#but the last 10% is like I Would Die For My Friends In A Heartbeat

[jasntodds]

Petrichor Chapter 16 Teaser - Full Chapter coming 01/10

Pairing: Jason Todd x Fem!Powered!Reader (little bit of fwb) Teaser Words: 1,994 Chapter Warnings: Swearing, angst, gunshot wound, blood, hurt/comfort, fluff, reader has an entire mental breakdown, mild panic attack (Jason) Summary: ❝Pylades: I’ll take care of you. Orestes: It’s rotten work. Pylades: Not to me. Not if it’s you.❞ Gotham is home, not just for Jason but for you, too. And now that you’re both finally back home, together, you’re ready to see where this next chapter brings the two of you. He’s your best friend and you’re his. And you both might want a little something more with being back home, the place you both feel most comfortable. Surely, nothing could possibly go wrong now. A/N: I hope you guys had a good time over the holidays/last of December!! You can add yourself to the tag list below, ask me to be tagged, or you can follow my library blog @jasntoddslibrary  and turn on notifications if you prefer that!! I love feedback, I swear it keeps me posting on a weekly basis 😭

Jason is stuck pacing back and forth in the room he’s calling a bedroom now. Worry has taken every part of him as his hand grips his phone like a vice. It’s been hours. He hasn’t heard from you or Dick or Gar. He hasn’t heard from anyone and he’s tried calling you seven times. But, your phone is off and your phone is never off. That is the one thing about you, your phone will never be off unless there is a reason for it and being hurt isn’t a good reason. Not to you. The only time your phone even dies is…never. Jason thinks about it and he doesn’t think you've let your phone even reach 20% in the entire time you’ve known each other. He thinks it’s probably so someone can always find you and you can always call for help because you're almost paranoid about it dying. Your phone doesn’t die.

That leaves Jason thinking the worst of the worst. If your phone is off, that means it has to be dead or you shut it off for some reason but that’s uncharacteristic of you. So, he thinks maybe it did die and if it died, that’s because you didn’t charge it. If you didn’t charge your phone, it’s because you were physically incapable of charging it. What if something really bad happened? What if you were shot somewhere else? Jason knows Crane wanted you taken care of, maybe he shot you twice but you're really good at hiding your pain when you need to. Adrenaline probably kicked in and shock, you were scared for Tim. Maybe you didn’t realize how bad it was. What if there was a complication of some sort and something bad happened?

Jason’s mouth starts to water as his eyes burn. His brows pinch together hard as his teeth grind so hard his jaw starts to ache. He was brought back. But, a part of him really hates that he was. Would you want to be brought back? If you died, would you want to be brought back like him? Jason comes to a stop, trying to steady his own breathing as his leg aches and burns. The scars on his chest feel like he’s being cut open again. What if you don’t want to be brought back but Jason did anyway? What if you did, and he does nothing?

What if you did die?

If you did die…Gar would call him, right?

Gar would definitely call, Jason assures himself. Gar would call immediately if something were happening. He has the number now and Jason’s ringer is on with the vibration set to strong. He has no missed calls but he’s certain Gar would call. If not, he would have called Molly and Molly would have found a way to call Jason. If you were dead, one of them would call him.

And then Jason swallows his own heartbeat as his phone starts ringing.

Gar.

“Hey.” Jason clears his throat, trying to keep himself together as he tries to prepare himself for the worst news he’ll ever get. 

“Is she there?” Gar asks and Jason can hear the worry etched in his voice.

“Uh…no?” Jason questions and he’s not sure if he should be relieved or panicked with Gar not knowing where you are. At least he's not calling to tell Jason you're dead but that does now rule out you bleeding out in a ditch somewhere. “I told her to go with you.”

Gar sighs on the end, running a hand through his hair. “She took off. I thought maybe she went to find you but she was hurt and she’s not answering her phone. Molly hasn’t heard from her either.”

Jason already figured you wouldn't go to Molly. If you went to Molly, she would worry, give you a look you don't like, and you'd run away again anyway. The last thing you'd want to do is drag Molly into it further. But, Jason really hoped you'd have listened for once and just went with Gar. Or at least sent a text to one of them to let them know you're okay or not.

“She hasn’t been around.” Jason keeps his voice quiet and he looks around his room as if the answer is going to be written on the walls.

“Uh…hey, I know this…might not be what it’s for, but can you track her? She was shot and we’re all really worried.” Gar's voice is hesitant as he scrunches his nose, hating the idea of having Jason do it. It feels like an invasion of privacy, especially Gar being the one to ask but it's a last-ditch effort.

Of course, Jason's been thinking about it. But, something in him can't get himself to do it. On the small chance you did shut your phone off, that means you don't want to be found. Jason can't overstep, he can't intrude on you. Even if he is desperately wanting to because you could be dead. He thought maybe he'd give you twenty more minutes and then he'd just do it anyway.

“Have you looked for her?” Jason asks, eying his tablet you left out.

“No, I called you first.” Gar admits. Honestly, Gar doesn't even know where to look but he knew Jason would.

With no one out looking for you, maybe they don't have to track you and possibly invade your privacy. If you're just blowing off steam or punishing yourself, Jason knows exactly where you'll be. He figures, if him, Gar, and Molly can't find you within an hour, checking all of your spots, he'll use the tracker.

“Okay, you and Molly go look for her at her usual spots. Molly’ll know ‘em and I’ll check a few others. If we don’t find her in an hour, I’ll track her.” Jason nods his head on the other end.

“Do you think we’ll actually find her? I mean you know how she is.” Gar isn't trying to be pessimistic but it's been hours and he thought for sure, you would be with Jason.

Jason can feel the panic attack starting to course through his blood. His heart is racing and his hands are growing clammy and he’s getting unreasonably angry. It is not Gar’s fault because even on a good day, getting you to listen is like pulling fucking teeth, especially when it has to do with taking care of yourself. Jason knows this better than anyone but he’s mad anyway and he knows it’s the panic attack. You were fucking shot and he took off so he’s mad at himself for listening. And he’s mad that you were shot and Gar didn’t stop you. He can turn into a fucking tiger for fuck’s sake, couldn’t he have turned into a tiger to stop you? Tackled you to the ground and pinned you there, dragged you to the manor kicking and screaming if that’s what he had to do. You were shot and maybe you're dead now and he didn’t help. And Jason didn’t fucking help.

“Fuck! Gar, then you should have fucking followed her!” Jason snaps and immediately feels bad about it but any part of him that should apologize is washed over with guilt and regret and more anger. “Just go fucking look for her with Molly and I’ll look other places.” Jason grabs his coat from the bed and heads for the door.

“Where should we start?” Gar is quiet on the other end.

“The zoo.” Jason spits right back without even thinking. “Start there, then the harbor and I’ll--” Jason cuts himself off as he swings the door open, seeing you right in front of him with bloodshot eyes and blood-stained clothes and hands.

Gotham never sleeps. It never stalls. Everything is always moving, always loud. There is always something going on, people always going from one spot to the next in their lives. In some ways, it’s a little comforting. A reminder that you are here. You are here and alive like all of the people you passed on your walk here living their own lives. On the other hand, you wish it were quiet sometimes. You wish it were quiet sometimes because everything seems too much sometimes and your skin crawls while your heart feels like it’s going to beat out your chest. Your head spins and everything feels too much. But, it was quiet in the basement. It was quiet in the tower before you were attacked. It was quiet in the tunnels. It was quiet when you found Jason. It was quiet when Tim was shot. Maybe quiet is the surrounding air grieving for the mess fate’s created.

So, you stand in Jason's doorway because quiet with him, alive and breathing, has always been the safest place to be. You stand weakly, haunted by everything that's happened as the very idea of existing physically pains the deepest parts of your heart.

It’s hard to go through the same shit all the time. You're just supposed to be fine with it. It’s happened before and you got over it, so you can get over it again, right? At some point, someone reaches the end of their rope and you think you might be there. It is the same pain over and over again and it never gets any easier. Time passes and it all just hurts anyway. People say time heals everything but you don’t think that’s true because you think about her mom dying and it’s like the wind’s been kicked from your chest all over again. You remember Jason’s body and it’s like she’s being waterboarded. Time doesn’t heal anything. It’s not even like you're used to it. You were jus traumatized and avoid thinking about everything so it doesn’t fucking hurt so much. But, even that’s just exhausting. Existing is hard and tiring and painful.

Maybe you're just tired of being in pain.

Your bottom lip starts to quiver and you always felt safest with him. Even from your own thoughts. You never felt too much pain around him. He always knows exactly what to do and it’s all too much right now. Being alone doesn’t work anymore. So, you stare up at him as Jason’s brows pull together with a cross between worry and relief.

“Jason?” Gar calls. “You there?” Gar asks.

“I got her.” Jason says. “She’s here. I’ll call you later.” Jason says quickly before hanging up. “Hey.” Jason’s voice is soft and careful, noticing you're not making eye contact with him.

You walk the couple of feet up to him as Jason keeps his stance, almost ready to do whatever you’ll need. And all you do is lean forward and rest your forehead against his chest. Jason lets out a breath and you're able to pull one in for the first time. Jason rests his hand on your back, rubbing up and down slowly as he hears you sniffle against him.

“Gar was calling in a search party. Where the fuck were you?” Jason asks and he should have some sort of bite in his voice but he’s too worried and too relieved.

You look back up to him and shake your head. “Walking. I couldn’t-I couldn’t…do it.” Your jaw squares as you try to hold back your own tears. “S-sorry..I-I didn’t mean to…to, uh, worry you guys. I-I just…just couldn’t.”

Jason nods with understanding, looking you over and it doesn’t look like you took care of the gunshot wound. Your clothes are soaked and your hair is an utter mess. There’s blood on your face and swears your cheeks are stained with tears and you actually look cold.

Jason rests his hand on your cheek and you finally meet his eyes. “You alright?” Jason asks softly.

“Hurts.” You mutter and his hand almost feels like it’s burning your cheek. He’s so warm.

“The gunshot?” Jason questions, almost afraid of the answer.

“Everything.” You answer weakly with defeat.

prev. chapter

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[the-prince-of-pigs]

pls do the character ask meme for Made in Abyss! ^^

you are my current fav person thank u

Made in Abyss

blorbo (fav): Belaf - oh my god where to begin. they’re a gender mood before AND after the Iru arc. autism swag unmatched. the only one with half decent morals, would rather starve than eat babies. gorgeous gorgeous crechur. started off as an adventurous bitch who ran away from their privileged life in order to Consume Knowledge, ended up as a depressed bone snake who sulks in a cave all day and refuses to socialize. obsessed with Blob Girl bc they know she can’t die and so doesn’t feel guilt about living off of her because he’s been plagued by guilt for 150 fucking years. current mood: begged for death but forced to stay alive by those around you. 200/10

skrunkly (So Shaped): Majikaja - clackity boi. an absolute delight. love watching their character move about. it’s like keys to a toddler; don’t ask me the color of anything once they’re on screen. we stan disabled characters who remain disabled in a fantasy world (aka fantasy world doesn’t “””cure””” them of their disability). fuck pronouns, Kaja’s gonna make Kaja’s own. polite yet curious, concerned for others, very demure, very mindful. HADIMAE~ 12/10

scrimblo bimblo (underrated): Habolg - yknow, out of all the side characters, Habo gets very little love. he’s not perfect sure, but he’s fun and adventurous, and willing to help kids break the law to follow their dreams. would split the last piece of cake with you in a heartbeat. 8/10

glup shitto (obscure): Wakuna - white whistle mentioned in passing. must be a level 5 friend to unlock their backstory. mystery man, yet title is Sovereign of Guidance. confirmed DILF. minds his own business. 7/10

poor little meow meow (problematic): Bondrewd - this man is fucked up. this man loves children genuinely yet sees no problem with unmaking them in the name of progress. he’s fascinating. he’s awful. he’s passionate. he’s punchable. I desire to take him apart and examine him. [rumble of scientific triumph intensifies] 9/10

horse plinko (torment): Majikaja - LISTEN EVERYONE IN THIS SERIES HAS SUFFERED SO MUCH, THEY DO NOT NEED MY TORTURE. except Kaja. they arrived after the Ganja squad arc and didn’t know of the village’s origins. therefore they are mine to do with what I please. polite, caring, curious, compassionate? screaming to be held down and examined by Bondrewd. (introducing Crack Ship #12, Majidrewd!) 12/10

eeby deeby (going to superhell): Wazukyan - he knows what he did. 4/10

[trans-peridot]

FFxivWrite Day 10: Stable

Spoilers for 4.5! Tayfun says some things she's been meaning to say to Y'shtola. I figured I may as well round out the Scions and make something about Tayfun's relationship with each of them.

“She’s not conscious, and nothing I can do seems sufficient to wake her, but she’s stable.” Krile channeled some aether into Y’shtola’s unresponsive form. “There, now she’s fed, too.”

Tayfun stood in the dark room where Thancred had already been kept since his sudden long sleep. Now suddenly Y’shtola and Urianger shared his fate. Their faces were pale, but not pallid as death. Their hands were cold, but not icy as death. She couldn't see their chests falling and rising, but if she held her ear right up to Y’shtola’s mouth she could hear the shallowest breaths. They were alive, just... not.

“Krile, how strict is their feeding?”

“I should channel some aether to the boys sooner rather than later, but something tells me you'd like to be alone for a while.”

“Please, Krile. Thank you.”

Krile left the room and Tayfun was struck by how quiet it was. She almost felt the need to hold her breath for fear of waking the dead. Although, waking them was the goal, wasn't it. Y'shtola's face was expressionless. Not even the relaxed nothing-face of sleep, more akin to the slack discomposure of a face knocked out cold. Still, better than the stiffness of a corpse.

“You can't keep doing this to us, you know. This is, what, the third time you've tried to die in front of us? First with your idiotic Flow spell, when I thought I would never see any of you again, right after I had finally made friends. And then with the raid on Rhalgr's reach. So many dead and you incapacitated for, I believe, the remainder of that revolution? Could you stop with this already? It can't be good for my health.”

No response. Tayfun sat down at the foot of Y'shtola's bed, taking in the silence. If she held her breath, she could pretend she was hearing Y'shtola's heartbeat; but she knew it was only her own.

“You know, they've finally approved Saffron's pardon. She'll be free in a month at most. I was really looking forward to introducing you to her. My fiancé and my situationship while she was in prison? That could only have gone well.”

Silence.

“I mean that, actually. She knew about you and I think you have a lot in common. Alchemy and conjury? Best case you'd start making out, worst case you'd have a little catfight over me, and either way I'd get to watch.”

Silence as Tayfun pictured it.

“I... Really want you to be alright. I missed you dearly when you disappeared into the lifestream, and I wish you hadn't been bedridden for my ‘vacation’ to Doma. Wake up soon and maybe we'll have one last adventure before I retire, yeah?”

Saffron placed her ear on Y'shtola's chest and held her breath again. This time she really could hear just the faintest, weakest, heartbeat. Then Tayfun sat bolt upright; it would not be a good look to be pressing her face into a coma patient's breasts, no matter how medically she was doing it.

“I'll find out what happened. Who did this to you, if it was a ‘who.’ And then, when I find them, I'll kick their ass.” Tayfun had to get out now, before she started crying. “And then you and my wife will have a sexy shirtless pillowfight, okay?”

That was what finally brought the tears.

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice" Chapter 7

Hello readers!

A few things first before we dive into the very intense chapter that is Numbah 7:

First of all, I've been hearing all the buzz about Diasomnia Part 3 dropping tomorrow on the JP server. Congrats to all my fellow TWST fans who can actually read/understand Japanese lol. Speaking of our final boss dorm - my poll for the possible third Sacred Crown, decided by YOU, story is up for another three days. Tell yo friends, pass it on, and please vote.

Second of all, this chapter legitimately has a trigger warning for violence, abuse, character death and the Tweels going feral...all the fish bones lol. You have been warned.

And lastly (cuz I'm working another 10 shift tomorrow), Happy Birthday to @nuitthegoddess's OC, Aurelian Hawthorne. I hope your boyfriend makes it out of the Blot-o-Sphere and everyone can laugh about this later lol.

Chapter 7: Daughters and Sons

The evening had been fairly calm on the walk back to the tunnel hub. Azul ignored the odd looks he got for walking alongside Elise in a ‘human suit’ as she gently floated through the water next to him. Yes, it was a little more difficult to move in this form but he always felt so uncomfortable in his octopus form…which, looking at the current situation, Azul now felt a bit ridiculous feeling that way but old habits die hard!  The princess didn’t seem all that bothered by it. She was too busy fluttering her tentacles through the water, softly propelling herself through the water with a look of pride at her progress. Any time she ended up jetting ahead at a suddenly faster pace, she’d always float down to the sandy ground and wait for Azul to catch up, grinning at him the whole time like an excited child. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Azul couldn’t bear to hide his own smile. “You’re taking to this form very well, Your Highness. Most humans would be pretty clumsy with it, barely able to figure out up from d…d-down…” Before Azul could properly finish his words, Elise playfully swam above him and turned herself upside down, nearly making the boy walk his face right into hers. She had never gotten that good of a look at Azul’s eyes before. For one thing, he was always hiding them behind those glasses. But now that she was up close, she could see they weren’t just blue: his nervous eyes were greyish-blue, like a stormy sky. They almost had an icy sheen to them. They were more than beautiful. Azul was just as ensnared by hers.  “Your Highness,” he murmured quietly in such close proximity, “Were your eyes always that bright…?”

Elise's deep blue-black hair framed her face in fluttering waves as she slowly shook her head with a coy grin. She realized how close in proximity they were to each other one heartbeat later. That same feeling Elise felt before started to buzz in her chest as she turns herself right side up again. She felt a bit dizzy...fizzy...and a bit self-conscious. Azul cleared his throat without much success before walking ahead, "It's getting late, I better get you back to the Leech's, or Mother will have my hide."

Elise giggled to herself as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and continued to follow behind Azul. Even if she could speak, Elise was too kind to tease the poor boy any further lest the tips of his ears grow an even darker shade of pink. 

Once they reached the hub, Azul stopped at the main entrance. Unfortunately, he couldn't navigate the maze of tunnels very well in his human form which irked him greatly. Elise could see the hint of frustration on the boy's face and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder before gesturing that she could make the last leg of the journey on her own. Azul felt conflicted over the notion of leaving the princess alone. The ocean in general was a dangerous place and leaving a non-native all alone could be disastrous. On the other hand...she didn't seem to need his help. In fact, any amount of help he had tried to give her since they all began just ended up in failure over and over again. Azul suddenly felt like a cold lump of lead had fallen into his gut. Elise furrowed her brow as she watched an invisible maelstrom from behind his distant gaze. Azul Ashengrotto seemed, in Elise's experience at least, to have different faces: the first and most common was his charm and suave ambition that he had at the ready in most cases when he was coming up with an idea or pursuing something and then the second, more secretive face...this one he wore right now. It would sometimes surface and then wash away as quickly as seafoam pushed onto the shore. 

Azul's eyes lit back up as the princess' soft touch on his arm anchored him back into the present. His first face was suddenly thrown on and locked in place, "Ah, forgive me, Your Highness. My thoughts seemed to drift away there for a moment. You're sure you will be alright going on alone?" 

Elise nodded and scribbled a quick note in the sand with one of her tentacles, 'Jade and Floyd showed me the way' 

The octopus boy crossed his arms with an annoyed expression. He had messaged the twins earlier telling them that Elise would more than likely need one of them to escort her back...so where were they?!

The twins were both sitting in their home's dining hall, getting an earful from a very upset Madam Leech. Floyd leaned lazily on his hand as he poked at the food on his plate, tuning out his mama's irritated voice as much as he could while his brother sat straight up across the table, at full attention. 

"Honestly, you boys! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! No call, nothing, you just up and disappear overnight without so much as a word! I had no idea where you were-oh Floyd, eat your food, darling! You're so skinny! As much as we're paying that school, the least they could do is make sure my baby boys are eating properly! I swear you keep growing more every time I look at you-"

Floyd just groaned before shoveling food into his mouth and giving Jade a pointed look. Jade reassured their mother that both he and Floyd were always well fed on campus but that did little to stop her motherly rant. When their father's absence was finally noticed that started a whole nother wave.

"And where is your father?" she huffed, "He's always here for dinner on the dot..."

It was true that Don Leech insisted on eating his meals with his wife and sons, regardless of how busy he was, and he wouldn't leave the table until everyone else had finished eating. Tonight, however, he was a bit more preoccupied. 

Don Leech hovered outside in front of the mansion with his eyes glued to the horizon. Something in the stir of the currents seemed off. It made his fins bristle to a fine point. All reports his boys had given in within the last hour up to a few minutes ago didn't raise any red flags but his instincts were still on fire for some reason. For one, his sons' friend hadn't returned yet. The Don called one of the guys that had just returned over to him.

"Head into the tunnels and make sure the young miss makes it back safe and sound. I don't want anyone under my watch coming to harm." 

He left his associates to watch the front as he turned inside, knowing his wife was probably already upset with his tardiness.

-

"Cowrieeee....

 ...where...are..yooouuuu...."

Cowrie could hear their voices calling from around corners. She was in a part of town she knew she didn't belong in, hiding inside a tight, dark nook, her hand over her mouth to hopefully keep the burly shark mermen from hearing her. When the chase began there were only two of them. Now there were at least four. Apparently, Proteus was hiding a couple of his thugs to make the hunt more interesting. The young eel tried to keep her breathing steady and her mind clear. Panicking now would only lessen her chances of escape. She used to run espionage missions for her father and would sometimes find herself in situations like this where she had to hide or run. She escaped then, she would now. Cowrie just kept reminding herself of this over and over in the dark, listening for their voices to judge how close by they were. 

"Come out, little worm. We just want to talk..." one of the voice chuckled.

They were getting closer. Damn it, DAMN IT! Stay calm. Don't move. Cowrie felt the ground beneath her hiding spot. Sand....soft sand. This she could work with but she had to be fast. The shark with a missing eye slowly swam around the corner sniffing about. His mouth spread into a big sinister smile showing off his multiple rows of sharp teeth as his nose lead him to a small opening in the side of an abandoned building. 

"Hello...gotcha."

He peered inside and his smile quickly turned into a grimace when the only thing he saw was a hole in the sand that seemed to lead further into the actual building's interior. He silently signaled the others to move around the building and go inside as quietly as possible. The building was made from the remains of a sunken ship. Inside were odds and ends of random things and remnants of whatever business was there previously. The burrowed hole definitely lead inside the innermost room but when all four of the sharks lurked inside, it was completely empty. It wasn't until the entryway to the room was slammed shut did they realize it was a  trap. Cowrie quickly jammed the biggest rock she could carry into the door's bar handle to keep it from opening and swam as fast as her tail could manage straight out of the main exit, knowing it wouldn't hold them for very long. She didn't look back as she heard their snarls and the crash of metal sounded from behind her. The mermaid sped through the main street trying to find her way amongst the confused and hurried crowds. Cowrie quickly sped away as soon as she heard screams from the mermaids in the area. She could hear the sharks' one-eyed leader yelling for everyone to move out of his way and when he spotted her.

"Come here, you lil' viper!" his snarl was full of malice. 

The small eel quickly darted down the side alleys, over and under fences, anything to put distance between her and her pursuers. The whole Leech territory was one huge maze to her but she couldn't stop. Her heart beat at the speed of light as her eyes never stopped searching for another exit. Escape. Escape. Cowrie's laser focus on this was the only thing keeping her nerves from overwhelming her. She knew what Proteus' sharks were capable of. She had seen it first hand...and she did not want to be their next little 'accidental' chew toy! 

"Come back here, you little bitch!!" 

Cowrie shrieked as she felt large claws swipe at her tail seconds before she darted through another small opening through a tall barbed fence. Shit, the gashes burned and her blood was seeping into the water, leaving no chance of her hiding from them now. Her body was growing tired but Cowrie knew she couldn't stop. She flopped for only a second back into the main road, skidding a bit against the ground with a grunt. A few onlookers swam up to her to make sure she was alright but scattered as soon as they spotted just who was chasing her. Her tired eyes looked about the area for another escape route. When she spotted the tunnel hub at the end of the next turn, she went for it as fast as she could. This could be her only chance at actually losing them for good. 

A few members of the Leech muscle were seen entering tunnels right as Cowrie sped past them in a blur. She crashed into one of them, nearly knocking him over. 

"What?! What the hell, kid?!" The larger eel growled until he saw the much smaller, striped eelette who was nearly out of breath and looking absolutely terrified.

"P-Please! Please help me, sir!" Cowrie felt all of her emotions begin to bubble over all at once. She was shaking like a leaf.

The older merman quickly assessed the situation as two of the sharks were barreling towards them, looking pissed and even a bit hungry. He let out a high-pitched whistle that brought two more of his cohorts over to him and ready to deal with the situation at hand.

"Get inside the tunnels, kid, go down the first left and keep left. Hide if you get lost. We'll come find you. Get movin'!"

