#better formatting on AO3

[apomaro-mellow]

Every Baby Needs a Daddy 10

Part 9

EDDIE MUNSON'S NEW HOT PIECE?

The lead guitarist of acclaimed band Corroded Coffin is never far from a pretty face. What's the scoop on the newest one hanging off his arm? While their latest album Darkest Knights is climbing the charts is it possible that he's climbing into the sheets with a mystery man?

Steve scrolled through the article, expecting to find some highly invasive information from a sneaky journalist. But most of the writing was just telling readers who Eddie was and a couple of people he had publicly dated in the past. Probably because it was a mainstream publication and they didn't expect their usual viewers to know anything about a metal band.

The picture they used was of when they got to the venue the night of the concert. Eddie had walked Steve in with an arm around his waist. He went in search for any other information or reactions to this news. He wasn't an idiot. Fans could get pretty possessive over their idols. He was ever thankful that he wasn't very active online. At least not to the point where people could easily find and harass him.

Steve had always cautioned against reading too many comments on things. Online communities could quickly turn negative. But he had to see what they were saying about him and Eddie if he had any chance of defense.

Twitter was full of people giving their two cents either in their own posts or under other articles that were all saying the same thing. #CorrodedCoffin and Eddie Munson were both trending.

Quite a few weren't happy at the idea of Eddie shacking up with someone they had never seen before. Add to that the changed tour schedule and they were extra upset.

ro @ alittleunsteady i can't believe a random omega is taking care of eddie he's probably some money hungry whore

Right out the gate with that one. But Steve supposed it made sense from the outside, what with him being a nobody in the industry. And he was definitely benefitting off Eddie's money.

Star @ estrellamy who’s that wannabe? He even looks like a poser, look at his outfit, no way that’s real.

B @ bipanicroom replied: he's cute and I totally get Eddie wanting him for his rut but he definitely doesn't look the part for a long term omega I mean look at that polo shirt, our metal alpha needs some grunge

Okay, Steve laughed a little at those because, well, he stuck out next to Eddie. He'd mentioned perhaps changing his look to blend in with the crowd and Eddie had immediately vetoed it.

"Those bright ass jeans are like a lighthouse to this weary vessel", he had said. To which, Steve reminded him you're supposed to steer away from lighthouses.

"Whatcha laughin' at?", Eddie asked as he came back into the bedroom, carrying a tray of food.

Steve contemplated telling him about the cat being out of the bag, but it wasn't like they were keeping it a secret. It was just...something they didn't need to announce. He sat up, letting the blanket pool at his hips. They could keep the outside world outside just a little longer.

"Just some memes", then he took a deep breath as Eddie opened the curtain of their den. "Smells good."

Eddie put the tray across Steve's lap. "Pesto grilled cheese. With sun dried tomatoes."

"Fuck, that sounds good." Steve's stomach growled in agreement.

He and Eddie ate in bed, thankfully only getting a minimal amount of crumbs on it and cuddled. Eddie was the big spoon while Steve looked at some more comments. There were a few in a thread trying to figure out who he was and what his deal was. It seemed for as many as there were decrying Steve's fashion sense and how he was probably a gold digger, even twice as many were either in support or neutral.

He went to one of Eddie's fan pages which had a good amount of followers for their thoughts.

stream cc's darkestknights @ yourlove Omg y’all are so dumb, he is a literal rockstar why are you guys asking for explanations? That could be his boyfriend or just some rando, as long as I get good music who cares? Get a life atp really💀

Maple @ maplehazelnusse replied: right??? calm down he wasn't get with you either way

Steve felt Eddie's teeth grazing his skin, not even really sinking in, just squeezing lightly across his shoulders. He put his phone under the pillow, deciding that it all could well and truly wait. Eddie needed his full attention right now, even if he wasn't outright whining for it anymore.

While they spent another day wrapped up in each other, the media was having its usual field day. Eddie's unexpected rut would have made news on its own with it disrupting a tour. But add to it an omega that most of the world had never seen and it was a whole circus.

There were plenty who had actual concern over Eddie because sudden hormonal changes weren't fun. A youtuber posted a video summarizing the events of the past couple of days and under their video was an entire conversation regarding this.

@ thegenericcookie 2 days ago shout out to eddie Munson repping all of us off cycle bitches I had to postpone SUBMITTING MY THESIS because a stupid rut was 10 days early for no goddamn reason😞

@ fastimesatfasttimes 2 days ago OMG same! Its so embarrassing like "yo prof i gotta take of and go fuck myself for a week" >.<

@ grapesofyass 3 days ago is now a gud time to mention some places give rut leave but not heat leave?

Of course, when things of this nature came up, many voiced their opinions of the relationship, simply unable to help themselves. Especially since neither party were at all forthcoming about it. Photos surfacing of the two of them at the club and the sushi restaurant added fuel to the fire.

Sappy @ crazytipper67 eddie munson seen with RaNdoM OmeGA like we havent seen him all over his new bf for nearly a month now 😒 🥱 let not forget Eddie doesnt need to explain shit to us fr

GareBear @ garethsstressball like for real not to be a stalker but anyone whos been payin attention knows these two have been goin out a while

tigger @ corrodedcoughin12 he literally took him on tour i wouldn't be surprised if eddie was like actually courting him old fashioned style hes that type

mya @ amerikanscy Since when has Eddie been one to keep an Omega for this long? I bet as soon as his rut is over he'll just move on to the next like he always does. Who cares if he's been seen with Eddie more than once--if they were really anything to each other then they wouldn't be hiding it.

kas @ neveroncelostbutfound I mean, go off ig 🫤 jeff is not taken tho, right? RIGHT?

helix @ judyjetsuuuun replied: bestie.... image.jpeg

Attached was a very clear photo of Steve dancing with Jeff the night of the club and the resurgence of those pictures sparked all new conversations as Steve was seen dancing with everyone except Eddie.

jill @ jeffsnumbuh1 i just think its funny how when i posted pics of jeff that nite they got a lukewarm response but when the same pics show up with the guy i cropped out (out of respect for his privacy) somehow those got hundreds of shares

Everyone online was having a time. But for some, it was an unfortunate time. As was the case for those that Steve had known back home. Dustin was only a few years younger than Steve. He was pretty much an adult now. But it didn't make it any easier to see a section of the internet thirsting after his old babysitter. Some comments were tame and some were not.

countess @ dollarsandstars omg yay eddie's in love, boo its not me but yay him

estrella @ starsnstripes4never daddy? Sorry. Daddy? Sorry. Daddy? Sorry.

bips @eddiemunsons2ndhusband EDDIE MUNSON IS TAKEN IM SOBBING HIS OMEGA IS SO PRETTY THO

Mark @ marklyblakemore Are we going to get news about a baby Munson soon🫣

fangs @ dusterjacketsarecool can you guys not? the dude literally drove me to middle school and made me go to sleep AT curfew when he watched me

When Dustin left that comment, he had a split second where he wondered if he should delete it. There weren't a ton of pictures of him online but the internet was full of super sleuths who would be able to dig up a lot on Steve if they were able to find a connection and get his name. Dustin hadn't even known he and Eddie were a thing until the tabloids picked it up.

But when replies came, they all shared a similar sentiment. 'Lying for clout is still lying'. Most didn't believe he knew Eddie's new arm candy in real life. And maybe it was better that way. But still, he could talk to the rest of the gang about it because holy shit Steve was dating a celebrity. The texting in their group chat (the one without their older siblings because they didn't want any lectures) had been going crazy since the news broke.

Dustin: How long until we can start posting embarrassing photos of Steve for maximum impact?

Lucas: We gotta wait until they publish his name

Mike: You think Eddie's really gonna announce theyre dating?

Dustin: Only if he's gonna make an honest man out of Steve

Will: But what if it's just a fling? Did Steve tell anyone about this?

Max: Betcha he told robin

El: I'm going to post the one from when he took us to Comic Con.

Lucas: That's not an embarrassing pic

Will: Yeah it was objectively awesome

El: I know. That is why I want to post it :)

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

Eddie could tell when he himself was done with his rut. He wasn't filled with an all consuming need to impregnate Steve. The thought was still attractive, but he could allot some brain power to other things now. Like the madhouse surrounding his love life that was going on. Eddie had never really announced it when he was dating. Then again, the last couple of times it had been with fellow famous people.

Media outlets knew them well and were able to craft their stories easily. He got asked about them during interviews but most of it was public knowledge already. This was the first time since making it big that he'd been seen with someone like Steve. The next time he made an appearance he was going to be asked about him. And there was no way he could just say 'he's my sugar baby, we fuck and then I buy him things'. Even if that was true on paper, it wasn't how Eddie really felt.

Steve was sitting on the couch, gazing intensely on his phone and Eddie was sure it was some discourse about him but when he ventured to look over his shoulder has saw that he was watching a stop motion lego video.

"Interesting entertainment?", he asked, coming around to sit next to him.

"They just make it so smooth, I don't understand", Steve said in awe.

"I was wondering if we could talk about the-", Eddie cleared his throat, "about the, you know, what people are saying."

"Yeah sure", Steve paused the video and put his phone down.

