREEEEEMEE ANGZT!!! You throwback to all of the happy memories with Miguel ever since he left, and you thought that your family might've been right after all. (SFW)

(In this plot, Miguel left you for the spider society. Enjoy!)🩷🩷

It was your usual afternoon, you were always getting alone at home the more Miguel works. You didn't mind it at first, but you felt bad that he had to deal with this all by himself. So, to make it up to him, you make Miguel some lunch and coffee!

"Ah..Cariño, you didn't have to do this for me." He didn't smile, he didn't take a peek, he was engrossed in the screen.

"Well, at least take a bite! It wont hurt!" You say with empathy, thinking he'll change his mind.

And there he goes again, ignoring you for the 8th time these 2 weeks. You walk around the headquarters, thinking that Miguel won't mind anyways since he isn't focused, you found a Spider Woman to talk to. Particularly Jess, she's always been there for you like your best friend ever since Miguel started the spider society, but you had to tell her something different today.

"Jess..How are you and your husband?" You ask as if you lost hope of your own.

"Why? We're good, but why?" Jess raised an eyebrow, and gives you a funny look "Don't tell me you're going to take him out on a date!", she exclaimed.

*you shake your head, in disappointment*

"Huh? Whats the problem?" Jess asks, clearly intrigued with your current emotion right now.

"Well, Miguel has been ignoring me for days now. Sometimes I even wonder if he loves me anymore." Jess looks stunned.

"WHAT?! Thats crazy gi--"

Suddenly, your phone goes off. You have to leave and get to work.

-message part-

17:59

Mom: Hello! Did you eat now? are you okay? how is your work?

*You look at your buzzing phone filled with messages from your mom*

You: I'm okay, work is fine, I ate some food.

Mom: Doesn't sound like it!! What happened?

You: Miguel has been ignoring me..

Mom: I told you not to stay with that man!!

*You stand there, shocked and pale, you remember how that was the first comment about Miguel that your mom gave to him when you two first started dating. Although, her words made you realize that she might be right.*

You: Sorry mom, but I love him.

*But does he love you back?*

-after work!-

Miguel comes in, late as usual.

"Hey Miggyy!! Lets eat dinn--" Once again cut off by his voice.

"Y/N, we have to talk."

You worry about what you two will talk about.

"Y/N, i'm making this quick and easy for you, i'm divorcing you."

What?

divorce?

When did that come up?

"Why?!" You cry loud. "Out of the 10 years we've been together?! All going down the drain?"

Your protests are no match for him.

"Please Y/N, it's for our own good."

Why did he want that so bad?

"Why?" You yell softly.

"I'm going to focus on the spider society for now."

What? All for nothing?

What a good day to be feeling bad.

He leaves the papers on the table, and teleports to the next universe he's supposed go be going to.

Thats..quick..

A few days after he left you gathered your things to move back to your house, you saw a picture album under your bed, many pictures of you and Miguel shown. You two were just dumb high schoolers who had the same interests. Happy, so happy together. At least you were.

You left every memory of him under your bed. Then you packed up and left your last lunch for him, your last note, but you never signed the papers. Why would you leave him when you're technically still married to him? You love him, you still do.

but in the end nobody really loved you...

UNLESSS we reach 50 notes then there'll be a part 2🧡❤️‍🔥

[ritz-writes]

@celestialcrowley said shed want to see some of my wing fic, and that was all the prompting i needed lmao. so heres the first 1800 words of

who needs wings when you have a boyfriend

Fandom: Good Omens (no season 2 spoilers) Relationships: Crowley/Aziraphale (pre-relationship) Tags/Warnings: injury, wing fic, angst, hurt/comfort, torture (implied/referenced), dismemberment (wings), whump, fainting, hurt aziraphale, worried crowley

Word Count: 1,876

THIS IS A WIP. It is open ended because it's not finished, and probably wont be for a long time. It is also not beta-read, so there will be errors. Do not repost anywhere else.

Aziraphale loved having Crowley over. It was his favorite activity, just talking to the demon. Just being in Crowley’s presence made him feel better, made him feel complete.

He couldn’t tell if he was distraught or relieved that Crowley wasn’t in the bookshop now.

Aziraphale had been standing in the middle of the shop for about an hour now, too scared to move. He had been called up to Heaven earlier. Gabriel was there, of course, as he always was. He always had something to nag Aziraphale about. Rightfully so, Aziraphale knew of course, though he honestly couldn’t remember what it was about this time around. But Gabriel started going on a rant about multiple chances and learning lessons.

For a moment, Aziraphale thought he was about to Fall like Crowley had. A part of him wished that was what happened. Perhaps it would have been less painful.

But instead, Gabriel took his wings.

“A necessary punishment,” he had said. “Temporary, of course.”

Angel wings couldn’t be stripped away so simply, at least not permanently. Unless God Herself took them, or someone acting on Her behalf, they would eventually grow back within a month. But an angel’s wings were more than just an extra limb. It was a part of them, a part of Aziraphale. Having them ripped away left him empty.

Not only that, but it hurt. His throat was still raw from screaming. Gabriel had been none too gentle about it, telling him it was his own fault. A part of Aziraphale believed him—why else would Gabriel being doing it, after all. Another part didn’t, the voice in his head sounding an awful lot like Crowley.

He almost felt content with just standing in the middle of his shop for the next month. The store was closed and the windows were covered. If he was lucky—or maybe it was unlucky—Crowley would be away on a mission for the next few weeks, and Aziraphale could act like nothing had happened when he returned.

Aziraphale knew it was just shock and depression. Having your wings ripped off felt like having a piece of your soul stolen. It wasn’t pleasant physically, and emotionally and mentally was a whole other thing.

He knew he should call Crowley, tell him what happened, but he couldn’t get his body to respond. And even if he could move, he wasn’t sure he wanted to. He knew as soon as he did just how badly his back would burn and ache. His legs felt numb, but he was far too scared to sit down on the couch behind him. Even the smallest brush against the fabric would be too much for him to bear.

“Angel?”

Aziraphale held back a flinch. He blinked, not having noticed Crowley entering the shop.

Crowley took off his glasses, blow furrowed as he took in the angels appearance. “You alright?”

Aziraphale opened his mouth, but no words came out. He could feel his emotions starting to come back slowly, his eyes burning.

Crowley moved closer. “Aziraphale? What’s wrong?”

“Crowley.” He meant to say more, but that was all he could manage, which seemed to make the demon more concerned.

Crowley scanned the bookshop before his gaze landed back on him. “Aziraphale, what happened? Are you hurt?”

“I got… called up to Heaven.”

Crowley’s face spasmed between anger and worry. “When?”

Aziraphale glanced to the windows, suddenly noticing the sun was no longer out. Maybe it had been a bit longer than he originally thought. “I… I’m not entirely sure, really.”

“Well, what did they want?”

Aziraphale swallowed, grimacing as the action aggravated his throat. “Gabriel. He was angry. I-I made a mistake, I think. He...” His emotions were beginning to overwhelm him, his vision starting to blur with tears. “H-He said it was a necessary punishment. Temporary.”

“Punishment? Angel, what happened?”

Aziraphale’s mouth quivered, a tear slipping down his face.

“Aziraphale.” Crowley cupped his face, gently but firmly, wiping the tear away. “What. Did he do to you?”

“He took my wings.”

He said it with such a quiet, steady tone, one that didn’t match his feelings at all. His heart was racing, mind spiraling out of control. His breathing began to slowly speed up, finally coming to terms with what happened and what he lost.

Crowley looked mortified. He said something, but Aziraphale couldn’t hear him over the sudden ringing in his ears. His wings were gone. His wings were gone. He would get them back eventually, but they were gone.They were ripped from him, and he could still feel the burn of the pain, the agony etched into his brain and back. He felt like he was going to throw up or pass out.

He didn’t realize his body had picked the latter until his legs buckled and his vision went dark.

Distantly, he could hear Crowley yell his name.

---

Aziraphale floated along the edge of awareness. All his senses were watered down, though he didn’t really mind it. Having them muddled meant he couldn’t feel his back.

When he finally started to float back up to consciousness, he tried to fight it. He didn’t want to be awake or aware. He just wanted to stay in his little void until his wounds healed, or maybe until his punishment was over.

But there was an oh so familiar voice calling his name softly, a voice he never could figure out how to ignore.

Aziraphale groaned, nearly a whine, into the pillow against his cheek, squeezing his eyes shut as his nerves came back online.

“Angel? You with me?”

Aziraphale made a noise of disagreement.

Crowley hummed in understanding. “Yeah, I’m sure. How’re you feeling?”

Aziraphale took a breath and cracked open his eyes. He was on his stomach, arms at his sides, laying on something soft that certainly wasn’t his sofa. His eyes blurred then focused, Crowley’s face coming into view. His hair was rustled and his glasses were off.

“Awful,” he answered, throat raw. He closed his eyes again, trying very hard to ignore the burn on his back. “What am I laying on?”

“Miracled a bed after you took a swan dive,” Crowley explained. “Since you still haven’t gotten one.” He blew out a large breath. “Right. I need to take off your shirt now.”

Aziraphale’s eyes flew open. “I beg your pardon?”

“I need to see the…” He gestured over Aziraphale’s back.

Aziraphale paled, unable to look Crowley in the eyes. “Ah.” He shifted, then winced, barely holding back a yell from the pain. “Why didn’t you just do it when I was asleep?”

“Unconscious,” Crowley corrected tightly. “And I’m a demon, not an animal. Wasn’t gonna without your permission. Besides, I can’t actually take your wings out myself. You have to do it.”

Aziraphale frowned and pressed his face farther into the pillow. He made his decision. He much rather Crowley had been on a mission right now. Anything to keep from having to release whatever was left of his wings. “I’d much rather just ignore them, if I’m being honest.”

Crowley sighed. “I’m going to actually burn Gabriel alive for making me have to ask this, but…” He leaned forward, an expression anger and regret evident on his face. “Did he… were they cut or pulled?”

Aziraphale shut his eyes tight as the memory passed over him. The blood, the fear, the pain. “...Pulled. One was—” he held back a gag, “One was snapped, I believe.”

Crowley breathed in. “I’m going to murder him,” he growled quietly, before saying gently, “Angel, I have to look. Without your wings, you could get an infection or something. You know that.”

He did know that. Having your wings torn from you left you at the mercy of illnesses and diseases while outside of Heaven. And if they were ripped out it was more than likely going to end up infected in some way.

So, despite not wanting to, Aziraphale nodded in permission.

His waistcoat, shirt, and tie were miracled away and he had to physically stop himself from shivering, knowing it would upset his back. He slowly moved his arms up to hold onto the pillow, grunting and tearing up as he did so. After giving himself a moment, he took a few shaky breaths before commanding his wings to emerge.

He immediately had to muffled his wails with the pillow.

The pain was indescribable. There was an awful ache where his wings met his back, while the wings themselves were burning. It felt like they were on fire, even though they weren’t even there, at least not in full. By the time he fully materialized them he was panting, nearly sobbing into the pillow.

“Fuck,” Crowley breathed. “What did they do to you?”

Aziraphale knew it was a rhetorical question, but turned his face to answer anyway, if only to make the demon feel better. “It’s… it’s only t-temporary.”

“Temporary or not, this is insane!” Crowley covered his mouth with a shaky hand. “Shit.”

Aziraphale flinched, biting his tongue to hold back another cry, as Crowley laid a hand on his shoulder.

“I can’t heal it, but… I might be able to take the pain away. Not fully, but I can take the edge off at least.”

Aziraphale almost sobbed again. The pain was already unbearable, but it suddenly felt worse when presented with the option to ease it. “Yes, please, please.”

Crowley’s hand tightened on his shoulder. “It won’t be pleasant. No, scratch that. It’s gonna hurt like Hell. Literally. Only for a few seconds, but—”

“I can handle it. Just do it, Crowley, please!”

There was a beat of silence as Crowley pressed his free hand against his spine, just underneath the damage.

Then agony.

Aziraphale screamed as the burning suddenly got worse, writhing under Crowley’s hold. “I know, Angel, I know—I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Just hold still. It’s almost over.”

Aziraphale clenched his teeth, almost afraid he was going to break them. It hurt, it hurt, God it hurt so much. It felt like his wings were being stolen again, only this time they were being thrown into Hellfire while still attached to him. It danced along his feathers, his back, his bones. It tore him apart from the inside, turning him to ash. It was excruciating.

Then, just as quickly as the pain had started, it stopped.

Aziraphale’s body went limp in the bed, his body trembling in short bursts and his breaths coming in ragged and heavy. His back was blessedly numb. Well, not fully. He could still feel the pain, but it might as well have been numb when compared to how it felt before.

