#but you know once he gets on the ‘after Charlie left us’ track that he’s going to be that way

[bunnys-kisses]

love is a kick to the stomach

max verstappen - sequel to: lust is a loaded hand gun

tags: smut/fluff, pregnancy & kids, falling in love, dad!max, body worship, tenderness, plot, cowgirl position

a/n: this was made possible by the support of over a dozen people asking for a sequel! i hope you enjoy it <3

"are you sure you're going to be fine on your own?" your former teammate charles asked as he helped you pack the last of your suitcases. your apartment in monaco was bare, and for good reason, you were going home.

you replied with a shrug, "i'll be fine. i mean if i could sustain a driving career for as long as i did. i can handle raising a baby." you rubbed your lower back a little bit.

charles said,"i guess so, you know, monaco isn't a terrible place to raise a child." he gestured to himself with raised eyebrows.

"as much as i'd love to." you said, "i think people will start to raise eyebrows when they see max's look-alike running around. plus, i guess it's a way to get away from it. something simpler for my kid."

you hadn't spoken to the father of your son, max didn't know you were pregnant. and it was the best for everyone if he never knew that you had a child with him.

you remember the first time you held nicolas in your arms, it took you close to ten hours for you to deliver him. you had to say, the aches and pains of racing were nothing compared to the rising anxiety and pain of delivering a child. didn't help he was stubborn like this father. you tried not to think about max too much during the moments of lessened pain. part of you wanted him there, while you were determined to raise your child alone. the moments of weakness you felt during delivery made you want to hastily unblock max's number and call him before the next contractions came.

"okay, okay. just you and me, baby, just you and me." you told yourself as you laid in the hospital bed with your belly swollen from the months of carrying your son. you hissed through your teeth as another contraction hit.

in the end, you had nicolas. or nico as you called him. tired, over-heated as you pushed out your baby. the nurse told you it was a boy. wrapped in a blanket as he was placed on your chest. you could only describe it as maternal warmth as you cried. this was your baby. your little nico. "congratulations." the nurse told you as you held onto him gently. when you gave birth to your son, max was in monaco streaming with the rest of the redline team. fully unaware that you just had his child.

you lived a quiet life after that, but sometimes you could still feel the rumble of the track in your soul. it pulled you in, there was no reason for it to come back. there was no way you could, nico needed his mother and you made the choice to start a family of your own.

"nico!" you giggled towards your toddler, nico was now close to three years old! you picked him up from his spot at the coffee table, surrounded by papers and markers. you gave him a kiss on the cheek and said, "remember uncle charlie?" you swayed a little with the child in your arms.

the little boy nodded, "uh-huh." charles sent you and nico christmas presents every year. he even visited once or twice during summer break and spent a week with the two of you, he loved the time away from the hustle and bustle of racing. nico knew uncle charlie mostly because of leo, you had to teach him how to be gentle with the dog.

"well, he is inviting us somewhere. we're going to see him race, just like what mama used to do." it was the pre-season testing, it would be nice to see everyone. see how things changed in the three years since you left, "i know you've been asking about the cars." you smiled at the little boy.

nico really was the son of two racers, even now he was colouring pages of cars and he learned some of his colours from the cars in your neighbourhood. his expression light up, "the cars?"

you chuckled and said, "yes! we'll see the cars go really fast." it felt somewhat silly to say that raising a child felt more fulfilling than any of the titles you won.

it was almost more challenging with more rewards. driving was intense and lit an inferno in your stomach. but, you were constantly swarmed by the media with people yelling in your ear at all times. you were both hated and loved by the press, the organization and the fans. and while parenthood was harder in a lot of ways, it was nice. it was quieter. you saw friends, you found interest in painting, you read all the books you bought on your travels as a racer. the best part about having a kid was having a travel buddy. you weren't your stats or your trophies, you were just you.

but driving was a drug, and you also wanted to see the cars go very fast. so within a couple of weeks you were on the track for the pre-season.

"and that nico, is a racing car." you pointed towards the red ferrari car. a similar one to the one you drove. and you watched your young son light up the way you did all those years prior.

-

you knew you were going to see max. it was stupid to think that you could not see him. he had won the previous year's wdc, he was everywhere. so while you spoke to lewis and charles, you caught sight of him. and he caught sight of the toddler in your arms.

charles looked over to where your gaze was and said, "oh shit." then tried to shift over to sort of usher you and nico away from the gaze of max. but you reached out and touched your former teammates shoulder.

"it's fine..." you assured him. the past year, as it felt like nico was growing so much everyday. the feelings about max had resurfaced. while you believed that you and your network of friends and family could raise nico just fine. max didn't know that nico existed. a night of passion was just that in max's mind.

you shifted your toddler in your arms and looked over to max. you smiled and gave him a small wave. and you could see the expression cross max's face.

nico let go of the front of your shirt and made child's grabby-hands towards the man. and max took a bold step forward, and then another, and then another before he was crowded in your space. an expression across his face as he looked down at you and nico.

"hey." you said.

"hi." he replied. he raised his hand for a moment, but stopped himself. he swallowed and asked, "who is this?"

you looked down at the boy who was holding onto your shirt once more. you smiled at max, "nicolas. but everyone calls him nico. he's my son."

our son.

max swallowed and looked at the boy. he patted him on the top of the head and smiled, "well, hello nico. your mama was an amazing driver." he looked at you once more before you were pulled away by charles to see the rest of the ferrari team. max watched you walk away, just as he did all those years prior.

-

"can i watch nico?" charles asked while

"i can watch him just fine. i've been doing it for three years." you chuckled as you grabbed a chip from the bag and ate it.

charles crossed his arms and looked at you, "when was the last time you had a break? plus me and alexandra are thinking about, maybe, having a child once my career winds down." he smiled a little, "want to make sure that i can handle a three year old."

you looked to your son on the carpeted floor playing with the duplo blocks that you had brought with you. you then looked to charles and asked, "so you're probably assuming that if you can handle the son of me and him, you can handle your own child?"

charles nodded, "the child of ferrari's princess and mad max. must be a handful." he laughed a little.

"he's not the son of satan, charles." you playfully shoved your former teammate. and he shrugged. you were thankful in a way that you didn't go with charles' plan for him to father your child. you felt like that would've been more complicated than what you had now, since you liked charles' current partner.

"take the night off or at least a few hours. go do something for yourself." charles gave you a sympathetic glance. and you had no choice to concede.

he was right, since nico's birth you had no time for yourself unless he was asleep. but usually you fell asleep too. in the end you dressed nicely, in a pencil skirt and a white blouse. you had your purse on hand and told charles to text you if there were any issues. and you made nico promise you to be good. you kissed the boy's cheek before you headed out.

you ended up at a bar. it wasn't busy and you blended in with the other patrons. the press didn't bother you too much, you had been out of the spotlight for long that it was mostly making the public aware that you still existed and now you had a kid.

"well, well, well." a man's voice caught your attention. you looked up from your phone to see max by your table, "has ferrari's princess finally come back to her castle."

you swallowed, "hi, max."

"where's the little one?"

"with charles tonight."

max nodded, "i was going to make a joke about him being the father... but i know that's not true." he sat down across from you at the table. he rested his forearms on the table, his watch shined in the low light of the bar, "what happened?"

"nothing happened. i just retired."

"with my son... a son i knew nothing about." his voice was low, "why didn't you tell me? do you think so low of me i wouldn't have tried to help? you ran off back home and blocked me..." there was a look in his eyes.

"i didn't want to burden the world champion." you lied as you took a sip of your stiff drink. you felt tension in your shoulders as you took a sip. your heart rattled in your chest, "i didn't expect you to do anything. i didn't need you to."

max reached across the small table and took a hold of your wrist to bring your closer. then he locked his fingers with yours. he said, "maybe i wanted to... did you never think i wanted to be a father?"

you swallowed, "no." you assumed he didn't. not after everything, you heard enough of his father's berating in your karting career. the angry dutch words followed by insults in english so everyone knew what was being said. and that apprently only scratched the surface of what had been done to him. you thought max was a good fit because he would be so disinterested in being a parent. but as he looked at you, hand in yours. you realized you made a grave error. you said, "being a parent isn't easy."

max chuckled, "i know. i'm not stupid. i thought about that night we shared, it comes back to me. i've never wanted someone the way i wanted you. and to know you carried my child, it only pulls me in more."

you took another sip of your drink with your free hand and said, "and what are you going to do about it, verstappen?" you may be a mother now, but you were ferrari's princess, the temptress on wheels. you'd still go toe-to-toe with any man.

max simply smiled.

-

you ended up in max's hotel room. his hands on you like they were all those years ago. he touched you the way a lover would as the two of you passionately made out. you moaned against his lips and you held onto his strong shoulders.

"i thought about you every day of your retirement. i wanted to know what happened. i thought you were sick." he kissed along your neck, his hands at your waist.

"i mean, i did have quite the stomach bug. took ten hours to get him out." you moaned a little bit as his lips grazed over your pulse point. you could feel a surge of pleasure through you. you had been with anyone intimately since max. you didn't have time for dates let alone hook-ups.

"i should've been there. i would've been there in a heartbeat. you, me, nico... a family." he said as he looked to you once more and you toyed with the material of his shirt, "i always had a fondness for you. you let nothing stop you."

you smiled, "i always thought you wanted a model... not a driver."

he pressed his chest against yours and looked into your eyes, "maybe in another time. i wish i could've seen you pregnant." he swallowed as his hands touched your breasts.

you chuckled lowly, "someone wanted a milf?"

he shook his head as he pressed his forehead to yours, "no, no. i wanted to see your body change from what we made. the child we made together."

"but racing..."

he groaned, "fuck it. choose between another trophy taking up space in my apartment... or a home with you and nico. such a hard choice, don't you think?" he chuckled as he held you so close to him. he groped your breasts, "a man who finds more fulfillment in pieces of plastic and metal than having a home to go to is a stupid man."

you chuckled, "i guess i didn't want to be your wag either."

he shook his head, "i don't think you can be a wag if you played the sport. if you are worried about there being expectations placed on you, then don't worry. if you can't drive, then i'll drive twice as hard for us. any ten second gap i have will be twenty seconds, because i know you only expect the best."

you felt warmth in your cheeks. and eventually he led you to the bedroom. you ended up on the bed with max undoing your button up. you giggled, "ah, does someone like mothers?"

he groaned with his nose against your heated skin, "only when they had my kid... nico looked exactly like me." he said as he got the button up off your shoulder.

you moaned, but then yelped as he pushed you back onto the bed. you looked up at him, "i'm on birth control." you licked your lips as you got out of your bra and max took off his t-shirt, "fuck, now i remember why i wanted to have a baby with you."

he put his hands on his hips and smiled. tiny waist, broad shoulders. a certain strength to him, but he didn't look like a dehydrated mess. he was strong in a way that excited you, but you also knew that he loved a good meal. long before he gorged himself on your cunt, he happily ate the meals you cooked. you remember he even said, "you'd make a great wife." which honestly sowed the seed that led to nico.

the night of passion that led to the making of your son. you could feel max's eyes wander across your body and he licked his lips. he said, "you look good. bit more curves than when we last were like this."

"yeah, i had an eight pound baby." you chuckled as you got the rest of your clothes off. max's hungry gaze lingered, "i got a few more curves that a track as carry him for nine months, you know he was three days overdue."

"stubborn." max laughed as he unzipped his jeans, "just like his mama."

you narrowed your eyes, "no, just like his old man." and max was all over you. the kissed became hungry and needy. neither of you had been intimate with another person since the night you made nico. three years ago. you were busy with a baby while max couldn't get you out of his head. he tried to find another woman, he tried to be close to someone. but you always pulled in the back of his mind.

both of you were into the hotel room and max kissed at your breasts. your breasts were roughly average size before you got pregnant. the training and weight guidelines for racing prevented you from having a big chest. but you went up at least a cup and a half during your pregnancy. and max loved kissing the heated skin.

"fuck." you gasped. both naked on the bed, moved against one another. it was like being in a familiar place. you knew max's body just as you did all those years ago. you kissed him and ended up straddled max's waist.

he was up against the pillows and your knees on either side of him. your hands roamed his chest and he shuddered. he looked up at you with those blue eyes, "please, fuck. please, give me a chance. give me a chance to be there for you and nico.."

you swallowed, you never expected that from max. a man on the top like that wouldn't easily quiver at the aspect of being a father. but max wanted it. he wanted the family. he wanted a home. you sighed to yourself, you guessed an apartment full of trophies wasn't enough.

you put a hand on his chest before you sank on his cock, "max. if nico decided not to peruse racing.... would you still love him?" that was a conversation you had to have with yourself. you loved racing, that was your passion for years. but you promised yourself to never be the parent that you saw early in your career. twisting their children to make them conform to the parent's standards. to force them into racing.

he said, those blue eyes gazed up at you, "if nico wanted to race. i'm behind him a hundred percent. if it doesn't, nothing changes... he is still my son. i'm behind him through everything."

you leaned down to kiss max on the lips, "fuck, max." you sank down onto his cock and continued to kiss him. you splayed your hands across his broad chest and continued to move against him.

"shit." he shuddered. he felt a certain euphoria that left him needy for more. never had he had soemthing like this. not since the last time he had you. it was a amazing. to have you so close once more. he wrapped his strong arms around you and moved against you. the kisses shared between you two were hot and heavy, it left him feeling tense in a good way. to have you on top of him, close to him was a feeling he wished he could never forget.

even after three years you still occupied his mind in ways that left him shuddering against you. after three years, after all this time, he still wanted to map your body with his tongue. even the changes post-pregnancy. he held onto you and kissed at your heated skin. he wished he was there, seeing the progress of you carrying nico. to be a father. he moved against you, he held you. he loved you, but he had been holding onto that love for some time. unable to properly display it, and to find out you had a child with him only fueled the passion for you. the two of you moved against one another, you both felt the intense pleasure from the heated movements against one another.

this was how you should've been a long time ago. if max had known you wanted a baby, he would've happily had one with you. but he should've been there for every moment of it. even if you couldn't race because of the pregnancy, max would kiss every winning trophy in your honor, he'd race for both of you. and then come to the paddock with you and nico, a family of three. a family he always wanted.

he wanted to kiss you in front of the cameras. even if you were retired, he wanted to make you feel that every winning was for both of you. he kissed at you heated skin and you moaned, he felt the warmth of love in his gut. you two should've been married by now, a house somewhere quiet. it didn't even have to be in monaco. max would happily pack up his racing sim gear and his cats, and move to anywhere you desired. he hoped that you two could be a family.

to come home after a triple header and see you and nico. the boy looked so much like him. those round cheeks, those wide eyes. the excitement on the track and his need to be close to his mother (you). it screamed a young max, but max wanted to be a better father. he wanted to be present, he wanted to be there for his son.

he groaned, "please, please. let me into your little family." he kissed as your larger breasts and moved against you. the pleasure was deep inside of him. to have you once more felt like a dream.

you held onto his short hair for a moment, you groaned a little bit as you felt the immense heat between you two. you leaned down and kissed him on the head with such tenderness. this wasn't the kind of sex you had all that time ago, this was something more softer. more gentle. less like a means to an end, and more like you two were becoming familiar with each other's bodies again.

"you look perfect," he said lowly, "i'm surprised you hadn't picked uo a husband after all the time." he held on a little tighter and worked your body against him. the pleasure shot through the both of you which only spurred you on the move faster.

your bucked your hips against his, you felt the inferno in your belly as you held his face and kissed him once more. if he wanted to be in nico's life then you'd allow it. you'd let max be involved, be the father he wanted to be. you thought his trophies were more important, but seeing him, his eagerness to be in nico's life made you realize that he wanted a family, a home. you kissed him once more as the two of you thrusted against one another.

you knew racing would always pull you back in eventually. it had that effect on people. it was infectious, even tucked away in your domestic life. you still sat on the couch with your rambunctious toddler and watched the races at odd hours.

"why do you want a life with me and nico, you could have any-"

"i don't want to hear it. nico deserves a father and you deserve a loving partner... hell, maybe even a husband." he said with total conviction as he moved against you. the pleasure felt like it was going to boil over soon.

you moved against him, eagerness in your movements. you couldn't think of anymore things to prevent max from being part of your family. your movements staggered and you felt the pleasure bloom into something more. you hissed, "fuck," while you moved against him. you felt the inferno in your soul, the need for him in ways you didn't need any other man.

this was the father of your son, and you carried feelings for him just as you carried nico. the combination of you two, the affection you had for one another in a brief moment. it was something you wanted to expand on. you wanted to love max verstappen.

you held onto the father of your child. you came around his cock and arched your back. you felt the fury of lust through your body as you moved against him. you laid a heavy kiss on his lips as your pussy clenched around his cock, "fuck." you said, words muffled by the kiss. max wrapped his strong arms around you and moved against you further. you felt his cock nudge against some of your softest areas and it made you toes curl through climax.

he groaned into the kiss and continued to move against you. a few more heavy strokes and he finished inside of you. he practically melted against you and you smiled against his lips with affection. his brain felt swamped with emotion as he said, "i love you."

and without thinking you replied, "i love you too, max." then kissed him once more with total affection for one another.

max swallowed as he held you as you slowed your pace to a stop. he craned his neck to press his cheek against your soft stomach, "don't leave again... please."

"max." you panted and combed your fingers through his hair. he held onto you tighter as if you were going to slip away.

he said, in a tone you never thought you could hear from a world champion, "don't.. don't leave." this was supposed to be simple. max was a means to a child, but he wanted to be in nico's life. he wanted to be a father.

you wrapped your arms around him and held him close to your abdomen. you exhaled deeply and said, "i don't want to pressure you into being a father... if you're going to be in his life, you're going all in. he needs stability."

max lifted his head to look at you. those blue eyes dazzled in the low light of his hotel room. he held onto you a little tighter, not enough to bruise however. he said, "i'm all in. you, me, and nico." like a promise.

maybe it was the post-orgasm hormones or maybe because you became a tad more in touch with your emotions after having a child. but when max said that, you cried.

-

"go nico! go, go!!!" you shouted as your nine year old sailed past the finish line in first place and you broke into a grin. your husband wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close into a kiss. you laughed into the kiss and said to your husband, "oh man. ow, ow. okay, okay!" you looked down at your swollen middle, "someone isn't happy about the excitement."

"sorry there, little one." max's hand rubbed your swollen middle. his wedding band gleamed in the afternoon light. you were welcoming a son in four months and could already feel the commotion of racing.

you smiled at max for a moment before your son got out of the cart and you were moving as fast as you could to greet him. with his helmet off, you cupped your son's chubby cheeks. he was looking more like max every day, but smashed records the way you did.

you were soon a family of four. you didn't live in your home country and max had moved away from monaco when you got married. max was a good father, as he picked up nico with ease.

