#but i’m like ok. search up a couple other things and think about who might have it and on a WHIM look up vsco in ash notthequiettype’s acct

[crossbackpoke-check]

about to be sooo nosy so. my apologies. but. morgan frost? girlfriend? do share (or don’t! again this is so nosy i’m sorry)

for legal purposes i can neither confirm nor deny anything about morgan and his girlfriend but afaik i think he’s single right now? at one point (within the past four years 😭) he did for sure have a girlfriend and that is the extent of my wag knowledge

[ropes3amthoughts]

Kabru no last name you fascinate me. I can’t stop thinking about him. He’s such an interesting guy. Here are a couple of moments I’ve been thinking about (there are so so many more but I can only put 10 images at a time, also this isn’t a proper cleaned up essay or anything I am just rambling):

Kabru has such a weird little set of morals. What I’m making of this is essentially he thinks if someone is greedy, a thief, doesn’t want to kill monsters, and/or doesn’t want to lift the curse on the dungeon, it makes them a bad person. If someone is a bad person, it makes them irredeemable and therefore it’s 100% ok and ethical to kill them because they deserved it. But if you steal from the people who stole from you, you are just as bad as them, which is a very odd and neat little thing for him to say, at least to me. So it’s ok to kill the guys who tried to kill them, but not in a revenge like fashion. It’s only ok if they’re bad people and therefore deserve it? In that case, he isn’t the type to think two wrongs make a right, he’s more of a “evil should be punished no matter what”? This behavior seems to be normal because his party (I didn’t include the image because I have very little image space) seems to expect and encourage Kabru killing the thieves and agree with this way of thinking. They seem to know of Kabru’s desire to conquer the dungeon for good and do good, even if it’s in a vigilante justice way that may or may not involve killing a few people.

I also think it’s interesting how Kabru determines when justice is needed. When they catch up to Laios’ party, (image also not included because Tumblr is a bitch and I want to talk about so many things with Kabru and it’s like “erm only 10 images fuck you”) Rin ushers Kabru to take action immediately since they are the thieves and Kabru had said he thinks they aren’t good people. Kabru, however, wants to meet the party and learn more about their motivations. This makes me think there’s two possibilities as to why he said they’re bad, but he doesn’t want to take any action: He does think the Touden party is made of bad people, but he isn’t entirely sure, and he wants to confirm they are bad people before he takes action or he lied to his party to encourage them to go along with him because they seem very adamant about getting revenge/serving justice and they might not be as open to spending two weeks in the dungeon searching for Laios and Co. if Kabru just said “I’m unsure what kind of people they are, but I’d like to find out.” I think either is equally possible, since Kabru is precise and his assumptions can often be wrong, and he tends to lie to people if it helps him reach his goals.

There’s also this part which I find very interesting. He thinks Laios is being selfish for letting all those people die because he can’t stand to kill Falin, all because he loves her. Kabru makes a valid point here, Falin is a monster and she is killing others, so she needs to be stopped, even if she’s Laios’ sister. Laios realizes this himself, it causes him to come to his senses and even attack her himself. Then he makes a valid point about how they can’t kill Falin because it will draw Thistle to them. He listened to Kabru, and agreed with him to an extent, and offered valid criticism. Kabru is killed before he can say what he wants, but it’s clear this moment gives Kabru faith in Laios. He is interested enough to listen to him after being revived and wonders if he is a good candidate for conquering the dungeon, something that has proved wildly unsuccessful before because everybody was deemed too corrupt and selfish.

With the conversation with the elves, it’s clear he doesn’t think Laios is the best person to be conquering the dungeon, only thinking about monsters and not the future of the island or humanity, but he has potential. He’s smart, he’s capable, he cares about others, and he is a tallman, a short lived race, who is closest to conquering the dungeon. Kabru doesn’t know Laios very well at this point, saying he’ll “deal with him later” likely meaning he’s going to properly judge him and decide what Kabru thinks he deserves, like how he did with the corpse revivers. He probably wouldn’t depend on someone he’s unsure about so much if it weren’t for the pressure of the Canaries.

This drives me crazy. “Am I really ok with this?” The dungeon could’ve been conquered and sealed off right then, the threat of monsters neutralized, which is Kabru’s goal. But he doesn’t want elves to take over because they always look down on other races, take things from them, and don’t explain anything. He wants answers, he wants a more equal distribution of power amongst races. He sees short lived races conquering the dungeon as something that must happen.

I think about this so much. Kabru is fully prepared to kill himself and Mithrun here if it means it’ll buy Laios time to conquer the dungeon. Something that’s so interesting to me is that Kabru will do anything to get others to like him, but it’s not because he wants people to like him, it’s because he wants to manipulate them into acting in the interest of his goal. But he’s not a manipulative and bad person, he’s hoping to manipulate people and do whatever else is necessary for the good of humanity. This just drives me so crazy. Kabru uses himself as a tool in order to use others to reach his goal of helping humanity. Kabru can be selfish at times, thinking he has the right to decide who lives and who dies, or stopping the elves from sealing the dungeon because he doesn’t want elves to take control of it, but it’s also for good reasons. I can’t get over the fact Kabru is willing to kill himself and Mithrun to help Laios. It’s clear he’s no stranger to dying, but it’s also clear he’s a bit too eager to offer his own life as some sort of sacrifice.

This second half is written August 4th and the original half was written July 28th so the post’s tone gets totally fucked up past here. I’ve had this in my drafts for like a week and I forgot about it 😭 I’m just gonna leave the stuff above this unedited so it can reflect the original image for this post. The images beneath this were already here, but they didn’t have anything written about them so I’m just gonna try and remember what I wanted to say about them.

I think I was gonna rant about how much he loves people here? Something about how he’s super cute? Something about his smile? He does have a lovely smile. Every time he smiles, an angel grows ten pairs of wings and fifty eyes and ascends to biblically accurate status. Or maybe I was gonna talk about how he has an interest in others at the expense of himself? Like he’s so fascinated with people but he pays little mind to himself and what’s good for him and like his life. Or maybe I was just going to affectionately call him a freak?

I’m medicated now but I was not on meds like a week ago when I was writing this because they ran out. I was so much worse about him not on meds you guys it was nuts. Like I’m always nuts about him anyways but like I genuinely couldn’t think about anything besides him. Usually I think about other things too, like what music I want to listen to or what I’m gonna eat for dinner but like while I was doing literally everything I couldn’t stop thinking about him. This isn’t an exaggeration like I was eating dinner and instead of thinking “yummy dinner” I was recounting the events of “On the First Floor” and wanting to explode. When I was listening to music he kept popping into my mind. I couldn’t process a single word being said to me and I was just blabbering on about him. Without my meds to save me he would seriously consume my every waking thought. Can you guys imagine what would happen if I ran out of both of my meds 😭 I only ran out of one and it was wacko lmao the Kabru posting that would ensue from 0 meds would be really crazy I think. I hope I’m never going to see that happen though because when I’m off both of my meds I get all fucked up and sad and unmotivated and paranoid like it’s a whole mess like there’s a reason they hooked me up on two different meds lol.

Anyways, I don’t remember what no-meds-me was gonna say. I tried looking for clues on discord but all I could find from that day was that I saw a picture of him and I got so excited I felt like throwing up, I started gripping my legs and sweating (because I saw another picture of him), and my face hurt from smiling (because I was thinking about him), so I don’t think that’s any help at all. I think I was just being extra nuts that day (because no meds), but this looks like a pretty well put together rant? I honestly don’t know what I was going to do with these pictures since they don’t seem to follow the natural progression of the rant. There’s a lot to be said about every single image of him so this could’ve been like a spit let anything. Yeah so I have no idea what past-me wanted to be said about this picture.

I’m like 90% sure I wanted to gush about how stupid he looks here. Like bro doesn’t know how to care about himself at all 😭 I’m also pretty sure I wanted to go on a rant about that one IKEA poll. Ok so basically there was this poll that was like “Could Kabru (Dungeon Meshi) assemble IKEA furniture? 1. He would try it and be good at it 2. He would try it and fail 3. He wouldn’t try it, but if he did he’d be great at it 4. He didn’t try it and if he did nothing good would come from it.” And for some reason a lot of people were convinced he could and would be able to assemble IKEA furniture? Look at this man for like five seconds then look me in the eyes and see if you can still tell me with full confidence you think he could and would be able to assemble IKEA furniture. No way in hell Kabru as in “Cooking? Laundry? I don’t know much about that.” “Dust cloth? I don’t have one. What is it for?” “He just likes to clean up sometimes. I told him he doesn’t have to.” Kabru could assemble IKEA furniture. Also he probably wouldn’t anyways. He’d buy IKEA furniture and be confused why it isn’t assembled already and then he’d just leave the pieces in a corner and his landlord would assemble it for him. Kabru would be all like “Oh, you don’t have to do that. Really, it’s fine :)” but then the landlord would do it anyways and secretly he’d think to himself “I’m glad he did that because I was never going to put that together myself.” What a silly man. He’s so smart and charming and cool, but he doesn’t know what a dust cloth is. What a guy.

I feel like I’ve already talked about this picture before so I don’t know why it’s included? I could probably talk about this picture several more times though. Man he’s so crazy though what the hell. He has one million things wrong with him I love him.

I don’t remember if past me wanted to say anything after the pictures too. Maybe I should’ve just posted this without putting words on the last three pictures of just deleted them man idk. I should just get this out of my drafts though because this little thing is just gonna collect dust. I do still like Kabru I just totally forgot what I was doing with this rant and the remaining images. I’m just like awkwardly filling in the blanks lmao. Maybe I’ll write another rant on him all in one go so the rhythm doesn’t get all messed up and I can say all the things I want to say. I probably will lmao I love to talk about him.

[shieldofiron]

Billy Hargrove’s Haunted Bong

For Harringrove Week March 29, Happy Billyday! Also on AO3 Here.

Specific Dialogue: “You don’t know what you put me through.”

NSFT-ish, just at the end.

Steve feels a little awkward picking through Billy Hargrove’s stuff. His dad’s gone, and now Max and her Mom are moving, they need to get rid of the excess, he knows that. There’s some of Billy’s dad’s stuff here, too, though a lot of it has been picked over by the neighborhood moms, trying to get shoes for their husbands and stuff.

There’s less of a market for teenage boy stuff, though Tommy has a few button downs slung over his arm, and apparently Max unloaded a bunch of Billy’s tapes on ‘The Freak’ Eddie Munson.

Steve is really here more as a favor to Max. He doesn’t know what he would do with a Scorpions t-shirt, or a stack of books. Who knew that Billy read so much, anyway?

Max walks over and crosses her arms, “Hey. Want you to see something.”

He shrugs, tossing the paperback he was never going to buy back in a pile, “Ok.”

Max leads him up the stairs and into the half packed house and into a mostly empty room. There’s a bed that’s been stripped, and a small cardboard box, open and half full on it. Steve catches a glimpse of a few tapes inside, and a handful of clothes. Maybe it’s stuff they’re saving.

Max holds up two cans of Aquanet, “Do you want these? I’ll give them to you for a dime.”

Steve fights to keep his face neutral, “Uh, not my brand. But thanks.”

“How about this?” She holds up a bottle of cologne, Paco Rabanne.

He shrugs, “Sure. How much?” This is probably fine, a non-weird thing to get, anyway.

“Uh... a quarter?” She says distractedly while he glances down to dig in his pocket for change. “And what about this?”

He looks up and almost chokes on his spit. It is without a doubt the biggest bong he’s seen in person.

“Put that down!” He says.

She scowls, “What’s your problem?”

“N-nothing. Didn’t Eddie want that?” Steve really would feel better if she put it down. Maybe stepped away from it too.

“He took the other one,” She shrugs, “Why? What’s wrong with it? It’s just a vase.”

Right. Just a vase.

He snatches it from her hands, just wanting to get it out of the house, “How much?”

“Uh... a dollar. No! Two dollars!” She cries.

He rolls his eyes, because this thing is probably expensive as shit, but he just wants it out of her house.

“Sure,” He pulls a couple of bucks out of his wallet, “I’ll see you, okay?”

She nods, counting the money, “You want your change?”

“No, nope, just gonna head right home,” And smash this thing to pieces, he thinks.

He hops in the beemer, throwing his vase across the passenger’s seat along with the cologne. It really is enormous, blue swirling glass that would be kind of pretty if it wasn’t dirty with old bong water and stuff.

“Never let it be said I never did anything for you, Hargrove,” He grumbles, eyes searching the road wildly.

He turns the corner off Cherry Lane, shaking his head.

“I mean, whatever. I didn’t like... jump in front of a monster. Though I did. For Max, I mean,” He tightens his hands on the wheel, “Whatever. You know what I mean.”

He glances down at the bong and the cologne.

He shakes his head, “You would think I was high already.”

The bong glints in the afternoon sunlight, reflecting the blue skies out the window and the slowly turning leaves.

“You know my birthday is tomorrow,” Steve says, to no one. “I guess I could have one smoke. Just to see what I’m missing.”

The sunlight glints, and it’s almost like a wink.

He’s going crazy, that’s the only explanation for why he heads home and takes the bong into his house instead of throwing it away. He dumps the old water in the sink, trying to take it apart so he can rinse it out. He might actually catch some kind of disease smoking out of this thing, considering Billy died in July and it’s halfway through January.

He shakes his head at himself, dunking the bong into the water and rubbing the side, trying to take off the film of hairspray and weed smoke that’s formed a crust along the sides. Probably he won’t smoke from it. It’s a lost cause.

The bong trembles in his hands and he rears back into the kitchen island, soapy water splashing everywhere. Blue smoke comes from the top, pale denim blue that swirls in the air and shifts and then...

Billy fucking Hargrove is sitting on the edge of his kitchen sink.

He looks much the same as he always did, shirtless, tanned and perfect with a necklace glinting from his chest. Winking in the sunlight.

“Harrington,” He says with a smile.

“H-holy shit.” Maybe Steve is high. How did he get this high and he doesn’t even remember smoking?

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” Billy’s eyes sparkle, electric blue. Were they always that blue, glowingly blue? They look like Kyle McLaughlin’s eyes in that freaky movie Dustin dragged Steve to a few weeks ago.

“This is not happening,” Steve shakes his head, “This isn’t happening.”

Billy laughs, full and open, and then the blue smoke is back, smelling like Paco Rabanne and cigarettes and Aquanet, swirling through the air.

“What do you wish for, Pretty Boy?” Billy’s voice sounds like it’s coming from  right in Steve’s ear, but when he looks, the Billy on his counter is just smiling mischievously.

“Uhhh...”

Billy disappears and the smoke surrounds Steve. He clings to the countertop, the only thing that feels solid. Smoke slides along his face and arms, like a caress.

“Make a wish,” Billy’s voice beacons, “Birthday Boy.”

“I-if I blow hard enough, will you disappear?” Steve mumbles, not sure what kind of weird dream this is.

“If you blow?” Billy whispers, his tongue sliding along his lower lip teasingly.

“What are you?”

“You’ve never heard of a genie? Djinn is more accurate,” Billy’s voice is behind him now, along the back of Steve’s neck, sending goosebumps down his spine. Billy hums and it takes Steve a few moments before he picks out the theme to I Dream of Jeannie. “Should I call you, Master?”

“It’s not real,” Steve half laughs, “You died. I saw you die.”

“Where did the body go, Harrington? Disappeared... like smoke...” Billy appears in front of him, sudden and solid, “Poof.”

“You’re not a genie, though,” Steve shakes his head, “They aren’t real.”

“Try me, Harrington,” Billy smiles, eyes blazing.

“Uh...” Steve blinks at Billy’s face, so very close. He’s had dreams like this. Billy Hargrove, close and within reach, kind and laughing and oh so kissable.

“Go on,” Billy’s chin juts forward, and its so much like Steve’s dreams, he gives in. Maybe it is a dream. A weird one, but one of his regular dreams.

“Is it a three wishes kind of deal?” He asks.

Billy shrugs, “Dunno. I came to in a van full of shouting Russians who shoved green liquid down my throat. And then smoke poured out of my mouth, my ears, my eyes, and I turned into... this. Tried to go home, get Max’s attention. But then I got sucked into that thing when I got too close.”

Steve stares at him, at his lips actually. Is it nighttime already, or is it just the smoke swirling around?

“S.S. Butterscotch,” He mumbles.

“What?”

“I want a scoop of Scoops Ahoy S. S. Butterscotch,” Steve chokes, “Haven’t had it since the mall... uh...”

Billy puts a hand behind his back and winks at Steve, sending an electric bolt of lust down his spine.

“Your wish is my command,” Billy pulls his hand out and there’s a waffle cone stacked with a single scoop of S. S. Butterscotch, as smooth and round as if Steve had done it himself.

Billy raises it up to Steve’s lips, his eyes going dark and cloudy blue when Steve licks along the top. A shiver runs down his spine from the top of his head, making his knees weak.

“Oh, Harrington. You don’t know what you put me through,” Billy smiles, “Never thought I’d see you again. Never.”

Steve blinks, his mouth swirling with the flavor he’s been craving since Starcourt.

Steve finally manages to dig his claws out of the counter and reaches out, knocking the cone to the side. Well, it’s his dream. He might as well get to do what he wants.

Billy Hargrove tastes like woodsmoke and butterscotch and he groans into Steve’s mouth like he’s real, like he’s oh so human again.

Blue smoke trails up Steve’s spine like a featherlight touch, and he trembles, falling forward, hands digging into Billy’s hair. He’s always dreamed about boys and girls, he’s always had a lot of sex dreams, but they never felt like this.

Billy’s chest is warm, though there’s no heartbeat. But his tongue is wet and wicked and alive, and tendrils of smoke are curling against Steve’s overheated skin while Billy’s fingers dig into his hips. Holy shit.