Cowrie muttered a quick thank you and torpedoed straight into the tunnels as the sounds of an intense scuffle began right behind her. It was dark. She didn't have any glowing spots like the twins or even Luna did thanks to her mixed-breeding. It was great for hiding which is another reason why her father used her the way that he did but when she was lost in the dark? It was distressing beyond reason. Cowrie paused to take a couple of quick breaths before continuing forward. You can do this...you're alright, she told herself. She had to remain calm if she was going to make it out of this situation. Cowrie couldn't see but her sense of smell was impeccable. She sniffed the surrounding water and walls, searching for anything among the many scents left behind that might be familiar. Suddenly, there it was. To her left. It was faint but it was definitely one she knew very well.

Jade. Jade had been this way before. Cowrie listened for any sound of either the sharks or other eels that had helped her. Nothing. She quickly and quietly followed Jade's scent through the twists and turns of the giant stone maze. She would stop for only a split second to make sure she wasn't being followed before continuing. Every once in a while there would be tiny shafts of faint light drifting in through smaller holes in the walls. When the scents began to change, Cowrie suddenly clasped a hand over her mouth and clung to the wall. The light was faint but slowly passing by the opening ahead of her was the very distinct shape of a shark's dorsal fin. It slowed to a halt as its owner's voice called to her.

"Oh, little Cowrie...I know you're there. I can smell your sweet blood, little worm~" 

Her heart was pounding in her ears so hard that she didn't even realize that another familiar smell was even closer to her. The shark's fin started to move as the merman started to turn around. Just before he could face the tunnel Cowrie was hiding in, a familiar black and aqua-blue tentacle wrapped around her waist and pulled her into the opening right above her. It happened so quickly that she didn't even have time to freak out. Above in a small little nook, Elise was waiting and caught the shaken eel in her arms. The princess pressed a finger to her lips to tell her friend to keep quiet. Elise could see the first and second shark floating along the stone underpasses through a couple of smaller openings around her. It was only a matter of time before they noticed two mermaids hiding above them. Cowrie kept one hand over her mouth but pointed to another passage behind Elise's head. The princess quickly squeezed her octopus body through before pulling Cowrie in after her. There were only two sharks that they could see. Hopefully, that meant that the other two were still outside or were at least chased off by the eels at the gate. Cowrie's hopes were dashed when she saw a third shadow lurking from around the corner. She knew it was the leader from his gravely, hunger-pained voice. 

"Stop hiding, you little shit, you'll only make your punishment worse!" 

He was blocking the closest exit forcing the girls to hide again but the other direction was a dead end. Elise could see the panic start to rise in Cowrie's eyes. She didn't know who these sharks were but obviously, her friend was in great danger...and she'd be damned if she let them have her. The princess pointed to one corner of the dead-end that seemed to be deeper than the rest. Before Cowrie could argue, she pushed the smaller mermaid into the dip and tucked her long tail around her, trying to make her as small as possible. Elise put on a brave face and mouthed the words 'trust me' to Cowrie before covering her with as much of her body as possible like a mother hen would her baby chick. Granted, Elise wasn't 100% sure this would work but what other choice did she have? Elise pressed herself and Cowrie as close to the wall as possible. The tips of her fingers and the suction cups of her tentacles felt the stone wall and slowly she felt her whole body adapt. Her skin turned a darker gray and formed the same smooth but strong texture as the wall with the same grooves and look as the stone itself. Even the ends of her hair clung and morphed into an extension of the wall until her whole body just looked like another lump of rock. From there, Elise shut her eyes and prayed that this would work.  

The one-eyed leader hovered around the corner, sniffing about, followed by another. He slowly peered into the darkness with his one good eye, narrowing it in frustration. He elbowed his partner and gestured to him to get a closer look at the dead-end while he swam down another passage away from the hiding girls. Elise felt her muscles start to burn as she stayed as still as possible. Cowrie stayed curled tight and held her breath as the large shark merman swam mere inches away from them. The bulky shark nearly grazed them with his tail as he sniffed every single corner...but after several long minutes, he followed his leader down the opposite direction. The minute he was gone, Elise grabbed Cowrie and jetted away into the next tunnel with silent urgency.  Jade's scent was getting stronger, Cowrie let out a quiet breath of relief. Elise seemed to know which direction to go and was moving non-stop, pushing off of the walls if she had to. Anything to gain more speed to propel them through the tunnels. The light was getting brighter. They were so close when several things happened at once. Elise heard the voice of the eel sent by Don Leech to search for her and just when she and Cowrie made it through the final passage into open water, Cowrie let out a scream that made the princess' blood freeze. There was a smell of blood...

The scream could be heard from inside the Leechs' house and Jade's entire body felt a hot rush of adrenaline as he heard Cowrie's voice. Both he and Floyd were out of the dining hall and rushing down the main corridor faster than any land animal could muster. When they reached the front gates, Jade's vision burned hot fiery red. 

Elise was surrounded by the four large shark mermen and in her arms was Cowrie, shrunken in on herself and looking filled to the brim with dread. The end of her tail was covered in gashes and a large bite mark. Her own blood leaked out into the water around her. The one-eyed shark had the same blood on his grinning mouth. 

"You're lucky I didn't take a piece off, you little snake. Proteus told us not to hurt you too badly...but he didn't exactly specify the limits." 

The other sharks laughed mirthlessly around the two girls. Elise kept whipping her tentacles at them to try and get them to back off but the men just laughed even harder as they dodged. One took the hit straight across his face which only made him budge ever so slightly. It felt like she was punching a brick wall. "Ooo! This one has some spunk! I like her!"

Their leader grabbed the next tentacle that tried to whack him across the face and yanked on it hard, pulling Elise to the ground, "Easy there, lass. I wouldn't want to havta take a bite outta you. Or maybe I would. Octopus is quite delicious after all." His mates bared their teeth and snarled out harsh laughter in agreement, "Although..."

He turned his attention to Cowrie and grabbed her face, forcing her mouth open as two other of the thugs grabbed Elise and dragged her away from the younger mermaid, "I hear that this one has a nice poisonous bite. And what pretty teeth. I bet they'd make a nice necklace, wouldn't they, boys-"

A loud crack rang through the water as Jade's long tail struck the brute across his bloody maw, sending him and a couple of his teeth tumbling backward. Cowrie fell to the sandy ground as Jade suddenly covered her tiny body with his in a tense arching guard. Floyd made quick work of the two holding Elise with his own tail and pulled the octopus mermaid to safety behind him. Both of the twins' eyes were bright and wild with fury, their teeth bared, claws out and ready, and deep throated growls rumbling out of them. The fourth shark was quickly struck down with a sharp bolt of lightning magic as Don Leech wasn't too far behind with his own crew. If the twins looked furious, their father looked downright murderous. Electric magic was still cracking between his fingers in prickling sparks, ready to explode at any given moment.

"Who the hell do you think you are coming into my territory and harming these girls, like some back alley trash?" His tone was laced thick with venom even though his words were steady.

He saw the injuries on the small female eel's tail and the way his son held her protectively to his chest without taking his eyes off the enemy. He didn't know who she was but seeing her trembling form cling to Jade only made his blood boil even hotter. The same deadly, wild-eyed look Floyd got whenever he was pissed grew on his father's face, tenfold.

"Normally, I'd have the decency to give you two seconds to get the fuck off of my property with your shitty lives intact...but you bastards clearly have no decency yourselves so why should I?" His soft thunder of a snarl sent cold shivers running all through Elise and Cowrie's already shaken bodies. This was the fearsome Don Leech that Cowrie had heard stories about all of her life. This was the dangerous world below that Elise barely knew and now had a front-row seat to. Jade and Floyd's snarled grimaces slowly turned to feral, sharp-toothed smiles. Their fins stood sharp on end as they knew what was coming next. Jade slowly leaned down to speak to Cowrie without breaking his gaze, loosening his hold on her shivering body.

"Cowrie...go inside with Elise, please." 

Cowrie didn't argue. She quickly swam over to Elise and booked it towards the large house without batting an eyelash. Elise was out of her depth, a foreigner in this world, but she knew better than to try to stop it. It was something much bigger than her or even Cowrie. She didn't dare turn around as the sound of wet crunching and mangled shrieks reached her ears. Madam Leech was at the front double doors, watching the scene with a cold yet furious gaze on her face. She quickly ushered the girls inside before shutting the doors behind them. Her words didn't register to either of them but her voice was soft and gentle as she guided them both back to her parlor after telling a few of the staff to bring medical supplies to the room immediately. 

"Don't worry, my dears. My boys will take care of those beasts. You're safe now." 

She cooed and held them both close to her as Cowrie finally broke down into a loud sobbing wail. Elise just felt frozen. Completely and utterly frozen in shock. 

"Everything will be alright, my pearls. There,  there..." 

-

Outside the mansion, Jade's ears were ringing with how angry he felt. His teeth pierced the rough shark mermen's hides as he threw them to the ground, tearing at them as if they were just paper dolls. Floyd's wild cackle could be heard close by as he continued to wrap his tail around one of their throats tighter and tighter. Jade Leech was never really one to lose his temper but all he could hear, smell, feel in that moment was a sickening replay of Cowrie's distressed scream and her blood filling the water as he held her traumatized form to him. He knew of Don Muraeni's cruel reputation since he was very young but this...it was unforgivable. Jade only came to his senses when he realized the one his father had pinned to the ground was the same one-eyed shark that had threatened to rip his beloved Cowrie's teeth out. He dropped his current target like a two-ton ragdoll, leaving his father's muscle to deal with him, and breathed heavily as he glared over at the main offender. Floyd saw the look on his twin's face and got a ruthlessly delicious feeling of glee.

"Hey, Jade..."

"Yes, Floyd?"

"That one-eyed bastard is the one that bit Cowrie-chan and threatened her, isn't he? Let's deal with him properly."

"Yes, Floyd..." Jade snarled coldly as he swam over to his father. Floyd followed suit with a wicked giggle.

"Father...let us handle this one." Don Leech looked over his shoulder at his two sons. Their faces were even more frightening now that both of them were covered in shark blood. His sons: deadly, cunning, and ready just like he taught them to be. He felt an instinctual sense of pride swell in his chest as he eased away from his prey, letting his twin boys take over. The future Don Leech quickly replaced his father's steel trap grip around the shark's neck with his own as he and Floyd bent down to smile wickedly into his one good, scared eye. 

"You are the sea scum filth that hurt my Cowrie...you're either real ballsy or real stupid," Jade's voice cut like a dagger right through his serrated smile. His assertively protective tone when he spoke of the girl didn't bypass his father's ears.

"My money's on both," Floyd giggled, tail swishing back and forth as he poised himself, ready to attack at any given moment. 

Jade hummed and tilted his head to the side as he pried the shark's lips apart with two fingers on his free hand, "My, my....what impressive teeth you have...don't you think, Floyd?"

Floyd's smile couldn't get any bigger, "Oh yeah...they'd make one hell of a necklace, right Jade?"

Their laughter shook the shark merman to the core. If he had even a hint of what coming onto Leech territory would mean for him today, he would have left town hours ago. Don Leech ignored his pleas for mercy as he ordered his associates to clean up the rest of the mess as if this was nothing more than a pitcher of milk that had spilled. 

"Spare a few pieces, boys," he called to his sons, "Don Muraeni is going to be receiving a nice message from me personally this evening..."

-

"Just a little bit more, my darling."

Elise's mind was reeling from everything that just happened but she did her best to comfort Cowrie, petting her hair as she held her close. Cowrie's crying had ceased but she kept wincing and whimpering as Madam Leech put some form of odd medicine over the cuts all over her tail. The mother eel insisted on treating the wounds herself. She kept cooing words of encouragement to the girl as her elegant hands moved with precision and a true healer's touch. 

"Almost done, sweetheart. It'll only sting for a little bit."

Once she finished, Madam Leech wrapped Cowrie's poor abused tail up in some sort of bandaging material. Elise kissed the top of her friend's head as she felt Cowrie start to relax in her arms. 

"Madam, your husband wishes to speak with you in his office," a female maid had quietly entered the parlor as her mistress was finishing up, "Your sons are there as well." 

The mother nodded and handed the remained medical supplies to another one of her maids before turning to Elise and Cowrie, "Elise dear, I think it would be best if you girls return to your room for now. Don't worry, I'll make sure to have my husband's men on watch all night. In the meantime, you need to rest." 

The princess took the mother's gentle smile to heart and nodded. Madam Leech asked the two maids to escort the girls back to the princess' room before leaving the parlor herself.

-

"Who is she, Jade?" 

His father cut right to the chase, still heated from all the commotion. Jade was still on edge himself but now for a different reason. This was definitely not the way he wanted to break the news to his father but after everything that had happened, and considering what could have happened, Jade Leech's previous doubts were put to rest once and for all.

"Cowrie Cerith. Otherwise known as Cowrie Muraeni. My mate."

Floyd's eyes flicked curiously back and forth between his father and brother. The tension in their gazes alone could suffocate a blue whale. Jade stared his father down with a serious but cool gaze while Floyd could see the heat rising in his father's narrowing eyes.

"Muraeni...Muraeni?!" Don Leech's fists pounded on his desk as he practically jumped from his seat, "Of all the girls you could choose from, you pick that bastard's spawn?!" 

Jade knew fighting his own father would not end well and thus tried to keep his temper in check and his words clear, "She never asked to be his child so I see no point in holding it against her, Father. Cowrie isn't of age yet but once she is, I have every intention of making her my proper mate for life. Please don't try to change my mind. It won't happen." 

Floyd was waiting for his twin's head to explode with how intense their dad's glare bore into him. Before that could happen, their mother made her entrance and read the room. 

"Darlings," Madam Leech's voice was velveteen and soothing, "Goodness, what is with this stifling atmosphere?"

Her husband didn't end his glaring contest with Jade as his beautiful wife swam over to him and placed a comforting hand on his back, "Your son...has just informed me that girl is a Muraeni and that she...is his intended mate." The whole time Don Leech seethed out each word his tail angrily smacked the floor. Another trait Floyd had picked up on. 

His wife gasped and placed a hand to her chest as she addressed Jade with a shocked look, "Jade darling, is this true?"

Jade's eyes didn't pull away from his father's but a soft smile did adorn his face, "Yes Mother, it's true. I've already made my intentions known to Cowrie and asked her to stay with me. She agreed." 

Don Leech and the twins nearly popped off their fins when a loud, delighted shriek erupted from Madam Leech. She was positively beaming.

"AT LAST! Oh, sweetheart, this is WONDERFUL news!"

Her husband looked as if he had just been slapped sideways with a jellyfish, "W-WHAT?!"

His mother immediately pulled Jade from his seat and into an excited hug, leaving him to blink in surprise as the wind was basically crushed out of him, "My sweet Jade has found a mate and such a pretty little thing! Oh, you two will have the most beautiful babies!" 

"Dearest..." Don Leech groaned in exasperation as he slumped back in his chair, "I know you're excited, my love, but you can't be serious about allowing this..."

Madam Leech released Jade from her death grip of a hug and turned to her grumpy husband with a tut, "Darling, really, listen to yourself! You're acting like we're planning a funeral!"

"If Jade mates with a Muraeni, it will definitely come to that," he snarled. His wife's enthusiasm was undeterred as she swam back to his side, running her fingers along his spiked dorsal fin.

"My love," she purred sweetly, "That poor girl being a Muraeni is even more reason for her to become our Jade's lovely bride. You saw how that monster's thugs were treating the poor thing! We cannot allow her to stay in such a ghastly situation!" 

Jade and Floyd just sat back and watched their mother work. Their father was one of the most powerful mob bosses on this side of the reef but their mother was a professional mastermind in her own right. Even the formidable Don Leech couldn't win against her charms and steel will. Floyd chuckled as he imagined Jade and Cowrie having the same dynamic a few years from now. Their father looked from his wife's sweet gaze to his sons' amused ones and groaned in defeat.

"I...will consider it..." he grumbled, "She can stay tonight. I'll give my final decision in the morning." 

His wife placed a sweet kiss on his cheek with a satisfied grin making her sons chuckle. 

-

The area outside the Leech Mansion reeked of lingering shark's blood as Don Leech's men cleaned up what was left after the fight out front. From the edge of the cavern of tunnels, Seven had seen the tail end of the skirmish. He had known that the Leech family weren't ones to mess with but seeing it first hand? His stoic face didn't show it but it turned his gut to rot. His sister had certainly picked a strong family to mate into. It was his sister that had brought him here and now he wasn't so sure he could get close to her without ending up in the same sack the sharks were now being dragged out in. He didn't doubt that Cowrie was safe for a second, it was just that now she was here on enemy turf and Proteus' thugs were thoroughly...dealt with...things were going to be far more complicated. 

The front door to the mansion was up the slope a way so anyone paying attention could see anyone exiting the caves and vice versa. So when Floyd Leech swam back outside to see how the clean-up was going, Seven spotted him right away and decided to take a chance.

Seven's sudden appearance at the gate caused a stir right away as he expected. What he didn't expect was for Floyd to make him an offer. The second twin waved his father's boys off, signaling that there was no danger which confused them but they knew better than to question the more wild Leech son. Floyd casually swam over to the opened gate and looked Seven up and down with a curious grin.

"What's up, Sven? You missed the fight."

Seven narrowed his eyes in annoyance at the strange younger eel, "It's SEVEN..."

"Eh. Whatever. It's a weird name."

"Anyway," Seven huffed, "I saw the end result. Where's Cowrie? Is she alright?"

Floyd stretched like he was getting ready for a workout, "Yeah, yeah she's safe inside. Jade and I made sure to take care of the bastard that hurt her. He's over there, nice and snug," Floyd giggled eerily as he pointed to a large sack two of the other eels were dragging around the other side of the fence. Seven noticed that it'd move slightly before going still again. "He ain't gonna be swimming properly for a while. Or ever." Floyd chuckled as if he told a funny joke. Seven didn't bother asking what happened to the other sharks. He didn't want to know, honestly.

"I need to see Cowrie for myself."

Floyd's face split into a sharp grin, "Yeah. Ok. I'll let you inside to see her...on one condition. I'm still pumped from the last fight. Those sharks were big and tough to bite into but they weren't very fun..."

Seven picked up on what Floyd was asking immediately and rolled his eyes. Seriously what did Luna see in this guy? He was just as reckless and wild as his stupid younger brothers who had too much energy and were always itching for a scrap. 

"You'll let me in the door as long as I go a round or two with you, is that it? ...Fine. Let's get this over with. Just keep in mind, I'm six years your senior...so don't expect me to go easy on you." 

Seven's warning fell on deaf ears as Floyd practically vibrated with excitement as he jumped into position, posed, and was ready to start throwing down. The older Muraeni eel just sighed and swam into the open space, looking more bored than anything. Floyd bolted at his opponent at breakneck speed to sink his sharp teeth into his tough shoulder. Floyd's excitement quickly turned into confusion as he found himself face first in the sand before his teeth could even break the skin. Seven's thick tail uncurled itself from Floyd's arms and smacked the back of Floyd's planted head. 

"Seriously? You think you can protect Luna with such amateur moves?" Seven asked dryly, "Honestly she could have done more damage and in half the time..."

Floyd didn't bother taking that bait but instead whipped his tail around to grab Seven by the throat and threw him down on the ground. 

"Better," the Muraeni eel coughed.

- 

Don Leech swore his family was going to be the death of him. He felt his head pound as he pinched the bridge of his nose. A roughed up Floyd and less-so Seven sat across from him in his office. 

"If we get any more of you Muraeni's coming in here tonight, I'm going to have to open up a slaughterhouse..." he snarled.

"I apologize for the intrusion, sir. I just wanted to make sure my sister was safe," Seven's polite tone was unexpected but the Don's guard refused to fall, "...and I also apologize for fighting with your son. It was the only way he'd let me in." 

The Don gave Floyd an exasperated look, "I admire your spirit, boy, but there is a time and a place! Get yourself cleaned up and back to your room before your mother sees you like this!" 

Floyd just grumbled something about being bored as if he wasn't covered in scratches and bruises and swam out of the office. Seven was left alone with the Don and his muscle standing watch by the door. Don Leech sized the young merman up with a scrutinizing gaze, "I suppose you're here to make a bargain for your sister's return, hmm?"

Seven's expression was stoic, his tone even, and his head cool, "Actually, sir....no, that's not why I'm here. I want to ask that my sister be taken into your household indefinitely. I'm afraid her safety would be forfeited if she returns to our father's house. Especially if he finds out about her intention to become your son's mate." 

Don Leech wasn't surprised so much as he was disgusted by Seven's words. This boy only confirmed his suspicions that Don Muraeni's cruelty knew held no boundaries. But for Muraeni's own son to ask this of him?

"You know about your sister's connection to Jade? And you're not opposed to it?" He watched Seven carefully, waiting for his reaction. Seven remained as poker-faced as ever. 

"I am not, sir. I know our father would absolutely not feel the same, however. To be frank, Don Leech, I'd rather my sister be safe in the arms of her mate even if it means never seeing her again than for her to die at the hands of her father because of a feud that started before she was even born..." 

"And what about you, boy? I sincerely doubt that your father will handle this betrayal with any mercy." 

Seven knew the moment he agreed to keep his sister's happiness a secret that he was walking a dangerous line. But did he regret it? No...he couldn't say that he did.

"Let me worry about that, sir. Please just consider what I have asked of you, instead." 

Don Leech took a deep breath and pondered to himself. So much for waiting until morning to decide. His heart grew heavy as he looked into Seven's serious and worn-down expression. He took stock of each scar this young man bore and could tell that he knew exactly what the costs of his actions were. Seven's resolve had been pressurized into a level of strength that rivaled cut diamonds. This Don Leech could respect at the very least.

"Very well, then. We have an understanding. And you were never here, Mr. Muraeni."

Seven rose and bowed his head to the Don, "Thank you, sir. I'd like to see my sister now before I go." 

"Of course."

- 

The twins were waiting outside of Elise's door. Now that they had calmed down and gotten all of their aggressions aired out, they worried that perhaps they had scared the princess to the point where she no longer felt safe in their home. This weighed on Jade as he frowned, hesitating to knock on the door right in front of his face. Floyd also felt a bit guilty but also frustrated with himself and his brother. More so Jade.

"Hey, Jade. Stop acting like you regret doing it." 

Jade gave his twin a hollow chuckle, "You know I don't, Floyd...I'm just a little worried."

"Uuugh you worry too much!" Floyd growled before knocking on the door for his brother. There was a pause before they heard a click of the latch from the other side. The door slowly opened a bit before Elise's turquoise eyes blinked up at them. They widened just before she slammed the door shut, making Jade feel like his worst thoughts were confirmed right then and there. Before his ear fins could start to droop, the door suddenly opened up all the way and Elise was there with a worried look on her face and more medical items in her hands that the maids had given her for Cowrie. She grabbed Floyd's hand and dragged him inside before he could argue and waved Jade to come in as well. The princess made Floyd sit by her vanity as she started applying that same medicine Madam Leech had used before to the cuts and scratches all over Floyd's face and shoulders. He fussed and hissed about how it stung but Elise just silently scolded him with her eyes and continued her work. 

Jade saw Cowrie's curled up form on Elise's bed. Her back was to him. He watched the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. Her tail was bandaged up and laying limp over the side of the bed. He quietly swam to the other side of the bed to see her sleeping face. Only then did he exhale. His relief didn't last long as a second knock came to the door, sending his protective instincts through the roof once again.

The door was opened by one of their father's bodyguards to reveal Seven waiting on the other side. It wasn't that Jade didn't trust him, per se, just that every cell in his body screamed at him to protect his injured mate from this male that could potentially try to take her away from him and right back into harm's way. Seven recognized this look in Jade's eyes and entered the room with caution, "Relax. I'm not here to take Cowrie back. I just wanted to see that she was safe." 

This seemed to put Jade at ease to an extent and he relaxed his body to show that it was alright for Seven to approach his sleeping sister. Elise wasn't sure who this new eel was. Seeing her confusion, Floyd filled her in.

"This is Sen, he's one of Cowrie-chan's brothers. We fought outside."

"It's Seven and you started it, you weirdo," Seven said flatly over his shoulder as he looked down at Cowrie's sleeping form. A quiet snarl rumbled from his throat when he saw the bandages, "What the hell...they've never been this rough before."

"This has happened before?" Jade tried to hide the irritation in his voice but failed.

Seven gently sat himself on the large bed next to the small eel, softly brushing her dark bangs out of her face, "Our father...well more like his underlings...they carry out any disciplinary actions whenever any of his children or thugs get out of line. We don't get special treatment just because we're family. But I've never seen them be this rough with Cowrie before. Cowrie's never run from our home turf onto yours either. Doing so is suicide." 

"So what happens now?" Floyd asked from his side of the room, wrapping his tail around Elise like a blanket. 

"Cowrie stays here with you. Permenantly. She can't come home after this. Our father wouldn't just punish her. He'd kill her..." 

Elise clung tightly to Floyd's tail as her body seemed to freeze over once again. Intruders were one thing but did these mafia bosses really kill their own children simply because they ended up on the wrong turf?! Jade and Floyd's faces were stone cold. They never had to fear that their father would kill them simply because they broke some rules but they also knew that these things happened a lot more in their circles than many liked to talk about. Cowrie stirred awake and looked up at Seven like she wasn't sure if she was still asleep or not, "...Sevy?"