"you did amazing, nico. good job!" he beamed at the little boy and the boy beamed back at him. you knew that people shouldn't have children to heal a part of themselves. you learned that when you were pregnant the first time. but when max gave praise to your son, he was giving the young boy the support he never got. that if nico was going to eventually end up in formula one, it wasn't going to be the way that max was brought up.

he'd do it right.

stern when he needed to be. you'd both push nico to be the best, but also give him the love a wide-eyed, chubby cheeked boy needed. and as you leaned down as best as you could to kiss your son on the cheek. you felt like a family. it felt like home.

you were confident that you could've raised both nico and your future son by yourself. but it was an adventure you'd rather share with max. <3

[waugh-bao]

(NYT, Sept. 14th 2023)

[roxygen22]

Babysitter

For those of you looking forward to Lofty's appearance in the My Little Cocoa Bean series, your wait is over!

Summary: Willy needs a babysitter ASAP. Lofty steps in begrudgingly. Ben/Bean is 5, and Charlotte/Charlie is about a year old (and crawling).

C/W: Derogatory remark toward children. Babysitter loses track of child. Minor injury.

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It took time for Lofty to grow accustomed to Ben's regular presence at the factory. He found the squirming tiny human tolerable when confined to that silly wrap on Willy's chest. Cute, even. But the fondness waned when the boy became mobile and was fully exhausted once he started to talk. Ben made a habit of following Lofty around, asking the most inane questions. "What are you doing?" "Why are you orange?" "Can I have green hair, too?" He was oblivious to Lofty's exasperation.

On the rare occasion when there were long spells between Ben's visits, though, Lofty would ask after him. "When can we expect the little troll again? I'm not used to actually being able to get my work done without tripping over him." Willy would just laugh and shake his head. He could see right through that callous exterior.

Today was the first day that Willy took both Ben *and* Charlotte with him to the factory. Lofty scoffed when he saw the family enter. "Two of them. Fantastic," he said flatly. He gave Ben the usual side eye, though Willy saw the small smile that lit up Lofty's face when he thought nobody was looking.

Willy had just gotten the children settled in the office when he spied an entry on his desk calendar. "Oh no, no no no! That can't be today!"

"What's wrong, Papa?"

"I have a very important meeting at 9 this morning that I thought was scheduled for tomorrow." He paled and scrubbed a hand down his face. You were at work today as well, and Willy knew how much it meant to you to start back again after Charlotte's birth. There was no way he was going to pull you away because he mismanaged his schedule. Noodle was at school, and there was not enough time for your parents to cross town to watch the kids. "Oh boy. I'll just have to ask Lofty."

Willy pulled out his fife to summon the little orange man. "Lofty, I need to ask a favor. Can you keep an eye on Bean and Charlie, keep them out of trouble just long enough for me to meet with the chameleon flower importer?" Willy implored.

"And why would I want to do that?" Lofty asked incredulously.

"Please, Lofty. If the deal works out, we'll have the ingredients again for those color-changing candies you like so much."

Lofty placed his hand on his chin in thought. "I suppose I can look after your crotch goblins. JUST for a limited period of time. JUST this once!"

Ignoring the jab at his babies for the time being, Willy gratefully shook Lofty's hand. "You're a lifesaver. Here's Charlie's nap and feeding schedule and her bottles. Here are Bean's snacks. I need to go brush off my coat and hat. This shouldn't take more than an hour, tops." Willy left the office in a whirl. "And Bean, stay away from the edge of the chocolate river!" he called out from the other end of the hallway.

Ben and Lofty just sat and stared at each other, not knowing what to do next. Charlotte seemed sufficiently entertained by chewing on her hands and babbling.

"Well, you two are more boring than guarding cocoa beans," Lofty lamented after a few moments had passed. "I need to go count bags of sugar. I will be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Take this whistle and blow on it if you need my attention. Keep an eye on your- hold on a moment, where is the newer one?"

Both he and Ben spun around to look, but Charlotte was nowhere to be seen. Unbeknownst to Lofty, the little girl was already quite proficient at crawling - something that Willy had failed to mention.

"Charlie? Charlieeeeeee!" Ben called out.

"Ba ba ba ba." They heard her babble in the distance in response to Ben's voice. Their heads swiveled until they caught sight of her crawling over the candy bridge. The bridge over the chocolate river. The bridge that does not have any rails to prevent someone from fa-

"Oh, good heavens. Charlotte, stop right this instant!" Lofty yelled. Thankfully, the girl paused. "How did she get all the way over there so quickly? How did she even get out of the office?"

Ben ran toward her, but Charlotte giggled and resumed crawling away at a faster pace, making a game of it. Lofty ran after both of them, but Ben's longer legs (even at 5 years old) prevailed. Ben would have caught up to the baby, too, had he not tripped over a group of candy toadstools at the base of the bridge. The poor boy fell forward and scraped his hands. Fat tears rolled down his face from the stinging pain and from losing sight of his sister again.

Lofty quickly looked Ben over once he finally caught up. "Buck up, you'll be alright. Get back on the proverbial horse. We need to find Charlotte. We know she went that way," he pointed across the river. "Let's split up. If you find her, blow the whistle."

Lofty pulled the boy back up off the ground. Together, they crossed the bridge. Ben went left and Lofty went right, each calling for the girl in hopes she would giggle or babble again. After what felt like hours of searching and chasing phantom sounds across the garden, they crossed paths under the chocolate cherry tree.

"I can't find Charlie!" Ben sobbed. The stoic Oompa Loompa was also nearly reduced to tears by that point as well. Willy would surely cast him out, just like he was exiled from Loompaland. Or worse.

A soft noise pulled Lofty from his downward spiral. It sounded like the tree was...snoring? He circled the trunk to find the source. "What on Earth? Benjamin, come look!" he whisper-yelled to the boy. Ben knelt down and spotted his baby sister cuddled up in a hollow at the base of the tree...asleep. Neither of them were big enough to pick her up and carry her back to the office, so they let her be.

"Stay here," Lofty instructed. "I will go find something to clean up the scrapes on your hands. If she wakes, you give her a great big bear hug and don't let go until I get back."

Lofty went to the storeroom to grab some rags and water. When he returned, Ben was asleep, curled up protectively in front of the den Charlotte had made for herself. He couldn't help but smile at the sight. The poor rascal had exhausted himself worrying over his sister. He didn't dare wake them for fear of playing another round of hide and seek. Instead, he sat down and leaned back against the trunk of the tree to-

Next thing Lofty knew, he felt a tap on his boot. He blinked the sleep away and spotted Willy's tall, lanky frame. Apparently, he had dozed off, too, and in his sleep had leaned over so that his head was resting on Ben's shoulder.

Lofty jolted up and looked to make sure both children were accounted for. Willy snickered. "Don't worry, Lofty. Your curmudgeonly reputation is safe with me. I won't tell anyone you were cuddling with my kids as if you actually like them." He winked.

"Cuddling! I...These menaces?" Lofty stammered. "Really, Mr. Wonka. I sincerely hope you don't plan on bringing more of these small humans to the factory. Now, can I expect to have more of those delightful color-changing candies again soon?"

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A/N: Ben will tell all once he wakes. Charlotte is going to be a handful!

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Masterlist

[itsclydebitches]

Alastor's Deal: A Theory

Apologies if all of this has been said before, but my brain has felt like Niffty on caffeine the last 24 hours and it must be purged.

So, we all know that Alastor has made some sort of deal. That was obvious back when Husk made his “on a leash” comment and was fully confirmed during Alastor’s breakdown, wherein he laments that the “constraints of my deal must have a back door.” The big questions then are with who and for what? Like many, I’m in the “Alastor made a deal with Lilith” camp.

Let’s move through this semi-chronologically.

We know, based on the final scene of Season One, that Lilith has made her own deal to stay in Heaven and that if she doesn’t stop Charlie from “threatening the very foundation” of the realm then the deal is off. This is the primary motivation we’ve seen from the Heaven higher-ups this whole show: protecting Heaven’s power dynamics at best and doing so by hellish genocide at worst. If Lilith made a deal with the angels to get access to Heaven, what else would they want beyond further assurance that her domain will never rise up against them? Taking her off the battlefield would likewise be a decisive blow as we’re told in the prologue that it’s her singing that inspires Hell and Hell’s population that helps grow her power. Take Lilith away and there’s no leader left to organize a revolt.

(Except Charlie. More on that in a bit.)

So either Lilith—newly separated from Lucifer, disgusted by this eternal punishment—or the angels—terrified by her leadership, Hell’s growing population, the ongoing threat of revolt—approach the other and go, ‘You get a spot in paradise and you get reassurance against anyone uprooting the status quo.’ Right from the start it struck me as odd that Heaven only has this seemingly random Extermination once a year as a way of maintaining control. Meaning, the angels fly down and seem to go after any citizen who’s unlucky enough to be in their way, just the average Joes that wouldn’t be perceived as a threat. So what about the Overlords? They’re the ones with the real power and yet they’re simultaneously the ones who are smart enough to lay low during Extermination Day. As far as we’ve seen, there’s no organized efforts to go after the seat of Hell’s political power: Adam doesn’t attack the Princess until she personally pisses him off and Carmilla seems to run into the angels only by accident. Why in the world would Heaven try to keep Hell in its place by killing the citizens who (supposedly—this is an institution that very much underestimates the underdog/group efforts) can’t do anything to hurt them?

The answer is they wouldn’t. Extermination, while useful in terms of striking fear and hopelessness in the citizens, as well as keeping Hell’s population in line, is also a bit of a decoy. Heaven is going after the Overlords. They’re just smart enough to do so quietly.

We’re back to Lilith. She gets a spot in Heaven. In return, she assists Heaven in undermining the true seat of Hell’s power (outside herself and her own family): the Overlords. How to do that though? Staying in paradise precludes going down and doing the dirty work herself, to say nothing of how not subtle having the Queen commit murders would be.

Enter Alastor.

Need someone to commit murders for you? Snag a serial killer! I’ve seen a couple people claim that Alastor’s deal is limiting his power— based primarily on the “unclip my wings” comment—but that’s never tracked for me. If Alastor was already powerful, even more-so than he is now, he’d have no reason to make a deal in the first place. This man, by his own musical admission, is not altruistic. Unless there was some threat to his existence that we don’t know about yet that forced him into a corner, power is the only thing he’d make a deal for.

So you’re Lilith. You need a personal hitman to keep Heaven happy. Here’s an egotistical, power-hungry serial killer who’ll do anything to be on top—even sell his soul. So you make him powerful, though with the caveat that he must use that power at your command. Alastor comes out of nowhere then, this overnight success, and he immediately targets a bunch of Overlords. Not all of them. Not enough for Hell to crumble, or for anyone to become suspicious that this is more than just one homicidal demon enjoying himself, but enough to ensure that what power Hell is consolidating never gets out of hand. I think Alastor’s initial arrival on the scene was a kind of test period for Lilith. Once he proved that their plan would work, she was given access to Heaven. That was seven years ago. Lilith disappears and Alastor conveniently disappears along with her. Why? No enough info yet, but I think that timing lends weight to the theory that his deal is tied up with hers.

Why is Alastor so desperate now? Well, a number of reasons, the most obvious of which is that his soul is presumably on the line. Much like his threats towards Husk, Alastor knows that he’s got a metaphorical gun pointed towards his head at all times. He’s on this “leash” and if we know anything about this man, it’s that he needs to be the one fully in control—which he’s very much not at the moment. Alastor needs to be the one “pulling all the strings,” not acting as the puppet for someone else. I further wonder what might have happened in those seven years to potentially scare him. (Was he in Heaven? Perhaps chained for a time? Let out only when his Master deems him useful again?). I further wonder how his own (slow as molasses) redemption is influencing things. Despite his claims to the contrary, Alastor does care for people—there’s a whole meta about that on its way—and Rosie is very much included in that select group. The fandom has done a great job of pointing out all the ways their friendship comes across as genuine so I won’t hash that out here. Suffice to say, Rosie is one of the few people Alastor is close to pre-hotel, but she’s also an Overlord. If this theory holds any weight it means that at any point he could be given the order to kill her. (If he can, of course. He calls her the most “dangerous” of them all). That's not going to sit well with him.

So Alastor wants out on his deal, right? Well... kind of. See, I don’t think he actually wants to break the deal because that would mean he loses all the power he gained from it. Notably, Alastor also doesn’t say he wants to break it, he says that the “constraints of my deal must have a back door.” He’s looking for a loophole, a way to break the limitations he’s currently under, but not break the deal itself. Here’s an example that’s really just an excuse for me to throw out a headcanon I have:

Demon: I will give you power, but you are not allowed to say where it comes from Alastor: Hmm. I want the power and to be able to talk about where I got it Alastor: What was that exact wording again? I’m not allowed to say anything? Well, I’m a radio host. I’ll just have other peoples' voices say it for me! Alastor: Now I get both :)

That’s another aspect to all this that fits nicely with Heaven being at the root of this deal: of course they wouldn’t want Alastor blabbing. Not just because Hell can’t know about their plan, but likewise because most in Heaven are ignorant of the measures they’re taking too. The fandom has already pointed out the stitching around Alastor’s mouth—colored green to show it’s deal magic—as well as his annoyance when people don’t question is odd absences and sudden power ups. To be clear, I 100% think that scene with the Overlords is Alastor just getting pissy that no one gives a shit about him—this guy needs to be the center of attention 24/7—but underneath that may be legitimate frustration that no one is helping him find the loopholes of this deal. He knows he can’t speak about it, but he’s also hoping to find that “back door” to his limitations. That’s a lot easier to do if others are helping him poke and prod at these constraints.

Which brings me to Husk. Anyone else find it odd that he knows about this super secret deal when no one else seems to? At least, he knows enough to realize that Alastor is “on a leash.” My pet theory here is that Husk is the first soul Alastor collected. Mimzy’s flashback shows Alastor hunting and presumably killing those other Overlords, putting their souls into his radio show for all of Hell to hear (which would be another great fear tactic that benefits Heaven). However, for whatever reason he decides to take an Overlord’s soul one night, rather than outright killing him, and lo and behold, that connection gives Husk some insight into Alastor. Or, conversely, that ownership allows Alastor to speak more freely than he can with anyone else. Regardless, Husk is a potential asset now. No, he can’t go blabbing about Alastor’s deal and reminding him of the insult of being chained—Alastor will still kill him if he goes too far—but for now there’s potential in someone, someone Alastor has control over, knowing that a deal exists. He hasn’t found a way to gain freedom yet while maintaining his power, but Alastor is smart enough to surround himself with people who he can force/manipulate into doing the job for him, once he figures out what role they might play.

Next up then is Charlie. Charlie who is powerful by virtue of being the Princess of Hell. Charlie who is Lilith’s daughter and now owes Alastor a favor (something like, perhaps, “Help me circumvent the limitations of my deal with your mom”?) Charlie who possesses her mother’s ability to inspire through song, a talent that Alastor is THRILLED to see develop at Cannibal Town.

Surprised? Why, I knew she could do it all along She’s filled with potential that I could guide Stick with her, you’ll be on the winning side!

Alastor is playing the long game. Pretend to be the powerful, influential Princess’ friend, become the confidant of Lilith’s darling girl, make a broad-stroke deal with her that can only benefit you, and you’ve set the stage for sometime, somehow, freeing yourself of the mess you’ve gotten into. (Of course, what Alastor can’t admit yet is that pretending to be someone’s friend often results in real friendship developing. Get loved, idiot.) It’s only when Alastor’s plan nearly gets him killed that he has a full-blown panic attack. I almost died for them? I’m supposed to be manipulating them to help me! WHAT THE FUCK?

Three other points of note:

1. It’s unclear how much Heaven knows about the specifics of their own deal. Given that Adam has no idea who Alastor is when they fight, yet the final scene implies that he made the actual deal with Lilith, it’s possible she promised to take out Overlords—and delivered—but never told them precisely how she was accomplishing this. Knowing the kind of woman Lilith is likely to be, no doubt she has further plans up her own sleeve.

2. Alastor’s tune changes drastically while talking privately to Vox. It’s obvious that he’s generally unconcerned with his death threats and absolutely plays that up in their duet, but once they’re alone Alastor because incredibly threatening, taking on his demon form and promising to make Vox wish he’d stayed gone. I don’t think he cares much about Vox himself, rather, as another Overlord Vox is automatically in Alastor’s crosshairs. He hasn’t been given the order to kill the Vs yet, but they’re his enemy by virtue of the deal. You’re going to end me? No, no, no, my entire purpose here is to end you.

3. Alastor fucking hates angels. Or rather, I should say he hates angels high on the celestial totem pole. Battle grunts like Vaggie are fine—he’s got no beef with them outside of them trying to exterminate everyone—but someone like Lucifer, a former powerhouse of Heaven? Or Adam, one of those currently in charge? Alastor despises them both on sight. It’s notable to me that they’re the only two he curses out: “Fuck you” to Lucifer and “I’m going to end your fucking life” to Adam. (Well, except calling Susan a “bitch,” but Susan is an exception lol). Alastor always has it together and prizes his manners up until he meets an angel who represents the top dog group who has chained him. Then he looses his cool. Toss in the fact that Lucifer is Lilith’s former husband and Adam is the one who supposedly made the deal with Lilith and... yeah. Alastor is holding a hell of a grudge. That’s likewise how I read the “unclip my wings” line. Not an indication that Alastor was more powerful pre-deal, but a general way of expressing that he’s constrained in other ways while ALSO hinting at the source. It’s ironic that his own (non-existent) wings are clipped when it’s the winged bastards who have him under their thumb.

This is also where I’m thinking/hoping Alastor’s story might go. He spends more time trying to have his cake and eat it too—possessing Lilith’s Overlord-killing power without being a servant to Heaven anymore—probably screwing over many of his new relationships in the process. Somehow his circumstances come to light (via Husk?), Charlie forgives him, she finds a way to break the deal entirely (perhaps by persuading her mom via duet), and Alastor is left... as Alastor. Just Alastor—sinner, former human, redeemable. Still the radio demon, but not very fearsome anymore. He lacks the power that’s defined him for who knows how long now and must grapple with just being himself: vulnerable and truly reliant on the family he’s built to protect him.