Steve groans when Billy begins to slowly drag his hands to the placket of Steve’s jeans, teasing along the buttons. His tongue is teasing the inside of Steve’s lips, turning all of his thoughts to liquid lust.

Then Billy disappears into smoke and laughter, and invisible hands trail along Steve’s cock, under his jeans... through his jeans...

“Oh fuck,” Steve gasps, hips working. “Don’t stop.”

“Feel good?” Billy’s voice is somewhere on the ceiling.

“Fuck, yes, B-Billy... fuck...”

“Wanna make you feel so good,” Billy says softly, his voice crackling like a flame, “Wanna make you cream your jeans.”

Steve is embarrassingly close to that already, “R-Revenge?”

“For all the times you turned me on in class? No. But good guess,” Billy practically purrs when a smoky finger flicks the head of Steve’s cock and Steve cries out.

Steve gasps, “T-then...”

“Haven’t touched anyone in six months,” Billy laughs, and it echoes off all the polished surfaces of the Harrington’s pristine kitchen. “And you’re so touchable.”

Steve closes his eyes before they roll back in his head and makes an inarticulate noise, “Fuck, Billy... I’m... I’m... g-gonna...”

Billy’s corporeal in a moment, hand pressed over the invisible fingers, pressing Steve’s cock hard into his stomach, a kiss to the corner of his mouth, “Come on, Pretty Boy. Get there.”

Steve’s orgasm bursts through him like a wildfire, and he screams into Billy’s shoulder, pressing his mouth against flexing muscle in a vain attempt to silence himself. Blood roars in his ears and he passes out into Billy’s waiting arms. He half expects to go right through them, but they catch him, sure and steady.

When he wakes up, his eyes are blurry and his body is blissed out, floating like it hasn’t since Starcourt. He sits up in his bed and looks around the room but there’s no one there.

Oh shit. It really was a dream. He bites down the bitterness and looks down at the bed beside him.

It’s the bong, gleaming and blue, glass colors swirled together like smoke. The morning light glints off the edge. Like a wink.

“Good morning, pretty boy,” The voice rumbles through the room and Steve closes his eyes. Wishes he was dreaming.

[chirpsythismorning]

hi! i’ve been reading your analysis/theory posts and i love them all! i had a question about your will being twelve theory, i definitely see how he could be, the only thing i don’t really get is how he would be at the lab and have a life outside the lab? like mike said the first day of kindergarten will was on the swings by himself and they’ve been best friends ever since, and joyce talked about the crayons for his eigth birthday and how his friends all got him star wars toys, so we know he was friends with at least mike and lucas (i think dustin came in the 4th grade so it’s possible he was also friends with will at this point) and possibly other kids when he was younger, so how would he be able to have this whole life outside the lab while also being a kid at the lab?

Hey! I’m so glad you love reading them!! And also apologizes for taking so long to reply!

I don’t think, based on any fandom-wide consensus of the events on the show, as of now, that I'd be able to provide a definitive answer?

Like there has to be pieces missing, which have been left out for a reason, and those are the details that I think will be necessary to fully transcribe to this theory. Until then, there's too much missing for even me to believe it fully.

However, if twelvegate is real, or at least close to what’s going down, then even despite the entire audience missing it, I do think there are probably hints in the details connecting Will to Hawkins Lab, that were either missed or not pinpointed properly, which may or may not hold some answers.

I do have a of couple theories about where some pieces of the twelvegate puzzle might be hiding in earlier seasons. Although, I think beyond pointing them out and talking about them, it will only lead us to more questions!

TBH, most of this post will just be me trying to come up with some possibilities. While I don't fully believe all the observations I've came across are leading in every direction I speculate them to be, I do think the answers for the ending have to be in the show. There are only so many options to work with here... And so, whatever. I'm going for it.

To start things off, a wise man once said:

I always wondered if this could be a hint to the audience that the answers to some major questions are hidden in some sort of papers we've seen/heard of throughout the show? Newspapers, documents, drawings perhaps?

This then reminded me of the newspaper clipping(s) they showed at the end of s1 related to Will's disappearance:

Hawkins Lab Blocks Inquiry (left)

Coroner Arrested For Falsifying Autopsy (middle bottom)

More Heads Roll in Ongoing State Trooper Scandal (right)

The Boy Who Came Back To Life (middle)

The former missing child Will Byers has been found after a week of searching. He is presently in stable condition in Hawkins General Hospital. Byers' mother, Joyce Byers, alleges Will was the subject of a secret government program run by the Hawkins National Laboratory. The allegation comes amidst a massive investigation into the hidden organization and its elaborate experimentations in perusal of mind control. — The abuse detailed in the first report includes prolonged physical duress and psychological interrogation. This [gove]rnment sanctioned torture has [prov]oked outrage amongst the American . . . In a statement issued yesterday . . . Ives mentioned her "disgust" . . . the organization saying, "our own [Ame]rican people are being treated like . . . we should be directing our . . . to the real target, the Soviets, not . . . own daughters and sons." Under legal . . . Brenner has issued no comment on . . .

An article by that same title resurfaces in s2. However, it seems to have changed some of the details about what happened, in an update of sorts.

The Boy Who Came Back To Life (s2)

"In a recent statement, the state coroner's office has admitted to misidentifying the body recovered from the Sattler Quarry as twelve year old Will Byers. Will Byers had gone missing two days prior, inspiring the town of Hawkins to form a search party in the hopes of finding him. When a boy's body was recovered from Sattler Quarry, the case seemed solved. Six days later local police, lead by Chief Jim Hopper, found Byers alive in an abandoned cave a few miles outside of Hawkins."

Obviously, the update of this article had to do with the State coming in and covering things up.

I've read up on it, but all I can find from the ga's consensus back then, is there was some confusion over the fact that the article went from being about Will and his disappearance being connected to Hawkins lab and experimentation and mind control, only to switch in the next paragraph to Terry Ives report on Jane's abduction. A lot of people speculated that it was probably just a copy paste error, where like the Duffers were too lazy to put something relevant there, and so they slapped on a random paragraph and called it a day?

Now, to be real with you, even if the Duffers themselves said this was the case, that it was just an error on their part, I would not believe them...? Because rewatching that shot, you can tell it's important? Like what else is the point of it, if not to hint at something? And then why have it return in the following season (literally one episode later?), with an update, that clearly covers up most of the details, if there's no deeper reason behind it?

One thing from the s1 version that has me side eyeing is, 'our daughters and sons' (Willel s1 crumbs?).

I also find it interesting that they refer to the quarry as Sattler Quarry, twice? It doesn't seem that important on the surface, but from what I remember Sattler Quarry was really sort of sus in terms of what they were up to and the way they were talked about, in connection to Hawkins Lab and them scrambling to cover up Will's disappearance by planting a fake body there? Idk it just feels weird...

Which brings me to this next small detail I haven't heard anyone talk about before, but I have a feeling it could be part of this, or perhaps part of something that is still yet to be revealed.

The night they find Will's body, Karen and Ted are watching the news. We hear the reporter talking about Will's body being found at the quarry. Though the audio is loud enough to hear at the beginning, the newscast shifts to quiet background noice as Mike's parents begin talking.

White text is easy to hear/red text is a little difficult to hear:

"Byers' body was found in the water of this quarry by state police earlier this evening. He was discovered by state trooper David O'Bannon, just after dark. The state police are mounting an investigation to determine Byers' cause of death. But an initial inquiry... *few indistinct words* suggests that foul play was involved. Will Byers was a 7th grader at Hawkins Middle School. He was reported missing on Monday morning by his mother. Now, Byers isn't the first person to drown in Sattlers Quarry, if you'll recall, only 7 years ago--"

Now, I have tried and tried, but even still now, I cannot discern what was said after "But an initial inquiry...", because Ted interrupts and it muddles up his words with the reporter's, to the point where I can't discern it well enough. I think I hear the word media somewhere in there?

As far as I know, no one has talked about this, at least not enough for it to even be mentioned on the Stranger Things Wiki timeline.

I legit checked the timeline while making this post, hoping to find it, and hopefully anything else that might have occurred that year.

TW: byler

Okay. Cool. It appears, according to Wiki at least, nothing substantial happened in the year 1976, other than the fact that it was the year Mike and Will met on the swings in kindergarten. I assume that would've been in August/September of 1976? Then this drowning at Sattlers Quarry would've been on Nov. 7th, 1976, a few months later (and 7 years before Will's 'vanishing')?

I always thought it was interesting that they said kindergarten specifically. Like kindergarten? That's such a cliche in and of itself. But what if that was the point? To make it something we heard and then just went with, but in reality they're giving us a hint? (Will and Mike would've been five years old in 1976).

I do think that the mention of something happening, exactly 7 years prior, to the day...? Like that's really odd? Not only is it connected to Will because it's the day he went missing, but also... 'it was a seven'?

Though, I feel like if it had to do with Will specifically, they would have included that (which reminds me, if anyone can transcribe that indiscernible part of the newscast, LMK!)? Also if it was another child even, wouldn't they have mentioned that too? That seems like it would be an important detail?

But then the scene cuts off right there. Like the second the word 'ago' leaves the reporter's mouth, we're suddenly in Mike's basement (interesting...). And so, apparently they were willing to mention this anniversary like event, with the infamous number seven, only to cut it short without any further context for what actually happened 7 years prior?

I guess I would have to rewatch and pay attention to see if there are any other hints that could somehow relate to this occurrence that happened in 1976, but since like I said, no one's really talked about it (correct me if i'm wrong pls!), there isn't anywhere for me to really go from here in regards to that.

But it does make me wonder if this was one of the easter eggs David talked about being all the way back in s1, because like? I just really don't see a reason for it be there at all unless there was a reason?

Specifically in combination with Twelvegate it interests me because, Sattler Quarry was the place that Hawkins lab decided to put Will's fake body (why did they need to go all out in the first place in Will's case??).? Is it possible they were doing something there 7 years ago, related to the lab?

Like this does make me wonder about the whole Will created the upside down theory? I've read some crazy theories over the years about how a lot of what occurs with the supernatural happenings going on in Hawkins, aligns with Will and his emotions at times? For example, there's quite a few times Will sensed the mindflayer before/after something occurred, often related to Mike, and then we'd see Will touching his neck. But it wasn't always like that from what it seemed, and so I never really thought anything of it.

And then s4 happened, and this theory has sort of slowed down after it was 'confirmed' Henry got banished to the upside down by El after the massacre at Hawkins Lab, presumably encountering the mindflayer, before Will?

However, in combination with twelvegate and everything, what if Henry getting banished there also had to do with Will? Because I mean technically speaking, if Will is Twelve, that would mean he was right there in the rainbow room with El that day, only like a few feet away...

What if they were doing wonder-twin shit? Will creation powers combining with El's destruction powers?

It's still unknown why Henry would target Will in the first place, like could it be because it was all Will's creation to begin with?

This also reminded me of the constant imagery of Twelve playing with the red tower in the rainbow room. We see this repeatedly, like a lot. We even see El hung up a drawing of said tower in her room at the lab... Twelve building that red tower reminds me of Flayed Billy's 'we've been building it!'...

TBH I had no idea what the red tower in s4 could possibly mean up to this point. But in the context of Will being Twelve with creation powers, it makes a whole lot more sense. (Is the upside down stuck on the day Will entered it, because the creator showed up and now it's just stuck on create mode? LOL... Wait, but actually???).

I think the only way it would work, is if Will was a unique case, which obviously he would have to be if he created the upside down? Though I'm not so sure I think that Hawkins Lab knows this? Or maybe they do?

TBH I think it's a lot more likely Will has been able to predict some things, for example, Owens keeps talking about how this has been a long time coming, they've been preparing for this. And that took me back to s2 when Will was at Hawkins Lab talking about a storm...? Could that have been Will sensing what was still to come? And was Owens taking notes? Because in the past he had been able to predict some things based on what he saw/how he captures what he sees in his drawings?

I mean Owens was literally rewatching Will's tapes. And there are moments with him that just feel like there's something deeper going on there that we're missing. Quite frankly a lot of the scenes with Will at Hawkins Lab are missing answers, so that in and of itself is, very weird to brush off.

Eery to say the least.

These scenes also remind me of the onlookers El was met with when she arrived at Nina:

I've said recently that Owens and Brenner give off good cop/bad cop vibes, and I still feel that way. However, what I think at this point is that Owens is more focused on the 'cause' aka the US military having the upper-hand against the Soviets aka what he could get out of this monetarily/reputation wise, as like a patriot/war criminal. This would also parallel quite nicely with Paul Reiser's character in Aliens, which is a movie that's heavily inspired ST since the beginning.

Yeah, Owens would rather not hurt people if he doesn't have to, especially if he's not even getting any results out of it. But even still, I think Owens would choose to exploit anyone if it meant getting the results that he is expected to be getting, in the position that he is in.

In contrast to Owens, what Brenner gets out of it appears to be some weird father/daughter bond, manifested from raising El in the lab, which was also manifested by Brenner's weird familial bond with Henry as well.

Notice how Owens refers to Brenner as Martin, like, twice...? He even refers to them as an us? These dudes are colleagues, they are equals. The only difference is Brenner has this weird familial lens guiding his actions, whereas Owens actions are all keeping the goals for their cause in mind. And what even is their cause exactly?

We basically get Owens revealing that Brenner convinced him this was the ONLY way they could do this. Which means there were arguably other options, though this was the plan they went with because Brenner insisted it would work, and now they're having to stick to it.

El was a unique case compared to all the other kids presumably, who were brought there at some point in their childhood. From what I recall, Kali (008) for example, was discovered in London, then abducted and brought to Hawkins lab at a young age, but not infancy. Even in her case, she managed to escape Hawkins Lab before the massacre. And so, it's not like every scenario has to look identical El's in order for it to work, though in Will's case, it would definitely need to be explained in a way that fits with what they've told us so far. Which I agree, would be hard to do.

My guess as of now, is that they came across Will's powers via him being able to predict things with his drawings (rainbowshipgate), and that might have inspired part of Hawkins Labs efforts in the year 79. That scene with Ten and Brenner drawing felt very much like this was their first time doing this, and so it must have been a recent disovery at the time?... Hawkins lab wasn't always like that, even when El was a kid growing up there, like SUPER young, it was a little bit different than the numbers 1-19, shaved head, nightgown 24/7 vibes. That version of Hawkins lab required them gradually getting to that point over the last decade, making discoveries as they went. As far as I could tell, they used to be kind of accepting of letting families in there back in the day, because they came off as more lenient in those times, before they cracked down and started being a lot more secretive, resorting to covering things up almost entirely.

Although I think it's likely they're unaware Will made the upside down itself (if he even did), they know something... There's something about this scene with Brenner and Owens in particular, that's just so downright suspicious, to the point where I don't understand why it's not talked about more.

This scene is from 4x07, right after Owens bitched Brenner out for not getting them any results. And so, what is being alluded to here, is that EVERYTHING we saw in 4x07, essentially what was presumably being presented to us as the real truth, after 6 episodes of us watching everything from El's confused POV, isn't even the whole truth???

Also, notice the tapes. Brenner takes the tape labeled with the day of the massacre, Sept 8th, 1979. However, the shot makes a point to show him almost hesitating. We see like 4 tapes from the month of August, and like 7 tapes already for the month of September, with no more tapes to follow after the 8th (obvs bc the massacre). Apparently it was a busy September. What I find weird is that there were two tapes for the day before the massacre, Sept. 7th, 1979.? There's nothing else I find too suspicious about this shot, besides that, and so I am curious about what this could possibly mean.

"How much time did you skip?"

Why not let the audience see what was skipped? It's almost like whatever they skipped over would be a major spoiler to us? And combined with everything else, I would not be surprised if whatever they didn't let us see had something to do with Twelve aka Will...

I understand your doubt with this theory, because I too struggle with figuring out how exactly it would overlap with our understanding of the story and the presumed timeline that's been presented to us thus far.

However, again, I think that there has to be small details in the story, which are essential to un-cracking this, even despite what the overarching narrative has been leading us to believe and assume up to this point. I also think it requires us being misinformed about some things, because otherwise it would be too easy to figure everything out. I mean look at us rn? They don't want people getting too close to the truth and so they need those barriers in the way stopping people from getting to close to the surprise. They literally depend on us assuming they are stupid to achieve all of this.

And even still, the Duffer's themselves have said that the final season will circle back to s1 to answer things that were never answered, along with David saying there's easter eggs from s1 that will make the ending wonderful, and Noah himself saying the show started with Will and will end with Will... And so, there's gotta be something here.

And honestly, upon some casual rewatching since coming across twelvegate, I've noticed a lot of details that connect Will to Hawkins Lab...

One in particular, is the fact that it's established within the first 5 minutes of the series, that Will lives near Hawkins Lab:

So there are arguably places for this theory to build off of, which already exist in the show...

One explanation in particular that I've seen a lot of fans use as a possibility to explain all of this, is Lonnie.

In s1 he showed up after Will's body was recovered, and he made a remark about how Sattler Quarry had no warning signs around it, and that they should be held accountable. Joyce grew suspicious of his behavior and went through his stuff, discovering that Lonnie only came to sue Sattler to receive a big sum of money.

And so within the context of the show, right off the bat, they are saying that not only did Lonnie make homophobic remarks about Will, treat Joyce like she was crazy, but he also apparently only came back after Will was dead, so that he could get a bunch of money out of it...?

There's been theories about this for years, but this could fit into Will, and now even Henry potentially, being brought to the lab, on the front that it would be treatment for conversion therapy.

The parallels between Will and Henry could be entirely related to the upside down/powers, but I just think the wording of those parallels between them, being tied mostly to Will's queer-coding, makes me very skeptical there's nothing more to it?

And like I said, Hawkins Lab was looking for any excuse to not only find kids with natural powers, but to also exploit anyone that posed as an opportunity to them.