He turned his face away from the pillow, opening his eyes. He tried to thank Crowley, or maybe apologize for screaming, but he couldn’t get his mouth to work, only managed to let out a few garbled sounds. Everything felt hazy. His vision was hazy too, everything darkening at the edges.

Crowley leaned into view. Just like when he first showed up, Aziraphale could see his mouth moving, but couldn’t make out the words, the sound warbled and far away.

His eyes slipped closed to the feeling of a hand in his hair.

maybe if enough ppl like where this is going ill get more ideas for how to continue it. i have another 2700 words written, i just dont know how to continue it

hope yall liked this lil bit tho

[whitexwolfxx310]

Be My Valentine

Pairing: Bucky x female reader & Partial Bucky POV

Summary: Valentine's Day with Bucky

Warnings: Y/N, 18+, Cursing, Sexual content, Smut, Masturbation (F), Dominance kink, Teasing (F to M), Fluff, Angst.

Word Count: 2440

A/Ns:

-I know this Valentine's Day post is a little late...it was hard to think of an original idea without getting too over the top.

-I'd like to hear from the readers; Let me know what direction you would like this storyline to go. Life decisions, break up, kinks, family, etc.? There is no such thing as a bad idea!

-Last but not least, thank you for reading. It truly makes my day to interact with you all!

Previous Part

Master List

The one sided conversation has become indistinct as you keep glancing at your phone. It’s unlike Bucky to leave you on read, and on Valentine’s Day of all days. Your first one together at that. As soon as the phone screen goes dark on your desk, you instantly tap it to see if a notification has gone missed. It hasn’t.

“-I happen to have a date with leftover pizza. Maybe I’ll even treat myself to a pint of ice cream. What about you and Bucky?”

“Hm?” You answer, completely and obviously distracted. “Sorry…” Rubbing your face lightly to try and concentrate on the current moment. Sam sinks back in the couch of your office, laughing as he crosses his arms.

“You… Bucky… Valentine’s Day?” Sam says, trying to catch you up to the conversation with brief cliff notes.

“Oh! Um… no plans.” It’s hard to mask the slight disappointment. Sam’s eyebrow raises, intrigued.

“You mean to tell me… that he hasn’t planned anything?” He asks, slightly offended.

“Maybe it was different a 100 years ago.”

“Man…” Sam scoffs. “I’ll whoop that boys ass. Worst case, you’re always welcome to join me and the other singles in The Compound for pizza.”

You give Sam a polite smile as a ‘thank you’ for the invite. Hopefully you won’t have to take him up on it though. The thought is actually… unnerving.

“Same time next week, y/n?” Sam asks cordially as he stands up from the couch. You nod and smile.

“Enjoy your pizza.” You laugh, watching him walk out of your office.

Originally, ‘James Buchanan Barnes’ (so weird not calling him Bucky) was your initial patient and well… things developed, Tony thought it might be beneficial to do more sessions with Avengers that are veterans as well. Your newest clients are Sam, Rhodey, and even Steve.

As much as you try your best to suppress the emotions deep down inside, it's hard to ignore the feeling of disappointment. Maybe it slipped his mind? There are far more important things to worry about than an overpriced chocolate, expensive flowers that die within a day, strictly commercial, holiday.

And yet... What's wrong with a day to show a little extra love? This relationship is relatively new, maybe Bucky doesn't feel as though it's at that level just yet. Or, what if he thinks it wont ever reach that level at all? Your mind is racing as you hesitantly walk towards your shared apartment.

Standing at the front door, you're afraid to move. If you go inside and there is nothing, it's just another day, what does that mean? Is there even an 'us'? I understood what I was getting into. Maybe he isn't as emotionally available as you both thou-

The door suddenly opens. Bucky is now standing in the doorway, the dimmed lights of the apartment contrasting against his usual all black attire. The only hint of brightness being his pearly white smile.

"Hey..." You say, shyly. The anxiety is still buzzing around your skull like an aggravated beehive.

"Hey Sunshine." He replies, stepping forward and cupping your face with his warm right hand. "Happy Valentine's Day." He breathes, placing his forehead against yours, the smiling never disappearing from his face as he places the most gentle kiss on your lips.

He remembered.

Stepping back and to the side, Bucky places his arm across your lower back to delicately lead you inside. The sight at the end of the entrance way was something only a true romantic could have thought of. The entire apartment is illuminated with the warm glow of candles, too many to even count. On the floor was scattered red rose petals that even Alpine was enjoying swatting around. The delicate aroma of flowers surrounding you with each step that you take.

On the kitchen island where you two spend the majority of your time talking over his perfect pancakes and fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning, is an enormous bouquet of sunflowers accented with red roses.

I didn't even realize that they made flower arrangements so big.

One of the most rememberable moments from the beginning of your relationship popped into your head; 'Sunflowers for my sunshine'. You turn to look at Bucky, who is still smiling but with a hint of nervousness as he awaits your reaction. His hands rubbing one another to ease his nerves.

"I...hope you like it." He probes, his voice unsure of the gesture.

"Like it?" Your smile matches the bright one he opened the door with. "I love it..." Standing up on your toes to reach his height, you press your lips to his, trying to show your gratitude through the passionate kiss. Pulling back after a moment, you look into his eyes with a small amount of suppressed tears in them. "Thank you, Bucky. This is...amazing. You didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to. Besides, if I didn't Sam would have dug a six foot hole meant just for me." He laughs. If he only knew that Sam had basically said the same thing himself just a little while ago.

“Ok!” He claps his hands, which doesn’t have the typical sound you would expect; it’s more of a thud. “So…” Bucky excitedly strides over to the granite kitchen table top where the giant flower arrangement sits. He gestures towards two place settings that you had initially missed due to the vibrant bouquet that grabbed your attention. Each one has its own to-go coffee cup, and the plate in front of which you normally sit, has a giant cinnamon roll on it.

“I figured you might want some caffeine after work and well, you know how I feel about the coffee in this place.” Bucky let’s out a nervous laugh. “I asked the red head, at the café, Aly? I think that was her name… for your usual.”

He went out of his way to go back to the coffee shop where you each started opening up to one another. The same place where, unknowingly, you would let each other into the beginning of… this.

“You remembered?” You mumble. It wasn’t supposed to come out as a question, more of an audible astonishment.

“Of course I remember. Nothing has been the same since the day I first walked into your office, and I mean that in the best way possible.”

Is this real life? Is this what they describe in books and try to portray in movies? This… overwhelming feeling of your heart expanding to the point that it might explode? The wondering how you ever lived without this person? How is it possible that you two have lived in the same moment in time and not know that it was going to lead you both to right here? And you suddenly get it. This is it. This is what they mean when it is said that your world would stop spinning without this one. Your person. That instant shift where life as you once knew it was over and you were excited to see whatever was next.

You can feel the ridiculously cheesy smile pulling on your cheeks. The one that is so big, you imagine that you look like a horse. "Thank you. This is seriously the...nicest thing anyone has ever done for me." And it's true. It is apparent here that the feelings are mutual, what else could you possibly ask for?

"And!" Bucky exclaims, taking a few steps back and motioning to the stove, which already has multiple pots steaming from their lids. "I'm cooking you dinner." He smirks, he knows just how much you love anything that he puts out from the kitchen.

“OoOoOo!! Whatcha making?” You sit down at your designated seat, picking up your latte and taking a quick sip. Mmm

“Classic Italian sauce and meatballs over pasta. I think I finally got the right amount of spices, I think that you’re really going to like it.”

Picking a few pieces off of the infamous cinnamon roll, you smile again.

“I can’t wait.”

They always said a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I don't know if I would necessarily agree. Sure, I'm old fashioned in the sense that I grew up with a stay at home mother and a hardworking father. But the satisfaction of nourishing someone you care about, taking into consideration of what they like and dislike, and the warmth it can bring to them both physically and emotionally? I'm all for it. Food, or in this case, coffee was the first interaction I've had with the real world that wasn't revolved around a mission or thinking of how I could try and get others to see that the Winter Soldier was a part of what I was made into, but not who I am.

It wasn't difficult to try and think of something to do on Valentine's Day for y/n. While she can be an overthinker, she is a simple woman that can find a bright side to almost anything. The light in any darkness. My Sunshine.

Finishing dinner, I cannot help but turn sideways in the chair, leaning against the counter listening to her talk about her day. It's adorable how animated she is, using her hands to emphasize every part like a typical New Yorker. Y/N has the faintest blush in her cheeks that hasn't left from the moment I opened our door. I know I should be paying more attention to what she is saying, but I can't help taking in all of her beauty. She is the most perfect, fascinating woman on this planet. I still don't understand how she has opened her life, and her heart, to me- Probably the least deserving man.

"Earth to Bucky?? You're doing the staring thing again." She says, giggling. It's my second favorite sound of hers.

"Sorry," I say, shaking my head. "Got distracted for a moment."

"Ya' know...that's not very super soldier of you." She's being playful.

"You're right. I'm sorry- How can I make it up to you?"

"Hmm..." Y/N looks around, pretending to be thinking intensely. "I could think of a few ways."

"In that case, there is one last thing for you in the bedroom."

Her eyes instantly widen with anticipation along with an excited smile.

"You don't say?" She keeps glancing over at the bedroom. I can't help but reflect the smile and shared enthusiasm.

"I'll give you a minute. But only one." I don't think that I even fully finished the sentence before she jumped out of her seat and scurried into the bedroom.

Never leaving a moment unwasted, I start to clean up the kitchen. Cleaning, always cleaning. It brings me some sort of...contentment. A routine that I have welcomed with open arms after so many years of chaotic inconsistency. The pathway of petals along the floor is making my eye twitch. Out of my peripheral view, I see Alpine’s white fur starting to become spotted as she rolls around in the red rose petals. Chuckling I shake my head,

“Don’t get too used to it, pretty girl. It will all be gone by the morning.” I lean down, giving her a quick pat on the head with my right hand.

Keeping it in place, she gets up and starts casually coasting to feel my touch along her back. Turning around once I’m at the tip of her tail, Alpine then motions towards my left hand. She presses her cheek into my fingers, purring gently. I know what it should feel like, but due to the arm from hell, I physically cannot feel anything in it's entirety. The only reminder that it is even real is the scar tissue built up around the metal that's always numb, like a hand that's asleep. But that cat has never judged me.

Speaking of the only human that has never judged me... I'm back on my feet, realizing it has been more than one minute since y/n left the room.

"Y/N?" I call, but no response. The trained assassin inside me automatically jumps to the conclusion that there is danger. Breathe. It's safe here. She's safe, with me.

While actively trying to pace myself, I still get into the bedroom faster than I'd like to admit. Only to be met with the most beautiful, perfect sight I have ever seen.

She found the short black satin gown I had laid out for her. Not only did she put it on, but was in the middle of the bed propped up on one elbow- legs wide while she used her free hand to touch herself. I’m frozen in place.

“You’re gawking, Bucky…” Her tone is soft, seductive. Biting softly on her bottom lip, looking dead straight into my eyes- actually my soul- as she inserts her middle finger into herself. The surrounding fingers work collectively together to spread her folds apart, for my viewing pleasure.

“I-“ What do I say? What can I say? I’m in the presence of a fucking goddess.

“Come here…” y/n beckons, her breathing starting to become labored. Like a siren in the sea, I am completely transfixed and willing to follow her into the unknown.

My brain hasn’t even fully registered what she had said before my legs were leading me to the bed. Scooting to the edge, her legs draping off of the side while still remaining completely open, inviting me in as I drop to my knees on the floor before her. Ready to give myself over and follow every command.

I can feel her hands running into my hair, nails gently guiding the motion as she pulls me in close. With a deviant look in her eyes, her tongue flicks once across my lips. Fuck… She knows exactly what she is doing.

The warmth of her hands running down my side obliques give me the chills. I'm excited, anxious even. In one quick, smooth motion, y/n's removed my shirt and straddled herself into my lap on the floor. Her hips grind down against me, leaving me in agony.

"I-"

A pointer finger is now assertively placed on my lips as she coos, "Shhh." My body is fighting it's hardest to not be so fidgety.

"Longing...."

What?

"Rusted...."

I-

"Seventeen...."

What is she-

"Daybreak...."

She knows this won't work

"Furnace..."

Do I stop-

"Nine..."

Should I-

"Benign...."

Do I even want to-

"Homecoming...."

Where is this going?

"One..."

Um-

"Freight car..."

She stops. Smirking as her finger traces along my collar bone.

"Soldier?" Her voice is alluring. It clicks. She wants to roleplay and I am more than happy to jump at that gratification.

"Ready to comply." I sit, smirking, waiting for my full instructions.