(GET LOVED, IDIOT)

So to recap:

Lilith wants access to Heaven

Heaven wants Hell’s power kept in check in a way that won’t draw too much attention

Lilith makes a deal with a power-hungry serial killer, giving him the ability to take out Overlords for them

Alastor kills a bunch to undermine the threat Hell poses

Her part of the deal proven to be sound, Lilith retires to a celestial beach

Her homicidal pet is kept in line for a time, perhaps put in the cage until useful again

Alastor returns and immediately inserts himself into Charlie’s life, the one person who might be able to help him by virtue of her political and familial position

He spends months manipulating her to like him/orchestrating a deal

He comes to legitimately like her

Nearly dies for her and her friends

Panics about it

Reasserts his original goal to maintain power while getting off his “leash” because fuck friendship and all that

The only thing that didn’t sit right with me was Alastor’s smile. Based on what we’ve seen, this is another constraint of the deal. Alastor’s warning to Charlie that his smile hides his real emotional state was a clue, but I think it’s magical nature is confirmed in the radio tower post-fight with Adam. There’s no audience there for Alastor to perform for. He’s the lowest we’ve ever seen him. If there was ever a time where he’d drop the happy-go-lucky facade it’s now... but he doesn’t. He can’t. Which didn’t make sense to me given all of the above. Why the hell would anyone need to force Alastor to smile if they just want a powerful attack dog?

This rotated in my head like a rotisserie chicken for a while until it hit me that they wouldn’t. Because it’s not about a need, it’s about being mean. Heaven has shown time and time again that they’re not merely engaging in Extermination because they see it as a necessary evil, they LIKE it. It’s fun for them. The killing of demons and their torture beforehand is a kind of entertainment that they—particularly Adam’s group of soldiers—frequently indulges in. They wouldn’t make Alastor smile for any practical reason. They’d do it simply because they could.

Look how happy he is acting as our little pet. It’s a sentiment that Alastor repeats for Husk, likely as a way of grasping at control within his own, vulnerable situation.

In addition, this is a little, sadistic inside joke for the angels. Throughout my whole binge the fixed nature of Alastor’s smile looked so familiar and I couldn’t place it, not until I realized that the angels didn’t literally have those faces.

They’re wearing masks. The masks they wear into battle show fixed, endless grins as they indulge in slaughter. Now, as their pet, Alastor is forced to wear a mask as well, one that mimics the dress-code for killing his people.

Smile, Alastor. You’re the Exterminator.

[avionvadion]

Part Two of "I have no self control, so here ya go."

Lucifer x Fem!Human!OC

Warning: I don’t know how to write songs, so please don’t judge the Lucifer song too hard. T_T El isn’t affected by the song magic in Hell/Heaven so she ends up singing whatever songs she knows from her time on earth. In this chapter, it's "Here Comes A Thought".

I've decided this takes place just before the Pilot episode. So Angel has not been recruited yet, and the hotel is still the "Happy Hotel".

Lucifer was incredibly anxious as he shifted in his seat, one arm crossed over his chest while he bit the tips of his gloved fingers on his other, watching as Eleanora read the letter. What if it was horrible? What if he wrote too much? What if he was too honest and that ruined the letter? He can’t send that to Charlie. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. 

They should stop now while they’re ahead, before things go too far and he can’t take it all back. 

But what if doing that is what ruins everything? 

Lucifer’s mind felt like a trainwreck; he didn’t know which direction to take, which way to go. All the conductors were screaming at each other, but no one was willing to pull the lever to set him on the right track. 

No one except… 

Ellie? 

His sharp fangs had just started tearing through the fabric of the gloves and into his fingers when the Blue Human suddenly reached out, startling him by grabbing his hand and lowering it from his lips. 

She hadn’t even looked away from the writing. 

He blinked. 

Lucifer looked down at the hand she had grabbed. Eleanora’s grip was loose, her fingers just barely resting over his, but she didn’t pull away, simply holding it in place so he didn’t start biting again. 

It was… warm. 

Does she truly want to help me? 

Lucifer, ever since falling from Heaven and seeing the horrors that were inside Hell, had always believed giving humanity free will was one of his biggest mistakes. But he had scared this human, threatened her, kidnapped her, and coerced her into giving him advice, and yet… despite all that… she’s been trying to genuinely help him. 

And then she sang that song… 

Sure, they had a deal now, but they didn’t when they had first started writing this letter. Nothing in her actions or behavior has changed- save for the fact that she was acting more comfortable around him now, but it was the same for him so that didn’t really mean anything, did it? This human must truly be a good person like his daughter believed. 

“Has… Earth changed at all?” 

Eleanora paused, finally prying her eyes away from the letter to look down at him, confused. “Hah?” 

“Earth.” Lucifer repeated, his yellow-and-red snake eyes boring into her brown ones expectantly, hopefully. “Has it… changed? Or are you just one of the few who are most likely to get into Heaven?” 

The woman stared at him, only to turn away with a snort. “I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m “one of the few”. But… the people I used to hang out with in my school days always said I’d probably be the only one at our lunch table who wouldn’t end up in Hell. Pfft!” She laughed, flashing him a grin once she realized the irony of her situation. “Funny how that worked out, am I right? They were all wrong! Technically. Which… actually makes it funnier? But, uh, nah. Probably not.” 

Eleanora set the letter down on the desk and made to move her left hand from his- only to freeze, fingers twitching, as her eyes went wide. Lucifer realized then that she had no idea she had stopped him from nibbling his hand to bits, and that she’s been holding said hand for the better half of ten minutes. 

“Uh…” Slowly, stiffly, she pulled her hand away, her face burning a bright red, and Lucifer stared intently at her as she turned to lean her back against the desk, folding her arms over her chest as she smiled awkwardly, not looking at him. “I mean, I’m from America and it’s gotten really shitty over the past few years. There was the pandemic, we’re practically about to start World War III, and to top it all off- we’re regressing back into the nineteen twenties! Where women are property and cattle and nothing else!”

She laughed, the sound fake and stressed and very much bitter. 

The human waved a hand in the air. “Pisses me off! I mean, seriously, women can’t even breastfeed in public without getting yelled at because we might “excite” some random weirdos! Like, hello~? No! If a baby needs to be fed, it should be fucking fed. But no- let’s let it starve because some asshole might not be able to keep his hands or eyes to himself! Ugh!” 

She crossed her arms again, glaring into nothing, and Lucifer leaned sideways against his desk, elbow propped up and hand on his cheek. He was practically staring into her skull, his gaze so intense, and after a minute of seething in her thoughts Eleanora jolted, sensing his stare. 

Turning slowly to look at him, she blinked, unable to decipher what exactly he was thinking- if he was even thinking anything at all-  and quickly flashed him an apologetic smile, waving a hand at him- the same hand she had held his with. 

“S-Sorry! I… I got mad. And… rambled. Um. But, yeah, Charlie definitely thinks I would’ve gotten into Heaven- I disagreed, because, like, I never really believed in God until coming down here? I mean, my parents are religious, but even though they tried to force that on us, me and my siblings were all pretty… indifferent about the matter? That said, I wasn’t about to argue when Charlie asked me question after question and kept… getting more and more excited.” 

“What questions did she ask you?”

Eleanora froze. Realizing he was actually interested in what she had to say and wasn’t going to tell her to stop talking, she brightened. “O-Oh! Um, just- y’know, the usual, “Have you ever done drugs or smoked, do you drink- if so, how much and how often, have you ever had intercourse before marriage"? That kinda of thing. Oh! "Have you ever maimed or killed someone? Have you ever thought about maiming or killing someone"?”

“And?” 

She startled at that, looking at the devil king with wide eyes. “What?” 

Lucifer’s gaze was curious. “What did you tell her?” 

The human was stunned. “Well, I…” 

Clearing her throat, she looked away and began to count with her fingers as she answered, surprised he even wanted to know. Lucifer himself was a little surprised he wanted to know, especially since he probably won’t even remember half of it, but… he was curious. 

Who was this human? Why was it her that was summoned into Hell? Who was she to genuinely want to help him, even though he had abducted and threatened her for her assistance? 

Why was she so good, when the rest of humanity was so wretched and awful? 

“Um, well, I’ve never done drugs.” Eleanora began to list, thinking back on her answers. “Or smoke. My health was bad enough already, and I really didn’t want to make my asthma worse. Also, I don’t drink. Sure, my older sister would have me take an occasional sip of her wine just so I can say I tried it, but that’s only, like, once or twice a year since she doesn’t drink as much as she used to. Apparently I’m a dessert wine kinda gal?”

Lucifer sat up, squinting an eye. “Asthma? You don’t act like an asthmatic.”

“Charlie!” She beamed, snapping her fingers and pointing at him. “Part of the pact! My meds aren’t available down here, so she’s literally using some kind of magic to keep me from keeling over! I haven’t been able to breathe this well or talk so much since I was small! Heck, I can do zoomies and not collapse three seconds in! She’s such a sweetie.” 

She is. One hundred percent. His daughter was the best. 

“Anyways, she went on to explain the Happy Hotel to me and convinced me to make a pact with her, so not only have my lung issues been taken care of, I’ve got her protection and a job at the hotel. Even though… said job is to literally just exist. So I don’t really feel like I’m doing anything? But it makes her happy, so. Yeah.” 

Lucifer lowered his head, processing this. “My little girl’s… really all grown up now, isn’t she…?” 

Eleanora went silent. 

After a moment, she moved to tap her fingers against the desk, not daring to touch him after how she had unknowingly done so earlier. 

“I think…” She began slowly. “Even if she’s grown, she still has plenty of room in her life for her dad. It’s not like you were on bad terms; you just… never got to know each other. So you still have a shot. Especially since she misses you, too.”

The devil king snapped his head up, his eyes growing wide. “You… You really think so?” 

Eleanora grinned, giving him a thumbs up. “Heck yeah, I do!” 

“How are you so sure?” He asked, worrying his bottom lip. Lucifer could feel his eyes start to sting as he glanced at one of the portraits he has hanging up that were of his daughter, before turning back to look at the human standing beside him. “Were you a mother before coming here? Did you have kids?” 

She balked. Lucifer blinked. He watched as she jumped forward, stumbling as she spun to face him, and shook her head, waving her hands at him.  “No! No, no, no! Dude, I never even dated before coming here! Are you kidding!? E-Even if I did have… kids somehow, I’m only twenty-five! They’d be nowhere near Charlie’s age!” 

Lucifer curled a hand around his chin, furrowing his brows and tilting his head at her. “You’re twenty-five?”

“…Yeah?” 

“And you never dated?" That's surprising.

She shrugged. "All the guys that were in my school were morons and playboys, and literally every person I knew who was in a relationship was being abused or cheated on. I've dealt with my fair share of creeps, but, nah. I don't trust people."

Ah. That explains it. “So, then, Little Blue-“ 

“For the third time, Your Majesty, please don’t call me that.” 

He ignored her comment, instead tossing one leg over the other and lacing his hands together on his lap. Lucifer narrowed his eyes at her. “What makes you so sure this’ll work?”

At that, she hesitated. 

Lucifer watched as her facial features shifted, twisting into something darker and grim. His brows raised, finding this reaction most curious, and observed silently as she thought about how to answer. He couldn’t help but wonder what kind of answer she would give, especially since she was twenty-five years old and not a parent herself. 

After a long, suffocating moment, her hands curling into fists, she moved to fiddle with her blue-painted nails, picking away at the paint. “So, I… don’t have kids. But… I do have older siblings, and… when I was small, I never really got to know them.” 

Oh? 

A sad smile spread across her lips, and Lucifer leaned forward, even more intrigued now. 

“They were… going through some things- depression, anxiety; a lot of their friends… killed themselves and, at the time, our parents were just recently divorced.” He winced a little there. “The divorce never really affected me because of how small I was, but it definitely messed with them. To make matters worse, our mother’s house was absolutely crowded with extended family who were… well, completely and utterly toxic, abusive assholes who only ever cared about themselves, never paid their bills, and decided to take all their anger out on me because I was tiny and couldn’t do anything about it.” 

She said that last part rather quickly, her smile growing sickeningly sweet in her rage, and he blinked with a dumbfounded look on his face as she pressed the tips of her fingers together. 

“Their daughter, my cousin, who would beat the absolute shit out of me and torment her siblings and even gutted a live snake, was the absolute angel in their eyes, and I was the devil because I had medical issues and was spoiled by my mom. I was four. Four. And this continued for years, and during this time all my siblings moved out, and I didn’t get to hear or see hide or hair of them for years. Also, note, none of them knew this bullshit was going on.” 

“Seriously?” Once again, he finds himself regretting giving humanity free will. The abuse aside, that snake thing was especially disturbing for... personal reason.

Eleanora shrugged. “They were always out of the house and I was convinced no one would believe me. Her parents didn’t believe me whenever I tried to defend myself, so why would anyone else believe me? People were already convinced I had an "active imagination".”

Lucifer clicked his tongue, leaning back in his seat. “Fuck that.” 

If the other six sins had met and abused his adorable Charlie, and she tried to tell him such, he would’ve believed her on the spot. But, then again, Lucifer himself was cast out of Heaven. He was young and excitable, with great plans for humanity and Earth and all that would inhabit it, but his ideas were deemed too dangerous, too much, for the likes of his angelic family, and they handled the matter by naming him the devil and tossing him down here with his beloved… who… also eventually left him, taking their daughter with her. Leaving him alone. 

Ah, damn it. 

Is he so lonely that he’s seriously empathizing with this human? 

“But, hey!” Eleanora’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he looked up, face shifting into one of bafflement when she grinned and playfully waved fingerguns at him. “A laugh a day keeps the trauma away! Therapy’s expensive, but telling yourself it just be like that sometimes? Doesn’t cost a cent.” 

Lucifer nodded to that, sticking out his bottom lip. “That is true…” 

“Anyways!” She cleared her throat. “After… everything that part of our family did and how it… messed with my brain, I… ended up more isolated than ever. But then they moved out! And… I was able to find out who I was outside of the trauma.” 

“And then?” 

She smiled at him, her eyes sad. “I tried to reconnect with my siblings.”

“…Did it work?” 

Eleanora beamed. “It did. I was fifteen back then. All you have to do is talk with your daughter, Lucifer. Trust me.” 

He just turned his head away, gazing at the floor and the remains of many failed letters. “I… I don’t know. What if… What if she doesn’t want to talk with me?” 

The room became filled with a heavy atmosphere, suffocating and thick with anxiety. 

Eleanora brought a hand up to her face, fingers over her lips, as she went deep into thought. Just as Lucifer’s fears began to grow darker, his heart sinking into the pit of his stomach, she tentatively reached out and set a hand on his shoulder. 

He tensed, glancing down at the hand, before looking up at her, seeing her hesitating again before she let go and knelt down so he was looking down at her instead. She reached out to grasp his hands, and he startled, realizing he had been unknowingly digging his claws into his palms. 

“I’m really not good at this, but…” Eleanora took a deep breath, beginning to sing softly, her eyes gentle as she tried to comfort him in the way that would work best for him. “Take a moment to think of just… flexibility, love, and trust. Take a moment to think of just… flexibility, love and trust...” 

“...I love Charlie.” He murmured. “But that… doesn’t mean she loves me.” 

Lucifer adores his daughter more than anything; he’d give her the world if that’s what she wanted. Anything that was in his power was hers for the taking. She’s his sole reason for living. She’s so beautiful and bright and lovely, in this world so wretched and dark and filthy. But… he knows he hasn’t been a good father to her. 

He barely spent any time with her in her childhood, and after the divorce he never got to see her at all. It may be in part his fault, since he was always too scared to try, but how can he trust she won’t toss him aside like his wife did? 

“Lucifer.” Eleanora’s voice called out to him, and he flinched, looking down at her with pained eyes. She gave his hands a gentle squeeze, a sad smile on her lips. “It’s going to be okay.’

“But how do you know that?” 

“Just listen, will you?” He pouted at her words, but she stubbornly shook her head and gave him a look before softening her gaze. “Here comes a thought~ that might alarm you; what someone said… and how it harmed you.” 

Lucifer’s eyes drifted down to their joined hands, his lips pulling into a small frown. 

“Something you did~ that failed to be charming. Things that you said~ are suddenly swarming, and oh… you’re losing sight, you’re losing touch~! And all these little things seem to matter so much… that they confuse you- that she might lose you.” 

The blond king snapped his head up, eyes growing wide, but Eleanora offered him a smile. She moved to hold his hands up close to her chest. 

“Take a moment, remind yourself- to take a moment and find yourself.” The human suggested. “Take a moment and ask yourself, if this is how it’ll fall apart…” 

She held his hands out towards him, uncurling his fingers with her thumbs and unfolding them so his palms were exposed, the bits of his gloves that had been torn through there for him to see. Eleanora’s eyes were full of emotion, staring into his with an intensity she wasn’t able to handle before. 

“But it’s not, but it’s not, but it’s not, but it’s not, but it’s not.” She told him firmly, her voice sweet yet ever so strong. Lucifer felt his lips curl back, his eyes starting to sting again. He could feel his heart aching, always so terrified of the worst possible scenario yet desperately hoping for the best without putting forth any effort, his cowardice getting the better of him. “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay…” 

Slowly, Eleanora stood, legs shaking after sitting in such an uncomfortable position for so long. She tugged him onto his feet, the King of Hell finding himself going along with it, watching breathlessly as she smiled at him before releasing one of his hands to brush her fingers over the letter that was still resting on the desk, waiting to be signed. 

“You’ve got nothing, got nothing, got nothing to fear.” Head lowered, her confidence seemed to waver, before she lifted her free hand to rest against her chest, trying to stand tall before him so he wouldn’t doubt her words. Brown eyes gazed into crimson, and she gave his fingers one more good squeeze. “I’m here, I’m here, I’m here.” 

Lucifer was silent, staring at her for a long minute. 

It was so long she started to look uncomfortable, the woman growing worried that she might have sang the wrong thing, but then he turned to look at the letter. 

Taking a deep breath, Lucifer tried to compose himself, snapping his fingers to repair his gloves before moving to pick up the pen he had set down. In that moment of quiet, repeating in his mind the words she had sung ever so sweetly to him, he asked, “How… should I sign it?” 

“Hmm?” She blinked, having not expected that question. “Uh… however you want? She’s your daughter.” 

Sitting straight, he tapped the letter with the pen. “But what would Charlie like best? Should I be formal? How formal? King of Hell formal,” He spoke with a silly faux intimidating voice, waggling his shoulders and almost earning a laugh from the human woman, “or a Sincerely, Your Father kinda thing? Does she even like formalities? I know she’s grown now, but when she was little-“ 

“How about, Love Dad?” Eleanora suggested, a small smile on her lips, her eyes shimmering with a hint of baffled exasperation and growing fondness. She rested a hand on the back of his chair, leaning down just slightly so they were on eye level. “I think she’d like that.” 

Lucifer froze, pen dropping from his hand. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head as he looked up at her, his true personality showing through now that they’ve had not one, but two emotional music numbers. “L-Love… Dad? That’s not- That’s not too cheesy? Too cringe? She won’t- She won’t find it too much?” 