"Yeah, it's me, Cowrie." 

If she wasn't so out of it, Cowrie swore her brother had a bit of a half-grin on his face. She suddenly jumped up and threw her arms around her brother's neck, her voice shakey, "S-Sevy!" 

This wasn't going to be easy, he could already feel it. He shushed gently to his baby sister, reassuring her that everything was ok. That she was ok. Then came the hard part...

"Cowrie....you're going to be staying here from now on. With Jade and with Floyd. You'll be much safer and happier here." 

The young mermaid pulled away and gave her brother a distressed look. She knew what he meant and part of her loved him for what he was doing while the other didn't know how to process this at all, "B-But why?!" 

Seven sighed as he pulled her tiny body close to his, "Hey, hey, come on...please don't make this any harder than it already is, Cowrie. I'm not dragging you back home just so I can watch you get ripped to shreds. You're staying here, understand?" 

He had been through hell and back several times since he was barely a teen but somehow hearing his younger sister cry was the most soul-crushing experience of all. What she said next nearly broke him.

"What about Luna?! She's all alone! I can't leave her there! And what about you?!" her muffled sobbing seemed to ripple through the whole room. The twins looked frustrated and defeated. The princess looked absolutely heartbroken. Seven knew he was thinking like a madman. Just being there in that house was already the biggest risk he's ever taken. But...there was still one loose end left.

He gave Cowrie a gentle kiss on the top of her head, "Don't worry about me, Cowrie. Don't worry about Luna either. I'll make sure she's ok, got it? You..." he turned and gave Jade an icy glare, "...you better give my sister the best damn life you can, you hear me you smug punk? I'll come for your head myself if you don't." 

Jade just accepted the title of smug punk as a compliment and gave his future big brother-in-law his usual grin as Seven handed Cowrie off to him. Seven rose from the bed and looked to Floyd, "Walk me to the door. We need to talk." 

-

Floyd hadn't said a word the entire time he and the bodyguards took Seven to the front gate. The Muraeni son was tense and silent the entire swim there but stopped as he waited for the gate to be opened. 

"You're both insane. You and your brother. I don't know what the hell my sister or Luna see in you two...but as far as options go, you're their best bets. So I'll accept it." 

Floyd giggled at the older eel's gruff attitude, "Ehh really really? Does that mean I can call you 'big brother'?" 

"Don't push it," he growled, "You want to get Luna out, yeah? If that's the case...I need two favors to start with." 

Seven jerked a thumb over to sack Don Leech's men were getting ready to be delivered, "Gimme that first off. If your dad wants to send mine a message, I'll deliver it for him. But it needs to be realistic or my old man will never buy it."

Floyd was intrigued by this plan but still a bit skeptical, especially since it involved getting his Luna back, "Sure. But how does this help us get Luna out?"

Seven crossed his arms and sighed, "Use your head. You can't just bust into the Siren's Cove and whisk her away. You'd be dead before you even got within a mile of the place. You need someone with a brain on the inside. The VIP performance is the night after tomorrow. I know Cowrie was plotting to sneak you and your brother in...and no she didn't tell me. I just know my sister. She can't do it now. So I will. But first, I gotta keep up appearances so my dad thinks I'm still loyal to him. So I need a second favor."

"What's that?"

"I need you to punch me in the face a couple more times...."

-

Elise decided to give Cowrie and Jade some time alone for the rest of the night and didn't argue when Jade took Cowrie into his room. She could understand their feelings and desire to be together after the terrifying events that happened earlier. Being all alone in her own room felt harrowing somehow. She felt like she'd go mad if she spent another second cooped up and made her way outside. Granted she had to ask for directions but eventually, the princess found her way into the large garden behind the house. It was the most colorful and brightest part of the estate: a large chunk of reef teeming with life that Madam Leech had been carefully curating since before the twins were even born. It was gorgeous and just distracting enough to help Elise feel even a tiny bit more normal. She found an open space with a flat stone structure that she propped herself upon. It was quiet...well outside her on-fire brain, it was, anyway. 

Elise looked up towards the water's surface that seemed miles upon miles away with a silent sigh. She felt stuck in between two places she didn't belong in. She was a human princess that no one on the shore seemed to be looking for, in love with a mermaid prince that didn't want her, now stuck under the sea in a very beautiful and very dangerous world that both amazed and scared her, in a body that wasn't really hers. Elise looked down at her tentacles that seemed to curl and unfurl on their own like a sea anemone flowing in the currents. It was a strange place to be. How many days had it been since she had changed? How many hours has she spent in this form? Was it...unpleasant? Is that why Azul hated being in his true form so much- 

Elise suddenly tensed up. Azul! She had told him that she'd let him know when she made it back ok! She huffed in frustration when she realized that really had no way to do that. Then again, should she tell him everything?? He'd probably freak out. She didn't want to worry him but either way, her phone was back on land. Along with her magic pen and other personal belongings. She bet no one bothered to look in her room either. If they had, then they'd know she was actually MISSING! The princess crossed her arms and pouted as she felt a bitter taste stew in her gut. Was she really so forgettable? 

"Octi-chaaaan?...Octiiii-oh there you are!"

Floyd poked his around the coral hedges with a big smile on his poor bandaged face. He seemed to be talking to someone on his phone, "Yeah I found her, Azul, she's fine."

Speak of the devil. Maybe Elise had some sort of psychic abilities now that she was an octopus. She could hear Azul's hurried tone coming from the phone. Judging from Floyd's bored expression, the octopus boy was nagging at him. 

"Ehhh? I said she was fine, geez. She punched a shark in the face earlier! It was awesome!" Floyd burst out laughing, ignoring the shocked outburst that most definitely came from Azul's side of the phone. If nothing else, it did make Elise laugh to herself. In the heat of the moment, she had completely forgotten that she, Princess Elise Coralette, had most definitely punched a shark merman in the face. Absolutely legendary. 

"Yeah, yeah I'll tell her. Calm down," Floyd pulled the phone away from his ear to relay the message, "Azul wants you to wait here for him tomorrow. No leaving the grounds without him." 

Elise gave the eel a playful salute in response. Floyd just grinned and continued talking to Azul, "Octi-chan says ok and that I should get off the phone so we can cuddle and make out and stuff since I've had a very stressful day. Ok byyyyye!" Azul's spastic chatter went unheard as the mischievous eel ended the call.

The princess shook her head at Floyd's devilish giggles before yanking the phone out of his hand. She opened up the messaging app to text Azul while Floyd made himself comfortable on her very spacious lap of curled-up tentacles. She played with his hair with one hand so he wouldn't start fussing about not getting any attention while texting the no doubt exasperated Mr. Ashengrotto with the other.

F: It's Elise. Floyd's just being a brat. Don't worry. And yes I am fine, I promise. 

Across town, Azul rolled his eyes. Leave it to Floyd to fool around even in the most strained situations. He started typing a message back as he sat in the living room of his mother's house. His home was a fairly large one not too far from The Leviathan Club. His parents were in the next room. He could hear his mother's worried voice sound boarding off of his step-father's much calmer notes. 

A: Is Cowrie alright? Mother has been very worried about her since word spread around the Square.

F: She's been injured but she's going to be alright...it's a lot but she's going to be staying here from now on. She's with Jade right now.

A: Probably for the best. I will let Mother know not to worry...or to try not to anyway. Are you sure you're alright? You weren't hurt, were you?

Floyd noticed the tiny grin on Elise's face as she read whatever it was that Azul was saying. She was really pretty when she looked happy. Floyd internally scoffed, knowing that Azul had no idea and wouldn't even if the twins sent him a framed wall-sized photo of the look Elise had on her face right now. Azul was one of his best friends in the world but good grief was he dense...on the other hand, Floyd wasn't sure if the princess was aware of her growing glow either. Eh, it seemed like too much work to butt in right now so Floyd just resigned to rest his eyes and enjoy the feeling of her delicate fingers comb through his hair. He figured if he shut his eyes, he could at least pretend it was Luna instead. 

-

Cowrie felt exhausted, too exhausted to keep crying. So instead she just breathed in her mate's soothing scent as she stay nuzzled into his chest, letting his soft voice caress her in comfort as he continuously planted kisses on her hair, face, and neck. 

"I'm so sorry, Cowrie..." Jade's voice sounded weirdly uneven now that it was just the two of them. It was like he had been holding himself together until the millisecond they were curled up on his bed, alone, behind the closed and locked door. 

"I promised you that nothing bad would happen and yet-"

Cowrie couldn't stand it a moment longer. She had lost count of how many times he had apologized to her and how many times she reminded him that none of this was his fault. Eventually, she just let him say it for no other reason than to maybe put his heart at ease but this was too much. So she stopped him from finishing that thought with a kiss on his lips. She looked straight into his eyes when she ended the kiss, pulling barely an inch away from him.

"You saved me. You, Floy Floy, and Ellie. And we're all ok. It's just a few gashes. I'm ok. And now I'm here with you. Now we can make sure we're both safe. Always." 

Jade exhaled and planted another soft kiss on her lips before pulling her back into him. Neither one of them said anything else that night. They didn't see the need. So they just fell asleep, curled into one another as the rest of the house fell into a peaceful quiet. 

Across the reef, on the Muraeni turf, things were not so peaceful...

The entire house seemed to explode into a rage of confusion and anger at the 'present' that had been dropped off on the family's doorstep. Don Muraeni snarled at the commotion disturbing his late-night and burst out of his den, "What the hell is going on?!"

He glared down from the second level at the sight in the large mansion's entrance hall. His sons were circled around a batten and bruised Seven and tearing open the large sack that had arrived with him. Once it was opened they all seemed to rear back in disgust. Ventuno gnashed his sharp teeth with boiling fury, "What the fuck is this?!"

Inside was the one-eyed shark beaten to an inch of his life, barely conscious, what was left of fins torn to shreds, and without a single tooth left his broken maw. The only thing left from his partners was their dismembered tail fins. Seven sported a fresh black eye and a couple more gash on his face in addition to the scratches and bruises Floyd had already given him from their little brawl. He crawled into a sitting position and coughed, wincing from the stinging pain. 

"C-Cowrie's gone..." 

His younger brothers look at each other in shock but the eldest only scoffed, "Oh is that all? Eh, one less brat to look after." 

He snapped his sharp fangs at his younger brothers as he shoved through them, snickering at the ones who flinched. Seven looked up into the searing stare his father was giving him. The Don barked at his thugs to clean up the mess before yelling down at Seven. 

"Get up here now, boy! You have five seconds before I mount your tail on the wall!" 

Seven groaned as he sluggishly pushed himself off of the floor. He felt Proteus' gaze from somewhere in the hall. He didn't know exactly where the ray was but knew that he was definitely watching every little interaction as it was happening. As soon as Seven crawled into the den, Don Muraeni found Proteus in a matter of seconds and stared him down.

"Proteus. Get to the Cove now. Put the whole place on lock down. Luna is to stay there permanently. She isn't to leave her room or take a breath out of her goddamned window unless I say so." 

The door to the Don's den slammed with an echo of finality as his right hand grinned from his hiding place in the shadows.

"Yes, sir..."

Tagging: @wysteriadelights @honey-milk-depresso @1ndigowitch @evieyouknow @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @victoria1676 @marcepanna @feldya @aiimee9 @espada188 @zstargalaxy

[isaacathom]

ooh, also, i had a fun dream last night

essentially, me and a group of friends are dealing with vampires, and are going to need to infiltrate a big party being held by a fuck ton of them. the plan we come up with is to impersonate a family who have been invited, which involves a bunch of strange stuff.

notably, i am playing the role of a woman called Josephine Brumont, wife of the other older vampire (played by a guy in our group that i have 0 romantic interest in), and who is a belgian expat (wallonia specifically, i suppose). this is something of a problem, as i am definitely not belgian, and my french is abysmal. but im the only person in the group who can possibly play josephine, so josephine i am.

we arrive just on the stroke of 10, having had an ordeal to get there in our disguises. and now that we're there, we find out what the party is really about - solving some murder than occured recently. the host had invited everyone who was a suspect, plus the +1s and so on that would make this seem normal. uhoh!!!

we're each one by one interrogated by the host. I manage to bumble my way through my interrogation, explaining my 'improved english' to the work of my dear and patient husband, and having the answers to questions bc we were quite possibly actually involved in the murder. unclear.

i'm then asked a question that i, isaac, would have no way of knowing, but josephine would know in a heartbeat. my "husband" is like 'oh shit oh fuck'. but lo! i have a lil psychic vision, and im able to explain exactly what josephine was doing at a given time. im released from talking.

that question was meant as a trap, and because i passed, they dont give a shit about me anymore. but some other guy isnt buying it. something up with me. when the lights briefly go out, he attacks me. surprising him considerably, im able to fight him off, flinging the knife he attacked me with away towards the table of refreshments, and berating him for daring to lay a hand on me in such a fashion. he gets dragged off. the vibes suggest he may have been the actual killer, but its not important.

however, i didnt fight him off that well. he stabbed him in the back, in a spot that gets hidden by my long hair (a wig?) and my shawl.

the dream at this point has what i call a 'remix' moment, where it happens close enough to being awake that i can choose to redo it. in the first version, i go up to my "husband" and inform him of The Injury, and beg him to actually turn me into a vampire so i dont die from it. there an argument, which doesnt get the chance to resolve, but i assume involves the fact we're in public and turning me now would reveal that i was human initially. problematic, yknow.

in the second version, i completely hide the injury from everyone, including from my friends, because i know vampires dont bleed. if i reveal that im bleeding, well. so i hide it, get by on adrenaline for a while. for some reason or another, our group get found out (NOT because of me, as far as i can tell) and we are forced to flee to the fancy car we drove here, and we speed off into the night.

its in the backseat of the car, with the member of my group that i'm closest to, that they found out about the successful stabbing.

in my musings later, i decided part of the reason they didnt realise i was actually injured (other than ~exceptional acting~) was that when i threw away my assailants dagger, it hit the punch bowl full of blood on the refreshments table, so that when anyone spots the bloody dagger, they assume its from the spilt bunch, not from Me, Josephine Brumont, 100% Real Vampire.

the later musings also had my friend in the backseat turning me into a vampire when it became unavoidably clear that we were not going to make it to a hospital in time for me to not actually bleed the fuck out, making it the only way to save ya bois life ✌ booyeah

[biological-catastrophe]

Hello! I need to complain because America is a fucking joke. Vent under the cut as well as TW/CW list

TW/CW: School shooting, (preventable) death, cancer, abortion, homophobia/transphobia

This country is a goddamn joke. I could go on and on about how bad it is and I really need to because it’s grinding my gears.

They’re passing a law that makes it ILLEGAL TO BOYCOTT COMPANIES SUPPORTING ISRAEL. They don’t give a fuck about our constitution. In one breath they’re saying this and another saying the fact we can’t afford a place to live is because we keep spending money on Starbucks and avocado toast. And how the fuck are you going to enforce this?? You gonna hold a gun to my head and make me buy McDonalds or Starbucks?? What the fuck?? We already can’t afford to live here.

I’m lucky my parents are still letting me live with them because I could never afford a place to live. I’m pretty sure I did my math right but: minimum wage is $7.25 USD an hour. The average apartment is $2,000 a month. To afford JUST THAT, someone would have to work near 70 hours a week. Not including food, insurance, medicine, gas, anything besides rent. And with the pay I got at my last job ($10 an hour), I’d have to work 50 hours a week for rent. “Oh those jobs are only meant for like high schoolers” so you only want these fast food places to be open from 5-10 pm? You don’t want them to be open during school hours then? Hypocrites.

And SPEAKING OF SCHOOLS, the school shootings are not a joke. I think I talked about it already but there was an active shooter on my college campus while we were outside. We have lockdown drills so many times, it’s ingrained in us what to do since kindergarten what to do. I met a girl who got shot like 7 times and survived. I’ve grown up always having an escape route out of the school. Nobody cares. Nobody cares that a literal toddler was able to get ahold of a gun and SHOOT HIS TEACHER, and the teacher warned about the kid making threats before and the school didn’t do anything. Nobody cares that someone a girl rejected could bring a gun to school and shoot her and many others. It’s hypocritical that they ban abortion and then don’t care for the kid as soon as they’re born.

And god, the abortion ban. I live in Texas as I’ve said. Here, the law is called the heartbeat bill. Abortion is allowed until the fetus has a heartbeat. But by the time people have that, they generally don’t even know they’re pregnant. It’s basically a total abortion ban. And they’re so fucking sneaky with it. You can SUE people and doctors who have abortions. A man sued three women of a million dollars EACH, including is then-wife. And I also heard rumors of them trying to ban state travel for abortions as well which is also unconstitutional.

And do we even want to talk about health care??? I saw a video the other day of a girl and her best friend who both have cancer and can’t afford it. They can’t afford LIFE SAVING TREATMENT. Are you fucking joking?? People can’t afford insulin and are dying from it. People can’t afford life saving shit and die. What the fuck kind of dystopia is that?? I had to go get an MRI and it was THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS???? What the fuck???

And do we even want to get started on the homophobia/transphobia?? The ‘don’t say gay’ bill in Florida and the numerous drag ban bills. Texas is doing the thing similar to the heartbeat bill where you can sue a ‘person who is not conforming to their assigned gender at birth’ or something like that. Femboys and masculine women could get sued. What the fuck? It’s so expensive and hard to get HRT and surgeries for people. They are trying to raise the voting age so people can’t vote against it. They started with kids and now want to include adults into their 20s. I’m sick of it. I’m just sick of all of this.

And I can’t complain about all of this and not talk about the 2021 Texas Freeze. Basically what happened, February of 2021 we had a horrible freeze, at nights it got into the negatives (for reference, ‘cold’ here for me is in the 40s. This is all Fahrenheit. 40°F = 4°C; -3°F = -19°C). Our power plants weren’t ready for this. We lost power during a lot of this. Some people didn’t have power for WEEKS, people died from the cold because the power plant people were greedy and lazy and didn’t put in proper weather safeties. This could have been prevented. Pipes burst, people died and got ill, the state was in a panic for weeks. We had power about half the time, but god was it cold.

I hate this country. I hate it so fucking much. This country is a fucking dystopia, some sick work of apocalypse fiction. I want to leave so fucking bad. I can’t wait till this place crashes and burns.

[skylar896]

Odious

------------Sunroof----------

↺ ᴿᴱᴾᴱᴬᵀ ‖ ᴾᴬᵁˢᴱ ≫ ᴺᴱˣᵀ ˢᴼᴺᴳ

"Hello my name is Huerta, [Name]. I'm from the United Stwates, I'm 5 years old and I'm dotter [daughter] of a famwes pro hero from my homeland and my other Papa from here is also a pro hero. I'll be in your care and and visa versa. Thank you for listaning to my int- intro-duck-shin." I said reading off the paper I had carefully written before meeting my kindergarten class.

"Wow from the United States, you say, that so far from here. Well, class I hope you enjoy it here and make some new friends here. If you need anything please come and find me." I nodded off and looked around to spot an empty seat.

There was one in the back with no one and that was perfect for me. From what Ash told me sitting by yourself is more of a luxury than sitting with people. When I first arrived I felt very nervous that I wanted to throw up, but Pappy calmed my nerves down with breathing techniques.

Preschool in Japan is very different from home but I never went to preschool since it was too expensive. I had to change shoes before coming into the school which also confused me. Pappy had to answer many questions about preschools here from my homeland. Though I was left somewhat unsatisfied I was happy that I could prevent any digression here before I could do anything that would be disrespectful to them.

Slows I patted my lab listening a bit as I tried to calm down my fast heartbeat. "Okay, children. Craft time is now in section." Announced the Teacher before a flock of kids ran behind me to their cubbies. I was petrified and waited a bit before going back there and grabbing a small white box, blue board, and heading towards my seat. I felt nervous and didn't touch it until someone did.

When craft time was in process, I was bombarded by compliments about my wyvern clay. "U..ummm thank you" was all I could muster before bowing slight and returning to my work. Though a child wouldn't stop talking to me because of how cool my wyvern was. "My name is Midoriya Izuku." He introduced himself to me.

"Huerta, [Name]. But please call me by my first name. I'm still getting used of calling everyone's last name." I insisted to him because it felt weird being called my last name here. We got to chating a bit before craft time was over and by the end of it I was now sitting with him and friends table. In the end it wasn't as bad as I thought, I met his childhood friend Bakugo Katsuki and the other three so I didn't feel that lonely that day.

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

"¡De ninguna manera, vamos!" - No way, come on!

I silently cursed a bit before walking home. It's been 10 years since I was last home with my bio family, almost 11 now. Pappy just texted me that he was going to be late again. Now I was wondering who's meeting him in the mornings these past few months. "Is he secretly meeting up lover... No papa said that he's given up on dating well before he met me... Maaaaybeeee an old friend/acquaintance?"

"Well it can be helped.... Sure I maybe a child, but I can take care of myself.." I could only sigh before hoping the fence again. I stopped my bike and looked around before biking home once more. "Should I call Katsuki, Or maybe should I talk to him in person." The big truck passed by as I waited for the sign to show white. "Maybe I should bike there just to talk to him. It's been a while since I've last visited that bastard hehe."

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

"Why the hell are you here?"

"Oh come on, Kacchan! It's not like the first time I've broken into you house."

"THAT THAT WHOLE POINT ASSHOLE!" I gave him a smug face before making myself at home, "Geez shouldn't you talk to you childhood friend much nicer, KitKat.", "Die!"

"You too, Kacchan. Anyways how's your health been doing after the attack. To be honest I was worried for both your's and Zuzu's health." I was getting straight to the point to him. "Shut the hell up. That dumbass–", "Bakugo..", "Tch, that Nerd was only in the way. I was fine dealing with that slug monster."

"But that's the point of help out. You're quirk wasn't compatible to deal with that villains. Izuku was just trying to help out, that's all." I consulted with him, having my hand on his shoulder. "I'm fine okay... Nothing abnormally wrong with me for the past few days of that attack." I could sigh to him and nodded.

"Well since I'm here how we chat a bit more. It only been a few years since we all reconnected and had our own talks." He nodded with idea and we both headed down stairs. He prepared the Macha tea for us both as we chatted away the next 2 hours.

"Thanks for the tea, Kacchan! I owe ya'!" I waved back at him. "Yeah, yeah. Now get out." I huffed and went on my merry way back home to prepare dinner.

"Hey!", "Mhm?" I brake my bike and turned around. It was Kacchan running up to me, "You asshat, here." And he has my phone in hand. "Oh shit! Okay now I owe you double for this. " and I when off my merry way again.

Fun fact - The title 'Sun Roof' was inspired by Nicky Youre, Daze song- 'Sunroof'. It was playing in my car when I wrote it that day...

[evans-heaven]

Scene ; Joseph Quinn

Leave it to me to see one comment asking for a full fic based on one of my Moments drabbles and actually write that shit 😭 I've been working on this piece for weeks and I'm pretty happy with how I left it so here it is for your reading pleasure ;)

Before we start, a couple of things:

This is pre-Feelings (tho reader is very much in love here but doesn't realize it)

The death scene is from the POV of Stacey, your character, and is mostly my dialogue bc i tried watching the actual clip and got less than 10 seconds in before i started crying 🙃 so I'm not gonna torture myself like that y'all sorry lol

Reader is portrayed as having anxiety and overthinks a lot, kinda like in Feelings. I write her like this bc that's pretty much how I am in real life about my own thoughts, feelings, and basically everything else. Aaannnd that's basically it lmao

Pairing: Joseph Quinn x Fem!Actress!Reader

Warnings: Unedited content, strong language, ANGST, description of Eddie's death scene, mentions of blood, mild depictions of anxiety, some fluff, and touching, duh ;)

wc: 3.6k

I already linked the other two fics so read Touch here

Pt 2 here

Prior to this day, you had your assumptions that actors filming a death scene would be pretty tough. 

But, now that you were in a position where you yourself would be at the borderline center of one, ‘tough’ was kind of an understatement. 

‘Tough’ wasn’t nearly a suitable enough word to describe having to cradle your co-star who was covered in prosthetic wounds and fake blood as he sputtered out I love you’s and goodbye’s, and then ‘died’ in your arms. 

Maybe ‘tough’ would be the appropriate term here, if said co-star wasn’t your best fucking friend and the person you were undoubtably closest with on set. Him dying in your arms, even if it was just for the screen, was still an experience that would feel way too real-even if you tried to remind yourself that, at the end of the day, it wasn’t. No matter how true to life it would seem. No matter how damn realistic those wounds looked (why the fuck did Amy and her team have to be so talented?), and no matter how fucking incredible Joe Quinn was at pretending to die. 

The words ‘calm down’ echoed in your head like a broken record all day. They had blended into one, to the point where they were incoherent and didn’t seem to make sense. Thus, they did very little to offer comfort. 

The day had been frustrating, to put it lightly. But, at least you had Joe.

That morning, during your daily-or hourly-sanctioned bear hug, your heartbeat was so strong he practically heard it pulsing in his ears. That alone told him your anxiety would be working double time that day. It was a serious pain in the agss sometimes.