Tag List: @peaches1958 @aquabrie @elsie-bells @pono-pura-vida @redbloodedgurl @almosttoopizza @beware-my-thorns @prettylittlepluviophile @annoyinglythoughtfuldestiny @calwitch @ozwriterchick @roofwitty779 @lessersole @lil-darhk @agoddoesnotplead

Next part

[ladysophiebeckett]

imagine ur some french guy who got dumped by unknown colombian woman and now ur living ur khaki life on the coast of cartagena and ur friend catalina comes down to work on colombia's beauty pageant and brings with her a severely depressed assistant with enormous glasses and gelled down bangs. and ur friend is like 'hey help me cheer my assistant up she's going through it' and ur like 'okay sure whatever' and as pageant week continues u discover that ur friend's assistant has a forehead and giant eyes and damn she's cute actually. u and her are getting along great. yeah u tried to kiss her and she rejected u but it's probably bc she's just shy. pageant week ends and she leaves but she'll probably call u right? weeks go by and ur channel surfing on ur tv by the beach and u see her--ur friend's newly beautiful assistant only she's not an assistant anymore. she's launching a fashion line on tv with all sorts of famous ppl around her. u thought she was a beach girl and that she wasn't really into fashion. that's so weird.

anyway, u call ur friend and ask about her now beautiful Not assistant anymore friend and u learn she's president of some company you've never heard of and that its not a permanent job and ur like oh?? suddenly u remember ur business plan with some other ppl about colonizing the cartagena coastline with some chain restaurants and ur like like 'well.....before i waste money on putting a job ad in the Colombian Times i may as well....offer a managing job to a woman who already has a job that i only knew for 1 week but when u get to this company that youve never heard of until two days ago (bc u didnt call the woman u wanted to see ahead of time) u catch her by surprise when she's yelling at an employee. these polluted, busy cities, u think--they always change u : ( but not to worry! u offer a beach life job to this woman ur pretty sure u know well, of course u tell her she wont be getting paid the same as she is now as president of a company. but its okay bc the cost living is different at the beach <3 but when u mention her previous employer in a negative way her giant eyes get darker and she kind of looks at u funny.

u try to distract her by describing the ocean again. then u drive her car to her house to meet her parents bc that's a normal thing to do with a woman youve known for a week. her parents like u and u think all u need is one dinner to close the deal. but right as ur both about to drink the mai tai u made her order, her old boss shows up and sits next to her. and ur very confused. her old boss starts talking about ur job offer and how it's wonderful and ur like 'well yeah' but then he starts talking about the company and how much company loves her and how much the company needs her and ur like 'oh??? Oh'. and then u think to urself--'maybe i should have put an ad in the paper' bc it looks like someone's already in the boss\employee fall in love trope and its def not u. ur date-not-date is ruined even tho she tells u she does want ur low paying job. weeks go by and ur colonizing chain restaurant friends have already hired someone for the position u were offering to some woman u only knew a week but bc u like to suffer, u call her and she's like 'michel?? oh hey. no i wont be taking ur job offer. but thank u for thinking of me. sorry, i cant talk right now, im on my way to a dress fitting. ciao. 'dress fitting? must be busy with another fashion launch'. she never calls u back. oh well. at least u have those free ocean sounds.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hey All! This week is a continuation of the ask I got last week for Anxious Sherlock! Here are the longer fics for those of you that prefer that! 

I still have EVEN MORE on an unsorted list, so I’ll have a part three for the next time someone asks for some more hahaha.

Hope you enjoy this list in the meantime!

ANXIOUS / WORRIED SHERLOCK Pt. 2 - Over 20K

See also: 

Anxious / Worried Sherlock Pt 1 (Under 20K w.)

John’s Away (and Sherlock’s Not Okay)

Out of the Woods by SilentAuror (E, 20,471 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4, Romance, Slow Burn, Flirting, Drunk Sex, Practical Jokes, POV Sherlock, Bottomlock, Possessive John, Pining Sherlock, Frustrated Wanking, Frottage, Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, First Kiss/Time, Virgin Sherlock, Love Confessions, Soft Sherlock, Dancing, Bum Appreciation, Hanging out with the Yard) – Sherlock is fairly certain that John has taken to flirting with him of late, but can't be entirely certain of it. At least, not until a case takes them into a forest, along with Lestrade's team and something happens that will change everything about their lives...

The dying Doctor by marylouleach (T, 21,168 w., 11 Ch. || Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, John Whump) – Doctor Watson is gunned down in a dark alley after work, Sherlock wont rest until he finds the man responsible. Guilt riddles him when he realizes he could have prevented this.

How To Unfold a Heart by elwinglyre (E, 25,477 w., 7 Ch. || Post S4 Fix It, BAMF John, Mentioned Eurus, POV First Person Sherlock, Case Fic, Fluff, Slow Burn Topping from the Bottom, 3 Yr Old Rosie, Introspection, Sexual Fantasies, John Worship, Ogling, Hand Holding, Kidnapping, Domesticity, Sherlock Whump, First Kiss/Time, Doctor John, Caring John, Soft Sherlock, Sensuality, Touching, Crying, Love Confessions, Anxious Sherlock, Rimming, Toplock, Fingering, Bossy Bottom John) – To Sherlock’s dismay, John’s return to Baker Street with Rosie is only temporary. Sherlock’s daily visits to Regent Park with John and Rosie illuminate his lost childhood memories and missed opportunities. But with each trip to the park, Sherlock also feels a growing sense of hope. That is until the past horrors return unexpectedly in a cryptic note folded in the shape of a heart. To decipher the message, Sherlock must uncover the nature of the hearts around him, including his own.

Domestic Matters by ohlooktheresabee (M, 29,404 w., 6 Ch. || Fantasy AU || First Meetings, Developing Relationship, Fluff and Angst, Domestic Fluff, BAMF Sherlock, BAMF John, Idiots in Love, Misunderstandings, Supernatural Elements, Implied / Referenced Child Abuse, Elf Sherlock, Human/Elf Politics, Emotional Abuse, Possessive Sherlock, Anxious Sherlock, Buddy Greg) – All flatmates need to work out domestic matters between them - who does the dishes, who takes out the rubbish, how often does the carpet need to be vacuumed - these are part and parcel of sharing a living space together. However, when you’re an elf and your flatmate is going to be a human you just met, this rather complicates things…Very loosely inspired by 'The Elves and The Shoemaker' by The Brothers Grimm.

The Wisteria Tree by SilentAuror (E, 29,773 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S3, Emotional Love Making, Amnesia/Memory Loss, Sherlock Loves John So Much, Sherlock POV, Romance, Angst with Happy Ending, First Times, Hurt/Comfort, Est. Rel., Retirement) – Sherlock wakes up from a month-long coma only to discover that he has no memory of the previous six years to his own shock as well as John's...

M Is For Moriarty by ElvendorkInfinity (T, 29,882 w., 12 Ch. || Suspense, Mystery, Case Fic, Worried Sherlock, No Slash, Whump) – A figure at the end of the hospital bed; a needle in the dark...Moriarty has John, and Sherlock must follow the paper trail through London to find him before time runs out. Sequel to BANG.

A Home for Us by sussexbound (M, 30,581 w., 12 Ch. || Scars, Bedsharing, Grief, Doctor John, Hurt/Comfort, Post-TRF, Implied/Referenced Torture, Sherlock POV, Pining Sherlock, Suicidal Ideation, Heavy Emotions, Clingy Sherlock, Hallucinations, Disassociation, Emotional Turmoil) – He has been on the road for two years, and he is exhausted. He’s almost accepted that he will never see London (John) again—almost. But then there are nights like tonight, where he is weak, and all he can think of is the warmth of the flat they once shared, the crackle of the fire in the hearth, the teasing smile playing at the corner of John’s lips, the boxes of half-eaten Chinese takeaway balanced precariously in their laps. He aches at the memory of it, at the realisation that it is something he may never experience again.

carrying up his morning tea by darcylindbergh (E, 34,504 w., 5 Ch. || Post S3, Minor Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Wakes/Funerals, Estranged John, Pining Sherlock, Depression/Insecurity, Slow Burn, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Chronic Pain/Injury, Reconciliation, Awkwardness, Loneliness, Scars, Angst With Happy Ending) – His fingers tremble as he dials and he can’t force them steady. Familiar number, even though he hasn’t used it in two years. He isn’t even sure he should be calling it now, but she’d asked. She’d made him promise.

Nothing to Make a Song About by emmagrant01 (E, 36,833 w., 10 Ch. || Post-TRF, First Time, Reunion, Jealous John, Pining Sherlock, Romance, Angst with Happy Ending, Sherlock Has a Boyfriend) – When Sherlock returned from his faked death, John could not forgive him for the deception and broke off their friendship. Ten years later, John returns to London in search of yet another new beginning. Sherlock, not surprisingly, is waiting.

Set in Stone by SilentAuror (E, 39,309 w., 1 Ch. || Romance, Wedding, Therapy, Fluff and Angst) – Sherlock and John are back from Ravine Valley and planning their wedding. However, as they move past the trial of the human traffickers, Sherlock can't help but wonder if he's imagining that John is becoming a little distant. Surely he isn't getting cold feet about the wedding... Part 2 of The Ravine Valley series

A Week is Just Seven Days Isn't It? by scifigrl47 (T, 39,906 w., 4 Ch. || Humour, Friendship/Bromance, Stroppy/Bored Sherlock, Undercover/Army John, Texting, Pining-ish Sherlock, John Whump) – When John heads overseas for a week, Sherlock's forced to fend for himself. It goes about as well as anyone could have anticipated. Which is to say, very, very poorly. Don't worry, things'll be fine in just seven days.

(Never) Turn Your Back to the Sea by DiscordantWords (M, 39,968 w., 7 Ch. || Post S4 Fix It || Grief / Mourning, Victor Trevor, Friendship, Sherlock is Not Okay, Nightmares/Flashbacks/Panic Attacks, Parentlock, Pining Sherlock, Angst with Happy Ending, John Comes Home) – Baker Street is very much the same. Only different. And Sherlock is just trying not to drown.

Impossible to Feign by achray (M, 49,204 w., 12 Ch. || TRF Rewrite / Reverse Reichenbach, Suicidal Ideations / Discussions, Drug Use/Abuse, Mutual Pining, Friends With Benefits, John Accepts his Sexuality, Anxious Sherlock, Meddling Mycroft, Depression, Hallucinations, Secret Agent John, BAMF John, Reunion, Make-Up Sex, Ambiguous Ending) – Sherlock leant forward, his long fingers curving round to grip John’s.“I won’t let him win,” he said, eyes hard. “I will do whatever it takes to get you out.”

Anchor Point by trickybonmot (E, 49,856 w., 80 Ch. || Truman Show AU || Psychological Drama, Suspense, Slow Burn, Dark Characters / Fic, Alternating First/Third Person, Protective John, Anxious/Worried Sherlock, Tender Moments, Love Confessions, Hand/Blow Jobs, Cuddling, Jealous John, First Kiss/Time) – The world tunes in nightly for Sherlock, the ultimate in reality TV: Sherlock Holmes, a real person with a legendary name, unknowingly lives out his life in a staged setting contrived by his brother. Things get complicated when a retired army doctor joins the show to play the part of Sherlock's closest friend. This fic borrows its concept from the 1998 film, the Truman Show. However, you don't need to have any knowledge of the movie to enjoy this story.

A Hundred Crimson Sols by elldotsee (E, 55,536 w., 16 Ch. || Astronauts AU || Mars Exploration / Space Travel, Slow Burn, Shy Sherlock, Scientist Sherlock / Biomed Engineer John, Alternating POV, Mutual Pining, UST, Angst with Happy Ending, Domestic Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Injuries, Suicidal Ideation, Zero-G Sex) – Will Holmes is a chemical researcher recognized widely for his contributions to the new Mars exploration program. Thanks to his ground-breaking developments, the IMMC (International Mars Mission Corporation) is one step closer to Martian colonization. Will and his team of scientists are headed out on the first of three manned missions before the first group of settlers arrive. Three days before launch, one of the crew has to be replaced. Will panics because...new people. The replacement is of course one John Watson, biomedical engineer and space hottie who was pretty sure he had retired from actual space exploration and was now content to work in the nice, quiet research lab. Can the crew survive this TOTALLY ROUTINE trip? Will they be able to endure each other for the looooooong trip in close quarters? Gonna be a wild ride... prepare for blast off. Part 1 of SpaceBois go to Space 

Lunar Landscapes by J_Baillier (M, 57,046 w., 21 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || S3/TAB Fix-It, Slow Burn Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Confessions, Drugs, Pain, Medical, Injury, Sherlock Whump, Mental Health Issues, Panic Attacks, Romance, Secrets, Tragedy, Trauma, BAMF John, Doctor!John, Drug Addict Sherlock, Injured Sherlock, Grieving John, Idiots In Love,  Protective John, POV John Watson, PTSD Sherlock, Sherlock is a Mess, Medical Realism) – An accident forces John to face the fact that Sherlock's downward spiral had started long before his flight to exile even left the tarmac.

