#but so literally nothing was going on and then my twin just came up beside my dream self and just started talking

[thepixelelf]

ah! love - 2

genres: married life au, family au, fluff, comedy [best friends to lovers?] relationship: husbands 95 line x reader (feat. baby doremi line) words: 3.4k warnings and notes: mentions of alcohol; coarse language. y'all wanted more and so did I. any stuff in this au will likely not be chronological. I literally had to think about how to tell a kid they're adopted for this it sucked. (I still love it)

ah! love masterlist

Seungkwan learns a new word.

Seungkwan, like all other five (and a half!) year-olds, knows everything.

He knows how to cook eggs and how many sides an octagon has. He knows to always ask papa Jeonghan for extra sweets because he's the only one who ever says yes after you've said no. (His other parents also say yes, sometimes, if you've left the room, but Jeonghan is always the fastest to cave.) He knows Chan is a baby who doesn't know anything. 

And he knows he and Vernon are The Twins.

Because when it's time for dinner, and Seungkwan is playing with Vernon in their room, papa Joshua always asks you, "Can you grab the twins?"

When papa Seungcheol comes home from (well, hm, maybe Seungkwan doesn't know everything) wherever he goes when they go to kindergarten, he kisses you on the cheek in the entryway, kicks off his shoes, then crouches down, arms open and awaiting for Seungkwan and Vernon to barrel into them, and growls happily, "There are my twins!" 

And when he found you in the kitchen one night, while you were sitting on the counter (which is not allowed!!), with papa Jeonghan standing between your legs for reasons unclear to Seungkwan, you both looked surprised. Seungkwan concluded this was because papa Jeonghan had just whispered, "The twins are asleep," and Seungkwan was, in fact, not. 

Which is why he scoffs at the older girl who came up to him and Vernon on the playground. Vernon is busy building his sand tunnels, but the girl has Seungkwan's full attention.

"You are not twins," she says.

"Yes we are."

She is unrelenting. "No. My big brothers are twins, and they look exactly the same."

Seungkwan looks over at Vernon, who's now mixing wet sand and dry sand into a big ol' pile of sand soup. They don't look alike at all, he knows. His hair is black, and Vernon's is brown. His cheeks are rounder — sometimes you pretend to bite into them before planting a kiss — while Vernon's are a bit pinker.

"We are twins," Seungkwan says again, because maybe not all twins are like her big brothers. Maybe some twins are like him and Vernon.

Besides, his papas say they're twins. Why wouldn't they be?

The girl crosses her arms. "My big brothers have the same birthday."

Seungkwan is about to bite back, say something like maybe not all twins have the same birthday, meanie! but Vernon waves his hand in the air, yelling out, "Ms Han!" 

Their teacher comes over, bending and putting her hands on her knees as she asks Vernon what's going on.

He points at the girl. "She's saying we're not twins because we don't have the same birthday."

"Oh." Ms Han scratches the back of her neck, "Well, sweetie, the thing is…"

⭒

Jeonghan's shaky eyes glance at the rear-view mirror again, half checking for cars and half checking up on the babies in the back seat.

Seungkwan has been quiet the entire eight minutes they've been driving, which might be normal if he was any kindergartner other than Seungkwan. Vernon can get talkative too, but right now he's completely silent, immersed in squishing and un-squishing his favourite toy — a plushie shaped like a baked bean (Jeonghan has no idea where you found that thing or why Vernon is obsessed with it) — between his tiny fingers. 

Of course, Jeonghan had to be the one on pick-up duty the day one of their teachers finally gave them the whole, you may have to explain adoption talk. 

"So," he says, awkward, trying to smile. "How was school?"

Vernon squeezes his toy again. "It was," he says, and nothing else.

God, Jeonghan needs backup.

As soon as Jeonghan pulls up to the house, unbuckles the twins from their booster seats, and ushers them inside, Vernon pulls off his shoes and dashes into the house — to you, Jeonghan is sure. Vernon doesn't play favourites except that he does.

Seungkwan, though, looks up at Jeonghan and tugs his pant leg, saying, "Papa Shua wants to talk to you in his room."

Which isn't true, of course; Seungkwan hasn't been all of thirty seconds in the house, and Joshua isn't even home, out on an errand. But Jeonghan can take a social cue, even if it is from a five year old. As he climbs the stairs, he pulls out his phone and messages the guys to try to come home as soon as they can.

⭒

You're reading to Chan on the living room couch, him tucked under your left arm and a quiet Vernon who's wormed his way under your right arm clutching your shirt like you're both afloat in open water, when Seungkwan walks up, climbs onto your lap, (shoving the book out of the way in the process,) and presses his face into your stomach. He mumbles something you can't quite hear.

You chuckle, bringing a hand up to run over his soft hair. "What's that, baby?"

Slowly, he lifts his head, his eyelids low with the gaze of a war-hardened veteran. "They're lying," he says, no nonsense in sight.

Your hand pauses. "Huh?"

"We gotta leave. They lied. Could be lying about anything."

You try to smile past the confusion. "What do you mean?"

Seungkwan, sweet, adorable, chubby-cheeked Seungkwan whom you love with all your heart, fists the material of your top in both his hands, growling in a way you somehow know is protective. 

"We gotta get outta here."

⭒-⭒-⭒

"Please get me out of here."

Joshua snorted at your plea, his voice soft and teasing through the phone. “What happened to ‘living out your twenties’?”

You let your eyes roam over your surroundings — a house party (a frat one in particular, you were pretty sure) with flashing coloured lights, late 2000’s top 40 songs, and what must've been over a hundred drunken 18-22 year olds. A haze hung in the air that smelled like the unholy combination of cotton candy, root beer, green apple, and skunk. A younger friend you’d made at your internship had invited you, but they were nowhere to be seen.

“I take it back,” you said, walking through the house in search of your friend. “I’m old now. I’m a hermit.”

“You’re not old.”

You scoffed. “You’re only saying that because you don’t wanna admit you’re old.”

“No, I’m serious,” Joshua argued, though you could tell he was smiling as he spoke. “We’re only like a quarter of the way through our lives— there’s still so much ahead.”

“Okay Socrates, whatever.” You pulled your phone away from your ear when you felt it vibrate. Your friend answered your last message, telling you they were heading home to take care of another friend they trust, and that they’d text you when they got there. “I’m just trying to get out of here so I can go home, steep a nice cup of decaf tea, and, I dunno, take up knitting or something. Granny style.”

Some shuffling happened on the other end of the line, and you thought you heard Joshua say something, but not to you.

“Anyway,” you sighed, winding your way through the crowd to finally leave that steam room of a house party. “I just called to complain. I’m gonna call a taxi.”

“Don’t bother. I’m on my way.”

You paused, your hand on a stair railing. “What?”

“I’m coming to pick you up,” Joshua spoke with all the nonchalance of someone ordering coffee.

Glancing at your phone screen, you countered with, “It’s almost midnight.”

“Yeah, well, I’m already driving, so it’d actually be more inconsiderate of you to tell me to turn around if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Joshua…”

"Shush," he tutted. "Just stay on the line with me until I get there. And drink some water if you can." There was a pause as you heard noises through the phone. Joshua added, "But only if you find a sealed water bottle, or pour the water yourself."

You finally reached the front entrance, content to wait outdoors for your unexpected ride since the weather wasn't too bad. "Do I sound drunk to you?"

"You didn't drink?"

"I mean, I had one," you said with a shrug he couldn't even see. 

"Well maybe that explains why you're not having a good time."

"You're such a bad influence, Shua."

"Saying that to your designated driver is so rude, just so you know."

"I didn't ask you to DD!"

Joshua sighed playfully. "Yeah, yeah. As if you don't know we'd do anything for you."

Mouth open, you fumbled with what words to say in your head.

Did you know that? Maybe you did.

You knew that if you and Joshua had switched places, you would've done exactly the same thing he was doing now.

And why did he say "we"?

Before you could vocalize anything, Joshua said, "I see you. Turn around."

And there it was— Joshua's tiny, bright blue hatchback, affectionately dubbed the Blueberry by you and your three boys.

Speaking of whom…

"Jeonghan?" You blinked at the man in the passenger seat when he rolled down the window.

"Hey, devil," he let the nickname fall from his lips with a smirk. It was a new one, this moniker for you, his payback for you jokingly calling him an angel. He jerked his head in a gesture towards the back seat. "We're busting you out of this joint."

You huffed out a laugh at his joke, yanking open the back door of the Blueberry. Immediately, a pair of large, grabby hands pulled you inside. "Whoa— Seungcheol, you too?"

Too tired apparently to answer with words, Seungcheol only nodded, reaching over your shoulder to take your seatbelt, extend it over you, and buckle it in. He settled back down in the middle seat rather than the more spacious one on the other side of the car. Closing his eyes and crossing his arms, he relaxed his entire body and let his head fall onto your shoulder, all without a word.

"Were you asleep?" you asked him quietly as Joshua pulled away from the curb.

Seungcheol just breathed in deeply and leaned more of his weight on you.

"Guys…" You turned your attention to the two boys in front. "You didn't have to drag him along too. Did you wake him up for this?"

Joshua scoffed. "As if. You think I'd poke a sleeping bear on purpose?"

Twisting in his seat to face you, Jeonghan smiled in that sweet yet devious way you like so much. "He was worried about you all night, devil. Paced around the apartment for two hours, going on and on about 'kids these days' before he tired himself out and zonked on the couch. We tried to leave quietly, but he woke up and insisted on coming once he found out it was you on the phone."

"Oh," you said at the same time you thought you heard Seungcheol mumble, "Shut up."

You softly patted Seungcheol's arm, your fingers brushing against his with the way his hands were wrapped around his own biceps. "You know I can take care of myself, right?"

Seungcheol didn't answer, as you should've expected. Eyes still closed, he just flexed his fingers to hook one around your pinky and keep your hand where it was.

Meeting your eyes in the rear-view mirror, Joshua said, "We'd better get him home before he actually falls asleep back there. No way am I carrying him up the stairs."

"What do ya say, devil?" Jeonghan prompted. "Sleepover at ours?"

You smiled. "How could I ever say no to you guys?"

⭒-⭒-⭒

"Seungkwan," you say softly, a little bit confused and a little bit amused. "Who's lying?"

He sits up on your lap and cups both his hands around his mouth, only to not-really-whisper, "Parents."

"Me?" You point at yourself.

"Nooooooo!" Seungkwan whines with a pout, putting his hands on your shoulders. "Our other parents!"

You think about how Jeonghan was the one who went to pick up the boys from kindergarten... and how he's nowhere in sight now. "Papa Jeonghan is lying?"

Seungkwan nods emphatically, and to your surprise, Vernon nods too at your side. Chan sits in rapt attention of his older brother, who is probably blowing his four year old mind.

"And papa Shua," Seungkwan adds. "And papa Seungcheol."

You furrow your brows and tilt your head. "What are they lying about?"

"They said we are twins," Seungkwan finally reveals, and it starts to dawn on you. His words become frantic, voice wavering. "But Ms Han said we can't be twins because we have different birthdays, so we can't be twins bio-- bio--" He hiccups. "--logically."

"That's a big word," you say, because it's a struggle to respond with anything else right away. What-- Ms Han is teaching biology now?

Vernon gets out from under your arm and sits on his knees beside you on the couch. He holds up his hand for a high five. "Biologically."

Still a bit shocked, you high five him, then Seungkwan when he also puts his hand up. To be fair, that's what you do when they learn new, long words. The tears brimming in Seungkwan's eyes shouldn't deter learning encouragement, right?

"That's why we gotta go." Seungkwan sniffles. "Maybe they lie to you also. Maybe they are not biologically your husbands!"

God-- the parenting books don't teach shit like this.

"Seungkwan..." you start, though you don't know how to form the next sentence.

Vernon takes your hand and wraps all his tiny fingers around it. "Let's run away," he says with a determined nod, like a secret lover in a fairy tale.

Chan's eyes widen, and he throws himself around your middle. "I gonna save you!"

"Boys-- Wait--"

The front door bursts open to reveal a dishevelled Seungcheol. His hair is wild and fluffy, his tie loosened, and his suit jacket is in his hand rather than worn. He's barely thrown his shoes off by the time he catches sight of Seungkwan's teary eyes and your slightly-panicked expression. Immediately, he jogs towards the couch in, to you, obvious concern. "What's going on--"

But before he can get too close, Seungkwan lets out a terrified, demon-like shriek. He picks up the closest item -- the storybook you'd been reading to Chan -- and chucks it as hard as he can towards your husband.

It only hits the floor at Seungcheol's feet, but it causes him to freeze. He gawks at the book, then raises his head to look at you and the way your boys have all wrapped their little arms as tight as they can around whatever parts of you they can reach, their heads tucked in, hiding.

You can see it in his eyes-- him registering that they're scared of him.

"I--" His expression tightens, lips pressing together to stop from quivering.

From seemingly nowhere, Jeonghan appears, putting a comforting hand on Seungcheol's arm and pulling him out of the room. He whispers, "Let's give them a minute."

Both your husbands make eye contact with you as you tentatively hug your sons, and you nod, silently letting them know that you'll be okay.

("What the hell was that?" Seungcheol whispers harshly as soon as he and Jeonghan make it upstairs. "You said to come home ASAP-- I thought someone got hurt!"

Jeonghan crosses his arms. "Why wouldn't I just say someone was hurt?"

"You have got to be clearer in your texts.")

"Seungkwan." You readjust your body, trying not to jostle your sons too much. "Seungkwan, baby, can you look at me please?"

He lifts his head to meet your eyes.

"Did Ms Han tell you what 'biologically' means?"

Seungkwan's face scrunches up as he tries to find an answer to your question, and in that moment, Vernon sits up. "Real," he says.

"Now, that's not quite right," you tell them, and at that, all three of your boys look at you for an explanation. "A 'biological parent' is one of two people who made a baby, and that is their 'biological child."

The boys stay quiet, taking in the information. Thank goodness-- you don't want to have to skirt around the topic of "making" children.

"Biological twins," you continue, "are when two babies are made together, at the same time. Which is why they have the same birthday."

"We are not twins," Vernon reaffirms.

"That's right."

Seungkwan frowns. "Why do you call us 'the twins'?"

"It's just a nickname, sweetie. You and Vernon were born in the same year, and you do everything together, so for me and your other parents, you are kind of like twins." You smile. "Do you want us to stop calling you that? It's okay if you don't like it."

Putting a hand on his chin, Seungkwan ponders seriously for more than a few seconds.

"You can always change your mind at any time, okay?" you say, and he nods, continuing to think.

Chan tugs at your sleeve, and you turn to him. "Are you bio...ly marry?"

You chuckle. "No. Marriage is a little different-- your papas and I decided we wanted to be a family, so we chose each other, and to stay together. And now..." You boop Chan's nose, then Seungkwan's then Vernon's. "...you boys are part of our family, too."

Vernon perks up. "Did you choose us too?"

"Yup." You reach up a hand to ruffle through his brown hair. "And you know what? That makes you special. I may not be your biological parent, but I chose you three to be my sons, and I love you so much. That makes me your parent, don't you think?"

All three boys nod, Vernon still beaming, and Chan's hands clutching your sleeve. Seungkwan relaxes in your lap.

You hear the sound of the front door opening again, and, much slower than the last person, Joshua enters the house with two bags full of groceries. Chan pushes himself off you and slides off the couch to run towards Joshua, bouncing in front of him with his arms in the air. "Uppies."

Without a second beat, Joshua puts down the grocery bags on the bench by the door and scoops Chan into his arms. He walks up to the couch. "I just got Jeonghan's text. What's going on?"

You just smile and shake your head, taking one of Seungkwan's and Vernon's hands in each of yours. "And you know your papas love you more than anything too, right?"

While the boys nod, Joshua just blinks, totally lost. Chan hugs him tighter.

"I bet Seungcheol is a little bit sad about how you guys acted when he got home--"

Seungkwan pouts and drops his head. "I'm sorry..."

You squeeze his hand. "You don't have to be sorry, baby." You tighten your hand around Vernon's as well. "Either of you. You didn't understand something and it made you scared. That's okay. But now Seungcheol might not understand something, so we should help him, right?"

"How?" Vernon asks.

You tap your chin and look upwards, pretending to think. "Hmmm... How about we go upstairs and give him a biiiiiig hug!"

It turns out to be a great idea, because you find Seungcheol in his room, sitting on the edge of the bed, looking desolate. Seungkwan and Vernon climb him like monkeys, though, and they wrap themselves around him, press kisses to his face, and as soon as you mouth to Seungcheol that you'll explain later, all is right in the world again.

There's no brighter a smile on Cheol's face than when he's with his sons.

You stand, watching, with your arms crossed, satisfied with the scene until Jeonghan comes up and stands next to you, mimicking your stance. You swat at his arm, to which he reacts with such a pained facial expression, you'd think you just cut it off.

"I cannot believe you abandoned me to deal with that on my own!"

"Hey! I called for backup, didn't I?"

You roll your eyes. "A load of good that did."

"Aw, c'mon, devil..." Jeonghan slides closer to you, then wraps his arms around you and leans in to press his lips to your cheek. "Can I kiss it better?"

⭒

Joshua watches you and the twins run into Seungcheol's room with no further explanation, and he turns his attention to the youngest in his arms. "You wouldn't happen to know what's going on, would you?"

Chan shakes his head. "I'm four."

"Right."

[leighsartworks216]

Fallen Angel

Sylus x gn!Reader (more fem-coded)

I literally didn't do work yesterday when I told myself I would bc of this fic. I was so in it that I had to keep working on it or else. And I'm so glad I did cuz I love writing in the Raven universe I've created

Warnings: torture, blood, injury, gun violence, mind control, swearing, (wanting to) vomit, slight invasion of privacy, pet names, sleep deprivation, alcohol + drinking, possessive behavior, kissing, some religious imagery, selectively mute reader, hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending

Word Count: 4,887

Main Masterlist

Love and Deepspace Masterlist

AO3

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“Look at you. Sylus’s prized pup.”

Electricity tears through your body. It steals the air from your lungs. Your bloodied fingernails dig into the wood of the chair. Your legs shake against their will. You grit your teeth so hard they hurt. You taste copper.

When it stops, your body sags forward, chest heaving desperately for air through the aftershocks of pain. You refuse to scream for them. Refuse to let them hear your voice when it is reserved for one man only.

“Give it up already, pup.” The man supervising your torture grabs your chin in deceptively soft hands, contradicting the tight hold he has on your jaw. He brushes his thumb against your lower lip. It comes away red. “He would have found you by now if he actually cared. You know that.”

You glare at him. Silent.

“Besides, be honest with yourself, pup,” he leans in close, too close, “why would a man like him need a bodyguard?” He tilts your head to one side, then the other. “You’re just a mangy stray he took in out of pity. A fighting dog. Good at ripping out throats, and nothin’ else. Ain’t that right?”

He shoves your face away sharply. Your world spins from that small action alone, forcing you to squeeze your eyes shut until you see spots in the darkness. Boots scrape along the floor behind you. You take in one last gasp of air before the metal touches your skin.

-

Sylus checks his messages again. Nothing.

No texts, no calls, no mysterious notes before you left.

Shouldn’t we set the rules for hide-and-seek before the game starts?