Terry Ives for example, wasn't one of the numbered kids in Hawkins Lab, but she was still involved with others who literally volunteered there, and were put on experimental drugs (also another way Lonnie could have been involved with the Lab), which led to El being abducted with the guise that she died during a miscarriage.

People forget that mind control is Hawkins Labs' specialty. And that they used it for more than just studies and experimentation...

The lab did everything they could to cover up what's happened over the years, when it came to El and Terry especially from what we saw. And so, why wouldn't this apply to other kids?

I remember in s2 when Brenner got replaced, Owens said the everyone involved with the lab previously, was gone, with him insisting he was one of the good ones, practically begging Joyce (and Hopper) to trust him... And yet not even a few episodes later he was telling Jonathan and Nancy that he would stop at nothing to keep the truth from spreading... Nothing.

Which then brings us to the most complex of it all. Memories.

I think that it's possible that memory stealing could be a thing that spans multiple characters, and with an organization that specializes in mind control, with us literally seeing that play with Terry Ives in earlier seasons, and also with El's repressed memories in s4 (with the lab having tapes to bring back those memories), I'm gonna presume it's not out of the realm of possibility that there's more to all of this.

Not saying that it's going to be memory stealing in the most generic way possible. Same with the whole time travel debacle. I don't think how we understand these concepts, based on what we've seen in other media, is going to apply exactly in every shape/form for ST. I think it's going to be a lot more complex and have to fit somehow into our understanding of things in this universe already. Do I think it will be easy? No. But the Duffers have surprised me before so I do think that they are capable of doing it again.

And even still, I only feel comfortable speculating about this, in the cases of the kids and the parents, aka Terry and El, Will (Jonathan?) and Joyce, Hopper and Sarah...

And that's about where my theory starts to get kind of stupid.

If you remember, there was a theory way back in s2, that El, Will and Sarah could have all possibly been connected to Hawkins lab. And it's because they all 3 had similar stuffed animals.

Hopper is also shown to be at Hawkins lab in his flashbacks around the time of his daughter's death in 78 (1 year before the massacre). We also get a parallel shot of this, with Sam Owens in s2 (s/out Sam Owens is evil truthers)

BONUS: Shot of El in s4, in this same staircase in the flashbacks of the lab massacre in 79.

Back in the day, there were theories Sarah's death could've been a cover up, and that perhaps she was targeted by the lab similar to other test subjects. It just so happened that for whatever reason, her case ended differently than the others? Or so we think...?

Now you might be wondering, what could have possibly connected Hopper to Hawkins Lab?

Vietnam.

This is another avenue I could totally see Hawkins Lab recruiting test subjects. I mean, it's not like it's one of the most well known tropes in comic books for a person whose encountered radiation to gain super powers or anything...

I also find it interesting that Hopper’s daughter died of cancer, after having an episode quite similar to Will's, which lead her to losing all her hair. And this happened at Hawkins lab (what we can presume based on the setting), a little bit before the labs whole weird shaved head, crayon drawing renovation..?.

Interesting...

In all honesty, Hopper himself has been keeping secrets. This is something that David Harbour has alluded to since s2, when there were boxes from Hoppers cabin shown, with the one El went through literally being labeled Hawkins Lab.

Not to mention, s4 finally explored and introduced to us how Vietnam affected him and his family, sort of building up this storyline, with flashbacks of Sarah, which we’ve been seeing for like season upon season now? They really like showing us these flashbacks with Sarah for some reason… and I can’t help but feel like that storyline isn’t over. So considering some of the evidence, it feels like there could be something going on there.

Not to mention, at the end of s1, we get this moment where Hopper goes in a government vehicle and what happened is only really alluded to. But why not let us see what they talked about?

It does beg to question, that if a lab managed to convince Hopper his daughter died of cancer... Anything is possible.

I also think Joyce being referred to as crazy/out of her mind by herself, Lonnie, Jonathan and like everyone in town in s1, does make me intrigued by the prospects of s2 sort of covering up whatever facts they gave to us back then, bc like.. idk. There's room there for something to have happened I guess. Like the fact that she even felt an urge to check to see what Lonnie was up to, and found out he was trying to get a bunch of money out of Will's death? Like, was history repeating?

I also love that you mentioned the crayons for Will's birthday, because I actually came across Twelvegate when I was reading about another theory, Rainbowshipgate.

If you haven't read it, RUN!

Basically what it boils down to is how the story about Will getting crayons on his eighth birthday, using those crayons to draw a rainbow spaceship, which Joyce then hung up at Melvald's, even going as far as to apparently show it to every person that came in, saying her son drew it... could have been a hint that connects Will to Hawkins Lab.

In fact, this is something several casual fans have observed and talked about on reddit since s2, comments about how ironic it was that Will drew a rainbow spaceship, when we all know there's another major significance to rainbows in the show, ie the rainbow room at Hawkins Lab...

So it's like, are these the easter eggs David was talking about, or??..

I shit you not, reading everything I could about rainbowshipgate, I got curious and decided to rewatch the Hawkins lab scenes from s4.

I was thinking like, hypothetically, if rainbowshipgate was on track in some way? Couldn't Will be a lab kid?

And so I literally went into rewatching those scenes, looking for a lab kid that could be Will-coded. And I was not disappointed. There Twelve was, giving off major Will Byers vibes, and that's when everything sort of clicked for me and I started posting about it.

Also, for those that don't know, there were theories back in the s3 era at least, where fans were already speculating that Will could be Twelve... Though those same theorists haven't returned to update their observations for s4 (meaning all their evidence predates s4 evidence).

However, what I now personally am leaning towards, is that they are connected.

Because if Will's birthday is March 22nd, then it's possible that anytime throughout that year, someone from Hawkins Lab could have stumbled into Melvald's, observed the drawing, and told other higher ups at the lab about it. Upon a little bit of digging, they discovered this kid lived right in their back fucking yard?? I would not be surprised what lengths they would go through to get that kid. Like come on man, that's too easy!

That's another thing, the Byers' home being like right next to Hawkins Lab is just weird in and of itself? So that could be an easy explanation for how Will attended the lab. It would have likely required it being a secret between Lonnie and maybe Jonathan who found out and had to stay quiet. It also could have played a role in their divorce? Who knows. I do think that they're consistent mention of Will's sexuality/queer-coding as the main topic to come up whenever they talk about Lonnie is really suspect. But that's just a theory for now.

Personally, despite all the evidence, because there is quite a lot, I'm still not entirely confident in regards to all this.

It does make me feel more intrigued by other theories though, like birthdaygate and will having powers. I am like 99% confident in those theories, and so there is this element of appeal in that I feel like stuff we've already speculated about in the fandom before, fits quite nicely into twelvegate.

What I'm honestly excited for is ST5 promotion to start rolling out. As early as production starts, we should start getting some crumbs, and it will only grow exponentially from there!

And that's when all us theorists will have more to work with. Because they'll definitely leave easter eggs and hidden messages within the major promotion they drop. And this time a lot of us will actually be paying attention!! Whatever they leave here and there could have the potential to prove/disapprove theories we've been compiling for months before all of this.

Thank you for the ask!! And sorry again for the delay!

[venjamin-kingdomhearts]

What are your thoughts on the idea of Namine restoring Ventus' memories of Union X? I've seen it a couple times and I don't think it'll happen but I think it could make some interesting fanfics. I also like it since it would mean Ventus and Namine would meet which I'd personally love to see.

OK so I've definitely talked about it a tiny bit in this post here (which someone drew some wonderful art for eheh), and a touch here BUT i ended up making a one-shot based off the idea here.

Hey so. Apologies that this took *checks calendar* 20 days but I kept getting distracted by drawing ideas. I AM here now though and want to thank you so much for you patience and the ASK i love talking abt stuff like this eheh.

Ok, in general I LOVE the idea. Though my biggest fear is that ACTUAL KH will have Naminé recover Ven’s memories offscreen, so I can’t say I want it to be canon just because the fear of like. Ven’s lost memories being magically recovered without any real payoff is just so real. Best case scenario is that it’s a separate plot where we see Ventus struggle with his recovered memories and worst case scenario is that it’s offscreen, so… I’m trying not to get my hopes up (and failing).

BUT onto the actual Nami and Ven interaction. As someone who loves them as friends and a ship there is so much potential here. You can boil it down to two major things though; how Ventus reacts to his recovered memories, and how Naminé feels about having to use her powers again. I feel like this idea allows for SO much angst for each character and a chance for them to connect on a deeper level.

Like, Naminé was made to use her powers to hurt Sora. She clearly carries a lot of guilt still, and I’ve seen SO many headcanons about her swearing to never use her memory powers again that it’s practically canon in my eyes. Of course, she eventually DOES have to use her powers when searching for Sora (as said in re:mind) , but I think she only looks through Xion and Roxas’ memories, no altering them. So, she’s sworn off altering memories, helping people remember and forget. She only searches through memories when she’s told, and of course, never wants to hurt anyone with her magic. Naminé is tired of being “the Witch”… and luckily, Ventus doesn’t see her as that. I’d like to imagine that they’re friends and get to know each other a little before the idea of using Naminé’s powers on Ventus is even a thought. Like, Ventus IS aware of Naminé’s powers from the beginning, but he’s only heard whispers of it, little facts. Nothing super major and concrete, just a general “memory magic is a thing Naminé does”. I think he does ask her a bit about it, but it’s silly questions. Questions no one’s ever asked Naminé, like, “do you ever use your magic to find your keys?” “do you remember everything you’ve ever read?” “oh, if you can control memories, can you read minds? quick, what number am i thinking!” Just silly little ‘can you’s and ‘what if’s. It makes Naminé laugh, because no one’s ever thought of her magic like that. As something that can be used for the mundane, for little situations where no one’s memories are at stake. I think eventually she would open up more to Ventus about her magic, because he sees it as something that’s not too scary.

Course, after a few deeper conversations, Ventus would be able to catch on to the darker parts of Naminé’s powers. He might even… think of how scary they could be. I don’t think he’d ever be scared of Naminé, but one day he might be sitting alone, thinking of what it’d be like to forget what he has right now. Wonder, for himself, how many of his own memories are really real, since he’s forgotten so much. He trusts Naminé. But he realizes how terrifying it would be, to have his memories altered.

But around this time, Ventus starts questioning a lot. His memories have always been muddled, and now that he remembers pieces of his life while he was Xehanort’s apprentice, before Vanitas came to be, Ventus has this lingering sense of “I don’t really know who I am or who I was, do I?” Then there’s Chirithy, who is proof Ventus had another life he left behind. Ventus begins to wonder what that life was like. Begins to question if the Ventus he is now is anything like the Ventus he was before. In a way, he views his lost memories as… a different person, almost. Ventus might even wonder if, with that line of thinking, he’s simply…someone else, pretending to be Ventus. The “replacement” of the original.

I think Ventus would be scared to confront that original self.

But he would have to, because of course there was something special about Ventus’ past life and it was something that could hint to what’s happening right now and where Sora is and who the Guardians of Light have to fight next. So when everyone looks to Ven for answers, Ventus looks to Naminé, and the process begins.

Ventus feels bad that she’s using her powers because of him. But Naminé smiles (it must be fake. It has to be fake, it doesn’t quite reach her eyes) and nods, knowing her magic is needed and everyone is counting on Ven who’s counting on her. But when they’re alone, away from prying eyes and the rest of the Guardians, when the lights are dim and Ventus’ smile fades, Naminé asks him if this is what he wants.

Ventus is a bad liar, but he’s got Sora’s stupid habit of insisting he’s fine. Unlike Sora, Ventus can’t keep smiling and he’s WAY less convincing. So no matter how many times he denies that he’s scared, Naminé whispers:

“I know you’re scared, but it’s not a bother, Ventus. I’ve done this before, you’ll be fine. As soon as I find those Chains, I’ll reconnect them, and then-“

“But what about you?” Ventus interrupts. “I don’t- don’t want to force you to do this.”

They’re both scared. Really scared. And I think they’d realize it then, that Ventus is secretly scared of losing himself to his memories, and Naminé is secretly scared of messing up. They don’t want to go through with this-

“But we have to. For Sora.”

Ventus takes a breath.

“If- if my memories can show us any hints for what we have to do to find him, I-I think we need to do this. But-“

“You’re still scared.” Naminé looks Ven in the eyes.

Ventus swallows. He nods.

“And so are you.”

They leave it at that. Mutual recognition that they’re both scared of what will happen next, but that this is something they must do. They are in this together, and they trust each other enough to acknowledge they are afraid.

Eventually, Naminé has to search through Ventus’ memories. Alter the Chains connecting them, thread them together in ways she’s only even had to do for Sora, when he fell asleep in Castle Oblivion. It’s almost like an operation. Terra and Aqua hold Ventus’ hands and say their “see you soon”s before he drifts to sleep. Angel the Wise and his Apprentices have to assure them that Ventus won’t be sleeping for so long, not a year and definitely not 12. The process will take a while, since Ventus’ memories are so twisted and Naminé needs time to untangle them, but she has support. She’ll be able to help him soon.

Naminé and Ventus are alone again, before he must sleep.

“Hey, Nams?”

Naminé looks at him quietly. Ventus smiles.

“I know you haven’t started yet, but… thanks, Naminé. In advance.”

Ventus felt the urge to say that. He couldn’t tell why, but… well, Master Eraqus always told him to be polite.

Naminé manages a smile, Ventus falls asleep, and she begins her work.

Anyways, things don’t go… well in my head. There’s a lot of remembering bad things and a lot of Naminé going “oh shit, Ven’s gonna have to remember this and he’s going to feel TERRIBLE.” a lot of her realizing what stuff he’s been through and now, she’s in this weird place where she KNOWS and it’s up to her to decide whether Ventus should remember or not. And fuck, it’d be so much pressure for her. just…. you ever had to sit with a friend while they describe something horrible they’ve been through? it had to deliver bad news? Naminé is just feeling all the worst parts of that. Sorry for Ventus, sorry for Strelitzia, sorry for everyone. She wants to help but she doesn’t know how, all she knows is that she can either help Ventus remember or hide all the memories away again and pretend she couldn’t reach them.

(also, Marluxia was there apparently and Naminé does NOT want to unpack those feelings goodness gracious no)

Now, whichever choice Naminé takes will be a mess of angst. Because on one hand, she can let Ventus remember and everyone will deal with the consequences, or she can make him forget, and only she would know about the Age of Fairytales and Strelitzia’s murder and how very young Ventus had been when he was dragged into everything. Either way, there’s no going back.

It’s all a matter of whether Naminé has the courage to ask for help and risk hurting others, or pretend everything is alright and take on the pain for herself and herself alone.

[callmemana]

Deeper Than The Holler:

I fell in love with the self-insert x reader stories I have read from the Chaos Squad otherwise known as @bayisdying @cycbaby @dragon-kazansky @mrsjaderogers (my adoptive mama) @askmarinaandothers @callsignscupcake @mtnofgrace @altierirose and a special thank you to @switchbladedreamz for proof reading and to @sligheach-sidhe & @firefly-graphics for the dividers!

Leonard ‘Wolfman’ Wolfe x Amanda ‘Highroller’ Moore 🦋☂️

The Title is off of this Randy Travis Song

He knew the moment that she walked into the O Club for what looked for her shift that he was hooked. She wore the regulated uniform, a t-shirt with the O Club symbol small on the front on her left breast and then a large picture on the back. She also had a slightly dirty white stetson covering her yellow-like sunflower hair, and if the light of the club catches it just right, you can see streaks of red in it. Sat on the bridge of her nose were glasses, thick like a coke bottle, and in her right nostril, a rose gold hoop.

His eyes wandered her frame as she made her way to the bar to start her shift, he paused on her forearms. There, he saw two tattoos, on her left what seemed to be wording, most likely a quote, and on her right, a butterfly, with its right side flowers instead of its usual symmetrical wings. She was different than most women here in Miramar. You could tell by the way she carried herself she was from a small town, head held high, shoulders back. She had something to prove. What that was, he didn’t know but was willing to find out.

As he looked at her features and analyzed her, he realized that her shoulders were uneven, and one collarbone was higher up than the other. Once he had built up the courage to talk to her, he might ask about that. Hollywood must have followed his line of sight because he was nudging my arm and wiggling his eyebrow, “Pretty ain’t she Wolfie?” all I could do was nod, so entranced by her beauty, “Sure is Wood.” “Why don’t you go up and talk to her?” “Because we both know that I’ll say something stupid and lose my chance to talk to her.” “Never know if you don’t try.”

After a few beers, and much encouraging from Hollywood, Leonard got up from his seat and made his way to the bar to order another drink. “What can I get you hon?” She smiled at him while waiting for his drink request. “Two buds, bottle?” She nodded her head swiftly before turning her back towards him and walking away. When she came back with said drinks, “Paying for now, or on a tab?” “Tab, should be under ‘Leonard’” “We have a couple ‘Leonard’s’ here tonight. Got a last name I could search?” He nodded, “Yeah, Wolfe.” “Ok, you’re settled. Anything else I can get you?” Leonard leaned on the bar, “You know my name, but I don’t know yours.” She laughed, loud and contagiously, “Oh hon, I don’t date pilots.” “Then it’s a good thing I’m a RIO. Don’t you think?” She laughs again, moves her hair behind her ear, “I guess, but it doesn’t change the fact that your job is in a plane.” Leonard smirks, “You’ll break down eventually. They always do.” He turns away and goes back to Hollywood.

The next time he sees her, all of the squadron are sitting at a table and laughing about stupid shit. Leonard guesses that he’s staring at her for too long because the other pilots end up looking over at where he is. “Well I’ll be damned! Wolfie’s got a lil crush on the new bartender!” Laughed Maverick. “Grown men don’t get crushes, they admire.” “Grown men might, but you, Wolfie, you still get crushes.” Said Ron. “Ha-ha, Slide.” “Why don’t you go chat her up?” “He has, she laughed at him and told him she doesn’t date pilots.” “But he’s a RIO.” “I told her that too.” “Maybe she just doesn’t find your ugly mug attractive?”