Hell Sent, Heaven Bound by ConsultingHound (M, 64,381 w, 16 Ch. || Angels / Demons AU ||  Fallen Angel Sherlock / Angel Cop John, Alternate First Meeting, Slow Burn, Case Fic, John & Lestrade are Friends Before Sherlock, BAMF John, Mind Palace John, Friends to Lovers, John in Denial, Sherlock Picks Out John’s Clothing, Clubbing / Dancing, Mildly Jealous John, Awkwardness, Kidnapping, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Sacrifice, Worried / Anxious Sherlock, Angst with Happy Ending, Immortal to Mortal) – Ex-War healer and current angelic guard John Watson is not having the best day. He overslept, he’s underpaid, and now there’s someone tagging the Council’s building walls. However things may be about to get interesting: there’s an unusual stranger hanging around (the definition of tall, dark, and handsome), a literal underground cult is brewing, and rumblings are coming from hell. Can he keep his neighbourhood safe, how and why is he being connected to all this, and who the hell is Sherlock Holmes?

You Have Drawn Red From My Hands by J_Baillier (T, 67,085 w., 17 Ch. || Three Garridebs, Heavy John Whump, Hurt / Comfort, Pining, Heavy Angst, Case Fic/Adventure, Slow Burn, Sick Fic, Injury, Guilt & Depression, Just Talk Already Please, Medical Realism, PTSD) –  John getting injured leads Sherlock on a path of guilt and revelations.

Just To Hold You Close by sussexbound (E, 70,841 w., 18 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting, Sherlock POV, ASD Sherlock, PTSD John, Demisexual Sherlock, Bisexual John, Cuddling/Snuggling, Platonic Cuddling, Enthusiastic Consent, Bed Sharing, Love Confessions, First Kiss/Time, Sexual Tension, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Cuddle Negotiations, For a Case Until It Isn’t, Hair Petting, Sexual Negotiation, Anxiety, Trust Issues, Slow Burn, Panic Attacks, Frottage, Hand/Blow Jobs, Referenced Self Harm / Abuse / Suicidal Ideation, First Kiss/Time, Anal) – When a woman is murdered and the last person to see her alive is recently invalided army vet turned reluctant (and prickly) professional cuddler, John Watson, Sherlock Holmes is pulled into a world of intimacy and intrigue he never could have imagined. John is a conundrum and mystery: frank yet reserved, tender yet angry, open yet afraid. Sherlock is instantly drawn into his orbit, and begins to feel and desire things he never has before.

Gold Rush by ShirleyCarlton (E, 71,783 w., 17 Ch. || Post S3 / No Mary, Friends to Lovers, Mentions of Past Sexual Abuse, First Kiss, Case Fic, Slow Burn, Alternating POV, Switchlock, Angst with Happy Ending, Marriage Proposal, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Abduction, Anxious/Insecure Sherlock, Miscommunication, Emotional Lovemaking) – John has divorced Mary and pops round to 221B one evening to find Sherlock in the middle of a case. As Sherlock tries to find the identity of a young woman’s stalker, John realises he can no longer deny his feelings for Sherlock – which then, to their befuddlement, turn out to be mutual. Shy kisses and tentative embraces ensue. But will Sherlock be able to cast off a shadow from his past that he thinks might prevent John from wanting to stay?

The Vapor Variant by 88thParallel (CanadaHolm) (M, 72,684 w., 18 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-THoB, John Whump, Protective Sherlock, Guilty Sherlock, Anxious/Worried Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Angst with Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, PTSD John, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Suspense, Virus, Sick Fic, Big Brother Mycroft) – They stood face to face in the middle of a clearing. The dim light of the moon barely allowed Sherlock to see the glassy terror in John’s eyes and the sweat that glistened off his forehead. His nose was bleeding again, blood dripping in a slow stream from his right nostril. They were both gasping for air, John’s eyes locked on Sherlock’s. There was no recognition there, just wild animal fear. Time stood still for an eternal few seconds, and Sherlock took a shaky breath. “John—”Spell broken, John spun and bolted back into the woods. Still heaving for air, Sherlock took off after him. 

Repairing the Broken Things by BakerTumblings (M, 75,252 w., 15 Ch. || S4 Compliant, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Medical Trauma, Hospitals, Big Brother Mycroft, Misunderstandings, Realizations, Severe Accident, John Whump, Pneumonia, Medical Procedures, Bed Sharing, First Time, Healing, Happy Ending) – "I'm calling today to notify you that there's been an accident."

Thermocline by J_Baillier (M, 83,557 w., 14 Ch. || Scuba Diving AU || Adventure, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Marine Archaeology, Asexual Sherlock, Horny John, Relationship Drama, Technical/Scuba/Wreck Diving, Slow Burn, Underwater /  Medical Peril, Doctor John, Hurt Sherlock, Anxious Sherlock, John POV, Protective John, Body Appreciation) – John "Five Oceans" Watson — technical dive instructor, dive accident analyst and weapon of mass seduction — meets recluse professor of maritime archaeology Holmes. As they head out to a remote archipelago off the coast of Guatemala to study and film its shipwrecks for a documentary, will sparks fly or fizzle out?

Swallow the Night by ArwaMachine (E, 87,873 w., 15 Ch. || TSo3/Stag Night Fix It, TAB/S4 Divergence, Toplock, Mutual Pining, PWP, Drunk / Public Sex, Anal Fingering/Sex, Alcohol-Induced Amnesia, Everyone Knows Except Them, Emotional Love Confession, Demisexual Sherlock, Internalized Homophobia [John], Parentlock with Rosie, First Kiss, Drug Relapse, Infidelity, Texting, Masturbation, Oblivious John, Emotional Love Making, Angst with Happy Ending, Dreams and Nightmares) – “Do you know how long,” John panted, his cheek scraping against the wall, looking back at Sherlock through half-closed eyes, “I’ve wanted this?” Sherlock pressed himself against John’s back, biting at John’s ear. “Not nearly as long as I have,” he whispered.

Kintsukuroi by sussexbound (E, 91,823 w., 20 Ch. || S4 Compliant / Post-TLD, Grief / Mourning, PTSD, Internalized Homophobia, Therapy, Past Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Nightmares, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Depression, Anxiety, Bed Sharing, Love Confessions, Cuddling, Suicidal Ideation, Masturbation, Minor Character Death, Sexting, Frottage, Inexperienced Sherlock, Rimming / Anal / BJ’s, Emotional Turmoil, Finding Each Other) – “I love you.” Sherlock sees the words hit John with almost physical force. He reels back a little, jaw twitching and eyes filling. “I love you,” he repeats, a little softer, a little more gentle, as earnest as he possibly can. Because they’ve been teetering on the brink of this thing for years, and it had become painfully obvious over the last few months that they were at a tipping point. This had to happen. Now it has. Now they can see where they end up. The tears in John’s eyes spill over, and he wipes at them angrily. “Do you even know what that means?”  

Northwest Passage by Kryptaria (E, 95,157 w., 27 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Canadian AU ||  BAMF!John, Canadian John, PTSD, Anal / Oral Sex, Rimming, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Drug Rehab, Falling in Love, Pining Sherlock, Love Confessions, Sherlock’s Violin, Panic Attacks, Switching, Anxious / Protective Sherlock, Hugs for Comfort, Suicide Mentions, Healing Each Other) – Seven years ago, Captain John Watson of the Canadian Forces Medical Service withdrew from society, seeking a simple, isolated life in the distant northern wilderness of Canada. Though he survives from one day to the next, he doesn't truly live until someone from his dark past calls in a favor and turns his world upside-down with the introduction of Sherlock Holmes." Part 1 of Tales from the Northwest

The Wedding Garments by cwb (E, 105,390 w., 36 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Alternate Future AU || Alternate First Meeting, Dating / Arranged Marriages, Romance, First Kiss/Time, Heavy Petting, Cuddles, POV Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Idiots in Love, Slow Burn / Falling in Love / Dev. Rel., Nervous/Anxious Sherlock, Jealous/Cranky Sherlock, Hiking, Vacation Homes / Honeymoon, Sherlock’s Family, Horny John/Sherlock, Patient John, Massages, Hand Jobs, Assassination Plots, Oral Sex, Case Fic, Emotional Love Making, Bath Time Fun) – This is the story of a young consulting detective who wants nothing to do with marriage and an army doctor who wants to find true love. It's 2020 post-Brexit England and the British government is encouraging arranged marriages. Candidates meet through state-run agencies and date in hopes of finding love (and tax benefits). Sherlock doesn't need or want a spouse, at least not until John Watson shows up. Hesitant to give in to his more carnal urges because of the way they derail his mind, how will Sherlock progress toward the more intimate aspects of a relationship? The answer lies in a very special wedding gift.

Drawn to Stars by Silvergirl (E, 109,272 w., 60 Ch. || S4 Compliant to TLD / TFP Doesn’t Exist, Sherlock’s Italian Adventure, Sherlock/OC and Johnlock, Jealous John, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, First Kiss/Time, Idiots in Love, 3 Part Story, Slow Burn, Inexperienced Sherlock, Bottom Sherlock, Introspection, Alternating First and Third Person POV, Separation and Reconciliation, Emotional Love Making, Love Confessions via Letters, Angst with Happy Ending) – After the Culverton Smith case Sherlock is clean, working, and looking for a romantic partner—since John has told him that’s what he needs. Shame John didn’t mention he was interested in that role himself, before Sherlock went off to Rome with a gorgeous Italian copper to try to fall in love and become a complete human being.  Part 1 of the Drawn to Stars series

The Bang and the Clatter by earlgreytea68 (M, 137,049 w., 37 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Baseball AU || Slow Burn / Developing Relationship, Possessive/Obsessive Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Body Appreciation, Depression, Closeted Sexuality, Family, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Ogling Each Other, Anxious Sherlock, Panic Attack, Drunkenness, Talk of Forever, Big Feelings™) – Sherlock Holmes is a pitcher and John Watson is a catcher. No, no, no, it's a baseball AU. Part 1 of Baseball 

The Adventure of the Silver Scars by tangledblue (NR [M], 142,458 w., 41 Ch. || S3 Fix-It, Post-HLV/ Post-TAB / Canon Compliant, Case Fic, No Baby, Angst, Humour, UST, Slow Burn, Angry John, Reconciliation, Not Nice Mary / Leaving Mary, Dependent Sherlock, Pining Sherlock, Caretaker John, Fist Fights, It’s An Experiment, Virgin Sherlock, Dancing, Drugging, John Whump, Pet Names, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Scars) – It’s been thirteen months since Mary shot Sherlock and John finds he’s still pissed off about it. Sherlock had thought everything was settled: John and Mary, domestic bliss. But when John turns up at Baker Street with suitcases, the world’s only consulting detective might not be prepared for the consequences. A new case. Some old scores to settle. Certain danger. Concertos, waltzes, and whisky.

Against the Rest of the World by SilentAuror (E, 151,714 w., 20 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF, Hiatus Fic, POV First Person Sherlock, Present Tense, First Kiss/Time, Big Brother Mycroft, Escaping from Capture, Soft Sherlock, Toplock, Insecurity, Infidelity, Travelling, Introspection, Pining Sherlock, Depression, Fantasies, Yearning for the Past, PTSD Sherlock, Suicidal Ideation) – Sherlock has been away from London for nine hundred and twelve days and counting, and has no idea what sort of reception to expect when he finally returns. 

Unkissed Series by 221b_hound (T to E, 184,100 w. across 45 works || Established Relationship, Ace Sherlock) – Sherlock returned from the dead a year ago. John returned to Baker Street six months ago. They've been in a couple since then. or at least, not NOT a couple. For two smart men, they sure can be dumb. Luckily, an art thief tries to drown Sherlock, Sherlock has a fever dream and things are about to change.

Proving A Point by elldotsee & J_Baillier (E, 186,270 w., 28 Ch. || Me Before You Fusion || Medical Realism, Insecure John, Depression, Romance, Angst, POV John, Sherlock Whump, Serious Illness, Doctor John, Injury Recovery, Assisted Suicide, Sherlock’s Violin, Awkward Sexual Situations, Alcoholism, Drugs, Idiots in Love, Slow Burn, Body Image, Friends to Lovers, Hurt / Comfort, Pain, Big Brother Mycroft, Intimacy, Anxiety, PTSD, Family Issues, Psychological Trauma, John Whump, Case Fics, Loneliness, Pain) – Invalided home from Afghanistan, running out of funds and convinced that his surgical career is over, John Watson accepts a mysterious job offer to provide care and companionship for a disabled person. Little does he know how much hangs in the balance of his performance as he settles into his new life at Musgrave Court.