It isn’t necessarily unusual for you to disappear, but it is unusual for you to ignore his messages. Even if you didn’t answer right away, you still read them. Now, the patronizing notice of Delivered stares back at him.

He snaps his fingers and Mephisto is there in a flash, perched on his finger and rapt with attention. The poor bird is missing you, too. His hoard of trinkets to give you is stagnant - nothing coming in and nothing going out. He’s too nervous to even go collect more.

“Search Linkon City. Any sign of them, you report it.”

The mechanical crow leaps off his finger and out the window in a flash.

In the next instant, the twins are standing before him, summoned by a quick message. They stand at attention, too. No banter passes between them. “Search the N109 Zone for any sign of Raven. By any means necessary.”

“On it, Boss.”

“Sure thing, Boss!”

He stares at the messages again as their footsteps recede into the hall. He scans your last message, searching for any miniscule clue as to where you’ve run off to.

One of my old “colleagues” is bugging me again :/

Want me to take care of them for you?

I can do it myself

I know you can, sweetheart

It was too vague to go off of. You were very tight-lipped about your past, only making off-handed comments about it here and there: You don’t sing anymore (implying you did once, which came as a minor shock to him), your apparent wealth is stolen (but no hints to where from), and you’re more familiar with the streets of Linkon than the N109 Zone. Never any mentions of past dealings you had before, or anything close to a partnership that could have involved “colleagues”.

The longer he sits here, straining for any glimpse of a past you never involved him in, the more he wishes he’d asked more. It wasn’t for lack of interest, but you weren’t very vocal at the best of times. It felt more appropriate to leave it alone and wait for you to offer up tidbits on your own.

-

Two prominent marks marr your skin, presenting where the alligator clips had pressed into your back over and over and over again. Charred flesh, bubbling with blisters. Something sharp pops one of them. You draw blood from your cheek to avoid screaming.

The man sighs. “You’re a stubborn one.” He pushes off of the wall and leans down to be face-to-face with you. “What’s it gonna take to get you to sing for us?”

Your body trembles with exertion as you raise your head. You haven’t been allowed to sleep. Every time your eyes droop, you get shocked. You fight not to collapse. You can’t let the torture break you. You can’t.

He smirks as he sees the blood dribbling from your mouth, mixing with saliva and snot as it trails down your chin. His satisfaction sickens you. For as much as you understand the thrill, understand the rush of bringing someone to their knees before you, you never looked at them like this. This is revolting.

You spit in his face.

“Ah, fuck!” He almost falls on his ass as he jerks away. His nice sleeve is ruined as he wipes his face.

Lightning sears through your nerves. It burns you up inside. Your muscles clench harshly, spasming uncontrollably. All air rushes out of you. It feels like drowning. Your eyes stare at the bright white light on the ceiling, unable to cry out, unable to look away. Unable to breathe.

For the first time since this whole thing began, tears form in your eyes.

The clips are removed from your skin. Colored and black spots obscure the blurry light. You think you might pass out. You think you’ve reached the end of your resolve.

And then you can breathe again.

The breaths come in wheezy and ragged. Your body lurches forward as you cough. Your throat spasms, stomach twisting with the need to throw up. But nothing comes out. You dry heave into your lap, blood landing in wet droplets on your pants.

The man pulls your head up by your hair. You can’t see him. Can’t see the ugly grimace on his face. Your eyes won’t open. You cough, desperate to vomit in the false hope that it would make you feel better. Hot tears slip down your cheeks.

“You-!” He growls in frustration as he drops your head again. You’re vaguely aware of the sound of his shoes as he paces back and forth in front of you. “Okay. Okay! Fine! You can rest now, pup. How’s that sound? You can take a nice, long nap. Sounds good, right?”

You don’t answer him. Don’t show any signs you even heard him.

“Keep an eye on them. I’m gonna go fucking change.”

-

Sylus hasn’t been idle. Fully aware of the breach to your privacy, he taps away at your laptop. The password wasn’t guessed, merely bypassed. He didn’t trust that he’d be able to guess it before being locked out.

He pulls up the same messenger app you use on your phone. Bypassing the password again, he watches the spinning buffer as it syncs up with your phone. It takes far too long. He busies himself with going through your search history with no luck. You know how to play this game, how to meander in and out of danger without leaving any traces. It’s a remarkable talent that frustrates him to no end right now.

No messages from Luke, Kieran, or Mephisto.

A quiet jingle comes from your laptop speakers as the sync completes. He searches the most recent messages, ignoring his own despite the red dot next to his avatar. One chat exchange in particular catches his eye:

Hello, angel~ When u gonna come sing for me again?

Never.

So ur still alive then? Thats good to hear

Ive missed u <3

Stop sending your men after me. Our business is done.

U know damn well it isnt. U reneged our agreement AND stole from me

U owe me bigger than ever, angel

You’ve made more since I left. You’re not hurting for funds.

Its the principle of the matter

U still flaked

- Read 9:38pm, Thursday -

Okay, don’t respond

But if u want this stain off ur back, u gotta finish ur deal

Same stakes as before

Ill even shorten ur sentence to one week

Now doesnt that sound fair?

- Read 12:02am, Friday -

Second Circle

David will pick u up

No thanks.

Fine. See u in hell, angel~

By the end, Sylus’s face is set in a sour sneer. The way whoever this was spoke to you was demeaning, controlling, disgusting. They acted like they owned you. You’re a bird that can’t be caged; Sylus knows this well.

But, it’s the best lead he’s got. Nothing else is as recent as this, except for your text to him complaining about your old “colleague”.

He messages Mephisto, telling him to scope out the Second Circle, a nightclub on the outskirts of Linkon. He starts digging into the place, its owner, and what he can do to have a meeting with them.

-

You fight sleep for as long as you can. You try everything to avoid letting the exhaustion sink in. You rub your wrists raw with the rope holding you down, hoping the pain will distract you, but the person overlooking you stops you immediately. You try to put together and take apart a gun in your mind, imagining the heft of it in your hand, the recoil that shoots up your arm, the satisfaction shooting these fuckers in the face would bring. You even try running through your last escape from this place, mentally following the corridors and steps it took to secure your freedom.

None of it works. Against your will, your body gives in. You slip into dreamless sleep.

You don’t know how long it is when you’re awoken.

The chair tips, snapping your consciousness back to the present as gravity shifts. It falls backwards, the ceiling light bearing down on you like the desert sun. Your head hits the cold floor. Hard. Before your mind can catch up, a cry is torn from your throat.

The cry is cut short.

A haze of disconnection washes over your body. You can’t feel your pain, can’t feel your body. It’s like your mind is trapped in a prison. You’re forced to watch through wide eyes as the man leans over you.

“Finally…” His voice floats in like a distant echo. “Take them to the boss. He’s got his angel back.”

No. No, no, no, no, no.

You try to fight against them as they untie your hands and ankles, as they lift you up, as your legs start walking without your input. You try to scream. To lash out. To do anything.

And you can’t.

The man must notice your struggle. Must feel it through his Evol. “Relax, pup. The worst of it is over. Now you just gotta complete your end of the bargain.”

Your body walks down a long, familiar hallway. The doors at the end are wide open. A poker table sits in the middle of the room, surrounded by faces you wish you didn’t recognize. Some of them bear the scars of your last escape.

In a gilded throne, sitting across from the dealer with a tall stack of poker chips, is the man you’ve been running from.

The Devil.

-

The neon lights of the night club shine like a warning sign through the tinted windows of the car. The electronic red curves and twists of a script font. The outline of a devil girl lounging on top of the name, cleavage out and winking. Her tail ends in a sharp point, underlining the name.

The Second Circle.

The air in the vehicle is suffocating. Rage boils under the surface of Sylus’s skin, barely contained. His Evol burns his hands, aching to be released.

Luke opens his door as Kieran stands guard next to it.

You’re in there.

It’s been almost a week since you disappeared. Two days since Mephisto spotted you through the door of the club. One day since he requested an audience with its owner.

Sylus gets out of the car. Luke closes the door behind him. The twins flank his sides as he walks to the entrance. A long line of patrons waits to be let in by the bouncer, a man as tall as he was and twice as wide. He barely glances at Sylus before letting him in. The customers closest to the door fall eerily silent as he passes, oppressed by the energy surrounding him.

Purple, blue and red lights break up the darkness. Poles occupied by dancers are interspersed through the room, with girls dressed up in skimpy red devil costumes or sinfully revealing nun attire. One of the poles stands on a prominent stage, gauzy red curtains drawn to a close behind it. All three of them scan the room for signs of you with no luck.

Drunken dancers and tipsy customers pass by in a blur as he crosses the dance floor to a door hidden in the shadows. Two men in suits guard it, shoulder to shoulder.

“I have a meeting with the Devil,” he announces over the music. Despite the heat raging within him, his words are cold.

One of the men nods his head. “Mr. Sylus,” he greets, too warmly given the circumstances. “The Devil has asked that you please wait until after the main show. It will be starting soon.” He gestures over to the stage.

Sylus stares through them, searching for any reason why he really should wait and not release his Evol right now and tear his way through the building.

The lights shift from bright neons to sultry reds and oranges as the music fades out. The anticipation in the room is palpable as all eyes turn to the stage. A silhouette with feathery wings stands behind the curtain.

None of this was interesting to Sylus. What stopped him in his tracks was a voice. Your voice.

His eyes shoot to the stage, face hardening as he watches the curtains part.

You, dressed up in a white angel costume, altered from something pure and holy to be lustful. Wings stick from your back, short but no less enticing. He can’t hear the slow jazz music over the siren sound of your voice. Can’t feel the burning of his Evol as his eyes follow your movements to the pole.

“You must like this song,” he points out with a grin. “You keep humming along to it.”

You smirk as you meet his eye, not pausing as you copy the melody note for note. It’s much better than his singing.

“Do you know the words?”

You nod. You push yourself up from the sofa where you lounged to lay yourself across his lap. Your arms wrap around his neck, lips brushing against his ear as your humming fades away. “I don’t sing anymore.”

His hand trails along your spine before resting on your waist and pulling you closer. “Shall I sing them, then?”

You pinch his shoulder. He chuckles.

All at once, the music turns sour within him.

“Boss, is that…?” Luke pipes up.

Kieran shakes his head. “No, it can’t be. Right?”

His hand clenches into a fist by his side. It’s minutes of torture. His eyes can’t seem to look away as you move fluidly around the pole, smiling too softly at the patrons who stand at the edge of the stage. At one point, you kneel down, knees spread apart, right in front of one of them. She gulps as you grab her by the chin, gently guiding her while you sing until her face is so close. If she’d been a little bolder, she could have met your lips. But your fingers trail along her jaw until you let go, slowly standing up while maintaining eye contact with her.

As soon as the final notes leave your lips, Sylus is at the door. He doesn’t stay to watch the curtains close. Luke and Kieran rush after him as he speeds off down a hallway.

Once the door closes, the cheering is silenced, unable to reach through the thick material. What takes its place is the laughter down the hall.

Each step feels too long. It seems to stretch on forever. Door after door, all leading up to the open double doors at the end of the hall. He only stops once he’s crossed the threshold, standing just inside the doorway as the players turn to acknowledge his presence.

The man in the throne doesn’t bother to pull his face out of your neck.

The sneer on Sylus’s face deepens. This isn’t you. You would never perch on another man’s lap like this. You would never giggle as his mouth drags over your skin, whispering sinful things in your ear. You would never turn to look at him like that, like he’s a stranger you’re passing in the street.

“We have business.”

The Devil sighs boredly, finally drawing away from the angel in his lap to look at Sylus. He smirks easily. He’s completely relaxed. The players set their cards down slowly.

“Well, well, well. Mr. Sylus. How nice to finally make your acquaintance.”

“What did you do to them?”

“Who, me?” He chuckles. He reaches for a glass on the edge of the table and brings it calmly to his lips, drinking the expensive scotch long and slow. “I didn’t do anything.”

Sylus sighs sharply, bored of this game. “Fine. What did your men do to them?”

The Devil cocks his head to the side, smirking wider. It looks too big for his face. “Nothin’ they couldn’t handle.”

Luke and Kieran keep a close eye on the poker players as their hands reach beneath the table. Their own hands come to rest at the weapons on their hips.

“Didja wanna make a deal, or are you just gonna stand there all night?”

There is no deal that could be made that would be fair. The Devil already had what he wanted - you. Under his control, on his lap, answering to his every whim. If he can’t deal with the Devil…

“Whose Evol is it, sweetie?”

You tilt your head. It’s familiar, and it’s horrifically not you. “What do you mean, mister?”

His right eye glows as he levels his stare on you. He’s never used this on you before. It feels like a betrayal of your autonomy. Somehow, he knows you forgive him.

A face flickers across his vision. Blood stains a nasty grimace. You desire the owner of that face to die. You don’t care how. Your rage almost makes him dizzy.

He pulls a gun from his waistband. The owner of the face stands first, aiming for the Onychinus leader. Sylus shoots first.

Blood splatters on the cards.

All hell breaks loose.

Your eyes seem to come into focus in a flash. Luke and Kieran are too quiet as they shoot down the other players at the table. Sylus’s own Evol reaches throughout the room, evaporating bullets before they can hit either of the twins, himself, or you. He doesn’t stop watching you.

Your face is contorted with fury. The usual calm neutrality that hides your emotions when you fight is gone. You shatter the glass of scotch on the wooden rim of the poker table. The shard you grab digs into your hand as you aim for the Devil’s jugular. He grabs your wrist with one hand, the other gripping your throat in a vice grip. Even as you lose oxygen, you fight back. You will never stop fighting back. You shake with effort as you push against his hand, but you’re gaining ground.

A black and red tendril of smoke grabs the Devil’s wrist, wrenching his hand away. The shard of glass goes clean through his skin, through his artery, until the pointed tip is caressing his spine.

He sputters up at you with wide eyes, choking on blood. It stains the white of your costume. Stains your skin. Stains the table. His hold on your neck loosens.

You lean down to his ear. “Our deal is over.”

Blood gurgles in his throat as he tries to protest, to argue, to get the last word in.

His hand falls from your throat, hanging limply off the side of the throne. The life drains from his eyes.

The room is still. Bodies lay across the floor. Some lean over the table. Chips and cards are scattered everywhere.

Luke and Kieran disappear down the hall, taking care of the rest of the security that would prevent your escape. Sylus steps over the carnage as he rounds the table. You slowly let go of the glass, not bothering to hide your wince as tiny fragments imbed themselves in your flesh. He wordlessly helps you stand from the dead man’s lap, hands becoming stained with the same blood that covers you.

You finally meet his eyes. And it’s you. The pain and anger and hatred in your eyes is too real, too genuine, to be faked by a puppet master. He brushes the blood splatter off your face with the back of his fingers. You lean into the touch without hesitation.

“Are you alright?” he asks, voice soft.

You take a deep breath in and release it through your nose. You slowly nod.

“The car’s waiting outside.”

You take a step forward. Your knees give out underneath you. Sylus catches you before you can hit the ground. You hiss in pain as you grab onto him with your injured hand by pure instinct. Your body is still trying to recover from the torture, from the sleep deprivation, from being under someone else’s relentless control for so long. He effortlessly lifts you into his arms.

“You can rest now,” he whispers against your hair. You can feel the rumble of each word deep within his chest. It calls to you, encouraging you to let go. You give in willingly this time, holding onto his shirt even as your blood seeps into the expensive fabric, and close your eyes with your ear pressed to his heart.

You look so small and fragile in his arms. He glances at the miserable man in his gilded throne. If you hadn’t already killed him, he would have delighted in torturing him the same way they’d done to you.

The hallway feels shorter as he carries you out of the building. His Evol lashes out at anybody that tries to stop him that the twins missed; footmen who flood in from the side doors. The club is devoid of patrons by the time he passes through the door at the end of the hall. Dancers panic as they hold each other, free from the same power that controlled you minutes prior. Luke holds open the front door. Kieran holds open the rear passenger side door. The car pulls away from the curb minutes before police arrive.

-

You wake up in agony.

Your shoulder blades are the worst. Excruciating pain pulses into your muscles from the injuries left behind from the alligator clamps that pumped electricity into your body. You’re laying on your stomach to avoid making it worse. It doesn’t feel like it can get worse.

You force yourself up onto your hands and knees, your body screaming at you to get away. You can’t see where you are through silent tears that plop on the pillow you were just using.

“Kitten,” Sylus quietly calls out. You recognize his hands on your sides as he gently lowers you back down to your stomach. You sob into the pillow. “Stay still. I’ll be back in a minute.”

You clutch at the covers and pillows until your knuckles are white. A bandage is wrapped around your hand. Blood begins to seep through it.

The bed dips beside you when he gets back. Cool cloths are draped over your back, tamping down the burning temporarily. You sigh with relief. As your fingers relax, Sylus takes your damaged hand and begins unwrapping the stained bandage. His touch is tender, careful not to hurt you further.

“Tell me the next time you intend to settle a debt.” Despite how careful he is to make his voice sound neutral and unbothered, it’s edged with genuine worry and care.

You nod slightly.

With the bandage removed, you can see through your blurry vision the telltale sign of stitches pulling your skin closed along the width of your palm. A couple of them are snapped, but there are still enough in place that fixing it now would bring more pain than necessary. His hands don’t falter as he wraps fresh gauze around the agitated wound.

“I’m sorry…” You don’t need to look to know his red eyes are trained on your face. You can tell in the way he pauses, freezing for just a moment right before he starts wrapping your hand in a new bandage. “He wasn’t this… powerful before. Back then, it was my own desperation that caused me to stay, not some fucked up Evol.”

He huffs, remembering the messages that led him to you. “How much did you steal from him?”

You shoot him a disapproving look, knowing immediately just how he got that info, but the quirk of your lips betrays your amusement. “I almost emptied the whole account.”

He chuckles as he tapes the bandage in place. You lay your hand back down on the bed. He brushes some tears from your cheek. For you to let your guard down around him so freely, especially after what you went through… “Where else are you hurt?”

“Bumped my head, but it’s not so bad anymore,” you assure him. It wouldn’t be good business to have your prized dancer covered in bruises and welts. The wings of your costume had hid the damage to your back pretty well. Besides, nobody was looking at your back when you sang anyway. Your neck had some bruising from the final confrontation. It would fade with time.

The bed shifts again as he stands up. You can see him disappear into the bathroom out of the corner of your eye. From a window right nearby, a familiar black shape swoops in. Mephisto wastes no time in cuddling up to your cheek, tucking his body by your neck. His beak nips gently at your ear and cheeks while he makes a strange cooing noise.

You smile, closing your eyes and basking in his affections. “Hello, Mephie. I missed you, too.” He clicks his beak and bites the corner of your lips. “I’ll tell you where I go next time, too, okay?” Seeming to approve your promise, he starts preening your hair.

“You’re going to wear your voice out if you keep talking so much,” Sylus teases. He sets a glass of water on the nightstand and sets two pills beside it. They’re not regular over the counter pain meds; these are definitely heavier duty.

You look up at him sadly. He catches your meaning in an instant. You want your voice to run raw, until speaking hurts too much. You’ve spoken so much the last few days against your will, you need to remember how to shut up again, need to remember the pain of talking.

