#because i’m supposed to be healed too but im not

[theicarusconstellation]

making dino nuggets at 12:30 a.m. because destroying the lives of past abusers is frowned upon

[babymorte]

Is your arm feeling better?

it looks a hell of a lot better than it feels 😂 it’s not purple anymore and i have enough pain meds in me that it just feels numb so technically it’s feeling better but only because I’m heavily medicated 😂

[squid-ink-on-toast]

*folding my hands for prayer*

God…

What the fuck.

[amuyyi]

warm enough .

synopsis; recovering from an expected breakup, you find yourself drunk at a nearby bar, encountering an unfamiliar girl who happens to know your ex.

trope; non idol!ningning x fem!reader, uni au, fluff, a little angst, a little suggestive, strangers to lovers, feat. kep1er members :3

wc; 4.8k

cw; a little suggestive but not really

a/n; fun fact this happened to me irl ! figured i could use my experiences for stories ! everything from the breakup to the bar kiss is based on my personal experience so lol have fun. also its kinda poorly written because i wrote some of it while on the plane + in china while being very tired and i dont feel like proofreading so im sorry ^^'

The breakup was supposed to be a mutual thing. A smooth and easy agreement between you and Jimin. You guys met in a cafe when your soon-to-be-ex girlfriend finally dropped the bomb on you. 

“I still care a lot about you, y/n. But I want to focus on myself and my future… I think you should too.”

You wanted to speak up, say that you didn’t want to let go yet. Just… hold on for a little longer. Maybe it’d get better if you guys just kept it going for another week. Another month. Another day?

 “What I’m trying to say is…”

You always hated this part.

“I think we should break up.”

Despite the older girl being the one to initiate the ending of the relationship, you always knew it was coming. Jimin was sweet, and you definitely did enjoy the little dates you guys had been on through the past year, but there was something missing. Every time she looked at you, it seemed like she was looking through your eyes into her own. Her mind was always elsewhere whenever you two were together, like she was searching for something you couldn’t provide. She never seemed to smile around you, never laughed loudly or hugged you with warmth. 

You really tried to be the person for her, you really did; but it was apparent that she was trying to convince herself you were the one as well.

It was shown in the way she bought you endless gifts with things you said you wanted, but never kissed you, In the way she would allow you to hold her hand, but never reached out herself, how she couldn’t bring herself to say “I love you” out loud. Jimin was cold.

You agreed that this was the best path to take, how you felt the exact same way and that it would be good for the both of you, but the tears that nonconsensually left your eyes said otherwise. You still remember the last words you told her before you got up to leave.

“I really hoped it was you.”

There's a saying or the other. “Your body will know if someone is right for you.” You came across it while aimlessly scrolling on social media once, and you thought it was an interesting but ridiculous concept. Countless people would share stories about how their hair would fall out or how they would break out into horrible acne when they were with their past partners, only being relieved from this when single or with their “match.”

It was funny, and you didn’t believe one bit of it until it actually happened. The tightness in your chest that followed you every time you two went out together, the stress of wondering if she actually enjoyed her company, the way you couldn’t truly relax in her presence– it all went away. It all left when she walked out of your life, and you’ve never felt more at peace with a decision. At least, for a little bit.

The breakup was the easy part. It was the recovery that ruined you.

You were the one to establish a rule of no contact, even after you both expressed wanting to stay in touch. It was your only way to hold on to the last sliver of pride you had left after spending a year chasing after Yu Jimin. The rule was established to allow you some time to heal, and you hoped to return to the girl as friends once you felt ready.

With this in mind, you then proceeded to spend a month barely eating, barely sleeping, and not leaving your apartment unless you needed to for classes. It was difficult to be on your own after dedicating so much time to her, falling behind, hoping that she would see you the way you saw her; but after about a month, you slowly felt yourself regaining your footing.

You started going out again, talking with your roommate, taking time to actually care for yourself. It was nice. Perhaps your progress would have left you comfortable enough to move on if you didn’t decide to go out that day.

There she was. Yu Jimin. After an exact 31 days of no contact with her, you finally cross paths. Quite literally, at that– but she wasn’t alone. There was a girl on her arm. She was pretty. Blonde with bobbed hair and a soft smile that made it impossible to hate her. Jimin was smiling too. This is the first time you’ve seen her smile like that, smiling as if she found what she was looking for after all of this time. She doesn't look past her. She sees her.

Jimin holds the other girl by the small of her waist the way she used to do with you, and she kisses her. She kissed her. Just like how she used to kiss you, but not exactly. There's love in her eyes. A warmth you’ve never seen before. In her eyes, there is certainty.

And that was the day your world came crashing down on top of you.

You tried to act normal as you walked past. You really did. Your eyes remain glued to your phone as your knuckles turn white. Her eyes didn’t even meet yours as you walked by. Why wouldn't she look at you? Maybe she's wondering why you won't look at her. That must be it. You hold your breath. As soon as she passed by, you couldn’t help yourself. You made the mistake of looking back.

…Nothing.

As soon as Jimin was out of sight, you cried. You ran home, scaring half the life out of your poor roommate, Xiaoting, as you collapsed in your bed. Everything hurts. Why did it hurt? You wanted this. You felt better without her— the tightness in your chest was gone. 

Instead, it was replaced by an indescribably painful ache. One that felt so deep within your soul it would never heal. Quietly entering your room, Xiaoting says nothing as she sits next to your limp body on the bed, rubbing your back comfortingly. The gesture only makes you sob even harder. 

She's been with you through it all. From the beginning of your relationship with Jimin till the end, she was there. Xiaoting really was a good friend.

From then on, Xiaoting’s one goal was simple: cheer you up. She would cook at least once for you every day despite not being the best chef, and she would allow you to rant about the same things over and over no matter how overbearing it got. Honestly, you started to feel a little bad. She shouldn’t have to bend over backwards for you just because you’re a little sad.

So when Xiaoting announces that you will be joining her at the bar with her friends tonight, you couldn't say no. Both because she stated it, not asked you, and that it simply was the least you could do for her. Especially after everything she’s done for you. Before you knew it, you were dressed up in your best (slutty) corset top and cargo pants with some hoops and over exaggerated makeup to accent the look. Xiaoting, as your best roommate and friend, matches with you, and you two make a big scene out of getting ready together; blasting music, doing each other's hair, borrowing each other's clothes, and more.

Xiaoting’s girlfriend Yujin had made herself at home for the pregame, and your mutual friend Hikaru soon followed. With Xiaoting as designated bartender, the four of you mingle, laughing and cracking jokes as the warmth of the alcohol and one another’s presence left you with a warming buzz. Xiaoting was an excellent mixer, and in combination with the chasers Hikaru bought and the drinking games Yujin proposed, you were all ready to go. 

Xiaoting and Yujin led the way, hand in hand as you and Hikaru trailed behind, drunkenly singing into the cold night air as you trek to the nearest bar.

Being a Friday night, the establishment had been as packed as expected, and you all squeezed your way past other visitors as you’re guided to a nearby table. Xiaoting starts off strong, ordering shots for the entire group before utilizing her combined charm alongside her girlfriend’s looks to convince guys to purchase drinks for everyone as well. You couldn’t help but laugh at the way the duo would bat their eyelashes innocently at lone men for drinks– but at least it worked.

Lazily, your eyes wander through the crowd, the alcohol in your system making it a struggle to see straight. Despite your inability to see properly, you still manage to catch a glimpse of your friends from the corner of your eye, and easily spot Yujin attempting to very publicly make out with Xiaoting as Hikaru struggles to pull her away. You stifle a laugh at the sight, and decide to leave the three to their antics whilst you look for someone to talk to.

It's been a while since you last struck up a conversation with a stranger. The last time you had put yourself out there was before you met… 

You shake your head. No. You are not letting your stupid ex ruin your night. Knitting your brows in concentration, you scan the bar. There were plenty of pretty girls to talk to, but you were feeling a little intimidated. Almost all of them came with at least one other person, and you didn’t want to intrude on anything…

 Your eyes landed on a lone blonde at the end of the table, scrolling through her phone with alcohol flushed cheeks. She seemed approachable. Worst case scenario, she simply shoos you off. Taking a deep breath, you approach the blonde, deciding to pull out your best conversation starter.

“Are you chinese? You look chinese!!” You exclaim, suddenly switching to mandarin in the middle of your sentence as you ask the question. Smooth.

The blonde girl looks as if she would’ve been extremely offended at the comment if you didn't just speak to her in her native tongue halfway through your sentence, and she quirks a brow at you, an amused smirk on her lips as she leans against the bar. 

“Yeah, I am! What's a cutie like you doing in a place like this alone??” 

You feel your heart begin to race. So far so good. “I'm not alone!!! My friends are just busy making out with each other and the other is trying to stop them!!” You also lean on the bar, though not as alluring as the blonde before you. More like you partially collapsed and partially slid on it.

She chortles at your response, “well that's not fair to you, leaving you here all alone.”

The sweet and somewhat sultry tone of the blonde makes (non alcohol induced) blush appear on your face as you laugh, “it really isn't! But whatever! My name is y/n by the way!! What's yours??” You scream over the music, sticking your hand out. It was an unexpectedly polite gesture considering your circumstances, and perhaps it may have seemed a bit comical as well with how drunk you were.

She giggles at the response, grabbing your hand then pulling you in, her lips dangerously close to your ear as she yells over the music, “Ning Yizhuo. But call me Ningning! It's cuter!”

You grin. Ningning was a cute nickname. You decided at this very moment you could trust this cute stranger with your life story and personal information she didn’t ask for, and begin to slur out.

“My friends dragged me out here because I was sad over my ex who moved on from me a month after the breakup even though we dated for a year and she's a big jerk for that even though I wish only the best for her but also I hope she dies!!!”

None of the words you spoke just now came out clear, and they seemed to trip over one another when leaving your mouth, but it was enough for the other girl to go from extremely relaxed to suddenly very heated. She stands up straight as her eyebrows knit together.

“To be honest I don’t think she ever really liked me in the first place! I don’t know!! Whatever it doesn’t matter!!!” You continue on, sounding absolutely pathetic as you let yourself feel through the anger you didn’t even know you were repressing, “I was stupid to stay with someone who couldn’t even look me in the eye when saying she loved me!! She was stupid to do the same!! Whatever!! I don’t know!!”

Ningning cuts you off with a raised hand before you can continue, “what the hell?! I hate people like that!!  You're wayyyy too hot to be treated that way! Who is she? What's her name?? I might know her!!”

Against your better drunken judgment, you decide to name drop your ex within a university bar. Because that is always a good idea. “Yu Jimin!! She's a engineering major !!!”

Ningning’s jaw drops as she stares at you, almost as if she were trying to find the correct words for what she has to say next.

“Girl, I know her !!!” She screams out after a brief moment of silence,  “we shared a class together once!! Oh my god I'm so sorry I didn't know she was like that!! You deserve BETTER!” 

Before you could even think of what to say in reaction to that heavy load of information, Ningning grabs your face, pulling you into a kiss. It was a very messy one, her lips almost missing your own during the exchange. Seems like she's not entirely sober either. 

Still, even in your drunken state you knew what to do. Your hands immediately find Ningnings hair as you pull her in closer, and you can feel her smiling as she grazes her tongue over the bottom of your lip. 

You open your mouth to let her in and the only thing that you can think of or even feel for that matter is Ningning and her tongue. She… was really good at this. Jimin never kissed you like this before. Her hands trail down your back to your ass before she squeezes it, smirking when you squirm against her touch.

She breaks the kiss, her face inches away from yours as she breathes out, “you deserve so much better…” Ningning gives you a quick peck on the lips before stepping back, taking in her work with a devilish glint in her eyes. You stare at her dumbfounded for a moment before whipping out your phone, fully talking in your appearance. Your hair and makeup were a wreck. How did all of that happen just now?

“Done by yours truly~” Ningning winks at you, quickly slipping your phone out of your hand and typing something in.

“Wh— Wait what are you doing?”

“Giving you my number, obviously. My girls are gonna wonder where I went.” She hands back your phone and looks at you with soft eyes through her drunken daze. 

“Take care of yourself, yeah?” Ningning kisses you one last time, giving your hand a squeeze before letting go. She disappears into the crowd of partygoers, a sly fox-like grin on her face.

“There you are!” 

You feel an arm land on your shoulder as you jump, twirling around and looking down to see a drunk Hikaru with a slightly less drunk Xiaoting and an absolutely hammered Yujin on her side.

“We should probably head back home!” Xiaoting screams into your ear, “Hikaru’s gonna knock out on the couch and Yujin will be with me!”

Her words barely make it through to you, the music and the alcohol and the adrenaline within your system muffling out every word spoken. Regardless, you still nod and trail behind your friends as you leave, not all too sure what just happened.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

You lay in bed, eyes practically burning holes into the new contact in your phone. “宁宁<3” is what it said. 

So last night wasn’t just a dream. You really did just get a girl's number by doing nothing but spilling your secrets to a stranger. On top of all of that, your head was absolutely killing you, you swore you could feel your heartbeat within your brain. Still, that wasn’t important. Biting your lip, your fingers hover over the contact name. Should you message her? 

y/n [10:59]  — hey !! its y/n, the girl from the bar

y/n [10:59]  — thanks for keeping me company last night :)

ningning [11:06]  — i was wondering if u were gonna text me back

ningning [11:06] — and of course <3 jimin doesn’t know what she lost

y/n [11:08] — haha im flattered

y/n [11:08]  — but u barely know me??

ningning [11:11]  — that can change xx

Your eyes widen as you reread the text over and over again. Is she implying what you think she's implying? What if she's just being friendly? Can you even platonically make out with someone at the bar?

y/n [11:16] — are u asking me out on a date ning yizhuo ?

You wait. 

Oh god. What if she was just being friendly?

ningning [11:18]  — only if youll have me 

You feel yourself blush at her message, burying your face into your pillow as you squeal like a high school teenager in love. It was embarrassing in hindsight, but.. it felt nice to be wanted. 

y/n [11:19] —  of course

ningning [11:19] — perfect <3 

ningning [11:20] — dinner at my place tonight then? 

ningning [11:20] — If youre not too hungover.. 

ningning [11:20] — i got the best hangover cures ;)

you can't help but arch your eyebrow at the winky face she added at the end but brushed it off, more focused on the fact that your drunk hatred towards your ex landed you a date. 

You scramble to your feet and (metaphorically) kick down Xiaoting’s door, abruptly waking the girl from her nap as she screams out, “WO CAO!” She places a hand over her heart as she bolts up within her bed, immediately letting out a sigh of relief when she realizes it was just you. 

“Girl what the HELL is wrong with you?!” She hisses, laying back down and throwing the blanket over her head.

You, being the ever loving and best roommate ever, respond to this by jumping into bed with (on top of) the redhead and squeezing her as tight as you can while screaming “I HAVE A DATE!!!”

Xiaoting shoots back up, your arms still latched onto her torso as she looks down at you, eyes wide. “Wait, are you serious?”

You hear a low groan and a hand slapping your arm as you roll your eyes, slapping the arm back as the voice of Yujin grumbles out and shuffles deeper within the sheets.

Both you and Xiaoting look at one another and giggle before she quietly slips out of bed, quickly placing a kiss on Yujins head before grabbing your arm and leading you out of her room. Once outside, she firmly grasps your shoulders. 

“Okay, now tell me everything.”

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

You nervously stand outside of Ningnings apartment, bag clutched in hand as you look back behind you. Xiaoting sat within her car on the side of the road, keeping an eye on you to make sure this girl wasn’t going to kidnap you or the other.

The two of you (and soon enough Yujin and Hikaru) had spent the day giving you pointers on how to go about the date. They had thrown an ungodly amount of clothes your way as well as telling you endless conversation starters and compliments to give another person. By the end of it all your head was overflowing with information that you were going to forget as soon as you head out the door, and all of your closet was sprawled on your bedroom floor and in the living room. Still, the girls seemed quite proud of their work.

All of you had consecutively agreed on an outfit that was nice, but not too nice. You wore a plaid skirt paired with a simple tank top and an off the shoulder cardigan.

Holding your breath, you ring the doorbell. You really hoped this wasn’t a mistake. When was the last time you were actually on a date with someone? You couldn't remember. After a few moments of silence, you hear shuffling followed by the door unlocking and Ningning poking her head out shyly. Her eyes light up at the sight of you before opening the door completely, revealing her outfit.

She wore an oversized plaid button up, unintentionally matching with your skirt alongside baggy jeans and some bunny slippers you thought were incredibly cute. Her hair was tied up in a messy but charming bun, held up by a hair stick with small gemstones dangling from the end.

This Ningning was completely different from the one you had met at the bar last night. Though, you suppose you were a different person now as well.

“You're here! Come in come in!” She grabs your hand and guides you inside. Flustered, you spare a quick glance behind you, and you can spot the silhouette of Xiaoting throwing a thumbs up from her car before Ningning closes the door behind you.

“You look gorgeous today, by the way,” Ningning compliments, her thumb rubbing over your fingers as she walks you through her apartment. The gesture makes your cheeks warm, and you find yourself easing into her touch like putty. It was a touch that was loving. Kind. Intentional. 

Her home was cozy, with white walls paired alongside warm lighting and paintings and other wall art lining the interior. There was an appetizing aroma that wafted through the air, and you had remembered that Ningning had offered to cook for you.

“What have you prepared for us tonight, chef Ningning?” You ask, squeezing her hand as she grins, “Well it's not much, I'm not a really good cook but I decided to make us some dumplings! A little basic, but it's the only dish I feel like I’ve actually perfected.”

“I hope this is the hangover cure you mentioned” you comment lightheartedly, and you sense a playful energy in the way she looks back at you.

“You'll find out soon enough.”

You once again find yourself quirking a brow at her vague answers, but she simply smiles at you innocently and you find yourself smiling back. It was hard to not be amused by her.

Ningning guides you to the kitchen, which was cleaned perfectly for your arrival. On the center of the table were multiple bamboo steamer baskets, as well as a large tea pot and a simple glass bottle with various native wildflowers as a centerpiece. 

The other girl pulls out a chair for you, and you teasing grin at the polite gesture, “how romantic, Ninging~”

She rolls her eyes and giggles before settling down herself, instantaneously pouring you a cup of tea as she gestures at the baskets, “go on, dig in. I’ll be personally offended if you don’t.”