"So, we're gonna move the tour soon", Eddie started. "And at some point, like in the next week, I'll probably be expected to make some kind of statement."

Steve nodded, eyes full of sincerity and understanding and Eddie couldn't take that pointed at him. He shot up and began pacing around.

"Okay, here was the deal. You're my sugar baby, right?"

"Right", Steve answered with another nod.

"But like, and correct me if I'm wrong, we don't really do the things people normally do in this sort of relationship."

"It's not that we don't do them", Steve watched Eddie move back and forth like a caged animal. "We don't-you don't treat me like a sugar baby."

Eddie froze. "Have I been doing this wrong?"

Steve shook his head. "Eddie you've been fine, great even." He stood up and grabbed Eddie's hands. "I couldn't have asked for anyone better. 'Cause like, from what I've seen, a more, let's say experienced sugar daddy would have just assumed I'd assist with a rut. You assumed I wouldn't."

"I couldn't just put that on you. I know what I'm like during a rut", Eddie looked away sheepishly. "But you can't pin this aaaallll on me sweetheart. You haven't been acting very sugar babyish."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Like you're the expert?"

"I've seen a couple! I know that they're very keen on pointing to whatever catches their fancy and saying 'daddy buy me this'. And I know you have good taste in things. You could also stand to drape yourself over me much more in public. I'm frankly appalled that too many of my fans don't see you as someone important."

Steve blushed at all Eddie was describing and tried to hide behind his hands but since Eddie had them, he kept him from doing so.

"That sounds like...a lot. Are you okay with me being a lot?"

"You're asking a musician that?", Eddie raised a brow.

"I mean like, when I get really...involved with someone", Steve was avoiding the word 'dating', "I can get clingy, and like, really hungry for attention."

"Baby, I just spent a week with my face attached to your pussy. Which, for the record, I would have done even I wasn't under hormonal persuasion." Eddie kissed his knuckles and then breathed in deep. Steve still carried so much of him, even after a shower, and would for a while. In about a week, his scent wouldn't cling to him the way it was now, but for a moment, he could imagine Steve was wholly his.

"When I go out in front of cameras, I..." He wanted to tell them Steve was his omega, that he was officially courting and if the fates saw fit, would make him his mate.

"What?"

"What should I tell them?", Eddie asked.

Steve thought about what people already thought was going on. The world already assumed they were fucking. They didn't really announce that. The only real question was how permanent Steve was. Was he a fling or an actual boyfriend?

"What do you want me to be?", Steve asked in return.

Eddie's heart thumped in his chest. The false answer hung from his lips, ready to go. To keep them in this limbo for as long as he could. But that was no guarantee either. Besides, Eddie really wanted to make a proper den for Steve to make a proper nest. He wanted to take Steve back to his actual home. He wanted to meet this enigmatic Robin.

"I want you to be mine. And I wanna tell the world about it." Eddie knew that was the right response from the way Steve lit up.

Corroded Coffin ☑️@corrodedcoffinitsafishyall

The official Twitter of Corroded Coffin. Stream our new album Darkest Knights. And to the owner of the corrodedcoffinofficial handle, come outside we just wanna talk

corrodedcoffinband.com

150 Following 529k Followers

5 minutes ago Changed the password account again bc some knot-heads never heard of PR - Grant

8 minutes ago Btw his name is Steve and he's my sweetheart

10 minutes ago Post-rut clarity call that seein with my third eye

Eddie Munson ☑️ @ edmunsoncc

This is where I go when they kick me off the band account :(

1 minute ago they took my Stevie D:<

2 minutes ago They can take away my account privileges but they cant take away my Stevie

And the world knows his name! And the tour continues! What will happen as they travel down the east coast!? Stay tuned!

Part 11

Tag Team CLOSED

@awkotaco24 @lingeringmirth @littlewildflowerkitten @estrellami-1 @tartarusknight @velocitytimes2 @mrsjellymunson @trashcanniballecter @paintsplatteredandimperfect @a-little-unsteddie  @sllooney  @starman-jpg  @oxidantdreamboat  @xxbottlecapx   @newtstabber @tiny-enthusiast  @desidrarry-wolfstarshipper @y4r3luv @hello-fellow-nerds  @anonymousbandgirl @alyelf @potato-of-the-lord  @beckkthewreck  @croatoan-like-its-hot @pluto-pepsi @abstractnaturaldisaster @ellietheasexylibrarian @eyesofshinigami @dragonmama76 @greatwerewolfbeliever @chaosgremlinmunson @blackpanzy @millseyes-world @batxsignalsx @lilpomelito @goosesister @libraryofgage @aresthelostboy @royjaimie4eva @silenzioperso @she-collects-smut @lost-wondering-souls @eddielives1986 @marklee-blackmore

[k1tty5]

go my minions… kiss…

[death-himself]

i’m not even in the mcyt fandom anymore but sometimes i’m reminded that tommy wrote ship fanfic of himself on wattpad and he who shan’t be named posted an important piece of his lore on ao3 and i regain a bit of my health bar

[xxn00bpwn3rxx]

woaw iz dat a pestkit fanfic ?!?!?

hai . made thiz for 1k twitter followerz celebration :3 waz zuppozed 2 be a comic but i waznt liking it and felt i could better zhow my ideaz and pest/medkit'z emotionz thru writing zo here : ) bware . fluff

Summary; Medkit has a nightmare, and Pest tries to comfort him

⠀⠀Darkness surrounded him. He didn't know where he was or how he ended up here, and he looked around, eyes wide as his eyes adjusted to the light. His hands trembled as he held on to a lantern with a small fire inside of it, illuminating everything around him with a weak yellow glow. He was holding onto the lantern like his life depended on it, he didn't even think he would be able to drop it if he had to. ⠀⠀Flies buzzed quietly around him as he stepped forward. There was a long road in front of him that led into darkness, with an occasional torch dotted here and there that didn't do much to pierce through the pitch black. Sand covered the ground on either side of the road, and he could hear small whispers in the distance. ⠀⠀He walked along the path, stopping when he saw a person. He ran up to it, calling out to them, but nothing came out of his mouth. He stopped in his tracks instantly when they looked at him with firey green eyes and muttered a garbled sentence, though he understood it clearly. "You filthy traitor." ⠀⠀Ice seemed to crawl up his spine suddenly as he looked away and started power-walking down the road again. He could hear the whispers from the darkness clearly now. ⠀⠀"I need healing!" ... "How's your eye?" ... "Do I have to work with a traitor?" ... "Help!" ⠀⠀It made his mind and heart race as he started to run, wanting to get away from the whispers as fast as he could. His feet pounded against the asphalt, sending up pain through his legs from the force of it, but he couldn't stop. He felt like something was following him, and it sent his adrenaline rushing. ⠀⠀Through the darkness and occasional light, he saw it. A house. He could hide in there! He went faster, running up through the steps and through the open door, almost flying into the T.V.s that were scattered in certain places in the room. He stared down at them, the red screens flickering. A single light source came from the roof; everything else was open and empty. There was no place to hide in here. ⠀⠀He could still hear the whispers. They were getting louder. The same thing, over, and over, and over again. And he could hear the shadowy figures walking around, their footsteps soft but audible. Then he heard a sound he hadn't heard before. A buzzing sound that was definitely getting louder. He looked over his shoulder right before a giant green slitted eye flew through the door towards him, and he let out a scream right before he blacked out, the last thing he heard from the eye being "You must kill him, to become him." ...

⠀⠀Medkit sat up straight on the bed with a loud gasp, his heart racing too fast for him to handle, his hands clammy, his mind fuzzy. He was panting heavily, and his mouth felt dry. His hands shook as he gripped the bedsheets, making sure he was still alive and fine, but grounding himself didn't seem to work as his eyes darted around the dark room. He didn't recognize where he was. And that sent more fear through him. ⠀⠀He was starting to hyperventilate, and he could hear nothing but his own heart beating at a scary pace, faster than it should ever be, and he was terrified he was about to have a heart attack. He gripped the pillow next to him, holding it with so much strength that his knuckles had turned white, and he started sobbing. Soft sobs, with a few hiccups in between, but slowly started getting louder as he smothered his face into the pillow.