Mephisto complains as Sylus slowly helps you into a sitting position, fluffing up against the pillow as he watches on impatiently. The cloths fall from your back. He sets them aside once he’s sure you won’t fall over. You hold the pills in your mouth as you take a sip of the water, closing your eyes and focusing on swallowing everything without gagging. You drain half of the glass after with a sigh.

He takes the glass and helps you lay back down. The cloths are replaced on your burns.

“You should get some more rest,” he says. Mephisto picks at the fine hairs on the back of your neck, continuing his preening. “It’ll be easier to sleep this off.”

You pat the bed next to you with your good hand, giving him a pointed, questioning look. He leans down and places a soft kiss to the corner of your mouth.

“How could I say no to you?”

You watch as he undresses and puts on something more comfortable to sleep in. You flip your head over when he crawls in beside you. He lays on his side, hand gently tracing your cheek and jaw. He watched the movement. Your hand glides up his arm to put a stop to his restlessness. Crimson eyes meet yours.

You smile. The motion captures his attention. You drag your fingers lightly along his arm, up his shoulder, and to his cheek. His skin prickles everywhere you touch. A red-hot possessiveness wells inside him, desperate for him to be the only person to experience you like this, mixing with fear that he may never know exactly what they used you for before his arrival. And… something softer, full of longing. A desire to keep you safe, to ensure you never have to be afraid with him.

He leans forward with very little coaxing, capturing your mouth like it will redeem him of every sin he’s ever committed. It’s reverent, full of silent worship. Your lips tremble. He cups your cheek as he kisses you again and again and again.

This will never happen again.

You sigh into his mouth, pure relief stealing the tension from your body.

I know.

---

Tag List:

@the-golden-jhope @huen1ngk41 @armycaratlover @sylusfluffymeow @cheesemachine44

[xan-izme]

Dubble life (ACTSV x reader x Batfam) 2

Part 1, Part 3

Summary: Reader struggles to get used to their new life in Gotham. Worrying constantly about her family in New York. A rise of tension rises between readers father figure Aaron and her real father Bruce.

After the dinner, you got yourself ready for bed. The old boombox player you had was playing soft music in the background.

You turned the lights off, slipped into bed and stared at absolutely nothing. Even with the soft music playing, you were just itching to break into your suit and jump from building to building. You were missing your life as Spider-Woman. You missed your aunt and uncles. You missed your cousin. He was literally your twin.

You practically bawled your eyes out while saying goodbye to him. Suddenly, your train of thought was broken when you heard a ringing sound. You sat you and grabbed your phone, for some reason, hoping that it was your mother calling, telling you she was going to be home late tonight.

It wasn't your mother, of course, it was Miles, your cousin. You happily accepted the call. "Miles! oh my God, I missed you!" You could hear the boy chuckle on the other side of the phone.

"We saw each other this morning."

You pout and groan "I know! but it feels like it's been days." You knew you were acting like a toddler, but don't you deserve to act like this? After the nights filled with crime, days filled with unwanted drama.

You and Miles stayed on the phone. Not much talking involved. Talking was too much to do, knowing that they couldn't say the usual 'See you tomorrow' or Miles reminding you to be safe on your little outings. You did end up crying at one point, which caused Miles to tear up, but you don't know that, and he would like to keep it that way.

The next few weeks went by in a blink of an eye, dinner most of the times ended up just being you and Alfred, which you understand, knowing Bruce is busy, and Damian doesn't really like you. Tim would join you for lunch at times. You soon found out Tim was a geek. Which made you talk and ramble off about your plans for the future. Besides from that, you were mostly alone in the house.

Now it was your first day of school, your uncle Aaron offered to drive you for your first day. You asked Bruce for permission first of course.

Bruce at first wanted to say no, but when he pondered about it. It would be good for you to be with someone you knew better to be with you on your first day.

But Bruce looked into Aron. The man was trouble, used to be involved in lots of bad people back in the day. Just to be safe, Bruce decided to tag along. This would also help Bruce get closer to you, get to know the real you.

Putting aside the formalities and the instant obedience you give him.

The doorbell rang, Alfred opened the door and see Aaron standing with a blank expression, one matching Alfreds. "Ah, Mister Davies. Lady Y/n is curently getting ready. Please follow me."

Without any words, Aaron follows Alfred to a room. Thats where he meets Bruce.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Davies." Bruce puts a smile on his face and extended his hand to greet. Aaron smiled a little and shook his hand

"Same here. And Aaron is fine."

The two men sat down and began to talk. It was normal, but only for a small amount of time. The tension in the room began to rise when Aaron's past was brought up.

". . . I admit. I went down the wrong path when I was younger. But I grew out of that mess. But if this is about Y/n, then I guaranty you she is nothing like me. She's a good girl."

"I know she is. I'm not suggesting anything Ill towards my daughter."

Aaron chuckled "Daughter? Don't take this personally. But she ain't your daughter. Not till she says so."

Before any real argument could be made, you came busting in the room. "Uncle Aaron!"

"Baby girl!" Aron at up and opened his arms for a hug.

You ran into the man's arms. Giggling as Aaron gave your head a kiss.

"Look at you. In your little uniform."

You smiled more and twirled around for Aaron to see the whole fit better. "You like it?"

"I love it."

The car ride was a little awkward, but at least it wasn't fully awkward.

Aaron gave you some money and a few good luck kisses and I love You's from Rio. You gave Bruce a hug goodbye.

It's been almost a month since Spider-woman was last seen. Tim did take an interest in this Spider-woman and was going to offer her to join the Young Justice League. You were just one person looking after New York all on your own, with no help. It was very impressive.

But now Spider-Woman was just nowhere to be seen. She has just gone MIA. Now the Prowler was taking care of the city. The media has gone crazy after the disappearance of Spider-woman.

'WHERE IS SPIDER-WOMAN?'

'SPIDER-WOMAN ON THE RUN?'

What did catch Tim's attention was the last time Spider-Woman was seen was the day Y/n's mother died. A lot of people were hurt that day Only one dead, which was your mother. Tim has come to a small theory that the death of your mother is connected to the disappearance of Spider-woman.

It's been a full week since you started school, the first day, teachers were really nice to you. They already knew about your mother, which had them pity you. And Bruce being your father made them extra nice. You already didn't like the kids. Seeing them as fake. Because they were. Those smiling faces, those empty words.

You knew them all too well. You do the same, fake knows fake, guess that's what you could call it. Damian was of course no help. Ignoring you as much as he could. Which you didn't actually care.

Why would you care for someone who clearly don't care for you? No need to waste any energy on him. You did take interest in a few clubs. You did need to pick one that you didn't have to attend all the time. One that didn't need too much of your attention. So, you picked the art club.

You saw how much kids were in there, with those number of kids, no one expects you to get to know them all, nor make friends with them all. There are also very talented kids in the club, and the art they do isn't your style, so you're not the best. Which was in a way, good to keep cover.

Right now, you were at the manor. Your uncle dropped off the extra books you left at his place. half of your room looked a section in a library. You knew there was a library in the manor. But they weren't your books. Even if Bruce insists that most of the things in the manor was also yours, that's not how you saw it.

The things you brought from New York was yours, the cloths, books, pictures. You just felt like a guest. Nothing else.

You were curently in your room, listening to a playlist Miles made for you. You were just finishing up your homework when you heard a knock on your door.

"Y/n? It's me, Bruce." The voice on the other side of the door spoke. "Come in!" You say, just loud enough for him to hear.

Bruce enters the room, when he sees you, a small smile graces his lips. You gave him an awkward smile as you wait for what he needed to tell you.

"My schedule is cleared out today. I was wondering if you wanted to go out shopping with me." Bruce was taking a look around your room. Looking at the items you kept on shelves, pictures. Trying to know what you would like, so he could buy something for you that was more of your style.

"And me!" Suddenly Dick popped out of the door with a bright smile on his face. "Nice room." Drick mumbled as he went near your bookshelf. Seeing what books, you were into.

"Ah. . . I would love to, sir- Bruce. But I don't got much on me." You had your own card, you had about 300 or 500 in. But you don't use it unless you're out and really need something to eat. On top of that, you kind of have a spending problem you need to control.

"No need to worry about that." Bruce pulled out his card "It's all on me."

You had no choice but to go with them. You sat in the back seat. Dick in the passenger seat while Bruce was driving. "How's school? make any friends?" Dick spoke up, turning down the volume of the radio. "Oh, it's alright. Me a few kids, they were pretty nice."

The car pulled up to a store. You walked in with the two men and started looking around. You saw plushies that looked really cute. "Can I get these?" You pointed at the plushies and looked up to Bruce for permision.

"Of course." Dick grabbed the plushies and you all started to get more things. Clothes, shoes. You were pretty satisfied with what you had. Bruce purchased what you had picked out, along with a few dresses Dick picked out for you.

Bruce was able to talk to you more. He knows that you like a lot of music genres, you seem to have a deep bond with your cousin Miles and your uncle Aaron. You speak highly of Miles, like he was a sun in the sky to praise.

Bruce was still hooked up on what Aaron had said. Bruce knows that he can't fix the sixteen years he missed in your life, but he wants to try and be there for you now. Try to break down that fake smile of yours.

What? You think he didn't notice.?

Bruce knows what pain looks like. And he can see it all over you. In your actions, your words. In your voice. Whatever makes you cry, whatever fears you have. Bruce will make them all go away. And he is determined to earn the title as your father. For you to finally call him by that title.

Because he's your father. And that's what fathers do.

[yanderecrazysie]

Unravel (Yandere! Leech Twins)

I came up with this idea at like 1 am when I was exhausted. At the end, I will share the drunken-sounding idea I wrote down. I literally sound like a mess but it’s lowkey hilarious.

I am absolutely in love with Jade Leech (and Ruggie).

Also Jesus Christ this was 3k words- I haven’t written that much in over a year I think.

Title: Unravel 

Pairings: Jade Leech x Reader x Floyd Leech 

WARNINGS: Yandere themes, marking, I love Jade omg

Summary: Weren’t you crying out for their help through your music?

“I’m broken down, the world around us

Surrounds my suffering.

You smile and laugh at me,

But you don’t see a thing.”

- from “Unravel” English Metal Cover by Jonathan Young

The Mostro Lounge was unusually quiet. Jade wasn’t the type to complain and it sure made his and Floyd’s job easier. For the first time ever, there was a short break in between orders during rush hour. 

Azul, on the other hand, was not happy. His face was impassive, but Jade had known him long enough to read the signs: the quirk in his lips, the narrowed eyes, and the way his shoulders stiffened. Even the astute Azul had no clue as to why rush hour was so slow.

The near-silence of the lounge was shattered by the muffled sound of someone absolutely shredding an electric guitar. Jade, Floyd, and Azul all stopped at once and turned toward the front window. All they could see was the back end of a large crowd gathered around something. 

“Jade, Floyd, go check it out,” Azul commanded sharply. The other servers could easily handle the few orders, so Jade and his twin left the lounge, searching for the source of the music.

Being much taller than most of the students in the crowd, Jade and Floyd could easily see who everyone was gathered around.

The prefect of the Ramshackle Dorm, the only girl in the school, and the only student without any magic at all was standing on a bench, playing an electric guitar. Jade almost let out a derisive snort. He had always secretly looked down on you, the poor unfortunate, helpless soul. The one who would never, ever fit in.

You looked down at your red-and-white guitar, avoiding everyone’s gazes. While Jade admitted you had some talent, you still weren’t anything special. 

Then, you began to sing.

“I’m breakable, unbreakable. I’m shakable, unshakable.” You suddenly looked up from your guitar, your gaze meeting Jade’s, a gentle smile on your face, “Unraveling since I met you.”

Jade froze and suddenly emotions gripped his heart like an iron fist. 

He found himself unable to look away. He managed to give Floyd a side-glance and was surprised to see the expression on his brother’s face. His signature smile was gone, his mouth slightly ajar, his eyes glittering with the same emotion Jade was grappling with.

Suddenly, all of his unkind thoughts about you- the disrespect and derision- began to melt away. Jade shook his head, trying to dispel the bewildering emotions. Just once glance and I’m reacting like this? She was probably just looking past the crowd and I only assumed she was looking at me. If she had been looking at me, Floyd wouldn’t feel the same way I do.

“...I’m paralyzed, I’m paralyzed…” Yes, that’s precisely how I feel right now.

“...don’t wanna hurt you…” My heart feels like it’s about to burst.

“...please just don’t forget me…” I can’t, even though I desperately want to.

Jade was trying desperately to discern what had just happened. Why was he suddenly reconsidering you after one mere second of possible eye contact? 

You were beneath him. You had no magic whatsoever. No talent. Nothing.

“That’s the last one for today, okay?” You called out to the crowd. There was a collective groan of disappointment from the crowd. Jade was surprised to hear Floyd’s audible sigh of letdown from beside him.

He risked another glance at his brother and found him pouting, “Shrimpy’s quitting just when we got here!”

As Jade's heart finally settled, the enchantment began to wane. His disdainful attitude toward you had returned. What happened to me was a fluke. The music merely swept me away for a moment.

He watched as you handed the electric guitar back to Ace. Of course it’s not hers, she couldn’t afford the cheapest Mostro Lounge drink. It made him feel better to insult you in his head. She’s below me. An insignificant nobody.

Floyd did not seem to share the same sentiment. As they both reentered the Mostro Lounge, the pout on his lips persisted. “I wanted to hear moooooore,” he whined.

Azul approached them and waited for their report. Jade spoke before Floyd could say something foolish, “There was a crowd around the prefect of Ramshackle Dorm. It is dispersing now, and customers should be returning.”

Sure enough, a line of people entered the lounge, finding seats. Rush hour was back to normal. Azul’s shoulders relaxed and his smile returned, “Was her guitar skills above average?”

Floyd answered before Jade could, “Shrimpy’s sooo good on the guitar and she can sing too!”

“Interesting,” Azul smirked, “I should go and see if she’s interested in a contract. She may not have magic, but she does have a singing voice to offer.”

As Azul left, Jade’s feet moved on their own and, despite knowing that he should be helping with the sudden influx of customers, he felt the need to listen in on his conversation.

You were waving goodbye to Ace and Deuce when Azul approached you.

Jade was too far away to hear the whole conversation, but he caught words here and there.

“Would you… contract… interested… voice.”

Jade watched you laugh, the pleasant sound reaching his ears. His eyes widened and he felt that grip around his heart return.

“Sorry… trust… goodbye.” he managed to make out. You shook your head emphatically, a smile still on your face. You waved to Azul and walked away. Jade couldn’t help but watch you until you disappeared behind a corner.

Azul looked somewhat peeved as he turned back to the lounge. He gave Jade a curious look, and Jade realized, with a start, that he didn’t have an excuse for being outside.

“What are you doing?” Azul asked.

“I was just seeing if you needed any backup,” Jade answered smoothly, knowing that his excuse was a lame one.

Azul nodded, giving him a suspicious sideways look, “Well, I need you inside right now. There are customers to serve.”

Jade nodded and pulled on the door, holding it open for his boss to pass through. Immediately, he headed for the nearest table in his assigned area. He thanked them for their patience and took their order. He headed back to the kitchen to hand the order off to the chefs and was surprised to see Floyd already there, waiting for his return.

“Sooo, how’d it go?” Floyd asked, “Is Shrimpy going to make a contract with Azul?”

“No,” Jade felt a smile itching to spread across his face, “She’s smart enough not to trust him.”

Floyd laughed and grabbed his order, leaving the kitchen and his brother behind. Jade picked up the drink handed to him and felt it slip a little in his hand. He suddenly realized that his hands were sweating.

Is this because of you? Jade dismissed the thought immediately. It couldn’t be because of you. You were nothing special- no one to have a second thought about.

It was just because it was warm outside. No other reason.

—-----------------------------------------

It occurred to Jade much later that you must have been singing a song from your homeworld. He had looked up the lyrics he remembered and found no results. It bothered him that you would sing such a conflicting song instead of a happy one. Were you depressed, perhaps? Upset that you may never return home?

He wasn’t sure why he cared.

The rush hour was slow again and, this time, Jade had no doubts as to why. It was so slow, in fact, that he didn’t notice his twin was missing for quite a while. He let out a groan. It wasn’t unusual for Floyd to duck out on his shifts, but the timing was too obvious. 

He was watching you, wasn’t he?

Sure enough, when the crowd returned to the lounge, Floyd was casually walking in with them, his hands behind his head and a pleased smile plastered on his face. Jade felt a rush of anger and… something else.

Was that jealousy?

Jade clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to clear his mind. There was no possibility at all that he was jealous of his brother for getting to watch you. Not a chance in hell.

When Floyd slipped into the kitchen, Jade coldly smiled at him, “Skipping another shift?”

“I couldn’t resist watchin’ Shrimpy again,” Floyd grinned, revealing his sharp teeth, “‘sides, I doubt you had to pick up any slack.”

Jade clenched his teeth. Floyd wasn’t wrong, but still…

It wasn’t fair.

Jade’s eyes widened at the childish thought that crossed his mind. What was wrong with him? He wasn’t acting like himself at all, and he was sure that it was all your fault.

Azul beckoned Jade and Floyd to his office. The twins walked inside and each took a seat across from their boss.

“This girl is stealing our rush hour customers, “Azul said sharply, “I need you two to convince her that she should play as live entertainment for the Mostro Lounge.”

Jade didn’t have to ask for clarification on what Azul meant by “convince”. It would start out as a simple question but, if you refused, they would turn to whatever worked. Floyd would probably threaten to squeeze you and Jade would be expected to manipulate you into thinking you had no choice.

“You will take off of work tomorrow,” Azul said, “I expect to see her either playing for us or not playing at all.” 

—---------------------------

You strolled to the bench in front of the Mostro Lounge, where a crowd had already gathered, eagerly awaiting your performance. This time, Floyd and Jade occupied the very front row. 

A student from Heartslabyul dorm (Cater, he’s pretty sure) handed you a guitar. Not the red-and-white electric guitar from the first performance Jade had seen, but a regular wooden one. He tried to stuff down his eagerness to see you use a different instrument, but an involuntary smile still made its way to his face. This guitar fits you better. He couldn’t help but think. It’s softer, gentler. Just like you.

He felt heat rushing to his cheeks and desperately willed it away. Why did he react this way to you? You were supposed to be below him, but his heart insisted on the opposite. Grimly, he realized that he must have a crush on you. How foolish could he be?

Floyd’s eager grin, pink cheeks, and lidded eyes told Jade all he needed to know. His twin was just as smitten with you as he was. There was no way Floyd would be willing to threaten you, Jade realized, so it would be up to him to manipulate you.

The very thought caused a lump to form in his throat.

He was torn from his thoughts as you started to strum your guitar, the crowd falling silent so they could hear you play another song from your homeworld.

“Don't be upset or mad at all. Don't feel regret or sad at all.”

Jade was shocked to see your pretty smile gone, replaced by a quivering frown. The lyrics you had just sang sunk in and he felt like his heart had been pierced by a dagger.

“And I'm fine, I am totally fine.” You don’t sound fine.

“I will stand on the side as you shine.” Are you talking about your lack of magic?

“I'm not fine, I'm not fine.” I want to make you feel better, but I don’t know how.

You went on to sing about wanting what sounded like magic. Jade knew, deep in his heart, that you were singing about yourself. Poor you, this affected you more than he thought.