Chuckling, you open up the baskets, releasing clouds of steam before revealing multiple handmade dumplings with various fillings and differing folding styles. Your eyes widen, and you simply comment, “wow,” before taking the first bite of the food.

To say that it tasted amazing was an understatement– you practically felt like you were thrown back to the motherland with a single bite, and it wasn’t long before you were filling your plate with more.

The two of you had spent the rest of the evening getting to know one another more. You had learned she was a computer science major and going onto her third year of uni, as well as the fact she was from Harbing whilst you shared that you were from Shanghai. 

“Big city girl, huh?” Ningning amusedly comments, sipping on her tea as you roll your eyes, “yeah… But I'm not rich or anything before you ask.”

The blonde feigns rejection as she snaps her fingers, “damn. I was gonna ask you to buy drinks next time we head to the bars, I think you owe me. ” She smiles at you, and it's warm.

You liked this. You liked how easy it was to talk to her. It was never this easy before.

Soon enough you had ended up on Ningning’s couch, browsing through movies aimlessly as the hefty meal threatened to send you into a food coma. The blonde lay comfortably in your arms underneath a blanket, her eyes occasionally fluttering shut as you continued to search for something to watch.

“Hmm, what about… Velocipastor?” The name completely throws you off guard, prompting you to click on it, skimming over the description as you feel the vibration of Ninging lazily humming beneath you. 

“Oh that movie is really good, trust me.”

“... Really? Are you sure, Ning?”

“Yeah yeah…” Her eyes were already shut as she spoke, nuzzling in closer to you as you chuckle, putting on the movie as you wrap your arms around her, pulling her in closer. 

Honestly, the movie seemed to be an excuse for the girl to be physically close to you– maybe get a nap in? You weren’t even sure if she was watching the movie at this point. Still, maybe it was for the best. Velocipastor was definitely not well funded within its production, that much could be seen. Plus, you couldn't complain about having a cute girl in your arms.

“Does your head still hurt?”

Ningning’s soft voice rings out, startling you. Honestly, you were getting pretty invested in the film, you had thought she already fell asleep.

“Mmm, a little. I don’t think your hangover cure worked.”

“Oh, the dumplings weren’t the cure.”

Your head cocks to the side as you tear your gaze away from the tv screen, looking down at the girl nestled on your chest as she looks back up at you. There was that all too familiar glint in her eyes again.

“Then what is?”

A mischievous grin curls on her lips before she leans in, connecting her lips with yours. Still a bit sluggish from the night before alongside a hefty meal, her kissing was a bit sloppy, but it was soft. Much softer than before.

You feel yourself almost immediately sigh into the kiss, and you would have found it embarrassing if she didnt guide her hand up your chest, to your neck, and into your hair, soon deepening the kiss. 

Not expecting things to escalate so soon, you couldn’t help but let out a soft whimper as your hands landed on her hips, nails digging into her sides desperately as she laughs against your lips, pulling back. 

“You’re really cute, y’know?” She purrs, using her hand to brush a strand of hair out of your face, and you can see the hint of pink spread across her lips as she smiles, drinking in the sight of you.

Before you even have a chance to respond, Ningning tackles your jawline, trailing kisses down your face and onto your neck. You try to respond, but when she starts to nip the side of your neck, the words you wanted to say somehow managed to melt into complete mush.

“Mmhmmhgh…” 

The sound that escapes your lips allows you the chance to actually feel embarrassed, and you slam a hand over your lips, looking away from Ninging. Your response elicits another laugh from the blonde, and you swear you could listen to the sound forever. 

Her symphony soon quiets though, and Ningning looks you straight in the eye, her gaze softening as she opens her mouth, struggling to find the right words to say.

“Look, I know we just met…” she trails off for a moment, almost a bit shy to continue, “but if you want to give me a chance and see where this goes, I promise I’ll treat you so well.” 

Her eyes are filled with genuine desire for you, and you couldn’t help but feel… Isolated? Targetted? For the first time you feel like you’re seen, and you don’t know what to do about it.

She presses on, “I’d really like to see you again, and I know you’re going through a lot right now but I want to be there with you every step of the way. I want to see where this takes us.”

“I want you, y/n.”

Your face heats up instantaneously, and you swear your eyes were threatening to bulge out of your skull right then and there. You look at her in silence as you struggle to find your words, and after a few seconds you finally croak out,

“I… I want to see where this takes us too, Ningning.”

Her eyes brighten at your response, and she beams, pulling you into a tight hug on the couch before interlocking her lips with yours once again. You giggle into the kiss, and throw the blanket over the two of you as the movie on the tv buzzed on. For the first time, you found someone warm enough for you.

[periprose]

Can I have a Logan Howlett x Angel!Fem!Reader where Logan sees the reader in the kitchen having a bit of a meltdown and uncomfortable feeling over holding a knife (for like, cooking reasons or smth) and he calms her down because the reader just doesn’t want to hurt anyone :(? I’d appreciate it thanks! (I’ve seen you wanted more Angel reader, so im here to reciprocate :3)

AHhhh this fits so well Anon (maybe unintentionally so, the previous fic had a little snippet about Angel's mom trying to stab her when she was young...) but I love your brain. I made it a bit longer and added some stuff and it's set before the previous Logan Gains a Guardian Angel fic (LGGA for short) so they're not together yet.

Knives Drip Chocolate (or, Logan Gains a Guardian Angel)

Word Count: 2.9k

Genre: Angst, fluff, hurt with comfort, mutual pining, idiots in love, mild traumatic flashback stuff (but no violence)

LGGA Masterlist

Logan is always ready for a late-night snack.

It’s hard for him to feel full, a lot of the time– he didn’t always have the easiest access to food, and he’s known for a while, if there’s a brief period in his immortal-like life where he can just relax about food and supplies, he shouldn’t take that for granted. 

Plus with an accelerated healing factor, sometimes his body starts digesting food too quickly, leading to faster body repair, but nothing to feel satisfied about.

So he’s got tons of cravings. Something that you are constantly bothered about, even now, as Logan knocks on your door, asking yet again if you’d accompany him to the kitchen.

Not that you actually mind. Sometimes you think you’d follow Logan into hell if he asked nicely enough, despite your occasionally evasive attitude keeping him on his toes.

“Angel, please. I’m starving.” Logan’s grumpy complaints are muffled behind your door, and you wonder why a nearly 200 year old man needs you so badly, to be by his side, when he’s spent so long being a loner.

“I’m coming.” You yawn, pulling yourself out of your bed– Storm is your roommate, and she’s passed out, stone cold. You quickly finger comb your hair, and fix your giant t-shirt, so your shoulder isn’t so exposed.

Silly, because you know Logan doesn’t care.

It’s bad. It’s really, really bad, because you don’t want to get attached to Logan, not when he’s sure to toss you aside like he’s done with the rest of them eventually. But you can’t help yourself– Logan is easy to be around, he knows your fears and little quirks, and he has never treated you like you’re so different for being a little quiet, like him. 

You know everyone has noticed. When you open your bedroom door, and Logan stares at you for a moment– an unreadable, soft glance in his eyes, one that you could choose to ignore, but don’t, as you stare back at him– you know all the other X-Men see it. Some silly crush you have on him, that clearly confuses Logan himself as he shakes his head, and pulls you by the arm out of your room, your PJs and hair askew.

Logan himself looks good, you have to admit– wearing lazy sweatpants and a white tank-top, his arm muscles looking especially defined tonight– and you pull your arm away, embarrassed that you give into these feelings so easily.

He’s only ever going to be your best friend. Even now, there’s nothing romantic about the way Logan asks if you want a ham and cheddar sandwich, too. He’s just looking out for you. 

Jean, Scott, and Storm have literally asked you, more than once, if you and Logan had maybe slept together, or kissed, or anything that would be a culmination of some supposed lust, in which case you always laugh awkwardly and deny everything. 

Your excuse is that it’s deeper than that, and it’s one-sided. What would be the point of bringing it up if it would just end in heartbreak?

“Earth to Angel.” Logan shakes your arm, breaking your stride. “Hey, that’s kind of funny, isn’t it? You’re always up in Heaven. Daydreaming about who the hell knows what.”

“Haha, Logan.” You mockingly say in a deadpan voice. “What is it?”

“Your wings are flexing a little bit, again, like they’re about to open. They’re kind of pulsing.” He says it in a soft tone, ushering in some concern he has, and you find yourself wishing that you were someone normal, someone that Logan didn’t have to care so much about. 

It’s not that you’re not happy to have his concern, it’s just that you don’t know what to do with it. Thank him for it? You have never been used to people looking out for you.

“It’s fine. Sometimes I get muscle spasms, it’s nothing to worry about.” You mutter, knowing it has to do with anxiety, but Logan looks a bit unconvinced.

“Okay. But if you keep having weird tremors, I’m taking you to the hospital wing so you can get diagnosed.” Logan states, and you open your mouth to argue, but he tuts. “No arguing about this. Last thing we need is for you to die from stress or cancer or something.”

Your heartbeat quickens, not at the mention of cancer, but because Logan used we and now you’re just thinking about how you’re always together.

Not like that, though.

“Okay, Logan. I get it.” You shake your head. “I won’t die.” 

“Not yet. We got snacks to eat.” Logan agrees, as he leads you into the kitchen.

/

Logan’s got you working on making hot chocolate as he makes the sandwiches, pan-frying them till the cheese is hot and melty. 

It’s not really a common mix, you think, but you’re just happy to be helping.

“Careful. Milk boils over fast.” Logan comments from next to you, mostly focused on his own side of the stove, and you roll your eyes.

“I know that.” You retort, but as you look away from the stove for one second, the pot of milk nearly does boil over, and you swear, reducing the heat quickly.

Logan starts laughing. “Told you.”

You shove him lightly, and he has a stupid grin on his face, one where you know Logan takes such joy in teasing you at times. Like this is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

You move the milk over to the counter, to let it cool, and then remember something semi-important. 

“Logan? Don’t forget, Scott wanted extra ham for the Hawaiian pizza they’re making tomorrow–” As you’re reminding him, Logan wordlessly shows you the empty ham package, telling you that he used all of it for the sandwiches.

“You snooze, you lose.” Logan shrugs, and you close your eyes in partial defeat, trying not to laugh at his antics.

“I guess, but you never seem to lose, and Scott’s always chewing me out for your ‘mistakes.’” You point at yourself, tongue poking through the side of your mouth, and Logan raises his eyebrows. “Tell me: Am I snoozing, or are you just lucky that I take the blame?”

“Ah, Angel… you’re obviously asleep.” Logan smirks, and you scoff at his audacity, having expected a semi-apology from him. “No one ever said you had to take the blame for my snacks. You could’ve just told him it was Jean, and he wouldn’t have asked any questions.”

You blink at him. “Lying to our team’s leader aside, why Jean?”

“C’mon. Scott’s crazy over her, they’ve been together for however long, and he can never say no to her. It’s the perfect excuse– he wouldn’t even ask her about missing food, so not to offend his sweetheart.” Logan pauses, a thoughtful look taking over his features, and he scratches his chin. “I guess love really is blind.”

“Wow. You had that takeaway based on gaslighting both Scott and Jean? You really are an unfeeling old man.” You giggle, and Logan glances over at you, his face heating up at your laugh, a sweet sound that always pushes a warmth into his chest.

If Logan was honest, he understands Scott perfectly. Sure, he could play the part of the curmudgeonly old man, and lie to you– but in truth, he was doing that because he likes you.

Just like Scott. Logan likes you so much, that he would honestly lie to you just to protect your relationship– whether that be about missing food, or if you talk about some other dude someday, and he has to pretend he’s all ecstatic for you, as he often worries about. 

He knows it’s bad. And he doesn’t like it, either. Logan insists to himself, in pure self denial, that this love he has for you doesn’t exist, because he would rather be given even a little bit of your presence as a friend, than to be entirely shut out by you upon imminent rejection.

But even he knows he protests too much. Of course he loves you, how could he not?

Logan thinks of you as his personal guardian Angel. It’s silly, of course– but you’re the one who helps him make better choices, doing the right thing more often than not. He’s an idiot– you’re a beautiful genius of a woman, and it bothers him so deeply that you keep to yourself.

He looks over at you. You’re chopping up a bar of dark chocolate, and your gaze is intensely focused– Logan has seen the same expression on you when you’re beating up a bad guy. You’re thinking, murmuring something to yourself, probably thinking about hot chocolate.

Your eyes turn wide, glassy, and you inhale sharply.

Logan immediately comes to your side. “Angel?”

Logan’s voice doesn’t fully register to you.

The knife gleams in the low lighting of the kitchen, as you turn it over and over in your hand, dark brown chocolate smudging the blade, and then you look down to your palms.

Where your hands are covered in dark, melted chocolate, after you’ve been holding the chocolate bar to chop it up– the liquid is almost amber in hue. 

“...blood.” You whisper something unintelligible, but Logan catches the last word.

You retch to yourself, hyperventilating over the counter, back hunched over, the knife still clenched in your palm.

“Angel, hey–” Logan squeezes his way between the counter and your right arm, where your hand is holding the knife, and he firmly pulls it away from you, grabbing it blade-first without even thinking about it, and you gasp, shouting at him to get away.

Logan stops, at a loss for words. You’re trembling, you’re no longer holding the knife, but you can’t stop looking at your hands.

He grabs your arms a bit more gently, turning you towards him, and you’re lost in some train of thought that Logan can’t stop.

Mom sliced up one of my hands once… it’s been years, but it looked just like this.

Then I got her back, by accident… it was an accident, Angel.

“What’s wrong?” Logan looks down at you in fear, worry that something may actually be very wrong, and you haven’t told him a thing.

He thinks he shouldn’t have assumed you were always alright. He knows you aren’t– he just finds it difficult to surpass your avoidant attitude. He’s never seen you have a full blown panic attack like this before.

Your wings are subtly twitching again, folded against your back, but threatening to open up to full expanse, and you shake your head, lip quivering, as you look down at the floor.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone.” You utter so softly, so heartbreakingly tiny, and Logan feels himself turning cold at your words, wondering if you’d really done something that terrible.

With a kitchen knife, of all things. He wants to hug you firmly now.

He knows even if it was true– there’s no way that was your fault, no way Logan wouldn’t have sussed that out based on instinct. 

“It isn’t…” Logan starts, wanting to say it wasn’t your fault, but he doesn’t know how that will go over with you. “You’re not going to hurt anyone. Where is that coming from?”

“Just a bad memory.” You say with a shaky breath, the most information you’re willing to give him at this moment, and you know– you know– Logan is never going to be satisfied with that answer.

You don’t want to scare him off. This is the first time you could even say you have a best friend, and you don’t want Logan to pity you or feel like you were incapable of taking care of yourself. You don’t want him to see you like your mother did.

Logan frowns. Then, instead of asking you a question, he traces the back of your wings, which causes a shiver in your body.

You close your eyes, expecting to feel tense, scared, and horrified, but instead you feel calm, almost placid. Being touched by Logan makes you feel like everything is going to be alright.

Your wings stop shaking, and Logan hands you a wet paper towel. You wipe your chocolatey hands, which puts you at ease, seeing your clean hands again. 

“Sorry. I don’t mean to make you my caretaker.” You whisper, always worried about others’ perception of you, and Logan shakes his head.

“I don’t mind, Angel. As long as you’re alright.” Logan has a tentative look on his face, and you’re almost embarrassed, that you like being taken care of so badly, and he hugs you tightly, arms wrapped around your back, a near bone crushing hug that has you nestled in his chest, fit under his jaw as he places his head on top of yours.

Your heartbeat slows down. You’re not panicking any more, but it seems like Logan, too, is reaping some sort of benefit by being so close to you. He inhales deeply, and the sigh rumbles through his chest into you.

You could almost cry. You spent so much of your childhood never being close to anyone, and being held is cathartic in a way you can’t even describe.

Logan doesn’t let go until you do. Then he has the audacity to look a little sheepish, like he had done something un-Logan and uncool, and you almost feel pained, like you should push him away, and go to sleep on your own.

It’s such an odd feeling, to both want his concern, and to wish you never needed to do so.

You stare up at him, and Logan smiles, a soft smile that he hopes reads as comforting rather than a snarl, and you can’t help yourself for what you ask next.

“Could I sleep in your room?” You ask, biting back the immediate disclaimers of it’s okay if you don’t want to. “I’m just better when I’m around you.”

There’s also the thing of waking up Storm if you enter back in now, and explaining that you had yet another panic attack. She’ll be mad.

“Yeah. Yeah, that’s okay.” Logan murmurs, wondering if you meant to make that sound so devotedly sweet, something that causes his insides to seize a little.

He feels better around you, too.

You’re usually good at hiding this side of yourself from him– it’s another step deeper, another step too far into your relationship to take back– and now you worry you’ll never really be able to separate.

Logan ruffles your hair, and all is right again.

/

He makes you eat at least a bite of the sandwich, and sip a little hot chocolate– the rest is placed in the fridge for some other mutant to eat.

Logan won’t let you go to sleep without a meal, or in this case a few nibbles, if he can help it.

“Moods are worse on an empty stomach.” Logan grins, and you smile, feeling a little more at ease.

“You’re not you when you’re hungry.” You joke, and Logan rolls his eyes. 

“Yeah, save that for when we’re pilfering Kurt’s Snickers bars.” He snorts. 

Logan leads you to his room, oddly silent the entire time. It’s not that Logan isn’t typically quiet, it’s that it feels more tense. He’s keeping to himself, and he doesn’t seem to have anything against you– he has only a kind expression for you, when you meet his eyes.

Finally, you both arrive to his bedroom door. Logan is lucky– he doesn’t have to room with anyone– and you’ve been in here plenty of times.

Still, that doesn’t explain why it takes him a second to enter in the room, as you follow him in.

It’s sparsely decorated in here– one poster of the Calgary Flames is on Logan’s wall, and there’s a mug with random, assorted pens on his desk. His bed has never been filled with loads of stuffed animals and pillows like other X-Men (read: Jubilee) would have. There’s a pile of assorted flannels, jackets, and scarves hanging off a coat rack.

It’s comforting, though. Logan is a simple man, and you like being close enough to understand him, to see the small remnants of things he likes.

“Well. The bed’s there, if you’d like. Don’t let me stop you.” Logan points to the bed, and he starts walking towards the leather recliner next to the window.

“Logan. Stop.” You grab him by the arm, and he pauses, slightly scared, mostly enthused by what you’ll say next. “It’s okay with me if we sleep next to each other.”