“Alright, alright. Leave the cub alone. Maybe she’s lost that lovin feeling?” “First off, no. That shit doesn’t work.” “For you, maybe.” “Try a pick up line? You know what my dad always said, girls like guys who can make her smile.” “Have you heard this man flirt? It’s terrible! I don’t know how he got a girl before the Navy.” “I’m not that bad,” “Wolfie, the last female you talked to, literally laughed in your face at how bad the line was.” “Whatever, you guys are just assholes.” “Hey, if you’re going up there, get us another round?”

Wolfman nodded and made his way up to the bar, tapping his fingers on the smooth granite. “Hey! You’re back, what can I get you Leo?” “I am, could I get the boys and me another round?” “Sure, bottles of bud?” He nodded, “Yea.” She left to grab the beers and then came back, “So, are y’all celebratin’ or something?” “Um, yeah. We had a mission. We all made it back.” “Good to hear, hate to not be able to see your face every shift.”

His eyes widened at this confession. “Really, I thought you don’t date pilots?” She smiled, “I don’t, but I can see when someone’s attractive. I do have eyes Leo, they might not have the best sight though.” She said as she adjusted her coke bottle glasses up her nose. “I think they see just fine sweetheart.”

She laughs at him, “Of course you’d say that! I just complemented your looks!” “I don’t need to be praised for my handsome face to see that your beautiful.” “Oh, your one of those pilots huh?” “What kind?” “Overconfident and flirty.” “Overconfident? Sometimes. flirty? Always sweetheart.” He winked, she rolled her eyes at him.

She heard a holler from the other side of the bar, looked over and saw his friends wave and smile. She pushes the beers towards Leo a little more, “You better go before your friends have your ass for warm beer.” “I think they might deserve it, they’re dicks to me. They gave me shit for my flirting skills.” “Well tell them that they were right. You suck, but your cute and make me laugh. So, I guess it’s worth it.” She winks before turning away for another costumer. He smirks the whole way to the table with the drinks.

It’s another week or two before he sees her again. He doesn’t know her name, but feels like he’s close to gaining that privilege. Wood and he are at a table off to the side of the bar, so he can see her work. “Now that’s just stalkerish Wolfie. It’s like your completely smitten by her! Do you even know her name yet?”

He shook his head at his pilot, “You know I don’t. I just met her a month ago!” “Most guys would’ve already got her name and taken her out on a couple of dates! Grow a pair!” “She doesn’t date pilots! That’s what she told me our first meeting, Wood. What if I really don’t have a chance?” “Well, you probably don’t. I mean, you look at yourself in the mirror Wolfie? Not that great of a face.”

Leonard punches his shoulder, “Hey dude! You’re supposed to be my friend, support your friend!” “Wolfie, I can only do so much.” “Why do you say these mean things to me? I thought you loved me?” Wood laughs, “I say them because I love you Wolfie!” “You don’t act like it.” “I act like a brother, brothers love each other!” “Because they have too!” “Exactly, I have too! you’re my RIO, if you weren’t there I couldn’t make it back!”

Leonard folds his arms over his chest, leans back in his seat, and takes a pull of his beer. Wood slaps his arm closest to him and smiled, “Here comes your girl.” “Nice try, Wood. That might’ve worked the first couple of times, not not this one.” He heard her voice before he saw her, “Well I’ll be damned, if it ain’t that funny pilot!” “Actually, sweetheart. I’m a RIO.” “I know, I just like to mess with you.”

“Hi, I don’t believe we met. I’m Wolfie’s best friend and pilot, Hollywood.” “Hollywood huh? Seems pretty egotistical don’t you think?” “Well, what do you mean sweetheart?” She gives a little smile and waves her finger, “No. I’m gonna stop you right there, ‘Hollywood.’ You can’t call me Sweetheart, that’s Leo’s nickname for me, but you can call me ‘High Roller’ since we’re using callsigns.”

Both men have their jaws slightly opened and eyes widen, how did she know about callsigns? Leo left the bar later that night with Wood with more questions than answers.

The group of pilots made their way to a table near the back before picking one to come order the beers. “Hey darlin’, didn’t catch your name last couple of times I’ve seen you here.” She smiles sarcastically before slamming the beer on the counter, “That’s cause I didn’t throw it, ‘darlin’.’

“Well look at the sass on this one!” “You got some more than just sass comin’ if you ain’t careful buddy.” “I thought you southern belles were supposed to be kind and generous?” “Well, first off. I’m from the Midwest. Two, I am kind and generous to the people who don’t piss me off.”

“I’m sorry, we got off on the wrong foot. I’m Chipper.” “Nice callsign. What’s your actual name?” “Well you’re just full of surprises aren’t you? I’m Charles.” “I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I’m pretty sure y’all are tryna get my name to give to your boy?” The man now known as ‘Chipper’ chuckles, “You caught us. Can you please, just tell me ?”

She leaned in on the counter, “Nice try Chip, the only way he’s gettin my name, is if he plays for it.” “Should I tell him that or let him keep asking one of us to talk to you?” He smirks, “Let him keep guessing. It’s fun to watch him squirm.” She hands him the first round before checking on another patron.

As the guys made the rounds to get the beer for the table every couple of weeks and to talk, you gave each new pilot basic information about you. In passing, mentioning being a former pilot. Which they technically already knew, given your callsign. What was news to them was after a bad ejection, leaving you with a broken collarbone and ankle, you had to be discharged. All of the men repeated the information back to Leo while the others sat and planned out loud.

After many weeks of badgering and complaining about the plan, Leonard finally grew the balls and talked to ‘Sweetheart.’ “So, word around the bar is that you won’t tell them your name?” The blonde smirked and pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, “Maybe word is right. Whatcha gonna do bout it?”

“I think I’m going to man up and ask.” She shrugged, “Sweetheart, please, what’s your name?” “My name is Amanda, and before you ask what you’re gonna ask next, my answer is yes.” “Even if you don’t date pilots?” He smiled. “The thing, Leo, is that you’re not a pilot. I believe the first night we met you said that you were a RIO.”

“And I believe you said that I still worked in a plane.” She smirked, “I change my mind. I mean as a former pilot, we need RIOs right? To make sure we get home?” Leo chuckled, “Yeah, every pilot needs a RIO. Does after your shift work?” “Sure thing, Cowboy!” She kisses his cheek before going back to work, smirking as she hears the whoops & hollering from his friends at their table. Before she’s out of earshot she hears, “I hope you know, Sweetheart, that I’m going to love you deeper than the holler, just like Travis said!” He smiles, taps a little happy beat on the bar counter, grabs the beers, then turns around to his friends.

Forever 🏷️list: @bayisdying @mrsjaderogers @dragon-kazansky @switchbladedreamz @sweetlittlegingy

🏷️list: @luckyladycreator2

[captainrayzizuniverse]

Yes! Thank youuuu @goldcrumble for this I truly need it now. I’m sitting in Kelowna waiting for the worst year of my life to be over in the most unremarkable way (binging on paw patrol with my nephew) and what better way to do it than this? Beware, long ass essay incoming. 

When did you become a Louie? (This is about to get loooong)

I love talking about this because it’s such an interesting journey for me compared to other artists I love. I used to watch British reality tv with my grandma every year and that of course includes x-factor and strictly come dancing (and the GBBO, sewing bee, BGT etc..it was unhealthy) which usually start around the same time. We started with x-factor when leona lewis won until the last season with Louis as judge. So yes of course I watched the one with 1D and I was rooting for them during the show (and Louis was my LEAST fav only because I’d watch the xtra factor and the video diaries and he was SO loud and obnoxious and basiclly everything I find annoying in a person. Sorry it was what it was. Anyway after that season I never paid them any attention but we continued watching x-factor year after year. I've mentioned this before but when Louis was announced as the judge in 2018 I remember telling my grandma that it’s probably to draw in the 1D fans because the show was so bad at that point. Obviously I said it with eyes rolled and thinking ‘they really think they’re gonna save this shit with a kid from a boyband?’. Little did I know this guy will ruin me. Anyway as a non fan and someone who really didn’t know anything about the guy I absolutely loved him as a judge..so like a couple of weeks in I read his entire wikipedia and was 100% drinking the ‘reconnected and in love with his long term gf and has a kid with a one night stand from LA’ koolaid. And I listened to his singles at the time, loved them, added them to one of my Anghami playlist and it was chill for a while.

I have never been in a music fandom before..I’ve been in the football fandom (esp livejournal) for ages and also several movies/tv shows and books. I think most of the music I listen to are either from bands who are dead or there just isn’t a fandom big enough to exist…or I haven’t found it. Dunno..just never got into one. SO on a flight from oslo in 2019 I was reading a fic from another fandom and in the author’s note there was something about being inspired by a Larry fic and I vaguely remembered who the Larry ship is about. So when I clicked it and saw that it was THE Louis T, I went into my second rabbit hole and saw all these news singles he has out and an album that was about to come out and a show in Toronto and wow so much excitement all at once. Booked the tickets for the show which were later cancelled due to covid and then never got to see the ltwt live (rip hearing defenceless live). After that I didn’t follow up with him, I didn’t even know lthq was a thing ffs. When people say that they need to promote things on his personal IG, it’s for people like ME! Anyhoo! I still never searched him up on Tumblr until one day by chance I saw a clip from a livestream on instagram of one of his earlier shows in Texas. I didn’t even know concert livestreams were a thing tbh. So I kept on monitoring to find the source until I got to finally watch an entire show (I think it was the 4th American one, a few before the chicken nugget incident) and then somehow that led me to Tumblr and slowly I started following very very few blogs. So when did I become a Louie really? Was it 2018 when I was like ok the dude is cool I like the couple of songs he has out? Or 2019 when I booked my first concert ticket? Or in 2022 when I found the fandom on Tumblr? Also I got into 1D when I read that wiki page and it said something about him having the most writing credits. It intrigued me and was like ‘fine! I’ll give them a go I guess!’

your favourite song? (one off walls and one off fitf)

We Made It. All this time (if you ask tomorrow it might jump between Saturdays or holding onto heartache or she is beauty)

your favourite music video?

Miss you! The hair, the song.

your favourite gig?

Toronto one because I was anticipating it for sooooo long and it fully lived up to it. Esp after spending the entire 2022 watching livestreams and being jealous af. The new york one was good too but my home show will always be my fav

your favourite louis hair?

X-factor hair. 

your favourite louis interview?

Oof man this is hard! They all kinda get mixed together so either a Zach lang one (probably the first one because it sticks in my memory more since I saw it right when it came out) or one of the buzzfeed ones like the snack wars or the one he did with the yellow background (man I’m lazy as shit, I can literally YouTube this).

suit louis or tanktop louis?

Suit Louis. Literally anything but tank top louis. I know I’m the only one in this boat but I just don’t dig tank tops. I think it’s also the fact that he almost always wears hideous shoes with them that kinda kill the look. If I had to be specific, I’d say tracksuit Louis. 

favourite louis tattoo?

I’d also go with the x&o’s 

favourite louis bodypart? (c'mon we all have one!)

I immediately thought his eye crinkles but realized that’s not a body part. Maybe hands or the veiny neck??I love a neck with passionate veins (what even am I saying??)

—-

I think my small Louis loving mutuals have either already done this or have been tagged, so it ends with ME!

And with that I shall wish everyone a genocide free 2024! A free Palestine! And an end to this fucking massacre!

Back to watching Marshall and Skye on PP. 

[yuuniee]

🐍 إلى مفتاح قلوبنا 🧵

(To The Owner Of My Heart)

A/N: A happy (VERY VERY late) birthday to Jamil, and happy meal for Desert Puppeteer enjoyers even though it’s a bit short. Enjoy your meal and don’t forget to chew a lot and swallow~ (/j)

Taglist: @ameleii @achy-boo

It was the time where the birds would chirp together, golden and red leaves slowly fall from trees. It was truly a relaxing day for everyone.

...Except for one person.

Farah, who had been working at Sam’s Mystery Shop to make enough money for the limited edition matching keychains and the mixer as to replace the broken one, was sleeping there on the floor in a sleeping bag. Needless to say, he was surprised to see that the little imp was sleeping on the floor, or so he calls her.

He poked her cheek to wake her up, causing her to get startled.

“Oh, I didn’t know you were this desperate to get something, Li’l Miss Farah!” He asked her with a smile.

“Mmh...” She rubbed her eye and sat up like a worm. “Good mornin’, Mr. Sam.”

After the realization dawned on her, she immediately unzipped the sleeping bag and got out of it.

“I-I’m sorry! I was planning to go back to my dorm after cleaning up here but... I think I forgot to actually go...” Her cheeks visibly flushed as she mentally facepalmed herself.

As a response, he chuckled.

“Working overtime here has actually tired you out, hm?” The shop owner said while turning on the lights.

“...A bit. Nothing I can’t handle.” She dryly replied, steeling her nerves at anything that he might say or do.

“Could it be..? Are you working to get a gift for someone special?” He raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

“Yes-- No! I-I mean...” She looked away in embarrassment.

“It’s OK, don’t worry! Now come on, we have to prepare the Mystery Shop for the day!”

After she dusted herself off, she sat up and helped Sam prepare the shop and headed to the school like nothing happened.

—

As Farah was done with her shift for the day, she lightly tapped on Sam’s shoulder.

“Mr. Sam, I’ve been saving a lot of money for a while, and I would like to buy some stuff if that’s alright with you.”

“Oh, what is it?” He politely asked, to which resulted in Farah walking over and point at a couple of things.

“These keychains and that mixer...” She replied, “About a month ago, one of the mixers in my dorm broke down because of some idiot who thought it’d be a good idea to mix a hardened dough with it... So I worked here in order to get a new one while using other dorms’ mixers. I didn’t wanna trouble anyone with it, so I worked hard to replace it myself.”

“I see, so that was why you’ve been insisting on taking night shifts as well...”

She nodded as she handed him the money.

“May I buy them?” She asked with a serious stare before looking away. “...Please?”

The young man smiled and put a hand over her shoulder.

“Of course, go ahead!” He winked as the Scarabian before him was left stunned.

“Okay, Mr. Sam.” Her face brightened up while she carried the things she bought carefully to the next place she’ll go.

—

As Farah was done with her shift in Mystery Shop, she got back to her dorm with a huge box in her arms. It was sloppily wrapped, but ready to be given to the birthday boy.

She looked around the crowd to search for her beloved. After a while, she spotted the all-too-familiar feather accessory and moved towards it while muttering ‘excuse me’s, politely asking others to let her through. It wasn’t too long before she managed to reach to him.

“Albi?” His face visibly brightened up when he saw her face, “I am glad you made it. You told me that you were going to be really busy this week.”

She smirked and placed the box next to the table.

“I wouldn’t want to miss this special occasion to give something nice to someone I cherish this much.” She replied and hugged him, “Happy birthday, habibi... May it be full of joy and happiness for you.”

The vice leader simply chuckled and brushed her hair off, then kissed her in the forehead.

“Thank you, my dear.” Then he cupped her face and kissed her on the cheek.

She held his hand and leaned in to kiss him, causing his cheeks to flush in embarrassment. Then she whispered in his ear with a grin.

“I loooooove you~”

Then giggled despite the young man glaring daggers at her.

“Do you really have to do this every time we are in public?!” He elbowed her while turning his flushed face away. Farah playfully hummed in response and kissed his cheek while carrying the second box to the kitchen.

When she arrived there, she quietly made her way to where the broken mixer was and her eyes widened in shock. Because it was already replaced with a brand new one. The creaking of the door instantly snapped her out of the thoughts rushing in her head.

“I knew you were doing something to replace it.” The familiar voice of the birthday boy was heard. “I already told Kalim the next day that it was broken, and we already found the culprit and he had gotten suspended...”

She slowly lowered her head in defeat, but instantly flashed a smile.

“Whoops. Looks like I got caught, huh?” She sheepishly said, rubbing her neck. “Can’t expect anything to miss from your sight actually...”

Jamil sighed and shook his head.

“You needn’t have to work so much, you could’ve just told Kalim or me.” He said, voice laced with pure concern, frowning at the sight of her tired face. “If you need to rest, then you can. I don’t mind.”

“Says you, the king of overworkers.” She rolled her eyes with a scowl appearing on her face right after, “You always work so much until you get exhausted. And just so you know, I really hate to see you this way.”

“But you know about my duty Farah...” He replied.

“Of course, of course... But...” She closed her eyes and trailed off. Then the sound of his footsteps coming closer to her became louder until he was right in front of her. He brought a hand over her cheek and touched it.

“I very much understand your concern about me and my well-being, my jewel. I find it quite endearing.” His gaze met hers, “At least I got to rest today. The students were the ones that arranged everything for the party.”

The girl tilted her head, some of her short, midnight blue strands falling on her face. Just for a moment, she wanted to hold him. She awkwardly opened her arms for him for a hug, and she felt her lover’s embrace after a few seconds.

“Jamil...” She muttered, “I need to tell you something.”

He looked at her with his concerned look returning again.

“Ever since we started dating, I haven’t been able to say this out loud but... I really hope I showed it...” She pressed her lips together and exhaled, “I love you so much, maybe even more than you think I do.”

“You did.” He responded shortly, “I can see it well. But just don’t do it in public.”

She tilted her head again.

“Why? Only stuff I do is hugs and kisses.”

“It’s embarrassing...” He said with his cheeks flushing, turning into a slight shade of crimson color.

“I find it pretty cute though.” She grinned while wrapping her arms around his neck. “Very cute for a man who would cause some ladies to pass out with a single look...”

“Is that so?” He raised an eyebrow and grinned back at her. “Then prove it, Albi.”