He felt ashamed of all his previous thoughts. Ashamed of the way he looked down on you for your lack of magic. It isn’t your fault, is it? You never asked to be brought here. All you want is to go home.

The headmaster clearly wasn’t working on finding your homeworld and, with a jolt of surprise, he realized he felt lighter at the thought. He didn’t want you to go home.

He turned to Floyd and was startled to see tears shining in his eyes. He had never seen Floyd even close to crying, but here they both were, feeling like they were being torn in two for a mere human with not an ounce of magic to her name.

“Am I too late for a miracle?” you finished, a tear slipping down your cheek.

Poor, precious you.

You sang a few other songs, ones that brought your shining smile back to your pretty face. Jade and Floyd listened, enraptured by your performance. Finally, you announced that you were done for the day, much to the displeasure of the crowd.

The twins waited until the crowd had dispersed, with most of them entering the Mostro Lounge and the rest heading back to their dorms. You had handed the guitar back to Cater and were sitting on the bench, panting a little from all the singing you had done.

Jade and Floyd approached you, both struggling to act as natural as possible. Jade smiled at you and put a hand over his heart, as he often did. This time, however, he could feel how fast his heart was pounding under the skin. Floyd put one hand behind his head and gave you a lazy smile. Jade didn’t miss the way your eyes flickered to his brother’s sharp teeth with a wary look.

“Can I help you guys?” You asked, tilting your head to the side like a curious puppy. 

Adorable.

“Hey Shrimpy!” Floyd said lazily, his smile growing even wider, revealing even more razor-sharp teeth.

“Azul has an offer to give you,” Jade replied smoothly.

You wrinkled your nose, “If it’s another contract, forget it.”

“It is not a contract,” Jade said. Then, an idea popped into his head. A devious, dangerous idea, “Why don’t we talk in private? Please, follow us.”

Floyd gave him a confused side glance but Jade gave a nearly imperceptible shake of the head. He didn’t need to say a word for his brother to understand what he was planning. A perk of being twins, perhaps.

You nodded and, when Jade and Floyd began to lead the way, you obediently followed them. All the way to their dorm.

You looked a little confused when they let you in, looking at the two beds across from each other. You gave them a look that clearly asked “Why am I here?”

“Please, take a seat. Make yourself comfortable,” Jade said.

You walked over to one of the beds and sat down, looking at them with suspicion. Jade noticed, victoriously, that it was his bed you had decided to sit on. From Floyd’s noticeable pout, he had realized the same thing.

“Azul would simply like it if you played for the Mostro Lounge. You will be compensated for your time, of course,” Jade explained.

You shook your head, “I just like singing for fun. I want to sing songs from my homeworld. Working in the lounge would be too restrictive, wouldn’t it? I’d be expected to play popular songs from this world, no doubt.”

This was the moment where Jade was supposed to give you ultimatums, lie and tell you that you weren’t allowed to perform on “their” property, or convince you with empty promises and sugar sweet words.

That wasn’t going to happen.

Jade covered his smile with one hand and quirked one of his eyebrows in a playful way, “You really like looking at the ground, don’t you? You should make eye contact when speaking.”

Immediately, your head shot up. No doubt you felt self-conscious about your little habit.

You had fallen right into Jade’s trap.

As soon as you made eye contact with him, he calmly said “Shock the Heart”. Your pretty little eyes instantly glazed over, still staring into his own.

“This will be fun,” Jade purred. He knew he had to be careful what he asked you, since this would be his only chance. He couldn’t use his signature spell on someone more than once, after all.

“What do you think of Floyd and I?” Jade asked.

“You scare me,” you replied.

Ouch.

“Did you see us in the crowd while you sang?”

“Yes.”

“Did you look into our eyes?”

“Probably.”

“How much do you miss your homeworld?”

“Very much.”

Jade felt bad for you, he really did. 

But he was now ready to get into the more amusing questions.

“How would you feel if you were trapped in this room forever?”

“I would be scared and upset,” you replied, pure honesty in every answer. You had no choice, after all.

Floyd caught on and snickered, walking over to their door and locking it, then reaching for the chain lock that you likely couldn’t reach easily, if at all.

“What would you do if we trapped you here?”

“Fight and try to escape.”

“Hmm,” Jade hummed. Floyd was already a few steps ahead. He pulled your wrists behind your back and ripped off a generous strip of duct tape. All Jade had to do was distract you a little while longer.

“Will you play for us, if we get you a guitar?”

“I don’t know.”

“That’s okay,” Jade couldn’t help but laugh when his twin brother leaned into your neck and sunk his teeth in. You didn’t flinch- you couldn’t flinch. Not when you were still under Jade’s spell.

It would hurt later, no doubt.

Not one to be left out, Jade leaned into the other side of your neck, breathily asking another question, “What are you most afraid of?”

You told Jade calmly while he sank his razor-sharp teeth into your neck, pulling away only to lap at the blood that welled up from the wound. Floyd had already finished duct taping your feet together.

Jade pushed you over so you were lying on his bed. It was the least he could do to make you comfortable.

He released you from his spell and, before you could scream out in terror or agony, Floyd slapped a piece of duct tape across your mouth. You squirmed around helplessly, looking up at them with fearful, pained eyes.

Floyd looked down at you and started to giggle hysterically. Jade couldn’t help but join in on the laughter, even with the pity he felt for you. He reached over to brush away the tears streaming down your face, still chuckling.

“Welcome to your new home, Shrimpy,” Floyd said.

“Yes, welcome home,” Jade said.

If you were afraid of them before, that was nothing compared to now.

Here is what I wrote down at 1 am: Reader’s a boss on the guitar (borrowed from Ace and Cater) when singing hot metal of Unravel because hell yeah she looks into their eyes and boom they’re in love. They think you want them. Azul offers her a job but she’s like no contracts lol loser. On another day she sings Waiting on a Miracle and their hearts break because sounds like her situation amirite? So they want to comfort her but don’t know how but they also love you like crazy lmao. Kidnap is the next logical step of course lmao they’ll make you happy or something idk figure out the ending tomorrow gurl.

[mangoisms]

circle k (back to you)

summary: in which you're just the graveyard shift employee at circle k bombarded by vigilantes.

━ chapter twelve: back to you | read chapter eleven

━ pairing: tim drake x f!reader

━ word count: 5k

━ warnings: none

━ masterlist

━ a/n: the final part <3 my end notes if you'd like <3

ten months later

“Hey, you two. Where’s your aunt?”

“Having an existential crisis on the trampoline,” you hear Irey respond matter-of-factly. 

“She’s no fun anymore,” Jai adds. 

“Well, Bart just got here so—woah!” 

Even you can feel the sharp gust of wind the twins create as they zoom off to see their cousin. Bart Allen runs at a million miles per hour—metaphorically and literally, so he and the twins get on like a house on fire. 

Good thing everyone turned out for you and Steph’s pre-graduation party, otherwise Wally, Jay, and Max would have their hands full trying to make sure the three of them didn’t bring the house down.

And when you say everyone came, you really mean everyone.

That’s sort of the problem.

Barry Allen and Iris West-Allen were pleasant as always when they arrived—fifteen minutes late, the tardiness Barry is prone to considerably mitigated by his wife’s urging—and gave you big hugs in congratulations when they saw you. 

“Well, early congratulations,” Barry amends, smiling. 

“I just wish we could be there, too,” Iris says, letting you go. 

You wave her off. Barry had a mission with the JL on the day of and Iris’s book tour was just starting, so there was no extra time to spare. 

“No, it’s okay. Wally and Linda are already going, so that’s enough.”

“We’ll be there in spirit,” Barry says, grinning as Iris rolls her eyes. “Literally.”

Referring to the speed force and the way it tethers both speedsters and lightning rods. So, yeah, technically. 

You chuckle. “Exactly. So, don’t worry.”

“We still wanted to give you our gift in person, though,” Iris says, passing you an envelope. 

“You guys really didn’t have to but thank you.”

“‘Course we did,” Barry says. “You’re Wally’s… what is it? Close friend slash little sister slash niece? Us, well, we don’t mind seeing you as a niece.”

“Complicated labels aside,” Iris puts in, “you’re part of this family, too.”

And boy if that wasn’t going to choke you up.

You believe it now, almost a year since Wally revealed his identity; since then, you consider Keystone City and Central City as much of a home as Gotham. It was only inevitable that you met the others and you were lucky enough that they welcomed you with welcome arms. 

But the ones part of this family are one and many. Not just the Garricks, not just the Wests, not just the Allens, not just Max Mercury, but—

“Ms. Chambers?”

Jesse Chambers grins at you. “Hey now, none of that. Here, Jesse works just fine. Pleasure to meet you. Everyone has had nothing but excellent things to say about you.”

Okay. Sure.

That bit is just a little obscured by your horrible confusion on how on earth she even knew everyone. 

You have an inkling as to the answer but frankly, it feels impossible to believe. Not because you don’t think she is not capable of it but the fact that the whole billionaire-as-a-superhero/vigilante thing isn’t so uncommon as initially thought.

The confusion must be written all over your face. She laughs. Jay is at your side in the next instant, smiling at her in greeting.

“Sorry not to have told you sooner,” he tells you apologetically, though the smile pulling at his lips tells you he isn’t that sorry. “But we wanted to leave the decision up to her. And—”

“If you can keep these guys’ secret,” Jesse says, jerking a thumb to the kitchen, where Wally, Linda, Barry, and Iris are, “you can keep mine, too. Besides, you did great work during your internship. QE has had our eyes on you for a while.”

“Oh, you really don’t have to—”

“We want to,” she says. “We wouldn’t lose anything at all offering you a place with PR. But if you want to go somewhere else, that’s okay. I’d be happy to be a reference if so.”

Somehow, you managed to stammer out a thank you and get out of that situation without making a complete fool of yourself. Wally later told you Jesse taps into the speed force using an equation, which… sure, why not. 

Jesse used to not like him, apparently, but recent events have allowed her to warm up to him; plus, the birth of her own son, Johnny Tyler, helped, too, that way Wade could have a friend to grow up with. 

While all the others prepare dinner and attempt to keep Bart, Jai, and Irey’s shenanigans contained, you manage to snag a bit of time to yourself, not quite believing you’d just been offered a job by Jesse Chambers herself. 

It’s all just… a little bit insane.

Then the twins came out and you indulged them on the trampoline in the backyard of the West house for a bit. Then you thought too hard about everything and sunk right back into your disbelief again.

Which leads to now.

“Speedsters, I swear,” Tim mutters.

You hear the soft sound of footsteps on the grass but make no move to leave from your place — star-fished on the trampoline, eyes closed. Early May in Keystone City is considerably warmer and tepid than Gotham City. You should shed your hoodie but you don’t want to. Mostly because it isn’t yours, exactly.

It’s Tim’s. The one you wore the night you got stabbed last year. Not the same one; that one was ruined beyond repair and anyway, you weren’t too happy to wear that exact one, either, since you nearly bled out in it. But it’s close enough. The same shade of brilliant azure. Big on Tim and baggy on you.

Of course, why should you want a hoodie when your boyfriend is right here?

The faint noise of the flaps of the netting be brushed aside. Then the trampoline itself moves, dipping with his weight as he comes over to you. You slide a bit, elbow bumping into his knee.

“So,” he starts, closer than before, one hand brushing your cheek as he tucks a few pieces of your hair behind your ear. “What’s this about an existential crisis? In the middle of the day?”

“It’s four in the afternoon.”

“Schematics.”

You grunt but don’t respond.

A soft chuckle. “Is this about Jesse Chambers’ offer? It’s too bad, you know.”

“What’s too bad.”

“Well, Wayne Enterprises was looking forward to offering you a position, too. And so were the Titans. And I can’t speak for this one personally but I’m fairly certain the Justice League was planning on sending an offer, too. You’re in high demand.”

You groan. “Isn’t that too much? I’m—I haven’t even graduated. There are so many other people with so much more experience—”

“Well, how are you supposed to get experience, too?” he asks, laughing softly. “Besides, you’re graduating with honors.”

“Oh, yeah, well, I’m sure it helps to have a boyfriend with an in at WE, who also just so happens to be a member of the Titans, on top of multiple people who are close to me that are also part of the Justice League.”

“And Jesse Chambers? Hers is the most reliable in that sense, then, isn’t it? Because she doesn’t personally know you—”

“But she knows Wally.”

“But their relationship isn’t that great. Sure, she’s good with Jay and Max but… You also have the advantage of having worked there briefly. They wouldn’t call you back if they didn’t like what they saw.”

Which is true. Jesse Chambers is a businesswoman. She wouldn’t do this as some pity play.

Then again, neither would the others.

You finally open your eyes, squinting immediately as the sun beams down at you. 

Tim shifts, moving until his head can shield you from it, bringing him into your focus. 

He’s smiling warmly at you, affection clear in his gaze; the sunlight does wonders for him, for his dark hair and blue eyes.

“This can’t be happening.”

“It is,” he says. “You’re graduating next week Friday. You and Steph. And no matter where you go and what you do, you’re gonna kick ass, you know that, right?”

You groan. “You’re supposed to say things like that.”

“Maybe,” he concedes. “But when I tell you I had nothing to do with the offer from WE, you have to believe me. You know I haven’t worked with them in a long while. That was all them.”

“Bruce?”

“Maybe Bruce.” 

But then that’s ‘cause he feels… guilty about cornering you last year. Which serves him right. Your relationship with Tim’s adoptive father is a bit rocky, truth be told. Just because of the things Tim has told you. The things Steph has told you. And last year is certainly a factor. But all the others, you get along with them. 

You don’t see Dick too often because he lives in New York but he’s kind. Jason’s cool when you see him. Cass and Duke are great. You hang out with them regularly on your own. Damian is a bit frigid but that’s just because of your choice in company and not anything personal, exactly, but you do get the advantage of also having Steph on your side, since they have a better relationship than he and Tim do. Alfred is pleasant as always, too; sometimes he sends grocery deliveries to you to make sure you’re sustaining on actual food and not just ramen. 

Barbara Gordon is also very nice and volunteered to help you put together your resume and cover letters and applications; Jean-Paul Valley is kind, too. They’re both old family friends, you would learn. You have lunch with Helena Bertinelli once a month; you two bond over a mutual dislike for Batman and a mutual fondness for Tim—begrudging on her part sometimes but she undeniably sees him as a little brother and he sees her a big sister. And truthfully, your relationship with her is a bit similar.

You’ve made quite a few relationships with these vigilantes. Connections. So, you shouldn’t be surprised that all of this is happening. But one part of you, the prideful part, doesn’t like it. The other part, the rational one, says it was unavoidable. You were going to apply to QE and WE, anyway. Maybe toss out a few applications to the League and the Titans, too, just for the heck of it. Not expecting anything to come of it. Out of any of it. 

But of course something would. You know too many of these people for nothing to happen. 

“But then again,” Tim says a moment later. “Bruce is just attached to the company by name.”

“That is not a ‘just’ thing, Tim, that is a very big thing. They’d do whatever he wanted.”

“Not anything. Not if you didn’t have the grades, background, or potential to back it up.”

Also, technically, true. 

“But like I said. Jesse’s is the most earnest in that regard.”

“Do you want me to leave Gotham, is that it.”

He laughs. The sound warms you.

“I don’t,” he chuckles. “I really don’t. I’d love for you to go with WE. But I also know that the news of us dating throws a wrench in that.”

Right. Ever since the gossip columns caught you two kissing on a date a couple months ago, they wouldn’t shut up about it. Only after digging their grubby little fingers into every inch of your past, of course, and using that to fuel the flames. Talking about your relationship with him as if you planned it, just trying to get a leg-up in the application process at WE. 

But the thing is, objectively speaking, there isn’t anything wrong with that. You aren’t with Tim strictly for that purpose but you knew it would factor in. It’s undeniable, the way all these other offers are undeniable in who and why they came. You can’t help who you’re connected to. 

But yeah. It would suck to prove all the tabloids right by accepting a job with WE right after graduation—like all of them said you would.

Of course, they would talk regardless. Even if you went with QE or the Titans or the Justice League. Wayne Enterprises is a known partner with Quickstart Enterprises, as well as a heavy funder for the League and the Titans. So…

 You groan, wiggling closer to him by planting your head on his thigh and staring forlornly up at him. “What should I do?” 

He smiles. “Whatever you want to, honey.”

“Yeah, that’s not really helpful, Timmy.”

He rolls his eyes fondly, bending down to scoop you into his arms. You let out a squeak as he pulls you into his lap, then you settle comfortably in the circle of his arms, dropping your head on his shoulder. 

From here, you can spy the old bullet graze on the side of his neck, silvery and a little textured. Without a second thought, you lean forward to kiss it.

He shivers slightly, arms tightening around you. 

You bite down a smile. “Cold?”

“Shut up,” he mutters, fingers digging into your side, making you giggle and try to squirm away from him. 

He doesn’t keep up the torment, exhaling a soft laugh, too, as you lay your head back on his shoulder.

A cool breeze sweeps through the backyard. In the suburbs of Keystone City, it is quiet out here. Peaceful. Though you can still hear the others inside. Wally saying something. Steph laughing at it. 

You’ve carved out a nice place for yourself here. The West’s and Garrick’s here in Keystone and the Allen’s over in Central. 

You close your eyes, basking in Tim’s embrace and his proximity. You haven’t seen him much this month, with you and Steph in the throes of finals. But he promised to come, that he’d ask Bart to take him and his friend happily agreed.

You were surprised to learn of their relationship. That they had known each other. But they had met when they were younger, along with the rest of the original members of Young Justice. Put together because they were superhero kids. The relationship stuck. What a coincidence, that Bart Allen was part of the family you had quickly grown close to. But not unwelcome.

It is a small world, you would think. 

Or maybe, when you feel indulgent, meant to be. You and Wally. You and Steph, you and Tim. All of this. Interconnected in ways you could only dream of. You don’t have to sacrifice much to have them together. 

Tim squeezes your hip, one hand slipped underneath the hoodie. “What are you thinking about?”

That maybe this decision isn’t as hard as you thought it would be. That it’s not a matter of deliberation, is it?

You know you don’t want to prove all the tabloids right by going with WE immediately. Not to mention, for the longest time, it was a dream to work with them. You want more time, more experience, before you move there.

And you don’t think you are ready to jump head-first into working for the Justice League or the Titans. You need experience for that, too.

So…

“I’m pretty sure I could convince Wally to take me to Gotham to visit. When I start at Quickstart.”

“Not necessary,” he says and you raise an eyebrow, watching him pull back, his gaze warm, not at all surprised by your words. “I could just come and visit you. Unlimited access to the jet and all.”

“Racking up carbon emissions just for me?”

“You know the jet is clean energy,” he says, pouting a bit. 

Yes, you do. He talked your ear off about it when they made the switch. But you just like seeing him get pouty about it. 

You cup his cheeks, smiling, particularly taken with the way his whole face softens as he looks at you. The knowledge that he’s this soft for you is always so insane to you. Not at all good for your heart. 

“I know. It’s still a bit of an expense, though, isn’t it?”

“It’s worth it.”

“Cornball.”

“I’m being serious,” he presses, hands tightening around your waist. “Whatever I have to do, it’s worth it for you.”