“...Okay.” Logan watches as you climb into his bed, hoping it’s comfortable, and doing a weird thing of personally memorizing the way you lay and snuggle down, in case you never do this again.

You’re next to the wall, so Logan stays on his side, lying down close to the edge of the bed. And you’re keeping your distance– so is he.

You turn, and Logan is already looking at you. He glances away.

“Good night, Angel.” Logan utters softly, and with that, you turn to your side, to fall asleep.

/

When Logan wakes up, he freezes, so not to move you. Somehow, through out the night, you ended up snuggled around him, sprawled against his chest, your arms lightly wrapping around him.

He loves it. He’s glad to see he’s been useful for once– he gave you a good night’s sleep.

[slxtarchive]

𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 ✦ 𝐬𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐡

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬. where sam was there to help y/n when she had a rough day and resorted to unwinding in a not-so-healthy way.

𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭. okay so i was just thinking for a sam golbach fic reader relapses (self harm) cuz their mind has been getting too much lately, and maybe sam helps them clean up and then helps take care of them and makes them feel loved nd just like lets them know that they don't need to do that because he's there from now on?? if that makes sense. also maybe not an established romantic relationship but maybe it ends up that way? like sam tells reader he doesn't know what he'd do with himself if anything happened to them he just cares a lot about them and yeah

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. ANGST ! third person pov, talks of self harm, relapsing, descriptive literature, friend!sam, friends to lovers.

𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬. if anybody needs anyone to talk to i’m here! 🤍 sorry this took so long to post & write! this one hit really personal for me but id okay to say ive healed & im continuing to heal from my past. if anyone is going through similar hardships, you can get through it! i believe, love, & support you always.

y/n told herself she wouldn’t put herself in this position again. she wouldn’t.. but sometimes things don’t go as planned.

she had tried to stay strong, to stop letting her mind control every action she took; it just became too much. she sat on the cold tile floor of her bathroom, tears making their way down her flushed face. she gripped the item as she took the first swipe, lightly but firm enough.

just stop. she told herself. her hand shook as she went to repeat the action. she looked at her skin i just need to feel something, she thought. something other than what im feeling now.

she had been doing so good but somehow found herself back at square one. all that work that she had done was all gone. she felt hopeless, as if this never ending black hole of despair would stay with her for the rest of her life.

she took a minute to think on her life and what could have went wrong to cause her to relapse. all those thoughts had no specific effect on relapsing, its just her brain had begun to spin a web that caused her to get stuck in her head all day. what else can i do? she thought as she took another swipe at her skin. she planned on continuing until she heard her bedroom door open.

her heart dropped to her ass. “y/n..?” the voice had confusion laced in their voice.

sam.

it was sam.

the blonde boy was one of the things that y/n had in her life that truly made her happy. he was her best friend. she never told him that but she truly meant that with every fiber of her being.

y/n quickly wiped her tears when she heard the footsteps come closer to the bathroom. wiping the tears would make the tear stains disappear but the thing about breaking down, you’re left with that struggle of trying to catch your breath.

she couldn’t stop gasping, trying to breathe calm and collectively. that’s why as sam stopped right beside the bathroom. he heard a small gasp escape her lips that caught his attention.

his eyebrows raised in confusion. he put his head beside the door trying to hear something else. “uh.. y/n? you in there?” he knocked. he received no answer. multiple questions and thoughts ran through his mind before he opened the door.

sam had seen many things in his life, traumatic even, but this — it was like his heart had jumped, dropped, did a tumble, and self destructed all in the span of 3 seconds. he instantly became nauseous at the sight of y/n holding a blade to her forearm. the small cuts that had caught his eye before she covered her arm and hid the blade had his blood run cold.!

the second y/n had been caught she felt guilty and embarrassed. she felt pathetic, like she wasn’t strong enough to handle the hard reality of the real world. immediately, she stood up and faced sam. “i-im sorry you weren’t supposed to see that.. it’s not what it looks like.” she sniffled trying to contain her tears. “i… it just, lately everything has been so crazy and i haven’t … i haven’t done this in a while but… but everything has just been… too much.” she rambled out, trying to explain herself.

sam’s face of confusion faltered. he thought about her words. the way she mentioned in a while had him wondering what caused her to relapse and fall back into this situation. he scanned her face. she’s too pure to be suffering like this. he paused thinking of what to say but truly all that he wanted to do was give her a hug. so that’s what he did.

he pulled her in, wrapping his arms around her protectively. she melted into his touch. her lip quivered as she wrapped her own arms around him. her body shook as more tears cascaded down her face.

sam felt his own eyes sting with tears. “i’m sorry.” he choked up. “i’m sorry you’ve been going through all of this alone.” he rested his cheek on her head closing his eyes trying to stay strong for her.

y/n hasn’t said anything, still feeling guilty. sam pulled away and looked down at the floor seeing the blade and a tissue beside it. he picked them up and threw both away.

he turned back to y/n who had a tired look on her face. “as long as i’m here nothing will hurt you, okay? i will be here for you. you can depend on me. you don’t need to do this anymore to yourself y/n, i won’t let you.” he took her face into his hands. “i promise, i love you and im always here for you no matter what.”

y/n’s heart raced as sam’s words really effected her. she nodded pursing her lips and biting her cheek.

he brought her head to his mouth and pressed a light kiss on her forehead. “i mean it y/n. i don’t know what i’d do with myself without you. you complete me.”

y/n’s eyes scanned sam’s face noticing how his own eyes began to water and become puffy. the scene before her causing her throat to close. “m’sorry i promise i wont do it anymore. i love you sam and… fuck — i know i shouldn’t be doing that. i just didn’t know what else to do.” she leaned against his chest.

“i know, i know baby but from now on you can talk to me about it. about anything. i care so much about you. you truly have no idea how much i…” he stopped himself not wanting to overwhelm her. “just know you mean the world to me. you are and have been my priority since we met and that’s never going to change.” the reassuring words causing y/n to relax.

y/n started to get inside her head, wondering what if he got tired of her, if he’d leave her, what she’d do or how she’d feel if that happened — or even worse; if she would be a burden to sam.

sam noticed y/n zoning out. “hey, tell me what you’re thinking please.” his hands reached down to grab her own.

she took a deep breath. c’mon y/n. she blinked a couple times trying to sort her thoughts. “don’t wanna be a burden to you.” she admitted to which sam immediately shook his head.

sam brought her hands to his mouth kissing her knuckles. “you could never ever be a burden to me. you keep me pushing through every day because i want to be the best for you. to be the best friend you deserve and… and whatever the future may hold for us — i want you there always, okay? don’t ever forget that.”

his words wavered through the air and stood there so you could process what he truly meant. you thought on it, picking up some hidden message that you’d both communicate about later but as of now, he truly helped you feel understood and seen. as long as you had him you’d feel physically, mentally, and emotionally secure and protected.

© slxtarchive

[loveharlow]

SEVEN [SEASON 2] - 006

PAIRING ‧₊˚ JJ Maybank x Fem!Reader

SYNOPSIS‧₊˚ [10.2k] Sarah shows up on the doorstep on The Chateau with a key piece of the puzzle, now it's up to the pogues to put them all together.

WARNING(S)‧₊˚ swearing, L*ke M*ybank, mentions of death, graphic depictions of injuries

NOW PLAYING‧₊˚

A/N‧₊˚ im sorry this chapter took wayyy too fucking long😭

˗ˏˋ series masterlist ˎˊ˗

“GOOD MORNING…” You mumbled, trotting out onto the patio, sock-clad feet padding across the hardwood as you joined your four friends outside, the morning air damp and humid. Kie was laid out on the sofa, Pope curled in the armchair with a blanket draped over him as JJ leaned against the railing and John B sat in the last remaining armchair.

JJ outstretched his arms for you to fall into them, you sleepily walking over to the boy and wrapping your arms around his torso as he returned the gesture, planting a small kiss on the top of your head. “Mornin’, princess.”

“Well, aren’t you two just adorable.” John B mocked, tossing pennies onto the coffee table.

“Don’t be salty because your girl went back to her roots, Bree.” JJ joked, JB flipping him off.

“It is far from a good morning.” Pope said firmly, shifting in his seat. “It’s a key-less morning is what it is...”

“We’ll get it back...” Kiara mumbled from the couch, her beanie pulled down over her eyes. 

“And how do you suppose we’ll do that?” Pope sassed. The girl just shrugged, shifting herself on the furniture.

Just then, the screen door of the patio creaked — all eyes drifting to find a fully dressed Sarah Cameron walking in, fiddling with her fingers.

“Well, hello.” JJ was the first to speak.

“What’s up?” Kie greeted tiredly, looking up at the blonde girl.

“Shouldn’t you be on Figure Eight with your group of polo players?” John B jabbed, rolling his eyes and looking away from the girl. Sarah just pursed her lips, looking her ex-boyfriend dead in the eyes as his own drifted back to her when he was met with no response. “Or did you break up with Topper?” He drove the knife even further.

“We’re just friends.” Sarah shot back, squinting her eyes at the boy. 

“Oh, he’s just a friend?” John B said unbelievably, watching as the girl walked across the floor to lean against the railing next to you and JJ. “You have a lot of friends, Sarah Cameron.”

“Yeah, and it seems like you’ve got some of your own, too.” Sarah retorted, pinching her eyebrows together.

You and JJ made silent ‘O’ faces, looking away from the lover’s quarrel happening on the patio. 

“Alright, what’re you doing here?” JB pressed, sitting up straighter in his seat. “What do you want?”

Sarah sighed, hitting her fists together in contemplation. “I’m here for Pope.” She declared, all eyes on her once again as Pope’s face twisted. “...I think I found the island room.” She told him.

The tension in the room became palpable — If Sarah had truly found the island room, then you all had an advantage again. There was nothing Limbrey could do with the key if she didn’t know where the island room was. Now each team had a piece of the puzzle, if Sarah was right.

“GUYS, LISTEN TO THIS…” Pope silenced the crowd of you in the van. John B and Sarah were upfront while the rest of your rode in the back — everyone quieting down and allowing Pope to speak, photocopies of pages from Denmark’s journal clutched in his hands. “The diary says the cross holds the most holy relic in all of Christendom, The Garment of The Savior.” 

“So wait,” Kiara interrupted from her place next to Pope, the two of them across from you and JJ. You were leaned against his shoulder, one of his arms slung over your shoulders. “He’s saying there’s a holy garment inside the cross?”

“Yeah.” Pope exasperated. “It says the garment is capable of healing the sick from any malady.”

“Maybe that’s why she wants it so bad?” You threw out tiredly, voice still raspy and weak from sleep. 

“Who?” JJ probed, looking down at you.

“Limbrey.” You clarified. “Maybe she thinks it’ll heal her.”

“Mmm…” Your boyfriend hummed in thought, looking up at nothing. “Yeah. ‘If only I may touch His garment, I will be made well.’” He quoted with full confidence, the three of you surrounding him sharing looks. “What? I went to Sunday School.”

“Well, that would explain why Limbrey wants the cross so bad.” Pope agreed with your theory and JJ’s biblical evidence.

“What else does it say?” Kiara asked, Pope’s eyes darting back to the papers.

“...’Many feel that we have sinned to steal such a sacred thing, and God will strike his vengeance on us.’” Pope read directly from the printed journal pages. 

“Thing is,” Kie started. “God did have His vengeance…” She trailed off, leaving everyone to think before Pope put the pieces together.

“...He sent a hurricane to sink the ship.” He said aloud, connecting the pieces for the rest of you. “And only Denmark survived.”

“THIS PLACE STILL FREAKS ME OUT.” John B proclaimed as the six of you walked through the hallways of Tannyhill, following Sarah’s lead. 

“You’re telling me…” You added, eyes trailing the walls of the house you hadn’t been in in months. You could still remember everything that went down behind these walls — sleepovers, baking nights, Rafe…

Sarah stopped in front of a door to her right, opening it and guiding everyone in. “Pope, look.” She directed as the group of you piled into the room. What was once boring, plain wallpaper was torn down and shredded, revealing a much more intricate piece of art beneath — it was a map. A map that went around the entire room. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me...” Pope said relieved, eyes trailing each of the walls. 

“It’s been here this whole time.” Sarah smiled, stepping back to let you all examine what she’d found. You all dispersed and scattered, each evaluating a different part of the wall.

“This is a map of the whole island.” John B recorded, eyeing one of the walls closest to the windows. 

“Yeah, John B, I think you’re right ‘cause this is Rixon’s right here.” JJ corroborated, standing in front of the wall directly across from his best friend. 

“And then there’s the lighthouse.” You added, pointing to the lighthouse on the wall that matched the one right outside the window of Tannyhill.

“Guys,” Kiara spoke up. “Look, Parcel Nine and the well.” She said, trailing her fingers across the spot on the map, the five of you walking over to give it a glance.

“So, if that’s Parcel Nine,” John B began, his head on swivel as he connected the dots. “And that’s Rixon’s,” He pointed as he walked down the middle of the room, looking at the piece of the map that stood between two cabinets full of fine china. “Then that’s gotta be the surf break at Mase.” He realized, JJ right next to him as the remaining four of you watched from behind.

“Right. And look.” The blonde chipped in, holding a page of the diary up to the section of the wall. “Pope, c’mere. This is Denmark’s handwriting, for sure.” He smirked, Pope, standing behind his two friends. 

The drawing was an exact replica of what was on the diary page.

“...These are all his drawings.” Pope examined, turning around to survey the walls around him once more, the diary pages clutched to his chest. “He painted this entire room.”

“Yeah, the question is why?” Kiara threw out, leaning against the table in the center.

“He did all of this for a reason.” You offered, trailing your fingers over the dried paint softly. “It has to lead to something. I mean, that’s what maps are for, right?”

“Something to do with the key?” JJ proposed, eyes pinching as he surveyed the walls himself. “That’s where the whole island room message came from.”

“How did you know to uncover this?” John B asked Sarah, standing right next to the girl as she smoothed over the painted walls with her palms. 

“I didn’t.” She said. “It was like this when I got home.” Now all eyes were on her.

“What?” You sputtered, eyes wide.

“Then who did it?” Kie pressed as Sarah walked around the room, further from the five of you.

“I don’t know...” Sarah defended. 

“The freaks.” Another, much smaller, voice added — startling all of you. The six of you jumped to find Wheezie standing by the door.

“Wheeze…” Sarah sighed in relief, walking closer to her sister. 

“What freaks are we talkin’ about?” JJ asked the young girl.

“Uh, that sick lady and her attack dog.” She said like it was nothing. Wheezie always seemed relatively unphased by things that would and should phase someone of her age and circumstance. “They showed up last night, and they wanted to talk to Rafe.” 

“Pale blonde lady with crutches?” JJ gave a description of Limbrey.

“With a creepy, dirty looking guy in leather?” You added on a description of her ‘attack dog’.

“Uh-huh.” The girl nodded, lips parted as you all fired off question after question.

“Okay, what happened?” John B asked, stepping forward and cutting off the influx of questions. 

“Well, at first they searched the house looking for something, and then Rafe told me to go upstairs.” She explained as if she were telling a simple story from school, voice full of attitude. “But I didn’t wanna miss out so I listened through the grate. I could hear them tearing the wallpaper down and then the lady got excited about ‘finally finding something’.” She explained. “And then they started talking about…getting across the sand flamingo?”

 “That’s code.” JJ immediately perked up, everyone’s faces twisting in confusion as your rolled your eyes, mumbles heard left and right as they tried to work out what Wheezie was saying.

“The cross.” You blurted, looking around at your friends all speaking to themselves. “The Cross of Santo Domingo.” You reminded as if it was the easiest thing to figure out. “Is that what you meant, Wheezie?”

“Yeah, that’s it.” Her eyes lit up before another thought seemed to ease its way into her mind. “Oh! And they were talking about, like, angels. A lot of angel talk, I don’t know…” She waved it off as a mere irrelevant detail. 

“Angels?” Everyone mumbled to themselves when suddenly, Pope tensed.

“Guys,” He blurted, eyes wide and shoulders square. “Denmark’s famous last words. He buried the real treasure at the foot of the angel.”

“We have to find an angel.” You mumbled to yourself, head whipping to scan the tattered walls. “Look for an angel.” You prompted, the group of you hurriedly looking over the walls. Poor Wheezie probably thought you were all crazy. 

Your eyes went wild across the painting, instinctively stopping over an illustration of a large tree with a prominent key hole in the middle. “Guys!” You cut off your friend's incessant and frantic rambling, everyone talking over one another. “I think I found something. Come here.” You instructed, eyes still on the illustration as the sound of them walking over echoed in your ears.

“This tree?” You pointed. “It’s still on Goat Island. And this is an Angel Oak tree. Do you see that?” You asked, tip of your index finger sliding over to the keyhole. 

“The cross is buried at the foot of the angel…” Pope reiterated, his eyes drifting down in thought.

“It’s a reach but it’s worth a shot.” You shrugged, looking back at your friends with wide eyes. You hoped it meant something. 

“But whose to say they didn’t get there first?” John B said solemnly, referring to Limbrey. “They found this last night.”

“But whose to say they did?” JJ countered.

“Regardless, that must be where they are right now.” Pope brushed off, basically shaking with anticipation. “We have to go. We have to go!” He jumped up, slapping JB’s shoulder and darting out of the room.

“You’re welcome, by the way!” You smiled, turning to follow Pope as JJ grabbed your head and pulled it into his chest, kissing the top of your head — the gesture making an audible sound.

“Let’s go, baby!” He cheered as the group of you scurried out of Tannyhill.

“GUYS, WE’RE COMIN’ UP ON FREEDMAN’S CHURCH.” Pope informed, you all looking out of the window as The Twinkie rode past the worn down cathedral, shrouded by overgrown bushes and vines. “The church Denmark built for all the slaves he freed.”

“Why have we never heard of Denmark before?” You pondered, watching the church disappear out of sight. “I mean, it seems like a big portion of the island has something to do with Denmark and his family and his story.”

“Probably because of the gold.” JJ said from his place behind you as you sat in between his legs. “The more people who know, the more chaos it causes.”

You hummed, accepting his answer as logical.

As the van continued its journey, you could see the tree coming into view. It was big and beautiful — completely visible over the tall field you were driving through.