You and Joe had always been attached at the hip over the last year and some, always hanging off of each other in some way or another. And today, it was with good reason attached to it-not that (consensual) physical touch ever had to have a purpose other than wanting to be close. Having that gentle contact, even if it was just a hand on your shoulder-was more than enough to ground you and halt the overactive thoughts-even if for a couple of minutes.

Although he’d say he was only trying to comfort you, it was obvious your embraces and touches held mutual benefit. Just as he was able to sense your anxiety, you could sense his. The sweaty palms when your fingers laced together during breakfast and lunch weren’t from you, nor were the goosebumps you felt against your collarbones when he held you from behind after you got your makeup done for the scene. This showed you that, despite acting his ass off during rehearsals, it didn’t mean he wasn’t nervous.

But, in typical heartthrob-from-a-90s-novel-written-by-a-woman fashion, all his energy was put into making you feel better, comforted, and assured that everything would be okay. Even if he had no idea what the true driving force was behind your anxiousness.

You couldn’t have asked for a better on screen boyfriend. Stacey Miller-Rhodes was a damn lucky gal. Well, up until her boyfriend got chunks of his flesh ripped from his body by demobats. Meaning he died. Meaning Eddie was gone.

Calm down. Calm down. Calm down.

A sharp knock on your trailer door interrupted your useless mantra, as you jolted, just a little, before giving permission for whoever to enter.

In walked Matt and Ross, warm smiles on their faces. It didn’t do much to ease you, because you knew why they were here. 

“Hey, Y/N, you ready?” Ross asked. Matt stood by the door keeping it open, since it was time to go. 

You nodded. “Yep,” your voice was even, masking the heavy feeling in your throat. You were not ready.

“Figured we’d come get you ourselves, Joe’s busy with makeup on set, for, you know-”

“I know. Thanks,” you said quickly, cutting Matt off. “Let’s get going, then,” you said, standing up and walking past Matt, exiting your trailer. You heard the door shut softly and their footsteps following behind you.

You were being short with them, but that was because you really only wanted Joe at this moment. Unfortunately, he was currently being ‘deadified’ on set, which is where you were now headed. You two had a little cuddle session in your trailer, where he held you tight and layed kiss after kiss on your forehead, cooing that it would be okay and that you would both be fine. After that, he had to go to the makeup trailer to get his prosthetic wounds applied. The process had taken hours, and then he had to film the scene where Eddie actually got attacked by the bats. This meant it had been a while since you saw him last. So, his mamed and mangled appearance awaited you, when the last time you saw him, he was totally unharmed and at ease.

You entered the building, in which there were only a chosen few people. It was a closed set, just you, Joe, and the necessary crew members. The Duffers believed that because a death scene with a couple was so intimate, you and Joe were the only actors that should be on set. 

That, you were thankful for. You were your best self when it was just you and Joe, so you could be your best ‘acting self’, when it was just the two of you as well.

Your eyes were immediately drawn to the ‘Upside Down’, a set made to look like the particular spot in the alternate universe where everything would go down. It was tinted blue and almost sent a chill down your spine to look at, from how cold uninviting, and eerie the general vibe of the scenery was. And a little depressing, which was pretty fitting. The backdrop was a blue screen, which would be used to add the background of the setting, to make everything look as real as possible.

You spotted Joe in the middle of the set, the makeup team applying fake blood to his very real looking wounds. 

“C’mon, we wanna talk to you and Joe for a second before we start,” Matt told you, and as much as that made sense, you wished Joe was more than just a few feet away so you could prepare a little more for seeing him….like that, outside of the context of the scene. 

“Okay,” you said as you three began walking towards him just as makeup finished up their job. When you got to him, you felt yourself tense up at his appearance as you lingered back, just a little bit. He stood awkwardly with his arms slightly hovering away from his body, clearly not wanting to disrupt the fake damage. You could tell from the sight before you that with how much fake blood the team used, those demobats would really do a number on Eddie.

You hated those little CGI bastards.

“Hey,” Joe said, gaining your attention, though his tone was light. You met his eyes, narrowly avoiding the blood streaking the lower half of his face.

“Hi,” you said back, feeling just a little bit of air release from your lungs, not even remembering when you took a breath in. You wanted to make a sarcastic quip to lighten the mood, but words failed you. You didn’t really feel like being funny right now.

“So, you guys remember how the scene goes, Eddie just sacrificed himself and got attacked by the bats, and Stacey runs up to him afterward and sees his body laying there, barely alive, covered in blood and wounds,” Matt began.

You curled your lips in and nodded stiffly, feeling the slightest of shocks run through your body. Calm down.

“I know you two are gonna kill this scene,” Matt continued. “No one understands or could have brought to life Eddie and Stacey better than the two of you,” he said warmly, clamping hands down on both your shoulders. Yours was tense under his touch and Stacey’s clothing.

You had to admit, though, he was right. You had a lot of input into Stacey’s character, taking her from Eddie’s shy girlfriend who was just a tool to enhance how eccentric he was, to a girl with a backstory and reasons for her reserved nature. Knowing Stacey’s history would make the scene even more gut wrenching to film. A girl raised in a household with a domineering step-father who believed women should be seen and not heard, who made her life a living hell under the watchful eye of her mother who did nothing to stop it. Upon turning 18 she left him and his toxicity behind, but carried the burden of years of being forced to subdue herself. Eddie got her to open up to him, but she still carried herself quietly around others. The fear of judgment was damaging.

Because of how much you put into Stacey and the influence you had on her storyline, you knew none of your nervousness had to do with how you’d perform in the scene. You were confident in your abilities as an actress and knew you could carry this scene with the help of Joe perfectly. 

“Thanks, guys, that means a lot,” you said to them, gripping the moto jacket you wore, canonically taken by Stacey from Eddie’s closet. 

“Yeah, truly, we’ve come a long way from me thinking I would completely ruin the show,” Joe chuckled, the smile on his face juxtaposed by the blood caking it. It was actually kind of off putting.

“Alright, well, let’s get this show on the road!” Mat clapped his hands and walked with his brother offset.

More like let’s get this over with. You were about to walk off to get in your spot, when Joe grabbed your hand gently, stopping you. You turned to face him, brows raised expectantly.

“You good?” he asked.

Deciding to keep this short and sweet, you settled for a quick nod, and a soft ‘yeah’. Satisfied, he released your hand so you could go to your place, just as one of the Duffers yelled “Places!” 

When you got to your mark, you looked over to Joe one more time, who was already looking your way. You could feel the intensity of his stare from where you stood, those gorgeous brown eyes and the way they sparkled no matter the lighting or setting. He gave you a smile, and you returned one, unable to ever not do so. It managed to give you a new found confidence you lacked just seconds prior. He took his position on the ground, and then, it was time.

There was no turning back once it began. Unless you swiveled on your heels and ran in the opposite direction, which was tempting. 

Once it happened, everything you were worried about could become a possibility to follow suit.

You sucked in an unstable breath and closed your eyes, savoring a final moment of calm before those two little word were uttered-

“And….ACTION!”

You took off.

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

Stacey’s heart was ramming against her ribcage the moment she re-entered the upside down, but when she saw her boyfriend lying limp on the cold, wet ground, she swore her legs would give out as her heart seemed to cease in its entirety. 

He had gone back. He wanted to be a hero. He didn’t want to run anymore, but God, she wished he did.

“Eddie!” Stacey called out, voice unstable and legs threatening to give out from underneath her as she sprinted towards him. Somewhere in the corner of her mind that was swarming with fears of what would happen to him, she began to pray to whoever there was that could hear her and help him.

Please let him be okay. Please. Please. Please.

“Ed, babe, oh my God,” Stacey whispered, and fell to her knees before his broken down form. His torso was torn to shreds, his Hellfire shirt almost completely soaked with blood from his wounds. She took hold of him and pulled the upper half of his body into her lap, feeling the red substance begin to seep through her jeans.

The demo bats surrounded the two of them, incapacitated, laying limp on the floor of the upside down-taunting you. Blissfully unaware that they had probably just taken the love of Stacey's life away from her, brutally, with no remorse, as he tried so desperately to be the hero, not the coward he convinced himself he was.

“Ed, are you with me? Can you hear me?” Stacey asked him softly, not wanting to scare him. She brushed his hair from his face and tried to meet his eyes, his gaze unfocused and teary.

Eddie’s voice came out shaky and weak from his blood coated mouth, his cheeks smeared with it. “I did it,” he choked out. “I didn’t run anymore,”

There was no denying he felt some semblance of pride at what he did, and because of that, Stacey couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, though the tension in the noise was palpable. “Yeah, yeah baby, you’re so brave,” she told him.

The proud smile he bore was distorted by a look of pain as he shifted slightly. “It’s bad, isn’t it?” he groaned, in clear discomfort.

One of her hands applied pressure to one of the many wounds that marred his torso as he shivered in her arms. “No, no babe, it’s fine, you're gonna be okay,” she stumbled out, trying to sound as confident in her words as possible, when everything about the situation told her that her words were not the truth. “We just….we just need to get to you to a hospital and everything’s gonna be okay, Ed, don’t worry,”

“No. I think this was it, baby,” he met his girlfriend’s gaze, his jaw trembling as more blood dribbled out the sides of his mouth as he took in barely there, labored breaths. “This was finally my year,”

Stacey choked out helpless cries, caressing his face, and shaking her head. This couldn’t be his year, this couldn’t be the way it ended. He was supposed to finally graduate and the two of them were supposed to get the hell out of Hawkins together, away from all the bullshit media propaganda and pearl clutching PTA moms. They were going to get out of there and be happy together. That was how it was supposed to fucking be, goddammit.

“No,” Stacey gritted.“This isn’t over yet, you’re gonna be okay, Ed,” she nodded stiffly, lips trembling as salty tears flowed into the seam. “We’re just gonna wait a little until the others get here, then we’re gonna carry you out of this hellhole and take you to a hospital, and the doctors there are going to fix you, baby, they’re going to make the bleeding go away, and stitch you up and give you some meds, and then you’re gonna be okay, you’re gonna be okay, you’re gonna be okay,” she chanted weakly as her cheeks became soaked with tears. She wanted to speak it into existence, even as reality clawed and fought its way to the front of her mind.

“Baby,” he cooed. He placed a cold hand on hers, the one that still pressed against one of his wounds, gripping it weakly. Always the one who wanted to comfort her, even if he needed it way more in this situation. “I’ve fulfilled my duty as Eddie the Banished, I didn’t run, and I saved the town,” he told her. 

“That town doesn’t deserve your sacrifice, Eddie,” Stacey argued pathetically.

“I saved you,” he stressed, making it known that this act was with only one person at the forefront as motivation, the rest of the town behind her. “And you’re worth it, Stacey. You’re so. Fucking. Worth it,” he said to her, lacing their fingers together, pulling the back of her hand up to his lips, and pressing a bloodied kiss to the cold, dirty skin. 

“I love you so much,” he said as firmly as his shutting down body would let him.

It hurt her to not say those words back, but she knew why he said them, and she didn’t want to accept this as the end.

“Ed, don't you dare say goodbye,” she told him through her tears, trying to sound strong and sure, but it wasn’t possible. “This isn’t the end for you, this isn’t the end for us,” she said.

“Stacey, baby, I want you to listen to me,” Eddie began, the wobble in his voice impossible to ignore now as he tried to raise his head as much as he could, wanting her to truly take in his next words. “When you go back, I want you to go home and pack all of your shit, as much as you can carry, and I want you to get on the next bus out, because you’re gonna leave that shithole Hawkins. You’re gonna tell that place to kiss your ass and you’re gonna run like hell out of there without so much as a single glance back,”

Stacey shook her head, understanding where this was headed, not wanting to hear a word more. “Ed, no-”

“You’re gonna find some place for the both of us, somewhere where the people aren’t shallow minded assholes, where we can be whoever the fuck we want to be with each other, and I want you to live your life everyday as you would have if I was there,’

“Eddie, I can’t-”

“Yes, you can. I don’t want you to cave back into yourself, baby. You’re the most beautiful, brilliant, incredible human being I’ve ever met and everyone deserves to know you and appreciate you as you are. Do you hear me?”His proclamation to her ended with that simple question, and he left no room for argument. 

She absorbed all his words, every letter, every syllable, struggling to accept that the life they wanted to have together, would have to continue on without him. The life she wanted with him would totally and completely absolve her from the one she had growing up. Could she do it? Could she move on?

Those answers remained to be determined, but the one thing she absolutely couldn’t do was argue with him anymore. She just didn’t have it in her to deny him his dying wish, or keep fighting what he had already accepted.

Closing her eyes, more droplets fell, mixing with his blood. She felt herself nodding before she could even consider another response in her mind. “Yeah,” she whispered in a watered down voice. “Yeah, baby, I hear you,” she opened her eyes and met his own once more. 

“Good,” he replied. “Good,” his voice was noticeably more floaty that time.

They fell silent. They just looked into one another’s eyes, exchanging so many words and feelings that would completely consume what little time they had left together. His hand was still laced with hers, pressed against his chest, where she could feel his weakening heart beat.

“I love you so much,” he repeated his words from earlier, breaking the hauntingly peaceful quiet. It was barely above a whisper practically mouthed, but she heard him, loud and clear. And as soon as those words came out, he looked ahead blankly, his eyes slowly beginning to lose the light in them Stacey loved so much.

“Eddie, no, please,” she gritted, tears dripping from her eyes uncontrollably. “Stay with me, baby, please,” she pleaded urgently, brushing more of his damp hair out of the way and patting his cheek lightly, trying to get him to remain alert….alive. She just wanted one more moment with him. Just one. 

But then, she felt it.

His body stilled.

His grip on her hand went limp.

His eyes lost any life left in them.

“Eddie,” she whimpered, hand remaining on his cheek. Her body shook uncontrollably as she let the tears fall freely onto him, her agony and pain taking over as she held his lifeless form close to hers. She repeated his name through her cries, trying to wake him, trying to make this nightmare end. She leaned down and pressed her forehead to his, wanting to feel him as close as possible, for what was the very last time.

“I love you, too,” Stacey whispered, her lips touching the skin between his eyebrows. If those words meant anything anymore, she wanted it to be at this moment. 

Because she truthfully didn’t know when-or if- she would ever say them again.

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

“CUT!”

It was like a switch went off in you, as reality made its presence known once more. 

The scene was done, the Duffers yelled cut, it was over.

However, the moment fully sank in when Joe rose up and took your hands in his, pulling you upright and bringing you into a warm embrace. You didn’t care about the fake blood that would get all over your front or the fact that his back was soggy and caked with damp dirt, you threw your arms around him and held on tightly, rivaling the hold he had on you.

“You did so incredible, babes, I’m so proud of you,” he whispered in your ear, his long fingers running up and down your sides lightly, almost tickling, but you reveled in it and his touch. You closed your eyes blissfully as you came down from your high, feeling the tears drying on your face, thankful makeup used waterproof eye makeup. 

“Yeah, you too,” you said back for his ears only, as the Duffers and the rest of the crew approached you both. You let each other go, though his arm remained on the small of your back, as everyone began delivering their praise. The voices became so jumbled you could barely register who said what. So, you just smiled and nodded and gave your gratitude along with Joe, whose hand rubbed soothing circles against your waist.

Now, to face reality.

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

Part 2 where Joe and reader discuss why she was so nervous coming Saturday 🥰 it was originally part of this fic, but it was getting way too damn long, so a split was needed lol. Stay tuned Joe girlies 😘

[kokawrites]

Stars in the Sky (That Already Died)

Stars in the Sky (That Already Died) pt. 1

⤏ Pairing: Jungkook x Female!Reader

⤏ Genres: action, fantasy!au, angst, fluff.

⤏ Summary: the day the stars fell, one of them crash landed in front of your apartment. his name was Jungkook, and he was tasked with something much larger than your feeble human mind could ever comprehend. but he saved your life, and you were determined to spend the rest of it by his side.

⤏ Word count: 3,763

⤏ Notes and content warnings: lots of world building and original themes, monsters but not in the traditional sense, apocalyptic events, fighter jungkook, you have anxiety, minor wounds and depictions of violence

pls pls pls make sure to read the notes in this chapter and all future ones, as new arcs will come with new warnings (the main ones having to do with violence, panic attacks/anxiety, referenced character death, and smut) i will of course warn you guys in the actual chapters so you can decide if you'd be more comfortable just skipping the sections, or just not reading at all.

happy reading!! dm or reply if you'd like to be added to the taglist. <3

Previous Chapter | Chapter list | Next Chapter

AO3

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

CHAPTER 1: Cygnus

Something heavy weighed in your heart when you woke up that day.

When you opened your blinds, the sky was painted a deep amber, nothing too unusual. LA, and SoCal in general, was infamous for its wildfires and air pollution, so you just sighed and turned on your air filter, trying to ignore the small voice in the back of your mind as you continued with your morning routine.

Hours passed and you even finished a few errands without anything happening, but that stupid feeling only grew stronger, gnawing at your insides. You thought about calling a friend to talk you through it, but decided that you would try everything in your power first before bothering anyone else.

You were placing a mug of water in the microwave to make tea when your phone wailed an ungodly siren, making you jolt and curse as you spilled a bit on the counter. But it still wasn’t until you saw the emergency notification that panic spiked in your chest.

Emergency Alert

AERONAUTICAL THREAT INBOUND. FIND SHELTER IMMEDIATELY AND REMAIN INSIDE. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. STAY ALERT. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

You struggled to keep your hands steady as you opened your messages, a few texts from your friends already filtering in. Thoughts racing, your eyes scanned over their messages.

Ryujin

is everyone ok??

Lisa

everyone saw that alert right?

send updates on location. im at home

[Name]

in my apt

wtf does aeronautical threat mean

Jin

at work but at least i’m inside. they’re putting the building on lockdown

Ryujin

at my apt too. ik they said stay inside but i’m a 10 min walk from [Name] should i head over?

[Name]

a lot can happen in 10 min, just stay where you are. everyone keep ur devices charged and stay away from windows. love u guys.

Just as you pressed send, a loud boom shook your entire apartment, making you lose your footing. Your hand darted out to grab hold of the kitchen counter to steady yourself. The orange glow from the sky outside seemed to flicker for a few moments before completely disappearing, darkness flooding your apartment and blinding you. More booms echoed outside, but they sounded much further away than the first; you counted at least ten over the span of a few minutes. By now your legs had completely given out, your eyes squeezed shut and your back pressed against your stove, hand still gripping onto the counter for dear life.

For a few moments after the last explosion, all you could hear was the roar of your heartbeat and your erratic breathing. The possibility that this could be your end suddenly started to sink in, and your thoughts were surprisingly bland to be your last. All you could think was please, I don’t want to die. Please, please. You begged to someone you didn’t even know was listening, your thoughts projected out into the universe only to get lumped in with everyone else’s. There was no slideshow of your life like there was in the movies, no strange feeling of calm as you acknowledged your impending doom, because you refused to believe that this was it. You still had so much to do, so many people to meet, so many places to go–no matter how you looked at it, you weren’t ready. And obviously you knew that you couldn’t control that, so you hoped your pleading would reach the person who could.

The shriek that pierced the dark silence at that moment could be described as nothing other than bone-chilling, terror prickling at your skin and gnawing at the pit of your stomach. It sounded close by, but you had no real idea of knowing where it came from. A horrifying feeling crawled up the base of your spine and raised the hairs on the back of your neck, and your mouth went dry. You couldn’t explain it, but you just knew. Whatever was out there was coming for you next.

Ringing filled your ears as you tilted your head to peer out the window above you, terrified of what you would see. You couldn’t see much other than a faint white glow, one that you probably would’ve called ethereal under any other circumstance. You couldn’t find the willpower to avert your gaze, your eyes stuck on the window as the glow spread, spilling into your kitchen, illuminating you and your surroundings like a soft spotlight.

As the light beamed over you, a creature climbed in, strangely angelic with its long, platinum blonde hair, and skin so pale it was almost translucent. But then you saw its eyes, obsidian voids full of nothing except pure, concentrated evil, and you knew this was not an angel. You felt like you were trapped in your own body, unable to move or scream, like you were dreaming. Oh, if only this were just a nightmare.

The figure smiled, its mouth stained crimson with what you could only assume was blood, its teeth reminiscent of stalactites in a musty cave. You didn’t dare movc, breathe, or even blink. You barely even thought, but one word persisted: please.

It let out a terrible screech as it lunged for you, and you closed your eyes, bringing your arms up to shield your face. Pain erupted where its sharp claws grazed your skin, heat rushing to your wounds as blood oozed out of them. You managed to kick it off for a brief moment, and scrambled backwards to put distance between the two of you. It looked unfazed–possibly even amused–and brushed itself off, tilting its head at you. The light around it was almost blinding now, your entire apartment fully lit, and you could barely look at it straight on. But you knew that the second you looked away, it was the end.

“Wh-What are y-y-you?” you whimpered, your mouth quivering. “Why are you d-doing th-this?”

The smile on its face grew and it dropped down to all fours. Its voice was unbearably hoarse as it spoke, like nails on a chalkboard, “We are the solution.”

Your head whipped towards your patio door as it shattered, a body crashing through it and landing in your living room. The man whipped his head up from his crouched position, your chest swelling with relief as your eyes met his. You blinked and he had crossed over to where the monster was, his armored fist connecting with its head and sending it flying backwards and colliding with the wall. The creature didn’t have any time to recover before the man was on him, throwing powerful strikes into its body. You could hear the wall thudding and bones cracking with each hit, and you couldn’t help but cover your ears and look away. You noticed the light in the building flickering and getting dimmer everytime the monster took a blow, and you shut your eyes for a moment, focusing on your breathing to combat the dizziness you felt.

When you opened them again, the room was dark. You blinked a few times to adjust to the lack of light, and slowly uncovered your ears. The sound of labored, rhythmic breathing came from your kitchen, but you didn’t want to look just yet.

“... is it gone?” you whispered.

“Yes,” the man said, his voice softer than you anticipated. “You can look now.”

And as soon as the words left his mouth, your eyes were welling with tears, a sob punching you in the gut and throwing you to the ground. All the fear that built up in your body over the past who knows how long, probably only a few minutes, was finally being released. You struggled to breathe through your wails, your forehead pressed to the ground and your knees huddled to your chest as you grasped at the carpet. You hadn’t heard him walk over to you, but the sudden warmth on your shoulder alerted you of his presence, and your fingers reached out to weakly hold his.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “You’re safe.”

~*~

You could only bring yourself to turn on the table lamp, warm light dimly illuminating the living room and nothing past it. You knew there were still remnants of the fight in the kitchen that you didn’t want to see, so that was as much of your apartment that you were willing to make visible.

The stranger quietly walked over to you, holding your first aid kit and a blanket. You started blankly at the wall in front of you as he draped the blanket over your lap and sat beside you.

“May I?” he asked, and you only furrowed your brow slightly, gaze unmoving. “Your arm.”

You nodded, and he gently took hold of your wrist, placing your hand in his lap. You barely felt the sting of the alcohol on your wounds, the shock numbing your senses. Before you knew it you were all cleaned and bandaged, silence hanging in the air between you and the heroic stranger.

Your tongue darted out to wet your lips and you felt how chapped they were. Without you even saying anything, the man got up and went to your kitchen, opening your fridge. You winced at the sudden beam of light, turning away to tuck your face in your shoulder.

He returned and you took the water wordlessly, almost wanting to smile when you realized he had opened the bottle for you. Whoever this guy was, he was a gentleman. If you had met under any other circumstances, you’d probably be planning to take him out to dinner. Among other places.

“Thank you,” you croaked out after taking a few sips. You finally looked over at him and took in his features, and he looked right back at you, unwavering. He was handsome, with round eyes and a piercing on his pretty lips, another one through his right eyebrow. You could see a few on each ear as well. Your heart clenched when you saw a fresh wound on his cheek, and you instinctively brought your hand up to cradle his jaw.

He turned ever so slightly just so your skin wouldn’t touch his, but it wasn’t a harsh movement. Your hand dropped back into your lap. “Of course,” he said. “That’s why I’m here.”

“What is?” you asked. “What the hell is the reason for any of what’s happened today?”

He blinked, glancing in the direction of your kitchen. “I don’t know if I can tell you that.”

“Well then… who are you?”

“... I don’t know if I can tell you that, either.” His eyes returned back to you, his expression apologetic.

Uneasiness grew in your chest, your heartbeat getting too strong to ignore. “What can you tell me?”

His brow furrowed and his lips parted slightly as he thought about his response. “That you are safe, because I’m here. And I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”

You felt a pang in your chest at his words, suspicion and guilt bubbling in your gut. “Why did you save me? Do you have to go save other people?”

He shook his head. “I was assigned a mission, and I carried it out. Until I receive my next one, I can do whatever I want.”

“And what you want is… to be here, taking care of me.” You searched his eyes for any sort of answers, knowing you would find none but wanting to find any information at this point.

The corners of his mouth tilted upwards into a soft smile. “Yes.”

Your phone buzzed on the coffee table in front of you, the sudden noise making you jump. You reached forward to grab it, seeing Ryujin’s name on the screen.