You know that. Tim is a devoted boyfriend. He doesn’t do things in halves. When he’s loyal to someone, when he dedicates himself, he does it wholly. You could ask him of anything and he would do whatever it took to get it for you, to do it for you. If you asked him to move with you, you know he would do it.

You also know the thought must’ve crossed his own mind. But he still won’t say anything, not unless he knows you want it, too, and… you do. You think that can wait, though, for a little while longer. Let you get settled in and then you two can discuss that possibility—if he wants to, of course, because while Wally and Linda do like him now, the former would not like having a Bat running underfoot in the city, in either of the cities. 

You just aren’t used to that kind of devotion. Even after this long. 

You slide your arms around his neck, threading your fingers in his hair. He leans into the touch. “I know.”

“I’ll take Steph when I can, too,” he adds and you smile again. 

“I love you.”

He leans forward, forehead brushing yours. Your eyes flutter shut.

He nudges your nose with his, then finally closes the distance between you two.

Cotton-candy sweet warmth unspools in your chest he kisses you, soft and gentle. But it quickly edges into dangerous territory when you nip at his bottom lip and he yanks you closer and closer until there is no space between your bodies. It would be better if you weren’t wearing this hoodie but you make do with what you have, still able to feel most of his chest pressed to yours, hard and sturdy, heat licking up your spine.

Your fingers twine in his hair and he lets out a shuddery breath, the kiss turning open-mouthed in the next second and you can taste the gum he was chewing on earlier. 

It’s a shade too hungry for your current location but you can’t help it, he’s just so… beguiling. You’re overwhelmingly attracted to your boyfriend and you think you always will be.

But of course, you still should know better, even with all that.

A sharp gust of wind hits you two in the next second and you both separate immediately, knowing exactly what—or who—it is. But instead of Wally or any other speedster here, a high-pitched giggle makes it to your ears and you both turn, eyebrows raising as you find one and a half year old Wade West now inside the trampoline, net fluttering behind him. 

You and Tim turn to look at the back door, which is now open, Wally and Linda standing there; the former looks pleased, while the latter just raises her eyebrows. 

“I thought,” he starts, mischief written on his face, “that instead of leaving space for Jesus, you could leave some space for Wade. So. Do that. And please stop desecrating the place my children play.”

“And come inside,” Linda adds. “Food’s almost ready.”

You slide off Tim’s lap, reaching for Wade before he tries to stand and walk over to you, not trusting his balance on the trampoline. Tiny hands grapple with the hoodie strings, tugging.

“Got it. Thanks.”

They both smile pleasantly and turn back inside. 

You bite your lip, which already feels swollen from your kissing, and look at Tim. His face is flushed with red, lips swollen, too. A tempting sight.

He catches the look on your face. “Don’t.”

“It’s my graduation party.”

“It’s yours and Steph’s. Later.” 

“You’re no fun.”

“Well, you love me, so what does that say about you?”

“That you’ve seduced me.”

He rolls his eyes. “Oh, I’ve seduced you, okay, sure—” he looks at Wade, shaking his head “—can you believe this?”

All Wade can do is giggle in response. All you can do is smile at him, so painfully in love. 

He smiles back, rising up on his knees and leaning forward to kiss your forehead. 

“I love you, too, you know.”

Yeah, you do know. 

four years later

“Goddamit, where is it?”

Fish, a miniature Italian Greyhound you rescued from the shelter, offers no answer or help for your plight. Instead, she just sits near you, happy to follow you around as you search, watching you with big eyes. Big, empty eyes. Absolutely nothing goes on in her little head and you and Tim love her very much for it but damn if you wouldn’t appreciate a little help in finding the security badge that seems to have mysteriously disappeared.

It’s perfect timing, too. That badge is your lifeline. That’s what your supervisor, Meena, said anyway, a couple days ago when you went in for it and had a chance to speak with her before starting work. You can’t get into the tower without it. You can’t do anything without it and guest badges do not have the same amount of clearance that you have. 

You stop in the living room, taking a breath, frustration starting to make you hot, which would be the icing on the cake, if you managed to sweat through your clothes before you even started work.

Sighing, you look at her. “Do you know where it is?”

A sound behind you. 

“You should know better than that, honey,” comes the sleepy voice of your boyfriend, and you turn. “Fish is lucky to have a single coherent thought once a week and she wasted that one yesterday when she managed to give Damian the high five he asked for.”

You chuckle despite yourself, remembering the pleased gleam that had come into Damian’s hazel green eyes when Fish successfully completed the trick. Only after six months of painstaking work, of course, but it hardly deters him. Titus passed away not too long ago and he’s fixated on Fish because of it. Even if he says her name is ‘completely idiotic.’

Brushing away those thoughts, you focus on Tim, still sleepy-eyed and rumpled. Then you see it—in his hand is your security badge, your picture smiling up at you, with your name beneath it. 

“Oh my god, where—”

“You gave it to me, remember?” he asks, laughing softly as you pad over to him. “And said to keep it with my gear, that way it wouldn’t get lost between then and now.”

True. All true. After all, that gear—that is, his suit and tech—doesn’t get brought out other than for the occasional mission with the Titans, so, say, every six months or so. Other than that, it remains hidden in a panel behind your side in the walk-in closet, accessible only by him and you through fingerprint and retinal scans. 

Easiest way not to get lost, especially since you’ve been particularly harried in the lead-up to the official start of your job at Wayne Enterprises as their spokesperson. 

“Sorry,” you sigh. “Is that why you’re up? Because I told you, you don’t need to wake up for this, you can stay in bed…”

He raises an eyebrow. “And let you freak out for the next hour and a half before you have to leave?”

“Um. Yes?”

A soft smile. He reaches for you, hands settling on your arms, rubbing small circles there. 

“Well, you’re wrong. It’s your first day at WE.”

“I know, but you didn’t have to get up now at least…”

The original idea when you decided to wake up at five-fifteen is that one, it would give you ample time to get ready—both yourself and your belongings—and two, it would let you try to relax. 

Key word being try.

It’s now six, you’re supposed to leave in an hour and fifteen minutes to beat the morning rush traffic, and your nerves are none the better for it. 

Your sleep was fitful, too, in anticipation of today, so you’re starting to feel sleepiness creep in at the edges; the fact that the sun has not yet risen and won’t rise for a while—cursed winter months and their late sunrises—does not help.

He eyes you. “I think I do.”

You groan, dropping your forehead on his shoulder. “I can’t do this.”

He squeezes your arms. “Yes, you can.”

“No, I can’t. They’re going to eat me alive.”

If not for being the new girl, then certainly because your boyfriend was, actually, once major shareholder of the company when he was seventeen and no, it doesn’t matter that he was just a figurehead and Lucius was actually pulling the strings—it still happened and Tim worked closely with the company for several years after. And then, of course, it will also be because your boyfriend is the adoptive son of the man who owns the actual company. 

Even if you waited before joining, even if you actually applied for the position! Yes, applied! Contrary to what a few tabloids are saying right now, you did not go up to Tim (or Bruce, depending on which gossip column you’re reading) and demand the job. You went through the same channels as absolutely anyone else would.

Tim ducks his head to press a kiss to your neck. You can’t help your shiver and you know he feels it by the way he smiles against your skin. “No, they won’t. That’s my job. They can’t take that away from me.”

“Now is so not the time—”

He laughs, pulling away; you do the same to look at him. 

“You’re going to be fine, gorgeous. You had Linda and Iris regularly pressing you these last few weeks and you did very well with them. Not to mention your last two jobs…”

You purse your lips.

“Two years with Quickstart Enterprises,” he lists. “Two more with the Justice League. Still bitter you picked them over the Titans, by the way.”

“They were more hardcore. Sorry.”

“Well, see? You and the rest of the team had to salvage the League’s image after each alien invasion or otherwise massive destruction committed during a mission and you guys did it. I mean, the publicity campaign you came up with was brilliant, you know that, right? Support was the highest it’s ever been while you were there.”

Right… In an effort to better the League’s image with the public after a particularly nasty fight that left multiple city blocks destroyed and more questions about the relevancy of the team, you decided the more prominent League members needed to create more solid images for themselves, that way each time the public or news saw them, it wasn’t always about the latest incident that brought their presence in. To do this, they needed to pick something to sponsor or support and start showing for it. Superman took an interest in accessibility to education, Wonder Woman focused on preserving wildlife and ecosystems, along with world landmarks, and Batman—with immense detail and planning to abide by his stiff rule not to be seen before the masses—focused on rehabilitation programs.

It brought in a lot of good coverage as more Leaguers agreed to do it and it did help. Helped a lot. Not to say those in the League were not helping, of course, either suited up in their own cities or with their public personas, but that was the issue. The League was capable of much more destruction collectively than individually and the public didn’t know that Batman was funding hundreds of programs to help impoverished communities in Gotham, mostly because he did that as Bruce Wayne and that connection would never be made known.

But that was the job. And you did it. Excellently. You would’ve stayed on for a little while longer but then you got kidnapped towards the end and that just wasn’t fun.

(Fortunately, however, there was a clause in your signing contract that states that in the event of a kidnapping, the League is obligated to rescue you. 

Fair is fair, you think, for helping maintain their image and ensure that the UN doesn’t pull the plug and that the public doesn’t completely despise them.)

And of course, if you managed to survive working with the League and being kidnapped because of that work, then you should be entirely prepared to take on Wayne Enterprises. It should be chump change, if anything, but again, you go in with preconceived notions about yourself and your reputation. Not so great.

But would you back out?

No way. 

“I believe in you,” he murmurs, his gaze warm and reassuring. “All of us do. You know Steph does.”

A pause, everything falling silent, save for the snores coming from the guest bedroom, where Steph is asleep.

“I’m not missing your first day at WE,” she had said the night before. “So, you better wake me up before you leave.”

He grins a bit teasingly at a particularly loud snore. “Like a train, right?”

“Like you’re any better.”

“I am not that loud.”

“What is it with me and attracting people who snore?”

Honestly.

“Speaking of, you know Wally and Linda believe in you. You can do this. It’s just ‘cause it’s the first day. Get through it and everything will be better.”

Which is true. You know that. Have been repeating that in your head as today approached and your nerves grew in intensity.

But everything is easier in theory than in practice. 

“I know,” you whisper, closing your eyes. “I know.”

You can hear the smile in his voice when he speaks next. “That’s why I’m here. Why we’re all here.”

“To knock some sense into me?”

“To do that gently,” he chuckles. 

“I don’t know. I might need the force.”

“Well, I can call Damian if you want.”

“I don’t need that much force… on a scale, maybe something like Linda.”

“It’s good thing she and Wally are going to be here soon for breakfast, then.”

For the same reason Steph spent the night and Tim dragged himself out of bed—for your first day of work.

For you. 

You pull him into a hug, overwhelmed at the thought and not at all caring about wrinkling your clothes. You can fix that. But this… this needs to be made known. 

“I love you.”

He squeezes you—gently, trying to mitigate any wrinkles, and the thought makes your heart swell with unbridled love—and kisses your temple. 

“I love you. We all do.”

And isn’t that something? 

reblogs are appreciated!

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[gods-and-accolades]

My experience with Lady Artemis

I have only ever had one major experience with her (though being devoted to her twin, I do like to keep her in my thoughts), but it made such an impact on me, I always smile when I think about it.

I was out in my local woods just relaxing for a bit when I come across a woman who asks if I’ve seen a little dog around since he had ran off. I hadn’t seen him so I couldn’t be of much help and she went on her way. I wanted to do something so I spent a bit of time looking around for this dog myself but couldn’t find him.

Defeated, I thought about praying, though I wasn’t sure that dog recovery in the middle of the woods was particularly Lord Apollon’s domain. Then Lady Artemis came to mind. Being a hunter and having an association with the woods and animals, she seemed perfect. The only issue was I had never prayed to her before this, so I felt a bit cheeky coming to her out of the blue when we didn’t know each other at all. Still, I tried anyway and took some time to pray to her to ask if she could help find this dog.

After that, I went on my way, not expecting much but still hoping. Well, as I was about to leave the woods, I somehow took a wrong turn and ended up heading towards a different exit, which was bizarre since I was literally right by my normal exit before abruptly changing course.

I carried on anyways because it was a beautiful and I didn’t mind walking a bit farther. Then as I was walking, I suddenly spot the same woman from before, walking beside her is a little dog. Mind you, these woods are huge, so the chance of us running into each other again was very slim. She gives me a huge smile and says she found her dog.

Then I feel a little shiver go down my spine. It was like the kind I feel when Lord Apollon is around, but it was still distinctly different. I kind of want to describe it as almost regal, quite noble and proud. I feel like that was Lady Artemis. She answered me even though I had given her nothing before this point, and then she somehow guided me back towards the woman just so I could see that her dog was okay (I would have been worrying about it for the rest of my life had I not seen her again aha).

I was stunned, but then that was immediately taken over by complete gratitude and awe. When I got back home I lit an incense as a thank you to her. That’s my only major encounter with her, but it really meant a lot to me. She’s a wonderful Goddess.

[watchmegetobsessed]

OUR PAST SELF

A/N: its been foereverrrr since i last wrote for my fac family and im also celebrating 13k followers! im so thankful for all of you, i hope to bring you many more stories!!

PAIRING: husband!dad!Harry X Reader

SUMMARY: Reminiscing about what your past self would say if they saw you married with four kids.

WORD COUNT: 985

MORE FROM THE ANOTHER ONE UNIVERSE | SUPPORT ME!

“Babe!”

“What?”

“You have to see this! Come down!”

For a split second you consider ignoring your husband’s request that came from downstairs. You literally just settled down on the bed, opening your book you haven’t gotten to read all week. Chores are done, the twins are at Anne’s and Ellie peacefully playing in her room. You were supposed to have twenty minutes to yourself, maybe thirty if you’re lucky, but now it seems like you’ll have zero.

But then you think of the excitement you heard in Harry’s voice and you know you won’t be able to just sit and not think about what he got so worked up about.

“Coming!” you call out, placing the book back onto the nightstand where it will probably remain untouched for a couple more days.

Walking down the stairs you hear Harry’s song Satellite playing in the living room and it has you wondering what he is about to show you. But as you come around the corner the music cuts off and you find him with Leo in his arms. That little rascal is all smiles, showing all of his total of four teeth. He is the most adorable tiny gentleman with his curls and extra chubby cheeks. All your kids had cheeks that screamed to be pinched and kissed, but it seems like Leo got more of that gene.

“What’s going on here?” you ask, a smile already tugging on your lips.

“Come on, sit down. You need to see what Leo just learned!” Harry gestures towards the couch and you make yourself comfortable, watching him set the toddler down in the middle of the room. The coffee table has been pushed to the side, giving enough room to have a little dance party.

Leo watches his daddy with bright eyes as he grabs the TV remote and he starts the music again. Satellite starts playing and Leo giggles in excitement. Harry sits beside you, watching him proudly as he takes your hand in his, giving it a squeeze.

“Look, watch him now!” he points at Leo.

The song comes to the part where Harry usually does his iconic arm thrusts, the one that makes all his fans go crazy, because it gives an amazing view of his toned arms. But this time he is not the one dancing, instead, Leo is wiggling his arms that distantly resembles what Harry usually does on stage. It’s absolutely, ridiculously, whole-heartedly adorable, adding his giggles and how he bounces, your heart is bursting in your chest.

“Oh my God!” you squeak, grabbing Harry’s bicep as you lean into him, watching your son dance around to his daddy’s music.

“It’s so freaking cute, right?” Harry enthuses. Jumping to his feet he sweeps Leo back into his arms and starts dancing around, making him laugh even louder and there’s nothing sweeter than a baby’s laugh.

You watch them finish their performance and then they join you on the couch, Leo climbing over to you, settling on your lap. You brush his hair out of his forehead and kiss the crown of his head.

“Can you believe he’ll be one year old next month?” you sigh, snuggling to Harry’s side.

“Crazy, huh?”

“Mind-blowing,” you admit with a chuckle.

“You remember how it went when I told you I wanted another one?” he grins, poking Leo’s tummy playfully.

“Hey, you said you wouldn’t hold it against me!” you protest.

“I’m not, it’s just sweet how hesitant you were and now…”

“Now I couldn’t even imagine life without him,” you finish his thought, kissing Leo’s cheek.

“We’ve made some really awesome babies, huh?” he smirks, clearly so full of himself.

“Well, I did most of the work,” you purse your lips at him, not letting his head grow any bigger.

“You did,” he nods, smiling. “My awesome wife gave birth to four babies. That’s still so insane.”

“Crazy,” you hum, squeezing Leo to your chest gently. “What do you think our younger self would say if they saw us?”

“Like how young?”

“I don’t know. Maybe fourteen. What would fourteen years old Harry say if you told him you have a wife and four kids?”

“He would highfive me, because it means I’ve had sex at least four times,” he answers without missing a beat and you smack his chest as his laugh rumbles through it.

“You’re such a pig!” you tell him off, but then add: “And it’s just three times, because we have twins.”

“Damn, you’re right,” he chuckles. “But jokes aside… He would be shocked and… relieved.”

“Relieved?” you raise your eyebrows.

“I was afraid I might end up alone when I was younger,” he shrugs. “Marriage felt so distant and unattainable. But then came you,” he adds smiling and leaning closer he steals a quick kiss. “What about you?”

“She would be over the moon if she saw how hot my husband is,” you grin at him. “And she would probably ask what it looks like down there after four kids.”

Harry’s laugh roars through the room and Leo starts laughing too.

“I can assure her that you look stunning down there.”

“Oh shut up,” you poke your elbow into his side.

“What? I love your pu–”

“I swear to God if you say that word in front of our son, I’m divorcing you,” you warn him, but can’t stay serious when you look at his toothy grin.

“Oh, you wouldn’t leave the man who gave you the cutest babies,” he scoops Leo from your lap and walks back to the middle of the room. “Come on, Buddy. Let’s give mum a show,”

He turns the music back on and you watch them dance around and you could stay like this forever. You’re so loved and you have even more love to give to your family.

Yeah, your past self would be proud of you if she saw you.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed and buy me a coffee if you want to support me!

[sixeyescurseuser]

Thinking about a Monster high AU. 

Vampire Gojo stands frozen in the teacher lounge as the new history teacher is introduced, realizing he had met the Frankenstein monster the week prior during their mind-blowing one night stand. 

Apparently, Geto’s children - werewolf twins - transferred to Jujutsu High, which is why he took a teaching job. 

(Gojo thinking: “So that’s why he STINKS”)

Gojo fakes nonchalance as he takes in his new colleague. But after initial introductions, it seems Geto doesn’t plan on acknowledging what happened between them at all!

Unfortunately, this means he occupies Gojo’s mind even more, the vampire inevitably revisiting the steamy night they had shared. 

Gojo then convinces himself that Geto is at risk of sharing their little escapade. It literally doesn’t even matter, Gojo is just very private about his personal life. Plus, who knows which ghouls and freaks would latch on to any gossip regarding the legendary heir of the Gojo family. 

So what does Gojo do?

He bothers Geto whenever he can, keeping an eye on who Geto interacts with and what topics he brings up. Can it technically be considered stalking? Sure, but Gojo must conduct a thorough investigation first to lift any suspicious intentions.