“Ah, shit…” John B cursed from the driver’s seat, the vehicle slowing. “Tide’s coming in.” He sighed, the four of you in the back standing to look out of the windshield, spotting the ditch The Twinkie would have to drive through in order to make it to the other side.

“And they already came through here.” Pope pointed out. “Those have to be Limbrey’s tire tracks.” He pointed out the heavy duty tracks embedded into the mud.

“Mmmm…” JJ cringed. “What do you think, Chief?” He aimed the question at John B.

“I’m thinking it’s looking a little dicey.” John B evaluated, pinching his chin between his fingers. 

“I’m inclined to agree.” You said sheepishly, eyeing Pope. “Sorry, Pope.”

“Okay, clearly they made it. No?” Kie stated the obvious in the name of optimism. 

“In a two-wheel drive?” John B said incredulously. “I don’t think so, no.”

“Why are y’all are acting like you’re not gonna do it anyways?” Sarah chuckled from the passenger seat, looking at each of you individually. “Like when have y’all ever done the safe thing?”

…

“Alright.” 

“She’s got a point.” John B agreed begrudgingly, drawing his lips into a thin line.

JJ sighed, positioning himself behind his friend in the driver’s seat. “Speed is your friend here, brother.” He advised as John B shifted gears and adjusted himself. “So, put her in second and hammer down.” 

“And stick to the high ground in the middle, John B.” Pope added, the sound of the engine revving and the tires rolling against the wet mud greeting your ears.

“Alright, here we go.” John B said, pressing down on the gas pedal and guiding the Twinkie through the wet terrain. It actually made it farther than you thought, blazing through the sodden ground but it wasn’t fast enough. 

“It’s gonna slide!”

“You’re fishtailing already!”

Even with the endless protests and doubts, the van managed to make it to the other side — the road evening out to make a less bumpy ride as it came to a stop on dry land. “Whoo! That’s my girl.” John B smiled, patting the dashboard and cutting the engine. “I told you we’d make it.” He sassed, opening the door to let himself out as Sarah did the same, the rest of you piling out of the back.

“Angel Oak is right through here.” Pope said, pointing through the trees. He didn’t wait for anyone before eagerly walking forward, making his way through thick trees, sharp branches, and wading dangerously close to potentially gator-infested water. 

The five of you followed behind him, trying not to get hit in the face by tree branches and violent insects. The further you trekked, the more you could hear — the sound of machinery whirring and beeping drifting into your ears.

You stopped when Pope did, the crowd of you hiding behind the thickness of a family of bushes. Above the the greenery, you could see an entire team of workers. Limbrey was serious about this, huh?

They had expensive equipment and they looked exhausted. Your eyes scanned the scene in front of you when suddenly, a familiar face followed by a haunting voice came into view.

“I don’t see shit.” Rafe’s voice traveled, the boy carrying a shovel in his hand. The sight of him made your palms sweaty. “You sure this is the right spot?” He called out, looking behind him. Looking to your side, you could see JJ in your peripheral — his jaw clenched tightly as his eyes followed the boy’s every move from afar.

“It’s there.” Limbrey called back, your eyes roaming to land on her figure standing far away from the excavation, leaning against her car. “The garment will be in the cross and the cross will be at the foot of the tree.” 

“Alright, well whatever we find, I get my cut.” Her bodyguard said from beside her, closing the trunk.

“Yes, Renfield, you will.” She said carelessly. At least now you knew his name. “The actual Garment…” She fawned, staring up at the tall tree. “You understand the significance.”

“I do, Carla.” He replied, but he didn’t seem like he meant it. Anyone but her could see that they were in this for two different things. She wanted to heal herself. Renfield wanted money.

“One touch of it, and I’ll be healed.” She said softly, never taking her sights off the tree. “And this long nightmare will be over.” She spoke so fondly of being healed, it almost made you feel bad for her. Almost.

“Your lips to God’s ears…” Her body guard spoke aimlessly.

“I know you don’t believe it.” She sighed, finally looking over at him. “But countless stories over millennia prove that miracles happen.”

He went silent, rolling his eyes at her words when a loud crunch sounded out through the forest — the excavation truck hitting something as it dug into the ground.

“Hey!” Carla shouted, putting her hand up and going over as quickly as possible to get a closer look. “Wait, stop!” She commanded, the workers halting in any further digging attempt with the machine. “Get in there, boys. Do it by hand.” She instructed the workers. 

The small team of men hopping into the shallow ditch they’d dug, removing the dirt manually. “This has gotta be the cross…” She hoped — her, Rafe, and Renfield standing around as the men dug and dug.

Their conversation became hushed, mere whispers in the wind when suddenly they backed up as the men crawled out of the ditch, bringing a large, wooden object up with them. Rafe and Renfield helped to lift it as the six of you watched them remove it.

“They got the cross?” JJ was the first to speak, his voice small and hushed. “What do we do? What do we do?” He asked frantically, shaking Pope.

“What can we do?” John B countered.

“That’s not a cross.” You interrupted the two boys, eyes never leaving the object. It was old-fashioned, sure. But after your father’s funeral, you could spot it from a mile away. “That’s a casket.”

“...Are you sure?” Kiara asked, her face set into a heavy frown as you all watched the men grab tools to pry the box open.

You nodded mindlessly, watching these people possibly deface a grave. “I’m positive.”

“Maybe the cross is inside?” Sarah threw out, but you shook your head. 

“Based off of Denmark’s descriptions and drawings? The cross would be too big to fit into something that small…” You informed, watching as the top of the box popped off, the men tossing it to the side. Even from feet away, you could see the way each and every one of their faces fell.

“...It’s just a corpse.” Renfield sighed, almost angrily.

“...We must’ve missed something.” Carla said, refusing to believe this was the end. 

“Of course it’s just a dead body- Jesus!” Rafe exclaimed. 

“We just got the wrong place.” Carla said, breathing heavily as she over-exerted herself to make it back to her vehicle. “We just need to go back to the island room- We’re going back!” She announced. “It’s not over!”

The men all shared looks, not believing her words but she was probably offering them enough money to want to stay on the job. So, they all piled into their trucks and cars, the group of them exiting the premises as the six of you crept closer to the tree, hearing the cars get further and further away.

Pope was the first one to reach the tree, almost sprinting out from the bushes. 

You were right. It was a casket. And inside was nothing but a pile of bones.

“Cecilia…” Pope sighed, looking down at the name tag inside of the casket. “Cecilia Tanny. Denmark’s wife.” He said sadly, looking up at the tree. “He wasn’t talking about the cross.” He realized, voice wavering.

“The true treasure...” Kiara said, a solemn smile on her face.

“...He was talking about his wife.” You added, looking down into the casket. You realized they couldn’t have known it was a grave, but to discover something so sacred and then leave her bones so exposed in her final resting place…

It was unconsciously evil.

Pope sniffed, holding back his tears and crouching down over the casket, the rest of you following. “...Denmark was hung for burying his wife,” He said, voice cracking under his suppressed emotions. “And now they defiled her grave.” He said, his voice just above a whisper.

But his eyes seemed to find something within the box, not a care in the world as his fingers reached inside the woman’s casket, brushing dust and ash off a hidden object. It was circular and shining in some lights, Pope dusted it off with his fingers to reveal the gold underneath — a ring.

“...This must’ve been from Denmark.” He said. “Her wedding ring.” He examined the object, twirling it in his fingers. You didn’t miss the look of regret and longing shared between John B and Sarah at the mention of the ring.

Pope sighed and placed the ring back into the casket gently. “We can’t leave her like this.”

“We won’t.” You assured him, planting a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it for emphasis as you all stood — the three guys lifting the top of the casket and replacing it back in its respective position, sealing Cecilia’s grave.

Taking the tools left behind by the crew, JJ and John B hammered the casket back closed, making sure it was secure as Pope gathered a small bouquet of flowers, placing them softly on top of the wooden structure, putting the woman to rest for the second, and hopefully last, time.

THE BOYS HAD SPENT THE LAST HOUR REBURYING CECILIA, only just now reaching a point where the ground was once again leveled, no longer able to tell there was something buried underneath.

“I just don’t get it.” Pope pondered. “You guys saw the map. He hides his gold so nobodies finds it for one-hundred and seventy years.” He ranted, walking in circles. John B and JJ were laid on the ground, exhausted from the digging while you, Sarah, and Kie sat in a circle in front of the large Oak Tree. “And then he sends a message to his son Robert to come here to his mother’s grave, but the message never gets to him. And Denmark wanted him to find the cross.” Pope explained, throwing his hands in the air. “I know we’re in the right spot…It just feels like-”

“Like we missed somethin’?” JJ interrupted, all eyes going to the blonde who was staring absentmindedly up at that tree. “Guys…” He trailed off, walking swiftly towards the tree — climbing on top of the parked van for a boost. “Wasn’t there a keyhole in the painting in the island room, princess?” He asked, eyes darting to you for a second who was now crowded around the elevated boy with the rest of your friends, holding a hand out to bring you up on top of the vehicle with him.

“Yeah. Why?” You asked, face twisting in curiosity as your boyfriend helped you up. Balancing yourself, that’s when you saw it — a hole in the bark of the tree. “You think that’s…?”

The boy simply shrugged, a smug smile on his face as your four friend looked up at the two of you. “It’s worth a shot, right?” He asked, the rest of the group agreeing. JJ was quick to turn to you, motioning his head in the direction of the black hole. “Go for it.”

“What?” You asked, repulsed. “No way. I went in the storm drain. It’s your turn, blondie.” 

“She did go in the storm drain.” Pope backed you up, Kiara humming in agreement. 

“Okay, yeah. I’ll do it. I’m gonna do it, it’s just…” JJ rambled, stepping closer to the tree cautiously, shaking his hand in preparation.

“He’s scared.” You whispered, looking down at your friends. 

“I’m not scared.”

“You seem scared.” You smiled behind the blonde’s back, watching his hand getting closer to the hole. Eventually, he stuck it in, the black hole managing to fit half of his arm as he fished around to see what, if anything, was inside. 

“...There’s somethin’ in here.” JJ said after moments of silence. 

“Can you grab it?” You asked, offering potential assistance.

“Nah, I got it.” He waved off, digging his arm deeper. “Wait…”

“Wha-”

“AAH!” JJ bellowed, his arm now shoulder deep into the tree as it looked like he struggled to pull it out. His screaming caused the rest of you to flinch and scream as well. Your four friends on the ground began to attempt to climb the van and render aid as you grabbed onto the arm that was lodged in the tree, tugging vehemently. 

JJ continued to yell and shout as you attempted to pull him out of the tree, breaking a small sweat as you did so when the boy’s pleas for help turned into a small fit of laughter, your concern slowly dwindling along with your friends.

The blonde continued to breathlessly cackled as your expressions of concern morphed into annoyance. Pope was the first to scold him — slamming his palm against the roof of the van. “Oh, you asshole.” He scoffed as the four of them returned to the ground, you letting go of JJ’s arm and standing back with your arms crossed.

“That is so not funny.” You mumbled, the boy placing a peck on your cheek before removing his hand from the tree — a gold tube clutched in between his fingers.

“...Let me see.” Pope demanded, holding his hands up for JJ to hand him the object. He wasted no time in taking it and wiping away any dust and debris, revealing letters engraved onto it, reading ‘H.M.S Royal Merchant’. 

You and JJ hopped down off the vehicle — him going first in order to help you down before standing next to Pope. “Wait, let me see.” He said, gently taking the item from Pope’s hands and into his own and pulling it apart, the object elongating by twice it’s size before he put it to his eye. “It’s a spyglass.” He joked, waving it around wildly before John B and Pope took it from him.

“There’s something on the ends…” Kiara added, standing in between John B and Sarah.

“An inscription, right there…”John B caught on, pointing for Pope to see. “Look at that shit.” He chuckled.

Pope smiled, huffing out a laugh before reading. “You’ve come this far. Do not falter. The cross is on the…Freedman’s alter?”

Freedman’s alter, you pondered. Why did it seem like you had just-

“The church.” You blurted, all eyes on you. “Freedman’s Church, we passed it at the entrance.” You explained, a smile on your face as you met each of their eyes. “The cross is at the church!”

“What are we still doing here?” JJ joined in, a smile on his face. 

“We got it!” Pope celebrated, collapsing the telescope. “Come on!” He urged, being the first one to hop in The Twinkie, the rest of you following.

“AH CRAP. THE TIDE…” Pope exclaimed from the backseat, wedged in between the two seats up front as John B came up on the road you’d all just barely passed the first time.

“How deep is that?” Kiara asked peering out the window.

“Dunno.” John B replied simply. “The road’s gone.” He observed, the previous tire tracks no longer visible, hidden beneath the shallow pool of water. 

“Uh, John B, how high are the spark plugs?” JJ asked.

“...They’re good. We’re fine.” The boy assured, not meeting any of your eyes and looking straight ahead, actively avoiding your gazes.

“How high are they?” You all asked in unison, pressing him further. 

“Oh, um…” He cringed, ducking his head out of the driver’s side window. “Just above the tail light.” The van filled with silence, save for the running engine, until Pope spoke.

“So, that’s…what, three feet?”

“That’s three feet, yeah.” JJ said with disappointment lacing his tone. 

“That…can’t be three feet deep.” Kiara doubted, throwing an arm out in the direction of the windshield.

“Then what’s the problem?” John B asked the collective.

“No problem. Not a problem at all.” JJ shook his shoulders, patting John B’s in assurance. “We’re good. She’ll make it.”

“Yeah…” The brunette boy said to mainly to himself, shifting gears and adjusting in his seat. “Fasten your seatbelts, hold onto something-”

“There are no seatbelts back here.” You mumbled, looking around along with everyone else crowded in the back. JJ stifled out a chuckle, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling your body against his firmly.

“There’s your seatbelt.” He laughed lowly, the close proximity making your face heat up.

“We’re going into hyperdrive.” John B breathed out, the vehicle rumbling back to life underneath the six of you. He pressed himself into the driver’s seat and put his foot hard down on the pedal, the wheels of the van spinning on themselves before The Twinkie lurched forward, basically hydroplaning straight through the puddle of water.

You’d made it halfway through, almost to the otherside. The group of you began cheering when suddenly the vehicle nearly tipped over veering itself to the right, lodging itself deeper into the water as the engine died. 

“No, no, no, no, no, no…” John B panicked, flipping switches and pressing buttons.

“I think we miscalculated…” Pope said.

“...Everyone out. We gotta take the weight off before she sinks…” JB sighed, killing the engine completely and removing the keys from the ignition, frustratedly pushing the driver’s side door open. “Gah!- Dammit…” He exclaimed, noticing the foot of water that he’d have to step in.

Sarah followed suit, getting out of the passenger seat while the rest of you unloaded the back, groaning in disgust as your sneakers filled with water going up mid-calf.

“Ew, ew, ew…” You mumbled to yourself, face twisting in disgust as you walked around to the back of the van with your friends. “Oh God, my socks are brown.” You heard a familiar chuckle behind you, shooting a mean glare at the blonde. “It’s not funny. This is disgusting. There’s probably flesh-eating fish and gators and shit in here…”

“Here, c’mon.” JJ said before a hand was reaching out to stop you from walking further, both of his hands going under your arms so he could quickly pick you up and swing you around to carry you on his back as your legs instinctively wrapped around his torso, your arms around his neck — the boy not seeming to care about the water that was now staining his upper half as well.

“That was sexy.” You said absentmindedly, silently cursing yourself when you realized that you had said it aloud. The blonde let out a hearty chuckle, lifting you higher on his back to sit more comfortably.

“If you thought that was sexy, just wait until I whip out my other tricks.” He laughed out, walking towards the group as an optimistic Pope spoke.

“Maybe we can walk from here?”

“What?” John B was quick to argue, throwing his hands out. “And leave The Twinkie? The tide’s coming in.”

“So, then what are we supposed to do?” Sarah questioned.

“Not stay here.” Kie said.

Silence filled the air for a few moments, everyone in their own heads trying to come up with solutions before your voice broke through the air. 

“I can take my car.” You threw out, shrugging. 

“What?” JJ asked, trying to look at you over his shoulder. “Absolutely not, I spent weeks fixing that thing-”

“And you fixed it for good reason.” You smiled, kissing his cheek as he grumbled under his breath. “It should be able to fit all of us, if need be, and JJ replaced the tires, so it should ride pretty smooth.”

“We’re gonna need somethin’ to pull her out.” JJ brought up, motioning towards the van stuck in the mud. “There’s a winch at The Chateau.” 

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Sarah backed up, eyes mainly on John B who was visibly distressed. Sometimes you all forgot how much the van meant to him.

“Okay, if you’re gonna do it, let’s go, okay?” John B breathed out, eyes wide and pleading. “Tide’s coming. Twinkie’s going underwater.

“Alright,” JJ said, hiking you up once again. “Let’s roll, princess.”

“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU CARRIED ME ALL THE WAY HERE ON YOUR BACK.” You smiled, rolling your eyes playfully as JJ sat you down on the gravel on the grounds of The Chateau. “I could’ve walked.”

“I know but I like the feeling of you wrapped around me.” The boy flirted, stepping closer and planting a quick kiss on your lips.

“Go away, you flirt.” You joked, lightly pushing the blonde back as an equally bright smile broke out on his face. 

“Alright, princess. You go start up the truck and I’ll grab the winch.” He said, hopping on his feet before turning around and walking backwards. “And you may wanna feed Marley really quick while we’re here!” He shouted quickly before disappearing into the Surf Shack.

You figured he was right — skipping up the steps to the front door and swinging it open, you walked inside, immediately spotting Marley curled up on the couch.

She hadn’t exactly been herself since you picked her up from Barry’s trailer. She seemed…gloomy. Different. She didn’t seem hurt when you got her back but you were starting to wonder what she’d gone through while she was there…

Quietly walking over, you placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head before heading towards the kitchen and filling her bowl to the brim with food and water for when she woke up.

One last glance over your shoulder and you were exiting the home, snatching your keys off of the kitchen counter and walking towards your car — the boxwood green Ford Bronco sitting perfectly parked and untouched.

Unlocking the vehicle you hopped in the driver’s seat, too busy putting the key in the ignition to see JJ walking towards the car…with his dad. The only thing that alerted you to the presence of a third person was the sound of the back door opening and slamming shut, almost in unison with the passenger side.

You perked up, eyes spotting the older man in the rearview before your eyebrows pinched together, whipping around to find Luke Maybank in the backseat of your car. “What the fuck?” You muttered, eyes shifting between JJ and his father. “...No.” You shook your head, killing the engine. “Absolutely fucking not.”

