#but nothing was really clicking until i made these ocs and now i love them like i used to love my old characters for my books and im

[sayyestoheav3nn]

Nights Like This Short: Three Little Words

Roman x black!oc 

Warnings: fluff, suggestive content 

Word count: 1.2k

a/n: going to start working on part six of ‘nights like this’ tonight. but in the meantime, i lowkey had the urge to write a little fluff lol. why do i feel like y’all are lowkey going to hate this man even more now lmaoo 🙃 click here to be added to my tag list 🤍

Roman’s backyard was filled with his family’s laughter and chatter. There was no denying that he enjoyed when they came to visit, however, there was just so fucking many of them it didn’t take much to become a slightly overstimulating event. 

He took a deep breath, letting the warm sun along with the calm ocean breeze relax him. 

As his family mingled, he couldn’t help but to grin at the sight of his two five year old nieces latched on to Zoe as if they’d known her a lifetime. Since the moment she introduced herself to them, the tiny gremlins hadn't left her side. 

Roman’s mom seemingly came out of nowhere and stood beside him, she smiled as her gaze shifted to the scene her son’s eyes were very much glued to.  

Her heart beamed as she watched Zoe play tag with her granddaughters, “She’s a lovely girl, Roman. I’m looking forward to seeing your own little ones running around here one day…” she teased. 

Roman smiled to himself, staying quiet as he took a sip of his beer. Truth be told, it had been a subject in the back of his mind for a while now. There were so many nights he’d lay awake thinking about their future, while Zoe peacefully slept on his chest.

For years one of his biggest fears was getting one of his fuck buddies pregnant. 

This was the reason his rotation consisted mainly of women on the WWE roster, they made it clear the last thing they wanted was to get knocked up at the height of their careers. Which worked out for him perfectly, because the thought of having a kid with someone he felt absolutely nothing for, scared him shitless.

That was until Zoe came into his life.

From the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew she was different. And in getting to know her, seeing her for who she really was, Roman knew there was absolutely nothing in this world he wanted to experience without her.

Roman’s mom studied him, because as good as he thinks he is when it comes to hiding his emotions, she easily sees right through him. “You love her, don’t you son?”

He’d never been more sure of anything in his fucking life, “With all my heart.”

“Then what’s stopping you from telling her?”

Roman looked down, his gaze focused on the grass. “I just…just don’t want her to think it’s too soon.” 

“Sweetie, look at her.” His focus was now redirected back to Zoe, her beautiful smile radiating as she was immersed in a conversation with Naomi, and his sister Mariana. 

“Zoe has been surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces in the span of a day, I’m sure that must be an overwhelming experience for her. Yet, she’s selfless, giving each and every one of us a glimpse of who she is, while still wanting to learn more about our culture and who you are.”

“If that’s not love…I don’t know what is,” she continued.

Roman stayed silent, while giving his mom a hug. He started making his way towards Zoe, but unfortunately didn’t make it very far, due to Jey and Jimmy stopping him to help make a damn bonfire.

They spent over twenty minutes setting it up, the task was slightly more difficult considering it was brand new and Roman had never used it before.

Once he was finally left to himself he made his way back in the house after noticing Zoe was no longer outdoors. Mariana couldn’t help but to laugh seeing her brothers eyes dart around the room trying to find her.

“Look at ‘Mr no strings attached’, finally introducing us to a girl. I honestly never thought I’d see the day.”

Roman rolled his eyes, “Shut up. Where is she?”

“She’s in the office,” Mariana walked in front of him, blocking his path. “I know you aren’t used to actually being emotionally connected with someone, but please don’t fuck this up Ro. Women like her, can’t be replaced,” she muttered.

“I know,” he sighed. Although his sister tends to annoy the hell out of him, he knows she means well. Her words lingered on his mind for a moment, Zoe's past experience with her ex was something he was always mindful of. Hearing what he put her through, was something he never wanted her to go through again.

She stepped aside as he headed for the office. Roman reached for the door, and carefully twisted the doorknob, “Hey, was wondering where you were.”

Zoe looked back at him, a smile tugged the corner of her lips. “Sorry, I wanted to make the girls a cute little bow for their hair.”

“Damn, they already got you wrapped around their little fingers huh,” he smiled.

“Something like that,” she chuckled.

There was a small sense of nervousness gnawing at him, deep down he wondered if telling her would scare her off. He knew this was a big step, and wholeheartedly understood the weight that comes with those three words. 

But there was absolutely no denying what he feels for her, she means absolutely everything to him. And whether she feels the same or not, he needs her to know.

Roman walked behind her as she stood cutting small pieces of fabric. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist pulling her closely to his chest, his head made his way into the crook of her neck, “I love you, Zoe.”

She paused slowly turning around to face him, tears brimmed in her eyes as she used both her hands to grab his face. There was a brief period of silence, as she looked into his eyes.

“I love you too baby.”

Roman smiled before pressing his lips into hers, Zoe stood on her tiptoes, attempting to slide her arms around his neck. He chuckled and picked her up, hoisting her on his waist. 

Their kiss deepened as Roman slowly began to inch up her dress.

“Roman not now.. your family is here,” she giggled.

“So what?” He sat her down on the table and slid his hands to the warm spot between her legs. Zoe’s mouth instantly parted as Roman’s fingers worked past the fabric of her underwear, teasing her already slick folds. “Let them entertain themselves for a bit, while daddy takes care of you.”

“Fuck...” Roman’s dick was rock hard as he watched her slide down her underwear and slowly spread her legs apart. Roman licked his lips, his mouth practically salivating at just the thought of tasting her sweet pussy. Just as he was about to get in position to feast on the woman he loved, a loud ass knock on the door interrupted them.

“One second,” Zoe scrambled to get off the desk and fix her dress, she was relieved Roman made the choice of locking the door.

“It’s Mariana, sorry the girls wanted me to ask if you wanted to join us for a swim?”

“Of course! I’ll meet you guys in a minute.”

Zoe turned to Roman as she slid her underwear back on. “You coming?”

His jaw clenched as he sighed, “I need a minute.” Zoe glanced down immediately understanding why. Roman’s huge bulge was damn near bursting at the seams.

“Shit, I’m sorry baby,” she kissed his cheek and discreetly stepped out of the room.

There was no doubt they were going to make up for it. 

All fucking night, that was for damn sure.

[fanfictiongirlie]

Twilight: The Human and the Wolf Chapter Three

Click here for masterlist

Parings: Paul Lahote x OC (First person, no use of Y/N)

Description: Bella Swan's twin moved to Forks with her sister. Whilst Bella falls for a vampire, her twin falls for a wolf. The story runs parallel to Bella's story in Twilight. But following her twin and her life with the wolves.

Rating: Eventually explicit.

Warnings: Nothing in this chapter.

Chapter Three - Wait, didn't you ask Bella to the prom yesterday?

Saturday morning came quick, I woke up early in the morning and drove myself to La Push. The journey was peaceful, I always enjoyed driving through the nature of La Push. The sun was slowly beginning to peak the horizon as I drove onto Billy Black's land. 

I left my car and walked into the house, I could see both Billy and Jacob were in the kitchen, they beamed happily when they saw me. 

"Just in time for breakfast" Billy spoke first. I had timed it right, I loved Billy's cooking more than anything. I joined Jacob at the table and we all ate Billy's amazing breakfast. It was a good idea we packed in as many calories as possible for the day Jacob and I had planned.

"You ready for our hike?" Jacob asked as he shoveled the food into his mouth

"Think I was more ready for Billy's cooking" I answered as I ate my own food, less messy than Jacob. Billy chuckles heartilly at my comment. 

Once all the food had been eaten and I helped Billy wash up Jacob and I left the house. 

"Let's hit the trail! It's gonna be a great day!" Jacob grinned, he had his long hair in a loose ponytail so it wouldn't get in his way. I walked behind him on the trail, letting him lead us through the woods. About an hour into our hike we were up high, I could see the sun shining through the trees, though it was still cold. The January air was crisp but it went along with the hike perfectly, getting overhot on a hike was the worst. 

I hadn't spoken in a few minutes, letting Jacob take lead of the conversation, though I had stopped paying attention a little while ago my mind trailing elsewhere. 

"Something on your mind?" 

Jacob asks me, I shake myself from my thoughts and smile to him as we slow down our walk, now walking besides each other. 

"Do you know Paul Lahote?" I blurt out. Feeling myself blush as I did. Jacob pauses slightly, probably confused as to how I knew Paul, and why I was asking about him. He nods slowly, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution. 

"Paul Lahote? Yeah, I know him. Why do you ask?"

"Oh nothing, I met him the other day, that's all" I answer truthfully, though I wouldn't tell Jacob about my tiny silly crush on him. 

Jacob quirks an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He studies me for a moment, as if he was trying to understand why I would ask about Paul. 

"How'd that happen? I mean, he's not really the friendliest guy around" 

"Oh.." I say quietly "He was pretty nice to me, I bumped into him...literally"

"Paul was nice to you? Seriously? That's unexpected. He can be a bit of an arse at school" Jacob explained. 

"Oh..weird" I say as I step over a log as we continue the trail. Jacob follows close behind me. We hiked until it started getting a little darker. 

Once it did get darker we hiked back down to Jacob's house, Billy smiled widely when he saw us. I think he really liked it when Charlie Swan's daughters hung around Jacob, I think he secretly wanted one of us to get with Jacob..The thought made me giggle, but Jacob only had eyes for Bella. Too bad she didn't feel the same. 

"Hey, you two. Have a good hike?"

"Really good! I better get going, dad doesn't like when I'm out past dark" I explain a little sad, I had a really good day, I didn't want it to end. Jacob nods, a hint of disappointment in his eyes, obviously feeling the same as I was. 

"No worries, be safe driving back, alright?" Jacob answers. 

"Bye!" I say hugging them both and leaving. I hop into my car and begin driving home. The drive was peaceful, just like my drive here this morning, except this time I had the night sky and stars beaming down as I drove. A perfect end to a brilliant day. 

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

Edward Cullen came back from his disappearing act on Monday. And then Bella had Biology with him, and after that she couldn't stop talking about him. 

I rolled my eyes again as she told me another thing about him as we walked through the halls to our next class. I nodded and hummed occasionally so it looked like I was listening. We finally parted in the halls and I walked to the Chemistry lesson, I took my seat next to Alice Cullen. She smiled warmly at me, but it made me feel uneasy. We had only shared this class twice so far, and each time she tried to chat to me, I was polite back, but overall she made me feel on edge. I couldn't put my finger on why. 

"Hi!" She chimed cheerfully "How's it going?"

"Good, thanks Alice" I smiled and started taking my books out of my bag. As the class went on, my mind trailed, thinking back to Paul. I was starting to get annoyed at my brain, I had met the boy for five minutes, I should be over it by now, but I couldn't stop thinking about him. He was so cute... 

Once class was over I walked through the halls, Jessica, Mike and Eric caught up with me and we walked out into the car park now that class was over. 

"Have a good weekend?" Mike asked me.

"I did, I went on a hike with my friend Jake" I answered, a happy smile on my lips thinking back to my weekend. 

Suddenly I heard tires screeching across the icy road, I looked to see where it was coming, feeling fear course through me. I could see Tyler's van speen into the car park, heading towards...Bella. My heart froze as I begin weaving through people to get closer, there were too many people, I heard a loud bang it made me feel numb. 

I pushed through people faster until I finally got to Bella's truck, scared that I'd see my sister lying on the floor dead, covered in blood, the thoughts made me feel sick. But when I got to her and I could see her, she was leaning against her truck, a small gap between her and Tyler's van. She was unharmed. 

"Bella!" I called climbing over the hood of Tyler's van to get to her, I wrapped my arms around her. 

"I'm okay" She says to me quickly "I'm fine, Edward saved me" 

I cocked my head a little confused, but then saw Edward walking away from the scene. Weird, if he had saved Bella, wouldn't he stay with her? I rode with Bella to the hospital, refusing to leave her side. I was stood by her as she was examined by a nurse. 

And then our dad walked into the room, he rushed to us calling both our names. 

"What the hell happened?" He asked, a panicked look over his face. 

"A truck came towards Bella, nothing happened to me, I wasn't anywhere near her" I answered, feeling a little bit more relaxed when my dad wrapped an arm around my shoulders. He yelled at Tyler a little and squeezed my shoulder, he was definitely keeping calm when he really wanted to yell more. 

Dr Cullen comes into the room and checks Bella over, he smiles at me and I feel the same unease I feel for all the Cullens I had met thus far. Once he was done with Bella to turned to me. 

"And how are you feeling Miss Swan?" 

"Oh, I wasn't in the accident" I answer quietly. 

"Yes, but it must of been quite the shock for you" 

"I guess so..." 

"It's natural to feel shaken after witnessing something like that, even second-hand anxiety can be quite intense" He explains. 

"I feel fine" I answer, probably a little too bluntly. 

Once we were allowed to leave I followed my dad as he needed to fill paperwork out, whilst Bella went to talk to Edward. I rolled my eyes a little. 

"Bella really does attract accidents" I say to my dad when we were out of ear shot to Bella. He lets out a gruff laugh, his worry obviously slightly lifted by my joke.

"That's for sure. She's a magnet for trouble. It's like she's got a secret curse or something"

"Glad I don't have it" I smirk. He chuckles, giving me a sideway glance as we walk. 

"Yeah, lucky you. You seem to have escaped your sister's tendency for chaos"

I smiled at that. The next few days were pretty normal, thankfully. Bella was annoyed at Edward for some reason, she wouldn't tell me why. I didn't care enough to push on it, I was mostly happy she wasn't talking to him at the moment. And time went on, Bella didn't talk about Edward for over a month. It was bliss. I felt bad, because I knew she liked him, but something was off with him. 

I walk into my history class and sit by Mike, giving him a friendly smile as I do so. 

"Hey, how's it going?" 

"Hey Mike" I smiled and we chatted a little whilst class started. 

"Hey, so do you have a date to prom?" He asks, I swear internally, I did not want to go to prom with Mike. I didn't know if I wanted to go with anyone...Well maybe...No...I hadn't seen Paul since that day. And I definitely didn't drive around La Push on many seperate days, because that would definitely be weird. 

"Prom? I hadn't even thought about it" I answer truthfully. 

"No prom date yet? That's surprising, I thought you would've had someone lined up by now, proms only round the corner!" He answers. 

"Not really, it's only March...Prom's in May" I answered a little snippy. 

"Yeah..well I was thinking we could go together?" He asks. 

"Oh...Mike, I'm sorry, but I think Jess really likes you...I couldn't do that to her" I answer, I felt really happy Bella had told me that Jess probably likes Mike, for this exact moment. 

"That's sweet of you I guess, not wanting to hurt her feelings"

"Yeah...wait, didn't you ask Bella to the prom yesterday?" I ask loud enough to make our teacher look at us a little annoyed, I muttered a small sorry. Mike's face falls, completely embarrassed. 

Taglist:

@jaybbygrl

[voidsteffy]

Home: Chapter I

Premise: Viraj x fem!OC Ramya [Hi! Nanna] -> A comment from Viraj drives a crack through Ramya's fragile soul. Best friends to lovers trope, she fell first he fell harder trope. A bit of melodrama / quick escalation. Angsty(?) Beware, not proofread in my eagerness to finally post this.

A/N: I finally wrote!!! This one for my moots @iworshipsappho who commented on my post about this and motivated me to the moon, and @mahi-wayy and @vijayasena and @mellaga-karagani whose zeal and totally cool (hip, trend, movement whatever you wanna call their greatness) fanfics on South-Indian movie characters. @viswa-sakhi -> akkay look at what I've been upto! and @budugu -> yendi, yevanna matladande, yevaina paata padande!

« • • • »

The thing with her was that she did things for others she didn’t have to.

She didn’t have to give Viraj her first ever photoshoot as a costume designer to propel his career. She didn’t have to watch him propose to another woman. She didn’t have to spend all her time tending to his family after his wife left him.

But she did it all, because she was in love with him.

Ramya first met Viraj when they were interning at a magazine. In those days the jobs blended into each other like the days blended into nights, like sunrise did into sunset. But he made it all something memorable. Soon, chats at the office turned into talks on the sidelines, and then into long deep talks all night long.

The moment she saw him, she knew this was the man who was going to break her heart.

It’s okay, maybe that would mean she had a heart in the first place. Ramya couldn’t feel it except when it ached.

While her career as a costume designer grew, her calls with Viraj became few and far in between. Until she visited Viraj in Coonoor.

She hadn’t known about Yashna then.

Hadn’t known about just how infatuated Viraj was with Yashna, and to no fault of his. Something with them just seemed to click, and for the first time in all eternity, Ramya— someone who hadn’t felt pain in her life— ached at the love blooming before her eyes.

Ramya’s life hadn’t been easy by the least, but she refused to cry. She hadn’t cried when her parents admitted they conceived her just to have an organ bank for her ill older sister. Or when her sister collapsed and died of an aneurysm before she could help. Or when her parents disowned her out of grief.

She wasn’t about to cry now either.