She stared at him, understanding slowly dawning on her that he was less a king and more just a depressed and lonely man who wanted so badly to be a good father, yet didn’t know how. She knew he was immortal, but appearance wise he looked more like he was in his early to mid thirties. This man was an absolutely mess. “Your Majesty… Lucifer, sir… uh…” 

Eleanora looked at the letter and then at him. His eyes were pleading. 

“I don’t know how to tell you this… but Charlie loves cheesy. Formalities freak her out.” 

“…Oh.” 

“Yeeeah.” 

Heart pounding, Lucifer shakily signed the letter, finding himself- against his better judgment- drawing some hearts around the Love, Dad that he wrote, before folding the letter and waving his hand, an envelope appearing in the air. He caught it between his fingers as it fluttered, and the king carefully tucked the letter inside before stamping it shut with a wax seal. 

Eleanora almost flinched when he held it out to her. “There. It’s done. You’re certain Charlie will like it?” 

“Y-Yeah! Of course!” She awkwardly reached out to take the letter from him. “Um, do you wanna send her a gift too? Just to be safe?” 

Lucifer blinked. “A… gift? Like what?” 

“I-I dunno, how about…” The Blue Human looked around the room, taking note of the hundreds of rubber ducks. There were so many, he even had some stuffed under a table. She didn’t even notice the paper ducks hanging over the doorway until now. Deciding not to think too hard about, she gestured to a pile. “Why not one of these? They’re cute. Charlie loves animals!” 

At that, the king jumped out of his seat, laughing awkwardly and wagging a finger at the woman. “Oho! Ha! Haha! No! No, no, no!” He crossed his arms in an X over his chest, shaking his head as his heeled boots clacked against the floor. “Absolutely not! Ex-nay on the duck-nay! None of these are… are…”

Lucifer scrunched up his face and bent over, waving his arms dramatically.

“Are good enough for my Charlie! They’re failures, all of them!” 

“Wait, seriously?” Eleanora walked over to pick one up from off the top of one of the bigger piles. The one she grabbed was wearing a red-and-white striped sweater. “But they’re adorable!” 

She squeezed it. 

It squeaked.

A big goofy grin spread across her face. 

The human cooed, holding it up with both hands, and Lucifer froze- on his tiptoes, half bent over in his overdramatic panic, his arms held out and hands extended in front of him. The devil king stared at her, watching as she squeezed it again. “She’d love this! Ohhh~ or maybe this one? Awww, it has a little hat! So precious!” 

She reached out to pick it up. 

It took Lucifer’s stunned brain a bit too long to recognize what the specific hat he had put on that particular rubber duck meant, but once he did he tossed a hand out, pointing a claw at it with a panicked shriek. 

“No!” 

A beam of light blasted out of his hand, and Eleanora screamed, stumbling and falling back as the duck was simultaneously sent flying out of her hands and incinerated. She looked up at him with wide, terrified eyes, but he just turned to her, breathing heavily. 

“Don’t… Don’t squeak that one.” He told her. “It’ll kill you.” 

Well, not anymore, anyways, given he just blasted that thing into oblivion. But it could’ve. Would’ve, had he not acted. Then Charlie would be sad, and he wouldn’t have anyone to give him advice anymore.  

Oddly enough, he’s actually growing rather fond of this human. She was a good one. Even better, she understood his relationship with Charlie, or lack thereof, and was actively trying to help. In an even odder way, she felt a bit like a kindred spirit. 

But that could just be his loneliness and desperation for connection talking. 

“That fucking beam you shot out would’ve killed me!” Eleanora cried from her spot on the floor, swearing as loud as could be. “You could have just grabbed it from me!” 

Lucifer paused. “Oh. Huh. Yeah, guess I could’ve.” 

Seeing him give a small, half-hearted shrug, the human forgot all fear of him being the devil king and picked up the sweater-wearing duck she had dropped, tossing it at him in a fit of anger. Lucifer blinked and looked down, watching as it hit his chest with a squeak. 

He turned to her, deeply unimpressed. “Really? That’s what you choose to do? Even though I just saved you? You’re in my house, and you’re throwing my rubber ducks… at me?”  

Eleanora opened her mouth like she was about to yell at him, but thought better of it and huffed, pushing herself up onto her feet and moving to set the letter safely on the table. She marched over to another pile of rubber ducks. Picking one up, she turned and faced him, and he just stared, eyes half-lidded, as she threw another one at him. 

It bounced off his shoulder. 

With a squeak, it began to glow with a brilliant yellow light. The light faded after three seconds. 

When she threw a third duck at him, Lucifer took it upon himself to dodge. He barked a laugh, pointing at her. “Ha! Missed!” 

Unfortunately, as soon as the duck landed on the floor, squeaking, a bolt of lightning shot out from its beak and scorched a wall. 

Eleanora jumped and screeched, practically throwing herself onto the desk in the same way someone might’ve done had they seen a spider. “What the frick, dude!? Lightning!? Don’t- Don’t you have one that squeaks rainbows or something!? Or glitter!? Something not deadly!?” 

Lucifer held up a finger, about to respond, only to think about it, tapping a claw to his chin. “Actually… I don’t think I have one with rainbows? Glitter, definitely. Dunno where it’s at, though. It’s in one of these piles.” He raised an arm, gesturing widely to the rubber ducks around them. 

The human gaped at him. 

Lifting a hand, she brushed her bangs back out of her face, baffled, letting out a huff, and Lucifer hummed, summoning his staff so he could lean forward against it, rocking on his heels as he rested his chin on his hands. He watched as her chest heaved as she scoffed, her shapely legs shifting as she slumped over, dropping her arms to rest in her lap as she shook her head. 

“You’re ridiculous.” Oh, that’s something. Rather than annoyance, there was a hint of amusement in her tone, like she found his ridiculousness entertaining or, dare say, charming.

Lucifer found his eyebrows raising. “Am I? I wouldn’t have guessed.” 

“Pfft!” She didn’t even try to hide her laugh. “Right!? It’s not obvious at all.” 

Even stranger than her tone of voice, Lucifer found himself smiling, lips spreading wide across his face and showcasing his sharp teeth for all the world to see. 

It felt nice- having someone to talk to, someone who wasn’t a wretched Sinner and who didn’t have ulterior motives. Someone he didn’t have to worry about, whether it be their intentions or… otherwise. It was a welcome distraction. 

One that… actually felt good, instead of being a pathetic endeavor to keep his mind off of other things. It felt so good, he could feel a song bubbling its way up his chest. 

“Well, I may be ridiculous, but what does that make you?” Lucifer found himself saying, standing up straight and tapping his cane against the floor before waltzing his way over to the desk where she was still sitting. Eleanora blinked. Alarm flashed across her face when he leaned against the side of his chair, arms folding over his chest, fixing her with a look. “You just threw rubber ducks at the King of Hell. Honesty, it was quite bold of you.”

“Th-That was… I, um…” Her expression was complete and utter panic. 

Lucifer’s smile broadened into a grin, absolutely delighted at this opportunity to tease her. “A human like you? Why, Little Blue- I can hardly believe you!” 

Her panic instantly switched to confusion, the woman catching the beat he was speaking with, before squeaking when he suddenly jumped up onto the desk and slid to sit beside her, one leg crossed over the other. 

As Lucifer started to sing, he bounced his shoulders, grinning wide as could be as he looked at her. “What a brave human you are~ facing Hell and coming this far! Picking a fight with the king, I mean really, just who do you think you are?” 

“I-“ Eleanora did not have any idea where this was going. As such, she didn’t know if he was actually upset or not. “I just- I’m sorry? I didn’t mean to- well, I did mean to, but it wasn’t-“ 

“A human like you, sweet Little Blue, I just can’t understand you. Come on, let’s walk!” He jumped off the desk, snatching her hand and dragging her with him, and she yelped when he yanked her forward and spun her around so they were facing each other. “Let’s talk, let’s have a dance!” 

“Lucifer-“

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked, not at all sincere, laughing as he grabbed both her hands and began to move around. The woman’s feet stumbled as she tried to keep in time with him. “You wanted to dance with the devil, so here I am! Why not revel and enjoy the song?” 

She made a noise of surprise when the room around them began to change, magical silver music notes drifting through the air, circling them. The sky above was a brilliant glittering gold. 

“Lah~ dah, a lati dah!” Lucifer sang, his dull red eyes a brilliant crimson as they spun atop a crystal clear lake, each step causing the surface to ripple. “Lah dah lah dah, lah lati dah!” 

He couldn’t help but watch as wonder began to shine in her eyes, something warm that had once been long dead inside him seeming to rise and glimmer as the world around them sparkled gold and blue. Lifting an arm, Eleanora actually giggled as she spun on her toes, the devil king letting her circle around him before being pulled back into his grasp. 

Before, she had been terrified, and she sang only to comfort him, but now? 

She was truly enjoying the music. 

“A dance with the devil’s what you wanted, so take the leap, take a glance~ enjoy your unique, magical circumstance! Not many get a chance like this!” 

Whether he was referring to her situation as a human who was summoned into Hell itself while still being very much alive, or simply because she was dancing with the King of Hell, he wasn’t really sure. Lucifer was simply letting the words flow, and enjoying himself as he watched the various emotions paint across her face. 

“Lah dah lah dah, la lati dah~!” He sang, before flashing her a big grin. “Say, Little Blue, is that a smile?” 

The human gasped, looking at him with big brown eyes, concern flashing across her features just briefly until she saw his crinkled eyes, realizing there wasn’t a hint of animosity in his words. 

Spinning and releasing her, she fell back with a yelp, but didn’t fall as he caught her by the waist. “I knew you’d find this song to be worthwhile!” 

“Lucif-“ Eleanora inhaled sharply, the devil king leaning towards her just a bit too close, but in a way that was much different from how he did in the first song he sang to her. 

His grin was wider, but not forced, and his crimson irises were sparkling. “Little Blue, Ellie, you~! You made a deal to work at my side, to help me with my daughter so I won’t have to say goodbye, but you~!” 

Lucifer pulled her back up onto her feet, but did not remove his hand from her waist. 

“You don’t know how to pick your battles! Trying to pick a fight with the one who gave Eve the apple, ha! You really are reckless, y’know that?”

“Unfortunately?”

 Lucifer grinned. 

“You wanted to dance with the devil~! So here I am! Take the leap, take the chance, enjoy your unique magical circumstance!” Grasping her hand, tugging her close, they began to dance together again, Lucifer taking the lead as she stumbled along, her face red as could be as he beamed. “Lah dah lah dah, la lati dah~ tell me, Little Blue; you’re a gutsy gal! Just why are you helping me?” 

She blinked. “Why? Because…” 

Eleanora thought about it. For once, her feet were actually matching his steps.

“You love your daughter? And… because I want to? I don’t… think you’re a bad guy. Scary, yeah, since you… could definitely kill me, but- I dunno, you’re kinda nice?” 

Lucifer’s pearly white grin softened then, his eyes burning at the sincerity of her answer. Something in his heart throbbed, and he smiled gently as he sent her spinning to his right, releasing her hand, red flower petals appearing and fluttering around her as she slowed to a halt, turning to look at him once she was several feet away. Lucifer’s eyes widened a little at the sight, and he pursed his lips, wondering if this was truly alright. 

She shouldn’t even be here in Hell. 

Can he… really allow himself to rely on her? He should hate her, honestly, given she’s one of the beings who was given free will and with that free will has made a pact of all things with his daughter, and yet… he can’t. She’s so honest and nice, and… warm. 

And pretty. 

Nope, no, not the time, brain! 

Attraction does not equal affection, and he���s not even sure if he can try that right now- or if he’s even capable of it, considering how badly his heart was broken when his wife left him. Even his brain’s become a scrambled mess over the years of isolation and crippling loneliness. 

Friends are good, though! 

He can handle making a friend. Right? Right. 

I can have a human friend. 

Lucifer watched as a few butterflies flew towards Eleanora, who squeaked in slight terror and ducked down, freezing in place when one landed on her head. He bit his lip so he wouldn’t laugh. Walking over, he scared the magic critters away with his staff and held out his hand, the brunette woman pausing to look up at him with gratitude before hesitantly taking hold of his hand. 

“Thank you.” He told her, voice soft, and she recoiled, eyes wide. 

“Huh? O-Oh, you don’t- haha, nah, it’s okay!” She smiled awkwardly at him. “I’m just… glad I can help. Like I said- I don’t really do anything in the hotel except exist, mostly because we don’t have any residents yet, but, hey! If I can help you bond with Charlie, who’s been super nice to me, then I wanna help!” 

Lucifer chuckled, and this time when he tugged her towards him Eleanora didn’t yelp. She just gazed at him with wide eyes, her face burning red, as their chests and faces nearly touched. 

One hand in hers, the other on her waist, the corners of his eyes crinkled warmly. “And I’m not supposed to thank you for that? Don’t be ridiculous, Ellie. Being fallen doesn't mean I've forgotten how to be grateful. I may be the devil, but I was once an archangel."

She was definitely befuddled by his change in attitude, as well as the sudden nickname, but decided not to comment on it. 

Apparently “Ellie” was more acceptable than “Little Blue”. 

Although, if you ask him, “Little Blue” was much cuter. It suited her. A human in Hell, weak and without magic, lacking any and all ways to defend herself should she be attacked without relying on the pact, dressed in all blue, and… well, short? It was adorable. The best nickname. 

He absolutely enjoyed how tall his ex wife was, as it made for some fun antics where he could bring out his wings and fly about, but having someone a little closer to his eye level wasn’t bad either. 

Wait, what is his brain trying to imply? 

Stop it! Focus! 

He leaned in closer, and Ellie leaned back, intimidated and very much flustered. When he started singing again, his voice was lower, gentler, but still filled with gratitude and glee. “I’ve been wanting~ for so long, to see my daughter~ and hear her song. But in the end, I ran away… like a coward…” 

Lucifer lowered his head, looking away. 

“But,” Looking back up, his red eyes met Eleanora’s, and he flashed her a grateful, painfully hopeful grin, “with you at my side, helping me stay upright, to face the fight, I might just be able~ for once not be a fable~ in my daughter’s life!” 

The world around them shimmered, the music notes fluttering down towards the lake like feathers. The lighting grew softer, but Eleanora was so entranced by Lucifer’s voice and his scarlet eyes she barely noticed. 

Even as they began to dance again, and he spun her around and tugged her back, grasping both of her hands, her gaze did not leave his form. “Lah dah lah lati da~! To be a light and set things right, so what remains is not devoured~! I thank you, Ellie.”

He lifted her hands up to his forehead as he bowed his head, his lips curling back. 

“Thank you. For dancing with this… pathetic excuse of a man and devil.” 

“…You’re not pathetic.”

“No, no. I am.” He said, shaking his head and lifting his gaze to meet hers. Eleanora was frowning. “If not for you, that letter… would never have been finished. It wouldn’t have even seen an envelope. I’m… the worst. Truly. I call myself Charlie’s father, but I can never do anything on my own. I just… wait. Hoping she calls me. That she reaches out. I’m pathetic, and… I know it.” 

“You’re not pathetic.” The brunette stated firmly. Lucifer blinked. “You’re just scared. It’s okay to be scared.” 

“But I-“ 

“You want to fix things, right?” She asked, and he hesitantly nodded. “You finished the letter, didn’t you?” Another nod. “You’re taking the first step. What would be pathetic is if you gave up midway through. But you didn’t. You finished writing it.” 

“...If it weren’t for you, I-”

Lucifer was cut-off rather rudely by a phone’s call ringtone going off. The song was distinctly in Japanese, but it was definitely the iconic, I Want to Change the World from a classic anime that Eleanora enjoys. Her eyes as wide as dinner plates, the magic around them popping out of existence, she yanked her hands away from Lucifer and fumbled for her phone. 

He made a face. “Who is that?” 

“Charlie!” 

Immediately, the man was stricken with panic, jumping back and flailing his hands, cane clattering to the ground. “Charlie!? Char- Charlie is calling you!? Char-Char!? My daughter!? Wh-What do we do!? What do I do!?” 

“Uh, ubduh- ahhhhh, I dunno!” Eleanora was panicking herself, frantically waving a hand at him before taking several deep breaths. “Calm! Stay calm! Don’t say anything! I got this. Phew. Okay.” 

Clearing her throat, she slid a thumb across the screen to accept the call and put the phone on speaker, holding it out with a nervous grin. She rested a free hand on her waist. 

“Heeeey, Charlie! What’s up?”

“Where are you!?”

“Huh?” 

The princess sounded terrified. “Where are you!? Are you okay!? Vaggie went to go find you, but you weren’t in your room, so we’ve been searching for you, but you’re just gone and we don’t know what to do and- are you okay!? You weren’t kidnapped by some mean demons, were you!?” 

At that, Eleanora and Lucifer looked at each other, and the King of Hell awkwardly placed a gloved hand over his face, cringing, because yes- she was kidnapped, and it was by him. Eleanora had to suppress a laugh.

“Are you hurt anywhere!?” 

“I-I’m not-“ Eleanora stammered for a moment, brain trying to come up with some sort of explanation, Lucifer waving a hand in front of his face and shaking his head, teeth bared in his panic. Her eyes lit up. “A-Actually, I… have a surprise for you!” 

Lucifer gaped, jaw ajar in his disbelief.

“Which is… why I’m not at the hotel! Haha, sorry, I know I should have told you I was gonna be gone for a while, but, like- I really didn’t wanna give it away, y’know?” As if. Lucifer kidnapped her without a warning. Eleanora had absolutely no idea she was going to be gone from the hotel.

Charlie’s worry quickly vanished. “A surprise?” 

Her excited gasp could be heard over the speaker.

“I love surprises!” 

“Right!? Thought you might.” Eleanora flashed Lucifer a playful wink and fingergun, silently letting him know they had this. His eyes were wide, the man unable to believe this was happening. “Also, question. How do… you feel about ducks?” 

“Awww, I love ducks! They’re so cute! Wait, does the surprise include ducks?” She gasped again. “Is it a live one!? Are you getting me a live duck!?” 

“…It does involve ducks, but not a live one. I don’t think.” The human made a face, and Lucifer began to lower his hands from his face, the man actually listening to the conversation now and realizing Eleanora truly did know what his daughter would like. “Where would I even get one in Hell? Do they have ducks in Hell?”

“Good point…” Charlie let out a weak chuckle, embarrassed. “And we do! They’re just… not normal?”

“Also! How do you feel about rainbows and glitter?” 

“Yeeeeessssss~!” 

