#better formatting on AO3

[licorishh]

no way she's alive ?? yea those mental health breaks because social media makes people suck are wild huh

[cryiling]

my 2024 ao3 wrapped is heree! 😽🙌

top works:

jump then fall by @aravenlikeawritingdesk

A Nerd's Guide to Flirting by @saysiwrites

Leftovers by @brichibi

part-time soulmate, full-time problem by @aravenlikeawritingdesk

The Art of Saying You're Sorry by low_commotion

top authors:

nikkiRA (@aravenlikeawritingdesk)

shinealightonme (@toast-the-unknowing)

SaysiWrites (@saysiwrites)

sisi_rambles

Fangirl_on_fire (@fangirl-on-fire3)

thank you to all the amazing fanfic authors who made my year all the more better 🫶

[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

[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.

[applestorms]

sometimes i think an eating disorder is like a mental labyrinth of cognitive dissonance where you’re locked into an endless, hellish loop chasing a disfigured, disgusting, horrifying monster who is also yourself. other times i’m simply too hungry to think about much of anything at all.

anyways, here’s a thing i wrote about all that. it also has buff bird man cock, if that happens to entice you. and plenty of bad, terrible, horrible meals.

[encoreverie]

dissection of the heart

it's kinda sketchy and not extremely detailed, more abstract and messy to be honest and im kinda lost how to format and post this kind of art here?? i really need to get more info on it tbh

(full ↓↓↓)

[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)

[ollieofthebeholder]

And If Thou Wilt, Forget: a TMA fanfic

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

Chapter 41: Come back to me in dreams, that I may give

[CLICK]

[ENGINE RUMBLING, TIRES ON ROADWAY]

GERRY

Where did she even get the name Jan Kelly from, anyway?

TIM

Jan after Jan Kilbride, the guy from the Daedalus project who got…messed up by the Vast. Kelly was her mother’s maiden name.

GERRY

…Did she tell you that, or did the Eye?

TIM

Since I didn’t even know about this place until you told me, definitely the latter. Mind the pedestrian.

GERRY

No, I thought I’d just run him over. Picking bits of meat out of the undercarriage is so much fun.

[TIM SNORTS]

[SEVERAL MOMENTS OF SILENCE]

GERRY

She wouldn’t send us there if it was dangerous. Or at least she would have given us some kind of clue as to how to…dismantle her traps or whatever.

TIM

I just hope the bill’s still current. She told me once she always paid her bills as far in advance as she could, just in case she was delayed somewhere, but it’s been almost two years.

GERRY

Surely she wouldn’t have put something so important in a situation so precarious.

TIM

I guess we’ll find out.

It’s down there.

[TIRES CRUNCHING OVER ASPHALT]

[SLIGHT CREAK AS CAR STOPS]

[ENGINE SHUTS OFF]

GERRY

Come on. I remember which unit is hers, so it shouldn’t take us too long to find.

TIM

Sure.

[SEATBELTS UNBUCKLING]

[CAR DOORS OPEN, FOOTSTEPS ON ASPHALT, CAR DOORS SHUT]

[FOOTSTEPS ON PAVEMENT, SLOW TO A STOP]

[FRUSTRATED GROAN]

GERRY

Great. Of course there’s a keypad for entry. God alone knows what combination of numbers she would have used.

TIM

260147.

[BRIEF PAUSE]

[DISTINCT SOUNDS OF THOSE SIX NUMBERS BEING PUNCHED INTO A KEYPAD]

[CHEERFUL DOUBLE BEEP]

[CLUNK OF A LOCK DISENGAGING]

GERRY

…Okay, God and you know.

Did she pick it herself for a reason, or was it random?

TIM

She picked it herself. For the same reason I would have used 140385, and can we please not ask those kinds of questions for a bit? That kind of Knowing isn’t my usual area of expertise, but I’m getting the information anyway and it’s starting to give me a headache.

GERRY

Sorry.

[DOOR OPENS]

GERRY

Come on. It’s this way.

[FOOTSTEPS ECHOING SLIGHTLY ON A CONCRETE FLOOR, BUT OTHERWISE ABOUT THIRTY SECONDS OF SILENCE]

TIM

Any guesses as to what it is she left us?

GERRY

No. You?

…Not asking the nosy bastard, just asking you.

[TIM LAUGHS A LITTLE]

TIM

Not a clue, which is a refreshing change.

Probably something we’d never expect in a million years.

GERRY

Hmm.

Do we think you don’t have a clue because she somehow hid it from the Ceaseless Watcher, or just because it’s letting you build anticipation?

TIM

…

The second one. It’s probably trying to get me curious.

Or maybe it’s just because that’s not the sort of thing I usually can just…do. Most of the information I pull out of nowhere legit is stuff I already knew but had no reason to use, and…I dunno, there’s probably a common theme for the stuff it usually gives me, but I can’t come up with it right now.