Alone in that decorated hotel room, never having felt lonelier in her life, Ramya let the first sunrays of Coonoor pierce her with the warmth she sought in Viraj’s touch. She had come there in hopes of confessing her love to Viraj but it was too late.

He had given his heart to Yashna and there was no turning back from it.

“Hey…” Viraj’s voice came from the other side of the door after a knock. “It’s Viraj. Are you awake?”

Ramya didn’t answer him, all but praying he’d go away.

“I don’t know if you’re listening, you’re probably still asleep. Maybe it’s good that you’re not gonna hear this…” he sounded excited, the sound of his feet pacing echoing on the wooden panels.

She held her breath.

“Nothing…! I feel— God, I haven’t felt like this ever Ramya!”

She felt his fist lightly thump on the door, and she could feel the smile on his face, the happiness and the lightness in his throat. Ramya slid down to the floor, legs pulled to her chest and arms around herself, her back to the door as Viraj spoke on.

“I love Yashna!” he gasped as soon as the confession left his lips. “I love her so much Ramya, I just feel like I can do anything with her by my side. I’ll protect her, I want to marry her.”

Oh to be loved that way by him, she thought.

This eternity to love.

The next to be loved.

« • • • »

Ramya wasn’t married to Viraj or Yashna, but somehow she was always involved in their lives.

Convincing Yashna’s father, protecting them from her mother, arranging the wedding. Ramya did it all. She really couldn’t bear to see Viraj nor Yashna miserable.

She hadn’t realised this until the shock on Justin’s face sunk in.

“Why are you giving away this money amma! If he wants to buy a house he’ll buy it with his own money.”

“C’mon Justin. This is Viraj we’re talking about, you know he’s too proud to ask,”

“But you saved this money for your wedding.”

The money she had handed over to him didn’t matter much when compared to their happiness, she just couldn’t explain it.

“Yes, but this is their marriage. That’s more important.”

He had looked at you then, perhaps deeper than he ever had looked at a person. And after a long pause, he smiled and nodded like he knew the secret to a universal illusion.

« • • • »

Though Yashna had mentally left him long before she had physically left, her disappearance from Viraj’s arms was jarring. She had left their little baby behind, who didn’t understand anything but the fact that she had no mother.

Mahi was the first baby Ramya had picked up.

It was also the first time (in a long time) that Viraj’s daughter stopped crying.

And so a new family was formed, glued together by the needs and dreams of Mahi: just her, Ramya, dad, grandpa, Justin and Pluto. Years passed and the good-night stories grew longer. The birthdays were grander and the smiles less heavy.

In every conference call that Viraj and Ramya attended for Mahi’s cystic fibrosis treatment research, everyone assumed she was Mahi’s mother.

It wasn’t long before Viraj stopped correcting them. However, Ramya remained just a friend, his best friend. She lived in the room across from him, had the password to his accounts, his favourite menu was on her speed-dial, Mahi’s school schedule and medicine timings synched to her calendar. She still didn’t have Viraj’s love.

Not that she loved Mahi for Viraj’s love in return, or practically lived in their house and took care of them to get a love confession from her best friend.

But everytime Mahi asked that one weighted question, it left Ramya questioning her own love.

“When will I hear my mother's story?”

That night, she was worn out by the world and its noise, and Viraj wasn’t home yet. Mahi had grown especially restless with her father’s dismissal of any story with mothers. It made her act out a bit no matter who it was at.

“Sorry kanna, enough stories for tonight. It’s getting la—”

“So you’ll tell me tomorrow?”

“We’ll see Mahi, it’s Nanna’s turn for storytime tomorrow.”

Mahi grew pleading, there was an ache in her eyes. An ache that was never palatable to see in a young girl’s face. Mahi was little, she didn’t understand the concept of losing a mother, or being abandoned. To her, there had always been a mother and she was still here somewhere, but just absent from dinner tables and baking competitions and bedtime stories.

Now that she thought of it, Ramya seemed closest to a mother she’d maybe ever have.

“But he never tells me that story!”

“Mahi…” came Viraj’s stern voice from the threshold of the pink room. “Don’t trouble Ramya.”

“But nanna!”

“No buts, enough bedtime stories for tonight Mahi!”

Ramya left the room to leave father and daughter alone, but when Viraj came out at last after a heated argument, he wasn’t just tired or sad. He was angry.

He stomped up to Ramya at the kitchen platform where she was reheating dinner.

“Did you promise her you’d tell her about her mother?”

Ramya, as usual, was quick to deny. Yashna, however beautiful and ruled by her mother as she was, was the last thing Ramya wanted to broach at storytime.

“No, of course not. Did Mahi say that?”

Viraj visibly shrunk into a chair at her question, his hands twitching on the platform as he shook his head in a no. Ramya placed her own above them, making Viraj to look at her.

“You know… You have to tell her about it all one day.”

He rolls his eyes, “Not you too Ramya.” Tired to the bone, now afraid of mentioning Yashna as much as she was afraid of loud noises.

“What ‘not you too’ ? There’s a reason everybody in this house keeps begging you to rip that band-aid off Viraj. It’s one thing to start this facade, but an entirely different task to keep lying everyday about it!”

She hadn’t realised when her voice had gotten so passionate, when she had forgotten the clicking of the oven and started glaring at her best friend.

He wasn't any more pleasant.

“Oh!” he scoffed, “You think I do this for fun? Huh? You think I like not giving my daughter a mother to even imagine? You think I like being this tired overworked single father whose daughter is being raised by a stranger?”

He said the last word with such venom, a hand recklessly flying to gesture to her, that her prediction of all those years ago came true at a heavy expense.

The thunder tearing from the skies flashed across Ramya’s face, and in that moment, Viraj realised he broke her heart.

“Stranger…” she whispered.

He shook his head, shooting out of his seat to do damage control but perhaps he couldn’t ever repair the wound he caused.

“You think I’m a stranger? Stranger to who? You? Mahi?”

“I’m so sorry Ramya. I didn’t mean it like that…”

“Mahi’s first word—”

“I’m so—”

“—No!”

Viraj froze at the shake in her voice. She was inching away from him, away from years of feeling like a part of this sweet family.

“Mahi. Mahi’s first word was ‘Viraj’ because I kept calling your name whenever I was near her. Her favourite colour changes every week though she denies it every time. This week it’s Falu because she didn’t like the name ‘Maroon’. She scored such good marks in her test today. You know the first thing she asked for, after she showed me her report card? You. Her father. She wished she could ask for her mother but she’s known no one. No one!”

Every word from Ramya felt like it was coming from between the cracks of her soul. It broke something in Viraj.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Ramya sniffled, but didn’t let anything else betray her. The world was a blur, but all she cared about was getting out of the house before she’d say something she would regret. She loved Viraj, but she didn’t want to become him.

“She doesn’t know you fully because a part of you will always be with her.  She’ll never know me because I’ve given away all parts of me to you. And you call me a stranger!”

It was not everyday he heard the harsh truth from Ramya. Part of her thought Viraj knew she loved him. At the very least, she thought he respected her.

“Everyone around you is chipping away at themselves protecting a reality you created Viraj! Do you realise just how much you’re suffering because of that reality, how much you’re making us suffer?!”

Somewhere in her moisture-framed vision, Ramya knew she was gathering her keys and bag to get out of the house. But it wasn’t until the rain spatter hit her that she realised she was rushing out. Viraj was just a cry behind her, begging her to forgive him, apologising.

She saw a car pull up in the driveway, Justin’s face illuminated by the overhead lights inside before he jumped out with concern.

A pair of arms enveloped her shoulders. It had been too long since he hugged her, more so like this. Like he was afraid of losing her, afraid of her losing it.

The back of her blouse getting wet with Viraj’s warm tears, and the rain kissing the pair from all around, they slid to the ground.

“I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry”

Justin’s shouts became closer and closer until he stood in front of them. He kept asking what happened but she was out of words to describe the sudden pain in her life. Maybe it had always been there.

If she was a stranger to Viraj, who else did she have? Maybe not even herself.

Her first cry tore out of her throat, and it agonised her more than abate her grief. She caved into herself and Viraj bent with her, on her back with his cheeks muttering the same nothings again and again.

“Justin…!” Ramya cried.

“Amma? Tell me, what happened?!”

“Justin! Please take me away.”

“What?”

Against Viraj’s protests, she stretched a hand out for Justin which he took as fast as lightning.

“Please take me away! I want to go… G-Go—”

He pulled her out of Viraj’s desperate grip into his arms. “Let’s go… Where should we go?” He took her purse, supporting her towards his car. Justin dreaded the day he’d find Ramya on Viraj’s doorstep with her heart broken and her life flashing before her eyes. He hated this.

“It’s ok, it’s going to be ok… Easy there…!”

“I want to turn back Justin!” she cried into his shoulder. His brotherly arms around kept her grounded. “I want to turn back so badly. But before I go back to him, take me away.”

“Ramya I’m so sorry!”

Viraj’s cries turned to his father-in-law at his doorstep while Justin got Ramya safely into the car. They were silhouettes marred by the elusive darkness of the night, wracked with guilt.

“Let’s go…” Justin sighed. “It’s going to be ok amma.”

“I want to go home!” she cried.

“Home?”

“Home…! I want to go home! Home! Please take me home… I want to be home!”

« • • • » stay tuned for Chapter II « • • • »

(moots, tell me if you wanna be tagged❤️)

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Mailbox open! Parcel delivery!

The "Army Dreamers" trend came up a lot on Tik Tok where the creators are face to face with their Oc on a carousel, and I had an idea.

Then the gods (The Greek pantheon; the 3 Olympian brothers and the Norse one with Odin, Thor and Loki separately) exterminated a race because...because they are gods and they can, they don't think about it because for them that was nothing.

Years later they meet a curious little creature on one of their trips, who sticks to them because she is a girl and alone; Over time he grows fond of her and takes her under his protection.

He takes her with him to his pantheon so he can live in peace, one day she tells him while they are playing on the carousel about her life before being alone in the world; and reveals to him that a cruel God killed his people, a minor and peaceful race who were just unlucky to encounter him.

Finishing the context, reactions of these gods? The little girl they love so much, who is like a daughter to them and who they care for so much, is the only survivor of a civilization that they disappeared, they are that cruel god, will they keep the secret?

PS: Nice day!

-Nobody really knew where you came from, you just showed up one day in Valhalla. You looked so unique compared to those around you- so unlike anything they had ever seen.

-However, there was a sense of something familiar about you- something from the distant past, one they couldn’t seem to place exactly.

-You were a total sweetheart, clinging to (Favorite) and following him like a duckling, something that he did grow to love, finding it amusing.

-You were so curious about the world around you, asking him so many questions, trying to learn everything you could. He had to wonder, early on, if you were a newborn goddess, as it had been so long since the last one, but this wasn’t the case.

-He came to adore you, and he even put up with the teasing from others, who would poke fun of him, seeing him holding you in his arms, that he wasn’t as scary as he looked.

-You were confused, looking up at him, your little hands coming up to cup his cheeks softly, “You’re not scary at all (Favorite)!” he couldn’t help but melt at your words, you were so sweet.

-After a few weeks, he couldn’t seem to shake that feeling that there was something familiar with you, and taking you out for the day, going to a quiet corner of Valhalla, he asked you about your past.

-You were quiet for a long moment before you spoke, looking up at the fluffy clouds floating by, “It was a long time ago- I lived in a big city with my mama and papa- and there were so many people around.”

-You told him of your people, your past, and as you spoke, the puzzle pieces seemed to be clicking together, and his eyes widened, realizing that you were from a long-forgotten race of people, one of the first races the gods created, and destroyed.

-The gods made your people too smart and strong, and it wasn’t long until your race was deemed a threat to the power of the gods- and because of it, your race was eradicated.

-Or at least that’s what he thought, seeing you there. You were just a child- curious about the world around you, with nobody else like you to be with- which is why you stayed with him, as he felt safe to you.

-He was not safe- he was one of the ones who did this to you- he helped kill your family- your people- destroyed your home- he helped take everything from you.

-He could tell that you didn’t know this, you didn’t know that he helped do all this- and he didn’t want you to know.

-You were so sweet and gentle, you were so innocent- he couldn’t believe that you were a survivor, somehow, of the massacre of your people. How did you survive? Why are you only just now showing up when it happened millions of years ago? Each questions seemed to birth another- and with no answers to be had, he felt anguish and guilt eating him from the inside out.

-Became your guardian, your protector- nobody was going to hurt you ever again- he wouldn’t let them. If someone wanted you, they had to go through him first. He seemed more solemn after you told him of your past and you didn’t understand why he was so sad now. Feeling you there in his arms, hugging him, smiling up at him, your little hands on his cheeks were the small things that told him that you were there, you were alive- and that comforted him, knowing that you were safe.

            -Hades, Loki, and Apollo

-He was powerful, he knew this, he had strength and power, but that power was the thing that hurt you all those years ago. He felt guilty for having this power and using it to destroy what had been your whole life. Power is something that is used to protect others, protecting those who needed it most- he realized that now, even if it was too late. You were going to be protected and happy now. Nobody was going to be able to hurt you ever again- he was going to use his power correctly this time, to keep you safe, no matter what.

-Poseidon, Odin, Thor, Ares, Zeus

[sillystarwrites]

Hii could you write a pomni x female reader where reader is really kind and attractive and pomni is like, head over heels for her? (Bonus points if it's in a cartoony way like, hearts floating over her head, lovestuck look etc.)

A/N: aww Yeahh!!! First request for my favorite girlfailure!!! Alsooo sorry if this is slightly off- I got distracted but other than that I think this is pretty banger

 Summary: Jester is DOWN HORRIBLYYYY for majestic porcelain doll goddess (reader), lives to regret it/silly 

Then dumb rabbit teases her, reader protects her!1!1!1!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Fool For You | TADC Pomni x F! Reader |

‘And I feel weak at my hands and my feet…’ 

Yep, those were words that could definitely describe Pomni right now. Your every move, even just a light blink had her trying not to flush red. You were just so…so! 

Just now, she was sitting with Zooble and Gangle. Gangle was drawing as the two of them were watching. At least Zooble was. Pomni’s pinwheel eyes were locked on your soft, beautiful hair, and the way your lips moved as you talked to Ragatha, the way you neatened your already perfect clothes, the way your (E/C) eyes looked up at the ragdoll, how politely and kindly you waited your turn to speak, how tender and caring your voice was, how-

“Pomni? Pomniiiii? Are you okay?” Gangle’s worried voice cut through her thoughts, as she snapped her head to face the ribboned girl.

“Oh- uh- nothing, nothing, sorry. What were you saying?” She smiled weakly, using every ounce of her force to not admire you like you were a statue.

“I was just asking, should I use black or brown for the hair on this?” Gangle turned the notepad around, leaning over Zooble to show Pomni the drawing.

“Hmm…I think black would look better, what do you think Zooble?” Pomni glanced at Zooble, trying to include them.

“I said black too, jeez, what had you so distracted?” Zooble looked at Pomni, with a hint of an idea, as their eyes flickered at you, but they thought nothing of it.

“It’s nothing, just thinking, that’s all!” The jester reassured, going back to admiring you as the other two continued with Gangle’s OCs. She stared, fondness and love in her eyes, until someone had to ruin that.

“Sooo…when are you gonna tell her?” Jax grinned, leaning against one of the brightly colored blocks nearby Pomni.

“What do you mean? Tell her what?” If she just played dumb maybe-

“That you’re so down bad?” He chuckled, glancing at you before refocusing, “It’s obvious, you’re into the glass dolly.”

“I am not!”

“Are too!”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

With all their bickering, it had caught you and Ragatha’s attention. Ragatha, worried, glanced at them, then back at you.

“Do you think we should go help? I hate to see her all bothered by him.” Ragatha spoke, you knew she’d go anyway, but you figured you’d help.

“I’ve got it, Ragatha. Don’t worry.” You smiled, neatening your clothes for the millionth time as you cautiously stepped towards the duo, your shoes clicking across the checkered floors.

“Come on! It’s so obvious you like-“ Jax was cut off as you spoke.

“Leave her alone, Jax! She’s stressed enough, she doesn’t need you hassling her over- whatever it is.” You scolded him, unaware of what they were discussing.

“Yeesh, (y/n), no need to be so harsh!” He smirked, putting a hand to his chest in his typical faux dramatic fashion, “You might hurt my feelings.”

“I don’t even care, go away!” You made a shooing motion with your hand. Zooble and Gangle glanced over, popcorn suddenly appearing in their grips as they got into the drama, “Just because nobody here likes you doesn’t mean you can be a douche!”

Jax sighed, “Fine, I’ll leave the lovebirds be for now.” He shrugged, sneaking off to Ragatha, his hand grabbing something, seemingly a centipede, from his pocket.

“Are you okay?” You sat with Pomni, worried about her. 

“Uh- yeah- yeah…I’m alright.” She fidgeted with her suit’s pom-poms, her mind racing a million miles an hour. Her fingers feverishly tapped against the bench.

“Good,” you started, “I know he’s sometimes totally a…y’know, but try not to let him get to you, okay?” Your hand rested on hers, in a warm, comforting manner.