[auspex]

1 on 1 mark session recap! As always, sorry not a lot of context is given.

Mark first finished reading a book 'on thorns and their consequences' which was basically explaining how the sabbat came to be and their PoV on things and then with an anarch commentary towards the end expressing their disagreements. but on the first last page was red runic lettering which mark could not recognize and which sucked up his vitae when he placed it on it.

He tried to do some internet research and came across an obscure forum which claims to be for learning about obscure languages but actually seems to have a lot of vampires on it posting real and fake runes, kinda like testing each other

The runes mark was looking at were on there but the mod, who basically posts in every server, says 'you wont find anything about that in this life.' the posteris like 'cmon doesn't someone have any family who could help' and the mod replies 'ask J' so that smenacing.

idk if J is Julius? it probably isnt but anyway. mark has already reported reading this book to julius and so is gonna ask him about it cause he couldn't figure it out.

the rest of the night he spends teaching G -G is doing well and did remember his vowels : ) also explained to Gs sister how he made sure the investigation would stop and ask if she needed any other help. she asked if he could get them free or at least out of their current essentially prison sooner and mark said no but they would be out in a month to a month and a half. she didn't know how long that was. so he explained how torpor and weeks and  months and years worked

she still didnt say thanks or bye to mark but there was maybe something where she was close to doing so

i love G im so glad he is doing well he learned a lot he is almost through the alphabet

ok now for the meat of the session. the next night he goes to the chantry to talk to cassidy about the books. Knocks on the door. no answer. 

He is getting a bad feeling. represented irl by the ST playing absolutely terrifying music as i search for him.

In the chantry apartments there is an often ignored ghoul at the front and so then he asked her where Lilian’s apartment was (Cassidy’s best friend.). She told him. He knocked on her door. No answer. 

Checks the cafeteria. nope. library. nope. physics department (where their circle head, Dr. White, is). Nope. He asks someone there if she had seen either of them. nope.

so i'm worried as hell

im trying to think what mark could do and im like. i cant scry on him cause i dont have anything of Cassidy’s. 

and the st gives me a Look as if 2 say u do ur forgetting

But he kinda gives it to me for free hes like, ur wearing the same coat you did when you went to the movies

Turns out mark has cassidy's ticket. so thats close enough to being his so. mark does scry on him

its not super juicy but it is super concerning. Cassidy is by lilian in what is probably the side door in his haven that mark hasn’t been in. barricading the door. with a fuckton of furniture. and also pushing against it. lilian looks terrified. cassidy looks So Done With This Shit (tm). something is banging on the door.

so with that mark goes back to the ghoul and is like. So. Uhm. Yeah i actually have permission to enter cassidys haven yes. please let me in

she looks scared - mark put her in a real bad spot. If he doesn’t actually have permission and she lets him in he could get in trouble. but he reassures her that itis fine and his decision and nothing bad will happen. 

so she says ok and goes to open the door (she is able to if she is doing so of her own consent, she functions as a key ig). As she goes to open it, Mark says uhm. they are doing experiments so when you open the door. back up. and she's like "okay?' and opens the door and immediately vine tentacle thingies burst out and she falls back on her ass and scrambles back, screaming

she gets away and mark engages in combat. its the same sort of monster, just smaller, as the one on his territory in the conservatory, that navigate by sound. it has a lion's mane around a beak in the center and vine like tentacles around it.

mark takes a LOT of damage in its first attack he had like 1 unharmed box left  but he manages to win :) 

cassidy and lilian pop out from the door and are like. mark is that you?

Cassidy’s haven is wreckt sadly. Mark's like. yeah its me. its dead. you can come out.

lilian is SO sad it's dead but she isnt mad at mark. its clear she wanted to subdue it but they had no way to do so and mark comments as such

she's like "i was sooo close " :(

cassidy looks So Done and is like. thank you for your assistance mark but how did you . get in.

mark is like. thats not really important right now, is it? cassidy says 'somewhat, but we can discuss that later'

mark says that unfortunately this made quite a lot of noise and the ghoul went screaming for help so time to get your stories straight.

theres a few other things said but then zach rolls up

If you dont know who zach is he is a newly turned tremere. dr. white's child. elevated into power due to his sire. he's a classic skater  boy. hes head of security. he figured ALL of marks shit out when he broke into a lab - he is GOOD at his job despite his casual attitude. he says 'chill' all the time.

he skates up (yes skateboard in the hall) and asks whats up. mark says 'hi zach. it's chill, i handled it.' (Mark kinda likes Zach). 

And hes like. 'whats chill? can you explain?' and marks like. looks at cassidy and lilian. 'they would know better i just came at the end' and cassidy’s like. looks at lilian as if to say to her. u did this shit u explain!

so lilian starts a story which is kind of obviously partially a lie.

she says that she was doing her research, developing off of Leanah's (which was the stuff mark uhm. stole and sabotaged for her). and she noticed this evening that some things were off. papers where she wouldn't normally leave them. but the chimera project was So Important (TM) for the chantry that she just HAD to press on. Oh Also I found this Lipstick (produces lipstick) that looks JUST like what Leeanah wears isnt that interesting! (zach has her put it in an evidence back for him). She says 'Cassidy even made a joke that maybe I should wear makeup more often." Cassidy grunts but keeps a poker face. he would obviously Never Fucking Say That and lilian is messing with him.

god i love them sm. mark also knows cassidy would never fucking make that joke

(explaining a story that may dictate ur fate as u are investigated. does not miss an opportunity to fuck w the bestie* girl!

she continues to say that she got the embryo (described as tadpole) out of the cauldron she starts growing it. and it kept well. growing.

she pauses there. zach is like. okay and? it grows and?

Cassidy steps in. 'when it got bigger than our couch we realized we had a problem.' (also hehe ‘our’ couch their friendship is everything 2 me…) 

lilians like yes. then thankfully cassidy, with some assistance from mark, killed it. and here we are :) and then zach turns to mark and is like. what do you mean how did you get here how did you know.

and marks like Oh Well You Know "I was coming here for unrelated reasons, cassidy and myself are working together you see. And I had permission to enter. And obviously I would assist him in combat. *Coughs.*

he coughs cause i rolled 1 success on the lie T_T

zach is like. you have permission?? and cassidys like uh yes. 'as needed he can enter. its easier that way' so yay that ghoul won't get in trouble LOLLL mark got retroactive permission

even if each can tell he lied like. how do u call him on that when the person who was to have given him that permission said he did.

Liliana finishes up by describing how awful it was to be sabotage. At the end of her story. she says "Im sure leeanah would be very sorry if she saw the destruction she caused and would say so' and cassidy said 'i would not accept her apology' annnddd thiswent over my head but the st explained that was lilian apologizing to cassidy and cassidy telling her to fuck offlkdsafjlkdsjf

and zachs like. aight seems chill! (Perhaps all was not chill). lemme go in your haven here to see evidence of that sabotage

and  cassidys like oh, please do let me clean up first :) and zachs like :) noo you should see my room haha its fine :) and then cassidsy like. okay fine. you do not have permission to enter my haven. which is something respected in the chantry

zachs like do u really wanna go down that route.

Cassidy appears to hesitate. Mark is FREAKINGGG out he CANNOOTTTT find those books mark had him gather. thankfully cassidy says. Yes. Yes I do.

And so zach says fine thats chill. ill see you soon- and he has one of his guys (he had a small posse with him) stay. cassidys like. well that was a mess. mark says yes. which is why you  should start cleaning it. do you want help.

The person Zach left behind enters cassidys room and was making sure the pc was ok. mark is like cassidy is that ok?? and cassidy says 'oh, hes chill.' It seems this was the little fucker that set up the pc and internet for cassidy in the first place! cassidy makes friends with fledglings :) he doesn't speak but cassidy calls him Hack. because that's what he does, ig

Anyway. Mark helps lilian gather monster body parts to the center of the room where she starts some sort of chanting incantation to get rid of it. cassidy goes into his Side Room to start cleaning. When mark is done gathering body parts he knocks and peeks into the side hallway. cassidy tells him to enter and mark starts helping him put books away

well first theres this hallway which has 2 doors. mark enters door two with cassidy.

its a beautiful study room with mostly books, but also some old clothes, including a duster (COWBOY CASSIDY REAL...) and a painting with someone in a cuirass but the face is oddly blurry

also, all the books do not have legible titles.

with sense the unseen it seems the chandelier in the room has some sort of enchantment blurring those things out

there is also a TALL ASS stack of those notebooks he writes in. Mark glances at it and looks at cassidy who pauses and says. i need to call in a favor. can you just keep packing books away for 10 mins ? and marks like Sure

and hes left alone in cassidys study. but he decides to NOT snoop and figures he wouldnt be able to read shit anwyay due to that enchantment so he does literally just put books away.

Cassidy returns and unfolds a piece of paper that he remembers Wendy using before - its like. a bag of holding.

he unfolds it and puts it under the stack of notebooks carefully . the note books fall in. then he carefully, very very very carefully, folds it up. mark comments 'got a few years in there, huh?" he replies "A good deal more than that.".

but yeah theres also furniture and stuff everywhere btw, its a mess. The pack up books. During this time mark asked like. ok we cant keep these books about resisting blood bonds in her haven. and Cassidy is like. really mark. you're gonna make me haul them from the library every time ur gonna read them, and mark is like. sorry. yeah : )

They finish and return to the mainroom. lilian is on the floor, hands splayed, miserable. done with everything. cassidy makes a point to step over her.

cassidy and mark hauled books up to lillian's haven which was much smaller. and complained about stairs. together <3 lol

When they return hack is no where to be found. cassidy looks around and comments that the should not be in the back rooms. he does open the door to the second room but he asks mark to step back so he cant see in : (anyway mark ends up finding zach with sense the unseen (he went Invisible ig) and he was rifling upstairs through lillian's things

cassidy is like 'hack ive been through enough tonight please just give it back' and hack goes to the computer and types:

";)

I have to give them something, y''no"

and cassidy is like. sigh. will this make our unlives harder in the future. and he writes

"maybe a little"

and marks says “you know what that's fair” <- has done the same shit of finding something Smaller so it proves he was Trying but actually not

cassidy comments that he is sad about his clothes getting thrown around and wrecked - 'over the decades he had collected quite a collection, some of which are hard if not impossible to replace' and mark comments 'i hope the tv is ok too'

and upon saying that cassidy actually reacts as opposed to being stone faced "Oh no you're right, the tv!" and he goes right for it

drops to his knees to prop it back up. and theres a crack through a fourth of it. he looks so sad. mark turns it on and it does still display but there is that crack

mark is like its ok we can get another and cassidy is like ' but this was my first tv :('. hes sentimental about it my fucking HEART

marks like. im sorry. i can help you pick out a new one maybe. cassidy says he'll likely take mark up on that. and mark also says maybe it could be fixed and cassidy says he will also try that

but yeah its cute that he got attached to the tv T_T (edited)

anyway zach skates right back in after the bit with hack that i described above. and says. ok in the name of the authority invested in me by blah blah blah... everyone but you, get out please! (hack being that one)

sooo the three leave. And mark is like.well. good luck with everything.

Cassidy and lilian do not look very happy but give ike a half hearted thanks

mark is lowkey like. ok u could be a bit more thankful i saved ur ass and helped u clean up but OKAy . . . .

cassidy also mentions that they can still work on their shared research in a few nights

oh also mark finally got the opportunity to ask if they had showers and they do not and mark is like. wow that sucks.

Cassidy diddnt seem to care but like. dude. imagine only having washrooms. L.

thats the session!

[havethetouch]

life update

Soooo thing are funky over on my end. A bit. I mean go figure I am trying to sort through my fathers stuff so I can make room for my own and it's been... going. 'S like some stuff goes in the bins (like shoes or socks) and then I grab one ratty shirt and know when he wore it the last time and it takes me back and it's nice but hard and soft n shit. I am glad to have the pressure of needing to move in behind me it keeps me focused. I guess all of that would be harder under normal circustances but I don't do normal so its fine-ish.

Had a situation come up in the fam yesterday because of course we do but it's like the brother of my sworn sister who we got to worry about here which as fucked as it sounds, ain't as bad as all thenother stuff prior. At least here we have a plan and know what to do and nobody died and yes my baseline for maybe freaking out a bit is at this point death and after handeling so many I look at every other problem like something that does not require much panics and stress bc we gonna handle that we got this and everything will be alright.

Which, mind, is a good way to look at shit all things considered.

Anyway I have not yet had the time to move my computer, scanner and stuff I always fill up a luggage when I am at the flat and take stuff with me like some packrat. Still need to check if someone is available to help with furniture and stuff but my aim is to have my stuff cleared out completly by the end of March.

Sorry for the radio silence this move wasn't really planned yet like I stated before but it's a thing now and I gotta roll with that.