“Aww, yeah!” Eleanora snapped her fingers, striking a pose as she held a hand dramatically up in the air above her head. “Knew it! Alrighty! Well, to answer your questions; I’m okay, I am not hurt, and… let’s not focus on the kidnapping bit, okay, bestie?” 

“Wait, what? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t worry about it. Part of the surprise. Anyways~ I shall see you soon! Tell Vaggie I said hi! Hopefully you like the surprise!” 

“Aww, you really don’t have to, you know.”

“It’s all good.” She beamed, and turning her head she sent Lucifer a warm smile. “I want to.” 

The king was stunned. 

“El~! Awwww! Okay, well, since you absolutely insist on surprising me, I guess I have no choice but to wait! Hehehe. Ooh, Vaggie, Vaggie, guess what?” 

There was the sound of footsteps and then a calm yet very amused voice going, “What is it?” 

“El said she has a surprise for me! That’s why she’s gone! She’s getting it ready!”

“A surprise? Wait, really?” Vaggie sounded very confused. “But… she doesn’t know anyone in Hell! Where did she go? How did she leave without getting hurt?” 

“Maybe she influenced the Sinners with her goodness!? They won’t wanna hurt someone who’s super duper nice to them, right?” 

“Oh, gosh…” Eleanora was starting to look incredibly embarrassed now, the woman rubbing her exposed neck. “I really ain’t that nice. But, I’m glad you think so! You’ll… learn what’s going on once I get back, okay? With… the surprise.” 

Vaggie was skeptical, but Charlie was delighted. “Okay! Hehe. See you soon! Oooh, I can’t wait!” 

“Just be careful. It really isn’t safe down here.”

“Trust me,” Eleanora said, expression contorting with a grimace, “I know.” 

With that, she hung up. An exhausted breath escaped her lips, and she turned to look at Lucifer. Tucking her phone in her pocket, she brushed her bangs out of her face with a weary smile. 

“See? What’d I say? She loves cute and cheesy stuff!” 

Lucifer just took in a deep breath, brought his hands up to squish his cheeks, and let out a screech before running circles around the room. Eleanora squawked, turning to watch the devil king lose his mind. “Why, why, why, whyyyyy!? Why did you tell her you had a surprise for her!?” 

“...So you couldn’t duck out?” 

He skidded to a halt, the floor squeaking against his heels, and he looked to see her grinning goofily at him, pointing at one of the many piles of rubber ducks that were in his room. “Uh-huh. I see what you did there. You think you’re hilarious, don’t’cha?” 

“I do, yes.” She snickered. “And, hey! Got you to stop freaking out.” 

Lucifer balked, realizing she was right. 

Not giving him time to start panicking again, the human walked over and patted his shoulder. “So, I’m gonna go out on a limb here and guess you made all these rubber duckies, right?” Seeing him nod slowly, she continued. “Okay. Well… can you make one that squeaks rainbows and glitter? Or will that… take a day or two?” 

“A day or- pfft, tch, pch’a!” Lucifer made a bunch of scoffing noises and waved her off, puffing out his chest as he rested a hand on his hip. With his free hand, he lifted his chin and rubbed his fingers together, acting haughty. “I could make, like, a hundred of those before the day’s over.” 

Eleanora placed her hands on both of his shoulders then, making a bit of a face as she kept her smile on. “We only need one.” 

“...I’ll make two.” 

Eleanora had to stifle a laugh at his determined pout. 

Previous Chapter: https://www.tumblr.com/avionvadion/741473939450216448/i-have-no-self-control-so-here-ya-go?source=share

[ash5monster01]

Goes On Chapter Thirteen

Pairing: Charlie Dalton x OC!FemReader

Warnings: 18+, depression, mentions of suicide, heavy topics, eventual smut, slow burn romance, fluff, gender themes/stereotypes.

Summary: Against his best efforts Charlie has to start at a new preparatory school after the tragic events that took place at Welton. The very events that led to the loss of his best friend and getting expelled in the first place. He has no plans to make friends let alone get close to anyone ever again. That is until he meets Evelyn and her interesting group of friends. No matter how hard he tries to push them away he finds it to be impossible. So he caves and in the end learns that life can still be enjoyable even if it feels like everyone is against you.

word count: 2.9k

Twelve ←→ Fourteen

Masterlist

Ridge Academy, NY

4/7/60

Thursday track meets were back in full swing. Charlie was not normally a nervous person but today he was rattling with nerves. He still wasn't fully confiendent in his pole vaulting abilities but there wasn't much he could do about it now. He had three events to participate in and no other choice. Next year he'll actually go for the sports he wanted but until then this would just have to suffice. Besides when the blisters and callouses started to hurt it brought him right back to the first night he kissed Evelyn and he wasn't so upset about it anymore. Smiling to himself he finished wrapping his one hand as he waited for his event to be called.

As for the girls they laid in the grass, patiently waiting for the events of each of the boys. It was the first time the three girls had been alone in a while and they were taking complete advantage. Laurie even came prepped with nail polish to do the girls nails as they waited the events between the ones they were there to watch. Evelyn laid completley still as the blonde girl did her fingers first since Violet had already broken into the snacks they also brought. Both of the girls noticed how a smile hadn't left Evelyn's face once, mind on the brunette boy that had completely captured her heart. She was so blissed out the girls used this as an oppurtunity to get all the information out of her they could.

"That is the sweetest story I've ever heard" Laurie cooed after Evelyn had just finished retelling the story of their first kiss. So far Charlie had been a dream boy, being everything she needed and more.

"I know, until Violet ruined it" Evelyn said with a giggle and the raven haired girl gasped and reached out to whack her friend.

"Hey, how was I supposed to know he was in there and you should be thanking me anyways. He never would've snuck into your room if it wasn't for him and Nate catching me on the boys floor" she defended and both the girls giggled at her words. Knowing the truth they held.

"Thank you Violet, next time stay in the boys dorms a little longer" Evelyn finally said around her giggles and Laurie laughed harder, rolling onto the ground beside the brunette. Leaving the nail polish behind. Violet just rolled her eyes but joined into the laughter as well, laying down herself, and enjoying the feeling of the warm sun on her skin.

"What about you Laurie, anything happen with Mr. Eli Johnson?" Evelyn asked, heading tipping to look at her, eyebrows moving up and down suggestively. Laurie just grinned, the soft shake of her head as she looked away from the girl and up to the clouds.

"Not really, I wanted it to but he wasn't a very good kisser. So I let him get to second base and called it a night" this response has Evelyn and Violet erupting in a fit of giggles and Laurie can't help but laugh herself at the memory of it all.

“How disappointing considering you were practically over the moon when he asked you” Violet points out and Evelyn grins wide, remembering how Laurie had barged into their room just to share the good news. Despite her wanting to go with another guy.

“It’s okay, I still haven’t quite given up on the Jay Adam’s dream anyway” she says, sly smile dancing across her lips and neither of the girls can say a word because that was their Laurie. Confident, cool, and queen of the school.

“Hey are we cheering or sleeping?” Marty suddenly lands on top of them all, eliciting shrieks from each of the girls as he laughed. Violet is the first to shove at his weight, nose scrunched up in disgust.

“Gross, you already smell. Please go away” she says which makes all of them laugh as the boy removes his weight from off of them. Once free they sit up, eyes squinting in the brightness of the sun.

“We were sleeping, nothing exciting about watching you throw heavy things around” Laurie says, brushing grass from her sweater and perfectly styled blonde hair.

“Violet never seems to mind” he grins, eyes sparkling with amusement and the girl quickly shoves him as hard as she can. He was good at pushing her buttons.

“Careful there Martin, she’ll stop visiting after hours and that’ll interfere with my plans too” Evelyn tells him, a pointed but joking look on her face, and Marty grins at all three of the girls that he has come to love in very different ways.

“Yeah well those plans are about to launch himself in the air so get ready to watch” he says with a soft pat to her leg before standing up. He doesn’t miss a beat as he bends to offer Violet a chaste kiss and runs off to join the boys in his own event.

“God, is it bad I don’t want to watch?” Evelyn asks, suddenly filled with nerves as she spots Charlie stretching and preparing for his event. The girls giggle beside her and Violet wraps a comforting arm around her shoulder.

“Yes, considering he’s only been doing this for a month” Violet teases and Evelyn can’t bring herself to laugh because the whistle is blowing, indicating the start and Charlie now has the very large pole in his hands. Since when were they that tall? He could fall and break an arm, or worse his leg.

Panic was beginning to flood her but she didn’t have time to acknowledge it because suddenly the boy was running, running so fast it almost hurt her neck to follow him. Even Violet and Laurie held their breaths as the bottom of the pol met ground and the boy was being lifted in the air, feet above his head and guiding him over the pole. A laugh of nerves and pride fell from Evelyn’s lips as he cleared it and she didn’t breathe until he met the mat on the other end and lifted himself up from the ground.

“That was amazing” Laurie said as the crowd began to cheer and Evelyn nodded, still trying to come back to reality as Charlie returned to the other members of the team.

“Wow are you sure he’s never pole vaulted before?” Violet asked and Evelyn nodded, remembering that day in the hallway like yesterday. Yet Charlie had completed the sport with ease and even she had been wondering how he had gotten so good in such a short amount of time.

"Positive" she told her and Violet and Laurie shared equally impressed looks as another student attenmpted his hand at the event. Evelyn's heart had now calmed and she found herself enjoying this much more than she thought. It was fun watching and not only that but cheering on your favorite people in the world, even Charlie who was the most unlikely of her allies lately.

It's not long until the meet is over, the girls cheering where necessary when Marty and Nate were up in their own events as well. The temperature had cooled down quite a bit as the night progressed, the sun barely cast over the horizon now as the teams began to pickup and visiting families started to make their way home. The girls made quick work of collecting their things and starting for the very boys they had attended this for. Violet beat all of them, rushing into Marty’s arms and greeting him with a friendly kiss. Much different then the last interaction they had not that long ago. Evelyn took a much gentler approach, walking slowly into Charlies arms and offering him a sweet kiss. Nate turned away quickly, not wanting to watch.

"What, no running and jumping for me?" he teased once she pulled back and Evelyn just laughed, giving a soft shake of her head. Charlie kept his arm wrapped around her shoulders and she locked her own around his waist. Happy to have someone to belong too.

"I'm not much for theatrics" she told him and Violet glared as Marty set her down and the group began to circle around one another. Laurie and Nate standing awkwardly beside each other being the only two single ones of the group and never once having any interest in the other.

"You did really good Charlie" Laurie praised and Charlie smiled, softly shaking his head as he glanced to the other two boys.

"Thanks Laur" he said, a bit embrassed. He still hated track, despised it, but the praise made it worth it. Only slightly.

"Yeah, I thought Evelyn said you've never done track before" Violet repeats from earlier and Charlie's brown eyes dropped to gaze into Evelyn’s and she smiled at him, remembering the closed off boy who argued with her in the hallway that day. He was still that boy but at least now he had begun to let her in.

"I haven't, it's just these muscles I have from all those years of rowing" he smirks, free arm lifting to flex for the group and they all laugh as Evelyn pulls his arm down, shaking her head at the cocky boy beside her. Once the laughter calmed he glanced around the group. "But seriously I worked my ass off this last month or so. No chance I was going to risk falling on my ass in front of the entire student body. Especially since I still have the new kid reputation"

“That’s fair” Nate agreed and Laurie smacked him as well, the group comfortably laughing again.

Charlie couldn’t help the slight constriction in his chest. He had come to like this group of people, he really did. It just would never be the same and he figured it never would. Just a few months ago he was the happiest he’d ever been in his life and now he wasn’t sure what he was. He knew he was happy around Evelyn, content even, and he knew he enjoyed the presence of the others but they didn’t offer him what the Dead Poets did. Those were his brothers, his family, the only people he had ever shown his true self too. Then suddenly, all at once, he was sad because today he did something new and none of them were there to see it. Most of all Neil who would’ve been the first person he told about today.

“I gotta run, thanks for coming guys” Charlie suddenly said and before Evelyn could question why, he let go of his grip on her, and rushed off towards the entrance to the dorms. The group looked amongst each other as they spotted Evelyn’s disappointed face.

“What was that about?” Violet questioned and Evelyn shrugged, turning back and trying to hide how much his sudden change in attitude upset her.

“Not sure” she spoke, eyes a bit more dull than they just were. She liked having a boyfriend, she loved even feeling content enough to have one, but when he closed off like that she couldn’t help but feel a little lost. Charlie had always been a mystery but she hoped they had at least moved past that point by now.

“I’m sure it’s nothing” Nate said, seeing entirely through her and Evelyn nodded even though it did nothing to ease her mind. Nate went to walk towards her but she took a step back, sad eyes gazing amongst her friends that she didn't want to pity her.

"I'm going to finish up some homework, I'll see you guys later" and just like that Evelyn was off too, running to hide from her friends who would question her until she was too sad to answer. She may be Charlie's girlfriend but she still couldn't explain him and that hurt more than anything. To be the closest person in his life and still feel like you knew nothing about him. To feel like he didn't entirely trust you yet and that was pain on its own.

The now abandoned group of friends slowly dispersed off into their own things. Nate who couldn't get the image of a sad Evelyn out of his mind started for his dorm, hoping Charlie would be in there so he could give him a piece of his mind. Yet what he didn't expect to find was Charlie sat up on his bed, track clothes still on, as tears streamed down his face. It was the first time Nate had ever seen something as heartbreaking as this. He knew Charlie was broken but he had hid it so well, at least up until now. When Charlie spots him he's quick to wipe at his face and turn to the wall.

"What happened?" Nate can't help but ask, almost shocked by the fact that just moments ago he came here to yell at Charlie for Evelyn being sad when Charlie was the saddest of them all.

"I don't know, it's hard to explain" Charlie muttered, voice hoarse with tears. Nate took his spot on his own bed, watching Charlie who refused to turn from the wall. He hadn't cried in front of anyone since he first found out about Neil. Everyone must reach their breaking point some time.

"Try me" Nate said, getting comfortable and preparing to hear his side of everything. He knew about his friend, knew the turmoil that Chartlie held. He just didn't know anything about it. He was given no story, no context, and it was such a heavy fact to know. Knowing nothing about the story made it consume your mind entirely. He figures because of this Charlie took a moment to respond.

"It's weird, like I can't explain. Just sometimes the memory of what happened is so suffocating I can't breath. It happens randomly too, like the weirdest things could trigger it" Charlie says, slowly turning to face Nate. The one good thing was Nate had a comforting aura to him, probably why him and Evelyn had been friends for so long.

"What triggered it today?" Nate asked, hoping his questions wouldn't scare him off. He had shared a room with Charlie for a while now and he knew he was the only one to know this about him. He just wanted to be there for him if need be.

"I'm not sure, suddenly I was super aware of the fact that all of you were my friends but not really my friends. Because my friends are still at Welton and one of them is dead and then I started feeling guilty for moving on and pretending they don't exist. Guilty that I'd ever be so happy when my friend was so unhappy he didn't survive" Charlie says, tears streaming down his face again and to avoid looking at Nate his eyes find the picture on his night stand. The one of him and the boys outside of the cave. A moment frozen in time where he was his happiest. If only that Charlie could see him now and what a wreck he'd become.

"I hate to say it Charlie but I think you’re experincing panic attacks. Which is normal for people who have endured any type of trauma. It's a coping mechanism for people who still struggle with traumatic events in their life" Nate says, knowing all about this because his own father had them growing up. A side effect of surviving World War 2 and living a life to tell the tale. He'd seen his Dad jump at enough fireworks, and be blinded by anger enough times, to know a piece of his father would always be still at War.

"How do I get rid of them?" Charlie gapes, mind reeling over the idea that the death of his best friend had impacted him in such a way that he may never be normal again. Yet then again, what really is normal? He wasn't so sure anymore.

"You don't. You learn to live with them and when that doesn't work you start to learn what triggers it, and learn to live with that. Whatever happened though Charlie was enough to unease your mind and you should probably figure out how to get some closure" Nate spoke, standing and searching for his shower stuff. After an entire track meet he needed a rinse and he figured Charlie needed the room. Charlie might be the guy who stole his girl but that guy was also very broken and Nate couldn't fix that for him no matter how hard he tried.

"Like face my fears?" he questions and Nate nods, swinging his towel over his shoulder and offering him a tight lipped smile.

"Exactly" he says before opening the door and giving Charlie the space to recognize what had really happened to him. How he had been left to hold in all this trauma to the point his own body had made a chemical reaction to what he had endured. Charlie hated that, it made him feel weak, when not so long ago he felt like a king. When he felt like he had a chance at loving his life.

To indeed be a God.

Taglist: @octaviasdread @eden-punk @linmichea1 @pursuedbyamemoryy @mynameisjxlia

Comment if you want to be added to the taglist :))

[sunflowericescribbles]

All the radioapple AUs ideas

I wanna write if I could get over my burnt out self

Bambi: Alastor loosing his mother as a fawn and wanting to get revenge on the hunter (and later all the other humans who kill his kind). Lucifer being the majestic leader, easily spotted by his albino appearance, but surprisingly hard to find because he hides away very well & doesn´t care much about the hunters. (Also he looks way taller from far away, but once you stand next to him he is so small all of a sudden.) Anyway, as he grows up Al is on a mission to scare all the hunters away permanently (read: kill) until one day of course there appears a large amount of hunters to "hunt down the rabid animals that endanger the hunting territory" or something like that. Well, Lucifer warned him often enough to not engage with humans, because in his long long life he knows this was gonna happen eventually. Now he can come along and try to do some damage control (by getting everyone to safety and buying them time by playing the bait). In the end the woods catch fire, they have to flee through the smoke and burning trees, they barely make it out alive, but they fought together, the threat is gone. (Sidenote: maybe add some magic: Alastor slowly turning into a wendigo after killing & eating more & more humans, kinda like a curse; Lucifer being the "god of the forest", supposedly the last immortal one - no I´m not going to dive into "the last unicorn" theme with this!)

Blue Eye Samurai: title will be "Red Eye Samurai", because Alastor has most of his demon appearance with red eyes of course. What´s special about him? He´s only a half demon, so he can get away as a human most of the time so long no one sees his red eyes behind the tinted glasses, the deer ears that are constantly hidden under his wide hat and the claws under his gloves. He wears a katana (in red of course) & he has no problem using it to cut off parts of the human bodies (& eat it). Yes, he´s out for revenge (again), and of course he will have some assassins sent his way & he has to fight his way through some tough shit. Maybe give him Niffty as travel companion, who he rescued (unintentionally) from her abusive husband at the noodle shop she was working at. Lucifer meanwhile is unhappy because he wanted to get married to Lilith, but his family has "better" plans for him. Lilith gets exiled (for whatever reason), he wants to follow her & bring her back, but looses her track soon after he sneaked away. And of course he gets robbed on the way, but he won´t give up so easily. Can´t be so bad picking up a job at a brothel, can it? Well, the red haired lad surely is not a easy costumer, but Lucifer knows how to tempt humans.. and demons.