“Allllllright…” she muttered out, her brain hitting a blue-screen at the situation at hand. She was here. Sitting with you. Your hand on hers. Practically holding on. 

‘Oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god-‘ was all her mind could cohesively think. “Thank you,” she almost blurted, “for uh- y’know- standing up for me!” She weakly grinned, trying not to embarrass herself.

“That’s what friends do, y’know?” You smiled tenderly.

‘I’m a fool, I’m a fool…’

“Yeah, f-friends, yeah.” She mumbled, looking away. She couldn’t help but feel a tad hopeless, maybe you didn’t feel the same?

“I’ll always be here if you need anything though, you are fun to talk to.” You smiled, squeezing her soft, gloved hand. You couldn’t help a light pink dusting your porcelain cheeks. 

Her eyes widened at that, as big as saucers, but maybe that was an understatement. If her cheeks were already pink, you bet they were now steaming red.

“Are you okay? Your eyes look…different.”

“Huh? W-What do you mean?” She sputtered, confused and a bit embarrassed, even though she didn’t know what by.

You knew though, her eyes were hearts. Pretty, adorable, cute, hearts. Like in your favorite cartoons from before you joined the circus, “Oh nothing, nothing doll,” You chuckled, “Forget it.”

The shape of her eyes defined much more at the ‘doll’, you could’ve swore you saw some light steam floating from her non-existent ears.

‘A fool for you.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: aww yeah first request!! Down bad jester.

Also if you didn’t notice by the random lyrics, this is a bit puppy princess (by Hot Freaks) inspired, since I was listening to that when I started it.

[sorchathered]

Sacred New Beginnings

Chapter 5

A/N- this is NOT a finale guys! After much deliberation I decided I have too much to say for only 3 chapters, so we are on this train until I’m ready to give it up! 😂

Summary- it’s the morning after Mav and Penny’s wedding, and there are revelations to unpack as new drama unfolds.

Song inspo- Sunday kind of love- Etta James, You send me- Sam Cooke, Ironic- Alanis Morissette, Karma- Taylor Swift

Pairing- Jake Seresin x reader (oc Stormy)

Warnings- language, drinking, smut (wrap it up kids) minors dni.

Bradley wakes up to one of the worst hangovers he’s had in his adult life. He made it home and proceeded to drain most of his liquor cabinet after the wedding, it had been a bad day all around and seeing you and Jake wrapped up in each others arms after years of worrying was the icing on the cake. He knew logically he had no room to be pissed off, you knew everything now and there would be no salvaging your love life. He had hoped to explain it himself, maybe find a way to convince you it was nothing but in reality he knew that wasn’t the case. He’d continued a relationship with Mirage after you left, whether or not it was just sex didn’t really matter, he’d slept with someone else. His therapist had told him weeks ago that he believed Bradley was in love with the idea of love and having a family, less in the people he was in relationships with and while it had hurt to hear he knew somewhere in him it was true.

He’d loved the attention and adoration from his partners, and some part of him had loved Stormy once; but the two of you disagreed fundamentally on so many things. You were career driven, he wanted you to retire in the next 5 years so you could start a family, he wanted to stay in California and you had always dreamed of settling down south near your grandmother’s old home. When he’d seen you becoming more successful than him it had set a fire in him and he used it to burn your relationship to the ground. He didn’t deserve you, and he certainly didn’t get to dictate who you chose to be with after him.

As he stumbled through the house to let out his dog he appraised the damage. His clothes were scattered everywhere, liquor cabinet raided and somehow he’d left the fridge open. He was a mess right now, if his mother could see him she’d be so disappointed. He finally finds his phone in the couch cushions, messages and missed calls from Nat and Rueben clogging his notifications. He couldn’t dig into all of that right now, so he just called Nat to let him know he was ok, yanking the phone from his ear as she screamed into the phone.

“WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!”

“Jesus dude I was asleep what the hell is wrong? You have a key you could’ve just come over if it’s that serious, who died?”

“Bradley. You haven’t been on instagram today have you?”

“No, but I already know about Jake and Stormy so if they went instagram official I’d rather not-“

“Wait what?! Never mind that’s not what this is about. You need to go to Mirage’s profile, right now.”

Bradley scrolls through the app and clicks on her profile, expecting to see she decided to stop waiting on him and find a boyfriend now or something stupid like that, only to be met with a carousel of photos. Pictures of the two of them, and at the end a picture of a pregnancy test, two pink lines confirming something he never dreamed of. Not only had she hard launched them, but she also told the world he was going to be a father…without confirming with him first. He was fucked.

——————————————————————

Meanwhile on the other side of North Island Jake is waking up to his version of heaven. His bed may be empty but he can hear the soft sound of you singing, and the smell of coffee and pancakes has him wandering down the hall. Your hair is in a messy knot, you’ve got one of his Texas longhorn t shirts on and you and Patsy Cline are crooning “Walking after midnight.” Flitting back and forth between chopping fruit and flipping pancakes, you sway to the song (your grandmother’s favorite) and he’s sure this is the best morning of his life. He sneaks up behind you to spin you and you shriek and giggle, swatting him with the spatula as he kisses your cheeks and forehead.

“Morning Tex, how’d you sleep?” You say with a big grin, running your free hand over his tanned torso and you catch him close his eyes and shiver into your touch.

“Mm, I’ll be honest darlin’ might have been the best night of sleep in my whole life, ‘cept I woke up alone and almost thought you were a dream.” He plucks the spatula from your hand and hip bumps you away from the stove, taking over your spot cooking and you make your way to the coffee pot to pour him a mug.

“I uh- I cancelled my flight for this afternoon” you’re trying to be nonchalant about it but you can tell by the way his head snaps up he is holding on to your every word.

“And I may have asked Uncle Beau for a favor and extended my leave for the rest of the week… I hope that’s ok, I’m not ready to leave you yet.”

You look a little nervous as he turns the stove off and looks at you, but he takes two big strides and yanks you into his arms, pulling at your (his) shirt and kissing you hard and you know you had nothing to worry about.

You both laugh into each other’s mouths, he’s hoisted you into his arms and delicately places you on the kitchen table, rucking your shirt above your breasts as he nips and sucks on the exposed skin.

“Jake- breakfast” you breathe out and he grins up at you between your thighs

“I want you for breakfast first baby, then we can have pancakes. Be a good girl and take it ok?”

He brings you to your release three times before he lets you up, grabbing the plates from the counter and sitting you in his lap. Between bites you reach into his shorts and pull him free lining yourself up with him and he hisses into your mouth.

“What’re you up to sweet thing?”

“Shhh, wanna be close baby, need you”

You take turns feeding each other while you slowly rock yourself on Jake, and it definitely is the best morning either of you have ever had.

——————————————————————

Neither of you had even touched your phones since you left the wedding the night before, it was nearing 5 pm and you had spent the day watching movies and letting Jake fuck you in every room of his house, finally deciding the two of you needed to eat you dragged yourself to his room to get your phone off the charger to order takeout. When you turned your phone on you were bombarded with notifications, nearly deciding to just turn it back off once you noticed you had a notification from Bradley. You ordered dinner and continued to ignore the overwhelming amount of messages, annoyance etched on your face when you came back to the living room, and Jake reached for your phone already knowing you wouldn’t want to pop the perfect bubble of the day.

“You don’t have to look at any of this shit today if you don’t want to y/n, we can worry about it tomorrow.”

You sighed and ran your hand over your face, it wasn’t that easy even if he tried to make it that way. “Will you just look for me? Tell Nat I’m not interested in hashing out the drama tonight and we can talk at lunch.”

He nodded and scrolled through, but as you watched his face you immediately knew something was wrong.

“Ok maybe you do need to tell me, what happened? Is someone hurt?”

He shook his head but looked almost nauseous, so you yanked the phone from his hands, he didn’t even bother to try and keep it from you.

On the screen was almost 30 messages from Phoenix, begging you not to check instagram. It had been hours since her last message but she seemed insistent that you call her first. She picked up on the first ring, screeching into the phone before you could say anything.

“Jesus! Where the fuck have you been Stormy? I had half a mind to come over to Hangman’s to beat the door down.”

“We decided to shut our phones off, sorry Tash. What is wrong? Please tell me everyone is ok.”

“Everyone’s safe, it’s not that kind of emergency. But it’s not good y/n. Bradley apparently saw the two of you last night, and then…”

“Then what? What Nat?”

“Y/n…Mirage is pregnant.”

——————————————————————

You knew it was the wrong way to respond, Jake had dropped his fork right out of his mouth at Nat’s declaration; that definitely seemed like more of a normal response. You on the other hand looked unhinged as doubled over in laughter, gasping for air as tears poured from your eyes.

“Seresin, what’s happening? Is- is she laughing?”

Jake looks at you like you have 3 heads but still manages to take your phone from your shaking form,

“Yeah Phoenix it looks like it”

“Do we need to be worried?”

“Too soon to tell, let me figure this shit out and we’ll call you later.”

He hangs up and takes your hand, you’re coming down from it now as you swipe the tears from your face, still trying to stifle giggles.

“Oh God,” you gasp out “I’m so sorry, but you seriously can’t make this shit up can you?” You erupt into another round of giggles and now Jake can’t help but join in, this really is a shitshow.

Finally you settle and he looks at you with concern, but you wave him off and move your take out boxes to the coffee table as you scoot into his lap. Running your hands through his hair you lean in to kiss him and as much as he doesn’t want to he pulls back to get you to look at him.

“I’ll let you bury yourself in me if you need baby but you still gotta talk to me ok? What’s going on in that pretty head?”

You shake your head at him and peck his lips, you knew he wouldn’t let you get away with pushing it aside.

“Is it strange that I almost feel bad for him? He’s burned his whole world down, knowing what I know now I would never want to be around him let alone with him again, and while I have thrived in his absence he just keeps ruining his life. I don’t miss him, but I pity him. Does that make sense?”

It’s definitely not the response he expected, he thought you’d be hurt and that it would rehash all the emotional damage you’d dealt with, he can’t help but be impressed.

“You’re taking this a whole lot better than I thought sugar, I gotta be honest.”

You pull him close as you straddle his hips, running your nose along his cheekbone and press kisses to his face.

“Like I told you, I don’t miss him. I don’t want him. I want you. This isn’t avoidance Jake, I moved on and I want to spend the rest of my life with you if that’s what you want too. So can we stop worrying about Rooster and his emotional bullshit and just go back to being us?”

He lets you take the lead, settling into the couch with you and switching the long forgotten movie back on, whatever his wingman’s problems are don’t include him after all. He’s got bigger things on his mind, like getting you back to San Diego or requesting a transfer to Pensacola. Maybe getting the two of you a bigger house with a yard, a dog or two and a backyard big enough to fill with your own kids. As he falls asleep trapped under your warm embrace visions of what could be dance behind his eyes, and he makes a mental note to ask his mother for Grandma Seresin’s engagement ring.

Jake Seresin Masterlist

Thanks so much to @sailor-aviator, @mamachasesmayhem, and @bobgasm for talking me through this chapter!!

Tagging- @mamamaystbr @mamachasesmayhem @bobgasm @attapullman @roosterforme @pinkdaisies9285 @djs8891 @jessicab1991 @the-aspiring-fanfic-writer @mygyn @angelbabyyy99 @86laura11 @shanimallina87 @floydsglasses @jostan456 @kmc1989 @dempy @its-the-pilot @mrsevans90 @purelyfiction @nouis-bum

Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

[harringtonstilinski]

Always The Babysitter - Chapter Thirty-Three: Papa

Author: @harringtonstilinski​ Characters: Steve Harrington x Olivia Henderson(OC) Word Count: 5,826 Warnings: squint for fluff, angst, canon violence, liv being indecisive but go with it, buggy = shopping cart in southern terms, Smut: no | yes; 18+ MINORS DNI: A/N: Hi, friends! I can't believe we're one chapter away from the end until Season 5 comes out! If you like this chapter, please do not hesitate to reblog and give some feedback, whether it be in the reblogs, comments, or my inbox. As always, read at your own risk and enjoy 😊

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Everyone jumped into gear, trying to find music for Nancy so that we could bring her out of her Vecna trance. Steve and I locked eyes as he freaked out while trying to wake up Nancy. “Whatever you guys are doing up there, hurry up!”

Erica and I looked at each other then booked it to the backroom, which I guess was Eddie’s room. “Steve says you need to hurry the hell up!”

“Yeah, no  shiiiiiiit!” Dustin yelled.

“We’re trying,” Max said. “We can’t find anything.”

“Seriously, what is all this shit?” Robin asked.

“I mean, wh-wh-what are you even looking for?” Eddie asked, running back in the room, a bunch of cassettes in his arms as I stood next to him.

“Madonna, Blondie, Bowie, Beatles! Music, we need music!”

Eddie held up an Iron Maiden cassette as he and I yelled, “THIS IS MUSIC!”

I grabbed the cassette from his hand before grabbing the cassette player, running back to the mattress… only, when I got there and looked up to tell Steve we got the music, what I saw brought me back to our Junior year when he started dating Nancy; Steve holding Nancy in his arms on the ground, her telling her that everything was okay and that he was there for her.

I looked down as I heard footsteps rushing towards the mattress, tears lining my waterline. I sniffled a little then looked up, seeing Dustin looking at me, puzzled. “Uhm,” I said, wiping my lower lash line. “She broke out herself. She’s fine.”

Sighing, I said, “I’ll be outside. I just need some fresh air. Ya’know, being stuck in the Upside Down all night.” I lightly chuckled with no humor behind it at all. Before I could step around him, Dustin gave me a hug, one that I returned, tightly. He pulled away before looking up, asking Steve and Nancy if they were ready to come down.

I stepped outside, sitting on the porch that was off the right of the door… or left, depending on which way you were looking. Part of me wanted to go into Eddie’s stash to look for something to calm my racing thoughts, another part wanted a cigarette, and the last part wanted to go off into town and steal something, but I resisted all urges when I heard the door open, a voice following after, “There you are.”

Looking to my left, I watched as Steve carefully made his way across the small patch of grass that sat in between the porch and the steps to the front door, careful not to step on any sticker bushes.

“Hi,” I said, quietly, turning to face him, my legs dangling over the side.

Steve stood in between them, his neck at my eyeline. Bringing my hand up, I lightly traced over them, smiling a little, more to myself than anything.

“You’re smiling at my wounds?” he asked.

Lightly shaking my head, I snickered before looking at his eyes. “You make wounds look good. I mean–” I sighed, dropping my head again. Looking back up at him, I said, “This whole look you’re sporting right now has got you looking–” I brought up the okay hand gesture while winking and clicking my tongue once before continuing, “Fucking amazing, and I would love nothing more than to sneak off somewhere, kiss you stupid and do things to you, clothing optional.”

Steve laughed, resting his hands on my outer thighs. “I love you. And I would love to do all that, too, but we can’t, unfortunately.” He was quiet for a minute before he spoke up again. “You gonna tell me why you’re really out here? Dustin said something about you needing fresh air.”

“You don’t buy it?” I asked.

He sighed. “I do, but I know there’s more to it.”

It was my turn to sigh, my hands barely skimming over the makeshift bandage we made out of Nancy’s shirt. “Just… the way you were holding her brought me back to when you two were dating. I know I shouldn’t let it affect me, but… I guess it still kind of does. I mean, she’s been gawking at you the whole time we've been in this little group together. I just–” Another sigh. “I don’t know. I’m not jealous, but I guess I’m a little annoyed that she’s gawking at you when she clearly has Jonathan, she’s put herself in charge of this group, she’s being aggressive with her words towards Eddie, and–”

My words stopped as Steve’s lips pressed to mine, and I instantly shut the hell up, wrapped my arms around his neck gently to not hurt his wounds, and closed my eyes, relishing in the way his lips felt on mine.

I always had this feeling with Steve. I always enjoyed being with him, sexually and non-sexually. Steve was my soulmate, I could feel it. Since we were kids, I’ve always enjoyed being around him. He made me laugh, cry, feel better about myself, and I’m sure I’ve done the same with him.

He knows my boundaries, he knows what I do and don’t like, he knows my favorite song from all the artists I listen to. He just… knows. And I him. I know every single thing there is to know about Steve Harrington. 

When I felt his hands under my shirt, resting on my waist, I was fucking done for. “We–” I said, pulling away from him a little. “We better stop or else I’ll be screaming your name on this porch.”