⠀⠀In the other room, there was the soft sound of a water faucet running into the sink with the occasional splash of water. Pest stared at the mirror in front of him, water dripping off of his face. One of his antennae flicked upwards and twitched towards the bathroom door, something felt off. He turned off the faucet and bent over slightly, elbows resting on the counter as he listened. Then he heard it. Crying. ⠀⠀Crying again? He sighed softly, turning his gaze over to the bathroom door as he took the hand towel from besides the sink to wipe his face dry. That's the third time this week. He listened for a small bit more, noticing how it wasn't letting up. He grumbled. ⠀⠀Now, Pest wasn't one to care if somebody was crying around him, he'd ignore it. And he did the first couple times Medkit had cried near him. But three times is one too many, and he was getting annoyed. Though, what he couldn't ignore was the small sliver of empathy he had towards the demon; as much as Pest hated to admit it, he felt bad for Medkit. ⠀⠀And personally to Pest, Medkit wasn't the one to break down like he had been recently. Pest had been around him long enough to know that something had changed within the man, and he didn't know what had caused it. He didn't think too much about it though as he finished drying his face and moved over to open the bathroom door. ⠀⠀He slowly moved it open and peeked out of it, eyes moving around the dark room until his eyes met the form of Medkit huddled on the bed, face covered with one of Pest's pillows. He let out a soft growl, but ignored it as he opened the door more. As he stared over at Medkit, that feeling of empathy grew, and it confused him. He'd never felt it before. Something was telling him to suck it up and go comfort his boyfriend, but he was unsure how. So, he knocked on the bathroom door softly just to let Medkit know he was there. ⠀⠀Medkit stilled, his sobs disappearing as he laid there. He was shaking, his heart still racing. Hearing the knocks made him more scared, as he was unsure of who it was. By staying still he hoped whatever it was would think he wasn't there. Then he felt the bed dip slightly where his legs were and a low creak of the bedsprings. He breathed heavily and got brave enough to look over his pillow slightly, to be greeted with 4 red eyes staring at him. Medkit thought he would have just croaked right then and there finally from a heart attack, but something about the way the eyes were looking at him gave him a sense of safe that he didn't understand. ⠀⠀The other person shifted slightly closer, still looking at him. Medkit couldn't see much from how dark the room was, but he could recognize the shape of Pest from anywhere, and he calmed down a tiny bit as he stared at him. ⠀⠀"Are you okay?" Pest muttered out. Medkit's brain paused for a quick second, and he continued to stare at Pest as he slowly processed what he had just asked. To him, it sounded more like a demand than a question, and it dumbfounded him, especially since he was still mentally out of it from his nightmare that the question was lost on him. And he must still be in his nightmare, because Pest would never ask him that. ⠀⠀Pest watched Medkit for a few more seconds before growling. "Did you hear me?" His voice was harder this time. Oh. It really is Pest. Medkit thought, and he slowly put his pillow down to lay it on his chest. He nodded, opening his mouth to reply, but instead licking his lips to get rid of the chappy dry feeling he still had. After a couple seconds, he replied. "Y-yeah. I did." Medkit's voice was shaky, low and hoarse, and he hoped what he said was intelligible enough for Pest to hear.

⠀⠀"Then answer. Are you okay?" Pest narrowed his eyes at him, and Medkit felt a hand gently being placed on his own. It wasn't much, but that small gesture made Medkit feel warmer than he had a few seconds ago, and he instantly went to intertwine his fingers with Pest's. ⠀⠀"I... I suppose so." Medkit looked away, leaning back against the pillows. Pest moved over and turned the bedside lamp on, turning his head to stare at Medkit's face. He looked tired, which was the norm for Medkit, but somehow he looked even more pathetic like this. His one eye was shot, his hair a complete mess, and the little fluff on his cheeks were stiff with dried tears. Pest chittered, clicking his mandibles together as he took in the sight in front of him. ⠀⠀"That's a lie." Medkit frowned at Pest's response. "You look like you were run over by multiple trucks and possibly an airplane." Medkit knew Pest was attempting to lighten the mood, but it didn't work for him. ⠀⠀"Why... why would you care?" Medkit turned his head to Pest as he asked the question, and he felt guilt as he heard the way it sounded as it exited his mouth. He instantly went to apologize, "I'm-" ⠀⠀He was cut off by Pest suddenly getting up further onto the bed, moving Medkit's legs to crawl towards him like a feral animal, his head lowered, and eyes squinted at him like he was suddenly a piece of prey. "Pest, what are you-" Suddenly, Pest was laying right on top of Medkit, and he couldn't help the blush creeping onto his face as Pest wrapped his top arms around him, bringing them both into an embrace. ⠀⠀Pest stared up at Medkit, his chin on his chest. "Look. I don't care what you think of me. Just stop your crying. It's starting to get on my... nerves." Medkit exhaled softly. The way Pest spoke was harsh, not a lot of comfort, but that wasn't what caught Medkit's attention. The way Pest had hesitated on the last word gave Medkit all he needed to know about Pest's true feelings, he knew it was his own way of saying "I want you to stop crying because it's making me upset," which showed he cared. At least, that's what Medkit was hoping for. ⠀⠀Pest's mandibles tapped Medkit's chest. "Or else." Medkit stiffened a bit, wondering why he was suddenly being threatened to stop his crying, but when he looked down at Pest's eyes he saw a playful glimmer to them. That did not help matters. ⠀⠀He shifted slightly underneath Pest as he stared at him straight on. "Don't." His voice was low, a warning, but Pest did nothing but smile teasingly back at him. ⠀⠀"Don't what?" Pest replied. Medkit's heart dropped when he felt Pest's lower hands trail up underneath his nightshirt, and he blushed harder. A small thumping noise could be heard, and when Pest looked down, he noticed Medkit's deer tail was hitting the bed, and he snickered. "Okay. Now I know this'll work." He looked back up at Medkit right before he used his claws to gently claw at his fur. ⠀⠀The moment Pest's fingers did that, Medkit jolted with a soft yelp. The sensation made a million different thoughts and emotions go through his head at once and it was getting increasingly hard to not get overwhelmed or melt, or both at the same time. Medkit hissed through his teeth, "Pest. Stop it. That tickles." ⠀⠀Pest rolled his eyes and moved upwards more. "That's too bad." He bent down and started planting soft kisses on Medkit's face, bringing his hands up to lay on Medkit's chest as he did so. Pest was getting confused on why he was suddenly getting so touchy with Medkit, but it looked like he needed it so he went with his urges and showered him in affection. Medkit on the other hand, was becoming a flustered mess below him.

⠀⠀Medkit was letting out soft giggles as Pest kissed his face, he was trying desperately to act like it wasn't doing anything just because he felt stubborn, but it was not working out in his favor. Especially with his tail going 50 mph right next to them. Pest cupped his face with his hands and started kissing him more deeply, one on the forehead, another on the cheek, a gentle one on his facial scars. Medkit's ears flicked and he whined, making his lips a thin line as if to stop himself from smiling. ⠀⠀He felt like if Pest continued any longer he was gonna end up melting into a puddle, his heart felt like it was about to burst. Then Pest kissed him on the lips, and his body went completely limp, his eyes closed, and his mind went completely blank from shock. He could feel nothing but Pest's hands and arms wrapped around him, his mandibles caressing his cheeks, his lips on his, and his antennae gently tapping him as if Pest were feeling him with those too. ⠀⠀After a couple seconds of the kiss that felt like it went on for hours, Pest pulled back and looked down at Medkit, hands still cupping his face as he scanned his expression. Medkit fluttered his eyes open, making immediate eye contact with Pest. He breathed quickly through his nose, and he cheeks were a deep blue color as his lips trembled into a weak smile. ⠀⠀Pest adjusted himself so he was laying next to Medkit, and he laid his head against one of his horns as he wrapped all four arms around him fully. "There. You smiled." He grinned smugly at him, and Medkit grumbled softly. Though, he couldn't stop the smile growing on him as he nuzzled his face against Pest's neck, placing a hand on his chest. ⠀⠀"Shut up," he muttered, placing a little kiss against Pest's neck, earning a chitter in response. ⠀⠀He raised one of his hands up to rub gently at Pest's horns, which was in his own way him being affectionate right back at him. His blunted claws scratched and massaged in the little grooves, him being extra careful of the spiky parts. It didn't take long for Pest to entirely lean against Medkit, kicking his leg against the bedsheets like a little dog as Medkit continued, and he started hearing a soft rumble coming from his chest as he used the other hand to massage the other horn. They suddenly twitched, clicking together once, and Medkit had to withdraw his hands quickly to make sure Pest didn't accidentally grab his nightshirt (or hands) and rip it. ⠀⠀His smile grew as he snuggled closer to Pest, looping his arms around his neck, feeling safe in the comfort of him. After a bit, his breathing slowed down, and he found himself finally falling back asleep, his ear right up against Pest's chest as he listened to the steady rhythm of his heart. Pest went and moved his tail to push the blanket closer to him, going slow to make sure Medkit didn't wake up, and went and wrapped the blanket around the both of them as he got more comfortable in his position. ⠀⠀Medkit was already snoring softly, and Pest found his own eyes closing as he let himself finally fall asleep as well. Medkit didn't have a nightmare this time, and Pest finally got some much needed rest.

[dreadfutures]

The Brave Guide, Ch 74 - Echoes of Purpose

Ixchel finds the spirit who has been killing and trapping villagers in frozen time--and she sees something familiar deep inside it.

Inside was a familiar sloped courtyard leading to a square labyrinth of stonework tile. The air hummed with magic, much like Briala’s Hall of Uthenera. But instead of an altar at the center there was a small grove where a tree had taken root long ago. Its branches were bare of leaves, but even at a distance it was clear small buds were sprouting from the dark, shiny wood. Below its canopy was a small pool of sparkling water—and the slumped form of a sleeping man, bound in vines.

Ixchel felt a difference in the air here, despite the supernatural stillness that permeated the space. It felt more deeply preserved, like it lay at the bottom of an ocean or at the center of the earth. They had found the anchor of the spell, but whether it was the man, the tree, or the pool, it was impossible to say.