Anyway, unless she’s keeping her sister’s skull in there or something, I don’t think I’d just get that information.

[SQUEAK OF SOLES AGAINST THE FLOOR AS GERRY WHIRLS AROUND]

GERRY

Her what?

TIM

I told you, if I’d picked a code I’d have used 140385. That was Danny’s birthday. Gertrude lost her younger sister to one of the Fourteen. It’s why she went to work at the Institute in the first place, and why she offered me the job. We’re cut from the same cloth.

GERRY

Jesus fucking Christ on a pogo stick.

[RUSTLE OF FABRIC AS HE PULLS TIM INTO A FIERCE HUG]

[SEVERAL MOMENTS OF SILENCE]

[TIM PULLS BACK]

TIM

…Thanks for that, Ger.

GERRY

Any time.

Come on. We should almost be there.

[MORE FOOTSTEPS, EVENTUALLY SLOWING TO A HALT]

TIM

This one?

GERRY

Yep.

No cameras, so that’s good. Although I suppose if someone’s trying to spy on us, they wouldn’t need cameras.

TIM

We’re good. No one’s watching.

[JINGLE OF KEYS]

GERRY

…Sure of that, are you?

TIM

Yep.

[LOUD JANGLING CLUNK AS TIM SELECTS A KEY AND LETS THE OTHERS DROP]

GERRY

Wait, no, hang on. How can you be so sure?

TIM

[Audibly grinning] Finally figured it out earlier today. You know how I have that problem where it’ll randomly just feel like my finger’s swelling up and the ring gets uncomfortably tight?

GERRY

Yeah?

TIM

It’s not random.

I was talking with Martin earlier and he was ranting about a bunch of stuff he’s probably had bottled up for a while, and one of the things he was complaining about was feeling like he was being watched. Mostly as a joke, I put the picture on Sasha’s desk face down, and as soon as I did, the ring suddenly got so loose it actually popped right off. While I was waiting for you, I thought about it, and I realized that all the times it got tight was when we were doing something that someone might have wanted to know, or when Gertrude or Elias—or Jon, unintentionally anyway—was trying to directly Know what I was thinking. It gets tight whenever someone is trying to magically spy on me. Right now it feels fine, so we’re safe.

Let’s see what’s in here.

[RATTLE OF KEY BEING INSERTED INTO LOCK]

[FAINT CLICK OF LOCK]

[MUFFLED JINGLE OF KEYS AND LOCK BEING DROPPED INTO A POCKET]

[RATTLE, CREAK, AND GROAN OF A METAL STORAGE DOOR BEING FORCED UPWARDS]

GERRY

Holy war zone.

TIM

Frith and Inlé. I didn’t expect this much stuff.

GERRY

You know Gertrude. If something’s worth doing, it’s worth…digging through two dozen decaying unmarked cardboard boxes.

Still. She couldn’t have at least left us a map?

TIM

…I think maybe she did.

GERRY

…Oh.

TIM

Probably should worry me that it’s only got my name on it, but…

[TWO FOOTSTEPS]

There’s a recorder here. That’s what was keeping the tape upright. Want to listen to it here or take it home first?

GERRY

…

I don’t think I’ll last the two hours it’ll take to get home. Besides, we want to find…whatever it is she left to stop the Unknowing, right? Maybe she spelled it out on the recording. Let’s listen now.

[RATTLE OF THE DOOR CLOSING]

TIM

Our choices seem to be sitting on the floor or…standing.

GERRY

Yeah, no, I’m lazy. Sit.

[FABRIC RUSTLES, SLIGHT SOUND OF CARDBOARD BOXES SHIFTING MARGINALLY AS THEY SETTLE ON THE FLOOR AND GET COMFORTABLE]

[TAPE CLICK]

[A QUIET SPACE]

GERTRUDE

Tim. And Gerard, I suppose, you two don’t tend to keep secrets from one another. Which serves you well.

The time is seventeen minutes past two in the afternoon, fourteenth of March, 2015. As I record this, you are on your way to Çukurova, Turkey, by way of Istanbul. I have just finished speaking with you about returning to London due to the imminence of the Dark’s ritual, the Extinguished Sun.

If you are listening to this recording, it means I’m dead.

[TIM INHALES SHARPLY]

More specifically, it means that I am dead and that my…current theory was incorrect. There is no real point in repeating it now, I suppose. I’ve taken precautions not to be overheard, but there is still the risk. If I am correct, I will tell you about it when you return to London, as it will greatly inform our path going forward, but if I am wrong, there’s no reason for you to worry about it, and telling you will only send you down the wrong and, may I say, dangerous path.

So. To business. You are hearing this because I was able to disrupt the Dark’s ritual, but it likely cost me my life. This means that Elias will be appointing a new Archivist.