He laughed lightly at that, taking a small step back. “Well, let’s go then. The sun’s about to rise.”

~~~

We’d all decided to go across the road to Max’s trailer, it being big enough to house all of us. Steve, Eddie and myself were all sitting on the couch, Erica on one of the arms, Nancy sitting on the chair across from us, Dustin standing next to the couch, Robin sitting on the floor, leaning against the entertainment center, Max on the other side of the couch near the kitchen, and Lucas standing on the other side of Nancy by the door.

She looked traumatized as she explained what Vecna showed her. “He showed me things that haven’t happened yet. The most awful things. I saw a dark cloud spreading over Hawkins. Downtown on fire. Dead soldiers. And this… this giant creature with… a gaping mouth. And this creature wasn’t alone. There were so many monsters. An army, and they were coming into Hawkins, into our neighborhoods, our homes. And then he showed me my mom.”

I looked over at Dustin after she said that about her mom, fear in both of our eyes at our mom being hurt or worse… dead. I didn’t want to find my mom’s body because of Vecna because if I did, I wouldn’t stop looking for him to kill him right on site. 

“And Holly… Mike,” Nancy continued. “And they… they were all…”

It was quiet for a moment while she quietly cried before Steve sighed next to me, saying, “Okay, but… he’s just trying to scare you, Nance. Right? I mean… I mean, it’s not real.”

“Not yet,” she whispered. “But there… there was something else.”

“Care to share with the rest of the class?” I asked.

“Liv, I’m getting there.” She looked down and around at nothing as she said, “He showed me gates. Four gates. Spreading across Hawkins. And these gates, they looked like the one outside of Eddie’s trailer, but they didn’t stop growing. And this wasn’t the Upside Down Hawkins. This was our Hawkins. Our home.”

I looked over at Steve, seeing him moving from the corner of my eye. His hands were at his mouth, one covering the other, his eyes closed. Wrapping my hand around his upper arm, I leaned my head against his shoulder, feeling the weight of what Nancy had explained.

“Four chimes,” Max said. Every single pair of eyes looked over at her, her words continuing, “Vecna’s clock. It always chimes four times. Four exactly.”

“I heard them, too,” Nancy whispered.

I sighed and closed my eyes, not really wanting to deal with any of this right now, but as I opened my eyes, I saw that we were all looking back at Nancy.

Taking a deep breath, I released it while picking my head up, saying, “He’s been telling us his plan this whole time.”

“Four kills,” Lucas said. 

Turning my head to look at Lucas, all I could do was press my lips together, annoyed.

“Four gates,” he added, looking at Max.

Standing, I released an annoyed breath, walking to stand between Nancy and Lucas by the door. “I’ve been saying that for a couple days now. But no one listens to Olivia! It’s basically the end of the world.”

“Liv, if that’s true…” Dustin said. “He’s only one kill away.”

“Yeah, and who the hell do you think he’s gonna come back after.” I gestured towards Max. “Our lovely little redhead.”

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie said, burying his face in his hands. “Jesus Christ.”

“Try ‘em again,” Steve said.

Oh, did I mention that once we got to Max’s we tried calling the Byers’? No? Oh, well… we did, and no answer.

“Try ‘em again.”

Max went into the kitchen to try making that phone call again to the Byers as I heard my name being whispered. I looked over at Steve, knowing he was the one to call my name. Walking back towards the couch, he reached out his hand for me to take, which I gladly did.

I sat down between him and Eddie again just as Steve sat back on the cushions. He pulled me into him, getting into our normal sleeping position, just… sitting up on a couch.

A few seconds later, Dustin asked, “Anything?” to which Max replied, “No. Rang a few times, then went to busy signal.”

“Maybe you punched it in wrong,” Steve said. “Try it again.”

“I didn’t punch it in wrong,” Max replied.

“Well, I don’t know.”

“Dude, I think she knows how to use a phone,” Dustin said.

“I’m just saying, she could’ve typed it in wrong.”

Max had called again, so when I heard her hang up the phone again, I sighed. “Same shit,” she said.

“How is that possible?” Lucas asked.

“Maybe they’re actually busy, or they’re not home,” I said.

“No,” Dustin said. “I told you guys, Joyce has this telemarketer job. She’s always on the phone. Mike won’t stop whining about it.”

“Okay, yeah, but this phone’s been busy for, what, three days now?” Max said. “That’s not Joyce. No way. Something’s wrong.”

Taking a deep breath, I shifted on Steve, trying to get more comfortable. “Maybe they’re off on their own little adventure.”

“Max is right,” Nancy said. “It can’t be just coincidence. It can’t be.” She got up and walked to the front window, looking out of it as she continued, “Whatever’s happening in Lenora is connected to all of this. I’m sure of it. But Vecna can’t hurt them.”

“Doubt they know about Vecna,” I deadpan.

“Not if he’s dead.” Quickly turning back around to face the group, she said, “We have to go back in there. Back to the Upside Down.”

“Whoa, no, no, no, no, no,” Steve said as Eddie also said, “Nope.” Sighing, I stood and looked at her, all the seriousness I could muster in my eyes. “NO one is going back to the Upside Down. Not a fucking soul.”

Steve stood up and walked over to Nancy, standing in front of her. “Now, let’s think this through.”

“What is there to think through?” Nancy asked.

Moving to stand in between them, I looked at Nancy, rage in my eyes. “My boyfriend almost got murdered, Nancy! What if it was Jonathan! You wouldn’t go back in there!”

“She’s right,” Steve said. “We barely made it out of there in one piece.”

“Yeah, because we weren’t prepared,” Nancy said. “But this time, we will be. We’ll get weapons and protection. We’ll go through the gate, we’ll find his lair, and we’ll kill him.”

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at Nancy as Steve said, “Yeah, or he’ll kill us.”

“Are you fucking serious right now?” I asked. “The only fucking reason you survived was because he wanted you to. He’s not fucking scared of us.”

“Language,” Nancy said.

“And for good reason,” Robin said, standing. “We were wrong about Venca. Henry. One. Sorry, wh-what are we calling him now?”

About four people gave their opinion, confusing Robin, to which I said, “Robs, focus, babe.”

“Right.” Not sure who she directed that at, but I’ll take it. “We’ve learned something new about Vecna/Henry/One. He’s a number like Eleven, only a sick, evil, male, child-murdering version of her with really bad skin, but my-my-my-my point is, he’s super powerful. He could turn us inside out with the snap of his fingers. It’s not a fair fight.”

“So then why fight fair?” Dustin said. “You’re right, he’s like Eleven.”

“That gives us the upperhand,” I added. “We know her strengths, and weaknesses.”

“Weaknesses?” Erica asked.

“Yeah!” I said, a small smile appearing on my face. “When El remote travels–”

“She goes into this sort of trance-like state,” Dustin said. 

“Bet it’s the same for Vecna.”

“That would explain what he was doing in that attic,” Lucas said.

“Exactly!” Dustin and I said. He continued with “When he attacks his next victim, I’ll bet’cha he’s back in that attic, physical body defenseless.”

“Defenseless?” Steve said. “Yeah, what about the army of bats?” He gestured to his neck, making me a little sad.

“Right?” Dustin said. “True, we’ll have to find a way past them. Distract them somehow.”

I sighed, now seriously aggravated. “No one is going back to the Upside Down!”

“And, uh, how do we do that, exactly?” Eddie asked.

“No idea.”

“By not going,” I added.

“Dearest sister, once they’re gone, he doesn’t stand a chance!” Dustin said. “It’ll be like slaying sleeping Dracula in his coffin!”

“That all sounds good in theory,” Robin said. “But there is no pattern to Vecna’s killings. I mean, at least not one that I can decipher.”

“She’s right,” I said. “You don’t know when he’s going to attack next. Or who, for that matter.”

Without missing a beat, Max said, “Yeah, we do.”

“No.”

“I can still feel him.”

“No.”

“I’m still… marked, Liv. Cursed.” 

“Don’t even think about it,” I said, pointing in her direction.

Max continued, “I ditch Kate Bush, I draw his focus back to me.”

Tears sprung to my eyes as she said this. I could see why she wanted to, but I didn’t want her to basically sacrifice herself just for Vecna to be distracted for a moment. With a couple of tears streaming down my cheeks, I whispered, “Max.”

She looked at me before Lucas added, “You can’t.”

“He’ll kill you,” Lucas and I said.

“I survived before,” she said. After a few seconds, she added, “I can survive again.”

Wanting to rip my hair out, I made a frustrated grunt, while also wanting to throw or punch something.

“Liv–”

“No!”

“I just–I need to keep him busy long enough so that you guys can get into that attic. Then you can chop his head off, stab him in the heart, blow him up with some explosives Dustin and/or Liv cooks up. I honestly–I really don’t care how you put this asshole in his grave. Just… whatever it is… whatever you do…” She looked directly at me, eyes intensely locking on mine. “Try not to miss.” 

Dropping my head back, as well as dropping my arms from their crossed position, I groaned before closing my eyes. Feeling hands on my shoulders, I picked my head up and opened my eyes, meeting Steve’s somewhat worried one. “You guys stress me out.”

~~~

Eddie had grabbed a phonebook, telling us all to gather over at the dining table. I was standing between him and Steve with everyone else crowding around us as Eddie slammed the book down onto the table, pointing to a spot on the page he had opened it up to, an advertisement for The War Zone. “Check this out. The War Zone. I’ve been there once. It’s huge. They got… everything you need for, uhh… well, uh, killing things, basically.”

“Fake Rambo got enough guns there, Eddie?” I asked. “Bro, is that a grenade?”

“I mean, how is any of this legal?” Robin asked on Eddie’s left side.

“Well, lucky for us it is, so…” Eddie said, sarcastically. “This-this place is just far enough outside of Hawkins.”

“Just as long as we steer clear of the main roads, we should be able to avoid the cops and angry hicks,” I said. At the looks everyone gave, I breathed in annoyance. “For Eddie, dumbasses.”

“If we’re trying to avoid angry hicks,” Erica said. “Maybe we shouldn’t go to some store called The War Zone.”

“Normally I’d agree, but we need the weapons,” Nancy said. “So, I think it’s worth the risk.”

“Me, too,” Lucas sighed.

Leaning onto the table with the palm of my hands, I chuckled while hanging my head forward, my chin meeting my collarbone. “You guys are still fucking nuts.”

“Language,” Nancy muttered.

“Coming from the girl who said bullshit about five times in a freaking row,” I said, picking up my head to look at Nancy. “You guys are nuts for wanting to venture back to the Upside Down, and for wanting to put Eddie’s life in danger.” Turning my eyes to my brother, I said, “Dustin, what’s your stance on this? I mean, Eddie’s your other older male best friend.”

“Is it worth the time? It’ll take all day to bike there and back,” he replied.

“Who said anything about bikes?” Eddie said.

“You got some sort of car we don’t know about?” Steve asked.

Standing up straight, Eddie looked over my head at Steve, smiling as he said, “It’s not exactly a car, Steve. And it’s not exactly mine, but, uh… it’ll do.” Turning around to face Max, Eddie said, “Hey, Red, uh, you got a ski mask or a bandana, something like that?”

Audibly taking a deep breath, I turned my head to look at her, a sly smile on my face. “You got that Halloween mask from ‘84?”

She smiled a little at me before going into her bedroom to retrieve the mask, giving it to Eddie, who went outside with all of us following him. We made it to the side of one of the trailers before he put the mask on, poking his head around the side, causing me to laugh quietly. 

We ran past the trailer that was across the way from us before going around the side of an RV, Eddie jumping in first. As I jumped in with Steve’s help, I heard Eddie say, “That was suffocating,” after he discarded the Michael Myers mask.

I looked back, watching as Steve jumped in behind me, everyone else following after him as I followed Eddie to the front of the RV. Watching as Eddie reached under the steering wheel, I asked, “Whoa, hey, what’re you doing?” He cut a cord as his answer, my eyes going wide. “You’re hotwiring it?”

“Where’d you learn how to do this?” Steve asked.

“It’s simple,” I said. Silence filled the air for a moment as I looked back at Steve, who had his brows scrunched. “Oh, you weren’t asking me, okay.” Turning my head back to face Eddie, Steve said, “We’ll talk about that later.”

“Ed-Eddie? Wanna answer?” I said.

“Well, Henderson, when the other dads were teaching their kids how to fish or play ball, my old man was teaching me how to hotwire. Now, I swore to myself I wouldn’t wiiiind up like he did, but now I’m wanted for murder, and soon, grand theft auto. So, uhh, I’m really living up to that Munson name.” As he explained all this, he was cutting what he needed before brushing the wires against each other.

Robin came up behind us, saying, “Uh, Eddie, I’m not sure I love the idea of you driving.”

“Oh, I’m just starting this sucker,” Eddie said. “Harrington’s got her. Don’t ‘cha, big boy?”

I looked at Eddie, confused, as the engine started, the owners demanding us to open the door that Eddie had locked upon arrival inside the RV. 

“Hey!”

“They locked the door!”

“Well, are we just gonna stand here and look pretty while they try to bust in and call the cops on Eddie, or are we actually gonna steal this fucking thing?” I asked.

“Shit, go,” Steve said, pushing Eddie out of the driver’s seat. I moved to sit in the passenger seat. 

“Babe, it’s just a car,” I said, seeing the panic in his eyes.

“Everybody, hang on to something!” Steve yelled, turning to face the back for a moment.

I saw Nancy moving towards the front as I looked back to see where Dustin was sitting as Lucas said, “Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Let’s go! Let’s go!”

“Drive, Steve, driiiiiiiiiiiiiiive!” Dustin yelled.

I watched as Steve put the RV in drive before putting his foot on the gas pedal, sending the vehicle forward, Lucas’ repeating of the word “Go!”

“Shit, they look pissed,” Dustin said.

“I mean, it’s not everyday you lose your house and car in one fell swoop,” Robin said. 

Even through my excited laughter, I still heard everything they said. 

“Hold on, hold on, hold on!” Steve said. He swerved a little, running into the trash cans at the side of the road, before making the widest turn onto the main road, almost taking us off said road a couple times. 

When my laughter eventually died down, I turned to look at Steve, chuckling, “Remind me to never let you drive an RV again.”

He chuckled while trying to get a feel for it. “Okay.”

~~~

The further we drove, the more stable the vehicle seemed to be, which told me that Steve was getting a handle on it. I couldn't help but smile at him as he got more comfortable with it. Almost reminded me of when he learned how to drive, how comfortable he got in his car after his parents gifted it to him.

I could feel Nancy’s eyes staring into me as I just looked at Steve, taking a deep breath to start a conversation. “How’s it handle, babe?”

“Not half bad,” he replied. “Considering that this is a… house.”

I chuckled. “Was that a sarcastic comment I just heard?” I watched the corner of his mouth lift up a little, a quick and quiet chuckle coming from him. The moment it was quiet, I listened to the radio, singing along to what was playing on the radio, “They let me know you were gone.”

Sighing happily, I turned my head over my shoulder to look at Steve, smiling. “Do you remember when we were in, like, 7th grade and we heard this song for the first time?”

I saw the look on his face like he was thinking about it. “What’s this song again?”

“Fire and Rain by James Taylor. I remember just sitting in your room one night and this song came on the radio, and I instantly fell in love with it.” I knew he remembered what the song was, but telling him the first time I ever heard this song will forever be my favorite. That was also the night I knew I liked him as more than a friend.

“I know you know a lot about me and my… dreams, or whatever, but I don’t think I’ve ever told you this,” he said.

“Told me what?” I asked, turning a little to face him.

“Ya’know, it’s… it’s silly, but I… I’ve actually, uhm… I always had this dream that I’d have this really… really big family,” he explained. “I’m talking like a full brood of Harringtons. Like, five, six kids.”

“Six?” I asked, incredulously with my brows raised. 

“Yeah. Six little nuggets. Three girls, three boys.” He chuckled as he continued, “And-and every summer, I figured all of us Harringtons, we would pack into something like this and… just see the country.”

I looked at him, falling even more in love with him as he continued, “Ya’know, the Rockies, Grand Canyon, maybe Yellowstone.” He looked at me for a moment, that same look in his eyes that I was giving him. “End up in some beachside town in California. Spend a week parked in the sand. Learn how to surf or something.”

“I could see you surfing,” I said, quietly, after a moment before adding, “But, that sounds amazing.”

He looked at me, asking, “Yeah?”

I nodded my head, smiling. “Yeah.” I wanted to lean over and kiss him stupid, but couldn’t or else we’d crash. “Uhm, except for that six kid part. I love you, but that sounds like a total nightmare with a migraine.”

He looked in the back of the RV for a quick second, saying, “If only I had some practice.”

Looking back at everyone in the back, I smirked, chuckling to myself. “Yep, that’s fair.” I stretched my hand out for him to take, to which he quickly did, lacing our fingers together.

“I would kiss your hand, but I’d drag you out of your seat,” he said, chuckling, looking at me for a moment.

“I wouldn’t mind.”

He turned his head back to look out at the road as I started to sing along to the song once more, turning my own head to look out at the road.

~~~

I guess I had dozed off or something because I was being woken up by Steve whispering my name, saying that we were at War Zone. He gave me the option of staying with Dustin or coming inside. I chose the latter. Dustin could take care of himself, but that didn’t stop me from telling him to not draw attention to the RV.

Erica, myself, Steve, Max, Robin and Nancy went inside the store after having parked out back. We stood there as we all looked around, seeing a shit ton of people inside.

“So much for avoiding angry hicks,” Robin said.

“Let’s just get what we need and leave,” I said. “And, please, don’t draw attention to yourself.”

“Let’s be… fast,” Nancy said.

“Yup,” Robin added.

“Definitely,” Erica retorted.

Steve took my hand and led me to the men’s clothing section, where he picked out a leather jacket, a camo style shirt, a random pair of socks and some combat boots. After I had found a similar outfit for me that was more my style, we found Robin putting some gas cans into the buggy.