On another note, house is slowly getting warmer, it hasn't been heated for a while especially not through winter except for where the waterpipes are and the walls are thick, it was a bit funny having my first workday in a house that had 10.5 degrees I was bundled up with my coffee cup in hands but it was a good morning and good day.

I assumed wrongly that being there would be hard for me, and I mean it is when I go through the stuff of our deceased that has been stored there but it... it already feels like home? Home for me was always more tied to people close to me and living seperate from my sworn sister who is still home to me, seemed a bit wild and unfathomable weeks ago but we both do alright and this house... this house can be home to and I am so glad.

I'm also thankful for my aunt next door (the house is halved basically, we share the attic and have a backdoor connecting our properties) bc having her (and her husband) just a few steps away does help and she feeds me too which is a huge bonus bc I don't have the energy to cook properly and she has a routine going that does help with me not forgetting to eat in general as I'm wont to do.

So all in all, busy days, not always easy but in general things are looking up fine on my end is what I meant to say with all this.

[dndfuckhouse]

Session 62 - Money Money Money Is All You Need

FEATURING EXTRA RP

Cimmorro bothering Vinny and Keva 🧹✨

Cimmorro: sensing vinny's vibes are off, cimm can easily deduce his conversation with finn did not end well. first mars, now vinny (the cows out of all people...!!!) if finn got so much of a rise out of the man, perhaps he should've intervened after all. ah, too late. in any case, it's best vinny focuses on cooling off for now, and a little distraction should help. "so i was thinking, for the broom modification, a cushion of sorts would be nice! i'm sure kevster can agree after taking it for a spin, right?" he seems to beam at his 'grand' idea for a second before he wilts noticeably. "ah, but now i'm worried it might get in the way of your dragon heart concoction... oh, by the way, kevs, heads up." he looks like he's about to toss her something Keva: when cimmorro appears on the broom, keva feels a bit bad for vinny. he just can’t seem to catch a break. she’s about to make a gesture to signal “not now,” but at cimmorro’s prompting, she almost instinctively readies a hand to catch whatever he’s about to throw her Vinny: he blinks over from where he's been looking down at amos playing in his hands surprised to see cimm flying right next to them, he stares before he actually registers the questioning "h-huh? oh..." he tries to sort out his mind a little by going over the logistics, staring at the broom then towards Keva for a second as she's mentioned "well ah... depending on what we want done first i could probably take care of the other when we arrive at your hometown before you all leave. W-well unless you're all in a rush?" he feels a little less enthusiastic but thinking about the properties of the dragon materials is starting to get his curiosity going a little again.

Cimmorro: he tosses keva a common healing pot. "to replace the one you poured down my throat," he says with a bit of mirth but not without gratitude. afterwards, he turns to vinny. "since we took the airship, then took a bit of a side hustle with this dragon, hmm... i'll have to reconsult my mental calendar once we can settle... but i'm hoping we can stay for a couple of days at least! and we should start with the heart while it's fresh, no?" cimm is motivated to fill in the gaps of vinny's lack of enthusiasm Keva: clocking a glass bottle being thrown at her while on a moving vehicle, keva in a bit of panic ("no, whA--") lets go of the reins so she has an extra hand to save the potion from crashing on the ground or worse, people already in a bad mood.  she ends up leaning over vinny a bit and thankfully the bottle meets her palms, but that doesn't stop keva from giving cimmorro a look of unhappy disbelief. as she pulls back, vinny can definitely hear her grumble something along the lines of 'i oughta shove this whole bottle down your throat 'cause you'll fucking need it when...'.  she doesn't finish her sentence (out loud), and instead sighs and pockets the potion before gathering the reins again. now in an attempt to spare both vinny and herself, she says to Cimmorro "haven't you heard not to distract drivers?" Cimmorro: "please, we've barely started moving." he does a 😩 face. "the horseys have practically just started stretching their legs!" Vinny: hes about to answer but leans back quickly in his seat with a quiet jump when he sees keva go for the bottle. He briefly covers amos' head with his hand just in case the thing goes flying anywhere unintended. As he hears her grumbling he makes an awkward face (😅) and pats her on the shoulder placatingly as he looks between the two of them, responding to Cimmorro "w-well, as long as its used within a week it wont have too much of an effect on what i was planning. Dragon hearts have a strange constitution..." he starts idly scratching amos' head again

Cimmorro: "oh, not at all what i was expecting, but convenient nonetheless!" he chirps. there's still so much to learn...! the conversation makes him wonder about something, holding a contemplative look for a second before deciding it'd be an interesting topic to have with willow next they meet. he turns his attention back to vinny. "will you end up using all of it you think? the heart i mean." Vinny: "well its more the magical essence infused inside rather than the actual physical material, which doesn't fade too quickly" he tilts his head a little in thought "and ideally, yes... though there will be er... some flesh left over I suppose. Though it wont have any properties left to it aside from... being flesh?" he looks like hes trying to guess if cimmorro is aiming at anything with the line of questioning Cimmorro: his eyes seem to twinkle twice, one at the reminder that magic is infused within a dragon's core, the other at the fact that there's flesh leftovers! a completely normal thing to be excited about, of course...! "and that's perfect! if you're discarding the flesh, i'd like to dissect and study its anatomical properties... simply want a peek of how its cardiovascular system functions compared to textbook and anything else i've put my mitts on." Keva: keva doesn't say anything as this conversation between the two goes on, but she doesn't try to hide the raise in her upper lip either

Vinny: recognition seems to bloom in vinnys face, recalling cimmorro's profession "ahhh...! i see, well I'm happy to hand it over to you when I'm done with it" he seems to look off to the side as he recalls older memories "I was also curious the first time I saw one, though i imagine studying one this fresh is a different experience." Cimmorro: cimm goes yippiee with emphasis with a giddy movement of the broom. "how'd you get your hands on one anyway? ezra?" his gaze wanders to keva as he finishes his question and notices her reaction. "kevster you wanna poke at the heart with meeee? it'll be fun!" one might think he sounds like he's messing with her but in reality the invitation is of genuine enthusiasm. he thinks she can learn something from it. Vinny: he shakes his head "no, no this was a little before i'd met ezra, right after i opened the shop on my own too. I came into it by chance speaking with some dealers, and for a good price as well." he scratches amos' head idly gesturing with his other hand "there's alot of import trade into shorewater, but it was a nice boon when starting out for the resale value. Dried and leathery flesh as well." he cracks a smile at the inclusion of keva in the learning exercise... the sharing of knowledge is always so heartwarming... ☺️ Keva: amos squints his eyes happily for a moment before twisting his body over and attempting to wrestle with vinny’s hand. keva, on the other hand, is less pleased. to Cimmorro she says, “what about my face tells you i’d want that?” to tell the truth, she is a little curious, but her disgust at the idea is much stronger. Cimmorro: "come ooooooonnn," he whines out and continues to convince her. "when are we gonna get another chance? i think you'd make a great dissection assistant after you took that eye out!" he turns back to vinny with an understanding and curious look. "did you know what kind of dragon it was?"

Vinny: he grins down at amos and wiggles his hand around to play with him while the other two chat, as cimmorro calls his attention back he looks over from the creature playfully nipping his thumb "ahh... if i recall correctly they told me it was the heart of a red dragon" he pauses a second to recall the memory "which sounded like quite a feat, I hear they're some of the more ferocious of the bunch. even dried out and dead the organ radiated a very faint heat as well... it was quite interesting!" he says this with a cheery vigour, renewed both by the conversation so far and amos' playful antics Keva: keva’s immediate reaction to vinny’s anecdote is ”ew”, her look of disgust intensifying, but she’s also looking at him like she expects him to say more as the morbid curiosity takes over Cimmorro: "ooh...! hmm, if that's the case, you think if we place a piece of metal it'd stick to the heart we got?" cimm goes a little >:3 at his idea of an experiment later as he responds to vinny and wiggling his eyebrows at keva as if to say 'u wanna know too right? eh? Eh?' after a little pause he adds, "y'know, i never thought about running a shop, but you make it sound like grand fun when i think about the delights you come across to sell" with an impressed hum. Vinny: he laughs a little at Keva 's vocal disgust, but its also the expected reaction from most people so he's not too surprised. He rubs his chin at Cimmorro 's theorising  afterwards "Perhaps, though not something too big i imagine..." as he ponders this he perks up again at the shop comment, smiling almost to himself "Well... I may be a little biased but i consider it so..! Despite the initial stresses of opening up, finding funding and becoming known..." he continues rambling a little under his breath about his troubles before getting back on track "...it's nice to have a place i can do as i please at least. It's hard to imagine myself doing anything else these days" He almost feels a tinge of homesickness for the city speaking about it.

The conversation continues on with a comfortable hum between the three as the caravan trundles its way back to the city.

Session 61

> 🎵 Secret of the Forest / Chrono Trigger OST (Orchestral Remix by Malcolm Robinson )

We pick up again on the party's journey. About as eventful as the one out of the city, their driver Keva finds the way to the main highway, Wetfoot Road, easily enough and starts the trek back in the opposite direction. The lush marshland continues to bracket their path on either side alongside the peaceful green scenery as the sun begins to set. The road travels near directly down the side of the coast at one point as they glance at the view of the ocean, setting quite the picturesque backdrop.

The view is somewhat comedically at odds with the large severed dragon’s head tied down to the roof of the caravan. They only spy a few other travellers moving down the same path in the opposite direction before they reach the city. Though each of them give their ride wide eyed and curious stares, even a while after they’ve passed them.

> 🎵  The Secret Was Clarinet - Chrono Trigger OC ReMix / Tyler Mire Big Band

Night falls and after a few more hours they broach the city gates again proper. They begin to get similar reactions from those they drive by before the gates, hushed children gossiping and workers heading home doing so a little more loudly with less shame. As they reach the gate proper a few of the mercenary groups posted around for hire eagerly give the sight of their quarry an eyeful. Some greenhorns appear awed, others just curious, they hear a few older vets bark out loudly and whistle “Someone’s already gotten it then!” “Fine work!”. Some others seem to grumble and scuff the dirt, sounding put out as they consider other future bounty prospects.

They're briefly stopped by a couple city guardsmen due to the attention their cart seems to garner, but they easily let them go as they make your intentions to drop the bounty off clear. A few of the younger ones try to hide their awe at their work and keep up their gruff demeanour.

Mars: mars probably went out at some point 2 get through gate patrol but otherwise just goes back in Han: han basks in the attention once she realizes people are gossiping about us Cimmorro: i think at some point cimm went in the caravan bc his ass fucking hurts from the broom and took a nap and woke up to city noise so he's just lazily looking out the window and going hiii at whoever

With nightfall finally arriving, Finn also finds his hour long pondering coming to an end, hes been wanting to do something before they got to the city but didn't find the time, or the emotional resolve. But he figures now is a good time to put his plan in motion.

He yells Keva to stop the caravan and orders all of the vengaboys to gather outside, he mentions explicitly that he has something to tell them all concerning their contract.

Mars: mars doesn't exit he just watches through the window bcs he's pretty sure he doesnt have an outstanding contract w/ JUST finn he's just got an agreement w/ the WHOLE team Vinny: vinny looks at mars briefly like are we included…

Keva: keva says "what?" mostly to herself because she doesn't know why they would need to stop but does so anyway, pulling the caravan out of the way of any traffic before stopping. she doesn't bother to get out of the driver's seat for whatever announcement finn has to make tho Cimmorro: cimm has a half skeptical half hesitant look on him but decides to listen anyway to get it over with, he just pokes his head out of the window tho Han: "do we have to go outside for this…?" han goes outside anyway Psalm: what choice do we have really Rokka: rokka steps out feeling a little shy with all the attention and shimmies close to the person closest to him

Keva: keva says "what?" mostly to herself because she doesn't know why they would need to stop but does so anyway, pulling the caravan out of the way of any traffic before stopping. she doesn't bother to get out of the driver's seat for whatever announcement finn has to make tho Cimmorro: cimm has a half skeptical half hesitant look on him but decides to listen anyway to get it over with, he just pokes his head out of the window tho Han: "do we have to go outside for this…?" han goes outside anyway Psalm: what choice do we have really Rokka: rokka steps out feeling a little shy with all the attention and shimmies close to the person closest to him Plum: plum was just gonna poke their head out the caravan window as well but if the others go outside they will

Finn: finn looks at keva and cimmorro like this "i cant start unless everyone lines up……….. the extras [referring to vinny and mars] as well" he pronounces the word 'extras' with such venom that everyone would probably get who he means

Mars: ??? mars just looks at vinny through the rear view like i think he meant u? Vinny: vinny hears the word and thinks to himself surely not then sees mars looking at him and starts to get a migraine again Mars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcQIJGfv0ss i dont know what to say this is just vinny and mars rn

Psalm: Psalm just mumbles like "couldn't this wait until after the rotting dragon gets delivered…" Keva: keva only looks at finn dead on and does not budge "i can hear you fine from here" Vinny: sitting next to keva he pokes his head out so finn can see him better and nods Mars: mars is listening he's just resting on the windowsill instead of going out bcs he wants to hear but this also has nothing to do w/ him Cimmorro: "i'm sure the horses are already listening to you okay?" cimm waves a hand leisurely and blows raspberries Rokka: "are….are we in trouble..?" rokka asking to no one in particular Han: han scoffs and whispers back "no way?" unsure herself now…. ARE we in trouble..? >_> Rokka: 🫨 Han: hes making han anxious too now

Finn would usually blow up at Keva and Cimmorro, under normal circumstances, but these aren't normal circumstances so he lets it slide just this once, but in his sleep he will grind his teeth in fury over having let this happen.