Definitely has nothing to do with meeting the daily quota of Suguru sightings…

(Geto, three weeks into the school year: “Why are you still following me around?”

Gojo, who had been tailing him during their lunch break: “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”)

*** The thing is, Gojo was so intent on threatening this guy - who was honestly maybe his best fuck ever - but he ends up finding out how nice Geto is.

Gojo hears about how the students talk about Geto-sensei; they rave over his thorough explanations and humor, as well as his approachable demeanor where you can talk to him about nearly anything. 

Geto doesn’t even blow up when Gojo keeps pestering him.

Once, they were passing by a bakery while arguing, and Geto came to a stop. He wiped a hand down his face, then asked, “Hey, I was going to get some pastries for the girls for after school. I’m assuming you’re joining me?”

Gojo, lying: “Sure, but I won’t get anything.”

Geto: “Why not? You literally ordered room service dessert after we-“ he cuts himself off, mockingly zipping his lips shut. “Never mind. I just think you’re a sweets kind of person.”

Gojo narrows his eyes. You got me there, he wants to say.

But just because he’s stubborn, Gojo just pats Geto’s shoulder and opens the door for them to enter.

Gojo does end up sneaking a few treats for himself. Geto smartly doesn’t say anything, but his lips slightly turn up into a smirk.

During teacher meetings, Gojo observes how Geto interacts with the other teachers and the administrators. Calmly stating his opinions and asking other colleagues who haven’t had the chance to speak up for their input. Geto backs Gojo up on many decisions too, a strong supporting voice in the face of the stickly higher ups. 

Why … is Geto so good at this?

On another occasion, Utahime was absent for the meeting, so Gojo just took her seat and sat beside Geto. The meeting proceeded like usual, though both were hyper aware of just how close together they sat.

Gojo never gave Utahime her seat back after that. 

This continues for a few weeks and quite frankly, Gojo admits he enjoys Geto’s company. The same can be said for Geto, seeing as he just rolls with Gojo’s same line of, “I’m here to make sure you don’t tell anyone about you-know-what.”

They fall into an easy dynamic of bickering back and forth, like when they fight over the last pack of wicked wafers from the vending machine.

Gojo yanks on Geto’s wrist so hard, Geto’s hand pops off. 

“You fucking fool! Give me my hand back!” Geto shouts, lunging for the vampire. Gojo just laughs maniacally and runs around the room from the angry monster.

By the end of the second month, they begin calling each other by their first names. 

Now, instead of voicing his suspicions of the new teacher to Shoko, Gojo only tells stories about Geto: how and why he gets his stitches, surprising Nanako and Mimiko for their birthday by cooking their favorite meal and dressing up to play haunted ball, interesting ideas Geto’s students brought up in class, etc.

Shoko just crosses her arms with raised eyebrows and a knowing look.

The final nail in the coffin for Gojo's dead heart happens like this: Gojo is in the middle of teaching quantum physics when he suddenly gets super nauseous.

If it were a typical stomach ache, he’d just endure it until the class ends, then assess. But even then, Gojo rarely gets stomach aches. 

And this kind of nausea can only explain one thing.

While the students complete their lab, Gojo glances at the half-finished straw-scary milkshake on his desk.

The barista had been a vampire as well, and probably recognized Gojo by his stark white hair and piercing blue eyes. A staple of the Gojo clan, world’s different from red or pink or violet eyes that vampires commonly have.

The straw-scary milkshake is a vegan drink with basic milkshake ingredients. 

But somehow, his drink had been made with blood.

And Satoru, part of the Gojo clan, the Gojo covenant, doesn’t drink blood.

His stomach cramps up even further.

Then, as if Geto had a seventh sense, he lets himself into Gojo’s classroom not even a minute later.

“Hey, I had leftover frankenbites in the lounge. I brought some in case you wanted them before I put them in the lounge,“ Geto says, approaching Gojo with a bag. Upon seeing Gojo’s pinched expression, Geto tilts his head inquisitively. “What’s wrong?”

“Whaddya mean? Nothing is wron-“ Gojo answers right as a sharp pain shoots from his stomach to his chest, causing the vampire to wince.

“Liar,” Geto says. He pulls Gojo by the wrist and out of the classroom.

Unable to protest, Gojo is sent home by an adamant Geto and Shoko. 

“I have two more classes,” Gojo tries to argue, but Geto just shakes his head.

“I already spoke with Yu-kun. We can cover one class each with our free periods,” he says.

“But-“

“Just go, Satoru. You have stuff at home that will help with your nausea,” Geto firmly insists. Gojo slightly wilts, bummed out that he has to leave all because his tummy acts up when digesting the very thing that vampires are known for consuming.

Geto’s eyes soften as he places a hand on Gojo’s shoulder. “Text me with updates, okay?”

If Gojo’s heart still beat, it would be racing right now. 

(Gojo: “Of course. Don’t worry, you won’t get rid of me that easily!”)

Gojo arrives home and rides out the pain - with the help of his special meds. 

He texts Geto updates like he asked for, and more. 

They talk non-stop all weekend, leading up to Gojo’s return to school the following Monday. They happen to catch each other in the teacher lounge an hour before classes start. 

Gojo takes three long strides to arrive where Geto stands in front of the coffee machine. Geto remains unfazed by Gojo’s closeness. In fact, a gentle smile graces his lips, one that crinkles his eyes.

“Welcome back, stalker,” Geto greets. Gojo leans down slightly, bright blue eyes sparkling with emotion.

“I changed my mind. I don’t care who knows,” he says brightly. “In fact, let’s tell everyone!”

Before Geto has time to be confused on what exactly Gojo means, the vampire kisses him. Geto lets out a small gasp, their lips molding together perfectly-

Geto shoves Gojo back by his shoulders. 

“You idiot, we can’t do that here!” Geto whisper-shouts. Gojo freezes, instantly regretting his actions. 

“Fuck, you’re right. I’m so sorry-“

Except Geto grabs hold of Gojo’s collar and yanks him back in for another kiss. Gojo hums happily, and their bodies enter a familiar, sensual tango.

A moment later, Utahime sure has the surprise of a lifetime when she walks into the teacher’s lounge.

[kswlust]

time | s.jy

sypnosis : you and your husband got busy with things after having twins and now, once the little ones were off to their aunts for a stay, you finally got some alone time with your lover.

pairing : husband!jake x afab!reader

contains : jake and you have 2 year old twins (boy named juyeon and girl named yeonju), lots of petnames, hair pulling, lots of fluff, thigh gripping, making out, stretchmark insecurity, not much foreplay, unprotected sex (not recommended unless ur ariana grande and want them babies), pull out method <3

"shh, juyeon, stop crying-" you said, patting your sons back as you tried to calm him down in frustration. juyeon instead started crying even more. you sighed as you walked around, trying to find his bottle. you walked into the living room to see yeonju throwing around juyeons bottle while laughing.

"yeonju!" you yelled, running over and picking up the bottle. you looked at it and saw a few cracks on it. "oh my god, what am I going to do now?" you said, putting the bottle down and sitting down on the floor with a crying juyeon still in your hands.

you were resisting the urge to start crying aswell now. the past few months have been the worst of your life. your husband had gotten busy with work trying to provide as much as he could for the family, taking care of two kids alone wasn't really that easy.

you barely ever got to see jake nowadays, and it was only on weekends when you did. but even then, your kids basically stole him from you just so he could play barbies and cars with them. you didn't mind, it was such a cute sight but you were literally jealous of your own children sometimes.

today, though, on a saturday, the kids were going off to their aunts house for a stay. you were lost in your thoughts, not knowing what to do about juyeons bottle when you suddenly felt someone pull your hair. "ouch- ouch-" you looked up to see yeonju pulling your hair and wrapping it around her wrist like a bracelet.

"seriously-" you sighed and let her do whatever she wanted to as you tried calming juyeon down. after a while of a lot of hair pulling, juyeon finally calmed down and fell asleep in your arms. you pulling your hair out of yeonjus hands and picked her up as well.

"shh, be quiet, okay?" you said to her before walking towards the twos room. you put juyeon on his bed and covered him with a blanket before walking back into your room. "do you wanna get ready and look pretty, do you wanna impress aunt?"

you asked yeonju with a smile and she immediately nodded. you decided to try out some hairstyles on your daughters hair as a timepass and eventually decided on space buns. "you look so pretty, baby~" you said, giggling.

"so pretty!" yeonju said, clapping as she looked at herself in the mirror. you took a few pictures of your perfect little girl before getting her and juyeon ready and dropping them off at your sisters house.

you came back and flopped onto the couch, genuinely so so so tired. you put your legs in the air and tried to touch your toes but failed as your body was so stiff. you sighed and just decided to wait for jake to come home.

"hello? earth to y/n!" you heard someone shout as they snapped their fingers in front of you. you blinked a few times before coming back into your senses. you literally zoned out and didn't even notice jake walking inside the house.

"oh- jake, hi-" you said, sitting up and looking up at your dearest. "never seen you zoned out before, what were you thinking about?" he asked, sitting down besides you. "also- good afternoon, my love." he said with a smile.

"oh, nothing really. I'm just so tired, yeonju broke juyeons bottle and probably pulled a whole fist of my hair out-" you said, putting your head on jakes shoulder. he put his head on yours and closed his eyes as his hand gripped your thigh.

"it's okay, I'll buy him a new bottle and donate you some of my hair-" jake got cut off, "jake, please, a patch of blonde hair on a head full of virgin black hair??" you said, giggling. "yeah, don't you use pinterest? that hair color style is wilding!"

"no, it's not." you said, pulling your head away from his shoulder. you held his face with one hand and kissed him, passionately. jake pulled away fairly quickly. "I got ramyeon—" he once again got cut off. "the ramyeon can wait, would you rather eat ramyeon or your wife?" you asked, trying to seem hot.

"sorry babe, human flesh probably doesn't taste good. im gonna go with the ramyeon." he said, getting up. you frowned and scoffed. "whatever!" you said, crossing your arms and laying down on the couch. jake chuckled, pulling you up so he could sit down and put you on his lap.

"I'm kidding, love." he said, pulling you back into a passionate kiss. you wrapped your arms around his neck and closed you eyes, tilting your head and deepening the kiss.

jake laid you down on the couch and got on top of you, pulling off your midi skirt and throwing it on the floor. he also managed to unbutton and take off your pink cardigan with one hand as he balanced on top of you with the other.

he pulled away from the kiss, hands snaking behind your back to unclasp your bra and take it off. you pulled at his tie, taking it off and throwing it somewhere before unbuttoning his shirt. "baby, your body is so pretty."

he said as if he hasn't seen your body 100 times before. "I appreciate the complement, but it's had better days." you said, covering your stomach and stretchmarks with one hand. "shut up, it's still so fucking pretty."

he said and attacked your chest with his soft, plump lips. he left love bites all over your body, your neck, chest, stomach, pulling off your panties and even your inner thighs. you let out small gasps and moans. he teased you, his tongue sliding along your inner thighs.

he put his palm on your cunt and watched how you desperately pushed your hips against it. "jakey~ please-!" you said, grabbing his wrist. he giggled and nodded. "okay, my love. anything for you." he said, getting up to take off his pants and boxers before getting back on top of you.

he lined himself up at your entrance and started sliding his tip up and down your clit. you moaned, throwing your head back. "please.." and with that, jake started pushing inside of you slowly.

"jeez, so tight.. has it really been that long?" he said, watching ur eyebrows furrow and your cheeks turn a hot shade of pink. "it-it hurts-.." you whined in pain, still holding his wrist. "baby, relax.. stop tensing up-" he said, putting his hand on your waist.

jake gave you your time to relax before giving him a nod of approval, signalling him to start moving whenever. "fuck, baby. I'm gonna fuck the shit out of you-" he said, bottoming all the way inside you.

you giggled softly, "please, jake, did you forget how to dirty ta- ah!" you moaned loudly as jake started thrusting in and out of your tight cunt. "oh my god~! fuck, fuck- jake~" you moaned out his name as he started thrusting faster.

jake leaned in, attaching his lips on yours, swallowing your sounds of pleasure. he groaned occasionally, well, not so occasionally as he slowly fastened his pace more and more every minute. it all felt so good, it felt like it had been so damn long.

you randomly started crying in between which worried jake a lot. jake slowed his pace down, before stopping completely. "what's wrong, baby? am I hurting you-..?" he asked, holding your face.

you shook your head. "no, jake.. please move.. I just- I just missed you-" you said while sniffling. jakes lips curved into a smile. "baby, I missed you too.. but please stop crying-" he said, starting to move fast again as he wiped your tears.

you went back to moaning loudly. you came unannounced first, then again before jake even came once. "jake- I can't anymore!~" you cried out, throwing your head back into the couch. "fuck baby, I'm close, just a few more.."

he said, thrusting even faster than before. he bent down and whispered into your ear. "don't you want more kids?" he asked, grinning. your eyes widened and you shouted, "no!" you said, frowning again before quickly going back to your fucked out face.

jake chuckled, thrusting a few more times before pulling out and releasing all over your stomach. "fuck, that was so good.." he said, collapsing on top of you.

"yeah, it was, but I would appreciate if you let me breathe!" you said, trying to push him off of you as he was literally killing you with all his weight. today was nice, really nice.

© kswlust || translations not allowed, don't plagiarize plz!

A/N : hello THIS WAS KINDA HOT NGL anyways I just realized they're having couch sex on this one too like damn.

[ivystoryweaver]

The Only One

Episode 2

prev | next | Fic Masterlist | My Masterlist

Pairing: Poe Dameron x female original character. Fic is written in second person, but the female "you" has a name

Word Count: 2.1k

Content: fluff, angst-ish (more below the cut)

Warnings: ableism, bullying, self-worth issues, briefest mention of sex, but no actual sex, not beta'd

PREVIOUSLY on "The Only One"...

Poe left that first encounter with you a little weary, mildly bored, and terribly intrigued. He found you a little odd, but extremely adorable. Something about your twin hair buns, little backpack, intelligence and bluntness piqued his interest. Although he couldn't honestly say he was interested in a date from day one. That came later.

NOW...

Poe supposed that going on a date during desperate war times might be considered a little frivolous. There wasn't exactly a lot to do around the Resistance base, so he decided to search out a place to take you in the nearest town. Even there, the two of you would have to tread carefully. The First Order had not yet corrupted this lush little planet, but there was always the possibility of running into a spy, even potentially among the Resistance ranks.

Poe had a bit of a social life, of course, between his numerous missions. After all, he was friends with everyone and had no trouble finding companionship if he wanted it. But he felt like it had been a while since he had made such a specific point to take someone out.

The two of you had plans to meet in the hangar - a familiar spot to you both, and just the thought of seeing his ship made him wish he could take you off planet somewhere. But every ounce of energy and fuel had to be preserved for missions, as per Leia's directive.

So, as Poe arrived at the hangar, he was pleased to find you had beat him there, and were waiting for him beside his prized, black and orange T-70 X-wing. You faced away from him, bouncing a little on your toes and tugging at the straps of your backpack.

The little pack momentarily distracted him from the fit of your standard issue attire, but his eyes quickly thereafter drifted down to the swell of your hips, and the unique way you tucked the bottom of your pants into your unlaced boots.

Your hair remained twisted up in your signature twin buns - a look he'd come to adore - specifically when soft, errant strands would tumble down the smooth column of your neck.

Watching you unguarded for another indulgent moment, he found himself amused, somehow, that your date look was the same as your everyday look. Nothing wrong with that, of course - it was just so refreshingly you. He found your familiar quirks comforting, although he did wonder why you might need your backpack. He had always assumed your pack held your work tools or something related to your purpose in the Resistance.

Perhaps it was something more. So many in the Resistance had so few possessions - they could get attached to the strangest of things, not unlike the way he was attached to his mother's ring, which dangled from the chain around his neck.

"Elia," he called out, alerting you to his presence, eager to get the evening started.

You whirled around, tugging fiercely on your backpack straps before bounding over with a bright smile.

"Hi, Poe," you chirped, scuffing your unlaced boot against the ground. "I think you're six minutes late."

Chomping down on his lip to keep from laughing, Poe nodded in agreement. Blunt and literal as ever - his Elia. Or maybe someday, his.

"I am indeed," he agreed with a shrug. "Although I've actually been here for a few minutes. I was just watching you."

Damn, that sounded creepy as soon as the thought left his mind and transformed into words.

"Watching me do what?" You innocently asked, your eyes wide and blinking.

"Just...standing there," he smiled warmly. "I like your hair."

"You do? Oh! Thanks, I always do the same thing with it because it's really thick and well..." You trailed off, which was something rare for you. "I like your hair too. I mean, everyone does."

"Yeah?" He grinned, nodding for you to start walking with him. "Everyone?"

"Mm-hmm," you responded, skipping just a little as the two of you exited the hangar. "Yeah, um, Lira in medical always talks about wanting to grab it, and Dane's old roommate said you have so much hair that you should give him half."

If Poe had been drinking anything, he would have spit it out. Dane's former roommate was bald.

"Good to know," he chuckled. "So why do you like it?"

"It looks soft. Like your eyes," you instantly answered, with no pretension or hesitation.

Those brown eyes swept over to you adoringly.

Noticing this, you nodded eagerly as the two of you continued your stroll. "See? Like that. You look at me nicer than everyone else."

Earlier that morning...

"Seriously, what does Poe see in her?" Lira from the med bay asked her friend, the two of them flipping through some medical charts, pretending to get some work done. Perhaps they had forgotten that you were working on one of the medical computers a few rooms down the hall. Or perhaps they were just rude.

"Wait, who is he going out with?"

You didn't recognize the second voice, but she seemed eager to gossip with the most beautiful girl in the Resistance. (which was definitely not you)

"Elia, or whatever her name is. You know, that computer girl who wears a backpack all the time?"

Hearing your name, and the mention of your backpack made you flinch, halting your computer repair. Almost reflexively, you frantically reached to make sure said pack was still securely connected to your shoulders.

"Wait, Poe is going out with her?" the other girl gasped. "Why? Is he that desperate? Because, let me tell you - what I wouldn't give to sink my fingers into his gorgeous hair while we..."

You pressed the heels of your palms tightly to your ears while Lira's friends spewed whatever disgusting things she was going to say about Poe.

It wasn't that you had a problem with sex. You had been with people before. Well...person. One person. It was nice. Until it wasn't.

Anyway, you just weren't sure why people needed to discuss sex so often. And it's not that you couldn't talk about sex, but the absolutely moronic things people said out loud sometimes made your skin crawl.

Tentatively removing your hands from your ears, hoping to quickly finish your repair and leave the med bay, you heard Lira's voice again.

"Believe me, I used to grab his hair every chance I got." She paused, sighing defeatedly. "That was before he got so boring. I just wanted to have a little fun, but Poe takes things so seriously."

"Poe Dameron is serious?" her friend questioned, disbelievingly. "Mr. Can-Have-Anybody? Why?"

"The answer to that question must be the same answer to the question of why he is going out with Elia. He could do so much better. That girl is weird."

Frowning, you tried your best to tune out their voices. It was nothing new. Everyone thought you were weird. Hell, you thought you were weird. And it wasn't as if you were completely oblivious to the surprise that Commander Dameron asked you out on a date.

You almost said no, when he asked. You were quite a literal person, and typically took people at their word, even if they were screwing with you. But something about Poe Dameron asking to take you out did give you pause.