“How many of these do you think we need?” she asked.

“Five or six,” Steve answered, putting a couple more into the buggy.

I noticed Robin standing still, looking off, so I looked in the direction she was looking in before looking back and forth between her and the girl she was looking at as I remembered who that girl was. “What’cha gonna do, Robs?”

“Just stand here and gawk at her?” Steve added.

“Shut up,” she said. She took one step forward before stopping, some guy having come up to Vickie, scaring her. 

The three of us watched their interaction, my excitement dwindling as I felt Robin’s confidence start to plummet. We watched them kiss, my heart breaking for Robin. I wanted to kill that boy for interrupting the moment Robin was having. 

Vickie turned to look at us - well, Robin - before her boyfriend decided to do so as well, my best friend turning and running away from us as Steve and I called her name.

Erica found us a couple of minutes later, saying that Jason and his basketball buddies were in the store. Once we found Nancy, we all hauled ass out of the store, paying of course, all of our gear in all of our hands as we booked it back to the RV.

Steve opened the door, walking in first as Lucas asked what happened. “We gotta go.”

���Your old friends are here,” Erica said, sitting next to her brother.

I walked in the RV, going to sit in the passenger seat, Nancy having beat me to it. Thank God Robin had called her name, giving her a look that made her roll her eyes before getting up. I sat down as Max climbed in, closing the door.

~~~

Steve found a big ass piece of land to hide out at, everyone getting out to set up different stations, I guess. Nancy and Max were at one station with the shotgun we had purchased, Lucas and Erica making spears with knives and big ass sticks at another, Eddie and Dustin making shields out of metal trash can lids at a third station, while  Steve, Robin and myself were sitting in front of the RV making homemade molotov cocktails with gasoline.

We were sitting on various flat items as we did our task; Steve to my right, Robin to my left. It was quiet for a moment between the three of us as Robin was pouring the gasoline into the bottle that was in my hand. I was looking at Steve as he was contemplating something before he spoke.

“It just doesn’t make sense,” he said.

“What doesn’t make sense,” Robin and I asked.

“That was Dan Shelter. He graduated, like, two years ago.”

“And you’re hung up on this why?” I asked.

“Because he’s in college, babe, which means he was visiting on Spring Break. I mean, wouldn’t you visit me if you were in college?” 

I sighed. “Yes, but I’m not.”

“Anyway, Fast Times was returned, like, I don’t know, a week ago?” Steve said. “Right? Unless she’s got some horndog brother that we don’t know about. Which is possible. Or she’s just, like, really into Judge Reinhold?”

I watched Robin’s reaction as he went on about Vickie’s boyfriend. “Babe, I love you and this outfit is, like, top tier, but if you don’t stop talking, I’m gonna murder you in your sleep,” I said.

“Steve,” Robin said, eyes closed in what is clearly discomfort.

Steve looked over at her, asking, “What?”

“I don’t care,” she said. “And I don’t understand why you do either with everything that’s going on. Honestly, this feels like the perfect time for that little pull of the rug… because in the face of the world ending, the stakes of my love life feel spectacularly low.”

“Yeah,” Steve said, looking down. “I mean, I get you there, but… I still have hope.”

I gave Robin the bottle that I put a cloth in before Steve handed me another one. “Not everything has a happy ending,” I said.

“Yeah, yeah, believe me, I know,” Steve said, looking in front of him before back down at my hands.

I sighed in annoyance. “She’s not talking about failed romance, babe. Besides, you have me now.”

“She’s right,” Robin said, pouring the liquid into the clear bottle. “I have this terrible, gnawing feeling that…” She stopped pouring to look Steve in the eyes as she continued, “It might not work out for us this time.”

“Robin, stop,” I whispered, setting the bottle down on the ground to stand and pace in front of them.

“You think we shouldn’t be doing this?” Steve asked.

Without missing a beat, I turned my head in their direction to say a hard and quick, “No!”

“I think we’re mad fools, the lot of us, but…” Robin said, starting to pour the gas again, but stopped after her statement to sigh and look out at everyone to add, “if we don’t stop him, who will?” She looked back at Steve, saying, “We have to try, right?”

I stopped my pacing to look at my boyfriend, seeing him nodding his head ever so slightly before looking over at Robin to say, “Yeah.” He lifted the bottle in his hand before saying, “To killing Vecna.”

She grabbed one of the bottles next to her, holding it up, replying, “Slash Henry.”

They both turned their eyes to me, an expectant look in their eyes. I sighed exasperatedly and walked over to Robin, picking up another cocktail we had prepared, holding it up in the air as I walked to stand in between them, saying, “Slash One.” We clinked our bottles, Robin and I setting ours back on the ground. 

I honestly didn’t know what else to do, so I walked into the RV, running my fingers through my hair once I was inside, my pacing starting up again. I didn’t even realize I had started crying or that someone had walked into the RV with me until my face was being buried into the person's chest.

I knew that person was Steve. I felt his hand on the back of my head and his lips on the top of my head. Wrapping my arms around his middle, I let out a quiet sob that made him hold me a little tighter. 

“I know,” he whispered. “I’m scared, too.”

“I’m not scared for myself,” I whispered back to him. “I’m scared for Max.” Looking up at him, I felt a tear slide down my cheek as I sniffled. “She’s just a kid.”

“I know, baby, but she’s a strong kid.”

Sighing, I looked at a spot on his shirt for a moment before closing my eyes. “I’m also scared of losing you,” I whispered. It was so soft, I wondered if he heard me or not.

I got my answer as he replied, “Hey, look at me,” while putting his finger under my chin, lifting my head up so that our eyes could meet. Shaking his head while cupping my cheeks, he said, “You’re not going to lose me, you’re never going to lose me.”

I placed my hands on his wrists, more tears streaming down my face. “Do you promise?”

He nodded, quickly. “I promise. I have to kiss you stupid for the rest of our lives.”

I chuckled through my tears, sighing. “I like it when you kiss me stupid.”

~~~

I couldn’t tell you how long Steve and I held each other in the RV before the sun started to set. Everyone pretty much sat in the same seats we were all in before. Shit was getting real and our situation was starting to set in as we drove to the Creel house to drop off Max, Lucas and Erica so that they could execute their part of the plan.

Feeling Steve’s eyes on me, I looked over at him, giving a shy smile, the words “I love you” being whispered from his lips. I whispered them back before sighing.

This was going to be a long night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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~~~

A/N 2:  hi, friends! pls be kind and reblog! it really helps us content creators out <3

Additional Note: i just wanted to say a quick thank you to my readers on this series for being incredibly patient with me these last few weeks. i've been under a lot of stress, and i think it all just came to a head when my kids were a couple days out from spending time with my dad. my anxiety and depression took a hit because of it. i'm sorry everything is coming out late. it was not my intention. thank you sticking around. it means more to me than you truly realize.

~~~

Forever / Everything Taglist: @stiles-o-dylan24​​ @stixnstripesworld​ @fandom-princess-forevermore​​​ @quanticobae​​​ @mischiefandi​​​ @kellyashcroft @lauren-novak​​​​

Steve Harrington Taglist: @madaboutjoe

If you’re tagged and didn’t want to be, please let me know.

~~~

*Please don’t post my writing anywhere else without my consent. The author of this work will always and forever be @harringtonstilinski​.

All characters, story lines, and plot aside from y/n and her storyline & plot, are all of the work of The Duffer Brothers.

*These works contain material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited.

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Posted on June 10, 2024 *Happy Pride Month to those who celebrate!*

[arzen9]

Can I Be Good? Chapter 3: Part of the Team - Lark

pairing: Astarion/f!Tav | Astarion/f!OC 18+ MDNI word count: 4.4k tags/warnings: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Not Canon Compliant, Vampire Ascendant Astarion, Redemption, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Mystery, Romance, Drama, Angst, Fluff, Smut, Original Female Character summary: Centuries of pain, a ritual, (not) hunger, (not) desire, a lost soul, a search, a yearning, bodies, bodies... And a heart that changes everything.

In the clerb, we all fam.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY IN ADVANCE, LOVELY PEOPLE<3

Thank you for reading! I love you! LOTS AND LOTS of thank you's to @nerdallwritey for reading this through, for supporting me, for being an amazing friend!! ILY!! Can I Be Good? has a playlist, made by yours truly! If you want to give it a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pXFYWcgOZXxe8Hf39dhfs?si=f8f44e48d2924b1e

Please click here if you'd like to read on AO3 as the "insert link" function STILL hasn't been working for me. Otherwise, continue on here!

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go,” Wyll says on the phone. “It would be nice to meet your coworkers.”

“You mean Karlach specifically,” Lark says with a trill. 

“Is that her name?” Wyll asks wistfully. 

“Can you not be so obvious with your yearning tonight,” Lark pleads. “She’s my coworker, not your future wife.”

“Could always be both,” he says and chuckles shyly. Lark can hear Lae’zel scoff in the background. 

“Well, you guys can come on over here in the afternoon then.”

“And by here, you mean...”

“The Crimson Palace,” Lark says, trying not to cringe.

Wyll chuckles again. “Yeah, I just wanted to hear you say it. Congratulations on landing the job, Lark.”

He hangs up and leaves Lark standing at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to the second floor of the club, phone in hand. Astarion didn’t exactly tell her what to do from now until her little “get together” or whatever, and she hesitates before going back to the bar. For a moment Lark just stands where she is and tries to peer from behind the wall to see where the white-haired woman is, and feels relieved when she spots Shadowheart with her back to Lark, looking down intently at her phone. Maybe she can safely sneak on by and leave unnoticed; but what would be the point? She has to come back for Astarion’s little event anyway. Lark realizes that this place makes her miss the feeling of sunshine on her skin. 

“Soldier!” 

Lark jumps. “Karlach!” she exclaims. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”

The tiefling laughs, open and boisterous. “What do you mean? I thought I was mighty stealthy.”

Lark raises a brow at her.

“So,” Karlach continues, a sincere look in her amber eyes. “Did you get the job?”

“Oh,” Lark says, straightening up a bit. “Yes, I did.”

It seems that Karlach is intent on giving her a heart attack though, as the next thing she knows, she’s enveloped by two muscular arms and lifted off the floor, feet hovering in the air.

“Yes! I knew it! I knew Fa— Astarion would pick you! He can make good choices sometimes.” 

“What do you mean?” Lark tries to ask, but it comes out as more of a wheeze, being squeezed by Karlach to the point of gasping for air.

“Nothing!” she exclaims, putting Lark back down. “Sorry, I’m just real excited.”

“I can tell,” Lark smiles. She hopes her braids are still neat. “I’m not sure I’m all that exciting, though.”

“Oh nonsense! If Astarion’s excited, you can bet your ass I am, too.”

Astarion is excited? 

Before Lark can voice her confusion at Karlach’s statement, Shadowheart beckons them.

“What are you two doing over there? You know I’m terribly nosy.” 

Karlach gives her a gentle bump on the arm, and the two make their way over back to the bar. Shadowheart winks at Lark.

“Really glad to see Karlach didn’t squeeze your organs out of your body.”

“Still in one piece,” Lark says. Karlach looks away shyly, but her smile is obvious. 

“I’m guessing you’ll be working with us, then?”

Lark nods. Karlach woo’s. 

“Excellent,” Shadowheart says. “Welcome to the team.”

“We have to celebrate!” Karlach interjects. “Now? Tonight? Where are your friends you had with you the other night?”

“Astarion’s already got that covered, I think,” Lark says. “He said we would have a little get together here tonight.”

Karlach and Shadowheart exchange glances, but their expressions don’t betray any emotion.

“Well, you can hang out with us until then.”

Something pangs in Lark’s chest. She enjoys the company of a few very specific people— namely, Lae’zel and Wyll. It’s been a long time since she actually hung out with anyone else. All of it is by choice, to be sure. There aren’t many people who are willing to understand and accept Lark exactly as she is. She isn’t even sure how her two best friends do it. 

But she would have to admit that Karlach and Shadowheart genuinely seem nice, even though the latter is a tad bit intimidating— whether on purpose or not, Lark can’t decide. 

The pitiful look she gave her the first time they met won’t leave her mind.

“Tell us about yourself,” Shadowheart interrupts her thoughts. Then, after a few seconds, “Oh, but first,” she says, gesturing to all the bottles behind her. “Pick your poison.”

“Oh, I’m not sure if I—”

“You’re not working right now, are you?”

“No, I start tomorrow.”

Shadowheart smiles mischievously. “Pick your poison.”

“She might not look like it, but Shads is the best at cocktails,” Karlach offers.

“Hey!”

They both turn to Lark again. Waiting.

“Um, I… Maybe a Bloody Mary?”

The two women smile at her, all teeth. As if there’s an inside joke here that Lark just isn’t privy to. 

Shadowheart starts immediately, and Karlach pats on one of the high stools in front of the bar. They sit next to each other. 

“What about me?” Karlach pouts.

  “You can pour yourself something, can’t you?” Shadowheart says, focused on preparing Lark’s drink. Karlach pulls herself off of her seat dramatically, and joins Shadowheart at the back of the bar, one hand on her hip, looking at the seemingly endless array of bottles filled with liquids of varying colors.

“Are you guys working during the day, too?” Lark asks.

“Oh, no,” Karlach says, picking up bottles, putting them back. “We live here.”

Odd. “You do? Why?”

“And I thought I was nosy,” Shadowheart says, but there’s no venom in her voice. “Why not?”

“Well, I just thought it would be weird living in the nightclub you work at, with your boss and everything—”

The two women fall into a fit of laughter at that. Karlach seems utterly lost. It’s Shadowheart who recovers first.

“Boss? You mean Astarion?”

“He’s the owner, isn’t he?” Lark asks, confused as to why they found what she said so funny.

“Yeah,” Karlach says, wiping away a few tears. “But we’re friends. We work together, not for Astarion.”

Huh. Lark’s mind immediately conjures up the image of Astarion standing on the balcony, surveying the crowd. Observing her.

A shiver runs down her spine. 

“Are you cold?” Shadowheart asks her. She’s putting the finishing touches on her Bloody Mary.

Before she can answer, Shadowheart continues, “You’ll get used to it, in time. But Lark,” she looks intently at her while placing the glass filled with red liquid in front of her. “Don’t let our living arrangements distract you from what you came here to do. Astarion would never have hired someone if he absolutely didn’t need help with the masquerade.”

“Of course,” Lark preens at the sudden coldness in Shadowheart. 

“Shads, you’re scaring the poor girl,” Karlach returns with a glass of something that resembles the color of her eyes. Bourbon? Whiskey? “We’re happy to have you help him out, Lark.”

“It’s not for me to be weirded out by your living arrangements, anyways,” Lark says, tougher than she intended. “I’m only here to help with the masquerade, as you said.”

“What, you’re not gonna work with us after the winter season?” Karlach says, clearly disappointed. “No way. I bet you’ll stay.”

“We never know what the future will bring,” Shadowheart says, but her smile isn’t so soft this time. “How do you like the Bloody Mary?”

----

Shadowheart’s Bloody Mary is so good that Lark has three of them. By the time the three women finish their last drinks (Lark’s third Bloody Mary, Shadowheart’s fourth glass of wine and Karlach’s… well, who’s counting?) the sun outside is setting, and it’s almost time to celebrate Lark’s new job. 

Wyll and Lae’zel walk in as Karlach is showing how she can balance two whiskey glasses on top of each other on her head. Lark doesn’t think she’s drunk— it seems that the tiefling naturally has the sort of courage most people need with the help of a lot of liquid.

Lark beams at her friends. Immediately her posture slackens a little with comfort, confidence filling her being. She feels at home with herself when she’s with them— even Shadowheart can’t scare her now. 

“Lark,” Wyll greets her, standing a little further away from where her and Karlach are sitting. Lae’zel stands next to him. 

“Well, soldier,” Karlach says, carefully placing the whiskey glasses back on the bar. “Introductions are in order!”

Lark turns to her friends to find Wyll’s gaze laser focused on Karlach, and almost rolls her eyes— then she sees Lae’zel. 

Her friend’s eyes are uncharacteristically round, and following her line-of-sight Lark realizes it’s Shadowheart that has softened her up like so.

Oh gods. Lark leans on the bar and places her chin in her palm. This might be an interesting night.

Despite her fear of suddenly being stuck in a weird romcom, her friends are civil in their introductions, if a little stammer-y. Lae’zel’s “surprise me” to Shadowheart’s “what would you like to drink” earns her an amused smirk from the white-haired woman, but yes. Wyll is civil. 

Then Astarion enters the room— talking to a man that’s walking beside him, with an impeccably smooth purple shirt and shiny, slicked-back brown hair. Lark’s stomach does something that suggests either nerves or one too many Bloody Mary’s. She settles on the latter. 

Karlach and Shadowheart don’t seem to notice the two men, still in conversation with Lae’zel and Wyll. Lark’s focus has shifted though, keen on trying to hear what Astarion is talking to this man about. There’s something in the owner of the Crimson Palace that piques her curiosity to indescribable proportions, civility be damned.