The position will not lie fallow for long. It cannot. The Archives need an Archivist, and so does the Ceaseless Watcher. I assume—or rather, I hope—it will be Sasha James, from Research; her background in Artifact Storage will give her a better chance of understanding. However, it may not be, and Elias may have made a different choice for some reason. Should Elias offer you the position, Tim—do not accept it. It will place you both in grave danger. Even graver than the danger you are already in.

(Momentary pause) On the topic of Elias. I know I don’t need to tell you not to trust him; you are already wise enough not to. And you’ve been good about avoiding him up to this point. That will be…far less simple in my absence, at least for you, Tim, so please listen very carefully to what I am about to tell you, and please, believe what I am saying.

The person you know as Elias Bouchard was originally known as Jonah Magnus—

[RECORDER CLATTERS TO THE FLOOR]

TIM

What?!

GERRY

No, no, I must have—we had to have misheard that, play that again, that can’t—

[TAPE REWINDS]

[TAPE CLICK]

GERTRUDE

—and please, believe what I am saying.

The person you know as Elias Bouchard was originally known as Jonah Magnus, the founder of this Institute. I have also known him as James Wright, and before that as Richard Mendelsson. He has found a way to extend his life by…placing it in other bodies, and taking on their identities. A slightly less obvious method than that employed by Maxwell Rayner, I suppose, but no less insidious.

[TAPE CLICK]

[SEVERAL SECONDS OF SILENCE]

TIM

Fuck me sideways and call me a snake.

GERRY

(With a pathetic attempt at humor) I know it’s serious when you aren’t swearing in Lapine.

TIM

I just…I…fuck.

Elias Bouchard has been Jonah Magnus this whole time? No wonder…

GERRY

No wonder what?

TIM

No wonder I can’t figure him out. He’s had—what, two hundred years of being…

GERRY

An asshole?

TIM

The Grand Mystic Pooh-Bah of assholes. And also a servitor of the Ceaseless Watcher.

He’s…he’s old, Gerry. Not just old, but ancient. And I don’t mean that in the sense of “he’s past his prime”, I mean that in—

GERRY

I know. You mean “ancient” like “ancient power.” Like the kind that gets written about on temple walls and whispered about behind closed doors.

TIM

Yeah.

And I think I’m strong enough to keep that out of my head?

GERRY

You are. He believed you when you said you didn’t have the keys to the Archivist’s office, right?

TIM

I mean, I assume so, but—

GERRY

No. No, you’re right, he has to believe it. You said he was disappointed, yeah? Probably because he made plans assuming you did, that you’d lie and say you didn’t but keep them and could…do exactly what you just did and break into Jon’s office when he wasn’t aware. Make him more paranoid. But you convinced him you didn’t and that threw off his plans.

TIM

…Which is why he suddenly remembered he had the key to the trap door and gave it to me to give to Jon. Either in hopes I would “forget” to give it to him, or that I’d make a copy before I did.

GERRY

God. He’s such a bastard.

What’s he up to, anyway?

TIM

Maybe we should keep listening and find out.

GERRY

…Yeah. Yeah, go ahead.

[FABRIC RUSTLES AS HE PULLS TIM CLOSER]

[TAPE CLICK]

GERTRUDE

You’ve worked out, I’m sure, that he has certain…abilities of clairvoyance. On the off chance you haven’t worked out exactly what those abilities are, he has the ability to perceive out of any eye, real or symbolic, which is why I never keep photographs in the Archives. I’m not certain if Gerard’s tattoos are the exception or if he’s not aware of them or if it’s simply that the two of you have the skills to ward him away without knowing that you are doing so, but whatever the case, he doesn’t seem to be…entirely aware of your presence, Gerard.

Use that to your advantage.

I know that you are both well capable of protecting yourselves, both mentally and physically. Your bond to one another is a source of strength. Your knowledge is another. Keeping the Archives in a state of chaos is a third, and I trust you enough to help maintain that; I believe Elias’s plan would benefit from their organization. But I also know that you are both quite skilled in the mental shields I have instructed you in, and that you have developed on your own. Keep using them. It is not only the Ceaseless Watcher that may seek to slip past your defenses, so be on your guard.

It is also up to you to protect the new Archivist, whomever she—or he, I suppose—may be.

The Unknowing is approaching fast. You know this. I am still not certain of the timeline for it, but if you are listening to this tape it is still coming. Perhaps you have been able to ascertain that information by now, perhaps not, but either way, the new Archivist will not be prepared for what is to come. Even if it is Sasha, she may be prepared to accept the paranormal and the dangerous aspects thereof, but she doesn’t know the details like you do. The Archivist will need that information to succeed.

That being said.