Devil´s advocate: that´s a bit of a complicated one, because if you know the relationship between devil & advocate, then shipping gets a bit.. difficult. So, let´s throw that out of the window. I just think it would be an interesting setting for a radioapple story with a bit of twisting around. Al as an advocate being ruthless & very successful gets the chance to work at the infamous Magne firm and into arguments with the big boss about morality (& other more or less serious stuff). Funnily enough "the big boss" is quite tired of working with shitty people who left all their morals behind, he wants Al to be successful without loosing that, but it seems (almost) like a lost cause. Why is he even trying to make Alastor a better man? Isn´t everyone he interacts with bound to be corrupted? Al´s mom is very concerned (and frightened) when she meets Mr. Magne for the first time (because she´s a good soul & can immediatly tell he´s the devil). In the end, it turns out Alastor had only caught Lucifer´s interest because of Charlie, who lives with him (& his mother). She´s his daughter and he wants to have her back with him. Too bad she doesn´t wanna go back home until she´s finished her business, so he has to wait & until then he´s not allowed to lay a finger on her friend Alastor. Well, at least he has her near him, he can interact with her again & at least Al and his mom care for her. (If only Alastor would stop calling him short & a bad father, he would be less inclined to throw him over the edge of the roof)

Dirty Dancing: make it dance instructor Alastor x doctor Lucifer (with a side dish of Chaggie, because they´d make a hot dancing couple, too)

Sister Act basically Al can sing, he´s got a nun outfit & it would be fun xD

SpyxFamily Spy Alastor, Assassin Lucifer, Child Niffty, perfect little family :3

Titanic (1997): I would sprinkle a bit of onesided radiostatic in it, with Al and Vox being partners at first and boarding the ship together. They both want to start a new career overseas and maybe even team up. By some coincidence Alastor finds himself in the first class as replacement for another singer/entertainer for one evening and gets to meet Lucifer, who he has to fish out of the water, because that dumbass somehow managed to go over board. Lucifer is on board with his little daughter Charlie. After the death of his wife and having no money left, his family decided now would be the perfect time to offer him a chance to come back into their circle. Since his daughter is still too young to marry someone (and because Lucifer would never marry her off to someone she doesn´t love), he agreed to (finally) marry someone of his family´s choosing. Obviously he´s not happy with the choice. He meets Alastor for the first time when Charlie almost falls over board because her plushie slipped out of her hold.

[dragonsdomain]

Out of Office chapter 6

AO3

Chapter 5

"Hey, hey."

Eugene groaned weakly as a voice penetrated his slumber. Who was that? Where was he? Why did everything hurt? Was he sick?

"Oh, uh, it's just... this is my stop, so I'm gonna go now, okay? And I wanted to make sure you were okay 'cause you don't look too good. So. You good?"

Eugene processed maybe half of whatever that was. He fought to open his eyes, hissing at the light, silently yelling at the world to stop spinning and shut up while he figured out where he was (then feeling bad for being rude to the world). A hand landed on his shoulder, and he jolted back to reality, letting out a little hiss.

"Hey? Dude? Are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital?"

Eugene breathed in air which felt cold. He became aware that he felt hot, and sweaty. Did he have a fever? Wait, that voice was... what was his name. Mike.

"Goodness, is he alright?"

"Er, I don't know. Eugene? Hey?"

Eugene finally processed that Mike wanted a response from him. He didn't want to. He felt hot and grimy and weirdly hollow inside, like parts of him he'd never wanted to be aware of were hanging open and exposed to the air. He finally managed to crack his eyes open and glance down at his chest, which was, strangely, intact.

"Did someone say 'Eugene'?"

Linda? His head was too heavy to look, but after a second, her face appeared in his line of sight. "Eugene? Honey? Are you alright?"

"Uh..." Eugene tried. Just the effort of generating sound made his head spin.

"Do you know him?" Mike asked quietly.

"Yes." Linda smiled at him gently. "I can take care of him from here. Thank you for your help, young man."

"Okay. Thanks. 'Bye. Uh, hope you get better, Eugene."

Linda's presence soon pulled up against Eugene's side, and he sagged against her (taking a second to wonder whether it was her or him that was burning hot).

"Woah, Eugene, don't fall asleep just yet." Linda's hand pointed Eugene's heavy face up toward hers. "Are you sick?"

Eugene fought to keep his eyes open. "I'm... a-uh... th' ghosts..." Oh, he'd tipped forward on her shoulder again. Uh, oops. This seemed like it would be a good time to sleep again, actually. If his head wasn't burning up. That didn't feel good, he'd like it to stop.

"...any water today? Come on, hey. Have you spent lots of time out in the sun? Eugene?"

Loud footsteps came over, and Eugene gritted his teeth as their owner spoke, close and unfamiliar and loud. "Is your son alright? Sick people aren't supposed to be using public transit, you know. At least not without masks."

"We're sorry," Linda said gently, though her voice was still a dagger to Eugene's brain, along with the sounds of everyone breathing and the subway grinding against the train tracks and somebody coughing once and the way every jolt of the train violently jerked Eugene's body up and down. What was going on? Linda was talking again. "...at the next stop."

"Alright, fine. Er, make sure he gets the help he needs. He looks awful."

"Okay," Linda responded cheerfully. As soon as the footsteps retreated again, she whispered sharply into Eugene's ear, "Eugene, I need to know whether to call an ambulance."

He jolted, then heaved a breathy moan. "Not again... I'm poor..."

"Eugene," she said, in a tone that left no room for negotiation.

"Hhh..." Eugene did feel awful, but the last scraps of logic in his brain knew that the hospitals of the living wouldn't have any idea what to do with this. "I'm just sick... and, um. Water. Yeah... need t'... drink water." There, that was a good argument. Eugene's face buried itself in Linda's shoulder again, and he gave a little sigh.

Linda grumbled even as she gently rubbed Eugene's back. "You had better be telling me the truth about this, okay?"

...

Charlie sat blankly on the wooden floor. Luke was standing near her, and she could glance over at the scissors he was holding, half-open, black ichor congealed on the blades.

Charlie couldn't look up, but she could feel the eyes of her father from every direction. At any second, whatever was holding him back-- oh, River's seal-- would fail, and he would reach in and drag her out, away from her friends and the temporary freedom she clung to, and back into the empty, dusty hallways of his control. He was such a large ghost. He must have died with such a burning hatred of her, one that had only been festering for however many years it had been. He would catch her, and this time there would be no escape. He was already dead. He could no longer be killed.

Distantly, Charlie registered Sean giving Luke a rundown on how things worked with evil spirits, on ghost artifacts, and how River's hair was protecting them. Luke's footsteps eventually retreated from the room, and there was the sound of running water. Charlie wished for protection, so she was sitting with her back to a wall, but she could feel the presence of her terrifying father directly on the other side, and felt already imprisoned by the knowledge that she was inches away from touching him. She wondered if she wanted to scoot away from the wall, but she couldn't bring herself to move, except to lean forward onto her knees. Luke's footsteps returned, and he placed her scissors, sparkling and clean, on the wood floor in front of her.

"You okay?" Luke asked gently.

"How much did Sean tell you about the ghost out there?" Charlie rasped.

"A tortured spirit, or 'monster', powerful and dangerous. Must've been nasty when he grabbed you."

"Huh," Charlie said. Her brain registered that Sean didn't know the spirit was her father. Luke didn't know. Somehow none of them had yet figured out that she was the entire reason he'd returned as a monster. That she had murdered him. Fun web of lies she'd woven, delicate as spider silk to be torn to shreds any second.

"Are you okay?" Luke repeated.

Charlie dropped her head back into her knees, waiting for Luke to give up on getting words out of her and leave.

Luke pushed the scissors closer to her.

Charlie closed her eyes. She didn't want to pick it up and then feel just as powerless as before.

"Ugh." Luke grabbed the scissors again and tapped them impatiently against the floor. "Your name is Charlie, right?"

Charlie grumbled out a sigh.

"You're being self loathy, aren't you? I know what that looks like. I know Eugene. Well guess what? You don't get to." Luke took Charlie's hand and placed the scissors into them. "Making yourself suffer by not accepting help from people isn't going to help anything. It's just going to make you feel worse. And I don't know you, but I know Eugene didn't even deserve it. This big ghost showing up isn't your fault."

Charlie tightened her grip around the scissors. "Shut up. I'm not like Eugene. You don't know what you're talking about."

Luke huffed a breath. "Fine. Be like that." He stood up and walked away.

Charlie let her grip loosen again, her scissors hanging off of one finger. Her eyes were wet. "I do deserve it," she whispered.

...

"This is fine, right? I mean, there can be lots of normal reasons why Luke isn't waking up, right?" Oliver asked desperately.

"How old are those smelling salts?" Joy said, ripping them out of Oliver's hand, then sniffing them. She gave a deranged little laugh. "Okay, yeah, these are definitely too old."

Oliver had returned to gently jostling Luke's limp body back and forth. "Luke, hey? Hey? Pleeease wake up."

"Hospitals are so expensive," Joy muttered to herself as she started pacing. "Do you think he has insurance? He's gotta, right? He's a cop. Maybe this isn't that bad, but it would be irresponsible not to take him to the hospital, right?"

"Hospital?" Oliver repeated, voice cracking. "He's-- he's possessed or something, Joy! We've gone and stuck a magic flower we know nothing about in his mouth, and now he's unconscious! Hospitals don't know what to do to fix stuff like that!"

Joy threw her hands apart. "Fine, Mister Supernatural! Then what do you suggest we do?"

Oliver hesitated. He glanced worriedly over at Luke's limp form, then took a deep breath. "I think... we should talk to Eugene."

Joy blinks at him. "What?"

Oliver cringes. "Luke was right. We shouldn't have been doing any of this behind his back. Not just because it was dishonest, but because we didn't know what we were getting into either."

Joy's expression sank. "But... we're so close. We finally have a lead. If we come clean to Eugene and stop now, we'll never find out what's wrong with him."

"We have more important things to worry about right now," Oliver said, pointing at Luke. "Whether or not this is something doctors can treat, Eugene will know how to fix it. It's his flower. We shouldn't have taken it."

Joy sagged against the wall. "Okay. Alright. Get him on the phone."

Oliver pulled up and clicked on Eugene's number, putting it on speaker. It rang into the quiet room as Joy and Oliver waited for Eugene to pick up. Then it reached his generic voicemail.

Joy raised a worried eyebrow at Oliver as the robotic voice listed the unavailable number. The beep sounded, and Oliver spoke into the phone to leave a message. "Hey, Eugene? Please call us back as soon as you can. We need your help." Oliver considered speaking the confession into the phone receiver then, but the words tangled on his tongue. There was an awkward second of silence, then he jabbed the hang up button.

Joy sat down onto a chair, rubbing her arms. "Call him again? Text?"

Oliver gnawed his lip anxiously. "This can't really wait for a text response. Maybe we should go to his house."

Joy combed a hand through her hair. "It might not be a good idea to move Luke though. Should one of us stay with him?" She grimaced. "I can go ahead and do it. This is my fault, anyway."

"Hey, no, if you want to go, go. I'd rather be with Luke so I don't have to be worrying all the time if something else has happened to him."

"You know I'll call you if anything happens out there though," Joy said, grabbing her bag and checking her shoelaces. "And I'll tell you when I find anything out."

"'Kay. Thanks." Oliver gave her a nervous thumbs up. "Good luck."

"Gotcha," Joy said, with an earnest mock salute, then she dashed up the staircase and out the door.

She pulled her own phone out of her pocket as she marched down the street, double checking for texts. Her phone started ringing, and she jumped. Eugene's number. She quickly answered, putting the phone up to her ear.

"Hello, this is Linda," said a matronly voice from the other side. "I'm with Eugene right now and saw you'd called."

"Oh. Hi." Joy pivoted and started speedwalking back towards her house and Oliver. "Could you give the phone to him? I really need to talk to Eugene."

"Alright, just a minute. Or... no, I'm sorry, he's not very lucid right now."

Joy's eyebrows pinched. "What? What's wrong with him?"

"He's dehydrated, I think. We're on our way to my flower shop."

"I'm going to come to you, okay?" Joy turned the phone to speaker so she could tap out a text to Oliver as she continued talking to Linda. "This is pretty important. I have to talk to Eugene."

"Alright then, I'll see you soon. It's 'Linda's Flower Shop'."

"Thank you," Joy said, then hung up.

As she passed her house, Oliver burst out of it and ran up to her. "Hi. Changed my mind. I'm coming too. Door's locked, Luke'll be fine."

Joy snickered, wondering if he'd even seen her text. "Whatever floats your boat."

Oliver grabbed her hand and pulled her along as he started sprinting down the street towards the flower shop.

...

The world faded in and out, and Eugene was slumped into Linda after their conversation for an instant, then being helped unsteadily to his feet the next, then they were heading up the staircase out of the subway station, with most of Eugene's weight supported by Linda (he wasn't completely sure he'd been supporting any of it, but his legs kept on moving as far as he was aware). At one point Linda slowed down to talk to someone on the phone, and Eugene couldn't register what she was saying with the way the words grated on his ears. At least the walk to Linda's flower shop was short enough.

Eugene thought he was probably imagining the aura of hatred choking the air leading closer to the shop. Maybe he was worse off than he thought.

He was forced back to lucidity when he comprehended Oliver and Joy dashing up towards the flower shop just as he and Linda neared it. Why were they here? Did Linda call them in to help him? This might be rough to explain.

The walked up to him and Linda, and Eugene tried to pull himself upright, but the wince on Joy's face made it clear he hadn't managed to fool her.

"Wow, you look bad," said Joy. "Is this really just dehydration?"

Eugene tried to pull out a response for her, but his head was spinning, and for a second it was all he could do to keep from fainting. Oliver stepped forward and slipped an arm under the side where Linda wasn't before Eugene could muster an answer.

"Whatever. Let's get you some water."

That malicious energy Eugene had sensed became powerful, and his eyes widened as he realized it was not in his imagination. Linda reached her hand towards the door of the flower shop. Eugene gripped the lock of River's hair in his pocket and opened his mouth to tell her to stop.

Several things happened very quickly. Linda turned the doorknob, and then cried out as the door was ripped wide open out of her grasp. A force slammed past her, and Oliver's grip was all that kept Linda and Eugene from hitting the pavement. Eugene tried to swing out River's hair, but he was too slow and too weak to do anything more than swipe harmlessly at the air in front of him.

A scream that sounded like Charlie stabbed directly into Eugene's head, then the force shoved back out the door, whipping it roughly against its hinges hard enough they likely would have snapped if not for the hair from River they were tied with.

And all was quiet.

Eugene's head was spinning again, and he spent a minute just doubled over next to Oliver (who was gaping in confusion) trying not to throw up. His chest was hurting again, though he was pretty sure he hadn't actually gotten injured again. Maybe soul wounds could get re-opened? Like when half-healed gashes started bleeding again? He needed to sit down. He needed to lie down. In the shade. Had he dropped River's hair? No, it was still clenched in his hand. He laboriously put it back in his pocket.

Also, what had just happened?

"Eugene?" Oliver nervously asked. "Do you know what that was about? There's no way that was the wind."

Eugene was tired. He was hurting. There was no way he could come up with an excuse. "Don't know," he mumbled breathlessly. A half truth. He could suspect it was a ghost, but he didn't know which one. Unless... there was something on the edge of his realization. What was he forgetting? His head was thick, everything hurt.

"Let's get him inside," Joy said. She sounded really worried. About the ghost? No, wait, about him. 'Cause she didn't know about the ghost.

Nnoooo, not the stairs, he didn't want to struggle up the... now they were at the top of the stairs. Eugene was slipping in and out of consciousness again. Had someone carried him up the stairs? Now both Joy and Oliver were supporting him.

They lowered him gently onto a couch, and Eugene liked how he could sink down into it, though not how warm it was. He could take a nap here. Should he take a nap here?

Presently Eugene noticed that he was alone in some sort of drawing room with Oliver and Joy. Joy was staring at him nervously while Oliver glanced around the room like he was trying to avoid his gaze.

"What?" Eugene asked tiredly.

Joy laughed desperately. "Well, uh, so we might have messed up. A little bit. And we need your help."

Oliver burst out, "We stole your magic flower and Luke put it in his mouth and then he fainted and we don't know what's wrong and we're really sorry and we hate to put this on you when you're sick and we promise we were just trying to help make things easier 'cause we were worried about you but now we've just made things worse and we're so sorry and we'll never do it again."

Eugene squinted, struggling to keep up with how fast Oliver had been talking. "...What?"

Joy grimaced. "Yeah. It was my idea. Probably a bad one. But, well... we were worried about you. How you've been stressed and depressed lately. You've always been so mysterious about your job, and the fact that something happened with it and you couldn't tell us what made us really worried."

Eugene gave a little sigh. He'd guessed this conversation would happen eventually. He'd just wanted to believe that his friends wouldn't ask, that he wouldn't have to try very hard to keep them away from the truth and things would just be fine. Still, he really was not in the condition to be thinking of explanations for everything. "Do we have to talk about this right now?"

Joy looked away awkwardly. "I mean, yeah. We need your help with Luke."

"Oh yeah," Eugene responded tiredly. "What did you say about him?"

Oliver responded. "He put your magic flower in his mouth and passed out."

Eugene nearly fell off the couch. "What?" His voice was high pitched. So his flower had been missing this morning... because they'd taken it. "Why'd you-- why'd you think that was a good idea? How long have you been planning this? Was Luke in on this?" He was panting. Had Luke come to visit him just to nab that flower?

"N-no!" Joy flinched. "I-I'm sorry. You're right. This is the wrong time to talk about this. But we need your help with Luke."

Luke. Had put the flower in his mouth. "Oh. Oh no." There was absolutely no way Eugene was going to be able to hide the truth anymore. Eugene sighed, grimacing as his stomach shifted uncomfortably. "Okay... okay. It's-- his ghost is out of his body. But he should be okay. Not sure why he would have left instead of finding a way to communicate with you."

Joy blinked. "You're serious. It really is ghosts."

Eugene groaned. "I didn't want to tell you. You were better off not having to worry about it! Why did you have to butt in on my secrets like this?"

Joy glared. "Hey, it's not our fault you decided to keep us out of all this. Why did you even feel the need to keep it hush hush? How would just knowing ghosts exist hurt us?"

"I mean," Oliver leaned over to Joy and whispered, "You're really fine with all this? You're not going to have an existential crisis about your worldview being shattered?"