“Hello?”

“[Name], are you okay?” her voice was shaking, and you gripped the blanket on your lap.

“I’m fine, are you? Do you need me to come get you?”

“N-No, I… I just wanted to hear your voice. You weren’t responding in the group chat, so…”

You gnawed at your bottom lip, debating whether or not you should tell her what happened. If all of you managed to make it out of this, fingers crossed, you would find some way to tell them after the fact. “I honestly didn’t even notice, I’m sorry. I was so scared I couldn’t really do or think about anything.”

“Okay,” she said, her voice small. You could hear faint barking in the background, so you at least knew she was still at home. “Did you hear the explosions, too?”

“I did. There haven’t been any for a good amount of time, though, so I think the worst is over.”

You felt movement next to you and looked over at the man to see him staring uneasily at the floor in front of him. Something about his expression made you anxious, and he snapped out of it as if he could tell what you were thinking. “Hey, uh, I’ll text you, okay?”

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing. Love you,” you said, your jaw clenching. You hated leaving her hanging when she needed you, but you were going to get the answers you all deserved. “I promise I’ll text.”

His expression was calm when you looked at him again, a stark contrast to the emotion you saw on his face just a few seconds ago. You thought about the best way to approach this, the most logical and successful method to accomplish what you needed to do.

“My name is [Name],” you said. The look on his face didn’t change, but you only hoped he was going to listen to what you had to say. “Do you have a name?”

He blinked at you, his mouth parting slightly before closing again. His eyes darted around the room for a brief second before resting on your face again. “Yes.”

“Can you tell me what it is?”

His eyelashes fluttered as he inhaled, something unreadable in his eyes. “... Jungkook.” His voice was steadier than you thought it would be, given his body language. His jaw tensed and he exhaled through his nose. You let the weight of his confession sink in for a bit of time as you two sat in your dim, oddly serene living room, the only things audible being your breathing and the soft whistle of the wind as it flowed in through your shattered patio door. Something in the air shifted when he made the decision to introduce himself, and the anxiety felt like a dagger was stuck in your throat. But you swallowed it down, and focused on what–who was right in front of you. That would have to be enough for now.

“Jungkook,” you repeated, testing it out on your tongue.

“You have questions.” There was no judgment in his voice as he said this, just a simple acknowledgement of your curiosity. “There’s a lot I won’t be able to answer, not yet.”

“When will you be able to? Are you waiting for something?”

He offered a small nod. “I answer to someone very powerful. I want to give you your answers, believe me. I understand what this situation must feel like from your perspective. But I need you to know that you are safe now.”

How many times has he said those same words now? Your mind suddenly transported you back to the dangerous moment you were just in, the grating voice of the monster scraping in your ears. “That thing from earlier… it said something to me.”

Jungkook’s expression darkened, and you swallowed thickly. “It told me… it said it was the solution. Well, it said ‘we.’ Which means there are more of them, right?” Tears burned at the back of your eyes as you thought about your friends, your neighbors, everyone you’ve ever been in contact with. The scream you heard before the light appeared. “You saved me, but what about everyone else? Are there more of you?”

“Yes.” That was all he was willing to say, and you were too defeated to press.

“Well.” You sniffled, wiping away the lonely tear that dripped down your jaw. You were tired of crying, tired of this day, tired of the danger. You would get your answers later. “Are they all as hot as you are?”

He laughed, and you were grateful for the sound. “They’re pretty hot, yeah.”

“Damn.” You nodded in approval. “I guess I can’t be complaining too much about having almost died, since you came to save me.”

His hand reached out to hold yours, his touch warm and firm over your fingers that you didn’t realize were shaking. “You should probably text your friends, right? C’mon, I’ll clean up out here, and you go get some rest.”

You bit your lip as you nodded, not wanting to think about what “clean up” meant.

~*~

The girl staring back at you in the foggy mirror was tired. Her eyes were rimmed red, wet hair sticking to her cheeks. You hadn’t seen her in a while, and she was not a happy sight.

The scratches on your arm weren’t very deep, but they were an angry color, and inflamed slightly. After you re-dressed them, you had to close your eyes for a moment, having stared at them a bit too long. You clenched your fist, nails digging into the palm of your hand in an attempt to ground yourself. The pink half-moons left in their place stung slightly, not enough to disrupt your raging thoughts, and your eyes snapped open. You slammed the door behind you as you rushed out of there, the humid air from your hot shower too thick for your lungs to breathe in properly.

There were over 100 texts waiting for you when you checked your phone.

Jin

I literally cant see anything in here. the generators arent working. one of my coworkers jumped and we could hear the thud guys im fucking sick

Your hand flew to your face as you read the message, sweat pricking at the nape of your neck as you struggled to breathe through the nausea. You were scared to read more, but you also felt obligated to in order to determine whether or not your friends were safe.

Ryujin

holy shit Jin thats awful im so sorry

also my dog wont stop barking but theres nothing outside, i cant see or hear anything its freaking me out

Lisa

does anyone else see like a blob of white light?

Your heart plummeted to your feet as you read her message. It was sent 4 minutes ago. No one responded to her since. Your body started moving before you knew what you were doing, swinging your bedroom door open and rushing into the living room. Jungkook’s eyebrows knitted together at the sight of you, distressed and panting.

“My friend–I think my friend is being attacked, she said she saw a white light just like the one I saw, please save her, I need you to save her, please–” Your breath stuttered when you realized he wasn’t doing anything, wasn’t reacting in any sort of way. “Jungkook?”

“I can’t… do that.” He shook his head, guilt etched into his features.

“What the fuck does that mean?” you choked out. “You’re here to fight those things, right? Isn’t that your ‘mission’?”

He shook his head, and you gritted your teeth. “It’s not that simple, [Name].”

“Then I’ll do it myself, and you can leave.” You tried to storm past him to grab your keys on the counter, but he grabbed your wrist. You twisted your arm out of his grip, and he quickly latched back on, this time holding your bandaged area and reopening the wound. “Ah!” you winced, pain running up your entire arm.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said. “But I can’t let you leave.”

You looked at him through glossy eyes, but your tears weren’t from sadness. Your face burned from the anger coursing through your veins. His guilty, dejected expression was really starting to piss you off. Your voice was icy when you spoke again, “You either help my friend, or let me go so I can do it myself.”

“If I help your friend, mine will die. And so will I.” You knew he wasn’t lying. And it didn’t make it better, didn’t make you less angry at him, but you understood. “If you leave, you will die. There’s no outcome if we take action where no one dies.”

But who will guarantee that Lisa doesn’t die? You punched the counter with your free arm, the frustration too much to contain. Over and over again, you slammed your fist against the marble, before eventually collapsing against Jungkook, who held the back of your head as you soaked his shirt with your tears. You weakly hit his chest, even though you knew you couldn’t make it hurt half as much as yours did. Eventually his grip on your arm loosened, and you jerked it away from him, cradling it with your other hand.

As soon as you were able to stop crying, you broke out of his arms and turned away from him, roughly wiping away your tears. The two of you stood there in silence for a beat until he spoke softly, “Can I look at your arm?”

“No,” you said, still not looking at him. “I think you should go.”

You went to your room first, not daring to look back at him. When you closed the door behind you, you sank down to the floor, hugging your knees to your chest. The brightness from your phone screen in your otherwise pitch black room made you squint a bit at first, but your eyes adjusted quickly.

[Name]

don’t go towards the light.

Lisa

i didn’t. it just went away after a bit. glad to hear from u

If you had any tears left, they would be pouring out right now. But you didn’t, so the most you could do was heave a sigh of relief.

Emergency Alert

THREAT ERADICATED. REMAIN INSIDE UNTIL THE ALL CLEAR. DO NOT TALK TO STRANGERS. CALL 9-1-1 IF YOU NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

Just as you finished reading the alert, you heard the soft click of a door closing come from outside your bedroom. You hadn’t expected him to stay, but you’d be lying if you said a part of you didn’t wish he had.

The same feeling you had in the back of your head this morning told you this wouldn’t be the last you’d see of him, though. And today taught you not to ignore it.

[emerald-chaos]

Insomnia

*gif not made by me, credit goes to the owner*

Hi Everyone! So it's been probably like...10 years since I wrote my last fic lol. Watching TFATWS has rekindled my undying love for Bucky Barnes and I just couldn't help but start writing again. I had to get my feelings out! I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. I've been considering writing some more parts...so tell me if that's something you'd be interested in! I appreciate any and all constructive feedback or just feedback in general! Much love.

Pairing: Reader x Bucky Barnes

Word Count: 2533 (lowkey popped off...oops)

Warnings: Just in case...vague allusions to a dark past, struggles with mental illness, explicit language, and some suggestive conversation. Oh and some really bad jokes lol. Fluffy and angsty.

No matter how much you tossed and turned, how many sheep you counted, or how much you prayed and pleaded to any higher power that would listen – the release of sleep just wasn’t going to happen. You’re not sure why you were surprised, it’s not like this was the first time. You let out a heavy sigh and toss off the covers. This has been a nightly occurrence for as long as you can remember. When you were trying to rest, when there was no noise to block out the images in your head, it was a battle. A battle which you have always lost.

You flip on the bright florescent lights of the bathroom as you trudge in, dragging your feet in exhaustion. It takes a minute for your eyes to adjust to the harshness of the light as you place your hands onto the countertop. The cool marble feels good against your palms as you close your eyes and lean your head back, another sigh leaving your lips. You twist your neck from side to side, trying to release some tension and maybe get a satisfying pop. No such luck. As you open your eyes and gaze upon the person staring back at you a small laugh tumbles from your chest.

Jesus, she looks awful.

The dark circles that permanently reside below your eyes appear more pronounced than usual. The corners of your mouth hang low and you just look…tired. Like you were rode hard and put away wet.

The bottle of melatonin tucked away on your counter catches your eye. You pick it up and twirl it as you inspect the writing. “Sleep Support” you read, “may help promote restful sleep”. What a load of shit. You place the bottle back down and inspect the orange one next to it. The pills inside were about as useful as the melatonin. Nothing seemed to quiet the voices or stop the scenarios that plagued your mind. You splash some cold water on your face and grab for a towel to pat it dry. Your eyes drift to the mirror again, as if though the water was going to wash away the dead look in your eyes.

Yeah, fat chance.

Before you know it, your legs are carrying you through the compound. The only sounds present are the whirring of various appliances and the soft patter of your feet against the tile floors. The moonlight casts shadows over the various pieces of furniture and lights your path. Your fingers curl around the handle as you pull the sliding glass door open. The crisp outside air kisses your skin as you step out and close the door behind you. You find yourself settling down in your usual spot on the balcony and you sink into the comfort of the chair.

Many a sleepless night has been spent out here, admiring the way the moonlight gleams off of a nearby pond. Before the compound and the balcony, it was a fire escape and a bottle of bourbon. You kind of missed that coping mechanism a little bit. You were thankful, of course, to call this place your home. Thankful to feel safe for once. Thankful to be a part of a team that felt like more of a family than any sorry piece of shit who had been in your life before. Not that you were bitter about that or anything. A little baggage builds character. However, life hasn’t always been kind to you and your stupid brain had a cruel way of constantly reminding you of that fact.

In all honesty, Tony rescued you. You absolutely hated to allow him to relish in that fact, but it was true. He took a chance on a royally fucked up kid out of college who managed to skate by and earn a mechanical engineering degree. If you were to ask him, he would say it was because the first words you said to him were fuck off. Apparently, something about that translated to, “hey, I would be a great addition to your tech and development team”. Although, you were pretty sure you just really meant that he should fuck off. I mean, the guy’s reputation does have a bit of moral gray area to it. Somehow, some way, your tenacity made an impression on the billionaire. Now here you were - living at the Avenger’s compound, sitting on a balcony at 3:30 in the morning because you couldn’t turn your brain off long enough to find some peace and sleep. What a life.

Even as you were sitting here in your special spot, reminiscing about some actual good memories – your brain still tried to drift into the darkness. Glass breaking; voices, thick with hate, engaged in a screaming match, and the cold nights spent trying to find a safe space to eat and lay your head. Your fingers gripped into the arms of the chair as you felt the heaviness in your chest increase.

“God damn it,” you cursed through gritted teeth.

The panic attacks were a second nature at this point, but you still really hated when you lost control. Your eyes closed tight as you tried to rack your brain to remember the bullshit your therapist had told you earlier in the week. Something about 5 things you can see?

“We gotta stop meeting like this, Doll”

The voice ripped you from inside your mind and back to reality. Your eyes opened and were met with a beautiful pair of cerulean ones. You blamed the skip in your heartbeat on your fading panic attack - although, you knew better than that.

“Well, it seems to me that the only logical conclusion is that you’re stalking me, Barnes” you quipped as a grin spread across your face.

“Could say the same about you,” Bucky retorted as he sank into the chair beside you, “besides, been doin’ this a lot longer than you’ve been around”.

You rolled your eyes, but the super soldier had a point. Almost each and every time, aside from the ones that happened when the team was away, you two would meet like this – here on the balcony, both searching for something to replace the sleep that neither of you could find.

“Yeah, we get it, you’re old” a laugh fell from your lips as Bucky snorted at your remark, a grin remaining ever present on his lips.

The familiar silence took over as he leaned his head back against the chair, closing his eyes. Meanwhile, yours were hungrily taking him in - tracing over the stubble on his chin, the soft pinkness of his parted lips. Recently he’d gotten his hair cut and even though you much preferred the long hair, you would rather die than actually admit that to him. Your crush on the 106 year old grumpy ass was one of your best kept secrets. At least, you thought you’d kept it from being painfully obvious.

The man sitting before you, he had a tough exterior and a horrific history, but you knew him better than that. You knew about the way his nose scrunched up when you made him laugh and the way his eyes looked as he listened intently to every story you ever told him. You knew the sweet melody of his laugh and the far off stare that meant he was also held captive by his own thoughts. This late-night rendezvous had become somewhat of a routine for the two of you and you would be lying if you said it wasn’t your favorite part of the day.

The first time it was a short nod and typical white person, thin-lipped smile as you left to find a different spot to suffer alone. Shortly after, it developed into cohabiting the balcony – staying on your own separate sides of course, only occasionally sharing words. Then, before you knew it, the two of you would be sitting beside each other, shooting the shit like you’d known each other for years. Just two, incredibly fucked up individuals, trying to make each other feel a little more human.

Bucky had always given off the quiet, brooding energy. Typically he kept to himself, other than with close friends like Steve, choosing to stand in the corner and listen to the conversation rather than be a part of it. Occasionally he would give a quip during a meeting that would catch people off guard, but mostly he just sat there and stared. The Bucky you had come to know was nothing like the person that others wanted to make him out to be. Sure, at one point he was a masterful assassin who killed like he got pleasure from it – but that wasn’t him. The Winter Soldier and Bucky Barnes were not synonymous.

If only the world could meet Bucky at 3am.

“What’s going on in that empty head of yours over there?” Bucky’s voice once again brought you back to reality as you laid your eyes on the familiar grin plastered across his face.

“Please,” you huffed, cheeks tinted a light shade of pink at the thought of him catching you staring, “which one of us has a college degree again?”

His laugh was a symphony to your ears. Your smile mirrored his when he opened his eyes and turned his head to look at you.

“So, what is it tonight? That nightmare again?” he asked, voice dropping an octave as his facial features softened in a way you really hoped only you got to see.

“Mm, not quite” you responded, your voice a broken whisper.

Bucky wasn’t the type to pry, but with you he wouldn’t even have to. Talking to him, sharing your deepest secrets and fears, telling him about the nightmares that kept you awake at night – it all came easily. Too easily.

“This week it’s...it’s that image of my stupid mother. Standing there with her black eyes and busted lip, telling me that it was me that was the problem. That it was me who...” you swallowed hard, the heaviness creeping back into your chest and tears fighting to wet your eyes. God you hated that you let this get the best of you.

Just as your mind started to bring you back to that dark place it was interrupted by the feeling of warmth spreading over your body. You looked down to see Bucky’s large hand resting right above your knee. When your eyes met again, he gave you a soft look that made your heart scream.

“I’m sorry,” you could tell he meant it as he gave your knee a soft squeeze.

A small smile flashed over your face and you had to resist the urge to reach out and cup his soft, stubbled cheek in your hand.

“Hey, we’re all a little fucked up, right?” you joked.

“Some more than others,” he replied, those beautiful wrinkles appearing around his nose as he scrunched it up with another laugh.

“Thanks, Buck... I’m sure you’d rather be doing anything other than listening to my sob story,” you reluctantly broke eye contact and looked down at the hem of your shirt as you fiddled with it in your fingers.

You were all too aware at the loss of contact as Bucky drew his hand back and leaned back into his chair.

“Doll,” he started as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes again - you could swear you almost saw a grin on his lips, “there are very few things I’d rather do than sit with you on the balcony at 3am”.

At that moment it felt as though time stood still. Sure, you had flirtatious banter back and forth occasionally and made a habit out of spilling your deepest regrets to each other during the wee hours of the morning, but this felt different. This felt like a confession.

You’d be lying to yourself if you tried to convince yourself, or anyone else for that matter, that you didn’t have a thing for him. I mean - who wouldn’t? The guy was a gentleman; he was soft spoken and caring, he was a dork who loved to crack jokes at the most inappropriate times, the type of person who would give you the shirt off of his own back if it meant you were taken care of.

He....well, he was Bucky.

And god damn it if you didn’t love him.

You’re unsure of how much time has passed, but one minute you’re sitting on your chair, chewing your lip and droning on about the man in front of you in your head. The next minute you found yourself on his lap, knees seated on either side of his waist as your legs straddle him and your hands connect with the skin they so desperately craved to feel. Bucky’s eyes opened slowly and met yours as you let the pad of your thumb gently run along the curve of his bottom lip. The uneven breaths leaving your chest hitched as you felt his hands grip your hips softly. Refusing to break eye contact, Bucky gently pressed a kiss to the pad of your thumb. You dragged his lower lip down briefly.

“Well,” he began. His voice was barely above a whisper but it’s thick, lustful tone made you shiver from head to...well, you know, “are you gonna kiss me, Doll? Or do I have to do all the work myself?”

He barely finished his sentence before your lips captured his. It was messy, almost all teeth and tongue. It was needy, as if it was the last time either of you would ever kiss anyone again. It was fucking incredible.

Bucky’s metal arm snaked up your back and found its way into your hair, curling his fingers gently around the strands at the back of your head, as his other arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you closer to his form. He was intoxicating. This whole situation was something you had briefly imagined months ago, but ultimately pushed out of your mind. There was no way that he would ever be interested in someone like you. Yet, here he was, tongue fighting for entrance into your mouth.

You aren’t quite sure who pulled away first. Both of you were gasping for air, chests heaving up and down as you both stared into each other's lust-blown pupils.

“You kiss pretty well for someone who hasn’t had a girlfriend since 1940,” you teased, laughing as he rolls his eyes at the comment.

“You just don’t know when to shut that mouth of yours, do ya?” he practically growled, ever so slightly tightening his grip on your waist, and you almost lost it from just the sound of his voice alone.

“Why don’t you make me, Barnes?” you leaned in close, warm breath fanning over the shell of his ear.

A yelp escaped your throat as you were suddenly jerked up to a standing position, locking your ankles behind his back as he effortlessly held you up by your thighs.

“Oh Doll,” he chuckled darkly into your neck, almost making you pass out from the sensation, “I thought you’d never ask”.

[whoree321]

the bad batch + what romance/rom com movies they watch with you

each of the bad batch x gn!reader

ok first and foremost i really truly believe to the pits of my soul that every single one of these fuckos loves romances and you cannot under any circumstances change my mind

ALSO it’s a gender neutral reader except kinda in echo’s theres like a very brief quote regarding breasts but like i still think even that is pretty gender neutral tbh

so anyway

Hunter: Pretty Woman

this is not the first time that i have publicly declared that i think hunter has a deep rooted connection to the movie pretty woman and it will not be the last

first of all this movie is incredibly soothing to hunters overwhelming savior complex

second of all hunter is literally richard gere (debonaire but emotionally distant gentleman that learns to love) and julia roberts (hooker with a heart of gold) at the same time

he was a little skeptical the first time you put it on but he instantly fell in love with it

the humor, the sensuality, the class divide, the glamour, the unconventional cinderella story of it all. it just really butters his bread

after the first time, when you suggest watching a movie and you pick this one he’ll act very aloof about it (“whatever you want cyar’ika, it doesn’t matter to me”) but secretly he’s really really happy bc it’s one of his favorites (you def know this and def pick it more often)

he absolutely hates the scene when stucky the lawyer hits vivian. like it doesn’t matter how many times he watches it he will fully turn his head away from the screen and say “I don’t like this part” and when it’s over he nuzzles a little closer into you and very tenderly kisses your forehead

he loves the soundtrack too. like he fully exposes how much he likes the movie when you catch him singing or humming “pretty woman” or “it must have been love” absently to himself (you kept it to yourself for a while but eventually you just had to tease him about it. he just smiled a little sheepishly and admitted he liked the songs before promptly changing the subject)

hunter also lowkey definitely wants to recreate the ending where richard gere shows up to her apartment in the white limo with you bc he thinks it’s such a sweet gesture and he wants to treat you like royalty

Crosshair: 10 Things I Hate About You

if there’s one thing about crosshair it’s that he’s a sucker for the enemies to lovers genre

maybe its just him projecting (spoiler alert it most certainly is) but he really enjoys watching the drama conflama of a miserable bastard be tricked into love

and really that’s the true essence of 10 Things I Hate About You

he will grumble and bitch and moan about not wanting to watch a ‘chick flick’ when you put it on, but 15 minutes in and he’s hooked

he has strong negative opinions on literally every single character except for kat and patrick

(crosshair really really wants to think he’s patrick but when it comes down to it he is katarina stratford in every single possible way)

he doesn’t say a word throughout the entire movie but you can tell when he’s annoyed at like bianca or cameron or joey bc he will openly scoff at them

will absolutely hum along in your ear during the “can’t take my eyes off you” scene and make out with you during the paintball scene

(seriously he wants to be patrick verona so bad)

when it’s over and you ask him what he thought he’ll roll his eyes and say “i guess it could have been worse” but his little smirk let’s you know he enjoyed it a lot more than he’s willing to admit

Tech: 50 Shades of Grey

ok hear me out on this one

tech is a huge movie talker. like subtitles are a non-negotiable if you wanna be able to take in any of the movies dialogue bc tech is most likely gonna make commentary over it the whole time

this makes him absolutely indescribably so much fun to watch bad/corny movies with

he will go off about EVERYTHING. the plot, the dialogue, the acting, the costuming, the music, the production quality. nothing and no one is safe. whether you just enjoy letting him talk at you or you join in on the roast, cheesy movies are a hoot between you two

and honey. 50 shades is one of THE cheesiest movies ever

you and tech will literally spend the entire duration of the movie tearing it to shreds

and the thing is tech is a very sarcastic, funny guy when he wants to be (and when it comes to you he definitely wants to be) so by the end of it he will have you in absolute stitches from laughing at the ridiculousness of both the movie and him

with any of the other batchers watching a movie like this either turns into a shy, slightly awkward experience (wrecker, echo) or an incorrigibly horny experience (crosshair, hunter)

but in this context tech literally has no shame or squeamishness about sexual things (why should he it’s a natural biological process?) so to yall the sex stuff is just another thing to roast

literally christian grey could be fully tying dakota johnson down and flogging her and tech will be like “in the last 3 minutes they have panned up to her nipples 4 times. this is criminally shoddy cinematography”

even tho he’s busy giving a detailed play by play critique, he never fails to keep some sort of physical contact with you (wrapping an arm around you and running his hand up and down your skin, playing with your fingers or your hair) so you know he’s enjoying spending this time with you despite his nasty words about the movie

also 1000% after you watch it tech will do extensive research on the ins and outs of bdsm and will have lots of hypotheses he wants to test out (as long as you’re willing and able ofc) ;)))

Wrecker: 13 Going On 30

of all the bad batch members, wrecker is the only one who unabashedly loves any movie that could be considered a chick flick

like he doesn’t even try to hide it or act like he’s too masculine for it. he loves romance and he’s proud of it

this man will have full marathons with you. rom coms, regular roms, tragic roms, hallmark roms, you name it and he’s game

his absolute favorite tho is 13 Going On 30

i feel like he has a huge soft spot for childhood best friends to lovers stories like he finds that type of lifelong partnership so endearing (and he loves to live vicariously through jenna since that type of romance was obviously never an option for him)

wrecker is also very childlike at heart and i think the idea of a 13 year old sweetheart trapped inside the body of a 30 year old cut throat magazine exec is so amusing to him (and maybe makes him feel just a little bit represented in the media)

he is definitely the type to completely engulf you in a cuddle for the entirety of the movie and he DEFINITELY cries into your shoulder at matty’s wedding when jenna is crying on the stoop with her dream house

he wants to try razzles so bad. like so bad. i think if he ever came across them somewhere he would barter at least one of his brothers for them

wrecker really just loves love and watching movies about it just reminds him of how lucky he is to have his own love story with you <3

Echo: The Princess Bride

i feel like it’s glaringly obvious why echo loves this movie

pirates. sword fighting. decades long revenge plots. the value of an honorable, loyal man. true love that never wavers even in the face of devastating tragedy and the darkest of hardships. clever but goofy humor.

echo considers this an action/adventure movie and NOT a romance movie (even tho it 100% totally is a romance movie) and requests to watch it very frequently

he can quote the whole thing. i’m seriously telling you echo loves the princess bride with his whole chest

even tho he refuses to admit it’s a love story above all else, he really does try to model himself in your relationship after wesley

like especially given what happened at the citadel and all the time you thought he was dead, the cinematic parellels are alive and present in y’alls relationship and he strives to be even half the man to you that wesley is to buttercup

literally in your day to day life he will sometimes respond to your requests with a smooth “as you wish ;)” (it doesn’t matter how many times he does it it still gives you butterflies)

when you watch the movie, he snuggles as close to you as possible and does his best to make youre comfy the whole time (he’s insecure about his prosthetics hurting you no matter how much you reassure him they don’t)

he just loves to be able to feel your heartbeat and your laugh when you giggle at the funny bits

every single time without fail at the part when buttercup is about to stab herself he leans down, ghosts his lips against the shell of your ear, and whispers the line in time with wesley: “there’s a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. it would be a pity to damage yours”

every single time without fail you wind up making out until he pulls away and tells you to watch the next part when wesley challenges humperdinck to a duel to the pain

echo just loves you to bits and wants you to know he’d endure a thousand fire swamps for you

Omega: Clueless

i have this really specific obsession with omega being a total girly girl and having very traditionally feminine interests as she keeps experiencing the universe and being exposed to a spectrum of gender expression beyond clone (masc and boring) and kaminoan (ugly)

so with that headcanon of her in mind, it’s vital to me that she sees clueless as soon as possible

clueless is an essential piece of media for a girl entering adolescence and i will die on this hill

it has literally everything you want and everything you need to develop into a well-rounded young woman

it’s so deliciously 90s and glamorama and valley girl humor and camp. its got meaningful female friendships and valuable life lessons and paul mf rudd

if there’s one thing you should encourage a burgeoning hetero teen girl to do, it’s to stick to dating guys like paul rudd in clueless. the earlier this message can be broadcast the better

the second you’re able to steal omega away from hunters watchful eyes (“hunter we’re just gonna watch finding nemo i swear!”) you show her this movie

at this point omega is not really a girly girl, but omega also has absolutely zero feminine influence in her life

the first time she sees clueless she is absolutely obsessed. like seriously she is so enamoured with the glitz and glam of cher horowitz

she asks you questions the entire time. she wants to know about EVERYTHING. the makeup, the clothes, the hair, the slang

(she definitely goes around saying stuff like “i’m totally bugging” for long enough afterwards that almost all of the boys have slipped up at least once with some ridiculous valley girl slang. you thought you were gonna die of laughter when you overheard tech say “as if!” to wrecker in the middle of an argument)

it just really introduces her to this whole world of femininity that she didn’t even know existed and she absolutely loves it

she makes you watch clueless with her seriously once a week at minimum. she begs you to style her hair like tai’s and you can’t help yourself when you happen to run across a little yellow plaid dress and buy it for her on sight

(hunter was gonna scold you for recklessly spending credits until he saw how omega almost cried from how happy she was for the gift)

honestly she enjoys the romance of it all and paul rudd is def her first celebrity crush but she enjoys more that you and her now have this special thing of hair and nails and pretty dresses

she loves how confident and beautiful and special you’re able to make her feel, and you love that you get to bring her that small sense of normalcy and happiness

[fwkei]

Time.