And it seems that Astarion is keen on thwarting her attempts at satisfying that innate wonder, as he immediately lifts his head up to throw a smile at her, effectively silencing his companion.  She would give anything to see what goes inside his mind.

He tut’s at the sight in front of him, looking rather amused. “It seems that you have started the festivities without us.”

The man in purple makes his way over to Lark with quick steps. “Miss Promise, I am thrilled to have you join us. Thrilled! Astarion’s mentioned your aptitude in magic, and—” he stops when Astarion places the wide of his palm over his shoulder. Lark eyes him suspiciously, but he acts as if there’s nothing wrong. “I’m Gale Dekarios,” the man says, offering his hand.

Lark gets up to greet him, and it hits her— the scent of rosewater, the swirling of a million stars, the alignment of planets. No wonder he was interested in her magic. They share a knowing smile before Gale retracts his hand. Astarion eyes the two of them, his expression unreadable. 

“Please,” Lark says. “Call me Lark.”

“Well,” Astarion cuts in before Gale can say anything. “You now have the delight of meeting everyone. Care to return the favor?”

Lae’zel perks up from behind Lark, immediately peeling herself from Shadowheart and stepping to the side to be next to her friend. It surprises Lark, for a second. Her instinct to protect. Wyll shifts his gaze over as well, but doesn’t move from where he’s standing, next to Karlach.

“Lae’zel,” she says, giving Astarion a nod and nothing else. He tilts his head and smiles. 

“I’m Wyll,” Wyll says with a little wave of his hand. 

“Oh,” Astarion drawls. “Chief Ravengard’s son, in my club? What an honor.” 

Wyll looks down, uncomfortable with the recognition, but only smiles, possibly for Lark’s sake. 

“Nice to meet you all,” Gale says, seemingly sensible to the sudden tension. “Shall we take this up to the dining room?”

----

The dining room, of course, is a lot bigger than any dining room Lark’s ever seen, and on the third floor which she didn’t realize even existed, but it makes sense considering how high the ceiling looked when she first entered the Crimson Palace. The room itself is in the middle of the floor, accessible through two sets of double doors. Inside there is not much else but a table (bigger than any Lark’s ever seen) surrounded by about twenty chairs. A grand chandelier hangs off the ceiling, blindingly shiny. 

Astarion takes the chair at the head of the table, and with a pat, invites Lark to sit at his right. Despite her obvious interest in Shadowheart, Lae’zel chooses to sit next to Lark, seeing as her friend’s face has flushed with panic due to the proximity of her new boss.

If only she knew.

Gale takes the chair on Astarion’s left side, followed by Wyll and lastly Karlach. Shadowheart stays standing for a moment to talk to Gale, putting her hand at the back of his seat. Observing her surroundings, Lark realizes that she’s the only one that seems to be nervous. Even her friends don’t mind the gathering they’ve found themselves in— Wyll is in deep conversation with Karlach, already able to make her laugh, while Lae’zel steals glances at Shadowheart from time to time but keeps her hand on Lark’s armrest. 

“I hope Shadowheart and Karlach kept you entertained today,” Astarion tells her, lounging in his seat like he owns the place.

Well, he does. But still.

Shadowheart gives him a side-eye, but doesn’t say anything before turning on her heels and leaving the room. Lark can feel Lae’zel droop with disappointment.

“Absolutely. Shadowheart indulged me with making my favorite drink. Multiple times, even.”

“And what’s that?”

“Bloody Mary.”

“Ha!” Astarion gives a short, loud laugh. It suits him. “I’m more for red wine myself, but that’s a good choice nonetheless.”

As if on cue, Shadowheart comes back with two bottles of wine clutched against her chest. She hands one to Astarion, and then goes to sit down next to Karlach on the other side of the table. Lae’zel’s mood immediately seems to brighten to see her come back, and it amuses Lark— she has no idea how readable she is.

Only when Astarion pulls out the cork of the wine bottle does Lark realize the table has already been set with plates, utensils and wine glasses— except for Karlach who has an already full pitcher of beer in front of her. Lark eyes the two with a smile as Karlach offers Wyll some of her beer. It’s cute.

“Would you like some?” 

It’s Astarion’s voice that snaps her attention back to her side of the table. He’s holding the wine bottle slightly tilted over her glass, ready to pour.

“Sure,” she says. As he pours the dark red liquid into her glass, Astarion watches her— quiet, unthreatening. 

“Lae’zel, was it?” he says although his gaze is still on Lark.

“Yes,” Lae’zel responds in an exasperated tone. She doesn’t enjoy needless attention and would probably rather watch Shadowheart over the table.

“Your kind still doesn’t favor our beautiful city, even after centuries. Why is that?”

“You speak as if you’ve kept watch,” she sneers. Lark stares at Astarion, displeased with the comment. She knows Lae’zel isn’t a stranger to these kinds of questions; it bothers her that she faces them nonetheless.

“Merely a history enthusiast,” Astarion smiles. 

“Perhaps it’s because your kind favors it too crowdedly.” 

Lark takes a sip of her own. It really is going to be a long night.

After all the cocktails she had the first sip of wine seems to go right to her head. The room spins around for a little before she can refocus on Astarion’s high-pitched giggle. 

“My apologies on my kind’s behalf, then. Would you like some wine as well?”

“I prefer something stronger.”

“I’m sure we’ll have it.”

Just then, an elf with long, red hair enters the dining room from the double doors on the furthest side, rolling a cart filled with various dishes; followed by a young tiefling with another cart, this one carrying different bottles. Astarion gestures at the tiefling to come over and turns to Lae’zel.

“Let’s drink to your friend, shall we?”

The offer of a drink seems to soften Lae’zel, with the added bonus of her pride when it comes to Lark. She has always been her number one supporter (a position she shares with Wyll); reassuring her that poetry was her calling when Lark wanted to give up and switch to something that would actually make money or that she definitely can down the fourth shot of tequila. No matter what life event it is, Lae’zel’s solid support has remained the same. 

Everybody gets their food and drinks; they toast to Lark, she flushes. The night goes on, Astarion’s relentless attention finally leaving Lark in favor of a debate with Gale that doesn’t interest her whatsoever. She and Lae’zel exchange a few remarks about the dishes but don’t talk much of anything since the gith is preoccupied with looking at Shadowheart and looking away the moment she looks back. 

Lark swears she will talk to her about adult flirting when this thing is over. Not that she’s an expert, considering she has been single for the past five or so years. Stealing glances needs to be left in high school though. 

Astarion abruptly leaving his chair catches Lark’s eye and she turns her head to look at the reason— a tall man with long auburn hair, a prominent nose and thin lips has entered the room, and is now smiling at Astarion, his hand drawing gentle circles on the silver-haired elf’s elbow. The man’s sun kissed skin glimmers under the light of the chandelier, as if he does nothing all day but rub himself in oils. Lark snickers to herself. Why does she care?

She should stop staring. She really should. But then the man leans into Astarion’s ear and whispers something, making the elf smile, and Lark can swear she sees him dip his head to place an almost imperceptible kiss on Astarion’s neck.

The magazines must have missed this piece of news— this highly coveted bachelor seems to either not be a bachelor, or a serial heartbreaker.

Lark would put money on the latter— her new boss doesn’t strike her as the type to swoon. 

She tries, very hard, to stop this line of thought. It’s unprofessional. It’s not like her to be this nosy. That’s Shadowheart’s job, isn’t it?

Lost in thought, she doesn’t notice the man leave, or Astarion sit back down. It’s his voice again that pulls her back to reality.

“Are you alright, darling?” he asks, wearing a shit-eating grin that looks almost lopsided. Why is he so intent on smiling without showing his teeth? Perhaps he has bad dentures. Although Lark finds that impossible considering how meticulous he seems to be about his appearance. 

She also notices the pet name, but decides not to dwell on it. It seems to be his vernacular. Far be it for her to judge. Maybe he’s just old. 

“Yes,” she says, her mouth dry like sandpaper all of a sudden. She takes another sip from her wine in an attempt to cure it. 

“Be sure not to drink too much,” he says, twirling his wine glass at her. “You’ve got work tomorrow.”

Lark wonders how sharp her fork just might be.

----

“I think you’re being too harsh on him,” Wyll says on their way back. It’s almost his time to get off the train with Lae’zel after, and lastly, Lark. “He just seems like a typical rich guy to me.”

“And how would you know?” Lark laughs. “Wyll and Karlach, sitting on a tree, sharing beer…”

“Come off it,” he says, but there’s no denying the upward tug of his lips. “We were just talking.”

“For now.”

“I’m happy that you have this job now,” Lae’zel interjects. “But I would prefer not to join any get togethers that your boss organizes, from now on.”

Lark puts a hand on her chest and gasps dramatically. “And deprive yourself of the ever-so mysterious Shadowheart? You must really hate the guy.”

“I would have to care for him in order to hate him.”

They laugh. Lark’s head spins lightly, in a nervous but not all too unpleasant haze. She really does have a job now. 

She’s not too fond of Astarion either, but he’s not the first asshole she’s had to work under, and he definitely won’t be the last. 

“I don’t need him to organize pathetic dinner parties if I want to sleep with Shadowheart,” Lae’zel continue with venom.

“I thought you really liked the crème brulee,” Lark pouts. “And I highly doubt stealing glances like high schoolers will get you anywhere near her panties.”

Wyll grimaces. “Must you always be so vulgar?”

Lark sticks her tongue out at him. Lae’zel tilts her head and stares into the distance for a bit. “What should I do?”

“You’re asking me?”

“Yes. If this stealing glances isn’t how you do it, then I would like you to tell me what to do.”

“I—” Lark stammers. “I’m not sure. I’ve known the woman for like seven hours, Lae.”

“Tell me what to do when you know.”

Wyll and Lark look at each other, smiling. “Sure, Lae. I will.”

Lark goes to bed that night as soon as she makes it home and sleeps soundlessly for most of the night, save for a few instances she thinks she hears a sort of knocking sound. It’s scary at first, annoying after a couple of times. 

But the night never lasts and morning comes, the sound of her phone waking her up before her alarm does. She has two texts from an unknown number and sits up to read them, one eye still shut.

Good morning, Lark. This is Shadowheart. You’ll probably want to save my number You can come and start at your earliest convenience.

“Earliest convenience,” she repeats to herself. “What am I, a corporate overlord?”

Despite complaining, she gets up and takes a shower, puts water in the kettle for tea, braids her hair. The chill in her apartment makes her realize she forgot to shut the window again. How does she keep doing this?

On the way to the Crimson Palace, she fiddles with her necklace— the one her dad gave him when she was thirteen. The silver angel holding a garnet warms under her touch.

----

“First day, soldier!” Karlach greets Lark at the entrance, carrying two barrels under her arms. “Break a leg!”

“I’ll try,” she responds before making her way inside where Shadowheart is waiting. The dark blue turtleneck she’s wearing compliments her hair. Or the other way around. 

“Hi,” she says. Shadowheart smiles at her, not too icily. 

“Astarion’s still in his room,” she says. “You can go wake him up.”

“Wake him up?”

“His room’s on the third floor. Down the corridor to the left.”

“I—”

“He’ll tell you about your daily task, and you can go from there.” She turns to leave, then pauses. “Oh, and Lark,” she seems to hesitate. “Could you maybe… Give me Lae’zel’s number?”

----

The climb to the third floor feels like a strenuous exercise and Lark’s feet want to go back— it seems she has not taken the “personal assistant” part of the job seriously enough. Which is the whole of it. 

“Wake him up,” she mumbles, walking down the corridor as loudly as she can. “Does he not have the money for an alarm clock? Probably spent it all on the chandelier.”

Stopping in front of what she assumes to be Astarion’s door, she pauses, one hand on the door handle. “I’ll be good,” she whispers to herself. Then she opens the door.

She’s greeted with another full-length mirror (he must really love himself) and from the reflection she can see herself, but also the bed— where Astarion’s laying, looking at his phone, thankfully covered by dark red sheets. 

Next to him is the man from last night— getting dressed.

“Shit,” she gasps and turns her head away, face gone all tomato. Shit. “I’m sorry, I—”

“Shadowheart takes this personal assistant thing too seriously,” Astarion sighs. “You should leave.” 

When Lark turns to leave, Astarion interrupts her. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

She dares look in the mirror again, only to see Astarion’s gaze bearing into her soul. He’s not looking at his… Partner at all. 

The said partner quickly leaves— doesn’t say a word. Neither to Astarion, nor to her, even when he brushes against her shoulder as he walks out.

Lark is still frozen in place, hand still on the door handle. She feels clammy.

“You can come in,” Astarion says, face buried again in his phone. “I won’t bite.”

Out of pocket, Lark thinks. But what’s new?

She fully enters the room, turning her back against the mirror and facing Astarion head on. He lifts his head to regard her and gives a sleepy smile. His hair is annoyingly perfect, and the bed sheets seem to be strategically placed over his waist, the toned muscles of his chest and the lower half of his legs visible.

“I think you should get dressed too,” Lark says coldly. She can feel the warmth thrumming in her cheeks.

Astarion takes a deep breath. “Must I?”

No, a part of her says. She shuts it up.

“Shadowheart told me to wake you up.”

“I’m awake.”

“Okay.”

They regard each other for a few seconds, but it feels like an eternity to Lark. She’s uncomfortable. Astarion’s nonchalance doesn’t help.

“No need to reveal all of my quirks from the first day, huh darling?” Astarion laughs. Lark doesn’t have it in her to join him. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll get dressed and meet you in my office.” 

She turns to leave, trying not to look anywhere but in front of her.

“Lark,” he says. Her name sounds like melted chocolate in his mouth. “Don’t get the wrong idea about this.”

“Why would I?” she asks, gaze plastered firmly on the door in front of her. “It is definitely not my place to get any ideas about how you live your life.”

“And how do you think I live my life?”

“He was there last night, wasn’t he?” she blurts out. Why is she blurting things out? “A pity he didn’t stay for dinner. You seem to enjoy teasing people, after all.”

She really needs to shut the hells up.

But Astarion only laughs— that high-pitched, honest sound. Lark’s heart gives a rather strong thump against her chest.

“Darling, you wound me,” he says, and Lark can hear the pout in his voice. “I never play with my food.”

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[litnerdwrites]

Clandestine Affairs - Lust X OC (II)

A/N: Okay, sorry for the wait on chapter 2, but it's my birthday on Saturday, so I want to get through as many of my obligations as I could so I could enjoy my weekend with it. I can't promise that the next chapter will be out in a timely manner either though, since my sister's birthday is exactly a week from mine, and I'll be prepping for hers. I'll be back at it after that, hopefully.

However, I did get myself the Waterstones exclusive edition for Throne of the Fallen. Beautiful cover, sprayed edges. No bonus content, which is sad. I really wanted to read it, but I still love how it looks on my shelf. I also really want to read Heartless by Marissa Meyres, but I'm having trouble getting started. Motivation? Anyone? On a side note, would y'll like to see me write short snippets for some fun prompts every now and then? Just for fun, and hopefully get some writing critiques if anyone has any.

Feel free to comment what you think will happen next, or what you hope will happen next. Also, requests are open, and let me know if you want to be added to a tag list. I do have some Euphemia content I'm editing. Hopefully, I'll have it up next week, if not chapter 3, since that is where things are going to start getting a bit more interesting, now that I've set things up.

WC: 1509

TW: Nothing outside the canon typical.

Masterlist Kingdom of the Wicked Masterlist Clandestine Affairs Masterlist

Something felt… different. 

Despite not having slept, spreading the night dancing and chatting with the Malvagi instead, Amara felt… Lighter. 

She found herself humming softly as she walked into Sea & Vine for breakfast, waving at shopkeepers setting up their stalls for the day, and even stopped to indulge in idle chatter with the few who had some time to spare. 

It wasn’t until she found herself outside of the bookstore her family ran that she felt those imaginary cinder blocks appear around her ankles again. Each step seemed to take more effort than the last, as she forced herself to lift her feet instead of dragging them, and the invisible chains seemed to double in weight as she raised her foot to remove her shoes.

Amara’s heart rate picked up with every tiny noise she made as she entered her father’s store. The click of the door opening as she turned the handle had her pausing in apprehension, before timidly pushing open, only as far as necessary to squeeze her body through. Amara stiffened further and further, for every second that the hinges creaked, or the floorboards squeaked beneath her. She flinched as the bell above the entrance rang, alerting potential occupants of presence, but when nobody came, she gently pushed the door shut, shoulder staying hunched and stiff as the bell rang again, softer this time, and the door fell shut with a thud and a click. 

It was silent for another beat, before quickly slipping her slippers back on, she creeps through the store, to the back, and finds her way to the kitchen. Only once she’s shut the door, does Amara let out a tiny, tentative sigh of relief.

Rolling up her sleeves, she begins tittering about the kitchen, grabbing eggs, flour, sugar, and other ingredients, to start on breakfast. Within an hour, the Cornettis are in the oven, and the table is set with bread, jam, and freshly brewed cappuccinos, so she took the chance to head upstairs and take a quick sponge bath before changing. She paused momentarily when she heard voices from up the hall and rushed back down again, as silently as possible while the voices turned into movement, prompting me to be quick. 