Still...he seemed so sincere and he'd always been kind to you. So you believed him.

"Finished with the computer," you announced, appearing in the doorway where Lira and her friend had been chatting instead of working. Both girls shot out of their chairs as if caught doing something wrong.

"Oh, Elia, it's just you," Unknown Friend chimed, plopping back down in her seat. "Did you fix that computer?"

"Computer's fine," you shrugged. "I think it was user error."

With that, you turned on your booted heel and bounded out of the med bay.

"Okay, Ells, you got this," Poe encouraged, rubbing his palms together conspiratorially.

Drawing a deep breath, you focused intently on the Holo-dart board, raising your arm to try and even hit the thing.

"All right, move your arm back a little more," he guided, "and then, your foot, just - here, let me show you." Poe bravely crowded in behind you, attempting to help you correct your terrible stance. But he noticed your slight flinch - your free hand gripping your backpack strap at shoulder level.

"Sorry, I'm sorry," he said quickly, moving out of your personal space. "I...should have asked you."

Trying to brush off your weird personal space thing, you attempted a laugh. "No, it's okay. It just surprised me, is all."

Poe's eyes darkened in concern, and he wondered, for a moment, if someone had hurt you in the past - made you afraid to be touched.

"I should probably just let you take my last turn," you offered, smiling helplessly. "Hand-eye coordination is not really my thing."

"But you work on computers and microchips and all that intricate stuff," Poe argued. "You have to be coordinated to do that, right?"

"Not like this. It's different."

Okay, maybe beating you at Holo-darts was not a good first date idea. Poe's reflexes were unbeatable. He was incredibly coordinated and good at almost everything. Thankfully, you didn't seem to be terribly competitive, at least not at this game.

"Here, why don't you copy me," he offered, standing beside you instead of crowding in behind you. "Put your left foot forward, just a little bit, like this..."

He waited for you to get into position, which you quickly did.

"That's it, and then raise your arm - copy the shape of my arm."

He went on to guide you through a stance with the greatest chance of success - then waited while you let the Holo-dart fly...

...it actually hit the edge of the board, giving you the fewest number of points possible, but you were thrilled.

"Poe, I did it! I hit the board!" You cried, jumping up and down.

"Yeah! That's my girl," he cheered, fighting the urge to reach out and grab you for a hug.

A small section of your hair plopped across your eye, having worked itself loose from one of your hair buns. Your nose was adorably scrunched with laughter as you held up two hands to high five your date.

Poe slapped his palms to yours, thrilled when you took hold of his hands and squeezed.

"You are a good teacher," you complimented warmly. "I guess that's why everyone wants to learn to fly from you."

Poe gazed down into your eyes, so sincere, even as they sparkled with merriment. "I could teach you to fly, if you want."

"Me?" You gawked, quickly pulling your hands away. "No, I...I couldn't do that. I could never fly. I just work on the computers."

"Okay," he softly agreed, wishing he would have said something else - something that would have allowed him to hold onto your hands a little longer.

"This has been fun," you changed the subject, reaching up to tuck your loose strands of hair back where they belonged. "It was nice of you...to bring me on a date."

"It was nice of you to say yes to a date," Poe countered, smiling down at you fondly. "You didn't have to."

"Of course I was gonna say yes, I mean who would say no to you? No one. Because you're so nice to everyone, and you're good at everything and, you know, like we talked about - your hair. So, like, of course I was going to say yes, because you're always so sweet to me, Poe. Sweeter than anyone."

Shifting a bit uncomfortably, your fingers found the frayed ends of your backpack straps. "I know, you know...what people think about me. That I'm...weird. So, it's just...it's really so nice of you to ask me out tonight."

Poe melted.

Who had made you feel this way? So, you were a little talkative. And literal. Big deal. At least he always knew where he stood with you. You were direct; without guile or pretense. It was refreshing.

"I like the way you are," he attempted, holding your gaze as long as you would allow it. "You're honest and interesting and smart. I always have fun with you. And it doesn't hurt that you're pretty." His dark eyebrows shot up suggestively.

"Me? No, I'm not. I'm not." Your hands were a completely tangled mess, woefully wound several rounds deep into the straps of your pack.

He thought about firing back a joke, such as, 'Oh, you're not? My mistake' but he thought better of it. You responded to sincerity and jokes were often confusing to you.

"You are to me, Ells," he plainly stated.

Your eyes went wide and your strap tugging momentarily halted. Chewing on your lip, you blinked a few times, wondering if you were missing something.

"Thanks," you finally said, although your voice had dropped to a whisper. Maybe Poe really thought you were cute. After all, your hair buns did look kind of cute, if you did say so yourself. On a good day maybe. Tonight they were a mess.

But he didn't know the real you. Not all of you. If he saw all of you - if he ever got close enough, he would realize what you were. And he would know that you were not only ugly, but completely malformed, from the inside out.*

next

*note: I am in no way insinuating that to be neurodivergent is to be malformed. This story is set in a fantasy universe and there are many things at play here. note #2: don't worry, the entire story won't be repeats of Elia hearing people talk about her behind her back. We're just getting set up.

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[leggerefiore]

Concept: Emmet having to be squeaky clean for a week visiting s/o's family that heavily believes in "waiting until marriage" so both have to play pretend at being sparkling pure virgins that aren't even allowed to share a bed. His sanity hanging by a thread vs his unwavering willpower to show his seriousness about the relationship and make a good first impression for his future in-laws. Lewd or fluff optional for this one, maybe both? haha jk... Unless 😳

The Path Of Resistance

cw: sexual content, not smut though,

Minors DNI

words: 1982

-------

The situation was dire.

He hated it so much.

But he loved you verrrry much.

Emmet sat uncomfortably on the couch beside you. Your family's home was pleasant and nice. They had been nothing but polite to him since you both arrived, yet… He recalled your discussion with him before setting out to visit them. They were extremely stringent in their beliefs about waiting until marriage to have sex. He supposed to each their own, but it clearly stressed you out since they held you to that standard. You, well, you and him most certainly had not waited until marriage. You had not even waited past the fourth date.

It was awkward for him, but it was not like he planned to take you in front of everyone, nor was he going to crack his less savoury jokes in front of people he barely knew. No, the issue came up in the fact that you both could not even share a bed for the entire three-day stay at their home. That felt like too much on top of it all, in his opinion. Still, he could go three nights without sex. He was an adult. If it got down to it, he could have an awkward session in the shower. It was not like he was never single before dating you.

“Ah, so what do you do for living then?” your mother asked him. He smiled widely. His job was an easy topic to discuss.

“I'm a manager in the Gear Station and I do some professional battling,” he explained. Your parents nodded, while you just shifted the topic to whatever the next that felt right was. Emmet continued his train of thought. He seriously could not understand what was so bad about having sex before marriage. It was a bonding activity! Not that different from cuddling in his mind, just more active. And pleasurable. Verrry pleasurable. He could only imagine the ease his brother would have in his place here.

Your mother suddenly pulled you away into another room to talk about something in there, leaving him alone with your father. He did not miss how the man's face shifted from a pleasant expression to something more serious, brows furrowed together and mouth stuck in a frown. He would give it a solid seven on the “Is Ingo about to go off on me” scale.

“So… I know my child lives with you,” he spoke with a serious tone, “I have to ask about your sleeping arrangements.” Emmet felt floored. You were not lying. They seriously expected this. He straightened his back and gave his best innocent smile.

“My brother and I own a three-bedroom apartment,” he explained, “One of the rooms was our home office. I gave it to them as a bedroom after they moved in.” It was still, in fact, their home office. You easily shared a bedroom with Emmet with little issue. He was still not over your joke that it was amazing a guy like him actually had a bed frame.

“I see,” the older man nodded, “You both live with your brother, too, then. What is he like?” Why was he now interrogating him about Ingo? The older twin was quite literally the last person to cause any problems.

“He's verrry polite and kind,” Emmet tilted his head, “He's my twin brother. We get anxious if we are separated.” Your father gave another nod before checking a clock on the wall.

“Well, it's almost time for dinner, then,” he stood up and motioned for Emmet to follow him. The younger twin nearly jumped when your dad patted him on the back. “You seem like a good guy,” he told him, “I'm pretty certain you're the kind of guy who knows how to hold back.” Emmet wanted to laugh. He rarely held back, not in battles or in life. Even Ingo would get on to him for how blunt he could be with his words. Honesty was truly his life's policy, which was what made this situation all the more difficult. Emmet kept his usual smile on his face and nodded. It was better to just take the compliment rather than try to argue against it.

~

Your mother showed him to the guest bedroom after dinner, allowing him to put his bags away. She gazed at him curiously as he pulled out a pokeball. “Would it be alright if I have my Galvantula out?” he asked, “I usually cannot fall asleep unless I have something to cuddle.” He could see the way her eyebrow cocked up at him. For a moment, he stiffened, realising she was now suspicious because of that comment. “Ah! It's because I spent most of my childhood sharing a bed with my brother,” he explained, “I-I need something in bed with me to sleep well. I usually use my Galvantula or Eelektross.” Her gaze only lost some of its gleam.

“That should be fine,” she nodded, “I only ask that you clean up any webs it makes.” He nodded. Of course. Emmet was respectful of other's homes. Even if his own had webs nearly in every corner, he could respect other people's spaces. With that, she left him and closed the door behind her. Emmet sat on the bed and sighed. He had no idea why it was weird that he needed to cuddle something to fall asleep. That was true before he even met you. Though, he would admit having both you and his Galvantula in bed was pleasant. The arachnid would be against his back while he held you close to his chest. Your warmth would soak into his body perfectly.

Three nights of this.

Galvantula only clicked at him before curling up beside him when he moved under the covers. He ran a hand through her fur softly, and she hummed. “I am in a situation,” he told her as she closed her navy eyes, “This is painful, but I want to make a good impression. Ingo said it was important.” That, and he knew how much it meant to you. Emmet wished for nothing more than to make you happy. Even if he had to lie and pretend your relationship worked different than it did. He closed his eyes, too, and allowed himself to drift off to sleep.

~

Time passed relatively easily. You showed him your hometown, you both did a few things with your parents, and he could always find a way to keep himself occupied. He would say everything was going well. Except, here on your second day, he hit a road block. Why had your parents suggested a trip to a local pool? Well, it was clear it must have been some kind of test. He knew it was the summer, and it was hot, but this felt too perfectly timed to be so unrelated. He balled his hand into a fist and kept his smile. Thankfully, all his time working with the public taught him how to hold a smile even if he did not want to.

Everything was fun and relaxing, but something weighed heavy on his mind. Sure, he had seen you in less, but here you were in a tight swimsuit before him. He bit his lip as he watched you wade about the water or rest on the side of the pool. His mind moved to places that he had willed himself away from for the past few days. He was barely allowed more than a quick hug and kiss on the cheek with your parents around, too. It was driving him mad that he was going without even something as innocent as cuddling. Emmet would never deny his horny tendencies, but he was not some pure creature of the earth. He was an adult man with mature thoughts.

So, when you all returned home, and he was offered a shower to clean himself after having been in the pool, he took it immediately. The shower was warm and relaxing against his skin, but that was not its purpose. His hand grasped his dick desperately as he let his mind slip away from where you both were. Back at home, he could have you laying in bed playfully. A canister of whipped cream could somehow be involved as he licked the sweet foam from your body. You would moan and whine under him as he bit you teasingly, but just before he could reach everything he wanted, a fist pounded on the door and informed him not to use all the hot water.

Suddenly, the shower had to be cold and quick.

His excuse why he had taken so long?

Stress. Ingo totally texted him about some accident at work that caused him to worry. Your family bought it, thankfully. He knew you did not. The look in your eyes told him all he needed to know.

~

Emmet was not patient. He was the one who acted against his brother's more passive approach to life. So on your final day with your parents, he was not afraid to admit he was rushing you to pack. You sent him a knowing, mocking look as you spent longer and longer returning your clothes to your bag. Suddenly, he was your helper and your bags were packed incorrectly but completely. He carried both of your bags out to the car as your parents, and you spent a moment talking.

When he joined you again, your parents gave him pleasant, genuine smiles. “I have no idea how you managed to find such a sweet, innocent man in this day and age,” your mom joked softly, “Poor guy needs to cuddle something to fall asleep. What a sweetheart.” Emmet felt a pang of annoyance, but swallowed it down. You just nodded with a laugh.

“Oh, Em, is a teddy bear,” you told her, “I know it's been killing him we have not been able to properly cuddle.” Your mom gave a soft laugh and apologised to you both about that. She admitted that they had been hogging you from him and not allowed you much alone time together. Emmet politely brought an arm around your shoulders and brought you in close, a bit spitefully. “It looks like my fate after getting home is probably going to be a long hug.”

“I'll admit I was a bit suspicious of him at first,” your dad said, scratching his head, “I just worried he would be like every other guy, but I don't think he even knows about sex. I even tried looking him up online, and most things I saw were about how innocent he is.” The boisterous laugh that followed made Emmet tense. He knew exactly what he was talking about and hated it. People seriously thought if you so much as said pussy or dick around him, he would be completely ignorant to the word. “I like you,” he held his hand out for Emmet to shake, “Please keep up how you are.” The twin shook the older man's hand with a wide grin on his face. Oh, he did not even know the half of it.

A few farewells were shared before you and Emmet finally were off and headed home.

As you drove off towards your destination, you spoke softly to your boyfriend, “Thank you, Em. I know that it was hard for you to do all of that.”

“Heehee, don't worry about! I loooooove you so much that it doesn't bother me.”

Your heart felt warm at the sweetness of your boyfriend.

~

“Oh, darling,” he cooed, pinning you to the sheets, “I want to try something new.” You were flustered under him as his hands locked your wrists together above your head.

“Wh-what's that?” you asked, knowing full well had a tonne of sexual energy to expel. It excited you more than he would like to admit.

“Whipped cream.”

“Huh?”

[laismoura-art]

How about some avatar au for your atla fan heart.

Mortal Kombat avatar au with our ocs.

🌊🪨The avatar au 🔥🌪

Water tribe:

It's obviously the lin kuei but with bi-han being more of the master at water bending and kuai liang, Lisa making fun of him while he's practicing the other students.

Bi-han: what type of whining is this!? Back in my day we trained in the cold winter's at night and no matter how cold it got I never stopped training.

Lisa: yea you just cried and begged father to let you in-

Bi-han: YOUR CATCHING FISH TONIGHT!!

Kuai liang: I need jasmine tea, for this..

Earth kingdom:

The Edenians, special forces , harumi and Johnny and kenshi from the earth nation it's all out order and chaos maybe the umgadi could be like the dai lee.

Harumi: has the war really stopped in ba sing se?

Kenshi: I don't know if it's pretty peaceful there. Tanya do you know anything about it?

Tanya:*visibly sweating* um maybe..

Sindel:*the tea is exceptionally good today. I hope no fire nation are here.

*two fire nation run aways: yea.. It's fire nation free. Would you like some moon cakes with that?

Sindel: oh you know me so well.

Fire nation:

The netherrealm, suchin and the shirai ryu together being in the fire nation except they aren't demon's and such. The avatar is to be from the fire nation in the avatar cycle. People are expecting asmodeus to be the avatar and this got hatsune banished and settled with hanzo hasashi in the earth kingdom.

Asmodeus: make way for the avatar fire Lord people the strongest in the world

Sareena: is he always this much full of himself.

Jatakaa: careful you might get banished.

Suchin: ARE YOU ALWAYS THIS FULL OF YOURSELF!?

hatsune: hey master i made you some tea.

Hanzo: *drinks tea and spits it out* Ugh this tea is nothing but hot leaf juice!!

Hatsune: master hansi that's what all tea is..

Hanzo: how could my own apprentice say something like that!?

Air nomads:

The white lotus plus Raiden and fujin in the air nomads. Liu kang is a, fire nation adopted by raiden and learning air bending not knowing he is the actual avatar. Kung Lao is a air nation prodigy like Liu kang but kung Lao is, hoping to go through greater lengths and be the best air bending master in the world.

Kung Lao: geez I hope asmodeus isn't the avatar.

Liu kang: yea it's not like he'll cause a war if he isn't.

Kung Lao: say what would happen if you became the avatar?

Liu kang: I won't be the avatar and besides I am not that responsible he monk raiden never let's me feed the baby bisons.

Kung Lao: true, want to play air ball?

Liu kang: sure!!

Later

Liu kang:*avatar state after some shit asmodeus did*

Kung Lao:.... The world is either in peace or doomed....

Yoo Dragon!!! This looks sooo cool!!! :O 💖💖💖

Sorry it took me a while to reply, I actually wanted to gather and develop some ideas that came to mind! And it turned out ENOURMOUS!

So I hope you enjoy:

💦For the Water Tribe:

I was wondering, since this is the Lin Kuei, I imagine the previous chief was involved in some pretty shady stuff, imagine he even made a deal with the fire nation at some point in an attempt to hold some of his remaining power? Imagine if he even sent some of his men to war to fight by the Fire Nation? Of course his plans backfire (literally, lol) and he ends up dead and Bi-Han ends up as the new chief!

I imagine that after years of shitty decisions from the chief, this Water Tribe ended up a mess and on the brink of destruction, so Bi-Han took it upon himself to make things right and return the Tribe to its previous glory!

The only problem is: He is the youngest chief they ever had and he is painfully inexperienced! So he is hardly taken seriously. He also doesn't trust the elders of his Tribe, given how they didn't do much to prevent the previous chief to mess up, so he relies on the youth, his twin siblings and friends, Hydro, Cyrax and Smoke (he's still deciding if Sektor can be trusted, as he is related to the previous grandmaster)

Though Kuai and Lisa often tease Bi-Han (as siblings do) they are his big supporters and do everything they can to be good advisors! Bi-Han is happy to have them around, even if he has to hear a joke or two at his expense...

🌿For the Earth Kingdom:

I like that Harumi is part of the Earth Kingdom, and you know she's my flower girl, so I was thinking: What if she was originally a waterbender from the Swamp?

Imagine, she was born in the swamp and learned to waterbend the flora around her, when she grew up she wanted to leave to explore the world (or at least the Earth kingdom, she was particularly curious about Omashu and Ba Sing Se (surely none of these cities will disappoint her… lol))

Imagine if people sometimes mistake her for the Avatar cause she is a waterbender born in the Earth Kingdom, lol!

Also, I LOVED the idea of the Umgadi being the Dai Lee!

Imagine this: Li Mei was once a Dai Lee soldier who got promoted and then learned what the Dai Lee was actually like (means to conspire against the kingdom and manipulate the royal family) Li Mei couldn't stand to be part of it and tried to leave, reveal the truth, only to be taken to the Lake Laogai. It was years ago and now her memory is coming back, but she still struggles to show everyone the truth.

Lucky for her she's not alone! The young earthbender Tanya was promoted just as she was and upon finding out the truth, she also could not stand to be part of it (it also helped her decision the fact that she is secretly dating the Kingdom's elder princess, Millena), but instead of trying to expose the truth, she tries to stop the Dai Lee from the inside with the help of a few trusted teammates and Li Mei as their coordinator. Together, they will bring the Dai Lee down!

🔥For the Fire Nation:

Damn, your girl Hatsune just can't catch a break when it comes to her shitty brother, can she?