Finn: he looks at the gathered vengaboys and sighs, a look of melancholy and defeat now apparent in his features. "as you all know, i am the product of a great lineage, and i myself have worked tirelessly to live up to the name and privilege i was born under" he smiles bitterly for a moment "i am a fencing champion, nigh undefeatable, and yet…" he frowns "you have all beaten me today. it pains me to admit, but you, the vengaboys, have more than proven your mettle in battle. with great strategy and true unity youve brought the dragon down more than i ever could have with my blade" he holds it and strokes over the blade for emphasis "on my own, i could take down anyone… i thought that too for this adventure… that i would just rush in and that we would make it somehow. that couldve cost you dearly, you with your only one lives to give…" he looks at everyone before falling down on one knee like a knight "i would like to extend an invitation to celebrate, so that you may save your share of the reward…..and i would like to offer my apologies, for having failed you so devastatingly" for the first time, finn seems entirely sincere. and he does not care that he is doing this in public at all.

Cimmorro: cimm just goes like O_O is he sick…. is he sick..? Keva: keva physically recoils at the sight in complete confusion but stops short of vocalizing anything for the moment Vinny: vinny is confused at finn's attitude between this speech and being called an extra a second ago but hes also getting deja vu from this man doing the exact same thing to him before so while its not completely shocking, he kind of gives a wide eyed blank stare Mars: 😎🕶🤏🤨<- more or less mars' internal reaction. externally he just looks a little bit intrigued at finn's 180 bcs lol what the hell is this Han: han watches this display, relieved at first that theyre not being told off but then face falling when she realizes she doesnt give a fuck about what finns saying tbh Rokka: rokka stares at finn a little confused, he was more prepared to get yelled at by him than….whatever is happening in front of him

Psalm: "You didn't ingest some weird fluid being in that dragon did you?" Finn: "what makes you say such a thing?!" he jerks, like he wants to get up from the ground but he feels the weight of his guilt hold him down "i simply realized that…. why… my uncle…" he trails off but finds his footing again "it has simply dawned on me that i failed you!" Psalm: "Just completely unused to you expressing the baser instinct known as humility is all. But it's fine, not like I was much help this time around myself. Nothing to apologise for, so you can get up off the floor if you like."

Plum: "wait…you thought you were gonna kill it on your own?" plum says genuinely seriously. they are unperturbed by finn's display in public otherwise Finn: finn looks up at plum from under his eyelashes "of course not!…. i just expected it to be a lot… for it to be………….." a pause "different" he avoids looking at them after Plum: "oh, phew" they say relieved. they're pretty mollified by the fact that finn is apologising for something, though they barely understand what. "no need to thank us though, specifically, right? it's everyone's victory anyhow. thanks to you too…?" Finn: "you are the ones who tirelessly researched and strategized beforehand, who took it seriously… my own achievements in that battle can only be described as pitiful at best" he scoffs "offering you drink and food is the least i can do after such an embarrassing display… after riding your coattails" Plum: "i don't really feel i did that much either…" plum says a bit to themselves, tilting their head to the side in confusion. "but it was done in the end..so no need to say sorry. not like anyone was expecting you to do all of…that." Cimmorro: tbh cimm's like unsure what to feel, it's not like it's new that finn is having another 180 episode but at the same time like… what. "….well, cheers? and thanks for the upcoming supper" is what he decides to say in the moment Han: "oh, you're buying drinks? then fuck ye, whatever you were on about" gives him two thumbs up Rokka: rokka chimes in "yeah, we were all in this together!"

Vinny: vinny starts rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses Mars: mars just makes like confused hand gestures towards vinny that's more or like like (points at himself) (points at vinny) ("wait are we included in this") Vinny: he sees mars making hand gestures and kind of tentatively nods back at him Keva: the moment vinny turns to look at mars, keva just rolls her eyes a little bit, when no one can, at rokka's sentiment, not at rokka but the idea that finn would believe that. at this point, she's taken to looking straight ahead while the others converse, and while she's surprised at the show of humility, she isn't giving it much stock considering finn's constant flip-flopping and dramatics. she would like to take care of the dragon carcass as soon as possible.

Finn: finn slowly gets up from the ground after han, plum and rokka speak but hes not convinced that its okay. he stares at the ground in contemplation "i do not expect you to spend time with me when we celebrate… i do not want you to cheer me up. i merely wish to make up for today. so i ask you to choose amongst yourselves where you would like to spend the night… and if not tonight, then another night, but i insist that you will allow me to treat you. that is all i wished to tell you… if none of you would like to discuss more here on the spot, let us proceed…" finn is not in the snufkin outfit btw, so you can see his tormented bishounen visage Psalm: "We can discuss whatever it is you want to discuss at dinner later then." Psalm agrees

As Finn goes on the party see some onlookers from the building they're parked out the front of peering down at them from the windows in the building above. Rubbernecking at the dragon head but also his loud knightly tangents, passerby also continue to eyeball the caravan and some kids give Finn sparkly eyes getting a strange impression of him and the party.

Finn: finn doesn't perceive the kids, he passes them by without as much as looking at them as he re-enters the caravan Plum: plum climbs back into the caravan like why did i leave it.. Han: han isnt sure why they wouldnt spend time with finn or why he would be sad at dinner but he doesnt need to eat anyway so? the confusion is clear on her face but she decides to say nothing since finns done monologuing Vinny: as everyone trundles back in vinny gives keva a look that is just utter confusion Keva: she gives him a very plain look back and says lowly so only he can hear "don't think about it too hard, it won't last long" before getting the caravan moving again Vinny: Vinny sighs to himself and tries to out of sight out of mind the scene that just played out

The party continue on to the Voice of the Brigade building to turn in the bounty, still garnering curious stares as they go. As they pull up to the wider road the guild building lays on, they see people crowding the various food stalls and carts for dinner time. They also give them curious looks, though not as many as near the entrance. The people and mercenaries in this area of the city at least seem more accustomed to seeing sights like this roll through.

> 🎵  Dinner Time / CxM OST

They come to a stop in front of the guild building where a few members and mercenaries are idling about outdoors, like the others they give the caravan curious glances. People coming and going from the building likewise do the same. They see a few inside also briefly crowd around some of the windows, before getting their fill and going back to what they were doing beforehand.

Han: LOOK AT OUR DRAGON HEAD BOY Psalm: Psalm doesn't like the attention so he's hiding in the caravan

Keva: keva says aloud as she hops out of the driver's seat, preparing to help unload "okay so who do we talk to about upping the reward money because it was a dragon and not a drake?" Han: hans gonna get out to help unload too Rokka: rokka will help transport the dragon head also Mars: "Could try negotiating with the clerk." Mars pipes up. Han: while theyre next to each other han's gonna make a confused sound and ask "why would that do difference?" Cimmorro: "drake are smaller, light. so right now it feels like we're being rewarded for hunting a rabbit when in reality we're hoisting back a wild boar," he explains Keva: "dragons are bigger so they should be worth more. who's going to do the talking?" Psalm: Psalm just waves his hand in Keva's direction and says, "Just point me in whoever's direction and I'll give it a shot."

Han: han thinks on this… "am i worth more than you because im bigger…?" stares confused Mars: "Well if you were a bigger menace… Like a dragon would be compared to a drake." Han: she stares at keva, assessing who would be the bigger menace "i think im more annoying" shes says proudly and decidedly Keva: "you said it, not me," keva says a little teasingly with some effort as she lifts smth to take to the guild clerk Plum: "doesn't buying ten eggs cost more than buying five?" plum pipes up, listening kind of lazily to the conversation Han: han turns to plum "wait, what? why are you talking about buying eggs???" Plum: "it's just a comparison. what i mean is: more dragon, more money." Han: "…more meat, more money…" Psalm: "Regardless of the size, they misrepresented what we had to go hunt down and kill is more the issue." Han: han nods at this tho n goes oooooh…. i guess so…

Mars: Mars doesn't literally point inside but he does tell psalm about the guild clerk being the one to go to to negotiate the whole thing. Psalm: Psalm gives him a mock salute Mars: mars is gonna follow psalm

The two men amble inside to call over one of the workers, they see a couple of them already somewhat leaning over the desk to peer out the door at the little commotion outside. As they jog up one of them at the desk stands, he's wearing a green token on his clothes in similar colour to the carpets inside.

Clerk: "I'm guessing you're turning that in? let me know what bounty listing its for" as he speaks he turns to tell the others to call over some other people, other guild members you assume Psalm: "You would be correct about that. Any listings for a cobalt dragon?" Clerk: the clerk tilts his head as he starts looking through papers on the desk squinting "nothing that i can recall…" Psalm: "Hmm, maybe the listing for the drake on the main road then? Although this is definitely not a drake as you can see. ^^ After such a dangerous, lengthy battle with what we thought was going to be a simple drake, my companions and I were wondering if we could renegotiate the bounty." Clerk: the clerk blinks and looks back down at the parchment, skipping through them again before finding the drake listing "i see… well you're right about that" he pulls it out before shooting a glance behind you through the door for a moment, taking you at your word "same spot, on the north road right? how much did you want instead for it?"

Realising they didn't discuss how much they'd ask for instead Psalm pauses in thought, in the meantime Mars tries to recall his own knowledge of bounty listings. He remembers it with easy clarity, dragon bounties can run anywhere from 8K to 20K depending on the type and sizing. For a cobalt dragon that seemed to be an adult, he'd guess around 10K is the normal going rate, if they try to highball them too hard they'll just kick them out (he's seen it happen before) or blacklist them after the fact.

Mars: ^mars just whispers this to psalm verbatim (chip u gotta get out 10k was what i was thinking of) Plum: "boy, i sure hope psalm is in there getting us double the bounty!"

Psalm: "Mhmm." Psalm pretends to think for a moment as if Mars isn't openly whispering this to him, "How about double the original price, so 10k?" Clerk: the clerk thinks to himself a moment as he ponders "it's fully grown, aye?" tapping his quill for a moment on some parchment Mars: "Yep. You can verify it too if you want." Clerk: he nods his head agreeably "hmm…" he writes a little bit on the drake bounty parchment in front of him, crossing some things out "sounds good to me, yeah we can do that." as he does a few other guilds workers pop out from a door behind the desk, appearing after being called, stretching and yawning. he nods at them as they amble out from behind it "they'll bring it in and look it over in our workshop for us, we'll have one of our guys properly evaluate it but i can give you the 10k now if you want it." he stares back down at the desk in front of him studiously moving stationary around as he affixes a stamp to something Psalm: "Sure, I see no reason to delay." Clerk: he nods again expecting the response as he continues scratching away "if we evaluate it and find it worth more we'll notify you and you can pick up the extra at any of our outposts…" he trails off as he writes something "a few of our own mercs will go out to where it was slain and evaluate the body too- well assuming you left one" he pulls out a piece of parchment and pushes it on the higher shelf of the desk in front of of you where you can write with a quill "write there the location as exact as you can and sign it after, you can sign as an individual or for a group, either works" Mars: Mars just goes to fill out the location for rest-of-the-body retrieval but doesn't sign for the group o3o. Psalm: "Great, thanks." Psalm takes the quill and just signs both his name and writes THE VENGABOYS underneath it.

Cimmorro:

Clerk: the clerk takes the parchment back as you hand it over, giving it a quick read. you see him try and fail to stifle a laugh as he reads your name before shuffling it away smiling "got it, got it…" he crouches down under the desk and shuffles around for something before standing back up, jingling a set of keys "alright, back in a moment!" he jauntily hops off through the same door behind the desk again. The clerk eventually reappears, holding four large sacks of coin in his hands. He slaps them onto the desk counter with effort, huffing as he wipes his brow "thaaat'll be all of it, you're free to check if you like" Psalm: "I'll take you at your word it's all there." <-- doesnt wanna count all of that "Pleasure doing business with you ." Clerk: he nods as he leans on the desk now a little winded "aye, see you around the next time you kill a big ol' beastie!" Psalm: 🫡

Psalm moves to pick up as many of the bags as he's able, though he only gets a solid grip on one before he feels like hes toppling over sideways. Mars to move to pick them all up instead.