It was hard to discern much about the man, except that he was old and skeletally thin. His cheeks were shadowed and gaunt, and his hair was thin and white, scalp speckled with age. Any further observation—whether he was human or elf, living or dead—would require a closer look.

“This looks like Briala’s eluvian hub,” Vivienne said. “Barring the intrusion of nature and the body. Garish inclusion.”

[big-urchin-energy]

Dealbreaker

bucktommy, 1.3k words, read it on Ao3

summary:

He’d always always been derisive of people who got married without ever having that conversation, only finding out too late that they want different things, but with Evan… he can kind of see what might drive a person to that. He won’t be that person, though. It isn’t fair. He doesn’t want to hurt Evan any more than he has to.

tags: Break Up, Angst, Hurt No Comfort, Unreliable Narrator, POV Tommy Kinard, Tommy Kinard Friendly, ish, (like i am making him suffer but it's out of love)

[princess-of-purple-prose]

In which Wei Wuxian turns an ambush against him into an opportunity to get some brother (and brother-in-law) bonding time in, and Jiang Cheng suffers, as usual.

My first posted MDZS fic!! Check it out if you enjoy silly jc pov, wwx being annoying, and lwj and jc only ever being able to agree on the facts that wwx 1) must be protected at all costs and 2) is an idiot

[s0fter-sin]

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: Call of Duty (Video Games) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: John "Soap" MacTavish/Simon "Ghost" Riley, John "Soap" MacTavish & Simon "Ghost" Riley, Rodolfo Parra/Alejandro Vargas, Rodolfo Parra & Alejandro Vargas, Valeria Garza & Rodolfo Parra, Valeria Garza/Rodolfo Parra/Alejandro Vargas Characters: John "Soap" MacTavish, Simon "Ghost" Riley, Rodolfo Parra, Alejandro Vargas, Valeria Garza Additional Tags: Meta, Analysis, Character Analysis, Character Study, Canon Compliant, Mission: Alone (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)), Body Language, Past Relationship(s) Series: Part 1 of soft’s meta Summary:

various call of duty character and story meta analysis

[riacte]

hi! i love reading your fics but i specifically love the social media shenanigans in dearly beloathed. i was wondering how you would feel if i took some inspiration from that for a fic of mine because i would love to write something that's very similarly formatted but i wanted to make sure you were fine with that (cause i'm assuming it took some time and effort to come up with) before i did. anyways your writing is awesome and i love reading it

Yes sure of course! I took inspiration from ao3 fics (F1 fandom in particular is stunning at formatting, I have so much respect for their dedication), such as this one (I basically took the formatting from this) and this Twitch streamer AU. If you're posting on ao3, there's the option of playing with HTML/CSS for a more "realistic" socmed interface, for example this one for Twitter which is magic to me. This one is an extremely impressive Discord mockup. An Unauthorised Fandom Treatise is a nice look into mid 2010s Superwholock era fandom whereas F1 rpf and indeed mcyt / streamer stuff is more "modern". Anyways yeah there's a lot of potential in this genre of fics and loads of stuff to check out on ao3 if you wish :) I love scrolling through the Unconventional Format tag because people are just so creative. Good luck with your writing!

[looseleafteeaves]

Spine of Steel

Khaji Da cannot remember what exactly happened while they bonded to a host. Jaime is the 43rd to host them, and they still have no clue what EXACTLY happens. 

They know that the changes depend on the makeup of the biology of the being they inhabit. 

They know that they increase muscle elasticity and bone density and muscle density and the inherent durability of the host. 

They increase the capabilities of the optical organs, of the cutaneous, auditory, and olfactory senses. 

They optimize the production of chemicals, the dispersion of hormones throughout the body.

They twist the prey drive to fight. To fellow predator. To defend and attack and resist and take out the threat.

But they have no clue, outside of the programming, what exactly they are doing. What pain they are possibly causing, or nightmares that will linger. 

Khaji Da has never fit within a host quite like they do inside of Jaime Reyes. They feel and breath and think and twine all throughout Jaime’s body, in time with him. 

(They don’t like to think about what will happen when Jaime is gone. Jaime is not allowed to die. They fit far too perfectly to ever leave.)

Khaji Da has never regretted the changes they caused to a host. 

Khaji Da regrets the results that still affect Jaime from the event.

~~~

Jaime’s family has been pretty cool with Khaji Da, and the new effects they have on the family dynamic. They think that Khaji Da has gifted Jaime the confidence to stand up, tall, proud, ready to make his presence known.

They see Jaime’s straightened spine, and think “Ah. Jaime is growing up. Jaime is ready to be the man of the family.”

They do not see Jaime’s shoulders attempting to curl downwards, but being unable to shift his spine. 

They do not see how his eyes flash whenever something startles him. They don’t see how his curled fists flex with the need to defend.

They notice but force themselves to forfeit. Jaime is normal. He is. He’s just more confident now.

Jaime sees his family, and can read the approval of his straight spine, and his strengthened presence. 

He doesn’t have the heart to say that he feels less confident, if anything. He feels scared, jumping at shadows, paranoid of the people who stare at him and follow him through school. 

He can’t tell them that his spine doesn’t really bend unless his adrenaline is pumping and he is doing superhero work. 

He can’t mention how he feels as if his spine is lined with a rod of steel.

~~~

He is thrashing, as 7 burning points drill into his back. It feels as if someone is screwing something into his nerves, and liquid fire races along every part of him. He becomes hyper aware of every piece of skin and muscle and bone- every part of his body, whether he always could or not. 

He can feel something inject itself from the burning points, and suddenly the heat grows. He feels as if a supernova is trapped in his skin, in his blood, in his muscles, in his bones and organs and cells. 

He feels as if the heart of the stars have been compressed into him.

The burning begins to cool. It hardens, wiry and stiff. Feeling as though there is chainmail inside him. 

Then his skin feels like it begins to burn.  Something hard forms on the top layer, turning his clothing to ash. He screams, adrenaline racing as he becomes something exorcist-esque. His body flings towards the ceiling. He can-

He flings himself forwards, falling from his position on the ceiling, landing on his bed. 

Jaime Reyes, why are you reacting this way?

Jaime remains curled as tightly as he could, breathing through the fear and phantom pain that haunted his thoughts. However, as Khaji Da was forcefully making his adrenaline levels drop his spine was slowly pulling out of the fetal position without his consent.

His breathing began to pick up again as the phantom panic haunted his thoughts, growing more intense from the lack of control over part of his body.

Jaime Reyes, everything is fine. There is no danger. You are safe in your room in Palmera City. Scanners are clear.

Jaime, finally breathing more steadily, pressed against the wall, tugging his knees against his chest.

“Khaji Da?”

Yes, Jaime?

“What did you change in my body?”

… I can check the files for you and share the specifics if you want, Jaime.

“You don’t just know?”

… No, Jaime. I am dormant until the Scarab has performed base optimization of the host. I am programmed to have the records but I do not consciously choose.

“How can I believe you?”

You can’t. All I have is my words. And the proof that you still control your own body.

“Truly, that doesn’t really help. Share the files please?”

Yes, Jaime.

Immediately, lines of alien script scroll across his vision. He can tell that it has been translated into recognizable symbols, but knows nothing else.

{~<Command Sequence> [activate with contact]

~<Scan biosignature of life form>~

~<Determine Compatibility:

~<Life form compatible: [yes/no]>~

~[No]~

~<Remain dormant>~

<Repeat Command Sequence>

~[Yes]~

~Commence [Unification Protocol]

~[Scan] Biology

~[Locate] neural pathway central

~[Determine Optimal Positioning]

~[Execute Command] ^Begin Unification^

~[Execute Command] ^Bond With Neural Pathways^

~[Execute Command] ^Inject SC4R48 Nanites^

~[Execute Command] ^Determine Needed Improvements^

~[Execute Command] ^Determine Need For Cellular Production

Optimization Needed: [yes/no]

~[No]~

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

.~

~[Yes}~

~[Execute Command] ^Bond (Novaellum) with host cells^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell production^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell functions^

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

.~

~Bone Structure Improvement Needed: [yes/no]

~[No]~

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

.~

~[Yes}~

~[Execute Command] ^Bond (Novaellum) with host cells^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell production^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell functions^

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

.~

~Cartilage Structure Improvement Needed: [yes/no]

~[No]~

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

.~

~[Yes}~

~[Execute Command] ^Bond (Novaellum) with host cells^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell production^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell functions^

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

.~

~Muscle Structure Improvement Needed: [yes/no]

~[No]~

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in [Command

Sequence]^

.~

~[Yes}~

~[Execute Command] ^Bond (Novaellum) with host cells^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell production^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell functions^

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in [Command Sequence]^

.~

~[Detect] Organ Systems:[yes/no]~

~[No]

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

~[Yes] Organic Systems Detected

~Collect Organic Systems Data~

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in

[Command Sequence]^

~Optimize All Organic Systems: [yes/no]

~[No]~

~[Execute Command] ^[Execute Command] in [Command

Sequence]^

.~

~[Yes}~

~[Execute Command] ^Bond (Novaellum) with [all] organic system 

cells^

~[Execute Command] ^Optimize cell production^

~[Execute Command] ^[sequenced command] in [Command

Sequence]^

.~

~[Execute Command] ^Khaji Protocol^

~Command File Corrupted~

~[Delete] Khaji Protocol

.~

}.