“Just start the car.” JJ said, voice flat. You scoffed, getting out of the driver’s seat and walking around the back of the vehicle. You heard JJ sigh before his own door was opening and closing, the blonde meeting you around at the back of the truck.

“He’s not coming.” You said firmly, trying to push past him.

“I know, okay?-” He said, hands on your shoulders.

“If you know then why is he in the backseat of my car?”

“Listen to me-”

“What the hell is this?” You pressed.

“Just listen.” JJ hissed, hands firmly on both of your arms, his jaw clenched in frustration. “I need to get into the marina at the Island Club. There’s a boat there that he can take. You still have the sticker on your truck.”

“There’s no telling if they’ll even let me into the parking lot with everything going on with my mom-”

“Twenty minutes.” JJ cut you off, eyes boring into yours. “That’s all I need.”

“All he needs, you mean.” You retorted. “The Twinkie is gonna be underwater in twenty minutes, JJ. Your dad-” You sassed, making direct eye contact with the older man before turning back to JJ. “Can handle whatever this is on his own. Leave him and we can come back! If we come back-” You raised your voice as JJ walked away and back around to passenger side.

“The cops are after him!” JJ replied, slamming his fist against the truck. “If I do this now, maybe I’ll never have to do it again.” He told you, voice softening. 

“You’re putting a lot on that maybe.” You shot back, JJ getting into the passenger seat silently as you rounded the vehicle to get back into the driver’s seat, shooting Luke a mean, pointed look as you got in and slammed your door shut.

YOU’D BEEN DRIVING FOR TEN MINUTES, losing patience and getting further away from The Twinkie that was probably half-way underwater by now. If it were up to you, Luke Maybank would be camping out on the shore of The Marsh, but if you didn’t help JJ, he’d do it himself. And that wasn’t going to happen, whether you supported him helping his dad or not.

“Hey,” Luke’s raspy voice filled the void in the vehicle after a long period of no one speaking. “Pull up to the Home Foods here. I’m gonna need provisions.”

“Piss in a jar.” You spat, eyeing him in the rearview. “There’s your provision…” You mumbled.

“Y/N.” JJ called your name, eyeing you as warning to just not engage. You scoffed, sharply making the turn off the road into the parking lot of the Farmer’s Market. Pulling the car to a stop, you looked back at Luke, motioning for the man to get out and get what he needed.

“I can’t get out, darlin’. I’m a fugitive.” He said, a smug smile on his face.

"That's just not my problem." You shrugged, drawing your lips into a thin line before turning to JJ.

“Look, I’ll give you the cash. Can you go in and buy it?” The blonde requested to which you nearly choked on nothing.

“And leave you in here with him?” You asked, your mind flashing back to the day you and JJ got out of jail and what you saw when he got into the car with his father. “No way. No.”

JJ sighed. “Then we’ll both go.”

“And leave him here to jack my car? Yeah, no.” You denied firmly, looking ahead. JJ licked his lips, eyes fleeting between the two of you before he leaned over the console to whisper in your ear.

“I don’t want to leave you alone with him.” He said, you turning to the side to look your boyfriend in the eyes.

“I’ll be fine.” You assured as he sat down in his seat, unbuckling his seatbealt. “I promise.” You nodded, the boy sighing once more and quickly exiting the truck, his father calling out of the rolled down backseat window.

“Crackers and baked beans and tuna! Alright?” He shouted his request across the mostly empty parking lot. “And some salt ‘n pepper!”

“Yeah...” JJ replied back, annoyed.

“Five days worth!”

“I know.”

The car filled with silence following JJ’s absence, the only sound being the faint music flowing from inside the establishment. Not even a full minute after his son had gone inside, Luke Maybank made it his mission to become a nuisance for however long it would take for JJ to come back — playing the drums on the back of your seat like a child.

You ignored him for as long as you could, pretending like the incessant knocking sound and irritating vibrations against your back weren’t prompting your fists to curl in on themselves before you decided to let go.

“You’re a piece of shit.” You spat, not even looking at him as you said it. “You know that, right?”

“Yeah, gon ‘head. Preach it to me.” He chuckled, leaning back in his seat as his drumming ceased. “Set me straight.”

“Just because you’re a lowlife with nothing but a penny and a few beer cans to his name doesn’t mean you have to try and turn your son into the same monster you are.” You gave it to him, no sugar coating. “You have no idea how amazing he is...” You pondered. "...and how much better off he'd be without you."

Luke just scoffed. “He’s a thief, is what he is.”

“And what are you?” You scoffed back. “Some kind of model citizen?” You laughed. “You’re just another deadbeat, wasted local salt who never did shit with his life but hustle people and get doped up on…Ambien, was it?” You spat.

Luke just snickered in the backseat. “Yknow, you sound just like your daddy.” He threw out, the mention of your father falling from his lips boiling a whole new pot of anger. “He was just like you in high school. Always thought he was better than everybody else just ‘cause he was had a little heart to him and played by the rules. But I bet you? You're more like your mama…” He trailed off and you could hear him shift closer in the back seat. “Slumming with bad boys? Or the rich ones who just want a night with an easy, southside chick? I seen you with that Cameron boy all those months ago. Does my boy know about your little summer fling?” He laughed, having no idea the shit he was stirring.

“Nah, you wouldn’t tell him. Just like your mama, all about reputations. Little Miss Figure Eight…but not so much anymore, huh?” He carried on. “Mommy’s in jail while you ride around your dead daddy’s truck-” His rant was cut off when you turned around and punched him square in the nose, all within the same second — sending the man thumping against the back seat, holding his face.

“Don’t ever talk about my father.” You spat. “And don't act like you know shit about me. I am nothing like my mother.” You spat, face twisting in disgust as you turned back to face the windshield, watching JJ come out with bags in his hands. “And JJ’s nothing like you.”

The silence resumed as JJ got back to the car, tossing the bag in the back with his father and getting into the passenger seat. He must’ve felt that something was off because he paused in buckling his seatbelt to eye the both of you, but you spoke before he could say anything. Shifting the gears and adjusting your seat.

“Let’s get this over with.” You said, hands on the steering wheel as you practically whipped out of the parking lot.

PULLING IN FRONT OF THE PELICAN YACHT CLUB, JJ hopped out of the passenger seat as Luke handed him the bag of provisions. The older man was quick to lean in between the two seats in the front, voice next to your head.

“Hey, when you go and visit mommy in prison, why don’t you tell her I said hi-”

“Shut up.” JJ warned his father, pulling the backseat door open, motioning for him to get out of the car. “Come on.” JJ urged the man, Luke getting out of the car with that same smug grin as before as he slammed the door shut. “I won’t be long.” JJ assured you, leaning through the passenger side window.

“Five minutes.” You clarified. “That's it. Any longer and I’m coming to find you.” The boy simply nodded, turning around to walk with his father who shot you a victorious smile. “Yo, Luke.” You called out, the father and son both turning around to face you as you took both of your hands and flipped the older man off, a smile on your face.

There was a pause before he attempted to walk back to your truck, JJ standing in his way and nudging him forward. “Don’t. Go...” JJ pushed, his father still trying to walk back towards you. “Go.” JJ raised his voice slightly, pushing his father with more force this time — the man giving in and walking away.

You watched the two men disappear, your mental countdown immediately starting. You sat in your car, listening to the low sounds of the music from the stereo. When it hit four minutes, you got out of your car — leaning against the vehicle to prepare yourself for when it hit five. You considered pushing it to six, giving JJ time with his father, but your gut went against that idea. Once the fifth minute hit, you didn’t hesitate to follow after their footsteps, power walking through the grass and down the marina.

You immediately spotted a boat sailing away, a certain blonde standing at the edge of the dock watching it leave. You slowed in your steps the closer you got to him, hearing JJ sniffle as he stood there, unmoving.

It wasn’t long before he turned around, throwing what looked like two pill bottles into a wastebin on the dock and walking towards you. You opened your arms, offering a warm embrace to the boy — your boy, who accepted the gesture gratefully. 

You two stood there, swaying in each other arms as he breathed what sounded like a sigh of relief into your hair. 

“...I love you.” He said, voice watery and wavering but the statement remained loud and clear.

You sighed, hugging JJ tighter before pulling back and cradling his face in your hands, wiping his tears away and kissing his lips. Pulling away, you looked him in his eyes. “I love you.” You smiled, the boy returning it in full before the both of you turned around to leave the dock, a hand slung over each of your shoulder’s.

“OH, LOOK!” Pope’s voice traveled as you reversed the truck in the direction of the nearly fully submerged Twinkie. “The turtle and the tortoise.” He threw out. “Where the hell were you guys?!”

You looked to JJ, not saying a word. It was his choice. 

“Luke was at The Chateau.” He sighed, grabbing the tools and the winch from the backseat.

“Oh, great!” Pope scoffed. “While you two were having family time with your pops, John B got bit by a gator.”

“Wait, for real?” JJ paused, standing with the tools swinging in his hands.

“I was just about to ask…” You trailed off, pointing at John B and Sarah, who was tending to his leg — The four of them sitting on top of the van.

“Does it look like we’re joking?” Kiara replied, pointing to the large gash on JB’s leg.

“How the hell did that even happen?” You asked, walking closer to the group with JJ trailing behind.

“How did it happen?” John B asked incredulously. “I got bit by a gator!” He repeated Pope’s words.

“I don’t know why I’m getting yelled at, no one told you to drive your van into a pond!” You defended – you, Pope, and John B’s voices merging into one.

“You’re being yelled at because it’s been twenty minutes-!”

“-Since when did two miles turn into two hours?!”

“We got here as fast as we could-”

It was voice on top of voice until one overtook everyone else’s. “Shut up!” JJ bellowed, the loudest you’d ever heard him yell. Everyone fell silent at his outburst, looking down at their shoes or at the blonde in shock. “Seriously, guys, I can’t take it anymore, alright?” He said. JJ was never the serious one of the group, so this was a bit nerve-wracking. “Everyone, just…cut it out for a second.” He sighed, setting the tools down and leaning against a tree.

“...Look, I just helped my dad leave this island for good.” He scoffed, a small smile on his face. “Like, he’s not ever comin’ back. He’s straight up like the Spanish. Just, “Bon voyage.” The five of you shared a look, noting his mistake but you shook your heads, choosing not to acknowledge it and let him speak. “All we got…I know for a fact, all I’ve got is you guys, okay?” He said, eyes drifting towards you. “You’re it. And I’ve come too close to losing you,” He said, eyes leaving you now to look at everyone else. “All of you.”

“I mean, shit,” He said, pointing to you. “You almost drowned. Plus…some other shit we won’t mention for sensitivity purposes.” He said, a small smile spreading across your face as he shifted his focus. “Pope, you were kidnapped. Sarah, you’ve been shot. And John B, you were just almost dinner for a fuckin’ gator, bro.” He listed. “So, this blaming each other is some Kook-ass bullshit, alright?” He said, walking over to you and throwing an arm over your shoulder. “We don’t do that. Okay? We’re Pogues.” He finished, silence clouding the air around you all. “Sorry. That was…a lot, right now…”

The five you eyed each other, smiling before clapping for JJ’s speech.

“Well done.” Pope smiled.

“I gotta be honest, that was the best freakin’ speech you have ever given.” John B laughed. “Also, you should think about, like, a Rosetta Stone because your Spanish and French are flip-flopped.” He said to which JJ flipped the boy off with both hands, the clapping dying down.

“We should Bon Voyage out of here.” Sarah joked, raising her hand in the air.

“Agreed.” Kie chuckled.

“Alright,” JJ waved off, picking up the abandoned tools. “Let’s get this damn Twinkie out of here.”

THE DOORS OF FREEDMAN’S CHURCH CREAKED AS YOU PUSHED THEM OPEN, dust kicking up from the small action as moth’s fluttered around you all.

“Okay, you’re tellin’ me Denmark Tanny decided to hide the cross here?” JJ asked, being the first to walk further into the church.

“Okay, everybody, just spread out.” Kiara suggested.

“If I was an old cross and wanted to be hidden in an old church, where would I hide?” John B spoke absentmindedly. Pope paid none of you any mind, on the prowl for anything. He was even on the floor, looking at the cracks in between the wooden planks.

“Are we sure that Denmark hid the cross here?” JJ questioned, hands on his hips as he looked around the nearly empty, worn down church. “Like, are we at the right church?”

“It’s gotta be here somewhere, guys…” Pope assured, standing to his full height. “It has to be.”

“I can’t see where they would hide a giant cross in here.” John B said, throwing his arms out as you stood in the middle of the small building, looking around at any and everything. 

“No.” Pope shook his head, voice rising. “There’s no way he would set us up on a wild goose chase-”

“I get it, I get it-” John B tried to calm.

“-To a church that has nothing!”

“Yes, I get it!” John B defended, shoulders square as Pope paced. “I don’t know what to tell you, man…”

“The clues led us here.” Pope stood firm. “The cross is in this church.” He said, sitting down on one of the worn pews. You continued to look — if Pope said it was here, then you were inclined to believe so. 

“Pope, it’ll be alright.” John B tried to soothe. “We’ve had setbacks in the past and we’ve figured it out. We’re gonna find it. We’ve just gotta think about this logically…” John B offered as you looked, walking slowly around but there was nothing. Nothing on the floor, on the walls, on the… “Where else would you hide a seven-foot-tall cross made of gold?”

Ceiling.

“Up there.” You and Pope said in unison, shooting each other a look. 

“What?” JJ asked, neither of you responding as you just focused your sights on the structure above your heads — the beams holding up the roof of the church were shaped like three crosses. The rest of your friends followed your gazes, quickly catching on to the observation the two of you had made.

“Oh my God…” Kiara said softly.

Unlike you, however, Pope was quick to spring into action — your eyes catching him as the boy seemed to spot holes in the wall, perfect for climbing. “Pope.” You called once.

“Hey, Pope, no.” JJ called.

“Now, Pope’s climbing the wall…”

“Pope, this church is old.” Kiara warned, but he never stopped climbing, reaching the height he needed to climb onto the support beam. “Like, really old. This isn’t safe.”

Pope ignored all of your protests, the wood chipping and falling underneath his feet. He managed to stabilize himself on the beam, hugging the wood before knocking on it — a simple thudding sound ringing out. “Okay, this one’s solid wood.” He cleared, beginning to climb over to the next one. “I’m gonna try the other beam.”

At this point, your protests had died down, accepting the fact that he was already up there and he wasn't coming down. Once he made it to the other beam, he knocked again — the same thudding sound ringing out.

“I hate to break it to you but that’s solid wood.” JJ called out as Pope tried to manuever his way to the third cross.

“It has to be here.” Pope stuck by his statement. “I know it.”

“Okay, Pope, just please be careful of the giant wasp’s nest above your head, please.” You warned, the boy glancing above his head to spot the insects buzzing dangerously around their hive. 

“Just move slow, alright?” John B added, Pope doing as he advised. Attempting to put his foot on the third beam had a sizeable chunk of wood chipping off and falling to the floor.

“Whoa, hey!” JJ protested, the five of you backing up and shielding your eyes from the dust and debris falling.

“...Look.” Pope said, looking down at the group of you and back at the beam. “It’s hollow.” He whispered to himself. “Go get me a crowbar!” He instructed. Sarah, being the closest to the exit, immediately ran to go get one. 

“What’re you gonna do, Pope?” JJ asked, face twisting in uncertainty. “I don’t want this whole church to collapse on top of us. That’s all I’m sayin’...”

It wasn’t long before Sarah returned with the crowbar in hand, quickly tossing it up to Pope who caught it with ease — this is the most coordinated he’s ever been in all your years of knowing him.

“Okay, Pope, just go slow. Watch out for that nest, okay?” John B warned once more.

Pope nodded and began hacking away at the wood, small planks falling to the floor as you all shielded your eyes from the dust until it settled — watching your friend chip away at the beam.

“...Do you guys see that?” You were the first ask, noting how the small stream of sunlight coming through one of the windows illuminated something inside of the support post — making it gleam and glitter. Wood doesn’t do that. But gold does…

Pope continued to hit and beat the wood, eventually hooking onto a large, weak section — rendering him able to pull an entire section off, revealing the intersection of the cross. The Cross of Santo Domingo.

“Holy shit…”

“It’s here. Oh my God…”

Pope stared at the object in awe as you all got more excited with each passing second — smiles and laughter filling the emptiness of the church.

“Yeaaaah!” Pope basically roared, chipping away at more of the wood.

“I thought you were crazy!” Kiara laughed out, watching as Pope revealed the entirety of the cross.

“We did it!” The boy cheered from the ceiling, the five of you jumping into each other and cheering.

But all of the noise and commotion must’ve ticked off the wasp’s above Pope’s head. “Ah- okay, they’re stinging now.” He said, swatting his hands around his head. “Ow!” He exclaimed, dropping the crowbar to the floor and aimlessly swinging his hands around.

Trying to swat one away from his ear resulted in the boy knocking himself off balance and falling off the beam, now swinging by his hands.

“Pope!” You exclaimed along with the rest of your friends. “The pews! Move the pews and get the cushions!” You instructed, the five of you pushing the pews into the corners of the church and taking the dusty pillows and piling them under Pope’s feet. “Just hang on, Pope!”

“I can’t!” He said, one of his hands giving out, now leaving the boy hanging by one as he continued to get stung by a family of angry wasps. “I’m slipping guys!” Was the last warning he gave before he fell from the ceiling and onto the bed of cushions you all had made.

Crowding around him, he didn’t say anything as you all looked him over. It was only seconds before his eyes went wide and he rolled to the side — the five of you confused before looking up and seeing the cross tumbling down and ducking out of the way.

You all took a few breaths before going back over to Pope who was curled up in a ball on the floor.

“Pope? You okay?” Kie asked.

“Yeah, I’m good.” He exasperated, making no moves to sit up. “Just gimme a second to catch my breath.” He requested, all of you backing up a few feet.

You, Sarah, and Kiara sat in front of Pope, keeping an eye on him as JJ and John B examined the cross that lodged into the floor, sticking up.

“You did it, Pope…” JJ cooed, trailing the cross with his fingers.

“The details are insane…” John B noted. “And here’s why Limbrey wanted that key so bad.” He said, crouching down and rubbing his thumb over a keyhole just below the center of the cross.