Psalm: mars the instagram bf that psalm makes carry his shopping bags

A few minutes after the clerk initially disappears, the other guild workers step out into the night air and begin helping the others pull the dragon head off the caravan. Packaging it together tightly with rope and fabric, they seem to have experience and get about it relatively quickly. They chatter idly amongst themselves as they do about their plans later in the evening, a few of them smile at those of you watching and compliment you for the impressive feat while some complain like one does when working "they're always such heavy bastards…" "good exercise for your legs, owen"

Cimmorro: cimm helps tidy up where the dragon was once on top of the caravan as the lifting is done and over with Rokka: Rokkas just chilling and resting since he didn't take anything Han: hans gonna bother the workers like "watcha gonna do with the head?" while watching them work on moving it Guild Workers: a couple of them reply as you do "gonna have our guy examine it, see what its worth, age and all that" "yeah we got a couple in house for this" "then we sell it again" "woohoo!" the last part is said somewhat sarcastically as a guys bent over struggling Han: "oh, yeah, vinny WAS talking about how the blood and organs are worth many gold… where can we sell other parts?" to the workers Guild Workers: one of them angles their head and another replies "can sell 'em here honestly, if you dont wanna walk" "any arcane place will buy stuff like that though"

The workers lift it up eventually and salute the party as they amble through the guild doors with the head in tow. Those lounging around the guild hall give it curious glances as its carted through with laboured huffs, a couple mercenaries even walk up to get a closer look as they go. They walk off through another set of locked double doors, down a large hallway, dissapearing out of sight.

Han: hans gonna look at the rest of the party like ;3? if yall wanna sell the. whatever we scavenged of the dragon girly pop Cimmorro: cimm, sitting on top of the caravan, glances at vinny for his sagely advice. "you think the arcane shops will pay more for these?" Vinny: he glances over from his idle watching of the going on's "hmm… honestly speciality shops pay more, rather than general places like a guild. It depends how many we'd want to scout and ask though…" Cimmorro: he hums then looks back at han and everyone else like oprah shrug gif. "he's a business owner," he says as a matter of factly and noncomittally, as if letting everyone else decide on this if they want to trot about Vinny: he glances over a little embarrassed for some reason despite everyone knowing this about him

Finn: "i…" finn pipes up awkwardly "wasnt purely looking to sell….i was wondering if we could upgrade our equipment with, like, the scales or skin maybe" Cimmorro: "you can keep some for your own use, i don't see any issue with that. we've already had dibs on the heart, so it's only fair… though that sounds like we're gonna end up looking around regardless." Finn: finn nods in acknowledgement Han: "do we.. want to leave tonight?" Cimmorro: "sounds like we aren't going to anyways…! ^-^ shopping aside, i'd like some reprieve before being back on the road. today's events have been more than taxing." Finn: "i did say you should choose amongst yourselves where you wish to drink and dine……or perhaps youd enjoy a rowdy sort of celebration? less dining and more drinking… it is meaningless to me in the end due to my" he gestures at himself "vampirism" he stops gesturing "as you all know"

Cimmorro: "i frankly would prefer to lay low for the night myself but don't stop on my account if you all wish to get twisted all night. i'll just hunker down an inn early." cimm like i dont wanna travel tonight bc if we get jumped by another thing i only have one spellslot left okay Finn: "it is only appropriate if everyone is present for the celebration…" his tone clearly implies he will stop on your account "i also said it doesnt have to be tonight…..it is good to know who doesnt feel up for it" he checks the faces of the rest of the vengaboys as if to gauge the mood Psalm: "I'm about ready to pass out considering the events of the day, so I'm fine with postponing." Plum: "i'm pretty tired.. i'd prefer tomorrow" plum says, trying their best to not fall asleep on the floor of the caravan Han: "i want to go brothel" she v signs at the party "ALONE" she exclaims and puts her hands up defensively if she gets dirty/judging looks from the rest of you Cimmorro: "aww… boooooo" cimm expresses fake disappointment Psalm: "Well there go my plans." ^ sarcasm Plum: "whoops, my bad," plum waves a hand Rokka: rokka who has been resting in the back waves his hand weakly "i would love to if everyone is..!" trying to sound enthusiastic as possible, but failing to hide the exhaustion taking over him. to clairfy rokka was not paying attention and is just trying to not be left out bc fomo

Han: han thinks a second "well, if you insist on joining, i wont stop you…?" Mars: "I think I'll just turn in for the night." 💀 Cimmorro: "i'd rather not be rejected a second time… have fun though <3" Han: "i thought no one would want to join!! i wasnt insisting!!!" 😭 Psalm: psalm just laughing tbh Cimmorro: "no… it's okay, i get it!" he's making it clear he's joking around by wiping a tear (fake) superfluously before dropping his back onto the caravan Han: han makes this face at him 😢 han follows the cart a bit to whine at cimm "cimmyyyy if you wanted my hot bod you can just saaaaay…" Cimmorro: he peeks his head out where she can see (pretty easily) and goes like 🥺 but sparkly and waving a handkerchief like a damsel. "i'm sure there's plenty of other chances, don't worry" Han: she narrows her eyes and points at him like IM HOLDING YOU TO THAT

Keva: keva climbs back into the driver's seat of the caravan, and after hearing everyone's response she says "sounds like everyone wants a rain check" as she gathers the reins, ready to go Finn: "turn in without me then, ill stay out a little… but i wont be joining han in the brothel" he mumbles the last part and he gets ready to climb out since it seems like everyone else wants to head back to the inn Vinny: vinny settles back in his seat tiredly after watching the others, somewhat glad they probably wont be arguing about room assignments again

> 🎵  Tavern at the End of the World / Witcher OST

The caravan drives off again, Keva takes them down the road to the sunite inn on the same street that they all frequented before this, the spacious beds are worth the coin as they take in the more relaxed atmosphere of the building again. Though only Cimmorro, Vinny and Keva rent a room again, while the rest of the party opts to sleep in the caravan. Cimmorro pays the 2g fee for the evening.

Rokka: rokka would sleep at an inn but bro knocked out in the caravan before a stop was made 🙂 Keva: keva's too tired to fight it in the moment but before cimm wakes keva is going to sneak 1g somewhere in his belongings

They park in a spot off the side of the building, tying the horses down to a post nearby and securing it. Those sleeping in the caravan hear more directly the chatter on the street over the course of the night, cheerful dinner chatter that putters into late night, drunkards walking around and evening labourers. The city never truly seems to fall asleep as someone's always out and about, they hear the distant sound of a few bar fights go on as well during the evening.

Finn splits off alongside Han and strolls a little, spending an hour in a tavern and then returning to the caravan before dawn to sleep in his coffin. Han manages to sniff out a surprisingly large hidden red light district quick enough and finds various establishments to her liking, one seems particularly hole in the wall, and the evening is well worth the coin as she loses 4g for the night.

> 🎵  Moth to a Flame / Below OST

Psalm however, as he lays down to rest for the evening, finds himself pulled from the familiar landscape of a dream into a pitch blackness.

??: you float suspended in the blackness for what feels like an unnerving amount of time, despite the strange comfort of the place. Once again you finally see the rows of lights come to life above you one by one and the great inky shape of your patron's form before you. it's colossal white cracked eyes stare at you, as you feel a large inky hand come up underneath you, allowing you to stand in the place. it seems in good spirits again as it speaks "once again, luckless one, you overachieve…" Psalm: "Mostly against my will this time around, but that seems to be the recurring theme on second thought." ??: you hear the familiar sound of its backwards laughter like waves rolling over the shore as it speaks "your name. still apt. but nonetheless. pleased, as always with you." it pauses a second as it leans in closer, the bright eyes growing even greater in size "i'm learning. the surface, its interesting. companions too." Psalm: Psalm flags a bit under the praise, not sure how to respond. He clears his throat. "Interesting is certainly a choice of adjective for them…! Not what I'd use." ??: the eyes tilt slightly as it ponders your words "to me. in this place. everything else is, very much" the ends of them crease up as if it were smiling "your point, I understand however" it leans back again "you do well. be confident. my ward. i do not lie." you feel for a second a strange sensation of warmth around you for the first time in this place, though its as gone quick as it came Psalm: "Well, thank you. That makes one of us at least." ??: seemingly satisfied the patron distances itself somewhat further, so it appears to be looming above you instead now. it closes its eyes before it speaks "i dont simply come to chat. you've ghester for this." it opens its eyes again and peers down at you on its palm "i gave it before. this boon." the eyes tilt "ask me a question. if you'd like it answered." another palm comes up to support you underneath your feet "speak. when ready." Psalm: "True, and he definitely can chat when ready." Psalm crosses his arms, unsure for a moment about what to even ask. Right now, what he wants to know most will probably just net him a vague, unhelpful answer, or at the very least he assumes it'll be something he can't change the way he currently is. And he supposes asking "Hey when is Basil going to respond to my mail?" would be somewhat asinine. "I suppose I'd like to know what'll happen when I'm done…" He's not sure how to say this. "Done being your eyes?"

??: it continues to stare down at you for a time before lowering itself again, close enough it feels you could almost reach out and touch its eyes "want to be rid of me?" Psalm: Psalm leans back, hands raised somewhat defensively. "Not my intention! I just like to be cautious. Not to say that there's no trust from my end, or anything, but-er..for peace of mind…" ??: it continues to peer at you silently as you feel a strange sound in your ears, akin to the sound of electric static before it fades again "i dont plan on it. being done." he leans back a little again "our pact. it has no end. as it was made." its eyes crease as if scrutinising you a moment "our connection, if severed. right now? would hurt you" it stays silent a few more moments before speaking again "but, i can consider a way. eventually. i do not wish so however. you are one of the best i have. have found." one if its hands drift away, leaving you on a single palm again "i advise you, caution. i do not want harm to befall you." Psalm: Psalm tries not to wince a little. Not that he hadn't suspected the terms of this contract he'd suddenly found himself in being forever, but it was still kind of jarring to hear. "Well that is great to know! Truly. No need though, to sever anything, really. I was honestly just curious.Thank you for answering." ??: the patron continues to watch you silently, sensing your anxiety "power and life. at a cost. so it is. so i am." it continues watching you as you hear the same static sound fade in and out "i don't plan it. i don't like to consider it. losing your eyes. the darkness." he pauses as the static fades out "ask me another. a question. you are unsatisfied." Psalm: "Alright, enough of that topic then. But I'm not sure what else I could ask you that isn't mundane." And it's not like he wants the conversation to turn too much towards himself either. Psalm supposes he should think with the party in mind? Although they can take care of themselves, but then it would be less of a headache for himself in the long run. "I guess.. if there's anything in the future to look out for I'd like to know. I can't say I want harm to befall me either." ??: a minute passes as it ponders the request " interesting. the future." it comes in close again, examining you closely "murky. not mine. my skills. but the sentiment. good." a peaceful sound, like a distant distant chime goes off in your ears "ill say this. something is about to hurt you. around you. i will stop it. once. i will reach out. ghester will move. you will feel when this will happen. like a pause. decide if i should interfere. or not." it peers at you, almost curiously now. Psalm: "So my own powers can hurt me, something completely unknown to me is about to hurt me, my own friends have-" he sighs. "I'm not in the mood to be self-pitying, but 'luckless one' really is quite an apt name…" He shrugs. "I feel I shouldn't have asked, the anticipation might be worse than just not knowing." He sighs, not really sure what to make of this now. "I'll be relying on you when the time comes then, as always." He pauses, and then adds as an afterthought. "Oh and Ghester too, I guess."

??: it seems amused by your muttering as its eyes crease again "it is true. i bring dread. as i am. though ill warn only, for things great. not a stubbed toe." it leans back as you feel its hand begin to curl up around you again in its familiar embrace "I will be watching." a pause follows in its fingers from their envelopment of you as you mention ghester "yes… was also one of my best. always a careful one. good to have." its hand begins to close around you again "keep him company." the crushing sensation never comes, only comfortable pressure as you feel yourself lose consciousness, the lights above going out one by one Psalm: "No issue there, as I don't even have toes-" Psalm starts to say before he wakes up

Psalm wakes with a mouthful of smoke in the morning, coughing up a lungfuls of it as he usually does after these encounters. The next day dawns as the party consider their next course of action for the day in the city of Bakaldor again.

—-

Notes

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👨‍👧‍👦The Party HAS LEVELLED UP! 🌠

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👨‍👧‍👦The Party has turned in a bounty for 10K Gold Pieces! 💰