~[Execute Command] ^Armor Optimiza-

“Wait, Khaji Da, stop please. I’m getting overwhelmed. Are the rest of the commands similar?”

Yes Jaime. The rest of the protocols that affected your body are similar. 

“Are there any other protocols that I need to know immediately?”

No Jaime. All the other protocols are offshoots of either ^Host Optimization^ or ^Armor Optimization^. None will interfere with your daily life barring the Reach gaining access to our communication system.

“Okay. Thank you Khaji Da.”

You are welcome, Jaime Reyes.

After around 30 minutes, Jaime is debating the need of asking Khaji Da to increase his melatonin levels, when he remembers a protocol that was listed as corrupted.

“Hey, Khaji Da?”

Yes Jaime?

“What is the ^Khaji Protocol^?”

…That is the infiltrator protocol. It is meant to place my interface, commands, and computing system in the ^Driver’s Seat^ as you put it. 

“It’s meant to be, what mind control?”

Jaime waits patiently, tasting the usual flavor of mint that crosses his senses when Khaji Da is researching on the internet. 

Yes, Jaime. It is a ^Mind Control^ protocol.

Jaime shudders and pushes the sensation he gets from Khaji Da increasing his melatonin levels towards the ever present sensation of the Scarab in his mind. Khaji Da wordlessly complies, helping Jaime slip into a dreamless sleep.

~~~

The next morning, as Jaime struggles to sit up in bed, having never returned to the ceiling last night. His back refusing to bend, Khaji Da wordlessly forms four insectoid legs that push Jaime straight and allow him to continue with his day. 

He tries not to dwell on how he is now intimately aware of just how much his body has changed, and how much he is still mostly unaware of. 

After all, ignorance is bliss.

Right up until it isn’t.

[nowis-scales]

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

General Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Fandoms: Fire Emblem Fates

Relationships: Felicia & Flora

Additional Tags: Revelation Route, Light Angst, Childhood Memories, Sibling Rivalries, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Friendship, Devotion, The Ice Tribe is loosely based on the Sámi peoples of Norway in this fic, The story is told in a list format

Story Word Count: 5,837 words

Story Summary: How does one become a retainer with devotion as strong as Felicia's?

The answer, she finds, is contained with one-hundred steps. One-hundred steps from ages seven to twenty-one, guiding her forward to claim her place alongside the friend she came to love like another sister.

[Read it on AO3.]

(Note: Due to potential threat of AI-scraping from Tumblr, I have opted to publish the actual text content of this fic only on AO3. Thank you for your understanding.)

[rust-is-a-car-disease]

Dod au except is it really an au? (References to keundal and later chapters)

Its just people around moondae noticing how abnormal his behaviour is and reacting bc we know it happens but we never see it bc moondae glosses over it a lot.

Not just the stuff like glossing over his health and stuff due to living a poor life and stuff like not being able to afford the hospital or glossing over all sorts of things though thats fun too

Also like him staring off into space and reacting for a noticeable amount of time.

Or when he talks to keundal b4 they know?

Or when ryu chungwoo finds out abt the overlap between gunwoo and moondaes backstories and moondae not reacting to or knowing moondaes body backstory

Like not just testar either bc they spend so much time w him theyd probably brush it off eventually. Like maybe fans or just random viewers noticing and its like ??? Wtf is this dude doing??

Additionally: reactions to testar (and vtic) as a whole weird behaviours and habits after experiencing the supernatural phenomenon that is the system + stier habits etc.

I might elaborate on it later but i just got hit with my tiredness so i will take a break before doing anything

[ollieofthebeholder]

And If Thou Wilt, Forget: a TMA Fanfic

Read from the beginning on Tumblr || AO3 || My Website

Chapter 13: Come home across the desolate sea

[CLICK]

[SOUNDS OF A BUSTLING AIRPORT - CROWDS IN THE BACKGROUND, PERIODIC ANNOUNCEMENTS IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES, OBNOXIOUS MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY FROM SOMEWHERE]

GERRY

Finally. They’re almost done loading that group.

TIM

Nope, look, see those people charging over? Definitely Group B running late. We’ll have to wait for them.

GERRY

Just out of idle curiosity, purely rhetorical you understand, but is there any way we could maybe get on the plane faster next time?

TIM

We could always try breaking your leg.

[GERRY LAUGHS]

Or I guess I could book our next flight business class. It is work related. Might be able to get compensated for that. I’d love to see the look on Elias’s face when Gertrude sends him that bill.

GERRY

I don’t necessarily need to board first. You know, less time to sit around strapped into the Great Floating Temptation.

TIM

(Amused) You know the plane doesn’t take off just because we’ve got on it, right?

GERRY

Yeah, I know, it’s just…

(Surprised) You know, I never thought about that before. Mum didn’t fly much, we mostly took trains—cheaper and she could get off somewhere that struck her fancy if she wanted to—and Gertrude was always a lot more, uh, in a hurry than you are, so we were almost always running onto a plane that was about to close its doors and take off. I guess I just got so used to being the last one on the plane that I keep expecting it to take off right away.

Or at least not having to wait around in airport lounges for hours on end.

TIM

It’s been like thirty minutes.

GERRY

You okay?

TIM

Bit tight. I think I need to start cutting salt out of my diet.

GERRY

You know, if things swell when you go up in planes, maybe you should take that off for the flight.

TIM

I’m kind of afraid I’ll lose it. It’s fine, I’ll—

OVERHEAD TANNOY

Timothy Stoker, please report to the nearest white courtesy phone. Timothy Stoker, white courtesy phone.

GERRY

Huh?

TIM

…Weird.

Okay, be right back.

GERRY

Tim—

TIM

Don’t worry. There’s one right over there by the restrooms. I can see the gate, and I can hear the announcements, so if they do the final boarding call, I’ll drop it and run.

[HE STANDS UP, LEANS OVER, AND KISSES GERRY ON THE CHEEK]

Be nice to the flight attendants. Back in a flash.

[FOOTSTEPS ACROSS THE CARPET, THEN ACROSS TILE]

OVERHEAD TANNOY

Timothy Stoker, please report to the nearest white courtesy phone. Timothy Stoker, white courtesy phone.

TIM

Yeah, yeah, I’ve got it. (mutters) Should pick up the red one just to be contrary.

[PHONE LIFTS FROM RECEIVER]

Hello, Tim Stoker speaking.

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

Tim. When does your plane leave?

TIM

(Surprised) Gertrude?

[THE RADIO SQUEALS SLIGHTLY FROM ACROSS THE AISLE]

GATE ATTENDANT (OVER RADIO)

Now boarding Group D for flight 9543.

TIM

Uh—in like five minutes or so. We’re boarding now. Why, do you need us to stay?

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

No. I need you back in London.

TIM

(Instantly serious) Hold on. He’s getting on now, but if I hurry—

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

No need for quite that level of haste. Not yet, anyway. Get to—where are you heading?

TIM

Çukurova. Turkey. There’s a—never mind.

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

Can you get back to London from there?

TIM

I think so. The direct route is only seasonal service, but if nothing else we ought to be able to get a connection out of Istanbul. Or we can not pick up our connection.

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

There’s a very steep fee for that. Just turn around in Çukurova and come back.

Make sure you ask for the fastest route, not necessarily the first plane out.

TIM

…

(Quietly) It’s happening, then? The Unknowing?

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

Not yet. It’s the Extinguished Sun.

TIM

The Dark? Where?

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

Here. In a sense.

I’ll explain everything when you arrive. Once you get back to London—

(Suddenly tense) Wait a moment.

GATE ATTENDANT (OVER RADIO)

This is the last call for Flight 9543 to Istanbul. Last call for boarding.

TIM

Shit—Gertrude, I’ve got to go. I’ll text you from Istanbul.

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

Wait—

TIM

Gotta go!

[PHONE DROPS CARELESSLY INTO THE CRADLE AND DOESN’T QUITE HANG UP]

[FOOTSTEPS HURRYING ACROSS THE AISLE]

GERTRUDE (ON PHONE)

(Faintly) Tim? Tim! They’re calling for a heavy fog in—Tim!

[CLICK]

—

[CLICK]

[FOOTSTEPS ECHOING THROUGH A TUNNEL]

JURGEN LEITNER

You’re certain this will work?

GERTRUDE

Yes, Jurgen, I’m certain.

JURGEN LEITNER

I just don’t understand why you’re so insistent on it being tomorrow. Why not right now?

GERTRUDE

In the first place, because…Elias will be paying attention tonight. I can keep him out of my head for the most part, but I can’t guard the whole Archives, and there’s too much of a chance of being observed. Tomorrow he’ll be distracted.