"No!" Joy spluttered (even though she absolutely would have an existential crisis as soon as she took the time to actually think about it).

Oliver turned back to Eugene. "You're right. It's completely our fault that Luke is in a predicament right now. We shouldn't have messed with your stuff. And we're sorry." He glanced at Joy doubtfully, and she looked back defiantly before sagging, then nodding in agreement.

Eugene drooped, sinking back into the couch. "...Okay. Whatever. I guess I'll have to see if I can check on him."

Eugene braced himself, then reached into the pocket and pulled out his guardian flower again. Joy and Oliver watched as he laboriously placed it in his mouth, then let himself sink into the couch and fall asleep.

It happened fast, and Eugene sat up as a ghost as his body went limp beneath him. Eugene flinched as the pain in his chest flared up again, and he made the mistake of glancing at it before holding it with his hand and standing up again.

An F-bomb ripped through the room, and Eugene jerked to attention, looking for who had said that. His eyes found Luke, ghost-monochrome in orange, with his hands covering his mouth in horror.

"Oh," Eugene mouthed, using both hands to try to cover as much of his tattered chest as he could.

"Eugene?" Luke stepped up to him, hands hovering towards Eugene's wounds. "Are you okay?"

"Uh, I--" Eugene tried to take a step back, but he felt weak and dizzy, and Luke had to steady him to keep him from falling over.

"H... hi," Eugene mustered when he caught his breath. "Yeah, it's, um, not good."

"Yeesh, dude." Luke helped Eugene back over to the couch. "Do you need a bandage or something? Ghost bandage? Do those exist?"

"Don't think so," Eugene gasped. "It hurts, but I don't think it'll be lethal, 'cause I'm still in one piece."

Luke frowned in worry at Eugene's wound for a minute, watching dark magenta blood clot. He pulled off his shirt and moved Eugene's hands so he could hold it over his wound. "So, I was listening to the conversation you were having with Oliver and Joy. I'm fine, just can't get back to my body right now for some reason, but there are other things to worry about probably sooner."

"'Kay..." Eugene blinked blearily at Luke's hands holding the shirt to his chest.

"Yeah, so, your friend Charlie? She got attacked by this huge tall black ghost a bit ago, and we ran and hid here. The big monster ghost followed us, and when you and Joy and Oliver and Linda (that's her name, right?) opened the door it burst in."

Eugene blinked, his mind starting to register that that was really bad. And-- Oh yeah, he'd told that ghost that Charlie was here. So it was his fault. "Oh," he said. "Where's it now?"

"Yeah, so it grabbed her again and then flew away fast."

"No..." Eugene whispered, ducking his head, wanting to curl in on himself but not being able to 'cause he was bleeding all over Luke's shirt and hands for being a stupid, stupid idiot, who kept making the wrong decisions, who kept hurting the people he should've been helping. He'd told that ghost where Charlie was, then after leading it right to her had let it into the flower shop himself (or at least people with him had). And what could he even do to help her now? He was injured and useless.

"Eugene? Hey, snap out of it!" Luke tapped his shoulder insistently. "Come on, hey, we'll figure this out. She needs to be rescued, right? Is there any way we can rescue her?"

Eugene stared at the floor. Then he sighed. "I need your help."

Chapter 7

[callmewrinkles3]

Choices

October 2023

Em hadn't realised how tired being thirty weeks pregnant would make her. She was constantly sore and had run out of room for Lulu to grow but grow their daughter did. Even going up stairs was starting to wear her out. Pregnancy was tough.

But she'd held Dan's hand the whole day when they were at the Spurs Stadium, smiling as they appeared on screen at the Bills game. Her life was, yet again, fucking surreal, because she was sitting next to Hailee Steinfeld, the two talking about dating athletes and some of the ridiculousness that entailed. But she was there with Blake and Dan, laughing at Dan's antics and excitement at seeing Josh. The icing on the cake for Dan was being handed a Bills onesie for Lulu with Josh's number on it, as well as a tutu outfit. But finally they were back home before the race started.

There was a basket of clean clothes on the coffee table, Em folding them every few moments through the race. Lulu's stuff was going into a different basket, to go into a vacuum sealed bag and into the drawers in the nursery to keep them clean and dust free. But every single time she looked up she got even more worried for the drivers on track.

She knew it was bad and she didn't need to be a genius to know that, it was obvious to her. Between the heat and the tyre issue that had happened it was a weird weekend, but this seemed worse. The last time they were in Qatar was the end of November and that was bad. This seemed so much hotter. Every time Dan put another driver's camera on she could see how exhausted they were, the moment of seeing visors cracked slightly to get a breath of wind.

Her husband was watching in absolute silence, his good hand gripping hers. Usually he'd commentate on what was happening and how Max and Yuki were doing, but instead he was just watching, his left hand moving with the flow of the wheel in the drivers hands.

Blake was silent too, his phone glued to his hand as he was texting Cal and probably filling Charlie's texts for when she woke up. They were both worried, and the moment Logan came over the radio and she heard James tell him to let them look after him. She watched him barely get the car back to the pits, Dan putting the cameras for the drivers they were closest to on the screen as they watched in silence. She thanked whatever was out there that Dan wasn't driving as she watched her friends need help getting out of their cars. She squeezed Dan's hand before texting Chloe, asking for her to tell them how Lance was as soon as she heard.

Once she put the phone down it hit her. Dan had used his hand completely normally all day. There was no swelling, no pain, even his scar was healed up and looked nearly normal. He'd been folding the tiny clothes with her. He'd even caught a football in his left hand.

"You could have driven this week, couldn't you?" It was barely more than a whisper, not wanting Blake to hear it.

"Maybe." It wasn't the word that mattered, but Dan's oh I got caught face was clear. He was staring down at the sleepsuit he'd picked up to fold, too nervous about her reaction to even look at his wife's face. "I was ninety, ninety five percent there. But with only one practice and Liam hasn't driven there before it was a risk. I didn't want to risk it. I figured it'd be bad, just not this bad. It wasn't worth it for me to risk it and it wasn't worth you worrying."

It was the easy explanation. He wasn't totally there, it was a sprint, and Austin had the announcement anyway. But she knew how huge this was for Dan. He desperately wanted to be in the car, he wanted to be driving and was so excited before the crash. But he gave up a potential weekend of racing to make sure she wasn't stressed. He spent it at a football game with her and putting tiny baby clothes away so when they left for the US in a few days everything was ready for when Em and Lulu arrived back in London. He did all of that. He loved them that much.

"I love you." Em curled into his side as much as she could, sighing with relief as her phone went off with a text from Chloe confirming Lance would be ok and showing it to Dan. Then she let her husband hold her while she revelled in the luxury that he was right there with her.

[lestappenforever]

hi angel c:

may I just say that this gp was as a fiction? it served us SO MUCH Lestappen content from the begging to the very end! i was scared that at some point it's gonna be fucked (yep talking about Charles' "luck") but instead we got a joint interview, a lot of waist grabbing, smiles and giggles, press conferences with "inchident" jokes and karting days (i'm so sorry for Checo and Carlos being the third wheel but it's inevitable, guys) AND the most important – a battle even in FP2 and then in race! i mean, Charles has done FANTASTIC job (not only in race but throughout the whole weekend. his quali laps? fuck that was hot). i don't remember when was the last time someone overtook Max in battle for the lead. i wanna scream to see Charles in capable and suitable for his style car (and reliable team that does not fuck up the strategies *side-eye to RBR*) 😭😭😭

is Vegas gp gonna be Austria 2.0? we even had the "dirty move" from Max which helped him to took the lead (as in 2019 but thanks fuck no grudges are left no divorce and yeah this time it was just a grip problem), then battles and the sensual podium. damn let us have every gp as Austria and Vegas and Lecstappen tumblr will go completely insane ._.

i'm also still not over the fact that Max apologized. I mean this man is literally the entire weekend was: FUCK YOU OKON FUCK YOU GEORGE FUCK YOU VEGAS FUCK EVERYONE OF YOU except you charlie you're my sweety lovely im sorry for the turn 1 schatje 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

i've seen some people being afraid of "lestappen divorce" after that turn 1, but i wasn't one of them. i really think that their relationship has seriously changed. sure that Max always treated Charles in a special way, congratulating him on good positions, even if he himself lost. but for some reason I feel that Charles himself now does not transfer what happens on the track beyond its boundaries. Austin sprint was also the proof.

okay thanks for listening to my rambling, i'm sleep deprived, these FPs at 5:30 and a race at 7:00 at the weekend the only fucking days when I can get some sleep kinda killed me

anyway, let me just remind you that you're beautiful and precious and just incredibly wonderful person🖤 i'm always looking forward for your posts and every time you reply to anons it's so warm, it makes my day better when i read it. just all your love and kindness you're giving people here... it's valuable. you're valuable. love ya, have a great day!!❤️

Denis, my darling, hello! ❤️

Once again you are dropping truth bombs in my ask box, and I am so happy to read them. I agree with every take you've shared here: the Las Vegas GP practically being taken straight out of a fic, and it actually giving Austria 2022 a run for its money. (Which I doubt any of us were prepared for, let's be honest.)

Both Max and Charles have grown so much over the years, and it's wonderful to see that their relationship has reached the point it's at now. Max apologizing to Charles for the incident in turn 1 is definitely a testament to the severe shift their friendship has taken recently, and it's just beautiful to watch.

I wasn't worried at all about their friendship suffering because of what happened in turn 1, and I think those who were worried about a potential "divorce" are people who haven't been as up-to-date on the shift of their friendship recently. They've reached a point where they can have incidents like that during a race without it impacting their relationship negatively at all. And if that isn't growth, then I don't know what is.

I hope you're catching up on some much needed sleep following this race weekend. 💙

Denis, you have given me such a good reason to smile this Monday morning with yet another heartfelt and kind ask, and words can't express how much I appreciate that and you. You are such a sweetheart, you're so incredibly beautiful inside and out, and you deserve the entire world. I'm so moved by your words, thank you so, so much. I'm so happy my posts can have that kind of impact on you.

Thank you so much for making my entire day with this. You're so valuable too, and I love you. 💕

[oldfangirl81]

My brain really is always trying to connect Marvel to my other fandoms. But when you bring Gods, magic and the multiverse then anything becomes possible.

Fandoms: The Sentinel, Due South, Young Justice, Torchwood, Nimona, Warehouse 13, Lucifer, Stranger Things, 911 Lone Star, Hawaii 50, 911, Eureka

• Sentinel: Clint is sentinel whose strength is sight. But his abusive father still cost him a good chunk of hearing. Other events have left Clint completely deaf in one ear and partially in the other. In a world where ableism exists this makes it hard to find a guide. Until he meets Coulson/Natasha/Bobbi/Bucky/Darcy/Laura.

• Due South: Teenage Clint has been betrayed by Barney and Trickshot. The circus happened to be in Chicago at the time. Clint ends up homeless after being released/sneaking out from the hospital. He meets Diefenbaker on one of his adventures. This leads to Ray and Benton fostering Clint. Hawkeye still becomes an Avenger but he was SHIELDS best track in both urban and wilderness settings.

• DC: Young Justice Connor Kent tries to protect his team from an angry magic user. Instead of dying he is transported to the Barton farm a week before the snap. How would Clint's arc change if he had a superpowered teenager following him like a duckling.

• Torchwood: During Captain Jack's absence the rift gets odd again. Ianto and Toshiko get pulled in and spit back out in the sanctum sanctorum. Wong and Ianto bond over properly brewed hot drinks. Toshiko makes friends with a hacker online by the name of Skye.

• Nimona: What if Nimona brought a guest back with them in the form of a shape shifting Asgardian Loki. The God flirts heavily with Ballister to the annoyance of Ambrosius.

• Warehouse 13: Somehow Steve's shield becomes an artifact. Steve, Bucky and Sam take a trip to the warehouse in hopes of fixing it.

• Warehouse 13: During a new experiment to bring back her daughter HG Wells is sent to Tony Stark's lab while the man was explaining something to Peter Parker. To Clint's amusement HG flirts heavily with Natasha.

• Lucifer: Clint follows a suspect into Lux and stops her from taking a shot at Lucifer. When the cops arrive Clint has the awkward moment of seeing his ex-boyfriend, Detective Dan Espinoza.

• Stranger Things: Instead of exiting the upside down they end up in the sanctum. Much to Dr Stranger's annoyance but he does assist in helping them get back eventually. It takes effort because once the kids discover they are in a comic universe they want to explore.

• 911 Lone Star: When Steve was on his bike tour he met a Texas Ranger who he struck up a friendship with. Bucky, Steve and Sam were in town for the wedding incognito as "work friends". Because of this the gun shot wasn't fatal. Carlos doesn't know how to react to his Dad being friends with Avengers. And ones that weren't straight. I love a Jewish Bucky so he bonds with TK on several levels.

• Hawaii 50: Clint is taking a forced vacation in Hawaii. As luck would have it he's in a museum that Charlie's school was visiting when it was taken hostage. The bad guys are specifically looking for Charlie as revenge for something related to his stepdad. Clint stops them before the task force arrives. He quickly becomes family.

• 911: Bucky and Clint are trying a normal date at the Santa Monica Pier. They befriend a kid and the guy they assume is his stepdad. Then the Tsunami hits. Because of the extra trained adults Chris doesn't get lost. The school gets in hot water for calling Chris a liar for saying an Avenger saved him. The lawsuit goes down very differently, either because they get him a better lawyer who works with the union or offer Buck a job with Avengers HQ in New York.

• Eureka: Clint drops in on an old friend, Sheriff Jack Carter. Given all the shenanigans he's used to the town barely phases Clint. However Nathan Stark is not happy to have a member of his cousin's boyband hanging around Jack. His headache increases when several assassins, Bucky and Natasha, arrive to bug Clint.

[ateezbiia]

# bia’s album release party

edits are made by me.

bia’s outfit

DJ’s Playlist

- Nxde by Bia (G-Idle)

- OHMAMI by Chase Atlantic

- Stargirl Interlude by The Weeknd

- Tití Me Pregunto by Bad Bunny

- Good Ones by Bia (Charli XCX)

- Turn Me On by Bia & Dua Lipa (Nicki Minaj)

- Party Monster by The Weeknd

- Low by SZA

- Woman by Doja Cat

- Don’t Break My Heart by The Weeknd

- One Right Now by The Weeknd

- My Head & My Heart by Ava Max

- I Like You (A Happier Song) by Post Malone & Doja Cat

- 2 On by Tinashe

- Lip & Hip by HyunA

- TO THE BEAT by ATEEZ

- +HWA+ by BIA (CL)

- ROCKY by ATEEZ

- The Ring by ATEEZ

- Take What You Want by Post Malone

- SAOKO by ROSALÍA

- Dilemma by Nelly & Kelly Rowland

- I Am The Best by 2NE1

Etc…

______________________________________________

note: apart from the guest list i made, there are way more people here than said. including other ocs ( @mystic-luv (Kyra), @chiskz (Chichi) , and @ino3zi (Noe) ). Thank you all for wanting to come! and including characters i may make up and obviously the people from the guest list <3 also the playlist is so long i should’ve waited til the end 😭 i’ve lost my touch to writing so bare with me ..

warning(s): mentions of alcohol (bia drinks a bit, only cause it’s a fun night!!), just partying, use of lower case

italics are english.

as bia walked into the venue, everyone cheered and shouted. she was guided in by security and her members by her side.

she smiled and waved as there were many cameras and other artists coming to support her. security closed the big black doors after they all set foot in the venue, just so no one could get in.

her title track ‘nxde’ blared through the speakers, everyone crowded in certain places, some dancing. the strobe lights were bright but not bright enough to light the whole place since it was still dark like a club.

san and wooyoung were already running off to whatever spot in the venue, probably planning to get drunk and crash on a couch. mingi, hongjoong, and yunho went to the dj section, where hyungwon was doing his thing up on the stage. jongho was headed for the bar, though he didn’t drink much, he would still go for something light. yeosang went to go sit on a couch. and that left seonghwa.

he remained by bia’s side, a hand on her back as they looked around. all of this had happened because of hongjoong. he’d managed to book this huge venue for a night. he would never tell bia how much it cost cause he knew she would never stop worrying and complaining about how expensive it was. joong even did the guest list.

“i’ll never be able to thank him enough.” bia spoke, looking around at all the decorations. she walked over to a booth, where she assumed food would be served. seonghwa sat across from her, glancing over at the place and over at her.

“im sure he knows. how thankful you are, i mean.” hwa said, placing a hand on hers. he sent her a small smile, and then looking back out at the dance floor. she felt her face redden at his sudden act of affection. bia followed seonghwa’s stare which landed on the dance floor.

“you wanna dance?” she shouted over the music. hwa looked surprised, but played it off. he smiled once again as he grabbed bia’s hand, excitedly shuffling to the dance floor. she chuckled at his actions. she didn’t know he would be this happy over wanting to dance with her.

the song had already changed, changed to one of bia’s favorite songs. at first, the two were awkward but eventually let loose with everyone else in the crowd. they sang to each other , screaming the lyrics to the chase atlantic song. seonghwa knew a lot of the songs bia listened to because they’d usually share an airpod on a long trip or even just walking together.

interrupting their groove, a black haired girl jumped in front of them both. her face lit up with a smile, “bia!”

bia’s face beamed with excitement as she hugged the girl tightly, rocking her back and forth.

“diana! how have you been?” she unraveled from the hug, taking a look at her childhood friend. diana and bia met in the uk when they were only in primary school. diana had just moved from australia.

“i’m great now that i can see you! how are you?! and who is this handsome piece of..” diana’s last part of her sentence caught bia off guard, making her push diane’s arm playfully. seonghwa realized who she was talking about and turned tomato-faced.

diana looked at bia smiling, “whaaat? i can’t be honest now?” bia signaled for her to be quiet, as she’d already embarrassed her enough.

bia eventually introduced seonghwa to diane, they talked for a bit more and they went back to their table. diana decided to sit with the star of the show and her members, to show her support.. and because she missed her too much.

bia talked to a few of the artists there, waiting to be served since it was dinner time. she especially bonded with Kyra, which was Keeho’s girlfriend. she liked him too.

hwa had to gather all the members to the table and play as mother (per usual). they all sat down and the waitress eventually came. yup, apparently, hongjoong even got a waitress for her. speaking of him, he seemed to take interest in diane. the two shared looks between each other quite often and eventually began small talk.

the night went by quickly enough and by the time it was almost time to go, bia, diana, san, and wooyoung were all wasted. mingi was there too, but he gets quiet when he’s drunk, so he wasn’t chaotic like the others.

bia and diana were the worst ones, though. they both were escorted to the vehicles by seonghwa and hongjoong.