I assume that if there is a new Archivist, there are also new assistants. Sasha may not appoint others, as I have mentioned to her that I don’t need any more help than you, Tim, but she may, and a different Archivist will also likely want a full staff. Which means you are likely dealing with a minimum of two new assistants—Martin Blackwood will, presumably, be one, but I cannot even begin to hazard a guess as to the second, and I don’t intend to try. It doesn’t matter. Be extremely cautious of them, and of how much information to divulge to them. I trust your judgment, but please be sure to weigh in your decision where they came from and why they are in the Archives. And if the new Archivist asks you to keep them ignorant, you will need to defer to their decision. At least to begin with.

(Deep breath) I will be recording a tape for the Archivist to come after me sometime before…before you return, or before the Extinguished Sun is due to…occur. I plan to give them enough information to get started with, but not the full details. I will also instruct them to play that tape for you, Tim, making no mention of this one. Be warned that if they do not—or have not done so, should you for some reason be listening to this after the new Archivist has taken the position—they may not have the best interests of the world at heart. They may also simply be skeptical, or perhaps simply willfully ignorant, pretending to ignore the truth as a defense mechanism or a pathetic attempt at safety. Whatever the case may be, if the current Archivist has not or does not take you into their confidence…trust no one but each other.

…

I don’t enjoy this level of paranoia. I certainly don’t enjoy that I am handing it on to you. But if it keeps the two of you safe, and if you can save the world in the bargain, I’ll accept it.

I am…fond of you both. I can admit that here and now. I’m fairly certain that this room is warded enough that anyone who may use that against me won’t be able to hear, and if they do, hopefully there won’t be time for them to use it against me. I…I hope you’re able to listen to this, and I’ve not put you in danger just by admitting that. (Heh) I suppose I must be getting sentimental in my old age. I’ll have to tell you about a few. If for some reason you’re listening to this even though I am still alive, likely because I’ve forgotten to actually destroy it, remind me to tell you about Emma. And Michael. I suppose I should tell you about Michael.

I hope you’ll both forgive me when I do.

(Sharp inhale) Right. I believe I’ve rambled long enough. You have work to do.

Hold onto the key to the storage unit until you are certain you can trust the new Archivist. Either wait for them to get up to speed on everything that they need to know or, if the Unknowing is too close to allow them that kind of time, bring them here. Hopefully they will not get quite so…obsessed that they gain powers too quickly, which means your abilities will be the more prominent, but nevertheless, between you and the Archivist you ought to be able to locate my contingency plan. Unless you and Gerard have found a better option. I rather hope you have, as this one may be…drastic, but regardless, this ought to be a good place to discuss. Everything here is safe. At least from Elias.

I don’t have much to leave behind, but what I do have is yours, Tim. Use it well and in good health.

One final request, and I hope you have returned in enough time to fulfill it for me. I registered a plan some time ago that when I die, I wish to have my remains cremated. I updated my will after returning    to London from Chicago to state that I wanted them sent to you, but if that does not go through, they may be sent to the Institute, in which case you will need to find some way of intercepting them or obtaining them from Rosie.

There is a disused burial ground in Dover with the stones overgrown, one that no one bothers to visit anymore. Somewhere in that ground is a stone for Grace Robinson. I…I ask that you scatter my ashes on her grave, and tell her…

Tell her what you wish you could say to Daniel.

Whatever else comes…good luck.

[TAPE CLICK]

[SEVERAL LONG MOMENTS OF SILENCE]

GERRY

Oh, Tim.

[TIM GIVES A SLIGHTLY BROKEN LAUGH]

TIM

You know what the worst part of it is?

GERRY

That none of that surprised you? Well, except the part about Elias Bouchard being Jonah fucking Magnus. I don’t know that I’ll ever be over that.

TIM

Honestly, no. That’s the second worst part.

The worst part is…I was just about to the point where I trusted him. Jon, I mean. Not Elias. There was never any conceivable universe where I trusted Elias. But Jon? I was ready to believe he was on the up and up.

GERRY

Bang goes that theory.

Do you think he killed Gertrude?

TIM

I don’t know. I don’t know that that matters anymore, honestly. If it was Jon or a random intruder or someone taking revenge for whatever she did to stop the Extinguished Sun or, hell, maybe that was how she stopped the Extinguished Sun, get into an old fashioned pistol duel with someone.

The important thing is that Jon knows about all this, and he’s chosen not to believe it, or else he’s chosen not to trust me. And that means I can’t trust him.

It means we’re on our own.

GERRY

Again.

TIM

Or still.

…

So I guess the big question is…now what?

[CLICK]

[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!

[nebulations]

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

[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.)

[openphrase123]

ao3 isn't letting me format today's four eyes chapter, let's all cross our fingers and hope it gets through today. ao3 is HIDING my toxic isaloop chapter from you