[A LONG PAUSE, PUNCTUATED ONLY BY THE ECHOING FOOTSTEPS]

JURGEN LEITNER

And in the second place?

GERTRUDE

Hmm?

JURGEN LEITNER

You said that “in the first place”, Elias would be distracted. That implies you had a second reason.

GERTRUDE

I do.

[ANOTHER LONG PAUSE]

JURGEN LEITNER

…I…assume you were going to let me know what that reason is?

GERTRUDE

You assume incorrectly.

JURGEN LEITNER

Gertrude.

GERTRUDE

(Obviously mimicking his tone of voice) Jurgen.

JURGEN LEITNER

…Very well, then. Keep your secrets. You always do.

I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason you can’t enact…whatever it is you’re planning to do beyond simply not wanting the head of the Magnus Institute to know what you’re up to. And it’s none of my business, I’m sure.

GERTRUDE

Thank you for being so reasonable and understanding.

[JURGEN LEITNER SIGHS IMPATIENTLY]

[FOOTSTEPS GRADUALLY SLOW, THEN STOP]

JURGEN LEITNER

Well. (Sighs again) I suppose we part ways here, then. Until tomorrow.

[FOOTSTEPS BEGIN TO WALK AWAY IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. ONE SET SLOWS TO A HALT]

GERTRUDE

You didn’t ask about the third reason.

[SOUNDS OF FEET SCREECHING TO A STOP]

JURGEN LEITNER

What?

GERTRUDE

I gave you my first reason. You asked if I had a second reason, and I said yes, but that it was none of your concern.

You never asked if there were more than two reasons.

JURGEN LEITNER

I had assumed that—

Ah.

GERTRUDE

You ought to know better by now.

JURGEN LEITNER

Yes. I suppose I ought to.

(Sighs a third time) Fine. What other reasons do you have for waiting?

GERTRUDE

The People’s Church of the Divine Host.

JURGEN LEITNER

Reyner’s cult? What about it?

GERTRUDE

Jurgen.

JURGEN LEITNER

(Attempting to match her tone) Gertrude.

…Wait. The Extinguished Sun? They’re—that’s tomorrow?

GERTRUDE

Yes.

It appears they plan for tomorrow’s sundown to be the final one.

JURGEN LEITNER

My God.

So why wait until then to destroy the Institute? However you plan to do that.

GERTRUDE

I told you, I will give you the details—

JURGEN LEITNER

—when they become relevant, yes. I know how you operate by now, Gertrude.

GERTRUDE

(Under her breath) Do you really?

JURGEN LEITNER

That does not answer my question. Why not take care of…this, and then worry about the Dark and its ritual tomorrow?

GERTRUDE

You mean, why is the fact that the ritual is yet to come one of my reasons for delaying?

JURGEN LEITNER

…I suppose that’s a more exact way of putting it.

After all, you did say Elias would be distracted…ah.

GERTRUDE

Precisely.

He’s interested in my methods of stopping the rituals. I suspect he has a good reason for that.

JURGEN LEITNER

Because if he becomes interested in a Beholding ritual, he wants to know how you might stop it so he can work around that.

GERTRUDE

…

Broadly, yes.

I intend to use that. Lay my groundwork, incite the Institute’s destruction, while he’s distracted. Hopefully he’ll go out with it.

JURGEN LEITNER

Will you have time to disrupt the Extinguished Sun afterwards?

GERTRUDE

I should have more than enough time to do what needs to be done.

[SEVERAL LONG BEATS OF SILENCE]

JURGEN LEITNER

…After all this time, I don’t know why I still expect more.

GERTRUDE

(Dryly) A mystery that may never be solved.

[CLICK]

—

[CLICK]

[RUMBLE OF AN AIRPLANE’S ENGINE, MURMUR OF VOICES, RATTLE OF A CART WITH SQUEAKY WHEEL]

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

What are you drinking, sir?

GERRY

Just water for me, thanks.

TIM

I’ll take a ginger ale, please.

[RATTLE OF ICE IN A CUP, POP AND FIZZ OF A SODA CAN OPENING, GURGLE OF LIQUID GOING INTO THE CUP]

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Here you are, gentlemen. Enjoy.

TIM/GERRY

Thank you.

[SEVERAL LONG MOMENTS OF SILENCE, PUNCTUATED ONLY BY SIPPING]

GERRY

Stomach bothering you?

TIM

Nervous. The ginger’s helping the anxiety.

GERRY

(Dryly) First time?

TIM

No, I’ve been nervous before.

[GERRY GROANS]

GERRY

Walked right into that one, didn’t I?

TIM

I thought that was a deliberate setup.

GERRY

I’m not that clever.

Seriously. What’s bothering you?

TIM

Apart from the obvious?

GERRY

You mean the fact that we’re in a pressurized tube thirty-seven thousand miles above the planet’s surface held aloft by magic, fortune, and prayer that runs a distinct risk of drawing the attention of something that wants to keep us here forever?

TIM

I rather suspect you’re not fond of flying, Gerry.

GERRY

(Fervently) I can think of at least three dozen ways I’d rather die.

TIM

It’s not that dangerous. Comparatively.

No, actually, I’m just…worrying about whether we’re going to get back on time.

GERRY

If all goes well.

TIM

Yeah, that’s what I’m worrying about.

[SHORT PAUSE]

GERRY

You reckon we should have tried to find a flight out of Istanbul the first time we were there? Just dealt with the cancellation fees or whatever?

TIM

I mean, hell, we had a long enough layover. If there’d been a faster option, I’d have taken it in a heartbeat. There just…wasn’t one.

GERRY

Know that for a fact, do you?

TIM

Yeah, I looked the flights up.

[GERRY HUMS SKEPTICALLY]

Besides, when Gertrude called the airport in Prague, she specifically told me not to do that. She said it wasn’t that urgent.

I’m just not sure I believe her, that’s all.

GERRY

What did she say when you texted her about our flight back?

TIM

She didn’t answer. I know she saw it, but…

I suppose she’s busy. I mean, she’s probably getting all her ducks in a row, so to speak. But the fact that she ordered us home…

GERRY

…means she needs the backup.

TIM

…

You know? I don’t think that’s it.

I think she just wants to know where we are.

GERRY

What do you mean?

TIM

I mean that if she really needed us to help stop this thing, she’d have told us where to meet her specifically. As it is, I think she just wants us back in London so that she knows if this goes wrong, we aren’t caught out somewhere and unable to get back.

GERRY

Assuming there’s a “back” to get back to.

TIM

They’re remaking the world, not destroying it.

There would still be an England in a changed world. Still be a London. It would just be…plunged into eternal darkness, I guess? I dunno what a world that’s fitted for the Forever Blind would look like. But it’s got to exist.

GERRY

Sure of that, are you?

TIM

They exist on fear, right? What good is a world with nothing to feel fear in it?

And at this point, they’ve probably adapted so that they’re more satiated by human fear than animal. At least most of them have. I don’t know how much these things actually feel, or think or whatever, and I know damn well most of them aren’t big on foresight, but I can’t imagine they would create a world designed to let them starve.

GERRY

(Quietly) I just wish I knew more about what this ritual looks like, that’s all.

TIM

I’m hoping she’ll tell us when we get there. I—

[FAINT GRINDING NOISE]

GERRY

What was that?

TIM

It’s okay, Ger. If it were a problem, the captain would—

[CRACKLE OF THE OVERHEAD RADIO]

Ah.

CAPTAIN (ON RADIO)

Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing slight difficulties with our starboard engine.

GERRY

(High-pitched) What?!

TIM

Shh.

CAPTAIN (ON RADIO)

We will be making an emergency landing in Frankfurt. To that end, I am turning on the seatbelt sign.

[PLEASANT, LOW-TONED DING]

[SOUNDS OF SEVERAL SEATBELTS CLICKING INTO PLACE]

Please remain calm and remain seated, with your trays in an upright and closed position, and we will be at Frankfort Airport shortly.

[CLACK OF RADIO SHUTTING OFF]

[GERRY BEGINS BREATHING RAPIDLY]

TIM

Gerry. Gerry, shh, it’s okay, it’s going to be okay.

Here, have some ginger ale.

GERRY

I fucking hate flying, Tim.

TIM

(Gently and calmly) I know. I know.

It’s okay. We’ll take the train home from Frankfurt.

GERRY

(Acidly) You’re not worried about it being too late?

TIM

I’ll call when we land and find out.

At this point, Gerry, I think that’s out of our hands.

[CLICK]

—

[CLICK]

[SOUNDS OF A BUSTLING TRAIN STATION—CROWDS MURMURING, WHISTLES BLOWING, WHEELS SCREECHING]

[FOOTSTEPS ON TILE]

GERRY

Hey. Sorry about that, the line for the restroom was insane. We must not be the only people with the same idea.

TIM

(A little distractedly) With the weather, it’s probably faster for a lot of people than flying.

GERRY

Yeah, maybe. Think we’ll be able to get on the next train?

TIM

Change of plans. I finally heard back from Gertrude.

GERRY

False alarm? She doesn’t need us after all?

TIM

I don’t think that’s it. She’s just changing where she wants us to meet her.

GERRY

Let me guess. Istanbul? If she want us to backtrack, I’m going to kill her.

TIM

No, the Faroe Islands.

GERRY

What? Why?

TIM

Apparently, it’s as far north as we can get without flying.

Or, you know, at all. There’s no passenger service to Svalbard.

GERRY

Do I want to know why she wants us to go that far north? In March?

TIM

Probably because it’s one of the only places the total solar eclipse will be visible.