Kazutora x fem!reader (angst/fluff)

CW/TW: Mentions of suicide, (slight) mention of starvation.

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR VALHALLA ARC

Note! Explanation of story at end just incase you’re confused also i apologize for mistakes, i did not read this over. 🙆🏻‍♀️

WC: 3.4k

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

You sat at the edge of your seat. Watching the clock above your teacher's head ever so closely. 

“When you want to find the common di-” 

Suddenly the bell rang, interrupting your teacher from his final words. 

“Oh my bad, guess I lost track of time, anyways please remember to study for your quiz on Monday! I know it's a weekend, but save some time for academics!” said your teacher as your classmates packed up their stuff to leave. 

Today was Friday, meaning it was the day you get to visit Kazutora at juvie for the first time after Keisuke's death, and your attempt. It was 3:30, and visiting hours started at 4 to 5 every Friday for inmates. Running to the metro takes about 5-7 minutes, and walking from the station to the actual juvie takes about 20 minutes, while the ride lasts up to 10, meaning you should arrive there at around 4:10. And there's no time to waste. 

You ran out of class, ignoring your fellow classmates goodbyes. You held your book bag tight as you ran fast to the Tokyo station. Seeing you arrived just on time you jumped in just before the 3:30 o'clock train leaves to a different side of the district where Kazutora is being held. You held onto the rail beside you to keep yourself steady as the train started to move . 

You felt scared but happy to see Kazutora. He most probably didn't know you would be coming, he probably thought you would at most write letters to him, like before, but again...Kazutora believes that you hate him now. You didn't know what you were going to say to him. Draken told you that he already visited him while you were in psychiatric hold for a bit, and he told you that Kazutora was planning on killing himself. Draken did not specify if he told Kazutora about your own attempt but you didn't worry too much because you were healing, and you now had hope.  

Your heart was racing, as the train came to a stop. As the doors opened you ran, and fast. Dodging people to not hurt them and almost stepping on things you shouldn’t be stepping on. You checked the time to see it was 4:01, and you still had about 10 minutes worth of walking/running to cover. 

You were breathing heavily when the Juvenile building came into view. You checked the time again to see it was 4:11. You jogged to the doors of the building despite the fact that your thighs were burning from the amount of cardio you had just done. 

It's all worth it. 

You thought to yourself opening the doors. 

Kazutora sat on the bed of his bland and colorless cell. He signed as he looked up at the ceiling light before turning his position to look at the side of the wall. He held his pillow tight. He knew it was visiting day, and his heart was anxious despite the fact that others had already been called to see their visitors, and there was still no call for him. He didn't even expect any visitors.

Kazutora didn't know if he wanted to see you or not. He’s spent so much time alone in his cell thinking. He wondered if you had figured out the other reason for him stabbing his best friend, you could read people, but he knew you had a hard time reading him. He felt his heart ache. He was scared of the karma that would hit him because of it. Maybe not even Karma, but just some sort of punishment, for causing pain to the soul that cared for him so much, and for not being there for that soul when she needed it the most. Which... ultimately lead to your attempt, which Draken told him about during his visit. He shut his eyes as he remembered Draken's words. 

“I don’t wanna hear you say there is no point anymore. Because there is, and it’s kinda frustrating and irritating how you can’t see it even though it’s right there. She’s in psychiatric hold right now because she was close to ending her own life. After Baji died, and you were taken away, Y/n couldn't take it anymore, and no one could see it because she just...she just kept it in, like you do. She was going to die on Baji’s birthday if I wasn’t there to make her throw up the pills she took. Her and I may not be blood related siblings, but I know she’s been through a lot and has always gotten over it just fine, you know that...but this time...I got really fucking scared.”

Kazutora felt his heart drop to fucking hell at Draken’s words. He felt his breathing stop as his mouth parted.

“I know you love her, I'm not sure in what way but I could care less about that. I know, Kazutora. All those times you came crying to the brothel, crying into her arms, begging for some type of help and she helped you, lended you her body for you to cry on, I’d hear all of it. I know you’re hurting, but if you go, I don't think she will be able to live with herself. She’ll blame herself for not being there for you like she’s always been. Do you understand?”

He felt his body throb from literal physical pain. Kazutora was feeling and getting the punishment he deserved right then and there. 

“You owe it to her, whether you like it or not, to stay alive because she's doing the same for you. And once you’re out of here, you should finally grow up. Let her cry into your arms for once. She’s your best friend, right? Because she deserves for those efforts to be reciprocated. And you deserve to see what she’s gone through because of everything that happened. Take care, Kazutora.” 

Kazutora was lost in his own mind, to the point where he couldn't even register that one of the guards was calling his name from the cell door.

“Hm? I’m sorry I wasn't...uh, paying attention. What did you say?” he asked sitting up nervously 

“You got a visitor, kid. C’mon get up.” said the man unlocking his cell 

“A- visitor?” he said quietly getting up from his bed with shocked eyes 

It was already 4:15. Kazutora grew anxious at who his visitor could be. He was sure it wasn't you, your school is too far for you to make it here in time. There would only be a couple minutes to spare if you did try. Could it be Draken wanting to give him a word of advice? Or maybe Chifuyu.. Maybe Mikey? God, who could it be. It made him feel even more congested and trapped than before.  

As Kazutora walked, he looked down at his feet avoiding people's gazes. He saw the backs of his fellow juvenile delinquents from the side of his eye. His heartbeat became stronger, and he felt it thumbing in his ears. God, he didn't know what to expect. He was just so...frustrated. 

“Here, you have until 5.” said the guard, taking off his hand cuffs. His back was facing you. You grew anxious bringing your hands to rest on your things and skirt, waiting for him to turn around and look at you. You watched as he rubbed his wrists and sat down at the stool still not looking at you. You rubbed your hands together under the table separating you both, as the guard walked away to patrol. Your eyes followed the guard, not even noticing that Kazutora had turned to look at your face. 

Kazutora felt his face get hot at the sight of you. You had a school shirt on, with a dark blue tie and a sweater vest, Your hair tied into a low and messy bun with some of you natural and dyed hairs falling out framing your face. He felt his whole body go warm as you turned your head and gave him a nervous smile as a small blush formed. He didn't know why he was scared to see you, because every time Kazutora had the chance to see you, he instantly felt better, no matter what.

You two, and the other inmates and visitors, were all separated by a piece of plastic with a vent to capture sound better. On the side there was a subsection with an opening to the other side where you could pass things through. Such as notes, toys, hygiene stuff, and extra. You brought your hands to the table holding them.

“Hey...sorry I’m late.” you said as you saw Kazutora snap out of his gaze 

“Oh no I-, please don’t be..” he said waving his hands frantically, clearly nervous

“I had to run about 2 miles to get here..” you laughed trying to not tense up

Kazutora felt… stupid, why would you do that? Just to see him? It just made him even more confused...confused about how he felt towards you. 

“Just to see me? But..why?” he asked without thinking and just speaking, giving a regretful and embarrassed face after asking his question.

“Hm? Oh well it's simple really…” you said bringing your hands to rest in between your thighs on your seat 

“I know that I've told you that I don't like saying these words to people because it sounds like some sort of goodbye but it’s time I grow up from my past, and stop keeping things in..so…it’s because I love you... I thought that was fairly obvious but I don't wanna mess up like I did last time. I want you to know that I do love you and care for you.” you said giving him a closed eyed smile, this made Kazutora realize that you deeply regretted not telling Keisuke that you loved him more often when you two still had time. He felt his heart ache. He felt so guilty and gross.

“So, I’m gonna try and start saying that more often..” you said laughing to break the silence 

Kazutora was still speechless at what you had just said. He couldn’t seem to process it, and he wanted to say it back but for some reason he just couldn’t. He was afraid that something else might slip out. He truly didn't think he was worthy of your love and care. It became quiet. Again.

“I made you a bento box with your favorite things, I made sure to put some extra meat. Cause you always used to ask for that when I would make bentos for study days with you and Keisuke. And don’t worry! It’s allowed and you can have the kitchen hold it for you till you’re ready to eat it for today's dinner, the guards said so. And the container is microwave safe! So you can warm up the entree section. There’s rice and BBQ meat, little octopus shaped sausages and sauce with it! Oh and a salad with sesame dressing on the side, and desert which is just mochi. Every Friday I'll come by, and give you the new bento and you'll just give me back the old one, so that I can wash it and so we don't have to waste stuff.” you said smiling 

Your hand dung into your bag, and you pulled out a wooden bento box sliding it halfway through the subsection, but Kazutora hung his head low. You smiled, trying your best to make things right, as silence grew loud again. 

“I can also bring some mangas for you, I know you like shounen and also horror.. So I can buy some and give them to you so that you aren't bored! This week's shonen jump is good… It’s about a boy who is trying to save his mom, and ends up traveling across lands, with close friends, to get this special potion that will heal her, but I’ll make sure to look for some good horror manga too...I know you like stuff about folk tales, that sound okay?”  

Silence.

After a few minutes you spoke again.

“I decided to let my hair grow out cause I kinda miss having longer hair…There's this really pretty girl in my class who has long blonde hair.. Like Emma’s but longer and more wavy.. What about you? Anything you wanna do to your hair when you get out? I’ll take you to get it done-” 

Silence. 

The time now at 4:40. Kazutora bit his lip out of frustration, refusing to look up at you. 

“Oh! What about I bring over a sudoku book, so you can work on your academics as well! I can teach you how to play, it’s fun once you get the hang of it. Or I can bring just a simple literature book, it’s really up to you, I think both are great.” 

Silence. 

“Maybe markers so you can draw on yourself when you’re bored? I remember you doing that while I would tutor you and Keisuke. I can get big and small ones, and ones with different colors too. Also a sketch book, since you’re really good at drawing.” 

You were met with silence again. You felt your heart ache. Your eyes looked up at the clock and saw it was 4:47. You both were running out of time. About half an hour went by of your speaking, you giving a couple minutes in between waiting for him to speak back, but nothing. You clenched your hands into fists, biting your bottom lip as you looked down at your hands, resting on your thighs. 

You felt a strong feeling in your throat, the feeling you get when you’re about to sob. You were so frustrated, and you were trying to keep a level head. It was hard and you just wanted to fucking cry. 

“I- '' you said before closing your mouth realizing you were about to let out a whine. You didn't wanna cry, you wanted to say something but you were afraid that if you did, it would just come out as a sob.  

“I know it’s hard on you-” you said holding back your sobs while still looking down at your hands, letting your hairs cover your face 

“If you don’t want me here, I promise- that I’m fine with that...but~” you said in between pauses keeping your sobs in, but your last word came out shaky making Kazutora shoot his head to see you about to cry. 

He felt his heart ache once again. 

 “But please….jus-just say something. Anything. At least acknowledge that I'm here.” you cried quietly while tensing up your shoulders 

Kazutora frowned. This was his punishment. Seeing you cry, and not being able to hold and comfort you like he desperately wanted to. He opened his mouth, but closed it soon after when nothing came out. Not even a squeak, or whine, or breath. 

“I-”

You heard him say. You looked up with tears in your eyes seeing his face of desperation. 

Kazutora wanted to speak so badly, there were so many thoughts in his head he just could not push one out of his mouth, and he was afraid he might say something he would regret. He wanted to respond to everything you asked him, add commentary, tell you that you looked pretty today, say thank you for the food you made him. Tell you to not waste your tears on someone like him. Say sorry for making you feel uncomfortable because of his silence. God he just- 

“I love you-” he choked up and said in a louder tone causing your eyes to widen and mouth to part from shock at his sudden outburst.

He was avoiding your eyes as he spoke. 

“I- thank you, thank you so much for the food! Really! And I would really love whatever and everything you bring me.” he said, quieting down towards the end.  

“I...can’t put my thoughts into words… and I don’t wanna say something I’d regret. All this time I’ve just been lost in my own mind. I just want you to know that..that I really am in- that I really appreciate you. I want you..to be here, and I’m so...sorry for making you cry.” he said in between pauses of frustration and embarrassment 

You felt your body get warm, your heart beat was strong and you could feel it in your finger tips and temples. You opened your mouth to say something before Kazutora spoke again. 

“I..wanted to.. Wanted to help you...in just some way...after seeing you cry for the first time...with Baji in your arms….I shouldn't have stabbed Baji...I took the person you loved more than anything...away from you.. Because I was j- because I was so stupid, and still am. Even when you’ve done...so fucking much for me...I- and I took him from you...I just don’t get it… how can you have any empathy towards me anymore.. It doesn't make sense. I took so much from you… I killed Shinchiro, and I killed Baji. You loved them both...Mikey loved them both, why do..why do you even have any feeling towards me?” he said looking into your eyes with tears   

Your eyes softened at him. You took a small breath before saying-

“I thought I already told you why, Kazutora. I love you.” 

Kazutora felt a tear run down his cheek. He knew how much thought came behind those simple words. 

“I don’t need a reason to love you. Just like I don't need a reason to be hungry. It’s just there, and will continue to be there, you know what I mean? Same thing with everyone I love.” you said 

His breath hitched. The time now at 4:52.

“The only difference is I was in love with Keisuke. I still am in love with him. Even though he’s not here anymore. I know you might think I love him and Shinchiro and Mikey because they saved my life and helped me. But I was only so little. I had no concept of it. So was Keisuke. So was Mikey. Keisuke had no reason to come up to little me while I was starving on the ground practically dying. He just did it. He was too young to understand love. You think he understood his feelings for me the second he saw me? Or even with Mikey or Shinchiro. Of course not. They were just focussed on saving my life at the time. We discovered the love that was involved later. Even if it was too late to say anything about it. It took Kei and I about...hmmm..5-7 years maybe...to understand what we felt toward each other specifically. It is different with everyone. The love is just there, it’ll just be understood when the time is right. Like when your hunger just hits you. So when you ask me why I love you, or care for you, or forgive you. I just can’t give you a simple answer, even if I wanted to….because there's so much. Too much.” 

Kazutora understood your words. He really did. It made so much sense to him and he just wanted to scream.

Why? Well.. 

“The time will come where you believe that you're worthy of someone else's love and even your own, and even worth loving someone else yourself. So don’t worry. I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as it takes. Even if it takes all the time in the world, okay?” you said smiling at him leaving him with shocked eyes

“Alright times up! 5 o'clock!” yelled a guard 

“Well, I'll see you next Friday, okay? I’ll bring over some manga, oh! And don't forget the bento!” you said getting up from your seat as Kazutora did the same keeping his hands on the table as the guard came to cuff them 

“Y/n I-I’m…”

No. He can’t say it. He can never ever say it. Why? And say what? 

Because he will never be him. He can never be like him for you, and he was perfect for you. He was the one there for you. He had the time to love you. He was the one. He could never even compete. Not after what he did. Not after the jealousy and envy grew and brewed inside him towards him. He is filthy. Not worthy of your love. Right? 

But someday, he desperately and genuinely wants to allow himself to be loved, and to love. Kazutora will forever be longing for that moment. And when he can love, and allow himself to be loved, he wants it to be with you. 

But till that time comes..

“I’ll...really be looking forward to it.” he said biting back his words and smiling softly 

“Likewise.” you said smiling as you both parted your ways, at least for the time being. 

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

Explanation/note: when i wrote this, i made y/n be a ‘foster’ siblings with Draken and childhood friends with Mikey and Keisuke. << Reason being is because i gave her a backstory where she was neglected and ran away, hence her having a more naturing personality. Y/n and Keisuke were a couple till he died but Kazutora always loved Y/n so it’s a love triangle in a way? I don’t know, but Kazutora grew envious of Keisuke in this ff which ended up being a motive to stabbing him during the fight, to which he later regrets and gets punishment for. Y/n in the story doesn’t know that so that’s why Kazutora can’t accept her love for real because he doesn't know if Y/n will really forgive him after that, and Kazutora won’t be able to learn/accept love till he admits what he did. Holding in that secret, and being in love with Y/n makes him feel frustrated and act out. And obviously time is the theme of this whole story. Kazutora at the end decided to avoid his feelings because the way things are going right now fro the time being for him are fine because he doesn't believe he deserves anything more.  But that can only last for so long, so he’s gambling with his relationship with you. He thinks of it as his punishment for now, not being able to tell you how he really feels, and not being able to comfort you.

ANYWAYS hope you liked it, sorry if it’s confusing. 

[drwcn]

《 Without Envy 》 storyboard 10 - concubine/sleeper agent!wwx & prince!lwj

Other snippets and storyboards can be found on [Master List]

Exactly 851 days - 2 years, 4 months and 11 days - after Wei Wuxian arrived at Gusu and began his mission as a sleeper agent, he was activated.

That chilly morning, he walked into the pastry shop - a front maintained by a decade-long Wen spy - a walk he'd done hundred of times on hundreds of mornings since he arrived. He breezed past the packaging counter, skipped through the faded cotton drapes, and rounded behind the back staircase to the room where Xue Yang always waited for him. Only this time, it was not just his candy-obsessed, murder-happy shidi, but a face he hadn't seen in many, many months. "...Shifu?" Wen Zhuliu's visit meant the end of his carefree days. It's time. That night, Wei Wuxian did not look at either Lan Wangji or Jiang Yanli when he bid "dianxia" and "Jiang-zhuzi" good night. He pretended to retire to bed early, after washing himself of his servant's exterior and donning his robes of night-black. He laid in the dark, waiting for time to pass, and reminded himself of his true purpose. He was never meant to care about these people; love these people. Jiang Yanli was not his doting foster sister; Lan Wangji was not his beloved wangye. I am Wei Wuxian of the great Qishan Wen. Nevernight is my home. I am a spy. Gusu is my enemy. Wei Wuxian kept his eyes closed, his breathing even, and his heartbeat slow. In the lonely quiet, he waited, and waited, and waited. Until the candlelight around the princely manor dimmed to nothing, until the night grew still and the moon shone bright and high in the dark, dark sky. Reaching under the floorboard beneath his bed, Wei Wuxian retrieved his life-long companion from its hiding place and released it from its sheath. "Hello, old friend." He whispered, stroking the blade edge. Suibian's steel glistened with cold malevolence in the stark, pale moonlight.

It would be another year before WWX's identity is discovered. During that time, he lived a double life. In the day, he was Lan Wangji's precious Wei Ying, and at night, he was the blade in Wen Ruohan's hand, stealing, killing and destroying on command. His assignments were not always murder; sometimes it required him to break into secure facilities and obtain copies of certain documents. He was never alone on these jobs; there was always someone convalescing with him from within. Slowly, he began to realize just how deep Wen Ruohan's spy network had infiltrated Gusu's foundation. In a way, it excited him, to know that the posturing and pretending would soon be over, that in the near future a quick war would sweep across the land and unite the two nations. In another way, it frightened him to the bones.

Wei Wuxian killed 37 individuals within the span of a year, 37 men and women of different ranks, status and stations. He did not always know why these people needed to die; in fact, he often didn't and preferred it that way. If he didn't know the motive, then he couldn't argue against the reason, and thus could go on believing that what Wen Ruohan did was ultimately for the betterment of everyone. The men of Gusu were weak - Wei Wuxian was always told - they were not fit to rule. The people of Gusu would be better served under a united empire. He repeated this statement to himself before every job, but over time, the mantra on his tongue began to lose its flavour.

In the meantime however, Lan Wangji and Jiang Yanli quickly formed a strong plan on how they wanted to live out the rest of their lives. Lan Wangji never quite enjoyed laying with women, but Jiang Yanli had just enough wickedness behind her demure exterior that things were... well, interesting. In any case, it was not long before she came to him all smiles and whispered the good news over luncheon .

"Truly?" Lan Wangji set down his chopsticks. "Hm uhm." Jiang Yanli dapped her mouth delicately. "Now, perhaps it's a good time to discuss how dianxia should go about winning A-Xian's affection. He's under the impression you've cast him aside on taishi's orders and has been giving him the cold shoulder." "I wasn't." Lan Wangji defended himself, distressed and slightly offended. "It's just, huangshu's been watching me like a hawk. I was afraid any further attempt to be closer to him would give my uncle reason to remove him from my household entirely." Jiang Yanli was sympathetic. "The summer hunt is in two week's time, and afterwards, since bixia always likes to finish the night on the river with fireworks, perhaps...." She let the sentence dangle, a knowing smile playing at her lips. Lan Wangji felt hope.

Unfortunately, a little hiccup happened before the hunt could take place. Jin Ziyan falsely believed that Wei Wuxian had fallen out of favour with Lan Wangji and was itching to show him his place. Poor Mo Xuanyu was caught in the middle. Jin Ziyan knew Wei Wuxian was an audacious one, but not so stupid that he could be easily goaded into committing a grave offence. Thus, Jin Ziyan planned to cause an incident in the garden whereby poor Mo Xuanyu would unwittingly "offend" him, and he would publicly announce a punishment that was harsher than necessary. He made sure that Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian were near by, as they usually took a mid-afternoon stroll after lunch. True to his predictions, Wei Wuxian could not stop himself for interfering on Mo Xuanyu's behalf. Then in their altercation, Jin Ziyan would fall into the pond, making it seem as though Wei Wuxian was the one who shoved him out of anger. Oh but a lowly servant shoving Hanguang-wang's deputy consort into the pond??! He was as good as dead. What's more, everything happened on the same afternoon that Lan Qiren was scheduled to visit Lan Wangji to discuss matters of court. If it was only Lan Wangji, Jin Ziyan knew Wei Wuxian would suffer little consequence, but taishi tolerated no insubordination or churlish behaviour of any kind.