“Well...” She said and kissed him on the lips while touching his cheek. Then she broke off the kiss and cupped his other cheek with her free hand. “Who wouldn’t fall for someone with beautiful eyes that looks like a pair of obsidian, glistening lips, handsome face... Augh! ...Y-you do get what I mean, right?”

His laughed and gently stroked her cheek with another smirk.

“Of course I do.” He replied to Farah who was too flustered to speak at the moment. After composing herself, she held his hand and looked away for a second, then looked at him in the eye again.

“Say, Jamil... Would you like to go back to the party together? I-I’ll be there, next to you, holding your hand like this...” She gave his hand a gentle yet firm squeeze.

“I’d be delighted to.” He replied and swept her messy bangs, then kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger longer than his usual pecks.

“T-then let’s go, okay?” She mumbled and walked out of kitchen to the party venue while holding his hand. Then she looked back at him, gave him a slight smile and mouthed a quick ‘I love you so much, Jamil Viper’.

‘Perhaps this is the best birthday I’ve ever had thus far...’ He thought to himself while they were walking. When they arrived, he felt her thumb brush against his hand looked at her. Then he noticed her smiling at him as well.

“I love you too, my dearest.” He said while leaning into her ear, causing her to get flustered again.

“You’re lucky it’s your birthday...” She said while turning to her front.

“With you being the best present?”

“Maybe...”

He leaned again and kissed her on the cheek too, then whispered.

“Then I am glad to have such a good present being given to me...” He said while sitting on a pillow.

She lightly smacked his shoulder while sitting on the pillow next to his. But then she laid her head on his shoulder and hugged his arm.

“...Again, happy birthday Jamil...” She muttered. “May it be the best year for you.”

“Thank you, my dearest.” He replied and laid his head on top of hers.

As they sat together, Jamil closed his eyes and quietly wondered what will the next year bring to him. Then he looked at Farah and smiled.

‘This year brought me a miracle... Next year, who knows?’

Then he closed his eyes again and intertwined his fingers with hers, letting himself relax just for this moment. Even it was fleeting, he secretly wished moments like this with her would last forever.

[chenqing9]

Unintentional Love Story

I just watched the Korean Bl drama (based on a manhua I haven’t read) and really enjoyed it. Since I feel the need to rant about everything I watch here is this trash. I’m rating (out of 5)

Overall - **** Loved the characters and felt very drawn into their conflict. Personally did not love the user plot dynamic or the perceived power differential between the main characters for most of the show but that’s my strong dislike of “daddy” energy and clearly my own problem.

Connection/Romance - ***** The connection between the main couple is what I consider perfect. They fall hard and then stick with it because they can’t do anything else. The care they show each other is sweet, typical bl expressions of affection but what absolutely slays is the eye contact. You got me writhing on the ground over EYE CONTACT? Ok guys you did something right.

Humor - ***** I laughed out loud multiple times. The sprinkling of humor throughout is very good and legitimately unexpectedly funny.

Angst - ***** High complex situational angst holy crap yeah I was very upset in multiple ways at once? Read below for my shameless spoiler rant.

Side Characters - ***** It might not get better than those two fools in love.

Seriousness-to-Fluff scale: Balanced. Oh it’s fluffy alright. Which I believe matches the novel so it makes sense. But it’s also emotionally serious and tackles some real issues (corporate corruption, familial abuse, user-y exes etc.)

My spoiler rant below:

———

Alright. The plot. I will be 100%, I hated Wonyoung for a good 2/3 of this series. I’m sorry. I know he’s cute. He’s also a snitch. Yeah… you find someone who’s in hiding to the point that they changed their name? You do NOT report them to the people searching for them my god. What a naive little gfghsagjk. I was entirely in Taejoon’s court and my heart hurt so much when he found out he was being used by the person he loves.

What redeemed Wonyoung for me? Besides something my rabbi said that I have taken horribly out of context, it’s the fact that he grows the hell up. Towards the end he does a complete 180, he’s no longer a desperate tool of the company but a self-determined individual who does not give up on Taejoon despite everything. He even protects him within the company and gives his ex an absolute piece of him mind. When Taejoon is finally at the point where he’s willing to forgive him, so am I.

The relationship between Donghee and Hotae is so fascinating to me. They are both hilarious characters in their own right (Donghee has perfected the dramatic long-suffering gay sigh and Hotae’s puppy-dog attitude is just the cutest paired with his gangster reputation.) Watching them navigate the idea of a real relationship is sweet and painful. Donghee is, I think, so scared. He has been abused by his family for being gay and it’s not clear to me if he wants to protect himself or Hotae or his Auntie or everyone by denying himself. The fact that he has to hold all of that actually makes him the saddest character to me. I’m happy when I see Hotae say things like “I’ll just hang around you for the rest of your life” because that’s what he needs. That level of certainty.

Manager Jung can go grovel in the mud like the slug he is. Actually I like slugs, nevermind.

Finally, Cha Seo Won is so hot. My god, man. Sorry, I am just in awe. He should keep that haircut and wear a trenchcoat at all times.

[the-doomed-witch]

Argh, so relieved that you are better now 🤗

I told you Brazilian curses never miss 😌!!!! (Joke) I am so damn happy that you are free now... Selfishly because that means I might throw a few requests to your writer brain anonymously even with your request closed, aaand you will have the time to do it if you want to (evil plan face)

Rapidly Googles when is "evening" in India and finds out is in a couple of hours: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!! OFFICIALLY OUT OF MY CHAIR AND WAITING STANDING UP!!!!

Ahm, I dont think I can call myself a writer. At maximum someone who has too many thoughts on her head and needs a escape valve otherwise she will get crazy 🤔. Not a good one tho, and I highly doubted you have ever read one of mine (thankfully 😅) - i dont write "lizzies" yet 🤭

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I laughed waaay too loud at your Google search for the environment I am in right now 🤣🤣. I totally can relate to that.

India? That is so cool!! I always wanted to visit New Deli. I find your culture extremely interesting. I might be imagining the SW of your profile photo doing the downward dog position on yoga leggings rn. 😬

Yep, Brazil! Oh, yeah - it was a high school mesh with business basics. To graduate, we did a 4 hour long exam on which we created the whole company from scratch, payed the taxes, decided our product value, did the payments sheet and toped with the balance sheet of 3 FUCKING YEARS, until we got our payback... of course I nailed it, cause I am a geek 🥸. Now I don't think I can turn on the HP12C anymore. I totally flipped to the other expectrum and am on the biological/humans studies side of the force now.

Ok, I just Googled "On earth we are briefly gorgeous"- that is a touchy and angsty letter-poetry-like novel - and you are lining that up with Jane Austen... *posh accent on* you're fancy ✨️

But yeah, I can relate to the fic supremacy 😂😂. I actually found out that fanfic existed only on August :x. What a turn of events since then.

Can't wait to see your fic later today.. I will be refreshing you page constantly after a couple of hours.

. .

ahahaha i still have like two requests pending and i feel guilty that i haven’t written them yet but i’ll do it in a day or two :) (geniunely sorry to the other anons :(((( ) but i’d love to have some requests from you of course <33 *cue hayley williams singing darling youuuu areeeee the only exceptionnnn* i love that song but me when

oh don’t put yourself through the stress, i’ll tell you, it’s scheduled for 10:30pm IST hehe :P which is about 1 hour and 29 minutes from now

jgffgdnkd but i really want to read your fics now, i’m so curious 😭 then ummm who do you write for? :D

AND PLEASE GOOGLE LITERALLY NEVER GIVES ME WHAT I WANT TO KNOW like my dudes. countrymen. i just need to know a word that starts with a p ends with -tion and means something like a bad gut feeling NOT A COMPLETE DIAGNOSIS FOR WHAT A BAD GUT FEELING CAN BE

i’ll give you a bit of an advice - do not visit new delhi😭 i’ve never been there either but you might want to search up the air quality index in delhi. it’s unbearable to breathe there!!!!! people are literally moving out of that place because it’s so polluted :( but SW in yoga pants??? count me in 🤤🤤

WOW OMG 😭 i will be learning all those things in the future and WHAT THE HECK THREE YEARS’ BALANCE SHEETS?!?) my head hurts thinking about that pls byeeeee i love accounts but i get so tired because we need to make all the ledgers and working notes on paper. by hand. with a ruler. in a 3 hour long exam. DUDE HOW— nvm. i cried about this degree enough already😭 that’s interesting tho, biology has never been my subject (except a few things here and there) (*cough cough* mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell 😎😎)

oh yes i’m very fancy 💅🏻💅🏻💅🏻 *proceeds to read the most filty smut ever known to humankind, with an incessant amount of angst* so very fancy. 💅🏻

PLS SAME I FOUND OUT ABOUT THEM IN MARCH THIS YEAR and the way life has never been the same 🫣 i’m not the same kid anymore hehe

[httpdabi]

The Game

Genre: Smut

Summary: Playing a game made for couples with your best friend wasn’t such a bright idea. Or was it ?

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: 18+ (Minors, leave me and my blog alone), spanking, mention of daddy kink, cream pie, rough, dom!Dabi, praising

,, Can you hurry up already ? ‘’ Touya yelled from the living room as you were getting ready. ,, We are only going to buy groceries, we ain’t going to Met Gala for fucks sake’’ he hissed, once he realised that you ain’t answering him.

,, Give me a second’’ you screamed, as you were putting on your mascara carefully.

,, I gave you a whole fucking hour, woman’’ Touya snapped back, rolling his eyes playfully. He had to stress around a bit. Thinking about it, the two of you looked like married couple, yet you were nothing more than two best friends and roommates.

Once you were done, you made your way toward the shopping center that wasn’t that far away from your apartment. There wasn’t any specific reason the two of you were going there, you only needed some groceries to get, and you could literally get that in the store near your apartment. But the two of you decided to go out a bit, since both of you were pretty much focused on the studies last few days.

You and Touya know each other since you were little kids. Your mother and Rei were childhood best friends, so you and Touya grew up together. It was one of those forced friendships, that would have some huge development later on. As you were getting older, you started realising that you actually liked spending your time with him.

,, I hate this.. When I have money, there is nothing nice to buy, but when I’m broke as fuck, every dress is looking beautiful’’ you rolled your eyes disappointedly. Every time you don’t have much money, the stores around are having such a beautiful collections.

Of course, being your best friend, Touya always bought you clothes you had your eyes on, as a small surprise after you had a long and hard day at uni. You really loved him. Not only because of that, but simply for being him. Everyone knew how damn grateful you were for having him and your life and you really never tried to hide that.

,, Let’s go see if they have some board games, maybe we can buy something and play tonight’’ Touya suggested, grabbing your hand as he took the lead. Every time Touya would hold your hand, your heart would skip a beat. Probably because of the fact that you had one big and fat crush on your best friend.

You were not sure when did it start. Maybe when he pierced his nose, or when people started thinking that the two of you are couple, or maybe the feeling was always there, but you kept it somewhere buried in your mind. Hiding it from everyone and especially from him.

,, Oh, I always wanted to play thing game’’ Touya said, holding a small, black package in his hands. You tried to grab it away from him, but unsuccessfully.

,, What is it ? Show me’’ You squeaked excitedly, hoping it’s something fun.

,, It’s Drunk in love’’ He said, waving the small package in the air. Confusion and jealousy washed over you as you looked at the back of the package. You’ve heard about that game, it’s one for couples.

,, Should we buy it ? I really want to play it’’ He asked. Only confusion was left in your body once he asked you that.

,, Isn’t that a game for couples ?’’ You asked him back.

,, Yeah, but it really isn’t something special, after all everyone is mistaking us for couple, so i don’t see a problem here’’ Touya said, winking at you. ,, Unless you are scared’’ he added fast. You knew that he was just trying to tease you a bit, it was how he always got things his way.

,, You know very well that I ain’t scared. But Touya, that’s not something we should play’’ you said honestly. Sure you would love to play that with him, but you didn’t know what kind of game that really is, so it gave you mixed feelings.

,, Trust me, the game is not a big deal. It’s just fun.’’ He said, looking down at you, hoping you’ll agree with his suggestion. ,, Trust me doll’’ he repeated, and the moment you let a deep breath out and rolled your eyes, Touya knew that he won, making his way to the cashier immediately.

,, Let’s buy something to drink at least’’ you said, hoping that the game won’t be so bad at the end.

,, We have to, it’s a drinking game anyway’’ Touya laughed, placing one arm around you, as the two of you walked to the store with alcohol.

The two of you bought a bottle of vodka, before you made your way home. Not wasting any time, Touya helped you put the groceries in the fridge, before he opened the small package. He took two small glasses for shots, and placed them beside the deck of cards that were already on the table in the living room.

You took two normal glasses and orange juice, in case the vodka might be too much. Touya was already waiting for you, searching for some music on YouTube, as he sat on the floor.

,,Here’’ Touya offered you a cigarette, once you sat on the other side, placing one pillow under your ass. You gladly accepted the cigarette, as you enjoyed the music he found.

The two of you drank few shots of vodka, before you started to play. You weren’t sure what to expect of that game, but if you were being honest, the alcohol was helping you, even tho it was just a little bit.

,, Imma go first’’ Touya said, taking one card. ,, Describe your worst hookup ever or drink’’ he read it out lout. Okay, that wasn’t something so bad, after all, you’ve already talked about it with him.

,, Ehh, that one time I slept with Kai.’’ You said rolling your eyes as you thought about it.

,,Ah, that time when you though he’s still fingering you ?’’ Touya asked, laughing a bit.

,, Yes Touya, his dick was that small’’ You laughed, feeling a little bit more comfy about the stupid game. ,, My turn’’ you added, taking one card.

,, Reveal your biggest sexual fantasy or drink’’ You read it excitedly, wiggling your eyebrows at him.

,, Yeah, no’’ Touya laughed, taking a shot without thinking twice, leaving you all disappointed. ,, Pull another one’’ Touya said, closing his eyes because of the strong taste of the alcohol.

,, Give your parter a piggy back ride around the room or drink’’ a big smile formed on your face as you read the sentence.

,, Easy peasy’’ Touya commented, standing up. The moment he turned around, giving you a sign to hop on his back, you did it. The two of you looked like children, running around the apartment like crazy.

,, Drink if you’ve ever faked an orgasm’’ Touya said, placing the card on the table. Of course you had to drink, thanking God you didn’t have to take a shot for every orgasm you faked.

Card after card, and shot after shot, the two of you were getting tipsier and the cards were getting spicier.

,, Blindfold your partner and make them guess which body part they’re touching or drink’’ Touya read the sentence, glad he was the one who found it first. ,, Yeah, you gonna chicken out ‘’ he teased.

,, Shut up and close your eyes’’ You said thinking about what part you should let him touch. Everything was way too easy to guess. At one point you were almost sure that there was a typo on the card, and that you should touch yourself and he should guess which part, but Touya was 100% sure that he was supposed to touch you.

Taking his hands, you decided that it would be the best if he would touch your collar and breast bones. At your surprise, he was tracing his fingers lightly over your skin, furrowing his eyebrows confusingly as he tried to understand what part of your body he’s touching.

,, Collarbones’’ He said opening his eyes immediately. ,, Ok, you’ve lost, drink’’ he commanded with a smirk on his face, as he took another card.

,, Take one article of clothing or drink’’ Touya placed the card on the table, leaning back onto the lower part of your couch. When he took of his shirt, showing of his perfectly toned body covered with various different tattoos, you realised that the card was referring to both of you. Since your shirt was a bit oversized, you decided to take of your pants.

Trying to ignore the small situation you found yourself in, you took another card fast.

,, Let your partner spank you or drink’’ you read it confusedly, trying to understand what the fuck is happening. Once you understood, you started shaking your head in disbelief, following with one loud laugh. What the fuck did you get yourself into ?

,, Come on doll, come to daddy ‘’ Touya joked, spreading his arms over the couch, as you took the shot of vodka anyway, before you made your way toward him.

Not giving you much time, Touya pulled you down, bending you over his lap. ,, You have no idea how much I wanted to do this’’ He confessed, as he pulled your shirt just enough to show your ass. You couldn’t even focus on his small confession, since you were trying to prepare yourself on the upcoming spanks.

Instead of spanking you, Touya decided to take his time with you, tracing his fingers over your hips and playing with the ends of your panties, pulling them up, forming a thong with them. You were glad that some alcohol was in your system, because you were pretty sure that sober you would never survive that.

,, Now doll, be a good girl and take every single spank for daddy’’ Touya whispered, before he connected his palm with your ass cheek, making you yelp in pain. With every spank he gave you, the pain was getting intenser. But you didn’t mind, after all, isn’t that what you wished for ?

,, Such a good Girl’’ He prised, caressing the red marks he left over your ass. Once you got back on the other side of the table, both you and him started laughing hysterically.

,, Lick your partner below the waist or finish your drink’’ Touya said, smirking widely once again. ,, There’s no way I’m finishing this drink’’ He added, grabbing your arm and pushing you toward him.Touya pushed up on the couch, as he started licking your legs slowly.

You couldn’t believe what the fuck was happening. Both of you half naked, playing some overly sexual game, which led him to licking your legs. You weren’t sure what was driving you more crazy, him licking your legs or his erection that was showing under his grey sweatpants.

Touya placed his hand on your tight, giving in one strong squeeze as he was placing wet kisses on your right inner tight. You could feel his lips getting closer and closer to your private parts, but you didn’t dare to say anything.

,, Wanna know what my fantasy is ?’’ Touya asked, kissing and biting onto the skin around your panties. All you could do is nod your head quietly, lost under his touch and soft kisses.

,, You, you are my biggest fantasy. I want to have you all for myself’’ Touya said hovering over you. ,, I want you to be mine’’ he added, looking you directly in the eyes, before he started leaving soft kisses all over your face.