“didi, look! yes, im nudeee~” bia slurred her words, drunkly dancing to her song. diana fell to the ground, laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world. hongjoong helped her up, telling her that it was time to go home. hwa did the same with bia.

“hey, shh, we gotta get home ok? we’re almost to the car, c’mon, no more games.” he put her arm on his shoulder to support her balance. bia angrily grumbled, listening to him. she was out of her mind right now, she didn’t know what was going on.

bia’s selfies

[carrionsong]

strawberry, cherry vanilla and cotton candy for the f/o ask game! :3

thank you charlie ;3;💖💖!! it took me all morning to write this bcnckzns, rosario uses she/he/they interchangeably!

strawberry: before getting together, how did your F/O realize they had a crush on you? How did they act around you once they realized they were head over heels?

-rosa was moonlighting as a masked up luchador trainer on the battle subway, and they both thought rosario was a fun challenger to battle in more ways than one, but Crushes...

ingo felt admiration when he saw them confidently command their pokemon in battle and lead her team to victory, but just as he was about to congratulate him for winning the super singles line, rosa surprised him by jumping for joy and pumping a fist in the air, wrapping an arm around their valiant swampert's neck as they cheered. once she was done, or rather, realized ingo was staring at them, they began to blush fiercely and apologized for the outburst, thanking him for the battle with a grin. it was like a rollercoaster that took too many twists and turns; after struggling to get back up in the beginning, they couldnt believe their swampert managed to win against his haxorus!!

the intensity of their celebration, followed by their bashful and sweet smile, struck a chord with him, and he stumbled on his congratulatory words as she exited the railcar... seeing them later on, on the normal tracks, he caught sight of rosa after making his last boarding call and she turned around, smiling with a sparkle in their eyes as he yelled "All aboard!"...ingo realized his admiration for them might go deeper than just a fellow trainer.

hed be sooo obviously crushing on them -w- faint blush on his cheeks whenever theyre around, stumbling on his words or having to think a little harder to say what he needs to... its hard to speak at times with their face just looking at him like that!!

-

emmet thought they were great fun! their luchador getup was a welcome sight, and quite cool to him; he could appreciate a fellow battler who took pride in their "uniform," so to speak. but what really pushed it into crush territory was a Very close 49th battle, where emmet's galvantula, seemingly backed up against a wall with less than a quarter health left, knocked out their swampert with a surprise energy ball. rosa, just moments ago bouncing in excitement and giving quick orders to his pokemon, froze and stood with their mouth agape in shock... until emmet heard a laugh. rosa broke down laughing from disbelief, he was So close! how did she not see that coming?! they were laughing so hard, before emmet had the chance to ask if they were alright, she walked up to him and grabbed his hands in a firm grip, thanking him for the amazing battle. they mightve gotten a Bit too cocky and assumed victory was in arm's reach... but they wont make that mistake again! with a fire in their eyes, she told him theyd meet again Very soon, and he matched their excitement, lettimg rosa know he'll change up his moves and Still beat them! after he gives his little end of the line speech and thanks them for battling, he watches them heal up her pokemon and walk off the railcar. yes... this could be verrry interesting.

in emmet's case, its a lot harder to tell! hed act pretty much the same, but more competitively with them bc he loves winning hehe, he just wants to have a little fun!! the only telltale physical sign he has that might give him away is that his face doesnt blush easily, but the top of his ears do :] thankfully usually hidden a bit by his hair and hat so its harder to tell, but out in public or after work hours? you might just see it~

cherry vanilla: how does your F/O show their affection for you?

-ingo gives rosario lots of praise and encouragement, his voice booming w enthusiasm :] i feel like he gets self conscious about not being able to smile or emote as well as he thought he could, but rosa struggles with it too! so they always make sure to show him how much he appreciates him with plenty of nuzzles and kisses💖

-emmet is much more physically affectionate, in my head. wanting to be near rosa when possible, going out of his way to say hello when theyre working or hes out, sitting next to them whether at a table or a sofa, snuggled up or giving him quick pecks on the cheek ;3; very touchy at times!! not that rosa minds💖

cotton candy: post the last picture of your F/O that you saved!

my friend jekyll sent this to me and i screamed. GXUCJJCBCJSKBDS I HATE ITTTT (i love it.)

[ninjastormhawkkat]

The Fall of Fair City - Chapter 12

Huggy was incredibly infuriated at these people as he made loud monkey screeches despite only Wordgirl being able to understand him. How dare they accuse Wordgirl of failing her job. She is by far the best superhero out there in his opinion and the only reason this city wasn't in shambles. Dr. Corngraves and the others, except for the DA, had no idea the emotional strain the kid had to go through should she have to face her dad in battle. Huggy was so caught up in his high emotional state that he didn't notice when something started to lightly tap his head. It was when he felt the sensation a third time that Huggy stopped in his own angry rant and finally registered the light tapping on his head. 'Is there a leak in here somewhere?' Huggy wondered at first as the light tapping felt like raindrops almost. He swerved his head around the room, trying to find the source of the tapping sensations on his helmet. It wasn't until he turned around that Huggy finally saw what caused the tapping. With a look of surprise, Huggy quickly turned back to Wordgirl who was in the middle of arguing herself and tapped her shoulder in light, but rapid succession, trying to get her attention now. Wordgirl finally turned around, still looking peeved, but her expression softened and immediately changed into one of confusion. "What's wrong Huggy?" Becky asked in a low voice. Huggy gave a small chatter as to say "look there" and pointed behind the duo to a figure standing in the doorway of the room. "Bosco?" Wordgirl spoke with complete surprise at seeing Professor Tubing's monkey assistant there. Bosco lifted a finger to her lips, motioning them to be quiet, then gestured the heroes to quickly follow her. Wordgirl once more turned her head back around to see all the adults still wrapped up in their arguing before silently floating towards the monkey out into the hallway. Bosco soon lead the duo back to the entrance of Professor Tubing's lab where the scientist was waiting outside of his lab for a change. Wordgirl noticed how Professor Tubing looked nervous and cautious with his eyes darting back and for frequently. He relaxed when he saw Bosco, Wordgirl, and Huggy finally approach him. "Good work Bosco." Tubing congratulated the monkey. Bosco leaped onto the scientist's shoulders and gave a happy monkey chirp. Tubing then turned back to face the heroine. "It's good to see you again Wordgirl and Captain Huggy Face. I'll bet you two are glad to get out of the conference room with that shouting so loud and violent. I could even hear it behind close doors." Wordgirl flinched a bit, flashing back to the harsh words said about her dad and her before shaking off the experience for now. She could clearly see that while Tubing was trying to lighten the mood for her, he was also giving her a sympathetic, gentle smile, indicating he heard what happened in there and was sorry she had to hear that. "I am grateful Professor Tubing." Wordgirl said with a small smile, but her face then looked puzzled. "But why did you want to talk with Huggy and I immediately and in secretly? Is there something wrong?" Tubing's face became serious as he answered Wordgirl's concerns. "Yes there is Wordgirl. I do not know the exact reason why, but I have found something that may explain why Dr. Corngraves wants Dr. Two Brains to be the scapegoat for the destruction in that storage unit." "But boss I'm still confused. The news caster said you destroyed all those gadgets in the storage unit. But everything was fine when we left and you went home after dropping me and Charlie off at the lair." Joey spoke with confusion, his friend Charlie sharing the same expression. "That's because those news caster people are morons and will say anything on television for ratings even if the facts are completely fabricated." Dr. Two Brains groaned angrily. After his daughter flew off, Two Brains knew it would be no use to track her and calm her down due to her super speed and flight. He sometimes regretted taking that tracking pin off of her outfit after she grew out of her heroic training wheels.

@melodythebunny @dualnaturedscientist

[angstyaches]

ooh so i just had the stupidest hc/request

as they bond more and become friends with each other rather than just family, shayne, eli and felix regularly go out and get drinks and hang out and talk shit about ryan and nancy (in a <3 way). and charlie is used to randomly getting drunk, misspelled texts from shayne, usually complaining about elliot being an Old Man Tm or some stupidly sappy thing that shayne will deny saying for the rest of his life lmaooo

i just love the idea of them being domestic okay🍄

Okay, I love ALL of this, and the drunk texts to Charlie are a perfect headcanon too, but I wanted to quickly get a little scene out based on this and this is what happened! Maybe the beginning of the tradition?

CW: alcohol mention.

___

“No,” Shayne was still muttering in protest, even when they were seated at a table and Elliott had already carried over the first round of drinks.

Shayne had been sulking too much to tell Elliott his order, so Elliott had gotten him the same as himself. Whisky in an obnoxious glass that was way too big for its purpose, overcrowded ice cubes – Shayne refused to think of them as ‘rocks’ – clinking about. How original. Only Elliott could be given immortality and still act as though he didn’t know that more than one kind of drink existed.

“Oh, stop whining,” Felix grinned, driving his foot into Shayne’s ankle from the other side of the table. Shayne couldn’t tell if the low lighting in the bar was just washing him out, but it seemed as though Felix had just spent three weeks in central Europe, only to come back even paler than when he’d left. “Didn’t you miss us, bud?”

Like a hole in the fucking head was the first response that came to mind, but Shayne didn’t have it in him to attack Felix’s feelings so soon after their return. He also felt like he might spontaneously combust if he admitted that he had missed their presence in the house.

He settled on an ambiguous grunt, and then slumped back in his seat, practically disappearing into his oversized black hoodie. This was what he’d been wearing when Elliott and Felix had arrived in his room and abducted him from his solitude. They’d given him a minute to change out of his loungewear bottoms and into some jeans, at least, although they weren’t looking much more put together themselves. Felix’s pigtails were a little askew from where he’d likely fallen asleep in the car on the way home from the airport. Elliott was wearing a polo neck top and a cardigan, which, compared to his usual fashion choices, was on par with Shayne and his laughably giant hoodie.

“So, come on, kid. Tell us everything that’s been going on since we left.” Elliott took a slurp of his whisky, closing his eyes as though he’d never tasted it before and was blown away by it.

Shayne gave an uncooperative shrug. “Like what?”

“Nancy was awfully short with us when we returned.” Felix frowned and grimaced all at once, eyes trained on Elliott for support. “Perhaps partially due to the fact that my suitcase wheels tracked some mud onto the front hallway tiles –”

“We were wondering if there’s been any tension between her and Ryan,” Elliott interrupted, an eyebrow raised in Shayne’s direction. “We thought maybe you could fill us in.”

“Especially if it’s juicy,” Felix murmured, biting his lip and suddenly becoming very interested in the umbrella that topped his blue Hawaii.

“Wait.” Shayne rubbed the heel of his hand against his jaw, flexing the joint sharply. He’d gotten back into the habit of doing that, after spending so much time alone these past few weeks. “Did you two drag me out here to bitch about Ryan and Nancy?”

“Mmm, not bitch…”

“Gossip,” Felix offered weakly.

“No.” Elliott tapped a finger along the side of his glass. “Let’s call it… exchanging notes.”

“I failed every single one of my exams.” Begrudgingly, Shayne reached for his glass. “Taking notes was never exactly my fucking forte.”

Elliott wheezed out a sigh.

“Look, I don’t know,” Shayne shrugged. “Do you guys think I hung out with them the whole time you were away? You think I stood looking over Ryan’s shoulder while she worked, snuggled up next to Nancy while she was studying? You think we sat around and played poker and shot the shit every night?”

“I told you,” Elliott murmured. His gaze was trained on Felix now, who abruptly looked away and once again seemed to be examining the insides of his cocktail.

Shayne’s teeth clenched. “You told him what, El?”

“I told Felix you wouldn’t have any gossip for us.”

“I thought you said it wasn’t gossip.”

Elliott hesitated, lips hovering near the rim of his glass. “Oh... grow up, Shayne.”

[fearedloathingrp]

redemption.

“Excellent work as always, Chester.”

Of course it was excellent fucking work, I was holding the pen.

“Stay, have a drink, it’s on my tab. You’ve earned it this week.”

I’ll definitely have a drink. Top shelf. A reward for all the energy I expend keeping you in a job you pencil-pushing-waste of-

“Charles, it’s been a pleasure.”

I quiet the dissenting voice, the one that would spill over the sides if I weren’t so well-practised in holding my silver-edged tongue between my teeth. I grip his hand ever-so-tightly, the warm smile not out of fondness or friendship, but as a reminder that, aside from job title and salary, I am every bit superior to this little weasel in front of me. 

“I might take you up on that drink, you know. Enjoy the Hamptons this weekend, by the way.”

I sure hope one of your little hellspawns doesn’t fall off the boat and drown, I didn’t add. I’m not sure I meant it, after all, and one thing I would never lower myself to being was disingenuous.

This…it seemed…had been a testing week. I hadn’t been quite so boiled up with rage like this since…well.

Her.

As I brush the pad of my thumb over the base of my finger, I can still feel the dent of the ring that once occupied it.

The same dent that drew narrowing eyes from women in bars, some as classy an establishment as this, some not…as if I’d hurriedly pulled it off and stuffed it into my pocket before making my approach.

Ha. It turned out I got more attention with the band around my finger, as if I was some kind of challenge, to see if I could be unfaithful to the woman I'd decreed ‘until death do us part’

Some kind of weird power trip, no doubt, as if their sheer beauty and charm would be enough made them some kind of temptress, but it had always been interesting playing that game, at least for a while. At least…until I got what I wanted out of it. 

The used, becoming the user, if you will.

Instead, I’m sporting the mark of what I once was, it appeared I was either an aspiring cheat, or a failure of a husband, before I even opened my mouth to utter a word.

They were right, of course - At one point I was both. At the same time.

“Can I get you anything?”

The voice from behind me gave me a start, entirely distracted with the removal of a little of the leftover rich butter sauce from the corner of my mouth.

“Laphroaig 32, if you have it.”

“Double?”

“Well, as it's Charlie's round, why not?”

That'll be $260, plus tip, I reckon. There for thereabouts. Unfortunately, a mere dram-sized drop in the ocean to a man who orders us wagyu steak and lobster for our weekly data meeting. He wouldn't even feel the blow, one of my many silent fuck you's that went unnoticed. 

In recent years, I've made a career out of helping the rich get richer. Dirty work, but far from the filth I had to crawl through in the early days, just to keep my belly somewhat full, and with the upside? It afforded me the lifestyle of eating like royalty, dressing like the second coming of fucking Versace, and upgraded the roof over my head into the swanky penthouse in Manhattan.

A far cry from my friends couch in a trailer park. Would I change what I went through? Fuck no…but one unfortunate side-effect? I was maybe a little too willing to indulge in the finer things in life, in case they happened to suddenly go ‘poof’ and disappear.

“Here you go.” 

“Thanks. You're new around here, aren't you?”

“I started last week. I'm Chloe. Can I get you anything else Mister…?” 

“Hamilton. Chester Hamilton.”

“May I call you Chester?”

“No.”

The abrupt coldness seemed to stop the young girl in her tracks. At that moment, she no doubt figured, I would be the kind of clientele who she would serve, exchange the very minimum of conversation with, and hope I was the kind of big spender who tipped well for being left alone. As I brought the glass up to my nose, hit with the complex scent of Christmas cake and caramelised brown sugar, I was showing no real haste to consider the conversation, either.

I waited.

I waited until the awkwardness of the silence weighed heavy.

I waited, until I could sense the twitching of muscle fibres, of an uncomfortable young girl, seeking to exit stage right.

“Are you from around here, Chloe?”

I could practically hear the gulp, the girl’s breath catching in her throat. Maybe it was because I was suddenly taking an interest in her. More likely, just relief, that I’d cut the tension.

“I’m staying with a friend in Parkchester. I’m studying at the AADA…sorry…American Academy for the Dramatic Arts…I shouldn’t expect you to know where that is…”

My eyebrow raised, just a little, at the mention. Studying to become an actress, staying with a friend in one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in New York City, but working in one of the most revered of establishments in the financial district? Someone who, perhaps, had a connection or two.

“I’m in the Ellery. Do you know it?”

I studied her face as I spoke the words. A hint of recognition, the slightest crease of a smile, a face resisting the urge to light up.

Someone with a connection or two, who knew the name of where some of the most exclusive penthouses in the city could be found…a far cry away from the part of town where she’d chosen to rest her head. 

“I’ve heard of it. Do you like it there?”

“Very much so. I’m going to tab out, thank you Chloe.”

“Uhh…sure…no problem Mr. Hamilton, I’ll bring you your check.”

I didn’t need to look back to know what was coming next. The little glance back in my direction, as little Chloe scurried away to settle up our tab. That gave me a few moments of quiet contemplation.

My hand scratched against a beard that was a day or two overdue a trim, fingers brushing away at tired eyes. I was exhausted, frustrated, craving some kind of release. If I didn’t tread carefully, I’d fall back into old patterns, let the dark, intrusive thoughts take over, cloud my judgement, drive my actions, push me back to that place…the one where I’d already lost everything once.

At least I was able to recognise it, stop the slide.

Scooping the glass back up, I knocked the liquid back in one. Now don’t get me wrong, Laphroaig 32 is not the kind of tipple you slam back a double shot of, without a second thought. It’s a complex blend of flavours, dark chocolate into nutmeg, before all 32 years of that time sitting in oak smacks you in the face on the finish. A fine spirit, of exceptional quality. 

And far more expensive than any rum, which was my preferred drink of choice.

I became an expert in the finer things in life - High fashion, Scotch whiskey, Swiss timepieces, vintage wine…for little more than talking points at networking events.

I don’t belong in this world. I learned to exist in it, for little more than my own survival.

Whatever the cost.

A small leather wallet appears at my elbow. The faintest of smiles from the girl as she swoops my glass away and disappears.

Freeing my wallet from the confines of my suit pocket…light tan Italian leather, I scoop out around 200 dollars in notes, I don’t bother to count them, and slip it into the folder, taking the pen that falls out in hand. From the same wallet, I retrieve a business card, the words Chester Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer embossed into the heavyweight cardstock. 

SUITE 212.

I slip it into the folder, muddled in with the wad of bills, before snapping it shut.

It seems to be in human nature to look for shortcuts, and in cities such as New York, with so many people around? It’s very easy to slip and fall into anonymity, you have to scramble and crawl just to hold your position. The very definition of dog-eat-dog, a pressure cooker. I’m sure it was the same everywhere, but here? There’s no shortage of those naive enough to believe they can fuck their way to the top.

Every once in a while? I'm even willing to sell them the illusion.

There are no shortcuts, not really.

After all, there’s always a younger model, or a more attractive wannabe-something-or-the-other to take your place.

It may seem like taking advantage…but one day, they'll even thank me for what I did for them.

Eventually…