“How much do you think she’s worth?” JJ discussed with John B as you three helped Pope sit up straight, noting the swelling on his face. “Like, if we melted her down? I’m thinkin’ high millions.”

“No, this belongs in a museum.” John B argued.

“What? So, no one sees her?” JJ countered, the boys going back and forth.

“In a museum where everyone sees it.”

“It’s not up to you.” You cut in, both of your friends turning to you. “Either of you. It’s Pope’s family. It’s his choice.”

“Right.” JJ backed down. “Okay, okay.”

“This is bigger than money.” Pope spoke, even though it seemed like he was struggling to. “The world’s gotta know the truth.”

“Yes,” John B agreed. “And if we don’t get this shit out of here before Limbrey gets here, nobody’s gonna know.” He reasoned.

The five of you agreed, crowding around the large, gold object and each grabbing an end. On the count of three, you all lifted the cross — the solid gold heirloom being even heavier than you could’ve ever anticipated. With the six of you lifting it at full strength, you could make it to the car. But that wasn’t the case, considering Pope could barely see.

“Guys, I can’t…” He breathed out, his end of the cross getting lower and lower as he lost the willpower to hold it up.

“Pope, just hang on.” JJ tried to coax, but it was no use. In the next few seconds, Pope would completely let go of the cross and collapse against one of the pews — the entire cross falling to the floor without the extra support as you all let go.

“Dammit, yo!” JJ exclaimed, throwing a hand out in Sarah’s direction. “You almost dropped it on my foot!”

“Because I’m the only one lifting it!” She argued.

“Guys!” Pope cut in, groaning. “Guys, I’m not okay…” He struggled out, the five of you slowly crowding around him. “I’m not okay, I can’t-” He cut himself off this time, taking a huge gasp of air in his lungs. Or at least attempting to.

“What’s wrong?” Kiara worried.

“How many times did he get stung?” You wondered aloud.

“His face is all puffy…” Sarah noted.

“I think I’m - *gasp* - having an allergic reaction.” He said, continuing to gasp for air.

“Okay, we need to get him help.” You urged, the first one to lift his body from the pew, slinging one of his arms over your shoulder as Kiara got the other. “He’s probably going into anaphylactic shock.”

“Okay, c’mon. JJ, hide the cross.” John B directed, the blonde throwing cushions and whatever over the cross in a pointless attempt to hide it as you escorted a wheezing Pope out of the church.

“JJ, come on!” You urged, getting Pope to the car as fast as you could. 

“I didn’t hide it well enough!” He called out, closing the doors to the church since he was the last one out.

“It doesn’t matter!” You reprimanded. “We need to get Pope some help.” You reminded — you and Kie loading Pope into the back of you truck, Kie jumping in beside him as John B and Sarah jumped in The Twinkie, JJ hopping into the passenger seat.

“Just hang on, Pope! We’re goin’!” JJ tried as you went around to the driver’s seat. A branch breaking in the woods caught your attention for a brief second — pausing in your tracks, hand grasping the door handle as your eyes fleeted across the wooded area suspiciously. “What’re you doing?” JJ asked, voice full of panic as he pulled you from your thoughts. 

Your head whipped to him, then to the woods as you squinted your eyes, then back to him. “I thought I heard something.” You said simply, shaking it off and jumping in the driver’s seat, turning on the ignition. “Sorry. Just hang on a little longer, Pope.” You said, pressing your foot against the pedal as your truck sped off. “Just a little longer…”

next chapter>

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[crazyyluvr]

Could you do like a Jason Grace x gf!reader where the reader and him get into a small argument so they end up competing in opposite teams during capture the flag, to sort of avoid eachother, but the reader gets injured during the game and jason is super worried, and they make up afterwards? Gosh im sorry if this is too specific, I just thought I'd be cute haha

Stop Being Nice to Me, I'm Supposed to be Mad at You

pairing: jason grace x gf!reader

summary: in which Jason gets in an argument with you before a Capture the Flag game and you end up avoiding each other... until you get injured, and Jason couldn't let the previous argument stop him from checking up on you.

wc: 1.9k

content: argument, she/her pronouns, set in camp jupiter with some made up characters, jason and reader are in different cohorts for plot purposes, reader uses a spear, reader is a cohort leader

note: i’m so sorry that it took me so long to do this anon, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

short oneshot under the cut :: not proofread

"You —" Jason started, but stopped himself when he noticed that his tone was getting too aggressive. "You could have gotten worse injuries, both you and the newbie."

You sighed, rubbing your temples for the nth time that day. "I know, okay? I dealt with the situation before it could escalate."

You were on patrol with a fellow probatio cohort mate the night before, and an enormous warthog suddenly appeared, wanting to ram the entrance to camp.

You, of course, had to cover for your cohort mate's ass by pushing them out of the way to avoid the warthog's tusks. Your arm almost got skewered in the process, but the fight ended in your favor — a fight that consisted of you screaming bloody murder in the warthog's face and pushing the newbie out of the way constantly before they could get murdered by the large animal.

The only wound you got from that fight is a cut on your cheek. It wasn't that bad, but the fact that it was on your cheek (which is full of blood), it caused quite a red waterfall.

The cut was almost healed by now, the white patch of bandage on your cheek just a precaution to fight off infections. But of course, Jason took it upon himself as your boyfriend to worry excessively over your wellbeing.

Speaking of Jason, he wasn't satisfied with your previous answer. "Either way, you shouldn't have compromised your safety like that. You may have killed the monster before it could get worse, but that still doesn't change the fact that you could have died."

"But I didn't, because I dealt with it," you scoffed. One thing you hated was when people treated you as if you couldn't take care of yourself. You've been able to support yourself on your own for a good while before you discovered Camp Jupiter and got claimed by your godly parent.

You appreciated the blonde boy's concern, but that doesn't change the fact that he thought that you were reckless. I mean, yeah, you kind of were, but that's besides the point.

Jason opened his mouth to protest further, but a horn blaring in the distance interrupted him.

"Hey!" Someone called your name, and you were grateful to have an excuse to look away from Jason's intense blue stare. "We have to strategize for Capture the Flag. You're leading us, remember?"

You spared one last glance at Jason, whose expression was clear: we aren't done. You scoffed again, turning back to your cohort mate — Paul, you think his name was — who happened to be the probatio you were on guard with last night.

"Okay, I'll go with you," You responded, jogging away from Jason. You could feel the heat of his glare at the back of your head, but you couldn't bring yourself to care all that much. Capture the Flag was a fairly new game in camp, but that didn't stop it from rising in popularity from how you could be as violent as you want as long as you don't severely hurt anyone.

It was the perfect opportunity for you to let out some steam.

"Did I interrupt something?" Paul asked, worried that he had upset Jason, the son of Jupiter and one of the strongest demigods in camp.

You shook your head. "No, it's fine. Let's just get this show on the road, yeah?"

Paul nodded, the nervousness on his face fading but not entirely as you both jogged towards the assembly of cohorts in the hall.

Reyna, one of the camp's praetors, started the briefing. "Cohorts one and four will go against cohorts two, three, and five."

The people in your cohort — cohort four — groaned at the disadvantage they were given, making Reyna put her hand up to silence them. "We drew lots, so those who got the shorter stick have to utilize everyone they have to turn the odds towards them."

You cracked your knuckles, your fingers itching to get your hands dirty. Your trusty Imperial Gold spear was strapped onto your back, and you were impatiently waiting for the opportunity to bring it out.

Reyna went on with the usual warnings of no killing and maiming, which made you zone out. You felt eyes on the back of your head again, but you ignored them, knowing that it was Jason's doing. You weren't going to give him the satisfaction of eye contact with him.

"Good luck, and let the games begin," Reyna concluded, making the people around you roar and bang their weapons together.

They all jogged out of the hall. The ten minutes of preparation had begun, and you along with James from the First Cohort led your big group into the building that was constructed the night before just for today's Capture the Flag.

"We're based here, while the other group is based in the forest," James said. "They outnumber us, but we have the higher ground."

"Three teams," you continued. "A group of three at most to get the flag, a big group to distract the other group on their home turf, and a small squad here to guard the flag."

"We're spreading ourselves pretty thin," James noted, sounding worried. "Are you sure about this?"

You nodded. You mulled this over in your head while Reyna was briefing them all on safety precautions a few minutes ago, and you're confident that this is a good strategy. "We put Halley and Taino as part of the people left behind here. You and me will infiltrate with one other person. The rest... cause some mayhem."

"Alright, you heard her! Let's go win this!" James roared, charging out of the building with you by his side, your other teammates' footsteps thundering behind you, cheering as they ran. You all moved as one big group, all of you trained to move coordinately and orderly even in something as messy as war.

Let the game begin, you grinned.

—————

Capture the Flag ended in your team's victory, thanks to you and the probie coming in clutch and swiping the flag while running away from Hannibal the war elephant.

However, one of the children of Vulcan had left an experimental trap that you unknowingly fell into, leading to your only major injury during that game.

Twelve pins sticking into your leg was not how you envisioned this game to end, but hey, at least you won, right?

Paul the probie was the one who escorted you to the infirmary. It seemed he was feeling guilty about your patrol shift the night before and how you kept having to cover his ass and wanted to return the favor somehow.

"I'm fine," you repeated yourself once again to the Apollo kid who looked at your leg in concern. Too much concern in your opinion. "It's just a few pins."

"That were basically shot into your leg," The Apollo kid retorted, shaking their head and sighing. "Those Vulcan kids got some nerve to put an unstable trap in a game. You could have gotten worse injuries if those pins landed anywhere else. If worse came to worse, you wouldn't be able to use your leg again if they hit the wrong spot."

You shrugged. "But they didn't, so let's just be grateful and get them out of my leg, yeah?"

The Apollo kid started the process, with you occasionally groaning in pain as they pulled pin after pin out of your thigh. After the fourth pin, the infirmary doors slammed open, revealing a winded blonde, purple camp shirt slightly tattered after the Capture the Flag game around half an hour ago.

"I — I heard what happened," Jason said, his voice breathy with exhaustion, like he ran all the way there. “Are you okay?”

You observed him blankly before turning your head away slightly to cut the eye contact with him. The annoyance you had felt towards him didn’t quite cool down yet. “I'm fine. Not like there’s needles in my leg or — anything.”

The last word came out strained as the Apollo kid pulled out two needles at the same time. Your body jolted unexpectedly at the sudden pain.

“Grace, keep your girlfriend still, will you?” The Apollo kid retorted, not even bothering to look up from their work to address the son of Jupiter properly. “She’s twitchy.”

Jason took a few more steps towards you, but he hesitated. He knew you were still angry at him, but he wanted to help you. He wanted to do anything to relieve you of the pain you were in right now, no matter how many times you'd say that you were "fine" or that the pain was "bearable."

Jason looked at you, silently asking you for your consent. You sighed, looking away again, but the expression on your face was calmer than how it was before. The blonde boy took it as a sign to continue, gently placing his hands on your shoulders.

Now that there was someone restraining you, the child of Apollo showed no mercy. They started pulling pins out consistently, going as fast and as careful as possible so you don’t bleed out.

“Oh shit,” you winced, a hand instinctively going up to clutch Jason’s wrist tightly as you tried to bear with the pain while making as little noise as possible.

Jason did his job well, keeping his hands firm to prevent you from flinching too hard. His own face was slightly contorted, like he felt your pain too.

Well, maybe he did. Spiritually…?

The last of the damned needles was dropped into the metal container with a clang. “Alright, now I can bandage.”

Even though it was no longer necessary, Jason didn’t let go of you. His hold on you became more gentle, but his hands remained on your shoulders, as yours remained wrapped loosely around his wrist.

Despite your (now lesser) anger towards him, you appreciated his presence. Him just being there was enough for your heartbeat to steady, your breaths to even. That was the kind of effect only he had on you.

“Done,” The Apollo kid exhaled, snipping the bandage. They stood, stretching. “I’m gonna leave you two here, but Grace, don’t let her leave. I’m not discharging her until later.”

Without another word, they slipped away, leaving you alone with Jason.

Jason finally let go of you and slowly sank into the chair beside you, studying you with attentive and concerned eyes. You found yourself missing the warmth from his palms. “How are you feeling?”

You shrugged. “Fine. The pain is bearable.”

Jason nodded. He fidgeted with his golden coin, sliding it along his fingers.

When he finally gathered the courage to say what he wanted to say, he looked up at you and held your gaze. “I want to apologize for my behavior earlier today. I don’t doubt your ability to protect yourself, but I just… worry about you.”

You exhaled, smiling slightly at him. The warmth reached your eyes. “I appreciate the concern, and don’t worry about it. I’m just petty sometimes that I hold grudges against the most worthless things.”

“But I love you anyway,” Jason chuckled, genuine love dilating his pupils and stretching his lips to a grin.

You laughed, looking at him softly. Your thigh was throbbing, your head felt funny from a small headache, but your heart soared because of the blonde boy you grew to care for more than you cared for anything and anyone else. “And I love you for loving me anyway.”

[psiroller]

gaymers preview

i blacked out and what is this

au where everyone is playing an mmo that simulates dungeon meshi world but theyre all regular dudes named like larry and charles and stuff. the worst thing they do in this excerpt is cuss. im going to go finish chapter 4 but a friend needed a juicy carrot dangled in their face to finish their job applications. i am the picture of benevolence

cw: excessive gamer references and lingo

“Sorry, guys,” Laios mumbled into his crisp, high-fidelity mic. “I drew aggro early again.”

Chilchuck’s sigh came out in a raspy crackle. “We’re four rooms behind you, moron, what am I supposed to do about that?”

“I’m kiting the dragon back to you,” said Laios, hammering at his mechanical keyboard to try to get his speed buff cast while navigating the winding dungeon instance.

“You’re what!?” Chilchuck’s busted old Logitech headset clipped due to the volume. Laios’ hand slipped and he parried needlessly, locking him in place for a fraction of a second, the overlapping footfalls of the red dragon growing louder behind him. His ears were sweating under the cuffs.

“Laios, take the path on your right and keep running,” Marcille instructed, exasperated. “This is why you stay with the party, okay?”

“But we were talking for so long, I got bored,” Laios whined.

“Then why are you on the RP server, dumbass!?” Chilchuck hissed. Laios misfired a spell, alerting the party to his presence. The spatial audio on his headphones alerted him to his party moving up the tunnel perpendicular to the path he’d been assigned, chasing after the dragon.

“Because this is the one Marcille is on, Falin,” Laios jeered. Falin sent a winking smiley in party chat.

“Don’t deflect, Laios. You’re in deep shit if you die,” Chilchuck growled. Laios’ brainwaves flatlined as the dragon caught up to him, dousing him in crustily-textured flames that obscured his character. He kept aimlessly running, finding himself sliding along a wall once the flames cleared. The dragon wound up for its deadly right-armed strike and chunked a hefty amount of his health bar. Just as he regained his bearings, the dragon galloped and slid into a tail swipe that he managed to parry—it bought him just enough time for Falin to heal him, a glittery golden glow enveloping the screen. Laios slumped into the headrest of his gaming chair and breathed.

“Oh my God, thank you thank you thank you thank you—”

Another smiley, this one without the teasing wink. One day they’d talk her into turning her mic on, but she always worried about breathing too loudly. The dragon spun in the opposite direction for its follow-up attack, staggering Laios despite another successful parry. Chilchuck’s scrawny rouge dashed in after everyone else, buffed to the nines and firing poison arrows from the mouth of the arena. Marcille hammered the dragon with a barrage of fireballs, so overleveled for this dungeon that the dragon’s fire resistance was negated by the sheer amount of damage. A bunch of pre-cooked meals appeared in his inventory, dropped onto him by Senshi. The dragon turned its ire upon the dwarf, being within melee range, and hit him with a jet of flame—his health dropped by fractions of fractions. He ate another tail swipe without moving, his stout character waving at Laios and dancing a delightful high-kicking jig. The dragon tried in vein to get him below 75% of his max health before it all healed back in a few seconds. He continued tanking all the attacks, ramming the dragon with his shield every time the cooldown reset, and Laios hopped back into the fray. They alternated taking heavy swings, keeping the dragon stunlocked and helpless as Marcille charged her nuke spell, the one that made Chilchuck’s shitty Gateway lag for minutes on end.

Ka-choom. The dragon had collapsed before the animation was completed, the particle effects whipping away to reveal the corpse, glittering to indicate there was loot to be claimed. Laios cheered along with the bombastic fanfare; he heard Falin whoop from her room next door.

“Well done, newbies,” Senshi laughed. His beard brushed against his microphone, a strangely comforting sound. “You had me worried for a second!”

“Why? It’s just a game,” Laios said, clueless. “I’d just respawn, wouldn’t I?”

“Well, for one thing, I don’t think our characters like dying very much,” Chilchuck said flatly. He’d dropped character, knowing that the night was drawing to a close.

“That, and it’s a huge hassle to run all the way from the start of the instance to come get your corpse,” Marcille huffed. “We’d have to wait for you to come back so you wouldn’t miss experience or loot… and Senshi has to log off in thirty minutes.”

“Gotta prep for the breakfast rush,” he said with grim resignation.

Laios briefly tabbed out to check his system clock. “At two in the morning?”

“Three here, son. I got to get the croissants rolled before five so they’re in the oven by five thirty, or the kids who come here to mooch off my wifi will buy something more than the cheapest coffee I have.”

“Oh.” Laios scratched his cheek. “Well, uh, have a good day at work?”

Senshi laughed, raspy and warm. “Someone’s never worked food service. Take care, everyone.” He accepted his share of the loot, giving away anything that couldn’t be crafted into a meal, and blinked out of the instance. When they emerged from the dungeon, he was long gone.

“I think I’m calling it here, too,” said Marcille. “Great work, you two. Until our next adventure!”

Her character bowed, and she too faded away.

I think this is a good stopping point, Falin typed. Laios smirked. “Oh yeah, I bet.”

>:( Don’t stay up too late, big brother! You have an exam in the morning.

Laios rolled his eyes, but he typed the emote shortcut to wave her off. Falin logged out. All that remained of his guild at this ungodly hour was Chilchuck, his character sat on the ground, likely checking the stats on the loot he’d acquired. He didn’t back out of the call; Laios could hear a long, whistling inhale, a holding of breath, and a satisfied exhale. He’d already lit up his post-raid cigarette.