,, Wanna be mine ? Just you and me doll’’ He asked, biting your lip.

,, Yes’’ You answered him so fast. Fuck yes you want to be his, He didn’t even have to ask you that, you were always his.

Once he heard you say that, Touya pulled his sweatpants and boxers down, letting his hard dick jump straight up. Not breaking the kiss, he started rubbing the tip of his dick around your entrance.

,, Doll, tell me if I’m too rought’’ He said, entering you slowly while he sucked onto your neck, leaving wet love bites. You couldn’t manage to give him a proper answer, hoping that simply nodding your head was understandable enough.

Once he was fully inside of you, he gave you some time to adjust to his size before he started rocking his hips into you. He wasn’t doing it slow, and the position you were in wasn’t the most comfortable one, but you didn’t care about that. All you could think of was the pleasure he was giving you at the moment, mixed with pain.

You wrapped your legs around his waist as he rammed into you recklessly, breathing into your neck as his moves were getting stronger and stronger.

,, So tight for me’’ Touya groaned, enjoying the warm feeling your walls were giving him. It felt like you were made just for him. Placing one hand on your hip, and other one on the edge of the couch, he increased his speed, fucking you stronger and deeper than before. With every move he made, he was hitting your g spot, making you moan louder and louder. You were pretty sure that your neighbours were able to hear the two of you, but none of you gave a single fuck.

Both of you were about to cum. His groans were getting louder, and he was fucking you ever harder, while your walls were getting tighter and tighter around him, making it even more enjoyable for him.

,, You can cum inside’’ You managed to say somehow, moaning his name and squeezing your eyes shut once you reached your high.

,, I was planning to ’’ He groaned, fucking you through your orgasm, making it even better for you. After few thrusts, he spilled his seed deep into you. Moving few more times as he made sure to fill you nice and good, not wasting a single drop of his sperm. Once he was done, he collapsed on top of you, fighting for his breath.

,, I love you so much Doll’’ he said, connecting his lips with your own.

,, I love you too’’ You answered him, smiling widely into the kiss.

That night he took care of you, cleaning you, and taking you to his room, making sure that you are alright and that he didn’t hurt you. That night he made sure to clear some things out, he made sure that you wouldn’t think this was some sort of misunderstanding. Telling you how he actually always wanted to ask you out, and how that game was just a chance for him to get him where he is now. With you in his bed, locked between his arms.

That night you understood that your crush was never one sided, and that you were the reason why your best friend never dated anyone else.

Who would have thought that such a dirty game could bring people together ? Would lead them to confessing to each other. You sure didn’t think so, yet there you are, instead of daydreaming about it, you are enjoying the warmth of your best friend, roommate and lover.

[thepenultimateword]

Acts of Whimsy Part Two

Part One

Hero squashed the hills out of their mashed potatoes and spread them flat across the square compartment of their tray. “So, I have some news.”

“Hm?” Other Hero mumbled, shoveling peas and rice into their mouth. Training always made the two of them ravenous, but today, with Hero's stomach doing flips, it looked like it was one sided.

Hero dragged long lines in the potatoes with the flat of their fork, like seed beds tilled into a field. “I may…have gotten married over the weekend.”

"Pffft!" Food sprayed from the other hero's mouth, a stray pea bouncing of Hero's temple. They began coughing violently and didn't stop until they'd spat a couple grains of wet rice back onto their tray. “What? To who? I didn’t even know you were dating anyone!”

Hero gave the room a quick glance. A few heads had turned up at Other Hero's noise, but they slowly turned back to their own meals and conversations.

“I wasn’t…” they murmured, averting their eyes from Other Hero's searching ones.

Silence.

Hero waited patiently for Other Hero to ask more questions, but nothing came. They just stared, prickling the hair on the back of Hero's neck with their intensity. They weren't going to press. They expected Hero to continue on their own.

Hero squeezed their eyes shut. “It’s Villain."

“Villain?”

Hero's insides leapt and those same heads popped back up, more scrutinizing now.

“Shhh!" Hero fought the urge to look around at everyone again and held their hands in front of Other Hero imploringly. They still didn't regret their actions, but they weren't ready for all the other heroes to come down on them. They'd checked the policies this morning, and there didn't seem to be anything against marrying a villain, but they doubted the agency would see it as a good thing. "I’m not spreading it around yet. I’m just telling you.”

Other Hero bit their lip, flicking their eyes around the room a moment before dropping their voice a register. “Are you out of your mind? Why would you agree to marry someone like Villain? They're renowned for dishonesty and scheming. It’s probably a trap!”

“I asked them.”

“What?” Other Hero exploded again.

“Shhh!" Maybe they should have done this somewhere more private than the agency cafeteria, but they'd felt about ready to explode keeping it all to themself. "I really like them ok? I was tired of hiding it!”

“So you married them? You didn’t think about starting with something more reasonable, like inviting them to a movie?”

Hero cringed. "Don't you think I know how crazy this is?"

“I don't know. I really don't." Their voice was raising again, and they swallowed, making an obvious effort to lower it again, this time to a whisper. "Look, it's not that I don't want to be happy for you. It's just, I didn't even know you liked Villain, so you can see why I might be a little shocked."

Hero nodded. They'd always thought they were being too obvious about their feelings, but Villain had been surprised at their proposal too. Maybe it had only felt obvious because it had gnawed constantly at the back of their brain, affecting their concentration, intruding on their dreams, marring their judgment.

No, they really couldn't say they were unhappy with this outcome, even if it was, admittedly, a strange one.

“So what’s next?” Other Hero said. The crease in their brow and the back and forth grind of their canine on their bottom lip said they still weren't totally onboard with this, but they were a good enough friend to leave it alone for now. "Like...are you still going to fight them? Have you met their family? Have they met yours? Are you going to joint file your taxes?"

Once again, Hero felt like they'd been struck by crashing tidal wave. The pressure shoved them down against the floor and knocked the breath from their lungs. They hadn't thought of most of these questions either. It was like every time they felt settled, there was something else to knock them off kilter again. They forced a deep breath through their clenched lungs, ignoring the sting, and desperately searched for footing. It was tottering and unsteady, but they scrambled forward anyway, seizing on the few things they did know.

“Villain's quitting the criminal scene. I guess…they're moving in with me. Right. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind helping me move them in?”

Other Hero hesitated. "When?"

"This evening? I'll order pizza. You can choose the toppings."

Other Hero considered that, but they still couldn't stop chewing their lip. A drizzle of blood rolled off their chin and on top of their baked chicken. Hero wanted to shake them out of it, but they weren't completely certain that the chewing wasn't the only thing keeping them from another outburst.

They were so selfish.

"I just thought...maybe if you met them in a normal setting, no fighting, no threats, that you might see them differently. Maybe you'd want to be friends with them."

Hero felt somewhat pathetic. Even if it weren't for the crack in their voice on 'friends', their desperation couldn't be more obvious if they tried. They wanted this relationship to be normal, to have friends who supported them and people who congratulated them. But that wasn't what they'd chosen with relationship, was it? They could have support or the person they loved, not both.

"Ok."

Hero blinked. "Ok?"

"I'll give them a chance," Other Hero sighed. "I'm not saying I'm happy about this whole thing, but your my friend, and my favorite crime fighting partner. Helping you move in your spouse is the least I can do."

It was Hero's turn to swallow down a shout. They leaned across the table and squeezed Other Hero's forearm. "Thank you."

"I still want to pick the pizza toppings though."

"Of course!" They fumbled their phone out of their pocket. "Let me just text Villain... We can head to my place together after patrol?"

Other Hero shrugged an agreement and tried to return casually to their food, but the rest of the hour was too quiet.

***

Other Hero flopped down on Hero's couch, face dirt-streaked, hair pasted sweaty to their forehead, and not even bothering to change out of their hero suit, despite Hero's offer of a change of clothes.

"So how much stuff do they have?" they said, stretching their arms behind them and tipping their head toward the ceiling. Luckily, they seemed to slowly be coming to terms with the marriage subject.

"Don't know. I know their apartment is bigger than mine, but I couldn't afford to pay rent on it, so..." They motioned to their own little hole in the wall.

"You couldn't have paid it together?"

"Well, like I said, Villain's quitting villainy. And they've never had a job, so I'm taking care of it."

Their pride only lasted a moment.

"You don't think that'll be a problem?"

"Why would it be?" Hero said.

"I don't know. Marriage. Finances. They tend to strain each other. Forget it. You know more about your situation than I do.”

Hero nearly replied that they were badly putting one foot in front of the other, but a rhythmic knock interrupted the thought.

Villain didn’t wait for someone to answer, the door, pushing in sideways with a duffle on their shoulder and arms full with a massive beanbag. “Hello!”

Just the sight of their tight leather jacket and silken ash hair tied over one shoulder made Hero’s heart skip a beat.

“Hey!” they rushed forward and took half the beanbags weight. It was white and fuzzy, and Hero was already looking forward to cuddling on it.

“Hi,” Villain greeted again, this time more personally. The beanbag’s width barely let them reach each other for a quick but affectionate kiss. As they pulled apart Villain’s eyes shone, and they nodded at the fluffy seat. “I think I can handle this for a few more steps. It’s look best in here, right?”

They waved to the living room with its dingy, yellowing sofa and threadbare rug.

“Yeah, definitely.” Hero tried to keep the embarrassment out of their voice.

Villain plopped the beanbag down in the middle of the room and fixed their eyes on Other Hero sitting directly in front of them.

“Oh.”

They took a step back, but Hero quickly wove their fingers together.

“You know, Other Hero, right, Villain? They’re here to help us with the move.”

“Congratulations,” Other Hero managed with a weak smile.

Villain stared for a long moment then split into a wide grin. “Thank you. I brought a friend to help too, so this shouldn’t take terribly long.” They quickly turned toward Hero. “I can start putting clothes away if you point me toward the bedroom.”

“Ah,” Hero pointed down the hall. “Straight down, last door on the right.”

“Thanks, lovie.” They snuck another kiss and were gone.

Was that shyness? Hero had never pegged Villain has a shy person. Especially with their love for the spotlight.

The door creaked again, and Henchman appeared holding a cardboard box full of vases. They stopped in front of Hero with a glare, reminding them somewhat of a fluffy headed bull.

"Um, hi," Hero said, forcing a smile.

"I don't know what you're up to, but I'm not buying this lovey-dovey bull crap. Villain is vulnerable, and if you hurt them--"

"Babe! Is it ok if I clear a couple drawers?”

"Uh, one second," Hero called back. "I'm coming."

They waited a moment for Henchman to finish their threat, but they only intensified their glare.

"I'll help you with those," Other Hero said, overly cheery, taking the box out of Henchman's hands and setting it on the table. “Is there a lot more that needs to be brought up?”

Henchman only scoffed in reply.

Other Hero and Hero blinked at each other, but Other Hero quickly smoothed over the pause with a bright, “Well, why I’ll help you with boxes for now, while Hero helps Villain with the clothes organizing.”

“Sure,” Henchman growled though they didn’t move. Their eyes followed Hero all the out of the room.

Hero found Villain sprawled out on their back on the bedroom floor, duffle bag unzipped beside them and revealing rows and rows of very meticulously folded clothing.

“So Henchman hates me,” Hero said, stepping playfully on Villain’s stomach.

Villain shrugged, not even opening their eyes.“They’ve always hated you.”

Hero gaped down at them, but couldn’t help the laugh already bursting past their lips. “Ouch. You were supposed to say ‘no they don’t.’”

Villain rolled out from under Hero’s foot and up into a sitting position. Slender fingers caught Hero’s wrists and dragged them down onto the carpet beside Villain. “It’s not personal. Henchman hates all heroes.”

“Should I be worried that I sent them off with Other Hero?”

“Nah. I told them to play nice. Besides, I told them there would be pizza, so they’ll at least hold back until then.”

“Any other hostile friends I should be worried about?”

“Mmm, no, I really just have the one.”

Hero wanted to ask if they meant one hostile friend or one friend in general, but they weren’t sure if they were close enough to ask something personal.

Ridiculous. They were married. They couldn’t get any closer than this.

Hero still didn’t ask.

Instead, they cleared their throat and pulled out a couple drawers. “Are these big enough? I’m sure I can squeeze this stuff somewhere else.”

“Perfect,” Villain said. “I have my own dresser I can move in anyway for the rest.”

“The rest?”

Villain stood up and began piling Hero’s roughly made bed with leather, silk, and cotton. Shirts, jackets, scarves, jeans, linen trousers, and a host of other clothing items spilled over the edges.

“Holy…how did you fit all that in there?”

“I’m an efficient organizer,” Villain said braggingly. “Don’t worry, it’ll all fit.”

Hero’s phone buzzed, a message from Other Hero crossing the screen.

Good luck, dude, there is SO much stuff.

Hero hid their initial frown with a too wide smile. Villain smiled awkwardly back.

This was going to be interesting.

[noforkingclue]

Can you please write a Tommy Shelby supernatural fic?

Where during modern times, Arrow House is now a historic property/hotel because of it’s history to the infamous Shelby family.

And you and your co workers stay there for a work convention, you end up being noticed as the modern doppelgänger to a lover that got away from Tommy Shelby when he was alive, and soon enough, his spirit feels as though you finally came back for him.

Ok, this request is definitely a bit of me. I wanted to try and go for a creepy vibe. I've been in a horror mood recently if you guys can tell...

Title: Dead but Not Forgotten

Warnings: creepy Tommy

Thomas Shelby tag list: @alreadybroken-ts, @darlingdevil, @lyrxbz

Everything tag list: @greenrevolutionary, @imjustassaneasyou, @spngingerbread21, @layazul, @lov3vivian

“Alright,” Karl said as he popped a chip into his mouth, “In a fight who do you think would win? The Shelbys or the Krays?”

“Wouldn’t it make more sense for it to be between the Krays and Alfie Solomons?” you asked as you heaved your suitcase onto your bed

“Why?”

“Well, the Krays and Solomons were both London gangsters,” you said, “They would’ve have more contact with each other than with someone from Birmingham.”

“You think so?”

“Yep.”

“Well then-“

“Karl.”

“Yes y/n?”

“Fuck off. It was a long drive and I’m fucking tired.”

“Alright,” Karl said as he backed towards the door, “I get it. We’re going to continue having this conversation tomorrow though.”

You let out a groan of relief when you were finally alone. You flopped on your bed and shut your eyes. Staff conferences were always the worst, the only good thing about this one was the hotel your company had put you in. Apparently it used to belong to Thomas Shelby, a gangster in the early twentieth century. The historian inside of you was excited to explore the house and you wondered if you would uncover any secrets. Just as you felt yourself drifting off to sleep a loud banging at your door dragged you awake.

“Y/n,” Karl said, “You need to see this.”

“Can’t it wait? And shut up, other people are trying to sleep.”

“No. It’s important.”

You groaned as you rolled off the bed and stomped over to the door. You opened it was a glare towards your co-worker but he ignore you. Karl grabbed your hand and dragged you across the hallway. There was a small glass display table and he jabbed a finger at it.

“The photo in the middle.” He said

You peered closer at it and after a second you recoiled in shock.

“Is this some kind of joke?” you asked

“Afraid not,” Karl said, “Looks like you’re the splitting image of someone a hundred years ago!”

*

While you were quite unnerved by the photo, Karl found it fascinating. It was at breakfast a couple of day later when he sat down in front of you. He gave you a big grin and pulled out his phone.

“Looks like you had quite the interesting history,” he said, “Apparently the dead y/n l/n was actually in a relationship with Thomas Shelby.”

You coughed on the sip of tea you had taken and looked at Karl in disbelief.

“Bullshit,” you whispered, “Thomas Shelby didn’t marry her.”

“You’re right,” Karl said, waving his phone at you, “Apparently she ran away. Left for a new life somewhere he couldn’t find her. From what I found out, it wasn’t exactly a happy relationship.”

“Being involved with a gangster,” you said, “Who’d have thought it?”

“So what do you say y/n,” Karl leaned closer and grinned at you, “Do you think the spirit of Thomas Shelby roams these halls, searching for the reincarnation of his lost love.”

“I think,” you said looking out of the window, “That it’s going to snow soon. We might even be lucky enough to get snowed in.”

As you studied the steadily darkening sky you heard a whisper,

Karl. Same name as my nephew.

“Huh?”

“What?” asked Karl through a mouthful of toast

“Did you say something?”

“No.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Must’ve just been my imagination.” You said, although you weren’t entirely convinced.

*

You were right. You did get snowed in. Ever since that one breakfast strange things had been happening to you. Rooms would suddenly get freezing cold and sometimes it felt like someone had dunked part of your body in ice cold water. You constantly felt like someone was watching you. One a rare occasion you even swore that you heard someone call your name. At first you thought it was Karl playing a trick on you but he insisted that he wasn’t.

You let out a frustrated moan as you turned onto your back and looked up at the ceiling. For the past couple of nights you were finding it harder and harder to fall asleep.

“You had that same problem when you were with me.”

You sat bolt upright. There was no one else in the room. The only sound was the wind blowing outside. You sat in the deep darkness heart thumping rapidly. Then, ever so slowly, you thought you felt the bed dip beside you.

“After all these years you’ve finally found your way back to me.”

“It’s not real,” you said, “It’s just a nightmare.”

“Look at me when I’m talking to you.”

“Any second I’ll wake up and-“

“Look at me y/n.”

The gentleness in his voice made you open your eyes. Your breath hitched as you were looking into the face of Thomas Shelby. You had seen the photos, the portraits and read about him but there was something so utterly different seeing him face to face.

“You’re dead,” You said eventually, “You’ve been dead for a hundred years.”

“And you’ve come back to me.” he reached forward to touch your face.

You back away but your back hit the headboard of your bed. Tommy smirked but that quickly disappeared when his hand went through your face. You flinched at the icy sensation, the same sensation you’ve been feeling for the past couple of days.