Lan Qiren was incensed, livid, but he was not hasty to deal the punishment. Instead he turned to his nephew and asked, whilst fully knowing the answer, "Wangji, your household follows the regulations that govern all princely manors, does it not?" "It does, huangshu." "Then tell me what is the punishment reserved for a servant for daring to lay hands on a deputy consort and to cause physical harm to said consort?" "It....I - huangshu -" "What is the rule?" Lan Wangji knew very well that the punishment was death for any servant, maid or eunuch who dared to harm any member of the harem. But Wei Ying, his Wei Ying... "Wei Ying is very precious to Yanli and to Yunmeng-hou. As well..." Lan Wangji hesitated. "Yanli is with child again. It is still very early so we thought it best not to announce it lest we have a repeat of last time. It would not do to upset her at this time." Lan Qiren was extremely dissatisfied with his answer, but conceded for Jiang Yanli's sake. "I'm glad, Wangji, that you've found your way back to your proper companions. This Wei Wuxian clearly has been spoiled to the point of impropriety. His actions today are utterly unacceptable and cannot be allowed to go unpunished or else others would surely follow his example. Guards!" "Detain Wei Wuxian. Have him strung up on a post in the servants' courtyard and give him fifty lashes. No food nor drink. Sun or rain, he is not to be let down until dusk tomorrow." "Huangshu!" Lan Wangji's head buzzed, as though someone had struck him squarely in the temple. His chest felt tight, and his heart ached where it rebelled inside him. "Please -" "He has his life. That is mercy enough."

Wei Wuxian was stripped down to his trousers only and tied up to a post, his hands bound together above him and his bare feet never finding purchase on the ground no matter how he struggled. This fucking suck ass. Jin Ziyan you're a dead man. When all fifty lashes were dealt, even the guards were sweating through their robes. They left him dangling there in the blistering summer heat. A young maid dared to try and sneak him some water but was thwarted by an older momo. "What do you think you're doing, lassie? Did you not hear taishi, no food or drink until dusk tomorrow. Do you want lashes too? Go on! Go!" It rained hard all through the night, only easing up at dawn, but the aftermath of the storm left the air muggy and humid. Combined with the heat, it felt as though he was being steamed alive like a wheat bun. At some point during the second day, Wei Wuxian finally lost consciousness. He was not aware when Lan Wangji barged into the courtyard against Lan Qiren's explicit orders and cut him free.

Really tho, i just want this scene to happen (╹ڡ╹ ) "I'm sorry." Wei Wuxian blinked at Lan Wangji's hunched figure sitting at his bedside. "Whatever for? You saved me, dianxia." Lan Wangji, "But it was my attention that put you in such a position in the first place. Huangshu was looking for a reason to punish you since that day he saw us in my study." Wei Wuxian, "dianxia..." "I find you... lovely, Wei Ying," confessed Lan Wangji with a heavy sigh. His ears burned red not only with the embarrassment of a youth in love but with shame. "I wish for your company, even when you have no desire to be part of my harem. Now I know my mistake. I should have respected the boundaries. I should've known my attention on you would incite jealousy from the others, and as a servant, you have no means of protecting yourself. This is entirely my fault." Wei Wuxian's heart fluttered despite himself. He quickly shook his head. "No dianxia, please don't blame yourself -" Lan Wangji, "perhaps I should send you back to Jiang-fu; I'm sure Jiang-xiao-gongzi would be delighted to have your company back. You would be safe there." Jiang Wanyin had come to visit his sister the very next day after Wei Wuxian was sentenced to whipping. He was one of the most accomplishment young men of his generation, anticipated to be a great general. Nie Mingjue had thought highly of him and had expected great things from this youth. Though perhaps what the late feng-jun found truly commendable was Jiang Wanyin's complete lack of pretense and his short-fuse temper. That is to say, he did not hesitate to get in Lan Wangji's face. His sister would have chastised him, had she not been so preoccupied by her tears. Wei Wuxian, "Jiang...Jiang Cheng was here?" "He was, and he was very upset about your condition. He left many fine medicine and ointments for you." Lan Wangji sighed again. "I shall speak with Yanli. If she is amenable, then I shall make arrangements for you to go back to Jiang-fu. You would not have to put up with me any longer." Lan Wangji stood up. Wei Wuxian grasped his sleeve immediately. In that moment, he could not tell if his panic was derived from his worry that he would not be able to complete his assignment if Lan Wangji were to send him away or if he simply did not wish to part with the prince. "Dianxia - I - I don't want to leave. I - it's true I had once rejected you, but...would you think less of me if I said your attention … hasn't been unwanted for a while, that I have come to enjoy them." At Lan Wangji's widened eyes, Wei Wuxian continued quickly. "You need not give me anything, no elevation, no rank. I don't care about any of that. I am a man, I have no ability to give you children. Nor do I have any family who would benefit from your continued favour of me. I am an orphan, dianxia, I have no place to go. I just....don't send me away. Please let me stay! I'm not afraid of Jin Ziyan, or taishi, or anything!" Lan Wangji sat back down. His hand trembled when he laid it on top of Wei Wuxian's. "Wei Ying...?" Wei Wuxian smiled, still radiant despite his pale complexion. "Dianxia -" "Lan Zhan. No more dianxia, I only want to hear you call me by my name." Wei Wuxian flushed pink. The blush was real, as was the pleased little smile he tried to hide. "Lan Zhan, Wei Ying is yours, if you still want him." The worst part of that was that he meant it. Just the mere thought of being held by Lan Wangji, of being kissed by him, of... so many other wonderful possibilities, made Wei Wuxian want to hide his flaming face into his pillow. Lan Wangji smiled. Quietly, he lifted Wei Wuxian's hand and pressed a kiss to the inner side of his wrist. "Rest, I will be right here." Wei Wuxian felt his treacherous little heart soar: oh no … oh no no no no ….. (Xue Yang's voice in narration: and it was in this moment, that Wei Wuxian knew, he fucked up.) The cruellest thing Wei Wuxian ever did was give Lan Wangji hope knowing that one day he would take it all away.

[sorry-i-ship-drarry]

Could you please do 4 with lots of banter maybe? And an amnesia fic with happy ending with any prompt that you haven't done yet? The first fic I read was based on Harry losing his memory and you wrote the 27 prompt so very beautifully. So please?

Thank you so much @slytherinnbitch for your request and your compliments. All the same for you, you are incredible my love.

It feels like rain

Dialogue Prompt- 18. We both know that i should walk away, but i can't.| TW- Alcohol | Angst with happy ending | Amnesia |

The smells of the scented candles invaded the entire living room as the music poured melodiously echoing the corners. Draco walked around the house making sure everything was close to perfect as they had planned, it'll be the perfect belated anniversary as they had planned. Everything was planned.

Only it wasn't.

The phone rung loudly, making Draco to stop chopping the coriander leaves. Huffing as the ringing grew louder, he wiped his hands over his floral customised apron embroidered with his and Harry's name and he finally picked up the call.

" hello "

" mr. Malfoy it's an emergency, we need you-"

" Macy I told you I can't. Didn't I tell you to find someone else-"

" Sir, it'-its-"

" it's what?"

" it's your boyfriend"

Draco’s breath was caught in his throat, his heartbeat quickening at the pronouncement. And then, everything stilled.

____________________________

What it's to be in love, draco had always wondered. Up until now he always thought that perhaps loving was in showering harry with gifts, or Maybe bringing him flowers, or making breakfast for him before leaving, or taking harry out for dinner, or maybe even letting him cry over his shoulder after he had a rough day but when life hurled and kicked draco's door down, everything as if twisted into untwisting circles and suddenly loving became a remembering to him.

It was no longer bringing harry his coffee in bed, but it was him adding quips everytime draco tried to soften thing's up. He still sees in Harry's movements how a part of him was twitching to touch draco, to feel him, to perhaps remember him but it was maybe harry holding himself back, the new harry, the one that would not allow conversations with draco for more than 10 minutes.

He could recall that night when he ran to the infirmary to look in depth what exactly had happened. 4 hours in the room, healing wounds, casting spells, stitching injuries, cleansing harry, he woke up in Draco's absence Only to be informed later,

" Harry's suffered amnesia "

Hope was what he was left to Drown into. A lingering small flicker of hope that perhaps in those long stares Draco gave harry while medicating him, he'd remember, or maybe he'd remember him in all the small conversation Draco's tries to make, or perhaps, he'll remember through those eyes. He hoped, and he hopes, still.

But Draco hated it in all honesty, but he had Faith, he had Faith that the man he loved is still in there and will one day come out. Only the time was running out and draco would soon have to let go of harry from keeping under observation. He was afraid that in the time all he's left, that if he doesn't remember, then how would Draco cope. It was already hard to look after harry every single day and feel his eyes brim with tears of trying to find his lost treasure.

" Macy told you me you spend a lot more time looking after me than Anyone else? What makes me special malfoy ?" Harry has asked one day

Draco stopped in his movements, giving him a curt smile" th- perhaps Because I know if I spend more time with you, you'll remember "

" why are you so obsessed with me remembering ? I mean it's not like it's such a big deal right. If anything I'm happy to have forgotten something's even " harry chuckled lightly.

Draco gulped down the knot that formed in the center of his chest, dug his nails firmly into this palms wishing that Harry would take his words back, for once harry could look at draco with a vision of more than just hatred..

As if harry sensed it he added " I- I don't know if we were friends Draco, if I have mistakenly hurt your feelings by saying that, then I'm sorry "

Draco hummed and practically ran out of the room. In that time Draco decided that not talking with harry would be a much better move than to have his feelings hurt everytime Harry opened his mouth.

But it was hard, it was hard when he realised that Harry had not once opened his mouth to say I love you, because he didn't remember..

It was late in night one day when Draco was attending harry as his last patient before he could go in loneliness,when it happened,

" can I ask you something ?" Harry asked. Draco was cleansing Harry's wounds on his back when he hummed..

"Have you,” He paused, his eyes fluttering close for a moment as he cleared his throat and asked, “have you ever been in love?"

Draco paused his movements, his heart clenching almost painfully in his chest, a knot in his throat.

" you don't have to answer if you don't want to "

Harry's muscles in the back tensed up with Draco's left arm resting on it. Draco inhaled sharply resuming cleansing when he responded "Yes,” He breathed, “yes, I have "

" what does it feel like ?" Harry asked, looking a little over his shoulder as though perhaps he wanted to watch Draco.

Draco licked his lips, smiling to himself a little as he remembered the Times when Harry had remembered Loving him " it's- it's complicated "

" how exactly ?" Harry asked again

" it's- love - it feels like rain "

" feels like rain ?"

They simultaneously whispered.

" how- how do you?" Draco stilled in a jerk

Harry turned around to face Draco, a weird look on his face "there's- there are things in my head. Like there are saying, they're all jumbled. Like I know it's there, but I can't remember who said them to me. All of it is not lost you know. At least that's what I think. But it happens only in the late hours of night when I remember something's and they vanish in the morning. I don't how to feel, but I know how I've felt before, it's all weird "

And in the dying flickering fire as if someone had dropped a log again, the fire of hope grew again in Draco.

"so- y- you're saying you remember but you can't remember who ?" Draco asked cautiously..

" I mean- yeah I think " harry replied.

Draco thought for a moment " I- "

" I feel as though most of these sayings are from Ginny "

Draco's breath hitched, stopping at the hilt, suddenly feelings as all of his organs collapsed into a whole, his brain screaming and all the memories automatically putting a lock on themselves and realisation hit Draco. Harry remembered his life before Draco, or so as it felt. Before Draco, harry had only one lover and that was Ginny and whatever recollection of phrases he had remained with of with Draco became faceless and it only sounded for Harry to feel like they're all from Ginny.

"i- perhaps " Draco replied briskly before he picked up the cotton again with shaking hands and did his wounds in a blurry vision, remaining silent.

" wait- how did- why did you say love felt like rain, isn't it what- I mean i-"

" I read it somewhere " Draco vaguely replied.

" oh " harry mouthed before he wore his shirt again and watched Draco hurriedly leave the room with slumped shoulders.

_____________________________

" pa, pa pa pa para ra rara ra " Draco hummed as he knocked down doors after door's, collapsing in his office chair, raising his legs over his table, watching a frame of Draco and harry resting over it. He smiled at it before he chugged down another gulp of whiskey burning his throat.

" sir- mr. Malfoy ?" Someone said as they flicked the light on watching Draco with narrowed eyes

" oh- Macy- oh love, you know I shouldn't call you love. Well but again, you did absolutely nothing. But you know you ruined my entire life "Draco's pale eyes glimmered in tears and he chugged down another gulp.

" si- sir.. I'm-"

" do me a favor and please, leave me alone " Draco sobbed. Macy looked at Draco in pity before she turned off the lights and walked away..

Draco remained there staring at the ceiling for a long time, river of tears flowing down his cheeks, wetting his neck and his shirt, sip after sip, he emptied the bottle, crying in the agony of pain that became friendlier minute by minute.

" liar" Draco mumbled to himself, then loudly " fucking pathetic liar" only he wished he could've yelled..

" you loved me, you said you'd never forget me, you said you could never live without me, there you are fucking breathing, living, surviving, taking my breath away, leaving me to die " draco mumbled to himself staring at harry in the picture. And he cried a little more too.

Draco smeared his face with tears, rubbing his hands over his face, releasing a shaky breath before he rested his forehead against the table and left heavy sobs, a weird pain settling into his chest that pulled him in deeper, something that left him empty, Hollow but yearning. Left him heart broken..

It was seconds later, or minutes or an hour later, he had lost the count before he got up and stumbled to Harry's room and as sobriety started settling into him, He watched harry from the door, gazing softly at the sleeping figure,he didn't want to wake him up.

" he'll be fine " Someone said besides him. Draco turned his head to see a patronus hanging in the air, it was maybe a stag, he didn't know, he didn't remember.

" what if he never remembers me ?" Draco asked as it the patronus would answer.

" trust me it'd be fine " it spoke again.

Draco watched the patronus bouncing with light blue light " you don't know that. I've only a day left with him, he'll leave from here and he wouldn't remember a single thing " Draco muffled in tears.

" it'd be fine, Draco, it will be "

Groaning, Draco threw his hand over the patronus, Making it evaporate in the air, faint words still whispering" it'd be fine" until the hallway grew dark again and Draco remained there watching harry from the door.

" what if you never come back to me ?"

And with the dying hope, Draco walked back home.

Only if he had known thing's would've changed the next night. The last night.

Draco has paraded the his healers office next morning, scenting of Harry's Cologne, wearing Harry's shirt and his pendant, he never understood why he did it, but he wore it, perhaps in the last rememberance. But no matter what he did, he couldn't bring himself to meet harry that very day. Every opportunity he got, a string tugged him back as if he wasn't ready to say goodbye and it was until the end of the day, he had to finally face Harry.

" you didn't come all day ?" Harry eyes had perhaps glimmered as Draco had entered but Draco purposely ignored it, he couldn't bring himself to hope, not anymore.

" I- I had things " Draco mumbled, wearing his gloves before he checked Harry's pulse, then looked over his scars.

" y- are you mad ?" Harry had asked several minutes later after Draco has remained suspiciously silent.

" why would I be ?"

" you haven't spoken a word " harry pointed.

" it's a strategy you see, it's easier to say goodbye now " Draco mumbled heavily as he pushed away his thrumming feelings.

"y- you'll never meet me after this ?" Harry asked innocently..

Draco bit his lips as he blinked his tears away, offering harry a little smile "I'll try "

Harry spoke again after several minutes, lifting the silence " can I ask you to do something ?"

" anything " Draco whispered.

" can you just like say something so I can remember you by it? I mean we might meet, but we might not right. So I- I just want to retain a memory, just of you "

Draco could've sworn his heart leapt several feets, throbbed Loudly and unshed tears appeared " why- why do you want to ?"

" I- I don't know. I just- I don't want to forget you " harry shrugged.

Draco inhaled before he faced harry, forming a little smile once again before he said " perhaps loving you will always remain a memory, but loving you had felt like stars colliding, sun shining and daisies blooming. Loving you was homely. Now loving you will be will only be a memory "

" who said that ?"

" me " Draco smiled and he went into writing Harry's last report before he'd be ready to go..

" that- nevermind" but Harry remembered looking at Draco's chest, watching carefully the necklace that hung around his neck..

Draco didn't see him again for the rest of the day, busying himself because then maybe, letting go would be easy, saying goodbye wouldn't hurt so much anymore as he knew it did. Maybe it'll become easier.

That night before leaving, Draco stood against Harry's door, watching him sleep one last time.

" we both know I should walk away, but I can't "

And yet, yet he walked away. And still remained.

The fire remained nothing more than a shimmering spark of red and orange and Draco saw it dying out on his couch, his knees pressed against his chest. He watched it slowly die, he watched it die.

But love wasn't remembering or their love wasn't ever supposed to be just a memory, their love was in loving, their love was, still.

That very night when Draco had revisited harry and Whispered the soft words embraced in love, the midnight stroke, harry remained awake and maybe that's why it all changed..

Maybe it was the midnight or maybe it was some unsettling feeling that had remained in Harry's chest when draco had spoken about loving and home, or maybe it was Because of the pendant he saw, he knew there was something..

It came in visions, little by little, like a reel forming, moving forward when Harry jerked awake, sitting still when he remembered. He remembered Loving.

Of course, it wasn't in loving, it was in giving another chance, it was in longing, it was in seeing Draco differently that day, it was in that smile that skipped his heart beat that changed everything..

It was in falling again, once again that he remembered. That he remembered Loving was like raining, slow at first, then rapid with middle, then soothing.

Harry jumped up from the bed, running down the hallways, Calling the home number, wishing Draco would pick up but the phone was resting on the side of the telephone, ignored on purpose.

" sir, I need you to calm down-"

" I need Draco. That's what I need. That's who I need.. don't you see I remember. I remember everything" harry manically yelled.

" yo- you remember ?"

" yes I remember. See I know. You're macy, you work under Draco, the first day you joined you spilled coffee all over Draco's shirt and somehow in trying to help him clean up, you changed his shirts colour to pink. Remember ?" Harry yelled

Macy looked in shock, words dying in her throat.

" I remember everything. I- I need to see Draco" harry ordered.

" but- he requested- he left "

" left ?where ?" Harry asked impatiently.

" he didn't say. He said he's going and didn't mention when he'll come back "

" that ass " Harry mumbled.

" do you have any idea where he might go ?" Harry shook macy violently.

" I- n-no I don't " she stammered. Harry tugged his hair as he started brainstorming, thinking about all the places he could be. All of them but nothing-

"of course, the cottage house " harry jumped up, adrenaline pumping inside every nerve of him.

" but- I - can't let you go " macy said

" oh watch me" and without even thinking Harry disapparted.

________________________________

Draco watched as the rain poured down, wetting the window. The fire had died down, maybe not even remaining sparks, and the room grew colder and darker with the absence of warmth and light. But he sat there, knees pressed against his chest, head resting on the wall behind him as his eyes begged for tears to stop, his fingers playing with the necklace lying on his chest.

And just as the thunder broke again, he saw the figure appearing in the living room. It should've scared him but Draco felt insane, hallucinated perhaps.

" Draco " it spoke..

Draco didn't reply, not wanting to feel stupid talking in hallucinations.

" it's me Draco. I'm here " he whispered.

" as if " Draco mumbled.

" I really am " he Whispered. Draco narrowed his eyes at the figure and stepped down the windowsill to face him.

" liar. I know you're not " Draco said as he approached him.

" I really am " he whispered as he too stepped closer.

Draco was an inch apart when he touched him, waiting for his hands to go through, only it didn't and Shock formulated like a slow chemical reaction and he gasped when he realised..

" you -"

" I am very much real " he chuckled holding Draco's sides.

" but you- you forgot "

" I remember, I remember everything Draco"

" no, you- you had amnesia. You're playing with me " Draco harshly Whispered..

He huffed " you think coasters make good wall posters and that they make good show pieces, that's why most of our coaster are on the wall instead of under the cups "

Draco stilled " yo- you-"

" I remember, love, I remember " and without thinking twice, Draco hugged harry breaking into heavy sobs. Mumbling incoherent words.

" I'm so sorry. I'm never forgetting you ever again. I'm so so sorry " harry Whispered as he hugged Draco tighter.

" i- I love you " Draco mumbled in sobs.

" I love you too. Fuck, I missed you "

The wind blew through the door, just as they broke the hug, the cold air stirring inside going through the fireplace, and they kissed, the fire grew again, lighting the darkness Again, the warmth invading again and Love settling in once again.

My greatest Apologies for delaying it longer than I ever should have. Ofc I'm back to writing, so further requests are soon to be delivered. Bear with me. Also thanks to @drarrywords

300 followers appreciation dialogue Prompt requests open

Angst prompt requests open

[motherjoel]

you like me (spencer reid x reader)

summary: you unfortunately run out of tampons and theres only one person who can bring you some

a/n: i get terrible cramps on my period so this is honestly based off of personal experience

wc: 2.5k

tw: vomiting

-

“Are you sure you can’t make it Y/N? Girls night won't be the same without you,” Penelope begged through the phone. You could almost hear her pout.

“I’m sorry Pen, I really can’t. My uterus is seriously trying to kill me right now and I am in no position to put on a tight dress and do shots,” you laughed into the phone. Penelope sighed.

“Okay, I guess that's a reasonable excuse. I hope you feel better soon, my love. I’ll call you tomorrow to make sure you’re okay,” she said. You loved how sweet Penelope was, and although she was upset you couldn’t make it, she most definitely understood. 

She let you go soon after that, so you decided to turn on the TV to take your mind off of the pain in your stomach. Your cramps tended to get so bad that it was difficult to walk- you sometimes even got dizzy. You decided however to brave the pain, going into your bathroom to look for some medicine to possibly end your suffering. Your heart dropped when you remembered you had left your bottle at work in your go-bag. Your heart dropped a second time when you couldn’t find any more tampons.

“Shit, shit shit,” you said to yourself, sitting on the bathroom floor and moaning in pain. Thankfully, your phone was in your pocket. You pulled it out and scrolled through your contacts, trying to decide on who to call. You didn’t want to disturb the girls night out, so you couldn’t call Pen, JJ or Emily. For obvious reasons, you decided against calling Rossi or Hotch, and you didn’t think Derek knew the first thing about menstruation. As much as you didn’t want to call your best friend and (not so) tiny work crush, he seemed like the best option at this point. Pushing your embarrassment aside, you hit the call button and let it ring.

“Hey Y/N, whats up?” Spencer asked. You would’ve internally squealed at his cute voice if you weren’t about to pass out from pain.

“Spence, hi,” you answered, said pain evident in your voice. Little did you know, Spencer felt his heart stutter at your use of the nickname “Spence.” 

“Is everything okay?” he asked, slightly worried at your pained inflection.

“Well, not really,” you sighed, pushing aside your embarrassment at your situation. “I’m currently having my time of the month and I have come to realize I am completely out of…. tampons. And medicine,” you blushed and so did he. “I was wondering if… you could possibly pick some up for me?” you asked, fingers crossed. He didn’t even have to contemplate for a second.

“Of course, give me 10 minutes,” he said before hanging up. You looked at your phone in awe before you were hit with another wave of nausea. Doubled over the toilet, your peanut butter and jelly sandwich from an hour ago made a guest appearance.

-

You had yet to move from the bathroom floor when you heard a quick knock on your door.

“It’s open!” you yelled, soon hearing the rustling of bags and footsteps following your voice. Spencer looked down at you with pity, setting the bag down on the ground and sitting next to you.

“Thank you, Spence, you really saved me,” you said, taking the bag from him and looking inside. You saw not only a box of tampons and some tylenol, but a bar of your favorite chocolate and a heating pad. 

“My mom used to make my dad get her chocolate, when they were still, you know…” he trailed off, not wanting to mention his parents' early separation. You felt bad about his eidetic memory for once- that he had to remember even the bad things. 

“Did you know that menstrual cravings are caused by hormonal imbalances? It’s theorized that the drop in your progesterone and estrogen cause an increase in hunger,” he explained, speaking with his hands. You couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation.

“What?” he asked, a confused smile on his face.

“It’s just… I'm sitting here on my bathroom floor with my coworker, who is incredibly sweet for doing this by the way, while I basically die from period cramps 10 minutes after throwing up,” you continued to laugh- Spencer just looked concerned.

“You threw up?” he asked, worry written on his face. You nodded, opening the box of tampons as Spencer walked into your kitchen.

“You need to eat something. I’m making you toast,” he yelled from the kitchen. You smiled and shut the bathroom door, taking care of business.

You brought the bag of medicine, chocolate, and the heating pad with you onto your couch. You plugged in the heating pad and held it close as you curled into the fetal position. After a few minutes, Spencer came into the room with a plate of toast and a cup of green tea, your favorite. You smiled and accepted the plate, taking the medicine with the tea and sitting back. Spencer continued to stand in front of you awkwardly, fidgeting with his hands slightly. You wordlessly patted the couch, motioning for him to sit down, which he did.

“Thank you again for this Spence, you really went out of your way,” you said, hoping he knew how thankful you were for his kindness. 