GERRY

…Fuck. How did I miss there was going to be an eclipse?

TIM

I mean, we’ve been kind of busy.

GERRY

You think that’s…

TIM

A key part of their ritual? Almost certainly. What better time to bring on a world of eternal darkness than when things are literally as dark as they can get?

GERRY

And yet we still don’t know what this is going to look like?

TIM

Or not look like, as the case may be. Forever Blind, remember?

GERRY

Yeah, yeah, real funny.

[TIM CHUCKLES]

Did she say anything helpful, or just to go to the Faroe Islands?

TIM

(Reading aloud from his phone) “Head to the Faroe Islands. Get as far north as you can. Wait there for the eclipse. Watch and observe. I will be working in London. If I don’t meet you there, or otherwise contact you, once the eclipse ends, come back to the Institute.”

That’s all we’ve got.

GERRY

So when’s the eclipse?

TIM

Friday, which means we’ve got time. Lucky thing. We won’t get to Hirtshals until tomorrow morning, and from there it’s a thirty-seven hour ferry ride to the Faroe Islands, and probably another hour to Viðareiði.

GERRY

To where?

TIM

It’s the northernmost settlement in the Faroe Islands.

GERRY

Seriously, how do you know that?

TIM

I used to collect factoids about all kinds of extreme locations in Europe. Northernmost, southernmost, hottest, coldest, highest, lowest, you name it. I was going to visit them all someday.

GERRY

Well, we can scratch this one off your list, I guess. Did you already get our tickets?

TIM

No, my German is rubbish. I was waiting for you.

GERRY

Hmm. Glad to know there are limits to your vast knowledge.

[TIM LAUGHS]

Come on, then. Let’s go save the world.

[CLICK]

—

[CLICK]

[LONG, SLOW DRAGGING SOUND, LIKE SOMETHING INCREDIBLY HEAVY IS BEING PULLED ACROSS A STONE FLOOR]

[SOFT GRUNTING NOISE]

ELIAS

(Muttering) Perhaps I ought to have used a wheeled office chair for this. Or one of the library carts.

Although I suppose the steps would have been even more difficult.

[DEEP BREATH]

[LOOOOOOOOOOONG DRAG]

ELIAS

(Strained) You’re heavier than you look.

I think I understand the term dead weight now.

[SMALL GRUNT]

[CHAIR SCRAPES SLIGHTLY ACROSS A STONE FLOOR]

[HUFF OF RELIEF]

[SEVERAL MOMENTS OF SILENCE]

ELIAS

I’m sure you’re wondering why I bothered.

(Considers) Well, I’m not sure you’re aware of much, but…I rather hope you are.

At any rate. It certainly would have been easier to leave you where you were. Slumped across your desk, your heart’s blood seeping into the wood and the statements beneath…surrounded by petrol and a lighter. One could make a compelling argument that you surprised an intruder, who shot you, then ran in fear before starting the fire they so clearly intended to set.

But I’m afraid you don’t get easy answers like that.

No. I am going to leave you here, along with all of your tapes. I am going to clean up any traces of a trail I may have left. I am going to clean the petrol from the floor—oh, you’re surprised by that, aren’t you? Surprised I’m willing to do that much work? Well, I admit it’s not my preference, but I can hardly ask the cleaning staff to do it without revealing why it needs to be done. At any rate, I will clean up the mess.

I think I’ll leave the bloodstain on your desk, though. After all, we will need to have some sort of explanation for why I am forced to hire a new Archivist.

Oh, but why bother, I seem to hear you ask? Why go to all this trouble to conceal your death, if I am only going to replace you?

Well. It’s quite simple, Gertrude. And perhaps you know the answer already, but then again, you do sometimes miss the obvious. So, since there’s nothing you can do about it, I’m going to tell you.

I’m doing this for Tim.

[LOW, CRUEL, ECHOING LAUGHTER, GRADUALLY GROWING LOUDER AND LOUDER UNTIL IT FINALLY REACHES A FEVER PITCH]

[CLICK]

[angel---eater]

i kinda wish sometimes that i had more ppl to just like discuss and jam about meat&candy but im having way way way too much of a good time vibing on my own

[dekalko-mania]

Made this into a full fledged twitter fic oop. For context:

datsdash- dash

goldengirl- star

pauliepocket- paulina

kwakwakkwan- kwan

sadmidwesterner - wes

big nate- nathan

tiffie- tiffany 

jedimikey- mikey

girlinred- valerie

daleybugle- dale

kyleyjenner- kyle

ishedeadorsleeping- unknown

and some generic ones. enjoy ! :))

TLDR: Amity Park has unhinged tweets and questionable fan accounts. Outsider POV.

@ishedeadorsleeping

New account created. Reply below to welcome me to Twitter!

-@caspersuckss

Is this another one of those Casper accounts? Let it go guys, no one gives a shit about your ‘ghost’ bs

-@KwakKwakKwan

It isn’t ‘bs’ man, we were literally sucked into a whole other dimension last year, how did you not notice

-@caspersuckss

Cause it never happened, you’re probably just trying to stay relevant cause your team sucks ass

-@KwakKwakKwan

Says the guy making a whole account dedicated to hating on us, get a life dude

____

@ishedeadorsleeping

Probably should’ve said this earlier, but this account is for Casper High only. If you’re reading this and you’re from Elmerton High, don’t. Go away. No one likes you.

(150 likes, 50 retweets)

-@goldengirl

I see an Elmerton kid and I call the CDC

____

@datsdash

I’m all for @ishedeadorsleeping hating on Elmerton, but why the hell is their profile pic a picture of fenturd asleep in the basketball hoop during gym

-@KwakKwakKwan

Their banner is just a bunch of mini sleeping fenton collages, disturbed but intrigued

-@pauliepocket

How the hell does Fenton have a fanpage before I do, has everyone gone crazy?

-@goldengirl

Ok but has anyone noticed how long his eyelashes are? Someone find me his lash tech

-@bignate

it probably has something to do with his parents’ sentient ectoplasm getting into his brain and mutating him

-@goldengirl

👀 product launch ?? @officialfentonworks

____

@datsdash

For everyone wondering yes i put danny in there it was me all me

(Image attached: patrick with the acrylics meme)

____

@ishedeadorsleeping

I’ve gotten like fifty confused dms so ig I have to clear the air. This account is for Danny Fenton sleeping content only. Rating system from 1-10, feel free to send submissions. Reason for creating: I’m bored.

-@goldengirl

Following this account feels questionable

-@tiffie

You were literally one of the first to follow?

-@goldengirl

I said it was questionable, not that I wasn’t following 🙄

____

@ishedeadorsleeping   

Behold first pic of specimen in his natural habitat. Scientific name: the fentons’ spawn. Commonly called: Danny. Negative points for moist desk. Bonus points for dedication. It took Lancer five tries to wake him up. Total score: 8/10.

(Image attached: Danny splayed over his desk. His arms are dangling off the sides, and there’s a puddle of drool beside his mouth. His expression is unflattering, caught mid snore. Lancer is standing over him, unimpressed)

-@tiffie  

Disagree, score should be 6/10. Reason: gross

-@KwakKwakKwan

Drooling Danny looks like he chews on tinfoil

-@goldengirl

Thank you drooling danny for reminding me why im gay 💞⭐

-@pauliepocket

Drooling danny is an ally 💅🏻

____

@pauliepocket

Who else thinks @ishedeadorsleeping is secretly @sadmidwesterner 

(300 likes)

-@sadmidwesterner

Why is everyone @ing me??? This is slander !!!

-@KwakKwakKwan 

I mean who else is obsessed with fenton and carries around a camera with a six foot tripod

-@sadmidwesterner

I’m not obsessed with fenton, im obsessed with the TRUTH

-@daleybugle

Hey i think this is for you @unhingedwestweets

-@sadmidwesterner

Who is making all these accounts!????!! I will SUE you hear me? SUE!

-@goldengirl

Ok nevel

-@sadmidwesterner

laugh it up but just know nevel is a young entrepreneur with a very successful haberdashery business and i will not let his name be smeared

____

@ishedeadorsleeping  

Saw this on the way to class. Thought it was just a really big rock, but on closer inspection saw it was Danny. Headfirst in a pile of snow. 6/10 for hypothermia. Thoughts?

(Attached image: Danny with his head stuffed into a pile of snow. Looks like a sleeping dodo bird.)

-@JediMikey 

Um shouldn’t you have woken him up? That looks kind of … dangerous

-@ishedeadorsleeping

He seemed cozy 🥰

-@KwakKwakKwan

Is that blood on his sleeve????

-@ishedeadorsleeping

Its not his i checked

-@KwakKwakKwan

Oh good i was getting worried there !

-@casperhighhater 

Do you people even hear yourselves ????

____

@goldengirl

You know, I used to think Danny was a loser for sleeping everywhere but honestly im a junior now and i get it

-@daleybugle

He knew the secret to life all along

-@datsdash

I for one still think hes a mole man but lie to yourselves ig

____

@ishedeadorsleeping   

This just in, Drooling Danny has been spotted at Amity Park Pride. Eyewitnesses say he may be the next Babadook. I am the eyewitness. 10/10 for being an lgbt icon.

(Quoted retweet: original post below)

@goldengirl  

Hot girls carry life-sized cardboard cutouts of drooling danny. Hot girls being me and @pauliepocket 😘