“You’ve been following me.” You said

“Hmm.”

“Why?”

“Why?” Tommy stood up straight and looked down at you, amusement written across his face.

You shifted uneasily under his gaze and pulled the duvet up and around you. Tommy’s gaze moved down to your chest and you felt your cheeks get hot under his gaze. Tommy bent down and you could swear that you smelt the faint scent of cigarettes and whiskey.

“I let you go once,” he said coldly, “And I don’t plan on letting you go again.”

“Well that’s going to be very difficult isn’t it.”

“Meaning?”

“I’m leaving tomorrow,” you gave him a smug grin, “And I don’t plan on returning.”

“Love,” Tommy stood up straight and started disappearing before your eyes, “Do not under estimate me. A desperate man would do anything for love.”

[writeanythingagency]

Ok. I have one 🖐🏻. In head canons, How would the three waa youngsters (Apollo, Trucy, Athena) react to their s/o losing a limb in an accident or to illness? Like it’s been a while since they last saw each other and they are suddenly missing an arm or something. I don’t care how the limb was lost I’m more interested in how they react. Thanks in advance!

so once again, this has evolved into three scenarios but the next one will be proper HCs, promise! i don't have any personal experience with this sort of stuff so i had to ask a few friends and google, i hope it turned out okay!

Spoilers for AA4, AA5, and AA6. Depiction of Trucy is post-canon.

TW: Hospitalization, light description of injury

Apollo, Trucy, and Athena with an S/O who lost a limb HCs Scenarios 💢🔷🌙

💢 Apollo Justice 💢

The Khura’inese legal system is young, but thriving. Apollo has trained the newest cohort of attorneys in courtroom procedure and the delicate balance between faith and truth. Nahyuta has done something similar for the prosecutors, though he refuses to reveal his methods. Khura’in is now something of a case study for other legal systems, he’s published a paper on the reconstruction of an entire criminal justice system—hell, they’ve been nominated for a Nopel Peace Prize for spirits’ sake.

Which makes it all the more depressing that Apollo has absolutely no idea what to do with his life.

Mission more or less done, he placed the firm in the hands of Datz and Ahlbi and set off for a vacation (see also: soul searching trip) in the states. Athena called his rut a midlife crisis despite not even pushing thirty, and Trucy tried to find new hobbies for him, including but not limited to arm wrestling, crochet, saxophone, and of course magic. Mr. Wright’s even easing up on the chores; Apollo can’t remember the last time he’s cleaned the agency toilet.

He’s counting the number of tiles on the kitchen wall when his phone rings. “Apollo Justice speaking.”

“Hey, it’s S/O. You’re left handed, right?”

And that’s how Apollo learns about the accident.

You attended the same law school as Apollo and developed something of a rivalry in your criminal law classes. Once the professor paired you two up for a project on significant legal precedents (you never did find out if that was intentional) it actually turned out that you two had a lot in common, besides a mutual fascination with a certain avian testimony.

Neither of you would be caught dead admitting that you were friends; after all, that initial rivalry was a little hard to get over. But you knew, somehow, in between morning coffee runs, afternoon legal ramblings, and late nights spent with Rocky Road ice cream and cat videos that Apollo had inexplicably become your closest friend.

And maybe there was something else in the lingering touches when Apollo handed you yet another pencil, or how both of you were entirely eager to fish for various couple’s discounts on Valentines Day. Maybe you’d never know.

You stayed in contact as best as you could, but you took a job in the next city straight out of law school. And with everything that happened in Khura’in, he hadn’t seen you in over a year.

The tricky thing with losing your dominant limb is that you have to relearn everything from scratch. You were determined to do it, just like you pushed through university and law school. Fortunately, you knew exactly one (1) southpaw who could help you through the process.

“S/O, what on earth are you talking about?”

“You might need to sit down for this. I may have lost my right hand and I need you to teach me how to do basic things with my left hand.”

“…”

“I mean, you don’t have to—“

“What in the Holy Mother, S/O?”

He goes along with your idea anyways, because damn it he’s never gonna say no to you. You see each other every day now, just like how it was in the old days, with Apollo guiding you through everyday tasks. Among these, you can now use a screwdriver, crack an egg, and tie your shoes with one hand. Apollo had some surprisingly good tips, which makes you think he knows more to this new style of living than you thought.

Each day is a productive one. You reward yourselves with late-night movie marathons at the end of the day. With each day, the space between you two on your lumpy loveseat diminishes.

“I can’t believe we’re watching the Steel Samurai reboot again.”

You take your thumb off the TV remote, slightly crestfallen. “Oh…I guess we can watch something else then….”

Apollo gives you a furtive and unreadable glance, tensing his wrist. “I mean, one more time wouldn’t hurt….”

He never asks you about the accident, and you never ask him about everything that happened while he was gone, or the strange look in his eyes that’s missing something vital. It’s the perfect arrangement.

On the tenth day, you finally feel comfortable enough to try your hand at writing. It’s your hardest and most important task yet. He asks you if you’re sure about this. You say yes.

When you put pen to paper, it comes out all wrong. Your “A” looks like something an earthquake might have created. Or a kindergartner. You still your hand while Apollo cranes over to look at your work. “It’s, well. Not your best, but we’ll get in plenty of practice. C’mon, ‘I’m S/O L/N, and I’m FINE!’”

He hopes you’ll say it back, because he can’t tell if you’re really fine at this moment. You look as if you might say something, filling him with hope, but you choke out a sob instead. Your head is in your hands, and he’s dropped the happy-go-lucky act. Apollo crouches by your side, rubbing comforting circles on your shoulder. “H-Hey S/O, it’s not a big deal. You know what, I’ll go put on that Steel Samurai holiday special you love so mu—“

“How?”

How…what? Apollo scratches his head absentmindedly. “Dhurke broke his arm when I was a kid, and then it happened to me a few years ago; exploding courtroom, long story—”

“No,” you choke out. “I’m not asking about that. I’m asking: how are you always fine?”

You wonder for a moment if your friend is going to dodge the question when he looks askance. “The closest person I had to a father abandoned me when I was ten. He showed up to the agency one day, made me think he’d choose to stay this time around, then it turned out he was dead the entire time and never told me. The year before that, my best friend was murdered and I was the lawyer for that trial. My coworker was tried for the same crime and a GYAXA engineer took my little sister hostage. The year before that, I watched my defendant collapse from a near-fatal poisoning on the stand during her testimony.”

“What? Apollo, I—“

“Just, listen. Things are absolutely not fine sometimes. It gets pretty damn awful. All I can ever do is keep pressing on. I-I never wanted to push you, though. I’m sorry.”

“No! Apollo, you’ve been amazing, really! I should be the one who’s sorry…I never knew all that happened to you.”

Your friend turns somewhat bashful. “Well. Now you know.”

You take a good look at Apollo, a really good look. He’s miles away from the optimistic young student you knew, tinged with more cynicism and world-weariness than he lets on. But he’s your Apollo, the Apollo who will always come through for you in your time of need. Clinging to hope not out of ignorance, but from experience. And slowly but surely, the mental fog that had consumed you since the accident began to clear.

It’s him. It’s always been him.

You take a deep breath and steady your voice. “…I’m S/O L/N, and I’m fine!”

Apollo glances at you, visibly confused, before cracking the widest smile you’ve seen from him all day. “Your technique is off, S/O. All in the Chords of Steel, like this: I’m Apollo Justice, and I’m FINE!”

You never did get back to writing. Neither of you minded. You could practice tomorrow, or the day after that. But this night with cheap Chinese take out, a Steel Samurai marathon, intense vocal exercises, and the two of you just coexisting was irreplaceable.

As you wave goodbye to Apollo and slowly shut the door behind him, he’s struck with just how much you mean to him. You’re brilliant, you’ve always been brilliant, and somehow you chose to be his friend. And it feels surprisingly okay if that’s all you’ll ever be. When he needed it the most, you reentered his life and gave him purpose. A reason to keep moving forward.

Apollo will keep pressing on, just has he always has, but this time, he’ll do it for you.

(Someday, when the timing’s right, I’ll tell you everything.)

🔷 Trucy Wright 🔷

The buzz of your phone startles you from your largely restless sleep. You shift in your hospital gown to check your messages and are immediately hit with glaring blue light.

Today at 9:13 AM

true see <3: guess whose tour just wrapped up (∩^o^)⊃━☆

You: Bonny de Famme? Wait, don't tell me: did the Gavinners get back together??

true see <3: you’re so mean, s/o (◞‸◟)

You: But it’s fun :(

You: Seriously though, congrats! Sorry I couldn’t make it to your home show ;-;

true see <3: dw!!! i got your flowers btw, i still have them in my room ^ - ^

true see <3: now that i’m back in town, we can go out for real (⌒▽⌒)

true see <3: ooh there’s this place daddy told me about, tres bien cafe i think?

true see <3: he says the food is awful, that means it has to be good (๑>◡<๑) now that i’m making good $ i can take you out more often!!

You feel a bittersweet pang in your heart, but quickly shove it down.

You: Ofc Trumoo <3

true see <3: have u been thinking of pet names while i was away?? (｀_´)ゞ

You: Oh I have more. True-blue, Trucie-pie, Truce-pickles…

true see <3: truce-pickles?? now i have to come over and make that one disappear ╰(´︶`)╯♡

You weigh the options carefully. For one, you could come up with a reasonably decent excuse just as you did for the show. On the other hand, you don’t think you can hide this secret any longer.

(And maybe you just really really missed her.)

You: K, I need to give you my new address tho

true see <3: oh you moved?? daddy didn't tell me that

You: Something like that, yeah…

true see <3: s/o??? are you gonna explain that??

1 attachment sent

true see <3: you’re in THE HOSPITAL???

Needless to say, the reunion with your dear, brilliant, and oh so unfortunate girlfriend is not exactly joyous. You try to explain everything over text before Trucy sees you for yourself: how one diagnosis turned your life upside down, how the difficult decision was made to amputate your left arm, of god awful daytime soaps and flimsy ham sandwiches. But nothing in the world could prepare either of you for when you two are face to face for the first time in a year.

You think the performer’s mask might have slipped within the first few seconds, but it’s soon back up and stronger than ever. “S/O?”

“Trucy!” You use your remaining arm to pull yourself into an upright position. Mr. Wright is standing at the door with an armful of stuffed animals and chocolates. “Long time no see?”

Despite her youthful appearance, Trucy is actually quite strong when she needs to be. It still startles you when Trucy smacks you lightheartedly (or so it would have been) and then hugs you tightly, as if you might fly away at any moment.

“You were here all this time and I never knew.” You lightly pat her on the back with your right arm, hoping that she’s smiling on your shoulder, maintaining her energetic performance despite the gravity of the situation. Instead, you start to feel what might be small droplets on your hospital gown. And if Trucy’s given up the act, you don’t even stand a chance.

The weight of a year begotten with misfortune, vague explanations, and longing for the girl in your arms hits you all at once.

“Daddy,” Trucy begins with pleading eyes, “how come you never told me?”

Mr. Wright looks around the mountain of gifts in his hands. “You know I hate keeping secrets from you, Truce.”

“Then…S/O?” You curl into yourself, sheepish and shameful.

“I knew that if you found out, you’d come back home straight away.” The televised broadcasts of her Paris show play through your mind. How she simply shined on stage, brilliant and happy and unburdened. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you. I didn’t want to be a burden.”

Trucy clasps your hand with fervor. She thinks of another lie by omission told once, when Lamiroir was just Lamiroir and Polly was just Polly. Forgiving Daddy was easy, once the dust had settled. Forgiving Thalassa is a nebulous impossibility. But maybe she can understand how her mom felt, through your eyes, hiding a secret bound by some odd notion of self-sacrifice.

Despite everything that’s happened to you, you’re still the same S/O who taught her that love, in all its forms, works in strange ways. It’s the closest thing to true magic she has ever known. It’s the kind of love you need right now.

(S/O, I’ll be with you through sunshine and rain. You could never be a burden.)

She kisses you once, then twice, then makes you wonder how you can get her to do this the rest of your life. “You’re so silly sometimes, S/O. None of this means anything if I can’t be here with you.”

Your heart feels it could burst from affection, but there’s so much to talk about, so much to do—

Knock knock. A nurse stands by the door with a bored expression. “Visiting hours are over.” You glance tearfully at Trucy and embrace her one more time. You desperately wish things were different, that you could feel Trucy’s fine hair with your left hand like you used to. But you don't need to commit everything to memory now. The two of you have time.

“Next time I see you, we’ll both be smiling. Got it?”

🌙 Athena Cykes 🌙

Athena was pleasantly surprised to hear from one of her old friends from her time in Europe. Apparently, they were in L.A. at the moment and wanted to catch up over coffee.

You had the slightest hint of discord in your voice though, as if you were keeping something from her. All told, though, the defense attorney was just happy to hear from you again! She would never admit it, but her feelings for you were a little more than friendly then. You were, after all, one of only a few friends her age. Having also moved from Japanifornia a couple years before Athena, your kindness and crash course on Living in Europe 101 made a huge impression on young Athena. So did your laugh, your liveliness, your smile…

Okay, so maybe she was a little nervous about seeing you again but that was fine! She was perfectly fine! As Athena picked out a casual sundress and started walking to the address you texted her, she thanked the stars for Apollo’s mantra. Athena Cykes was doing fine!

When Athena sees you for the first time in three years, Athena Cykes is decidedly not doing fine. Your left leg is amputated below the knee, confining you to a wheelchair. You're peppered with questions right away, with all the tact of a licensed psychologist. You laugh sheepishly and recount your tale for the nth time.

Shortly after Athena left for the Wright Anything Agency, you were one of many victims in a tragic automobile accident. You were one of the fortunate ones, coming out with your life and no life threatening injuries. But it came at the cost of your ability to walk.

You managed, building a respectable life for yourself in Europe. But part of you was itching to fly to the States, and you were still waiting for your prosthesis. You figured a short sojourn couldn’t hurt, hence why you were here today.

You were worried that your friend might see you differently, that the easy friendship you built up all those years ago would be replaced by saccharine sympathy. Turns out, you needn’t have worried. Athena listens to you attentively, asking genuine inquiries you tackle one by one. When you wrap up your story, you ask about how Athena is doing as a bonafide lawyer, and it’s as if nothing had changed. While the coffee is mediocre, the conversation isn’t. You laugh over absurd WAA stories and eccentric work colleagues, and you want to do nothing but stay right here, in this moment.

“Mein Gott! Is it really that late?” Athena places a twenty in your hand, even though you’re sure coffee didn’t cost this much. “Mr. Wright is going to…ahh! S/O, I’ll see you tomorrow okay?” You nod and wave, highly amused. You can work out the details of where and when later.

The two of you refamiliarize yourself with the other over the course of several definitely-not-dates. Athena, for some reason, insists on pushing you around in your wheelchair to and fro. This isn’t necessary of course, you can move around just fine on your own, but the gesture still manages to warm your heart. In turn, you learn about what she’s been up to. She managed to save Simon as promised, albeit through extremely convoluted circumstances. You never say this out loud, but one look at Athena and you knew immediately. Her gait was lighter, absent of the burden from the UR-1 incident, and her already gorgeous aquamarine blue eyes shine brighter than ever. For a moment, you forlornly wonder if Athena is the only one whose changed for the better. The objection is near immediate when you voice your thoughts on the Santa Monica pier.

“Objection!” Athena cringes at her own volume, but she couldn’t help herself. You’re as kind and sharp as ever, but you've grown so much too! You have every reason to be bitter at the world…yet you’re not. But that’s not much of a surprise, is it? Even back then when you and the stars were always a short jog away, your optimism made the impossible task of saving Simon seem possible, even inevitable. You were that spark of hope for a better tomorrow, and you influenced her so much more than you would ever know.

(Let me be there for you this time.)

“S/O, you’ve done so much for yourself, it’s très magnifique!” And you’re even cuter now, too! Widget supplies, and her cheeks light ablaze. “Ack, Widget!”

You offer a shy chuckle and return the blush with your own. “For what it’s worth, Athena,” you reach across the armrest of your wheelchair and nestle your hand in hers, “I think the same of you.”

Those mesmerizing blue eyes widen further, and her windswept auburn ponytail catches the light of the setting sun. And then she looks at you and the world stops. “S/O, can I…?”

You nod and that does it. Athena leans from the bench she’s perched on to capture your lips in hers, sublime and sweet with the taste of kettle corn. Three years ago, you were confined to a hospital bed, wondering what your incredible best friend was doing on the other side of the world. You never thought in a million years that it would come to this.

The two of you separate, breathless. You study every contour of her visage, and you suppose she is doing the same. “That was real, right? I’m not dreaming?”

“You’re not.” You lean in one more time, but Athena directs her gaze to the boardwalk and your heart breaks.

“S/O…what about you? Your life is in Europe and there’s so much left for me to do here.” A wry smile crosses your face. If that was what she was worried about…

“I can’t predict the future, Athena. But I promise you this: I will always come back for you.” The answer undoes your Athena’s composure, tears gently spilling in rivulets. You swipe a thumb over the droplets, a gesture that seems to summon your own tears.

“I love you, S/O. S-so let’s do this together…alright?”

[reidsnose]

hair tie

overview: spencer and the reader start carpooling to work together

genre: fluff!!

a/n: i really dont know if this one is any good i just thought the idea was cute but let me know what yall think :)

masterlist

-

-

spencer was startled by the sudden knock, guests were rare in his little apartment, let alone this early in the morning. a bit paranoid he put his hand over the gun attached to his hip, just in case.

what surprised him even more than the unexpected knock was seeing you through the peep hole when he got to the door.

"y/n? are you ok?" he worried, scanning you up and down quickly to make sure you weren't hurt.