“Of course, anything for you Y/N,” he said, trying to mask his blush after he realized how intimate that sounded.

“So… did I ruin your Friday night plans?” you asked, hoping he didn’t have anything to do.

“Oh, no,” he started, and you were relieved. “Well, I had a date, but-”

“You had a date?!” you yelled, hitting him on the arm. 

“Ow! Yes, I did. Is that so hard to believe?” he asked, grabbing his arm.

“Well of course not Spence, you’re a catch,” you told him, and he blushed. “What’s hard to believe is that you ditched it for me! I would’ve been fine!” you lied, which was evident on your face. 

“Y/N. You so wouldn’t have been fine!” he laughed, and you began to speak before he continued. “I saw a... friend in need and I helped them. Besides, I wasn’t really even interested in her,” Spencer said, looking at his fidgeting hands.

“Why did you agree to go out with her if you weren’t interested?” you asked, wondering why the genius, a man of reason, would waste his time.

“Morgan set us up,” he started, and you nodded immediately understanding- when Morgan was trying to set someone up, he was relentless until you agreed. “He thought she’d help me get my mind off of… nevermind,” he blushed, seemingly accidentally saying too much. Your heart cracked a bit at the thought of your crush having feelings for someone else, but you continued to pry.

“Ohh I see. Who’s the lucky girl?” you asked, with a bit of an edge.

“I can’t tell you that Y/N,” he answered, avoiding eye contact. You pouted for a moment. “Besides, I think she just sees me as just a friend,” he continued, disappointment on his face. It hurt you to see him upset but you couldn’t help but feel relief that he wasn’t about to be taken anytime soon.

“Well, I guess you can say I’m in the same position as you,” you confessed, not going into any more detail. His face visibly dropped at this- he seemed disappointed, but you were sure you were overthinking things.

“Well Y/N, any guy would be lucky to have you,” he said softly, finally making eye contact. Maybe it was your hormones, or maybe you were just feeling cuddly, but you scooched over to him and wrapped your arms around his torso, resting your head on his chest. He raised his arms in surprise at first, before wrapping them around you. 

“You smell good,” you told him, before regretting it immediately and blushing profusely. You could hear his heartbeat, which may have been at an elevated pace. You pulled away and he looked a bit disappointed.

“Would you… would you stay with me for a bit Spence?” you looked up at him, stars in your eyes. 

“Of course,” he said softly. You sighed with content before another wave of cramps set in. You groaned and clutched the heating pad, once again in the fetal position. Spencer felt helpless, just watching you in pain. In a movement that surprised both him and you, he leaned behind you and wrapped his arms around you, basically spooning you. You were too in pain to react, but the feeling of his warm chest on your back had the ability to simultaneously soothe and excite you. He rubbed circles on your arm with his hand and you could feel your heart rate spike. You hoped he couldn’t see the blush rising on your face. 

“This is nice,” you mumbled, earning a soft hum from Spencer behind you. Before you knew it, you fell into one of the best sleeps of your life with your long time crush.

-

The next morning, you woke to whispering from the one and only Penelope Garcia. You opened your eyes to see yourself face to face with Spencer- you must have turned around during the night and cuddled into his chest. Your face felt hot when you noticed he was still asleep- you slowly untangled yourself from him and stood up to greet Penelope, who had apparently put her spare key to your apartment to good use. 

“I called it!” Penelope said, half to you and half to Derek, who was currently facetiming her. You shushed her and dragged her into the kitchen, Spencer still fast asleep on the couch.

“So that's why you ditched us last night!” she laughed, mouth wide open in shock.

“I didn’t know the kid had it in him!” Derek said from the phone. You were confused.

“What do you mean?” you took the phone from Penelope. 

“You mean… Reid didn't… tell you anything?” he asked.

“No, I… I ran out of tampons last night and I called him to bring me some, I guess we just fell asleep on the couch,” you explained. He cringed when you said tampons.

“Why didn’t you ask me princess?” he inquired with a smirk.

“Derek, you almost passed out when I said ‘tampons’” you told him, he just shook his head. Penelope took the phone back from you just as Spencer walked into the kitchen. 

“Oh hey, what are you doing here Garcia?” he asked, yawning mid sentence.

“I’m just here to drop off some pastries for my lovely Y/N to make her feel better. Although i'm sure you don’t need much help with that G man,” she said with a wink. You and Spencer avoided eye contact like two high schoolers with a crush. “Well, I guess i'll be on my way!” she announced, hugging you both and speedily leaving your apartment, which was odd- if anything, Garcia tends to overstay her welcome. 

“Those smell good,” you said, walking over to the bag from your favorite bakery. He mirrored your actions, seemingly hungry as well.

 You both ate the pastries in silence for a few minutes when you noticed Spencer had a bit of icing on his chin. Without thinking you reached up and wiped it with your finger, licking it off your thumb. He stood there, with his mouth open for a moment before his cheeks turned red. When you noticed his embarrassed reaction you immediately regretted it.

“Oh im sorry, I forgot you have a thing with touching Spence,” you apologized.

“No no, it’s okay. I don’t mind when it’s you,” he confessed, finally meeting your eyes for the first time that morning. You nodded and continued to eat your breakfast, ignoring the flutter in your heart. 

“So, about last night…” you brought up the elephant in the room. “It was really nice,” you confessed, remembering the feeling of his arms around you. 

“Y/N, what I’m about to say is either really stupid of me or the smartest i’ve ever been, but, I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time,” he confessed, your astonishment written on your face. “And- and not in a friendly way,” he said, before frowning. “Well that sounded, wrong, of course it was ‘friendly,’ but I meant it as more than… that,” he finished, biting his lip. Your mouth was open, surprised at his confession.

“Oh, Spence-” you started before being interrupted.

“I probably shouldn’t have said that, but I couldn’t hold it in any longer Y/N, you just made me so flustered and when I saw you hurting last night it hurt me too, so i thought it was a good opportunity to get close to you. Not that I was taking advantage of you! God that sounds bad, uh,” he made a face, trying to think of a better way to word it. You just wrapped your arms around his midsection, much like you had done the night before, and held him tight. He smelled like apples and coffee. You lifted your head to look up at him, arms still around his waist. 

“Spencer, I’ve liked you for a very long time,” you laughed. “I’m surprised you didn’t realize sooner, I mean I thought it was obvious when I always sleep on your shoulder during jet rides or when I bring you coffee like every day, or when I-” you were interrupted by his soft lips on yours. Your eyes widened before they closed, and you moved your hands to the sides of his face, his hands on your waist. He pulled away, leaving you in a daze.

“Sorry, I’ve just been wanting to do that for awhile,” he smiled softly. 

“Oh, uh, no problem,” you replied, still flustered from the kiss. “You like me,” you teased, poking his arm and giggling like a 13 year old.

“Well so do you!” he laughed, poking you in the stomach. Your eyes darkened with mischief and so did his. Before you knew it, the two of you were on your apartment floor, tickling each other's ribs. Spencer eventually got the high ground, straddling you and relentlessly tickling you until you couldn’t breath. He stopped after a moment, looking down at you in awe, before you grabbed him by his collar and pulled him in for another quick kiss. 

“Penelope’s gonna be so excited,” you giggled.

“Oh yeah, her and Morgan will finally stop teasing me about liking you,” he said, standing up from his position over you and holding out a hand to help you up. 

You spent the rest of the day with him cuddling on your couch and alternating between playing cards and watching shitty reality TV (which he got surprisingly invested in), and it was arguably one of the best days of your life. And you knew from the way that Spencer kept stealing loving glances at you, he felt the same.

[i-ate-the-whole-entire-pie]

Call Me Mother, Chapter One

I languidly drained the last breath from my cigarette, the drag filling my lungs. My garter straps hung down lazily, tickling my thighs, as they awaited their purpose. Music thumped rapidly, and whoops of delight resounded through the hall. The dressing room door swung open; a small, but curvaceous woman behind it.

Her eyebrows were tweezed to perfection, eyes deeply shadowed, eyelashes false and curled into large feathery swoops; her mouth was like a plump strawberry. I’d always harbored a mild curiosity about how it tasted.

“Mary, you’re up in 10 minutes. I want you at the curtain in five," Cristella said, her hispanic accent thick.

“Is that a new corset?” I asked. Cristella turned me around, and yanked the laces of my corset together. Thank god I haven’t needed to breathe for the last 150 years, I thought. I floated a small influence her way. Gentler, please. She complied, unwittingly. They always do.

I don’t normally use my influence on people I like, but I’m far too hungry to risk her pinching me with this corset. I couldn’t forgive myself if I lost control. She was far too kind to die a death that violent.

“It is. This papí chulo I’ve been seeing said he wanted me to wear it for him. Maybe he’ll tip better," she said, carefully pulling the slack out of the lower half of my corset. I placed my hands over my belly, holding everything in place.

“What’s the crowd looking like?” I tucked the ties away. She jutted a hip out, and began counting off on her impeccably manicured fingers.

“The usual crowd. Old Man Carraway, that one divorcee who drinks like a fish. College kids. Oh, there’s also these dudes in silver masks. Low-key kind of demonic. And some weird guy in like, face paint? He’s painted up like a calavera. I figured they came from that concert that was in town. You know, the one that church was protesting? Say they like worship Satan or something?”

“Sounds about right." I bent down to attach my straps to the garters of my stockings.

“They’re probably here for a private room, so I figured I’d put you on now. You’re good at handling the weirdos." Cristella giggled, watching me struggle to get the backs of my stockings attached. She and I broke into fits of giggles, as she chased me in circles, trying to help me attach my stockings.

“Let me get that. Hurry up and get on stage!” she said, giving me a playful smack on the ass. I pranced out of the room, trying to avoid her grasping mitts.

“Hey! No bruising the merchandise!” I giggled, linking arms with her as we strutted backstage, perfectly in step with one another. She grabbed the microphone from Mike the Mic Guy, gave me a wink, and stepped through the curtain.

“Aaaaand we’re back! Now, this next lady I’ve got lined up for you is quite a treat. She’s as pale as cream, thicker than a bowl of oatmeal, and will definitely step on you. Well, she might if you tip well. For legal reasons, we can’t call her “Elvira,” so I guess we’ll settle for… MOTHER! MARY!” That was my cue. I sauntered through the curtain, my hips moving like a figure eight. I moved across the stage, “Lullaby” by the Cure playing. I always chose various genres of rock for my acts. Not that I have anything against the other girls’ music choices… but there’s only so much female rap you can play in one night. As I began to dance, I noticed the group that Cristella had mentioned earlier. They were sitting front and center, near the edge of the stage.

Seven of the masked figures sat around the Painted Man, as I had labeled him. Two of the masked figures seemed effeminate, and the other five seemed more masculine. They all ranged in different shapes and sizes. Maybe the masks are a fetish thing? Cristella did say that they came from a concert… Something about them seemed off. I did a swing around the pole, dropping into a fireman, trying to catch a scent. It was a whirlwind of scents, none of them too out of the ordinary. Except the beefy one. He smelled like midnight. I don’t know how to explain it. What really caught my interest though was the Painted Man. Specifically, his eyes. One of them was grey, the iris almost black. The other eye had a pale, white iris. It suited him, and it was beautiful, in an eerie way. Those eyes looked at me, as I danced around the stage, and they knew me. If I had a working heart still, it would be racing.

As Robert Smith crooned, I descended the stairs of the stage as sensually as one could in Pleaser heels, making my way to the Painted Man. If I wanted to know what these people were, I’d have to get a closer look. The Painted Man patted one of his legs with a gloved hand, and cocked his head to the side. I took the invitation, but not before I teased him. I crouched between his legs, running my hands up his thighs. As I rose, I walked my hands up his thighs, bringing my face closer to his. His breath graced my skin, smelling faintly of licorice. As he leaned in, for what I could only assume was a kiss, I rose again, strutting over to one of the masked beings. It was the smaller of the male ones. I sat in his lap, letting him run his hands over me as I began to grind on his lap. His growing erection told me I was going to have a busy night.

“Your boss is a little too eager," I whispered, getting a good whiff of him. He smelled faintly of smoke. I put my hands on his chest, trying to keep my balance. No heartbeat.

“What makes you think he’s my boss?” The being asked petulantly. He grabbed onto my waist, as he began to grind with me. I moved his hand to the small of my back, and leaned back in a dip. The being ran his other hand over my belly, in between my breasts, and up to my throat, bringing me back up to his masked face.

“You’re the one wearing a uniform." I darted my tongue out to lick my lips. What is he? My mind raced as I tried to run through every supernatural creature I’d ever known. But then I heard it. I barely even understood it. All I picked up was price and one night. It was Ghoulish. The taller female ghoul was asking about what I can only assume was my hourly rate. Most strip clubs in this part of Vegas were just fronts for brothels. However, it’s hard to sell the idea of prostitution to Mid-Western vanilla tourists. So most of my income was made from stripping. I usually had one or two clients I went to bed with a night. It wasn’t very stable, but then again, I had less expenses than the average stripper, considering my “condition."

“Tell your friend my basic hourly rate is $500. My Ghoulish isn’t any good." I stood up, and made my way to the female ghoul’s lap.

“How do you know Ghoulish?” she asked, a bit of surprise in her tone. I bent over in front of her, shaking my ass for her. She put a couple of bills in the waistband of my panties, punching my previous ghoul in the arm. He forked over some cash as well.

“I’m not human. I’ll leave it at that," I said, stuffing the cash into the top of my corset. Dear lord… All hundreds… The female ghoul rubbed my thighs, turning me back around slowly, so as to admire my ass.

“Could we get a room after your number? I think a private dance is in order," she said, in broken Ghoulish. I nodded, and as if on cue, the lights and music began to fade out. As I began to walk back up the stairs to the stage past the Painted Man, his hand darted forward to smack my ass. God, it really is not the night for this shit. My more animalistic nature took over, and before I could stop it, a hiss left my lips. As if of their own accord, my fangs sprung painfully through my gums. I heard a snap, and looked over to see the largest ghoul stand up. He shook his head. Thank god the lights were low. Embarrassed, I covered my mouth, and made my way across the stage.

“What the fuck was that all about?” Mike the Mic Guy asked, handing a mic to Cristella. I still had my hand over my mouth. Cristella looked worried.

“Are you okay Mary? I can get you some tea if you’re keyed up." I shook my head.

“Please get a room ready. The Freak Parade wants a private dance," I said as I walked away, silently cursing myself. Once back in the dressing room, I threw open the mini-fridge I normally kept padlocked. I looked to the last bottle I had left in my stash. Hopefully it hasn’t clotted, I thought, throwing the bottle back. This wouldn’t end my thirst, but it would certainly quell the burning in my throat. You nearly lost it. You need to bag one of these stupid fucks tonight, or else. I hadn’t had a bad case of blood lust in decades, but the combination of winter holidays, my strict schedule, and FOSTA-SESTA had really cut off my food supply.

The door opened, and Cristella came in with a cup of tea. She looked at the flask in her hand and cocked a brow.

“And you didn’t offer to share. What is that? Cuervo? Henny?” she said, reaching for the flask. I shook my head, and put it back in the fridge, closing the padlock.

“It’s cough syrup. I keep it under lock and key because of that bitch Ronnie. She’s not fooling anybody. You ever see how much her hands shake? Too much caffeine? Yeah, right. We all know what the DTs look like." I began changing into a burgundy velvet bra and panty set, pairing it with some burgundy gloves and stockings. Finally, I found a pair of sparkly Loboutins Lydia had left me. My mind rolled back through the streets of Paris to 1991, when Louboutin opened its first salon. Lydia smiled, as I kissed her shin, helping her into the heel. She looked down at me, her eyes full of love, and the corner of her mouth hiding a kiss just for me.

“Yeah, she is pretty suspish. What happened with those weirdos out there?” Cristella interrupted my memory. I shook my head. Are you just imagining your heartache?

“Oh the big guy was just mad because I didn’t get around to him. That’s why I wanted you to get the room. Plus, I might be able to secure a nice check from these guys. They all seemed absolutely randy," I said. Cristella shook her head, giggling. The gloss in my hand made a popping noise, as I pulled the wand from the bottle. It was my favorite flavor, watermelon.

“I can ask one of the boys to sit in, to keep them from getting too handsy," Cristella said. I shook my head. It would only keep me from getting too handsy, I thought to myself. Bless her heart. I could never make a kill here. I loved the crew here far too much. Plus, I didn’t have a coven. No one to protect me when I fucked up. They kicked me out long ago. It’s the main reason I ended up in Vegas, avoiding the sun when I could, doing my best to keep a legal and convenient profession. Where else could get a job with only night shifts, and a never-ending supply of useless assholes no one cared about?

“I’ll be okay Crissy. Even if they do try something, we have a panic button in there. Don’t worry." I gave her a slimy, glossy kiss on the cheek, earning a shriek from her strawberry mouth. She batted at me, narrowly missing me as I bounded out of the room.

As I approached the bigger of our three private rooms, I noticed two of the larger male ghouls standing outside the door. All of the ghouls dressed similarly, including the female ghouls. But I now noticed the alchemical symbols dangling from their belt chains. The shorter one had a quintessence symbol, the other larger one, an earth symbol. The earth one opened the door, and the quintessence one escorted me in.

“Thank you, Aether. Back to the door with you. Come, have a seat. Dewdrop says there is more to you than meets the eye. Let me pour you a glass of wine, cara," a thick, Italian accent beckoned to me. I walked to the ottoman in the middle of the room, where I usually found myself during private dances.

“I don’t drink during work hours, love. Now, what should I call you?” I looked into the mismatched eyes of the Painted Man.

“You can call me Papa. I’m Papa Emeritus, the fourth. My close friends call me Copia, but I suppose we are not quite there yet, sí?” he said, leaning forward to take my chin in his hand. I nodded.

“While I would love to marvel at your undoubtedly exquisite body, There is some business we should take care of first, piccolina. Do you like Type O Negative?” Cue the record scratching. The dreamy look I normally adopt when with my clients evaporated.

“Excuse me?” I whispered. Papa laughed.

“The band, cara. I was going to have you dance for me later. However, you must have a preference."

“I really don’t understand what you mean," I whispered. Papa laughed again, a big booming laugh.

“I know your secret cara. The ghouls told me. One of my predecessors, Papa Nihil, told me if I were to ever come across your kind, I should try to win your allegiance. Your kind have interesting abilities, specifically the power of influence." Of course that’s what he’s after.

“I don’t do that," I said, looking down to avoid his gaze. Papa tsked.

“I think you will. The ghouls say you smell lonely. Where is your famiglia?” He asked. I shook my head. Lydia’s pained screams echoed in my ears, our last moment together wrenching my heart out of my chest decades later.

“We split because of artistic differences," I said softly. Dewdrop and his companions giggled behind me.

“Forcing people to allow you to exsanguinate them for sport is not ‘artistic differences,’” Dewdrop hissed. The other ghouls laughed. Papa shook his head, and raised a hand to silence them.

“Now now, Dewdrop. It is hard to control one’s basic nature. Sí, tesoro? Tell me, how long has it been since your last drink?” He looked at me with concern. I couldn’t meet his eyes. I knew what he saw. Weak, pathetic, useless… The words were like a disgusting mantra, swirling through my mind, angry and acidic.

“Weeks… It’s been weeks," I whispered. He tsked again. I heard the ghouls chatter amongst themselves. Their pity made me feel disgusting, like a child with sweaty, clammy hands, and odorous armpits.

“What if I told you I could offer you a job and a home? A home where you wouldn’t have to hide your nature. A home where you’d never go hungry again?” I looked up at him.

“What kind of job?” I asked. The ghouls laughed again. Papa shot them a glare.

“I would make use of your gifts occasionally. Nobody would get hurt. You would warm my bed whenever I asked. Maybe pick up a trade or two once back with the Clergy. And in turn, you would get protection, and all the blood you could ever need," he said. I finally mustered the courage to look him in the eyes. What do you have to lose? Besides, you’ve done infinitely worse things.

“You swear on your life, nobody will get hurt? Not a single person?” I asked. Papa nodded.

“I’ll do it. I’ll also require a salary as well," I said, extending my hand. Papa nodded, taking my hand in both of his.

“Anything you need, cara. But first, I think you need a drink. And then we will get the night I paid for," he said. He waved his hand towards the door, which the shorter female ghoul scurried to open. I noticed she sported a pocket chain with an air symbol.

“Bring in one of the more rosy siblings, Cumulus. I suspect our new friend will need the sustenance before we get too far into our plans for the night," Cumulus nodded, and shut the door behind her. Papa stood up, and began removing his suit jacket and gloves; rolling up his sleeves. I could see his blue veins pulsating, causing me to become aroused in a way I cannot quite explain. Involuntarily, my pussy throbbed, and my mouth watered.

“Now now, little one. Be patient. Your drink will be here soon enough. But for now, you will seal our little deal with a kiss, so to speak. On your knees," Papa ordered, gesturing to the floor. I slipped from the ottoman to the floor, crawling on all fours to him. His breath hitched as I slid my hands up his thighs. I didn’t break eye contact as I unbuckled his trousers, nor when I reached into his pants to pull out his sizeable cock.

The door opened, and I heard mumbles, as well as a struggle, and a thud. Of course, both my hands and mouth were preoccupied. I watched Papa intently as I sucked him off. His eyes were rolled back, his mouth slack, and his hands threaded into his hair, as he let out an ungodly moan. I kitten licked his frenulum, stroking his shaft, earning another moan. He bucked his hips into my throat. Sit still, I whispered in the back of my mind. Papa grabbed my hair, and pulled me off his cock.

“Never again, my little bat. Continue," he said, grabbing either side of my face as he began to fuck my throat rigourously. Someone behind me cleared their throat. I wasn’t able to look up, due to my current predicament.

“Can’t you see I’m busy, Cirrus? What is it?” Papa let out a grunt, as his cock twitched in my mouth. I began to fellate him with my hands, wrenching more breathy sighs and groans from him. Within seconds, his warm seed was flooding my throat. I heard Dewdrop cheer, and then a slap, which I assumed was a high five. Papa rolled his eyes and smiled, as I dabbed away the bit of cum that had spilled over my bottom lip.

“Just in time. I needed something to wash down all that salt," I stood, and walked over to the person Cumulus and Cirrus stood in front of. It looked like a plumper woman. She was wearing what looked like a nun’s habit, her red ringlets spilling out from under her wimple.

“All for you cara. Come find me when you have finished your meal," Papa walked out, which left me with the ghouls and my prey. Dewdrop, and the other male ghoul, who sported a water symbol, helped the little nun onto the couch.

“You’re going to let me fuck that tight ass later, right? Nearly busted watching you and Copia earlier," Dewdrop said to me, softly enough for just me to hear. I giggled and nodded, batting him away after he began nibbling on my neck. He patted my ass, and began to pull the wimple from the nun’s head.

“I’ve got this. Why don’t you and the rest of the ghouls get started? I’ll be done pretty quickly." Dewdrop nodded.

“C’mon, Rainy. Come play with my cock, while we watch Mary drink," The water ghoul nodded, grabbing Dewdrop’s hand. I turned my attention back to the nun. She began to stir. I pushed back her hair.

“This is going to hurt a little bit. But I will make this quick and painless. You deserve an easy death." The nun, barely awake, nodded, and turned her head. I cradled her head, and brought her throat to my mouth. With a final kiss to her soft, peachy flesh, I sank my teeth into her throat, not letting a single drop of her blood go to waste.

It felt like drinking water after being stuck in a desert for a week. Her blood was sweet, clean, and thick, and it quenched my thirst quickly. Her body began to go limp in my arms, and her skin turned cold. It’s still not enough. I had to force myself to stop. Never drink the last drop. It might just be the last thing you do, my old mentor’s voice reminded me. I let the little nun drop back to the couch, and turned to face the ghouls. Cirrus sat with Cumulus, each with a hand in the other’s pants. Rain was bobbing his head up and down slowly, as Dewdrop played with his hair. Dewdrop looked up at me.

“Hot," he said. Cirrus nodded, and refocused her attention on Cumulus. Rain moaned, causing Dewdrop to hiss. I looked at them all, lust clouding my gaze.

“Make room. It’s my turn," I said. Dewdrop pulled my mouth to his, not fazed one bit by the blood coating my lips. Cirrus began to explore the space between my thighs with her long, gorgeous fingers. Rain held my hair, kissing and nipping at my neck. A girl really could get used to this...

Hours later, after all of the ghouls had had their turn, even the two from the door, I was back in the dressing room. I opened the envelope the earth ghoul, Mountain, had handed me on the way out. My eyes grew like saucers as I counted the money inside. I had only expected eight grand; two hours, eight clients, multiplied by $500. But as I counted, I realized I had 15 grand in my hands. The door opened, breaking my wealth-induced trance. It was Papa.

“If you would really like the job, come to this address in two weeks. Bring only what you must. Put everything else in storage," he said, handing me a card. I was confused.

“Why two weeks?” I asked. Papa smiled.

“Because it’s polite, cara. Don’t forget your letter of resignation."

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This is the first thing I've wrote in years! I hope you all enjoy it! A special thanks to @gasolineghuleh for all of their help!