“Well, uh, sorry for that,” Laios laughed. His chair squeaked as he shifted around in it. “I’m used to games where you can just run in and start pummeling the bad guys.”

Another long inhale. “What kind of games do you play? Call of Duty?”

“Ew, no,” Laios said, nose wrinkled. “I like Monster Hunter.”

Chilchuck snorted.

“What? Not good enough for you?”

“Can’t say it’s my kind of game, no,” Chilchuck said. There was a hint of a smile in his voice. “I know a girl that plays it. She loves it. But I guess I like more of a storyline in mine.”

“Ooh. Do you play JRPGs? Final Fantasy?”

Chilchuck barked out a laugh. “Final Fantasy was never my style either. I guess I prefer those old ones based on Dungeons and Dragons. That’s why I gravitated to this game.”

Laios sat his character down next to Chilchuck, loathe to log off but too tired to tackle his solo quests.

“Stuff like Divinity and Baldur’s Gate, then?”

“Yeah, Baldur’s Gate, that’s the one.” Chilchuck sounded a little brighter on the line. “So you’ve got some taste, eh?”

“Never played it.”

“Ah.” Chilchuck took another drag. “Elder Scrolls?”

“I played Skyrim,” Laios said. Chilchuck sniffed.

“Of course,” he grumbled. “Morrowind? Oblivion?”

“I always wanted Oblivion, but my mom wouldn’t let me buy it. Witchcraft.”

“That’s a shame,” Chilchuck hummed. “It’s good. A bitch to get running on modern machines, but I think it holds up.”

“How long have you been gaming?” Laios asked.

“Since the  late eighties, early nineties.” Laios gasped, and Chilchuck laughed it off. The sound made Laios buzz. “Yeah, yeah, I’m old, get it out of your system.”

“That’s so cool! You’re into retro stuff?”

“I guess that’s what the stuff I grew up with counts as now,” Chilchuck sighed. “I heard someone call Aerosmith an ‘oldie’ and almost had a cardiac event.”

“You are old, then.”

“Yep. But I also got to play Fallout when it first came out. That ending was nuts. I’m glad I didn’t get spoiled for it.”

“The old, isometric Fallout games? You like those? I like Fallout.”

“Yeah. I’m guessing you played Fallout 3?”

“Shooting people’s heads off in VATS is fun,” Laios said giddily.

“Sure it is,” Chilchuck drawled, and Laios had the sinking feeling he’d given the wrong answer. “New Vegas?”

“I was never into cowboys,” Laios admitted. “Never tried it.”

Chilchuck clicked his tongue. “God. I got some things to teach you.”

Laios sat ramrod straight in his chair.

“I’d—I’d like that,” he sputtered, before he could second-guess it. There was a long pause as Chilchuck polished off the last of his cigarette, a distorted shuffling sound as he moved to stamp out the butt.

“Yeah?” Chilchuck’s voice was low and warm, the hiss of his terrible mic like the soft noise of a record player. “I guess I could dig around in my boxes and rip a few CDs for you. For the sake of education.”

Laios was no stranger to wrestling with his rig to play older games. He had a PSX emulator for Monster Rancher that he’d managed to get to read discs properly, and some old PC simulator games that they just didn’t make anymore. Yet still:

“Could you—help me set them up? On call? Sometime?”

“I don’t see why not,” Chilchuck said. “I got nothing better to do.”

[islandofsages]

hello there!

can i request rook and trey comforting a sad reader?

ty!

characters: trey and rook x gn reader

tags: relationship not specified, fluff, comfort, imagines format

warnings: physical contact (a rub on the back in trey's, hand-holding in rook's), the use of the word "darling" towards reader in rook's

author's notes: these are shorter than my usual imagines i think but it's mostly bc im trying to keep them general!! also im pretty happy with them :D i typed this out so quick i was so excited to get a trey request

Trey Clover

I know this is a basic answer when it comes to anything Trey-related but he would bake you sweets or make your comfort food if you have one to try and cheer you up

He is so, so patient and gentle with you - whatever it is that you need to help you cope or feel better, he will help you to the best of his abilities, whether it be to give you advice or just be a shoulder to cry on

He’s not the best at affirmations but the least he would do is say that he's proud of you for making it this far, rubbing your back all the while

He would offer to take you out somewhere if you need some fresh air or if not, he can accompany you in your room and just be a healing presence

“I’m here for you, okay? I’ll try my best to help you.”

You feel like you’ll cry even more if he keeps being this sweet with you but you suppose you shouldn't expect less from a patisserie expert

You don't how to thank him for having your back – and he'd joke about how you can repay his debt by helping him out in the kitchen. Then you'll both laugh, knowing all too well you'd do more than just that for him.

Rook Hunt

Like a valiant knight, drops everything that he's doing and comes running to your side the moment he hears about you feeling less than

If you're comfortable with it, he’d hold your hands in his own and rub circles into your palms as he asks you what had happened and if anyone hurt you in any way

He'd also hold you close if you don't mind, stroking your hair to calm you down and encourage you to let it all out

He’d listen to you very, very intently as you vent out all your thoughts - or if you don't feel like talking, that's okay too. He is here for you regardless

Unlike Trey, he’d be affirmations galore; telling you how beautiful you are, even through your tears and how your radiance has been the highlight of his every day

“Are you aware of how strong you are, my darling? Because it is a thing of beauty.”

He’d wipe your tears for you if you let him - and you’d give him the world, if he let you.

[perceivedregret]

vampire steve with his human boyfriend eddie munson. what happens when his bloodlust caves and overwhelms him more than the good ole regular lust?

currently a wip

Eddie pulls the hem of Steve’s shirt and slips his hands underneath, cold fingers making Steve’s stomach tense with the touch. Steve chases his lips when he pulls away, adores the way the corners of Eddie’s mouth reach for his dimples.

“What?” Steve murmurs in amusement, capturing Eddie’s lips again before giving him a chance to answer. Steve skates his tongue along Eddie’s bottom lip, asking, and Eddie hums contently as he parts his lips in answer.

His pulse skips as Steve’s hands tighten on his hips. Steve takes a step, slotting his thigh between Eddie’s, who eagerly  tugs the front of Steve’s shirt to further close the near non-existent space between them. He rolls his hips along Steve’s thigh, gasping when he’s suddenly dragged backwards, almost tripping over the corner of the runner that leads to his room.

Eddie’s hands roam over Steve’s chest, laughing into Steve’s mouth when one of his rings catches on the hair that sits there. Steve’s hisses into his mouth before he nips lightly along Eddie’s lips, not enough to bite, never enough to possibly break skin. Eddie just hisses back, mouth moving onto Steve’s neck as the back of his knees hit the edge of the bed.

Steve gently lowers them down, using his strength to gently but quickly flip their positions. Another thing Steve won’t allow is for Eddie to never be in control, to never to be on top. Eddie goes with the motions, eager to take control even if he doesn’t fully agree with the reasons behind it.

Eddie sinks heavily against Steve, using his position to pull Steve’s neck further back to deepen the mark he’s always determined to leave behind, even if Steve will heal too quickly for it to stay for too long. Steve lets him, lost in the scent that is Eddie Munson and his blood. Blood that he’ll never allow himself to taste, no matter how much Eddie begs. Again, it doesn’t stop Eddie from trying.

They slowly make their way towards the head of the bed, with Steve sitting upright with Eddie in his lap, knees tight around his hips. Eddie pulls away from Steve’s neck, finally, sighing contently he leaves a mark, even if it starts to heal before his eyes. Next time he thinks, kiss swollen lips crashing back onto Steve’s as he takes his face in his hands, rings searingly cold against the heat of Steve’s skin.

He rocks forward once, a strained moan escaping both men that leaves them both panting into each other’s mouth. It makes Steve’s insides burn, another strained moan escaping him as he starts to want Eddie in more ways than one.

“Sorry,” Eddie breathes, closing the distance between them, his tongue plunging deep into Steve’s mouth in apology. Steve takes it gladly, his vampiric sight making his head go foggy as his body yearns for more than Eddie’s body pressed up against his. Eddie’s tongue presses flat against the roof of his mouth and Steve stiffens. Eddie freezes with him, except for his tongue which continue searching because–

Steve pulls away with a pop, careful to open his mouth to avoid something stupid like cutting his boyfriend’s tongue with his vampire teeth that have chosen now to extract from his gums.

“Shit,” he sighs, head turning away to hide himself as best he can while Eddie remains in this lap. “Shit shit shit, that’s not supposed to happen, I’m–”

----------------------

still have more to write but this is where im at so far. i have an entire world i've built and am contining to build over on my ao3, fic links in my pinned if you're interested. no smut in that one, but plenty of angst and pining so far

[ghostiiess]

[NSB HEADCANONS] - christmas with them!

synopsis: it's christmas and you spend the holidays with them!

warning: some swear here and there, darren being dirty-minded and pervert, mention of the word ass… i think that’s all? let me know if there’s more!

type: fluff

members: all of them

merry (late) christmas everyone! i hope you all day wonderful holidays 🤍 thank you very much for this wonderful year that we had together! i can’t believe it’s actually been one year that i started writing about the boys! 😊 thank you for all the support, the likes and the love!! it is so much appreciated <33 happy new year in advance and may 2024 be the best year for you :)

reblogs and likes are very appreciated!

OLIVER MOY

BEST HOLIDAY ON EARTH??

we know oli, we know how he is, we know how boyfriend material he is…

so is it really a surprise if i’m telling you that you would pass an amazing time with him during christmas? not really.

he would spoil you so much!

« what? can’t i treat my girl right? »

he would make sure that you know that you look extraordinary beautiful

he would hype you up so much

« oh my god… you’re so beautiful, omg » he said while covering his mouth with his left hand

he would giggle.

he would also have bought matching pyjamas

« so i got the santa one and you got the reindeer! isn’t it so cute? »

cutest boy alive, no cap (yes im a simp)

he would write the cutest things in your christmas card

“thank you for making the world a kinder place”

“thank you for existing and making me a part of your routine”

“thank you for always being you and always making the world a greater place”

“you’re making fall in love with you more and more everyday”

crying bc he’s so damn sweet 🤧 i love him sm omg

random thoughts: oliver would sing you christmas song

and maybe… he would even ask you to sing with him? lol

oliver would literally heal your inner children, with his family 🥹 in one nsb video (or was it in seb’s? i forgot, sorry) all the nsb boys came to see oli’ and seb’s mom and dad, and omg that was so cute

he’s a gentleman, he’s a golden retriever, he’s a boyfriend material, so of course he would make sure you’re always feeling okay and comfortable around him

« this is our christmas baby. we spend it together, so as much as i really love my family and spending my holidays with them, i want you to be comfortable and happy during this time. so if something isn’t right or you want to take a break, please let me know, alright? »

i just see oliver caressing your back and whispering sweets nothing to you :((

anyways, let this boy give you the best because you truly deserve it <33

(others members’ part under the cut!)

SEBASTIAN MOY

FUNNY HOLIDAYS!!

this man’s so funny

sebastian could do anything and it would be funny, i truly don’t know why

so obvs, he would try to pull little pranks on you (not as much as kane, but still)

« babe, look! there’s a mistletoe! looks likes you have to kiss me! »

« babe, you’re supposed to kiss me on the lips not on my cheek! »

“wdym it wasn’t specific enough!! i thought you’d knew what i wanted!”

he would def convince his younger brother (mateo!!!) to pull a prank on you and oli

sebastian would be the type to give you a big, big Christmas gift that is in a box, that box is in another box, and that box is in another box… just to make you wait for the gift

and the gift be like « free pass for a kiss! »

“isn’t this the best gift ever?”

what can i say? he loves your kisses (and your hugs)

did you see his stories?? if not, expect him to put (almost) EVERYTHING on his ig/sc stories

he would def watch them all over the holidays too 🫣 don’t tell him i told you that

seb would give you sweet treats, like chocolates, massage, bubble bath if you’re into that kind of thing… things he know that will make you smile and make you feel good

“i could give you another thing to make you feel good…” then he would smirk

“I WASN’T TALKING ABOUT THAT, OMG?!! You are so dirty minded, omg”

anyways like oli, he would be very considerate of your feelings

« you okay, babe? »

« is everything’s alright, baby? »

he cares sm about you

i feel like he would randomly hug/kiss you out of nowhere and smile

« nothing’s wrong, you’re just really pretty »

“mine”

RYAN NGUYEN

would def heal your inner child, 100%

the holiday with him would be so funny (and prob iconic too)

ryan’s family sounds so lovely and so cozy… (you wouldn’t be boring at their house)

last year, ryan did a q&a with his sisters and it was super cozy and super relaxing to watch

so i think it would be the same if you spent the holidays with him

lots and lots of animes nights

you’d also be a pro at videogames too

ryan would have matching pyjamas sets for you

« i thought we could wear it during the holidays.. »

he would def hold your hand all along the festivities, like this man’s whipped for you

« what? can’t i hold my pretty girlfriend’s hands? »

his fam would love you sm

ryan would def be a bit jealous that you’re passing more time with grace & ava (his sisters) than him

“can’t you talk with them later? -_-”

“i’m not jealous, what are you talking about?”

would ask his mom to cook your favourites meal :D

« yeah, i asked my mom to cook your favourite! »

ryan who def make videos with you and spend a lot of time with you, including cuddling because even though it doesn’t look like that, ryan’s a simp for your cuddles and your hugs and your kisses

would def put a lot of mistletoe around the house and use the excuse « it’s just for decorating the house »

indeed, he only want to kiss you 24/7

yes, he likes it that much 😌

JUSTIN PHAN

spending holidays with him seem so fun

trust me, you guys would have matching outfits too lololol

he would literally go to target to shop some matching things with you

and also buy you random things that you probably don’t needed, but that he bought because he thought of you when he saw them

also, i’m just seeing him going to target with you to shop for last minute christmas present

ofc, he would pay for your things

because he’s that gentleman with you

and also bc he never want to see you pay when you’re with him

“it’s the holidays, can’t i spoil my girl?”

“shut up, let me pay for you”

“you’ll pay next time!”

“wdym i said the same thing the last time? i didn’t!”

he would make sure you’re always comfortable, always happy and always smiling

he would hold your hands during dinner if you’re stressed/anxious/nervous

justin seems the type to be super romantic

he would literally give you a christmas card and thank you for every things you did for him

a bit like oli!

“thank you for always making me happy. the world needs more people like you”

he would literally give you cute stuff

like hello kitty stuff bc we all know how jp like hello kitty 🫶🏻

believe it or not, justin’s the biggest simp for his person

so expect a lot of compliments coming towards him

the type to say: “my mom likes you more than me, i’m sure of it”

KANE RATAN

i can’t tell how much i like this man

yes im a simp, and what abt it? 🤭

would def help your inner child too

he would always try his best to always make you smile/make you happy when you’re with him

he would always support you in anything you do

he would also give you a shoulder to cry on if that’s something you need

“babe… don’t cry…”

“it’s okay, i’m here..”

“idm if my tshirt get wet… i have others tshirts, don’t worry about that baby”

“I’m so so sorry about what happened when you were younger… do you want to talk about it?”

to me, kane’s the definition of the word “fluff” and “comfort”

he would literally make your days brighter with his smile 🤭

no bc his smile is so cute

he would give you ALOT of gifts

his family is kinda a bit rich lol (check their hide n seek video and the price of the mansion… 🤩) so… yeah.

would be the type to buy you plane tickets for a special destination

“wdym?? baby, it’s plane ticket! we’re going to travel together!”

“i know you always wanted to go there, so… i thought it could be the perfect moment to go there together!”

sweetest holidays with him :(

“what do you mean i bought you too much gifts? baby, you deserve it”

he would def make activities with you and his siblings and let you win on purpose

“me? made you win? there’s no way i did that!”

kane would make you do pranks with him on his brothers / sisters

but junior (his younger brother) wouldn’t let that slide so you’d literally do pranks on kane hahaha

“baby, what?? i thought you were on my team!”

“god, and i thought you’d side with me for this prank”

spending holidays with kane seems so great and fun 🫶🏻

DARREN LIANG

the sussiest holiday ever, ngl

i never saw in one nsb videos darren not being dirty minded, sorry not sorry 😭

so i rlly hope you’re not innocent, bc if you are… well, let’s say he won’t let that title up

bc this man says the most random ever things ever and turn them into dirty things, so if you’re still innocent after spending like 2-3 weeks with him… this is impressive

darren could turn everything not suspicious to something very suspicious (but we like him like that 🫶🏻)

would definitely not hide his true ‘personality’ to his family…

atp, i think his fam is aware that their son is dirty-minded

mostly during the Christmas presents part…

“didn’t give you much gift, bc i thought i could be your gift for this year”

“what? didn’t meant in that way… unless..”

“oh yeah!! this present is so cool!! i heard it could hide hickeys pretty well! isn’t that so cool?”

ofc, darren isn’t only naughty and pervert 😂

He’s also very caring and sweet :((

So ofc, if he see you being uncomfortable due to this comment or his moves or anything he’s doing, he would stop

No need to ask him twice

We all know how good dar’ is with cooking, so ofc he would cook something for you and his fam for Christmas

might even do it with you

He would have bought you matching aprons! and you know him…. the images or texts on it would be anything but wholesome

Being with Darren during the holidays also mean he would take good care of you

He would buy you a ton of skincare if that’s something you like

He would also help you with your routine (would never let you sleep with makeup/unclean face)

“Baby, let me take your makeup off”

“let me wash your face”

“Just sit on the counter and let me do the rest, okay?”

“Stop moving!!!”

“Wdym it tickles, baby it’s my fingers…”

“Are you saying my fingers are tickling you? 😏”

Funniest (and sussiest) holidays, I’m telling you

REGIE MACALINO

Darren part 2? Jk

This man’s a keeper 🫶🏻

He would make everything so funny, so fun, so cool, like it’s the regie macalino we’re talking about

I think regie would be the same guy he is in the videos, with you

he’s very nonchalant

He would def sleep on your shoulder while his family is opening xmas gifts

“Wdym wake up?? I wasn’t sleeping bruh”

“I was resting my eyes, that’s not the same thing”

He would also try his hardest to make you blush ☺️

And if you can’t blush, he would try his hardest to make you smile

i’m just imagining him, on the other side of the couch, giving winks here and there

AND HE WOUD BE HAPPY TO SEE YOU TRYING NOT TO SMILE/BLUSH

“I ain’t doing anything, whatcha talking about?”