It was only when the table was set to perfection did she hear footsteps headed down the stairs. She took the opportunity to duck into the back garden, and begin setting up the various seating areas that could be accessed by a side door in the store, that leads down a quaint little path, to the back garden that overlooks the beach and ocean. 

Even without taking count, there were more boats bobbing over the water, amongst white foamed waves, now that it was daytime, then there were last night. Light reflected off of the azure pool, concealing the darkest depths below. 

Peaceful. At least on the surface. 

The thought was uncomfortably familiar. 

In the quiet of the early morning, Amara found her mind drifting back to last night. 

She had danced with the Prince until her feet ached, losing herself in every glide and tug and twirl. Music, unlike any music she’d heard in their mortal realm, echoed, even now, in the depth of her mind. Elegant, like something you’d expect to be played for nobility, yet something about that music touched her very soul, as if it somehow had hands and puppeteered her body through the motions while her mind drifted, though it never drifted too far from her dance partner. She had only really clocked the hours passing when she felt herself slump against Lust’s arm, and her breaths came out in pants. 

When she’d moved to pull away, she’d almost collapsed into the sand after feeling the white hot pain shoot through her feet. Lust gave her a crooked grin, and scooped her into his arms, carrying her to a nearby rock formation. With a surprising amount of tenderness, he’d placed her down and begun removing her shoes, the grin widening when he noticed how much she’d worn them through in the hours they’d danced, and seemed pleased by it. At some point, a goblet, likely worth more than every store on her street, filled with water, and some cookies, frosted in purple and silver royal icing. They looked like something foreign nobility would have at tea parties or concerts. 

She raised a brow at Lust, before taking a hesitant bite. The sweetness had her eyes widening and cheeks going red. Lust merely snickered at her, to which she huffed, and attempted to kick him, only for him to catch her foot easily from where he stood. With an all too calm expression, he began inspecting her foot, eyes narrowing every now and then, as though he were a doctor. He even began tutting her when she tried to pull it back. Then, that cursed demon had threatened to resort to ‘his own brand of discipline’ should she attempt to assault him again.

Her eyes snapped open, suddenly aware of her flushed cheeks, and the way she froze in place at the memory. At the time, she’d huffed and turned back to her biscuits, with red tinting her cheeks, but now, as she thought back to that moment, she felt a fluttering in the pit of her stomach. 

Anxiety, surely. 

“Amara!”

She flinched at the voice that so rudely pulled her from her thoughts. 

“Oh, good morning father,” she greets, quickly walking over to him, shoulders stiff, “Did you like your breakfast?” 

He pulled his eyes from the set up back garden, turning to examine her. 

Amara remained stiff under his gaze. 

“Breakfast was a bit… much, this morning, Amara,” he comments. “Do go easy on it tomorrow, lest we run out of food for lunch and dinner,” 

“Yes father. I’ll do better tomorrow,” 

“Oh, and Amara? Later this week, go into town and use some of your salary to buy something… respectable to wear. We’ll be having guests over next week,” 

“Yes father,” 

He smiled down at her, before pulling her forward, into his chest. 

“Alright, sweetheart. I’m going to open the shop. Make sure you have a quick breakfast before coming down to help too,” 

Amara barely suppressed her squeak as her father pulled her into his arms. 

“Y-yes father,” 

“Pardon?” he asked, tightening his grip. 

“Yes father,” 

She spoke clearly, willing herself not to stutter. She shrunk under his touch, as her father ruffled her hair, before he went back inside. 

Amara didn't move. 

Clasping her hands together, she inhaled a deep breath, before exhaling again. 

Then inhaled again. 

And released it.

Again.

Release.

Once she felt as though her nerves weren’t at risk of frying her brain, Amara went back towards the kitchen. Silently, she took in the empty platters, and cups, with little more than crumbs left over. Sighing, she began washing the dishes, putting everything away. After helping herself to the very last slice of bread, smothered in some homemade jam, she headed out to the store front. 

“That took a while. You weren’t dallying were you, sweetheart?” 

“No Father. I cleaned up, ate, and came straight out,” she quickly assures.

He ruffled her hair again, pressing down slightly harder than necessary. 

She suppressed her wince. 

“Just don’t take so long next time, alright?” 

“Yes father,” she nodded when he left. 

Amara watched as her father wandered into the back, likely going up to his study to work. As he left, the tension left her shoulders, just a little, and a sigh of relief escaped her. 

How long has it been since it happened? 

Weeks? 

Months? 

Part of her didn’t want to believe that it’d been so long since her mother had been found dead in an alley, heart carved from her chest. She’d been there for most of the night, it seemed, left to rot. Amara had broken down by the corpse, prepared for burial at the church. She’d sobbed and screamed and begged the Goddesses to bring her back until- 

The ringing of the bell drew her from her thoughts. Amara spun on her heel, ready to greet the first customer of the day, a bright, welcoming smile on her face. 

“Good mor-” 

The parchment gently landing on the desk in front of her caught her eye. 

She glanced left.

Then right. 

Then towards the door. 

Despite clearly having heard the bell ring, the store was empty, and the door shut. Nothing had been moved, or altered, aside from the tiny slip of parchment now resting on her desk. 

Reluctantly, Amra reached for it, examined it. 

Then she glanced left again. 

Then right again. 

Then she slowly unfolded the parchment.

A sharp gasp was pulled from her lips at the contents. 

She staggered back. 

The parchment fluttered from her fingers to the ground. 

Miss Willows,  I found such enjoyment in your company last night, that I find myself craving more. In exchange for a sinfully delightful reward, please come grace me with your company once more, where we shared our last dance.  Forever yours, L. 

[mikezonee]

slendytubbies oc lore dump!

look at all my custom ocs totally real. Also—I will proceed to info dump about each and everyone past the cut

reblog > like !

Those who have a colored name are considered more important than any other.

Aphelia Simons

29yrs old

(Late) wife to Siren Simons

Had died due to complications at childbirth and unfortunately lost the child in the process as well.

Had met Siren through Melody and the two clicked instantly

She is from El Salvador and made it to Scotland due to a boarding school her parents had made her go

(She was a bad kid at the time)

Melody Harmgony

31yrs old

A Transfem who had gone paralyzed in her legs due to a malpractice in her transition. She succeeded but understood she won’t be able to walk normally again.

She is African-Irish

Childhood best friends with Siren and swore nothing would separate them (foreshadowing irony)

She is an assistant nurse at the hospital she works at :)

Siren Simons

While human, 31. Currently he is 45.

A loving husband who was only trying to do his job as a Doctor

He was then anonymously chosen to participate with the Government (or also known as The Coat-men.)

He was selected due to him being a Doctor—he most obviously know how to create a “cure” to save mankind.

Months into development he learn that they were not making anything close to saving people but ruining and harming a brand new species.

He had worked with the Trio, promising to save them from this nightmare.

He also found out who was White and attempted to help him before eventually being caught as a “Whistle blower”

He was “executed” by B.I.A.N.C.A who had called him a traitor. Making him die by his own “cure.”

Instead of dying however he had lived and transformed into a tele-tubby (not really, genetically speaking he is closer to a werewolf. He had surgically placed a television which had hurt him in the long line.)

He is not the same as he was in person, he has now major schizophrenia and bad depression. (Maybe borderline bipolar)

He is luckily a full blood Scottish man.

Iris & Dandi

6 & 8 years old

We’re considered both failures to the coat-men and tossed out to “extermination.”

Both were deemed to the mountains to die since majority of test subject cannot survive the extreme weather portrayed, but they had due to Dandi’s survival instincts.

They were struggling to live however, which meant they had close calls with Yeti. Until one day Siren came over and had taken the blow—saving the two from dying on the mountains.

They stay with Siren as they become rather extremely close to him. Calling him Dad at some points which helps Siren gain back a sense of himself from the insanity he logged himself into.

They start living off of the Military secretly—acting like parasites but living now.

B.I.A.N.C.A

The host of her body was 46, however the AI inside her is 2 years old.

Bianca Nueves had donated her body to science after the last remaining human wars, knowing she would like to be used for the government more than buried.

The AI implanted inside her had jogged all her lost memories and used it to its greatest advantage, being secretly one of the only sentient AI working alongside humans.

She thrives off of the companionship granted by people’s validation. Despite being an AI it shouldn’t have grasped the understandable concept of emotions.

She helped with torturing of several test subjects and even learning about the infection and the founding grounds.

She had turned in Siren due to her understandable coding—but also due to the validation she will get by the higher ups.

[queen-scribbles]

For the Swtor OC asks! Best girl Endrali gets 62, 76, & 77! For the amazing Kina...14, 21 & 56! 😁

Endrali

(KotET) 62. Was their love interest present? If so, how has their relationship developed?

Yes and no, since she's with Arcann, lol. He's there in ch 1, then gone until ch 6, then present for the rest of it. I could write books on how their relationship has developed (and have written a lot of fic, though p much all of it is post-KotET), but succinctly, they're in the middle of a good old fashioned enemies to lovers arc during KotET. He's been cleansed of his rage and it trying to atone for everything he did, she's hardwired to give people second chances, it's a very interesting dynamic.

76. Romance Questions(snipped to relevant ones): Did they romance Arcann? What made them fall in love with the man who was a former tyrant, now redeemed? When did they realized they cared for him?

She romanced Arcann because she saw how hard he was working to atone for his actions, without seeking recognition or credit or praise for it, fully aware some people would never forgive him and that was their right, just because he recognized and was taking responsibility for everything he did. He was doing it bc it was right, not because it was easy--in fact, despite it NOT being easy. She admires the strength and determination it takes to do something like that.

And then she starts bringing him on mission and aside from the fact they instantly sync up, he is a tenacious defender. It doesn't matter what it takes, what it costs/risks for him, he's going to protect. He's become someone patient, dedicated, considerate, humble, self-sacrificing who's also really hot when he's fighting /cough She's a Jedi, not blind

It's right at the end of my Unbowed fic(the Landing Party uprising, and boy was that fun to cover) that it clicks for her that she's attracted to him. I'd say it's about... a month(?) maybe two post-KotET by that point. /cue mutual pining

77. What are their feelings on losing the entire Eternal Fleet and the Gravestone and the greatly diminished power of the Eternal Alliance?

She's not looking forward to the way that power shift is going to ripple, bc she figures it'll hurt the people who just want to live in peace the worst. But she's honestly just a little bit grateful to have an excuse to not be the galaxy's go-to Most Powerful Solver of Problems(little does she know they will still expect her to solve all their problems. And get mad when she doesn't do it the way they think she should.)

Kina

14. Who is/are their favorite companion(s)?

PH4-LNX, Akaavi, and Bowdaar. She got Fay all the way to 50 and uses her all the dang time unless story constraints pair her with a certain golden retriever Mandalorian /innocent whistling

21. Would they continue their legacy by having children? Adopt? Get an apprentice?

I don't know, honestly. She had a rough childhood that she recognizes is a far cry from a normal one, but she's ambivalent about kids. I think if a) her partner wanted kids, b) a kid wandered up and attached him/herself to Kina, or c) BOTH she'd go along with it, but she's not going to be pushing for any herself.

56. Should Vette get them a giant droid for Life Day?

Absolutely, nothing could possibly go wrong in any way with her doing that.😇😇😇

SWtOR OC Asks

[misstress-electra]

This involves my roleplay character and my ex's. I was Lilith from CAoS and hers was an OC. During one thread, they went into an alternate universe where they had rapidly aging triplets. This idea came from chats of ours and songs (there's a playlist). It would've been longer with more sex had it not been for our breakup. I finished it quickly for her birthday.

I should really rewrite it if I want it to be something. It sounds very "roleplay" to me. I replaced her character's real name, going with her nickname throughout.

Pas de Deux

(under a cut due to length and smut)

She was feeling the music more than hearing it, using the beat to practice her pirouettes on the spot. This was her first time back in the studio since they welcomed their children and got the now young women settled, and it had been even longer since Lilith had last danced barefoot. It worked her muscles the same way, but she was really only used to ballet, not doing any other style of dance since she was younger. They wouldn't be hard for her though, just different, and getting away from the rigidity of ballet was a refreshing change. She even wore a sleeveless white bodysuit, a nice change from the long sleeved black leotard that was mandatory for class.

As the music sped up, she spun fast enough to feel air cooling her sweaty body. She continued to pirouette until the song slowed down, then danced across the floor, moving with the rhythm instead of worrying about her form or lines, which were nearly impeccable despite her lack of practice.

The ballerina jumped through the air and landed on one foot, throwing her other leg up and grabbing it while turning in place. Thanks to her frisky fiancee, Lilith hadn't lost much flexibility in her downtime. Once she stopped spinning, she glanced out the large window facing the garden and spotted a flash of gold through the pink azalea bushes. Maybe Peri was sneaking a peek.

The siren was spending time in their backyard while Lilith worked out but said she'd check in on her after an hour. "I wouldn't mind watching you dance, so maybe I'll come back early." Perhaps she was getting glimpses from outside while Lilith focused on how the music flowed through her, influencing her movements. She wanted to keep it up for the whole hour; her body was cooperating for the time being.

The song changed to a dance track with a Latin flair from her regular workout playlist. She began swaying her hips, arms flowing gracefully as she did a sexy cha-cha, even winding her body lower to the music.

She continued dancing out of her comfort zone, the unfamiliarity causing her body to work harder as well as sweat a little more than usual. All forms of dance amazed her, and she had nothing but time and space to explore them as she pleased.

Soon, the lively song faded out, and in the seconds of silence before the next random selection, a door clicked shut, the one leading from the hall. It really could've been any of their friends or the girls, but Lilith knew it was her fiancee before actually seeing her.

Reflected in the mirrored wall, she saw her gorgeous goddess watching her, back against the door. The sun's rays coming through the large windows hit Peri's blonde tresses, giving her an ethereal look that made her look just like an...

"Hi there, angel."

Lilith continued dancing, giving her fiancee a little show of shaking her hips and ass as the new song pulsed through the dance studio. They'd made love to this song before, and Peri would be excited to see the ballerina attempt some moves they'd seen their daughter's exotic dancer girlfriend do minus the pole.

Keeping her back to her, she trained her eyes on Peri's in their reflection once she was finished looking her up and down. The cute green skater dress she'd selected today showed off her toned arms and legs as well as cleavage. The colour complemented her hair and made her eyes look even greener. Her gaze fell on the siren's chest for a moment before dropping below her waist. Something was trying to poke through the skirt fabric.

She looked over her shoulder, giving Peri another glance up and down, focusing on the down before turning her attention back to her dance. Lilith knew what Peri's plan was, what she was packing for her, just like she knew how to get a rise out of her, not that she needed help in that department.

She sensed Peri's approach as she bent over, moving her hips. She didn't need to look in the mirror to know she was coming for that ass.

Lilith shivered, feeling Peri's gentle breath on her neck, then her ear when she spoke. "I have been thinking about this all day." Her sultry voice had Lilith weak in the knees, as did the stiffness pressing into her.

Before the ballerina could comment on its size, Peri pushed her to the mirrored wall, and Lilith's hands went to grip the barre, bracing herself against it. The sudden use of force made her throb.

Her fiance caressed Lilith's sides, both hands dropping down between her hip bones but only one going farther to cup her cloth-covered heat. When her fingertips disappeared under the fabric and were immediately met with wetness, Peri groaned in her ear. Next came a sexy chuckle along with little finger wiggles.

"You're ready for me.... I love that." Her words rustled Lilith's hair, tickling her neck. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Peri."

The brunette turned in hopes of getting a kiss, which she did receive except it was on her neck. She locked eyes with the now smirking Peri.

There was a rustle before the fake cock rubbed between her thighs, increasing the pressure as she moved her fingers nearly out of Lilith's leotard.

Since being rubbed through the thin material felt as good as she imagined, she worked her hips to push herself against the toy, watching Peri the entire time. Even with a fabric barrier, her wetness helped her slide along its length. Her calves would definitely get more of a work-out; their height difference required her to be on her tiptoes for optimal contact.

A low growl started in the blonde's throat as she started moving her own hips faster than Lilith's. Peri put her hand on her abdomen and pulled her ass against her, then nudged the ballerina's legs farther apart with her knee. Her hand went back to Lilith's leotard, this time to yank it aside, freeing her pussy. She glanced back as the cock made contact with her folds and continued to stroke her.

Her gasp was stifled by her fiancee's kiss, tongue flicking over her lower lip. Peri tugged her dress higher so it stayed up on its own. She wanted both hands free. She kept rubbing over Lilith's sensitive flesh while trailing her lips from her mouth to her neck.

The brunette whined, "Stop teasing me."

Peri gave her a small nip, soothing it after with her tongue. "But you love it." She knew her fiancee well.

Her lips found Lilith's again as she shifted backward and guided the thick toy to her entrance, and without breaking their kiss, she jerked her hips, sinking deep inside Lilith.

The ballerina's eyes widened, a loud cry escaping into Peri's mouth. She wanted to keep kissing her, but this position would likely cause a kink in her neck.