Well, at least she's with Hanzo! I imagine Hanzo was once a soldier, one really mean and scary, maybe? the type that would almost burn the Earth Kingdom's capital to the ground? But pulled back after say... a family tragedy?

So now he seeks a more peaceful life for himself, hidden in the Earth Kingdom and taking care of this fellow Fire Nation girl who was just so wronged by her own family? 

I wonder if Suchin is so confident in talking shit about Asmodeus cause she knows she's one of his top girls and the moment she leaves his side he will get killed! (Little he knows, Suchin and the girls would rather get the job done themselves, lol)

🍃For the Air Nomads:

Ok, I absolutely ADORED the idea of the Avatar being from a Nation but being raised in another one! Cause it's such a fun concept, like, Liu is raised by the Air Nomads and is taught to live by the air nomads beliefs and the first attempt at bending from him will be at air bending, and as the Avatar he WILL succeed, so just imagine how it would be for this kid who is a airbender through and through who will one day find out not only that he's the Avatar but also a firebender by birth! That would be a WHOLE LOT to take!

Through the dialogues I can see that Liu already knows he's a firebender and Avatar, but I wonder how he found out. The idea of this coming as a shock and a big reveal is just soooo cool!

Also makes me wonder when did Raiden learned all this, if he knew from the start, if he had some suspicions as Liu was growing up, or if he found out just as Liu did (My bet i on the second one)

PS: I love that whenever there's an Avatar x MK AU, Liu is ALWAYS the Avatar!🤭 I think it's suiting for the "Chosen One", lmao!

[xxrainbowvibezxx]

HCs for the Edenian girlies(someone stop her,she's thinking):

1)There's a skin from one of the seasons( I think) that gives Sindel fully black hair and.....Kitana really is her mama's twin. Sindel really said copy and paste with her and gave her her entire face(and body. They're shaped exactly alike. Slim figures,long limbs,small waists).

2) I like to think that Mileena either looks more like Jerrod(tbf, we're yet to see what he looked like normally,pre-Ermac) or one of her grandparents. A lot of questions got raised as Mileena got older because no one can figure out who she really resembles. Some say Jerrod, others say her paternal or maternal grandparents and still others say that she looks like one of her maternal aunts(so Sindel's sisters).

3) If Jerrod was a mess when the girls were born, it gets worse as the girls mature. Granted, they age quite slowly as Edenian Outworlders, but still. He has potraits done of the girls done regularly as they grow up (I like to think that he would be a patron of the arts as part of his royal work) among many other things. They lack for absolutely nothing as long as he's around.

4)But he's very big on keeping them grounded as people. They play with other kids(the young Umgadi recruits), they go to school with their fellow aristocrats(up to a certain age,when they start receiving private, specialized tutelage) and they live a relatively normal life within the palace walls.

5) Jerrod was well aware of Mileena's queerness from quite early on. He actually jokes a bit to Sindel about how liking girls seems to run in the family and that she passed the sapphic genes on to her. (I mean he didn't really react to or seem surprised by Tanya's presence beside Mileena in story mode. He just notes that she's an Umgadi,but not one he knows. So I think he knew that they were fruity.)

Omg, I love headcanons. Thank you for sharing them. I love hearing/ reading other people's headcanons, so keep sending them.

1. I think this is the skin you're talking about. And absolutely yes. Kitana is literally a mini Sindel. They literally have matching hairstyles.

(I headcanon that Sindel's hair was fully black when she was younger.)

I also noticed how Kitana is more slim and kind of petite, and Mileena looks more broad and has more muscle than Kitana.

2. I thought about this before. Maybe Mileena's looks are from Jerrod's side of the family. I really wish we could've gotten a flashback or human model of what Jerrod looks like. The only human pic of Jerrod is that painting of him and Sindel in the Great Hall. But, honestly, Mileena looking like her father makes sense to me.

3. Jerrod is the best girl dad and malewife, and I will stand by that. I can imagine those portraits being framed and hung on the wall.

4. This makes so much sense. I feel like Jerrod wanted the girls to have a sort of humble upbringing. Like, Mileena and Kitana don't act like snotty, uptight royals. They have a kindness to them that they got from their father and their no-nonsense attitude from their mother.

5. Him and Sindel knowing Mileena was bi but waiting until she came out to them. In the story scene, can you imagine the conversation they had before they met up with everyone else. He sees how close Mileena and Tanya are, and he's just like, I knew it.

Also, I want to add a headcanon. Mileena is a daddy's girl, and Kitana is a mama's girl.

(If any of y'all want to send your headcanons, my ask box is always open.)

[boblittlepage-blog]

I'm Confused About Something...

A brief update for the uninitiated, which probably means everyone. Sometime back, I attempted to strike up a friendship with noted online semicelebritytype Indigo White, who you may know from her many productions of video entertainment not intended for younger viewers (do the math). Yes, I first came across her the same way most guys do (let's just say my prostate has never been healthier), but then I started watching her YouTube videos, and was very impressed with her intelligence, sense of humor, and levelheadedness. I'm very drawn to intelligence, and decided this is someone I'd actually like to know. And through chats during live streams and interactions on Twitter and Fansly, things seemed to be proceeding nicely. I'd like to think that I made it clear that I wasn't just another dweeb who'd parasocially bonded to some e-girl, that this was genuine affection for her as a person. Seeing that in writing makes it sound weird, but so be it, let's move on.

Some time ago, Indigo came out as trans, and was now a boy. Despite the change in personal pronouns to he/him, and now sporting shorter, Beatle-ish hair, nothing much was going to change content-wise, no plans for surgery or hormones (which begs the question of just how trans was Indy actually, but we'll not deal with that here, or anywhere else for now, it's largely irrelevant).

Okay, fine, I'll play along, so long Indy didn't feel the need to undergo anything permanent, (again, usually an indicator that something else is going on, not gender dysphoria), so no harm no foul.

In the meantime, I've gotten to know several detransitioners online, and heard their horror stories about how they'd been suckered into the whole gender ideology thing (which, by the way, is the creation of a very sick man, John Money, a pedophile who should be listed right alongside Joseph Mengele for the work he did directly with a couple of twin boys, both ending in suicide, but also for his sham "work" being baked into the psychiatric and medical industries before the true horror of his acts were finally made public. The result is that actual gender dysphoria, the kind where major gender reassignment surgery is the only workable treatment, has largely been pushed aside for people who are suffering from other, less serious issues, generally from some childhood trauma, like puberty in general, and turning garden variety identity crises into reasons for these sufferers, largely teenagers, who we must remember are still highly impressionable are generally stupid, to permanently wreck their biochemistry and mutilate their bodies).

So, during one live stream, I get wind of Indy trying to work up the courage to get what is euphemistically referred to as "top surgery", i.e., a double mastectomy, for no other reason than a long time hatred of them. Turns out Indy got those DD tiddies pretty much full force, virtually overnight, and besides being literally painful, anybody who's been to school between the ages of 9 to 15 can fill in the blanks of what the reaction of the other kids was. Also keep in mind that the amygdala, the lizard part of the brain that handles trauma and triggers the ol' fight-or-flight response, doesn't differentiate between actually life threatening situations and a snide comment from a 4th grade teacher at the wrong time, trauma is trauma, and can have life altering effects, especially in kids. We're generally not even aware of this happening until pointed out to us. Digging through Indy's Tumblr, apparently there's some additional trauma back there, that is triggering enough that I'm not going to even try and ask about it, but we're still talking a response to trauma. One day, it'll have to be dealt with, not just painted over with a big ol' "Congrats! You're Trans!" label. That's not therapy, that checking a box so somebody can make a boat payment. Since lives are at stake with this nonsense, I get very pissed off.

Anyway.

Back to the case at hand. I, hoping to spare Indy the kind of life wrecking pain I've seen others going through, began pushing for the alternative of breast reduction. Less invasive, faster recovery, and coming to the conclusion that, yes, Indy's tits WERE too big (5'4", 110 lbs, shouldn't be any bigger than a B, maybe closer to an A).

Enter the Affirmation Brigade, standing by and cheering Indy forward to go forth and be sliced up like a Sunday roast, to advance the cause of TRANS RIGHTS! Which I see as an attempt to validate their own sorry existences at the expense of someone else's health and well being. Well, during an engagement with one of these ghouls, things got rather heated, and more than a little ugly. I don't particularly regret anything I said, I would've preferred it didn't have to be in the form of calling out the other person as a butcher. Not because it was inaccurate (it wasn't), but because it was somewhat undignified.

Cue another set of angry DMs with Indy, demanding that I knock it off or get banned. I'd said everything I felt needed saying, so feeling no need to press the issue any further, certainly not publicly, I agreed. And things got more or less back to normal.

However, I reached out to a noted doctor who deals with the whole trans issue, and, with a couple of links, one to Indy's Twitter profile, the second to the coming-out video on YouTube, and asked for a professional opinion. Mainly, I wanted some guidance on whether I was doing the right thing by trying to be the lone voice against the affirmation chorus, trying to make the point that major invasive surgery over a personality issue is probably a very, very bad idea. Had I pushed too far, or should I stand my ground? One of the recurring themes I'd been hearing from detransitioners was that nobody ever challenged them, made them stop and think it out, WHY did they think they were trans? Could it be something else? Let's figure this out BEFORE we start lopping off perfectly healthy body parts, and see if we can find a less bloody and traumatizing solution. We live in a world where unless you blindly affirm the choice, you're a (fill in the blank). Well, sorry, but if the Emporer is walking down Broadway bloody starkers, I'm gonna say something.

Fast forward to a couple days later, this has gotten back to Indy, and the response in DM was thermonuclear. What right did I have to do this, I'm insane, etc., etc., and that was it, I'd been given too many chances already, I was banned, with the final shot being, and I quote, "Unblocking you to say one final thing. If I didn’t have the support i have and live where i do, what you did could have gotten me killed. Think about that. Fuck you."

Okay, back that up a little.

I posted a link to a PUBLIC Twitter page, with a link to a PUBLIC YouTube video (which Indy posted herself/himself TWICE, and has pinned to various other social media sites), disclosed no information, and only asked for "a professional opinion." (For the record, the only response I got back from the doctor was "Nope.") How in this, or any other reality could that endanger anybody? Did I overstep? Okay, I'll grant that. Wasn't the first time, pretty sure it won't be the last. But possibly getting Indy killed? Sorry, but I need to hear the twisted logic that comes to that conclusion, because I ain't seeing it, and I took Logic in college, I know a thing or two about false premises and the strange places they lead.

I would like to rebuild this relationship, if possible, but I'm not holding my breath. Clearly what I did incensed Indy, and it's not likely it'll be easy to walk that back. I would still like to have that explanation, though. If you're gonna throw down something like my being responsible for possible manslaughter, I think I'm at least owed that much.

Again, Indy (if you've read this far), my DMs are open, and I did give you my phone number, provided you haven't deleted the DM (doesn't seem like it, because I've still got 'em on my end). I'm ready for peace when you are.

[cassioppenny]

okay milesverse lore post but for the siblings uh yay

red green and silver

okay they're kinda weird. red and silver are half brothers (same dad) and green is red from an au that got eebied into the main timeline as a little kid (fun fact her name in the timeline she came from was leaf but she renamed herself green because 1) she forgor and 2) she wanted to match red and blue). green was adopted by red's mom after she fell anyway so uh yeah.

green learns that she's a faller a little bit after rgby after red went missing but doesn't learn she is literally red from a different timeline until rainbow rocket. yes she is the red of rr giovanni's timeline.

silver learned that red took down team rocket and immediately went "woag this guy is so strong and took down my shitty dad so i need him to mentor me so i can also get strong." but then red disappeared and silver immediately assumed that team rocket kidnapped him or something. red is actually peeping the horrors on mount silver instead but no one knows that

so during gsc he impersonates red (keep in mind they don't know they're related at this point) and steals totodile. he goes around beating the shit out of random team rocket members and getting annoyed by ethan, lyra, and kris (mostly ethan) who keep accidentally running into him. ethan immediately learns that silver isn't red because 1) silver dropped his trainer id and 2) ethan is huge gigantic red super fan who's dream is to become so strong that he surpasses him in strength so of course he recognizes silver looks nothing like red

post gsc ethan, silver, and blue (who has been helping against team rocket under the alias "gary" and wearing his pokespe cape during gsc along with lance i guess he was there too) go to kanto to look for red together. they also go through the celebi event and silver beats up his dad but that's besides the point.

when they're pallet town they meet green. silver and green become besties. do they know reaction image. also blue and green hate eachother because of the whole red missing thing but that's off topic.

anyway they eventually find red. awkward family reunion. yippee. im talking way too much about them moving on

hilda and nate

ceos of ignoring the plot. hilda and nate used to live near hilbert cheren and bianca but moved away to nimbasa before the events of b1w1. hilda is a pretty minor character in b1w1 honestly she's just grinding the battle subway.

her little brother nate though actually travels with rosa and hugh. admittedly it's just so he can train up a team so he can also grind on the battle subway but he's having fun. while rosa and hugh have team plasma related angst he's just kinda chilling the background eating popcorn with his oshawott. he's just a silly guy. he looks up to his big sister a lot

selene and elio

both of them act as the protagonists in sm and are twins. selene does most of the story stuff while elio focuses on the island challenge. basically selene gets to be gay with girlfriend lillie while elio fights for his life against the beasts. elio is the serious one while selene is the silly one.

there's a gag where selene's pikachu (off topic but every protag except lucas and elio has a pikachu on their team) keeps stealing elio's hat which always annoys him. elio eventually gets a mimikyu which pops out to fight pikachu whenever that happens

gloria and victor

they fucking hate eachother. victor (the older one) thinks gloria is annoying and egotistical while gloria thinks victor is a loser and failure. victor went on the gym challenge before gloria and gave up before kabu. gloria started to resent him for giving up and started to call leon her real older brother because of how much of a loser she thinks victor is.

victor just wants to go to culinary school but once gloria gets her sobble and gets ready to go on her journey their mom forces victor to go with them. he basically becomes the brock of the group but if brock was the biggest hater ever.

[oatmealdaydreams]

Euphrosyne | Chapter 2: Letter II

Warning: Alcohol, Drinking, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Implied Family Drama, Implied Traumatic Incident, Grief, Past Injury

Description: E. talks about memories.

[Masterlist] | ao3 link | Previous | Next

[read under the cut]

Dearest Spero,

It’s been three days since I wrote. I haven’t sent the letter. Not yet. I don’t know if I can. What if you deny me? You deserve every right to. I expect you to. I just… rejection isn’t fun, you know? 

I don’t know if I’ll send this letter, either. Maybe I’ll send both at once? Give it everything or nothing, as my sister would say. She was always a smart-aleck. Do you remember when she broke her arm and still insisted on practicing soccer? “I’ll be careful!” she’d say. She wanted to be prepared for tryouts. The doctor told her it might not be healed enough by tryouts, but she didn’t care. Drove Mother absolutely insane. She used to sneak out in the middle of the night, all in an effort to kick a ball around. I don’t know how she managed to crawl out her window with a cast on her arm. Still baffles me to this day. 

I don’t know if I told you this, but there was this one time where I went with her. She woke me up by accident after falling on the wrong side of the window, and startled the heck out of me. We were sharing a room at the time, being twins and all, but Christ. I’m surprised Mother and Father didn’t wake from the thud in our room. Nearly woke up baby Galen. We would’ve been in so much trouble. Noisy little baby. 

Anyway, the first thing I see when she wakes me up is her on her back with her legs half in the window, half out into the warm Spring night air. I rushed over there, trying to help her to her feet without hurting her broken arm. She just snickered at me. I shushed her, cause it was night, but she still teased me. Of course, she did. You’ll never meet Azenor, but she was the type to tease you for practically anything. Gave me no rest. 

So, after helping her not being dumb on the floor, I ended up finding out her plan to practice soccer in the nearly pitch-black darkness outside. I tried convincing her to just go back to bed (I did, if you ever ask my parents), but she wouldn’t be swayed by the tired pleading of her twin. Instead, she dragged me along. “If you’re going to fret and stay awake while I’m out, then you’re coming with. You can help with time scores,” is what she said. I was very insistent on going back to sleep, but she quite literally dragged me out the window with her. Azenor got herself properly outside, and then reached in and pulled me out. I landed on the not-so-comfy bushes in front of our window. She just told me to ‘hurry up’ and ran off. I ran after her. 

I had no idea where we were going at first, not then. I don’t think I could ever find that place again in the day, to be honest. Azenor was a great navigator. In dark or in light, she knew the way. She spent a lot of time outside, so I guess it just came naturally for her after a while. Which proved useful as she ran all the way through the edge of the forest we used to live by, not waiting for me to catch up. Rude, by the way. No idea how someone could be so damn fast. Probably why she was as good at soccer as she was. I caught up to here eventually, though. 

We ended up in a clearing not far from the edge of the forest. It looked like the remnants of an old burn pile place, the kind where you do a controlled burn for crop reasons or whatever. There were a few tree stumps at one end, formed in some sort of half-circle. Convenient for Azie, cause it looked like a makeshift goal. She grabbed a dirt-covered soccer ball from behind the tree stumps, one-handed, and shouted at me to come ‘time her’. She wanted to see how fast she could dribble her ball from one end of the clearing to the other. I had nothing else to do besides stand there, so I figured I might as well. She lent me her phone- I hadn’t thought to bring mine since I was dragged away- and pulled up the timer app so I could do as told. I was a bit worried about her doing drills out there with a broken arm, but she swore it’d be fine. She’d use her okay arm, wouldn’t do too much, blah blah blah. “You worry too much,” she told me. “No one but us is out here. The grass isn’t wet. I’ll be fine.” It didn’t do much to ease my concerns, but it was enough at the time. I timed her, she ran around kicking a ball, and we spent the night like that until we had to run home right before dawn. 

She was always so sure she’d be fine. 

Looking back, I wish we would’ve done things like that more. I wish I would've spent more time with her. Do you think it’d be different, then? If I paid more attention? If I looked harder? If I heard more, knew more, understood more? Maybe then she’d be fine. Maybe then I could see her again. 

I don’t think Galen will ever meet her. It’s weird to think about. Our little brother won’t get to meet his older sister. I got to meet her, but Galen won’t. It just… doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t think it ever will. 

It’s not like she’s dead, either! Maybe that’s why it sucks so much. She’s alive. She’s still on this earth with me and Galen and you and everyone else. But I can’t see her. Seeing her would hurt her, and I’ve already messed up enough as it is. 

It hurts not being able to help your family. 

…it’s nearly two am, and I should probably go to bed. Drinking tequila was a horrible idea. 

You always told me to stop drinking so much. After what happened to Azie, you noticed. You noticed how I changed. What I didn’t like anymore. How often I complained about my parents. How I seemed to be getting worse with Mother, specifically. 

You always noticed, and I had to go ruin that. 

I’m sorry.

You know, I saw a pair of crows again today. Same story: flew by my window, soaring through the air and navigating the telephone poles. 

I wish we were the crows again.

It’s foolish to wish now, isn't it? 

I don’t think I’ll send this one, either. I should burn them. My roommate would probably call a therapist on me if they ever read these. 

For now, they go to the paint drawer. 

Apologetically, a drunkard

E.