He would def (10000%) says dirty things in front of you and act like he didn’t mean it in that way

“Damn that’s a cool sweater… wonder how it could look on the floor…”

“Why you’re looking at me like that, stop being dirty minded y/n”

Regie would def laugh his ass off because of what he’s doing to you

i just know he would be so proud of himself

btw, during the holidays, expect to go in the snow

Regie’s so cute when he first saw the snow 😔 like give him the chance to see snow again, pls?

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go see the nsb’s video where they go play in the snow lol

He would do snow angels with you 🥹 and call you his angel

“You just did yourself in the snow…”

“eww that so cringey of me, I’m sorry”

“wdym you liked it? damn, you’re a simp for me, bruh”

taglist (open): @nsb-rkive @kentisbaby @firebenderwolf @hyuneee0 @yawnzzznnn @ghostyycat7

[cashmoneyyysstuff]

Please tell me about your ocs!! IM HUNGRY GRRR

helloow omg ! im so honored you want to know more about my ocs aaahhh!! :D my moot @kovu-bunnbunn also wanted to know more so i figured i could do it now !!

i have a bunch of ocs but I’ll just talk about my main oc ryoko right now !!

her full name is ryoko ‘007’ aizawa. I’ll explain the 007 in a minute !! she’s aizawa’s adoptive daughter.

her parents (her dad more specifically, her mom was more of a bystander) are both from very wealthy families and merged. Her parents had an arranged marriage and after some chatter to get to know each other they’re conversations take a little bit of a turn..and inbetween bonding about their favorite movies oop! A lil comment about how the world would he better off without heroes..oh you think so too ? Well look at that, we have so much in common!! long story short they both decide that the want to create something that will be able to take down all might and the entirety of hero society and it’s restrictions,,and I’m pretty sure you can guess what that something was ! nine months later ryoko is born yipeee…!

during her entire pregnancy ryokos mom went through some quirk experiments (sponsored by doctor garaki 👍) because they knew that with both their quirks alone they wouldn’t be able to create a super weapon. (ryokos dad has an overhaul type quirk, and her mom has a healing sort of quirk) so they did some experiments hoping something would change in the womb, and when she was born the kept on doing experiments until she started manifesting a quirk w no attributes from her either of her parents and manifested a fully different quirk than she was originally meant to have,

since she had those experiments done ryokos body adapted to be able to handle her quirk, but it’s not perfect unfortunately.

heres a simple little chart of how it works ! (BTW I DO NOT DRAW LIKE THIS ANYMORE THIS IS OOOOLLLLDD😭😭😭😭)

her quirk is a lot like neijires as in she uses her own energy and converts it into power ! The amount she uses shows in her hair :3 ryoko tho, unlike neijire can do multiple things from sending blasts, to powering herself up to make parts of her body stronger, to making it hard objects like stepping stones she uses to navigate and weapons like dual swords or chains to restrain ppl !! she can also drain other peoples energy (and from her surroundings, but thats only in 100% mode ! ) because of the fact that her body had been modified, ryoko can carry more energy into herself than regular people which is why she can drain energy without any major drawback to a certain extent ! However, her drawbacks are way more severe, overusing her quirks makes her sleepy and drowsy, it gives her nosebleeds and very worse case scenario if she were to have too little or too much energy she could die :0 !!

(ALSO !! I lil extra tidbit: ryoko is capable of sensing peoples energy’s if she concentrates hard enough, it works better if shes seen them before, but she can sense all the energy in humans in her surroundings or if she has a picture, tho it’s slightly weaker and is limited to one person at a time. This is a form of remote viewing that i gave her bc of my obsession w stranger things i had !!😭)

its a pretty powerful quirk that her parents and other scientists knew they could use well, but unfortunately for them ryoko ended up liking heroes (she was barely educated, so she had no idea that she felt admiration for heroes and especially all might, she was alsovaguely aware that she was taught to do the wrong things, because she’d be forced to use her quirk on robots/ small animals in some cases.)

her parents weren’t supposed to feel any affection towards her so they decide to just give her a code name 007 :D which i realized a little too late was the same as james bond..woops😭

anyways fast forward to the biggg “earthquake” incident, shes rescued by a group of heroes, eraser head included :D unfortunately shes detained in tartarus since her being in a constant state of panick set her quirk off and she couldn’t stay in a regular hospital so ryoko has canonically been to tartarus as a inmate at the age of 4 😭! Oh forgot to mention this, but ryoko got her quirk veryy early due to the experiments done before her birth and after.

since ryoko cant control her quirk an aizawa can cancel them, they’re a pretty good matchup !! Fast forward some more and shes living with him ! he adopts her and lets her go to school, where she meets izu n katsuki and they quickly become friends because. Of COURSE. My main ocxcanon ship is a CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS ONEEE😭😭😭😭will i ever stop. raise your hand if you’ve ever seen that one comin

lmk if you want to know more about her or other ocs ! I didn’t wanna ramble TOOO much so this is all the basic info!! plus some drawing of her

two of them r completely credited to horikoshi cus i used ochaco n hagakure as a base !! I accidentally have two in normal mode and two in 100% or overdrive mode as she calls it (tho one of them is a soul eater au :3) ! Both made by me :3

Much luvvv xxxx!!! And thank you Sooo much for your ask again💗💗💗💗

[fuck-your-chickenstrips-hoe]

Forever and always, Mi Amor 🤞🏾

E42 Miles G Morales

part: 1

Warnings: Nothing too big. Light swearing,Miles is AGED UP ( he's around 18, pushin’ 19.) For people in the back, READER IS BLACK. (Reader is also about 18-19) Reader uses she/they/her pronouns (If this picks up more traction I will translate it for our he/him’s and our they/them’s.) Bad Spanish (Spanish is NOT my first language, i’m still learning little by little, so if im saying anything wrong PLEASE tell me so i can fix it.) Miles is a bit of an OOC, cause there’s like not any official material other than his ability to rizz himself up. Miles is healed/ healing from his father’s death. This isn’t edited, so if there’s bad grammar, keep it to yourself please, this is my first official fic since my dingy wattpad days, so let me warm up. LOTS OF DIALOG

Summary: You just wanted to take your boyfriend out to dinner.

It's about 5:15 pm when you enter Miles’s apartment. He had given you a key as soon as he moved out of his momma’s house a few months ago, going on about how if you needed a place to hide from the outside world, you’d always have a place to go. “Miles! ¿Mi amor,dónde estás?” (my love, where are you?) You call out wandering through his apartment. You knew he had to be somewhere because his 2015 Mercedes-Benz c300 was parked outside. “Miles, baby, are you home?” Calling again as you reach the hallway that leads to his bedroom, “He has to be in his room.”, You conclude as you hear the low bass of what was hoped was his music. Looking around as you walk, you see pictures of his family (mainly his uncle and his dad) and a couple of paintings you made him for past birthdays.

When you finally make it to his bedroom door, you fling it open. “Miles! ¿Así que aquí es donde te escondes?” ( so this is where you’ve been hiding) Miles flinched at the sudden noise, putting his gadget aside as he turned in his desk chair to face you. “Oh, Hey mami,” He says with his hand over his heart, trying to recover from your little jump scare. “¿Qué pasa?” (what’s up)

“Nothing’ really. Just thought I should stop by, 'cause I miss you ‘n shit.” You say as you slot yourself between his legs so you can look down into his rich cinnamon-colored eyes. “Well ain't you know how to make a man feel special?” He says as he places his hands around your waist. “Baby, I was just about to put this sucka down and go for a run.” He says, referencing his discarded gadget. “You can stay here unless you want to come with me. I'm always up for a running partner” He follows up with a smirk and wiggling eyebrows. “Nah, baby. You know how much cardio I ‘ate doin’ cardio.” You scrunch your nose in mock disgust as you motion for him to push back his seat, which he complies with. “What’s this gadget ‘bout ?” You ask as you place yourself on his lap. “Oh, this?” He wraps his arm around your waist as he spins the chair to grab his contraption. “I’ve been tweaking it for a while, but it’s supposed to be a power dampener. I’m not sure if it works, but it’s something I've been experimenting with.” He looks back and forth between you and his work. “¿Quieres echar un vistazo,princesa?” ( you wanna take a look, princess?) You smile brightly as you nod. “Yes please!!!” Miles gives you a soft half-smile in return as he hands it over. “It ain't perfect, but I think it needs a new processing chip and more stabilizers here, here, here, and right there.”

You follow his long nimble fingers as he points out specific areas on his machine. “Oh, and the circuiting! I haven't finished with that, but at the….” You didn’t catch the rest of his rant, too caught up in how his eyes seem to glow with excitement as he goes on and on about his work.

“And that’s how….Baby… Hey…” He snaps you out of your trance. “Am I nerding you out? I seemed to have lost ya?” You feel your face grow hot at the call-out. “No, baby! You was doing just fine. Just got a little lost at how you need to wire the-um.. the..thingy.” You say sheepishly. Robotics was never your thing. “Yes, the thingy.” He teased as he gently removed his work from your hands. “I'm glad you are at least a little interested in what I do, even when I nerd out…You know I love it when you take an interest in me.” He says, smiling down at you. “Well I think it's hot when you nerd out, and even if I didn’t- which will never happen- I’ll always be invested in you.” You say as you cup his cheek, which he leans into.

“When did I get so lucky…” He mumbles to himself in your hand. “You got lucky because I'm a sucker for men that want to heal themselves. Now, I wanna hear more about this… this power dampener!” You say in hopes to continue seeing his eyes light up. “Oh, um, sure.'' Miles smiles lightly. “So the goal of the device is to create a disturbance in the electrons of an object. The effects of it depend on the range between the power source and my machine.” As you listen, Miles's facial expressions light up, and he begins to move his hands animatedly. When he looks down into your eyes, he’s shocked by how genuinely interested you are. “Baby, has anyone told you how fuckin’ smart you are?” You hum as you nip at his cheek. “Oh..Um” Miles was taken aback by the intensity of your praise. “Awh- Well- Not- Not recently…No..” He says with a chuckle trying to deflect. “You might be biased, mami.” He kisses your cheek. “Thank you, but I promise I'm just your average tech guy.” You snort at his dismissive behavior. “Now why would I be biased?” You quirk a brow. “Are you callin’ me a liar? Cause you know I’d NEVER lie to you, Mi Amor. Lo llamo como lo veo.”(I’m calling it how I see it) You state with no room to argue. Your boy needs to know how special he is.

“Well… I mean” Miles gives a dramatic sign. “Well if MY GIRL says I’m smart, then who am I to argue?” He gives one of his cocky-ass smirks. “Ain't that the truth!” You puff out your chest with pride. It always makes you ecstatic when he calls you HIS GIRL. “Well now that MY MAN knows how smart he is, do you think he’ll be smart enough to let HIS GIRL bring him to dinner after his run? My treat since he always pays.” You say with a smirk of your own. Miles considers the idea for a moment. “Well, I might as well be a genius because who am I to say no? But no promises on you paying.” He responds as he reachs out to flick your forehead. “Nope.” You emphasize the ‘p’ with a pop, grabbing his hand before it makes contact. “I'm gonna pay for everything because you quite literally refuse to let me pay for shit.” You huff as he keeps trying to assault your forehead with finger flicks.

He lets out a chuckle-the that makes his chest rumble-as he finds it amusing how passionate you are about paying. “¿Qué tiene de divertido?(what’s so funny) I wanna know, too,asshole!” You whine feeling left out. “Es nada.(it’s nothing) I just find your determination endearing.” Your face grows increasingly hot. “Well… Good! ‘Cause this determination’s going to make sure your takin’ care of. You might as well call me your sugar mommy for the night.” You wink and blow him a kiss as you get off his lap to sit on his bed. “So tell mommy where you wanna go” You jest wagging your fingers. “ Ha-” He stifles a laugh. “Well then….Mommy, there’s that new steak place you’ve been wanting to try out. Although it's a 'lil expensive… So we can split the bill."

Miles tries to play it slick. “Eres gracioso.(you’re funny) If you want steak, then we’ll go have steak. But don’t think for a moment that I ain’t got it like that. You and I both know my ass makes enough to order half the menu and then do it again tomorrow.” It upsets Miles sometimes how hard you work. Splitting your time between getting your degree, working at your paid internship, and braiding hair on the weekends, you barely have time for yourself…or him. “I know, Mi Amor.” He says, moving to kiss your forehead. “Solo estaba jugando. (I was just playing) I know you got me.” He says, planting his kiss, causing you to pout. “Why the long face, baby girl?'' Miles teased as he pushed a stray braid behind your ear. “You just got to be difficult. Just let me take care of ya.” He smiles and rubs his hand against your brown skin. “You’re gon have to make me.” He jests with a shine in his warm brown eyes. “Is that a challenge, Mr. Moralas?” Your pout turned into a wicked grin. “I'm afraid so, baby girl.” His heart kicks into gear at the sight of your grin. “Well, then you best hurry up and get to ya runnin’ then? Wouldn’t want you to skip that delicious cardio, now would we?” You mock, trying to push the process of dinner. “There’s no way you just called cardio delicious.'' Miles finds himself laughing as he pulls away to find his running shoes. “I can’t help it! You just look so good when you finish a run, I can't be blamed for associating cardio with yummy.” You try to defend yourself. “Suuuure, mami. That’s why.” Sarcasm and an eye-roll quickly follow, causing you to flip him off. “Just hurry up so we can eat.” You jokingly hound as he makes his way back to you. “Yeah, yeah. Im goin’, im goin’! Just give ya man a kiss before he goes, ok? You're my Forever and always, Mi Amor.” This was how you two always departed. It was a way for Miles to express how much he valued you since he learned the hard way that time is precious, and last words hold meaning. “My Forever n’ always, Mi Amor.” You repeat as your lips part. Satisfied Miles kisses you one more time and heads for the door. “I’ll be back.” He calls before he locks the front door behind him.

*Guys, if yall want a part 2, please say so in either my asks or the comments. I won't know if it's good enough to continue if yall don't interact.🤧👍🏾*

[thewritetofreespeech]

could i request tengen uzui with a reader who got injured? angst to fluff, maybe a scar on their throat? (i had a surgery that left a bird shaped scar on my throat recently and im feeling insecure about it) no pressure!!

It was always so peaceful being at the Butterfly Mansion. You just wished you didn’t have to be injured to stop by more.

It had been a tough battle, followed by a tough recovery, that had landed you here for several weeks. But Shinobu had been impressed by your tenacity to get better with (and sometimes in spite of) her treatments. You would be able to go home soon and, more importantly, back on missions. If you chose to that is.

“Heya little troublemaker.” You turn around quickly to see Tengen there. Dazzling and sparkling as ever. “Thought I’d find you out here.”

“W-What are you doing here?” You croak out, then shyly turn away with your hand at your throat. One of your major injuries had been a near fatal slash to your throat by your demon enemy. Eye for an eye and all, he tried to take off your head as well, but you beat him to it. Though you survived the injury with Shinobu and her team’s help, it was clear there was going to be permanent damage.

There was a chance your voice would return to normal, but there would always be a scar as a reminder just under your bandages.

“I came to see you.” Tengen replied, as if it was obvious. “You don’t think I would be here for any other reason. This place gives me the creeps.” He forced out a shutter for good measure.

“You didn’t have to come see me.” You tell him. Continuing to massage your throat. “I’m fine. It’s not worth the trouble.”

“Not worth the trouble?” He asked, arching one of his almost non-existent eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I failed.” You hung your head to stare pitifully at the tatami mat under you. “I should have done better. Been better. If I had, I wouldn’t have been injured and wasted everyone’s time being here. And this…” You can almost feel the jagged edges of your scar around your throat when you gup. “I’m ugly now.”

“You think something like that determines if your beautiful or not?”

You look back up at Tengen, who looked uncharacteristically serious for a change. “You think I care about something like that? You think my flashiness is that shallow? All the greatest warriors have scars. It shows the determination in their spirit. Their drive to survive and be the best. This, this scar, it’s proof of your victory. You shouldn’t be ashamed of it. You should be proud. Because it means you won. It means you survived.”

Tears bead up in your eyes and slowly start to fall down as you attempt to cover it up. You hear Tengen slide closer and wrap you in his arms. “You’re still one of the flashiest to me.”

“Thank you.” You told him as you cried into his chest for a moment.

“Don’t mention it.” He replied as he pet your hair.

He was right. The best warriors had scars. Each unique and a symbol of their survival.

This was nothing to be ashamed of.

It would heal. It would fade. It may still be there, but you would be too.

you're beautiful

[ventingv]

Heyy how are you ?

Im sick currently and I’m in need of some fluff

Do you think you can write some headcanon of malleus leona Jamil deuce and or epel taking care of y/n

Or if you can’t think of anything for them maybe the same thing for honkais starrail with blade dan heng jing yuan and luacho

And if you can’t think of something for them maybe the same thing for genshin impact with either childe kaeya diluc ayato neuvillette Thoma itto or xiao

Obviously you don’t have to do any of them i hope im not asking for too much I hope you have a good day/night/evening

Sorry your sick, hope you feel better soon!

My character limit is three so I’ll do Leona, Jamil, and Malleus.

Leona

Sorry to say but he has no idea how to help you when sick.

Probably gets Ruggie to make you some chicken soup or vegetable soup to help you feel better, that’s supposed to be help for to sick humans right?

Will begrudgingly grab you a glass of water if you ask him for one.

But for the most part of your illness he’s on the bed right next to you asleep by your side.

“You better get well soon, herbivore.”

Jamil

Has had enough experience taking care of Kalim on the occasions he’s sick so he’ll be taking care of you.

Will force you to take medicine even if it tastes gross, he wants you to be healthy.

Will make you light food so it doesn’t feel heavy in your stomach.

Will nag at you to stay in bed when you want to get up and play something because your board.

“Your still sick so stay in bed! Here, it’s fresh fruit so it will be good for you to eat. N-no I will not hand feed it to you!”

Malleus

Poor dragon boi has no idea how illness in humans work so when he sees you looking like your on the thrones of death in your bed he panics badly.

Tries to use the most powerful healing spell he knows before you stop him and just say your sick.

Still tries to use it till you say you rather get better the normal way since you have no idea how the magic will react to your illness.

He stays by your side asking if you need him to get you anything every five minutes or so.

“Are you sure you do not require silk bedding? I can assure you that they will be more comfortable then your cloth ones. No? Is there anything else that I can do then? Cuddles? Very well.”