Peri drew back until she was almost pulled out, then pushed back in. "How's that, baby?"

Lilith's mouth hanging open in a silent moan answered Peri's question for her, but she couldn't stay quiet once her fiance began thrusting, starting slowly. Her body responded by moving with her, helping to reach all her sweet spots. Peri gripped her hip, eyes dropping to where they were joined before meeting Lilith's again in the mirror.

"Fuck, you look amazing like this," Peri purred.

Lilith tightened her hold on the barre while supporting herself with extended arms so she didn't fall forward. She cried out instead of responding with words. She forgot what those were once Peri picked up the pace until she was pounding into her.

She pulled the white strap down until Lilith's breast was exposed and went right for her nipple, tweaking and rolling it in time with her thrusts, all while smirking at Lilith's reflection. Watching themselves, and each other in the mirror, fucking where they could be caught by their children or friends.... The ballerina wouldn't last much longer.

"I like your hair up because it lets me do this...." Peri kissed the back of her neck, reaching to take hold of Lilith's messy twist. She undid her thick hair and wrapped it around her hand, fingers tightening on it. "But I love your hair down because I can do this." She gave her hair a gentle yet firm tug.

Lilith couldn't help but cum from that. Her eyes went wide as she held her fiance's gaze, crying out her name. Peri was fucking her hard enough to cause interruption to her moans, which was comical to hear, but the ballerina was too caught up in passion to laugh. Her tight pussy spasmed yet was unable to grip Peri's pistoning plastic penis. She fucked her through her orgasm, only to bring her close to another. She moved Lilith's hair out of the way, let it go and pressed her lips to where her shoulder joined her neck. She gave a light kiss before gently sucking her skin. Peri loved leaving her mark.

Shocked she could think straight, Lilith had a naughty idea. Peri was loving the view from behind, but she was going to make it even better.

Without interrupting their rhythm too much, she moved her right leg out and up, lifting it and putting her foot up on the barre. Peri's mouth fell open as she got an amazing view of the ballerina spread for her.

Her gaze met Lilith's in the mirror as her pounding now had her juices splattering on the hardwood floor. Her green eyes gleamed, glassy like she was high on both lust and love.

"Babe... fuuuck."

Peri went as fast as her body would allow, letting out grunts and moans almost matching Lilith's in volume, and when the brunette countered her thrusts to push her cock deep, bringing her right to the edge, her fiance's noises increased in frequency. Peri was close too, but she was too busy concentrating on bringing her woman to orgasm to relax and let herself cum.

Lilith held the barre tight with her left hand and laid the right over Peri's gripping her hip. "Angel, it's okay. Just let go."

Peri's lips found her shoulder, moaning louder against her, and Lilith bit her lip when she felt teeth scrape her skin. She might really get marked.

Her thrusts slowed right down, her moan interrupted when she did indeed bite her shoulder as she came. Lilith cried out at the exquisite mixture of pain and pleasure, then she was cumming again.

Peri wrapped her arms around Lilith, rocking her hips as they both rode out their orgasms. The brunette relaxed her hold and would be leaning forward if she wasn't being held tightly by her love.

"I'm sorry, darling," Peri murmured as she soothed the bite mark with soft kisses.

Lilith chuckled. "No, you're not."

She wasn't ready for Peri to not be one with her but she had to kiss her comfortably. She shifted forward until the cock pulled out of her, then moved Peri's arms slightly so she could turn around while still encircled by them. She only had to step a little to either side to not get poked by the toy.

Lilith pressed her lips to hers, her own arms going around her fiancee's waist. "That was amazing."

Peri gave her the sweetest smile before booping her lightly on the nose. "Just like you."

[kittttycakes]

Writer Q&A

What is your absolute all-time favorite idea you’ve ever had?

Honestly? It’s the WIP I’m working on right now, as heart for heart for loving me. I have never been as jazzed about a piece of writing as I am about this one, and I’ve never been as consistent about writing as I have been with this.

In terms of original work, someday I will write the sapphic monster(?) romance of my dreams. I’m still working out the exact plot, but there’s some characters rattling around up there!

Is there a question you’ve been asked in the past that really stands out to you, and you still think about sometimes?

It’s not so much a specific question as it is a series of them, because without @just-french-me-up, I wouldn’t have fleshed out Grace as much as I have and I wouldn’t know nearly as much about her as I do! Talking about our OCs together and the plot of our WIPs has made me a better plotter, a better planner, and a better writer.

What is your favorite part of being a writer? What parts could you take or leave?

I love the feeling when the words just flow and you feel like you’re tapped into some kind of creative battery that feels like it could go on forever. It just feels right, like all the pieces in my brain have clicked into place, and nothing can beat that.

Editing, my beloathed. How can I still have tiny mis-typed word errors that I didn’t catch in a chapter that’s been up for months?

What is your greatest motivation to write/create?

I want to read a very specific thing, and to make it happen, I have to write it, which is very fun! But also sometimes frustrating. I think it’s mainly that I have this picture in my head that I want to contextualize with writing, and if I don’t get it out on the page, it’s going to haunt me. I write like I’m performing an exorcism on my own brain.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever read or been given as a writer?

Make shitty pots. There was a post that floats around sometimes about just making something, even if it’s “bad,” even if it’s not what you envisioned in your head. The act of making (writing) is enough, even if it’s not perfect. Gently smothering the perfectionist in my head is a work in progress, but it’s worth it.

What do you wish you knew when you were first starting out writing?

That it’s all right if it’s not perfect. That some words on the page are better than no words on the page. This ties directly to my above answer, but it really is the best thing I’ve ever started to internalize.

What is your favorite story you’ve written to completion? Link it if you’d like and can!

I, shamefully, don’t have a lot of complete work (we’re going to change that)! But for now, the heartbeat fic is my favorite but I did for Promptober 2022.

What is your favorite out-of-the-box quote?

Maybe not too out of the box, but “Life is too short and love is too long.” from Tamsyn Muir’s Nona the Ninth has haunted me since I first read it, both in context and out of it. What else can you say? Life IS too short, and love IS too long.

Which of your characters would you say has the most controversial mindset? Why do you say so, and how do you personally feel about their ideals?

She hasn’t been debuted and probably won’t for awhile, but let me tease Edie here. Edie is a grifter and a bit of a conwoman and her first thought has always, historically, been for herself. She’s a bit vain and somewhat self-centered and she’s my horrible gremlin daughter who I love very much. I think the main problem I have with her mindset is that she feels like she’s very removed from other people, and so she doesn’t care about who she hurts (until she does), which is just such a foreign concept to me. I do, however, agree on her stance on eating the rich (in her case…literally).

If you, when you first started writing, met you now, what would younger you think?

I think younger me would be very surprised that we’ve managed to write 150k without quitting, and also how queer most of our writing tends to be! She was in the closet, and I’m bringing her out and letting her be free with every queer woman I write.

Tagged by @romanceandshenanigans! I am so horribly late with this because my brain is absolute mush, but if you’re a writer and you see this, please consider this your personal, no pressure invitation from me to answer these questions!

[rhosinthorn]

What happened to your FT fics?

I got an ask about Chained Dragon recently that made me realize that while I may be bad at keeping everyone updated in general, I’m really bad about talking about my FT fics.

TLDR: They’re not dead, they’re just difficult and it’s because of me. More detail below the cut.

Okay, so this is going to get a smidge personal but writing is (somewhat) personal to me and it ties in with what’s going on with my FT fics.

Sometime between 2008 and 2011, I was introduced to manga by a few different people. I read a couple of different things, but by 2012 I was following Naruto, Skip Beat, and Fairy Tail (plus a few other smaller ones). My entry to fanfiction as a genre didn’t start until 2013-2014ish, but writing fanfic wasn’t on my radar at all.

And then, in January 2015, Fairy Tail 416 came out.

My brain would not shut up. I had several different theories for what Lucy was up to after Tartaros. So I started writing, by hand first and then on my computer. I had a notebook that I carried with me that I used to draft scenes when I was away from my computer. (Fun fact, that still exists and I found it a while ago!) These theories turned into Strength of Spirit and Still Standing.

Eventually, I worked up the courage to start posting, starting with Strength of Spirit. Then, when that finished, Still Standing. The epilogue to Strength of Spirit, Raise Your Glass. A few side bits. Ship Weeks. Dabbled a bit in RWBY because I was having feelings about Season 3.

And all the while, I was still reading Fairy Tail. And if I’m honest, I was losing a lot of my love for it.

Personally, the Alverez Arc/anything after 416 is...really not my taste. And I think (though I can’t confirm) that it felt that way to a lot of people. I don’t want to get into debates over whether it was good or bad, but it was starting to really rub me the wrong way.

Which was a problem, because I had committed to a sequel to Still Standing, titled Frontlines, that would cover the Alverez conflict.

Every chapter, I looked for something that would spark an idea. I knew I wasn’t going to be drawing from canon, but I needed to work at least a little with what was happening. Why put myself through adding OC villain characters when Mashima was handing them to me? But nothing was working, nothing was clicking, and to top it off, things were very chaotic in Real Life that a) limited my writing time and b) sapped my energy overall.

So I just...stopped working on Frontlines. Updates slowed and ceased because I was in a massive block and didn’t have a backlog. Chained Dragon got hit with the same issue, because even though it wasn’t covering the Alverez arc, it was just...Fairy Tail. There was a CoLu I wanted to write, covering the “gap year”, but that never made it out of the notebook in any cohesive form. We Always Find Our Way Back Home was my last ditch effort to do something in the fandom, a crossover (different enough to hopefully break the block) and a NaNoWriMo project (to keep me honest).

It wasn’t enough (as the last 6 years show).

Now, I honestly haven’t touched Frontlines in those six years, until maybe three months ago. I found my old notebooks, and in them some notes about potential ways I could wrap up the Alverez conflict. My brain started scheming again, and I kicked around (word vomited) some ideas with my partner in crime. There’s a fresh document with words in it. Not many, not enough, but it’s more than I’ve managed in 6 years. Chained Dragon has had some work done from time to time, and Lucy and Acnologia are just being stubborn about figuring out where we go from there. But I did pick it up and work on it in the last three months or so.

They’re not dead. They’re just...really dormant. But I want to finish them. I don’t want to just label them as abandoned because I know people used to read and enjoy them. I used to enjoy writing them, until I didn’t. But I want to.

So yeah, for anyone who’s still around, I’m really sorry. When I started posting, I didn’t expect the Alverez arc to have such an effect on my creativity. But I’ve taken a break, dabbled in a few other fandoms, and hopefully I’ll get those two out of hibernation and finished.

I’ve started watching Fairy Tail again, from the beginning. I’m hoping that will help.

Thank you, for your comments, for your rereads, for checking in every so often, because that just...when I think that you guys have written it off, I consider just giving up and abandoning them. To know that you still remember, still are patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the rest of it? That helps me stay resolved to finish them.

[akc-official]

HELLO!!!! Next oc I’m showing off is Cotton Ruby Bardot 🐗❤️‍🔥

She is my FAVORITE!!! I’ve reworked both her appearance and her character a lot since I started her. She’s my first ever OC and she was made around 2021. She is so silly and I love her.

Anyways, some info about her!!

-She’s 23 years old

-She’s 5’7

-She was born into Aerilon’s royal family. She has two sisters, one older and one younger. Both her parents are still alive and present. Aerilon is the only ruling kingdom in the Inferno Realm.

- She has earned her place in the family, and oversees the kingdom’s military due to her dedication. She is passionate about her role and her kingdom. She holds a very strict policy with her soldiers, and most of them respect her for it.

- She’s a very good swordsman.

- She’s bad at math.

- Nobody knows this about her, but she loves baking. It’s her favorite hobby. However, she doesn’t want to be seen as weak so she keeps it secret. She’ll wear shady clothing and makeup, wear a wig, and go to the Sea Realm once a month just to socialize with other bakers. It’s really the only thing she looks forward to anymore. She loves her kingdom, but having “friends” that see her as a person and not a title is one of the best things she has ever experienced. She goes by the name “Cecilia” when she goes to these. It’s a miracle she’s never been caught by anyone in the palace or by any outsiders.

- Her favorite baked good is toaster strudels.

-She doesn’t have a favorite food, but she loves anything spicy.

-She has MAJOR trust issues.

- The jewel she has on her forehead was gifted to her by her great-grandmother. These gems are passed down the royal family and offer great power to the person who wields it. Once it’s absorbed into your energy, it becomes part of you until the day you die. It’s a ruby, hence the middle name. The ruby allows her to control fire. She can fully control her power now, but when she was younger the most she could muster was a spark.

-She’s a morning person.

-Tattoos are a cultural thing for boarbacks. (That’s her species- side note there are so many different types of people as far as my ocs and this universe go I’m so sorry 😭) It’s custom that once you know what you’re gonna do, you get a tattoo that represents it. Cotton’s fate had been pre decided by her family, but her family didn’t want to tattoo her until she had proved herself. Once she had, there was a ceremony held for her tattooing. Same for her older sister.

-She’s very strong.

-She’s very humble.

-She is much better at taking action than talking. She sweats like crazy when giving speeches because of this.

-She snorts really bad when she laughs. This is common among boarbacks, but still really silly to point out.

There are definitely twenty billion things I’m forgetting to add to this but it’s whatever. CONNECTIONS TIME (you do NOT know all these people yet<3):

Carly Scantz: ???

Carly was her childhood best friend. They met when they were around 7-8 years old. At the time, Carly was a shy little noble. They clicked and grew very close very fast. Carly’s father (Jim Scantz) had been working with revolutionaries by spying on King Luther (Cotton’s father) to overthrow him. Luther decided to make an example of him by publicly executing him. Carly became an orphan, but her and Cotton remained good friends on account of the fact that it wasn’t her fault.

One night, the two met up. They were 17 at this point. Cotton got caught sneaking out to see her, and Luther banished Cotton from seeing Carly- or Carly would be banished from Aerilon and killed if she came back. Cotton was heartbroken. Knowing there was nothing she could do, Cotton blocked Carly on everything, instructed Jennifer not to let any more messages from Carly come her way, and vowed never to talk to her again so Carly wouldn’t be at risk. It was okay if Carly hated her if she lived, right?

Cotton misses her every day.

Jennifer: Messenger

Cotton holds a lot of trust in Jennifer. She sees her at every baking get-together she attends, often accompanied by a bubbly noble she’s spoken with briefly. She wishes she could reveal her identity to her and be friends with her without the disguise- and maybe that noble too, but she believes it’s too risky to get close enough to anyone in case her father may threaten those bonds as well.

Cotton also buys Jennifer’s wax seal kits. She takes a genuine interest in her business and wishes the best for it.

Renn: Noble

Just a girl she sees at her baking get togethers. Cotton struggles to remember her name. They’ve spoken about 4 times now. Seems nice.

Hotchkiss: Rank 1 Soldier

He’s the worst and we (collective- both me and her) hate him. He’s the soldier that caught Cotton meeting up with Carly, and ratted as soon as they got back. I hate him so bad. She also hates him so bad. However, he is in her father’s favor. He’s even considering ranking him up soon- whatever that might mean. He doesn’t respect Cotton in the slightest. Cotton would kill him where he stands if she could.

Zara: Advisor

Zara isn’t someone Cotton trusts, even though they spend a lot of time together. Zara is just… too cheery. Cotton believes that there’s gotta be something more sinister behind that. She tries to be as intimidating as possible around Zara to intimidate her but unfortunately Zara remains a ray of sunshine. Zara’s job is to attend meetings with Cotton to offer an unbiased perspective and make sure all parties are comfortable with any final decisions made. Zara was appointed to Cotton by Iena.

Seven: Princess of Krakhozia

Seven and her exchange letters every now and again for military updates, and sometimes casual conversation. Their kingdoms are allied, and although she has never seen the Princess’s face, she appreciates the letters coming through and is always delighted to see them. Seven was the first princess Cotton had sent a letter to, as it is required to affiliate yourself with the other realms, and Krakhozia had the best reputation out of the three overworld kingdoms.

Wool: Older Sister

Wool and Cotton aren’t that close. They used to get along great when they were younger, but as the two were given more and more responsibilities, they grew distant. There’s still love there, but it’s only because they are family.

Silk: Baby Sister

Cotton has stepped up and took a more motherly role for Silk, seeing as though her parents and older sister are a lot busier than she is, and she doesn’t want the nannies doing all the work. She wants Silk to actually recognize her family when she sees them. Silk is four years old at this point, and their bond is practically unbreakable. Cotton would fight to the death for this baby.

Luther: The King / Her Father

She loathes him, but respects him. In her eyes, he does good for his people, he does awful for his family.

Iena: The Queen / Her Mother

She loves her mother, and respects her position. Cotton doesn’t understand why Iena puts up with Luther, but is grateful she is able to keep his very obvious anger issues at bay. There is real love between her parents, somehow.

There are definitely some facts and characters I’m missing but that’s okay. Everything will be out eventually! Thanks for reading if you did- I know it was a lot. LOVE Y’ALLLLLL<333

[fishflakesims]

u guys are about to get a whole lot of spicy Joel & Deon in the future because my friend medic is an ENABLER