(Image attached: Star and Paulina posing beside a three foot tall cutout of Drooling Danny’s head attached to a tiny body. The crowd around them is going wild.)

-@daleybugle

You guys did Danny dirty, wdym life sized 💀

-@ishedeadorsleeping 

This post has been up for less than an hour and someone already changed his wiki bio to three feet tall

-@datsdash

It was me im the star

-@JediMikey

Since when has danny had a wiki page ??

____

@datsdash

Did anyone else notice how freaked out phantom looked when he saw the cutout? @goldengirl @pauliepocket You're scaring away the bitches !!!!

____

@JediMikey

Dash has a crush on phantom???? Since when????

-@datsdash

He was my bi awakening where the hell have you been

-@JediMikey 

But…if you’re bi then why do you always make fun of me

-@datsdash

I don’t make fun of you cause you’re gay, I make fun of you cause you’re a loser and you smell like blue cheese

-@JediMikey

oh.

____

@KwakKwakKwan

Im confused why is everyone saying danny is three feet tall, he’s literally almost his dad’s height now

-@goldengirl

No he’s three feet i measured him myself

-@pauliepocket

I can confirm I was the ruler

-@KwakKwakKwan

??????

____

@bignate

Why is mikey walking around with a string of evergreen air fresheners around his neck

-@daleybugle

-@JediMikey

Id rather not talk about it

Dash said he smells like blue cheese

-@bignate

Well i happen to think he smells very nice

-@JediMikey

:)

____

@officialphanclub

Join us everyone for our weekly phantom manifestation circle. Meeting starts at 6 today and will be held in the auditorium. 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

-@datsdash

🧿🧿🧿🧿

-@JediMikey

Aren’t you guys basically conducting a summoning?

-@officialphanclub

For legal reasons please refer to it as a ✨ manifestation circle ✨

-@KwakKwakKwan

Not to be a downer, but what if you accidentally summon something else? The auditorium is like the only part of the school that’s not haunted

-@pauliepocket

Sounds like a problem for the theater kids 🤷🏽

-@KwakKwakKwan

Poor them

-@pauliepocket

They can literally survive a nuclear war

-@KwakKwakKwan

Not the theater kids, the ghost. They’re doing wicked this year

-@pauliepocket

Oh no

____

@bignate

Please for the love of god make it stop !!!!

(Attached video: theater kids climbing the cafeteria tables and performing Wicked’s “Popular.” Everyone around them is doubled over covering their ears. Mikey is heard crying in the background.)

-@JediMikey

Someone pirouetted and knocked me unconscious. I’m tweeting this from the emergency room help me

-@genericnerd

(Attached image: meme of the fish from spongebob on his knees throwing his fist in the air)

____

@KwakKwakKwan

Hey uh is anyone else kinda worried that danny might not be too happy when he finds @ishedeadorsleeping’s account ???

-@goldengirl

Neither him or his loser friends have any social media, i highly doubt he’ll see anything

-@KwakKwakKwan

maybe…..

____

@ishedeadorsleeping  

It has come to my attention that some of you are concerned Danny may not approve of this account. Don’t worry, he will never know. Anyway, enjoy this 10/10 shot of him sleeping in the middle of @officialphanclub’s summoning circle.

-@KwakKwakKwan

Oh thats a relief, thanks a lot man

-@casperhighhater

!!!! @amityparkunhingedtweets

-@sadmidwesterner

He appeared when you guys were trying to summon phantom!? Wake up people!! HES A GHOST

-@pauliepocket

No hes not hes an aries

-@sadmidwesterner

What does that have to do with him getting summoned????

-@goldengirl

Dont even try paulie, he wouldnt get it 🙄

-@sadmidwesterner

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

____

@KyleyJenner

Hey guys pls be careful with my brother, hes very fragile and recovering from hemorrhoids

____

@KyleyJenner

(This account has been temporarily suspended and is under review)

____

@ishedeadorsleeping  

First submission everyone!! 10/10 for composition, lighting, and overall sleep quality. Impressive straight 90 degree angle on that locker!

(Attached image: Taken from the side. Danny on the floor with his back against the lockers. Head is slumped down but looks very comfortable. Weird shadow in the background.)

-@genericcheerleader

ik hes a dork but hear me out-

-@tiffie

This is my version of asmr

-@KwakKwakKwan

Yes officer this man right here @unhingedwestweets

-@sadmidwesterner

What did i do now??

-@KwakKwakKwan

Dude. You’re literally standing there in the background holding some holy water.

-@sadmidwesterner

That could be anyone!! And it could just be regular water !!

-@KwakKwakKwan

(Image attached: zoomed in and higher resolution photo clearly showing Wes is the one in the back. He’s holding a water bottle marked HOLY WATER.)

-@sadmidwesterner

….ive changed

____

@girlinred

What the fuck ? @ishedeadorsleeping

-@KwakKwakKwan

!!!!!! @goldengirl

@goldengirl

Oh shit i forgot he has non-loser friends too

[solardee]

Dawn of a New Dream - Chapter 1

Long ago, two races ruled over the earth; HUMANS and MONSTERS.

They did not always get along. Presumptions, concerns, stereotypes caused endless friction amongst the various creatures of the earth, even if they happened not to abide by those two strict categories.

And indeed, there were those caught up in the strife that did not abide.

Deep in the core of the forest Heorte were two such creatures. The woods dense with gnarled tree roots, pulsing steadily with life and magic in every leaf. Sunlight trickled in from the canopy above in a lazy pattern that begged one to take a rest under the branches. 

It was idyllic. It was perfect.

A sneeze rings out amongst the plant life, startling several small creatures from their resting places as a tiny skeleton monster sits up from the roots and scrubs at his nasal ridge. Clad in pink and yellow, a golden crown like a sunrise sitting haphazardly on his skull, the babybones rubbed his sockets a bit to shake off the residual sleepiness in his limbs.

“Huh? Did I fall asleep?” he asked seemingly to no one, small voice echoing in the forest clearing in front of him.

“Well, you weren’t awake,” drifted a softer voice from above. Another skeleton was there, dressed in soft lavender and blue with a silver crown that honored the setting sun. He was leaning against the trunk calmly as he sat on the branch, legs dangling beneath him with a slight sway as if he'd been kicking them out before the other below him had woken.

“Hmf! Well maaaaaybe I just had my eyes closed, Dusk!” the pink skeleton replied, crossing his arms in front of his puffed out chest. Canary yellow eyelights peered up into the apple laden branches, failing to appear as grumpy as the babybones clearly wanted them to be.

Dusk above snorted, lavender eyelights glittering with mirth as he looked down, “Uhuh, so do you snore with your sockets closed for fun now Dawn?”

“I don’t snore!” Dawn shouted back with righteous indignity.

“Yeah you do, you just did!”

“Did not!”

“Did too!”

“Did not!”

“Did too, times infinity!” 

Dawn gasped, scrambling to his feet as he glared up at his brother in the tree canopy, “That’s not fair, you can’t use ALL the numbers!”

“Can too~” Dusk grinned, wiggling lightly in place and clearly pleased with himself, “it’s not my fault you can’t count that high.”

Dawn made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a raspberry being blown, and Dusk stuck his tongue out at the other in kind.

“Alright that’s it! I’m coming up there right now!” the pink skeleton huffed, stomping his foot before clambering over to the tree and taking hold.

“Nuh-uh, it’s my turn up here now, the tree agrees with me!” Dusk argued back as he pressed his magic into the branch he was seated upon. The vines dangling from the canopy gently came to life, wrapping around Dawn like a weighted wisteria colored blanket to drag him back to gnarled roots.

“Hey-! That’s-! Cheating!!”

“See? I win, baby brother~”

Dawn struggled against the vines as they pressed him against the mossy forest floor, squirming like the misbehaving toddler he was (even if he was 6 now, far too big to be a toddler in his opinion no matter what Dusk said). With as much determination as his bones could muster Dawn freed his hand from the tangled mess of fauna and smacked it into the base of the tree. Soft yellow magic bloomed upwards, trailing yellow trumpet flowers in its wake on the trunk until it reached the branch his brother sat upon, and then-

“Eeeeek!”

Dusk’s squeal of surprise rang sharply through the forest as he tumbled to the ground below, Dawn’s magic having shaken the branch to knock him off. He collapsed into a soft pile of yellow flora beside the wisteria wrangled mess of his brother. Startled lavender eyelights stared up at the forest ceiling before Dusk twisted his head to lock eyes with his brother, giving him the angriest pout glare he could muster. Dawn responded in kind.

The glaring contest only lasted thirty seconds before peals of laughter echoed through the trees, golden and royal purple apples shimmered in the dappled sunlight from above.