"no um i'm ok," you nervously chewed on your lip, "i was going to call you but i don't have your cell yet. oh my gosh this is going to sound so weird."

you were relatively new to the BAU and they were all very welcoming. the only person who seemed a little bit more closed off was Spencer.

it was true, he was avoiding you a little bit, but only because you were the most beautiful human being he had ever seen; which only made you that much more intimidating. he was afraid. what if he said something stupid? what if the second he opened his mouth you started thinking he was just his IQ. but you were fully a part of the team now. he would have to at least be aquatinted with you.

"its ok, you can say it." he encouraged kindly, causing you to visibly relax.

"ok. oh before i ask i want to preface this by saying you could totally say no i completely understand its a super weird thing especially because we barely know each other." you took a breath as he nodded, a slightly amused smile toyed with his lips.

"i understand the implications. proceed." he mentally slapped himself for wording his thoughts like that.

"do you maybe.. wanna drive to work together? i heard you talking about how you take the train and i also heard that you have an aversion to germs and i drive by your apartment to get to work anyway so i-" you cut yourself off, looking up and seeing him staring at you wide eyed. "i'm sorry this is too weird i over stepped my boundaries and now you dislike me even more. i'm sorry for interrupting your morning. um, you're going to be late for work if i don't leave you alone so ill just- sorry. i'm sorry."

truthfully, this was one of the kindest things anyone has ever offered to do for him. and you offered it with genuine kindness, no ulterior motives to try and get something from him. he stood stunned. how were you so beautiful AND kind. and still somehow a little intimidating.

"we're gonna be late" he called out.

"what?" you turned, having already walked a couple steps from his apartment, your heart beating a bit faster at the sound of his voice.

"you said i'm going to be late. but were carpooling. so we'll both be late," he said matter-a-factly, grabbing his coat and satchel.

"YES!" you laughed, a cracking a wide smile and punching the air triumphantly.

you leaned against the railing of the stairs as you watched him lock up. he was tall and slender and very handsome. so handsome. not handsome like morgan, handsome in a way you were sure you'd never seen before. an incredibly unique and scarce handsomeness that only Spencer Reid had. you tried to forget those thoughts as he began walking towards you.

"i don't dislike you, by the way." he blurted as the two of you walked down the stairs. he felt bad that he made you think he isn't fond of you; the problem was he was too fond of you.

"oh! thats good i've been trying to think of every interaction we've ever had because i was afraid i might have said or done something."

"truth be told," he huffed out a breath, "i was kind of intimidated by you."

you laughed a real, genuine laugh from deep in your belly as you reached your car. the sheer coincidence of the situation as well as your entirely non intimidating nature was seriously laughable.

"you cant be serious! did Garcia tell you?" you asked, completely dumbfounded.

"tell me what?" he asked back, confusion lacing his voice.

"that i was intimidated by you!" you confessed.

"what? this guy in Texas called me a pipe cleaner with eyes! how could i have possibly intimidated you?"

he looked around your car trying to subtly profile you. thats when he noticed you had put hand sanitizer in the passenger side door. and you had pushed the seat back to accommodate for his long legs. it was just two little things, two ways you put a little extra effort in to make him feel welcome, but he was 100% positive if he thought about it too much he would cry. he felt the need to do something like this for you. not to get even or anything, but simply because he wanted to make you feel the way he felt right now.

"i don't know! you're so tall and smart and you seemed quiet but i guess thats only because you were avoiding me. are you sure garcia didnt tell you?" you laughed, watching the road.

now it was his turn to laugh, "no i swear, Garcia didn't say anything about that to me!"

The two of you continued driving, either talking or sitting in a comfortable silence. and this little carpool became a tradition. the two of you arriving and leaving work together every single day, causing the two of you to become closer.

you had to admit, every morning and evening you spent with Spencer made him just seem more and more perfect. unbeknownst to you, the exact same thing was happening with him.

he noticed, one day, as you were pulling your hair up to tie in a ponytail, your hands alternated searching your wrists for a hair tie but there wasn't one there. once he noticed it once, he started noticing it constantly. on a case, in the office, in the car, at a bar. you always seemed to forget your hair ties.

so he went to the store after you drive him home one day, and got a few packs of hair ties. after paying for them, he put one on each wrist and the rest in his satchel, so next time, when you needed one, he'd have it.

he felt like such a creep, constantly watching you to see when you would try to put your hair up. of course the rest of the team took notice, though they had noticed your obvious incline towards each other, Spencer was clearly acting a little weird.

and then it happened.

the two of you were partnered to go to the crime scene on a case, and you went to tie up your hair before you entered the scene. he could hardly contain his excitement, his mind moving a mile a minute trying to decide how he wanted to give you the hair tie. he watched one of your hands search your wrist, but this time it pulled off a little black band and started looping it around your hair.

he couldn't believe it. he finally had a chance to make you feel a portion of the way he felt when he saw your effort in making his car Spencer-friendly, and new he had to think of a new way to do it.

snap.

he looked over and saw you holding what used to be your hair tie, now no longer a band, but a completely useless elastic line.

"you've gotta be-" you muttered to yourself, but your sentence was interrupted as Spencer nonchalantly jutted his wrist towards you. "what are you doing?"

"take my hair tie." he stated simply, trying so hard not to blush. this became even harder as your fingers graced the skin of his wrist while you pulled the hair tie off.

"oh! thank you! you're a life saver!" you breathed, cracking a wide smile as you used it to tie your hair up.

you couldn't help the butterflies going absolutely insane in your stomach. why did he have a hair tie? does he tie his hair up sometimes? why have you never seen it up? you tried to suppress a smile, that would be completely inappropriate for a crime scene.

but you couldn't suppress the warm feeling in your chest. because that was always there when Spencer was around.

-

ultra mega super cool taglist:

@mac99martin @imhreid @spencersmagic @hollydaisy23 @raelady1184 @a-broken-pact @padfootswife

[devildomimagines]

MC Almost Gets Abducted by a Flying Demon

Hello~

You ever just have an idea that occupies your head and won’t go away until you write it? Yeah this was one of those.

You’re out with your favorite demon brother and some demon thinks it would be a good idea to try to take you away.

Warning for angst, injuries and kidnapping attempts.

Belphegor

The day had passed without event. Belphie and you were relaxing under a tree in the park.

You offered to go buy some drinks. 

Although he was clearly comfortable, he offered to get the drinks instead.

You smiled as you watched him push himself up and trudged to the closest store. Who said he was selfish?

A few leaves had fallen on the blanket while you had been watching Belphie. You brushed them off.

As you waited for his return a couple more leaves fell. Annoyed, you brushed them off and looked up at the tree.

You were not expecting to make eye contact with a demon in the branches that was already watching you.

Before your mind could make a connection, the demon swooped down and grabbed your arm and leg.

“Belphegor!” You hollered as you clung to the branch with your free arm. The demon was strong and it felt like you would either lose your grip or be torn in half if this kept up any longer.

Belphie was back in a flash, he was already in his demon form.

He was looking between you and the demon trying to figure out what he can do when your grip on the branch faltered.

His tail shot out and grabbed your arm. The barbs bit at your skin but the tuft of soft hair at the end of his tail rested gently against your face reassuring as he moved you towards him.

Once close enough, Belphie grabbed your hand and arm and removed his tail.

The demon looked back to see what was happening and why they couldn’t make their escape. They locked eyes with Belphie’s glare and immediately dropped you to run.

Luckily you were closer to the ground now and fell onto the blanket, your arm still in Belphie’s grasp.

You tried to take a few deep breaths but when you looked up at Belphie, you just broke.

He sat down in front of you and hugged you to his body as your cries were released. Belphie whispered, “I’m sorry MC.”

He felt guilty having left you alone and then further hurting you with the spikes on his tail. The places that the demon had been pulling on you were already blooming into bruises. It reminded him of the time in the attic and his emotions are spiraling. 

When he pulls away slightly to double check your injuries, you see his eyes are watery, tears threatening to spill at any second but he was putting on a brave face for you. You tried to do the same in the moment, for him.

Beelzebub

The two of you had been walking down the street when an ice cream stand caught his attention.

You sat on the nearby bench waiting for him to return.

He was on the way back to you, his ice cream already finished and he was eyeing yours, maybe just a lick?

That is until he heard your scream. He dropped the ice cream to run back to where he left you.

You weren’t on the bench and his heart dropped into his stomach as he looked around. 

You saw him from the air and howled, “Beel!!”

He instantly looked up and found you. Beel ran through the streets transforming into his demon form until he was underneath you and the demon. With a powerful jump, he was flying straight up towards you.

The demon was surprised at the speed that Beel was approaching. In a desperate attempt to leave with their life, the demon threw you to the side and escaped the other way.

You screamed as you started plummeting towards the ground.

Beel was fast and caught you before you could fall far.

You gripped at his clothes as tightly as you could, with hiccupping sobs you whispered his name over and over, “Beel, Beel.”

He hugged you into his body firmly, “I’ve got you,” he assured as you two lowered to the ground, his wings buffering the descent.

Once on the pavement, he placed you back on your feet gently and only pried you away to assess injuries. “Are you ok? Where does it hurt?”

You rubbed your eyes and face, trying to regain composure to answer but the sensation of Beel pushing you away hurt and made you feel worse.

He promptly pulled you back into a hug, noting your crying was worse than when he held you.

“I want to go home,” you finally requested.

Beel nodded and picked you up to carry you back to the House of Lamentation.

Asmodeus

Asmo was surrounded by a group of his fans.

These encounters usually didn’t take long. They would snap a few pictures, he might sign something he collaborated on, a few more pictures or videos and they would be on their way.

This was one of the times where you weren’t included, sometimes being a human was interesting enough to warrant a picture but today’s group only wanted Asmo’s attention.

This was pretty common so you didn’t mind stepping aside and waiting while he did his thing. You were secure enough to know he’d come back to you once he appeased his fans.

With the free moment, you took out your D.D.D. to check the time. 

You two were still ahead of schedule so another moment for the fans wouldn’t be an issue.

That is until your snatched into the air. You dropped your D.D.D. in surprise and screamed.

Asmo was looking for you and spotted your form struggling in the air.

He was angry and the fans backed up a few steps when he changed into his demon form.

One bold fan tried to hold him in place for a quick picture and he brushed them off.

His attention was completely on you and he jumped into pursuit.

His wings were out of practice but he still gained on the demon.

You cried out for him and he tried to offer you a reassuring smile that you would be safe soon.

The demon looked over its shoulder at Asmo’s chase and when their eyes met, Asmo began charming them. “Release MC~”

The demon slowed and started letting you go.

Asmo swooped in and caught you as the demon completely removed its talons from your clothes.

“It’s ok, it’s ok,” Asmo began soothing as he flew as far away as he could.

“Asmo,” you whimpered into his neck.

“I know MC, I’m so sorry, that must have been really scary.”

He held you close all the way home and for a long time after.

Satan

You had been enjoying your time with Satan at an outdoor cafe.

He went inside briefly to get refills. As he was reminding the barista what you each had, he heard a commotion, broken glassware and chairs scuffing the ground, “another fight?” a tired employee asked.

Then you screamed Satan’s name. His breath stopped as he pushed people out of his way to get back outside.

Your table was on its side and you were fighting the demon that was dragging you along by your hair and an arm.

You happened to look back and found Satan. “Help!”

You didn’t have to ask, he turned to his demon form in a fiery flash. Most other demons vacated, no one wanted to stick around the warpath of Wrath incarnate.

His tail whipped the demon’s leg holding your hair. The demon screeched and released its hold.

The release was enough for you to throw your weight away from the demon, that and another whip of Satan’s tail had you freed.

You stumbled towards Satan and he caught you.

“You’re hurt!” he observed, scandalized and new rage bubbling. If you didn’t need medical attention, he’d be hunting the demon.

You were shaken. Your trembling hand went to the scratches and punctures on your arm and shoulder. Although it came away bloody, you didn’t yet feel the pain, “huh.”

“MC?” Satan asked, now worried about your lack of response. He started smoothing your hair while searching your eyes.

“Hm?” You responded but your eyes were glazed over, not really seeing him.

“You’re in shock,” Satan determined, “Let’s go home, ok?” He took your hand on the less affected side and began leading you.

“Ok,” you repeated.

About halfway home it started to hit you. Your legs got heavy, the pain in your shoulder and arm started throbbing, and tears threatened to escape your eyes.

When you began slowing, Satan turned to check on you. Your watery eyes and uneven breathing were dead giveaways your shock had worn off. “Come here,” he pulled you into his arms.

“Satan,” you whined, him being sweet was pushing you over the edge.

“I know,” He adjusted his grip and you realized he was getting ready to carry you so you jumped slightly to wrap your legs around him. “I was so scared,” Satan admitted, “I can’t even imagine how you felt.”

With his confession of being afraid, you broke down into a hard cry.

He held you tightly as he carried you the rest of the way home.

Leviathan

Levi had ducked into a store to check if they had the new release of a game. You stayed outside sipping your beverage and scrolling through your D.D.D.

You hadn’t even seen the demon until it had you in its grasp.

“Levi!” you yelled. Would he even hear you from inside the shop? “Leviiii!” You poured everything you had into your next, “Leviathan!!”

He rushed out from the store looking around for you in a panic.

“Over here!” you cried. You tried to undo the claws holding onto you.

The demon wasn’t flying very high, maybe to keep a low profile.

Levi ran through the crowd, gaining ground on you and the demon. He was already in his demon form and his eyes never left you.

As soon as he was in range, his tail extended and wrapped around the demon’s ankle holding it in place.

The demon struggled for a minute but decided you were not worth the head-on fight with one of the rulers of the realm.

The demon dropped you and you fell the short distance to the pavement, your legs weren’t ready and you collapsed.

Levi was in front of you in a second. You looked up to see he was flustered, angry, and searching you for injuries.

Your shoulders throbbed and your ankles and knees beat in the same rhythm but that wasn’t why you were crying. No, you were crying because, for maybe the first time in the Devildom, you were scared.

Levi wasn’t sure what to say but he couldn’t stand by and watch you cry. He crouched down and held you for a moment before picking you up off the floor.

You wrapped your hands around his neck seeking comfort in his familiar presence.

Your sobs quieted as he walked you two home. When the roaring in your ears died down, you could hear he was talking, maybe rambling. 

You still weren’t in a mental place to make sense of what he was saying but you could tell his words were filled with love trying to distract you.

Mammon

It was flea market day, which meant the two of you were browsing the selection.

Mammon was fond of the flea market because, “Ya never know what you’ll find and one demon’s trash is another’s treasure.”

The stalls lined the street and Mammon flitted from side to side checking out the vendors.

He was totally in his element, bargaining prices and sifting through piles of goods.

You mainly walked along the middle path, maybe following Mammon up to a vendor if something caught your eye. Right now you were at a separate stall but still close by.

Unfortunately not close enough when a demon decided you were the prize of the flea market.

They swooped down and picked you up into the air by your waist.

The pressure made it hard to take a big gulp of air so your call to Mammon was too weak to hear over the crowd.

You tried to pour all your magic ability into your pact with Mammon to alert him.

It worked! Mammon was in the middle of the street looking around for you.

You tried yelling again, “Mammon!”

He looked up and locked on to you.

You never saw him turn into his demon form so fast. He was airborne in the next second.

The demon grunted when he realized he was being followed. They looked down to see it was Mammon.

When they made eye contact, Mammon growled loud enough, even from a distance, to show how angry he was.

The demon must have decided you weren’t worth the hassle and dropped you.

Finally able to yell at full capacity you wailed for Mammon. You landed in his arms.

“I got you,” he comforted as he watched the demon fly away. He wouldn’t let this go, no one steals his treasure.

At the sound of your crying, Mammon looked down at you holding onto his collar and hiding your face in his neck.

“I’ve got you MC,” he reminded, softer this time. He shifted you so you could properly hug him as he started towards home.

Lucifer

He looked away for only a second when someone called out to him. His grip on you loosened and then he let go as he dealt with the person who had drawn his attention.

It was long enough for the demon to swoop in overhead.

The shock took over at first and you were frozen as the demon’s talons clawed at your shoulders.

When you regained some semblance of recognition, you called “L-Luci-” but the demon wrapped its tail around your mouth to silence you.

You tried to get the tail off to try calling again when you caught his face in the crowd, slowly getting further away.

He saw you hold a hand out for him with the other still desperately trying to pull at the tail from around your head.

Lucifer quickly transformed into his demon form and jumped into the air.

The demon was quick, dodging between other flyers, and through architecture, they clearly had planned their escape to some degree.

The demon had not planned on how fast Lucifer was in the sky. He doesn’t usually fly around to get from one place to another but he had centuries of flight experience under his belt.

He was close, maybe five feet away. He could hear your muffled cries and could see the tears staining your face.

The rage and hurt you found on his face was unlike anything you had seen on his features.

Lucifer had caught up without the demon realizing, you gripped at his arms as he silently gauged how he could free you. 

When you started crying harder, he opted for the straightforward answer, he wrapped an arm around your waist and grabbed the tail that was wrapped around your head. The flesh under his hand sizzled and the demon yelped. Instantly, the tail unwrapped your head and the talons released you.

“Lucifer!” You cried as he adjusted his hold on you, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

“Shh,” Lucifer tried to calm you and his rage, it wasn’t directed at you but it must have left a bad taste for you to apologize. “It’s not your fault.”

“I, I,” but you couldn’t finish the sentence before breaking down once more.

Lucifer felt the tears fall on his neck and shoulder and it hurt as if his own heart was breaking.

He started towards the House of Lamentation silently. He couldn’t think of anything to soothe so he rubbed your back as he supported you in the air.

Once you had calmed enough to find your voice, you asked, “Can we go home?”

“Of course,” Lucifer smiled softly. His heart warmed to hear anything but your crying but especially that you thought of the HOL as home. “We’re almost there.”